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INTRODUCTION
Where do I start? When the Lord began moving me to write this book, I jumped in with both feet. I didn’t give much thought to what it could mean for my life or to my relationship with him. It wasn’t long into the project that the questions began. Some of you understand the thoughts of doubt that creep in when God takes you out of your zone. And so they came:
Who will ever consider this to be relevant?
You are a wife and working mother with three kids, what makes you think anyone is interested?
You aren’t connected to any ministry or being mentored by anyone. What could you possibly share regarding the scriptures?
You’re not a professional writer; you don’t even know how to go about getting published.
The questions went on and on. Then I became afraid and even a little embarrassed about the project. It was awhile before I even told my husband.
But the Lord began speaking to me. God I love him! Through his word, through messages, by prophecies, and in prayer, God showed me that this book was most definitely his will. I would finish it. It would be relevant and people would be blessed. If I have learned nothing else about walking with God, I have learned to “walk on anyhow.” Even though I have fear, I know to keep walking with him. When I don’t know what I’m doing, I know to keep walking with him. The key is not to stop and stand still ⎯ move on! He will show the way. He enables and empowers his children to do what he has called them to do.
I want you to understand where this book came from ⎯ its origins. I became a Christian eleven years ago at the age of twenty-seven. As I blended into the “culture” of the church, I began noticing things that seemed to contradict the message of faith in Jesus Christ. The focus has gradually shifted to the pursuit of everything but a personal, intimate relationship with him. Prosperity teaching has reached a whole new level due to preachers who encourage saints to press toward material wealth instead of the Lord. The ministry of healing has become such a draw that salvation appears to have moved into second place. Building a mega-church is now en vogue, and messages of salvation and spiritual maturity are totally generic so as not to offend. The ardent question for me became: “Why aren’t we lifting up Jesus as the standard bearer and trusting the Lord to add to the church, heal the sick, and bless us with his favor?” Reaching the saints concerning these issues became my mission, and I was inspired to write this book.
I gradually moved away from the church where I was saved, and began to visit other Spirit-filled churches as I looked for an answer. During that time, God allowed me to observe the shifts and “trends” adopted by some in the body of Christ as a way of breaking down my own notions regarding the Church, teaching me what it means to be spiritual, and not just religious.
Although I suffered through years of frustration, I now give thanks to God for the experience because I was compelled to search the scriptures. The Lord forced me to see that he wasn’t confined to just blessing the church I came from, and he challenged every concept I had learned. Through that process, showed me who he really was. Graciously, the Lord let me know that I was not alone, for there were saints worldwide who felt the same. I realized that many brothers and sisters also desired teaching that was substantial and challenging, providing instruction on how to use God’s wisdom in our everyday lives. Other saints were similarly frustrated about the lack of spiritual depth in the body of Christ. I sensed that a crop of people would be chosen and anointed by the Lord to set the church world on fire. I believe you know who you are. Start preparing to move!
And so here is the book ⎯ born out of frustration and a degree of loneliness; born out of being separated and without close ties, which gave me the objectivity needed to bring this message. My soul is wearied with the religiosity that has been substituted for spirituality. I often hear people talk about the “old time” church and how the saints walked in such power from God. How many of us possess that power today? Sadly, many among our ranks have become bourgeois and cosmopolitan and materialistic …but have no power! The Lord hasn’t stopped working miracles, he shows his power daily, but those who are really hungry for God’s presence experience greater manifestations. Look at the vast number of believers; how many are able to lay hands on the sick and have them recover? How often have you seen cancer retreat? Can drug demons successfully be cast out? Where are the saints who can witness with such an anointing that sinners immediately repent and give their lives to God? How many of us in the church can expound upon the word of God?
I have been watching with great interest what God is doing in Africa and Russia. Those people are incredibly poor by American standards. They would probably kill to have the standard of living we complain about so often. A pastor from Uganda showed a video of his church that had no roof and dirt floors. The congregation was able to scrape up enough money to buy chairs but they don’t need them because everyone in the sanctuary is dancing, leaping, and praising God. They are witnessing healing and deliverance on a scale that should make us envious. Those precious souls are so glad to know God is real and have such a desire to know more about him that the Lord is simply showering them with blessings. At a convention recently, a bishop from Africa said they have expanded to two services a day because the people are coming in droves. Back here in the land of prosperity, however, many of us are content with a nice little two hour service and dinner out afterwards! My point is that we should examine the depth of our desire for the Lord. Do you long for his presence? How strongly do you feel about seeing your community affected by the power of God?
My vision for the church is to see each one of us functioning in maturity, in wisdom, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is my prayer that before I leave here, the Lord will allow me to see and experience a powerhouse of a church ⎯ filled with saints who can individually touch people right where they are, changing lives through the anointing of Christ.
The church is relevant to the many needs of society, and I’m tired of people suggesting that there is more hypocrisy inside the church than out of it. Are we all struggling that hard to live for God? I don’t think so. Can we find the faith of Moses and Abraham in the church today? Yes we can. Where are the Esthers and Rahabs? They are right in our midst. And yet, there seems to be a pervasive lack of faith and maturity within the body of Christ. How tragic that there are believers who have been “in church” for years who are still unable to walk in faith. It is distressing to see negativity and pessimism among the saints of God. Now is the time to get past the ‘Life is so hard; I’m going up the rough side of the mountain and I don’t know if I’ll make it’ attitude. So many have mastered the martyr syndrome, but how about the victory cry?
My love for the church and the saints of God runs deep. I am thankful that the Lord has allowed me to be a part of something so wonderful. We have such a holy and divine purpose ⎯ a purpose with meaning, a purpose that affects lives and souls. We may not always stay focused on that but it’s true. The objective isn’t about attending church just to have our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs met; this is about going into the highways and byways and compelling men and women to come in. What will we compel them with? The power and anointing of God. The church is the vehicle God has chosen to reach out to the world to draw people in. The church is appointed to make known the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. The need is great but so is the power God gives his church. Let’s lay aside everything that does not bring honor to the name of the Lord and concentrate of fulfilling our purpose before he comes to take us home.
It is my prayer that, as you read this book, you will be open-minded and objective enough to see how it applies to you. As I studied the Bible, God took me through a series of revelations. He made me face myself ⎯ my way of thinking, my perceptions of people, my ignorance of the scriptures. Step by step he showed me how to gain strength through his word. The Lord had to tear down my self-conceived notions and give me his truth instead. It was not an easy process but now I understand the “pain” which accompanies this kind of change is necessary and valuable. This is not a book of criticism and condemnation; this is a message that brings hope and a renewed purpose to the saints of God. The Lord is asking us to examine what we are claiming to do in his name, how we are living in his name, and to be honest and humble enough to admit that we all can go higher. May God bless and strengthen each person who reads this. Let his word be your guide and let his Spirit do its transforming work. It is my desire that we all would beseech God to stir up the gifts that he has already placed in us. Let’s rise up as powerhouses of the church and make a true difference in the world.



















FOREWORD
As I look back over my life, I realize how much God has steadfastly been there for me ⎯ even when I didn't know him, didn't want to know him, and was doing my own thing. From the depths of my soul I worship the Lord with thanksgiving and gratitude for taking me out of darkness into his marvelous light. He is a just yet merciful God. He is the keeper of my soul, my strength and my shield. He is without a doubt my strong tower. He is my comforter when people hurt me, and he is my peace during the storms of life. Every one of us has dealt with the hardships of life. It is my prayer that this book will help you realize that you are not alone ⎯ others have the same feelings and have experienced similar disappointments. Although we all like to act as if all we need is God; the truth is that we take some comfort in knowing that there are others who share our experiences and feelings. In God’s word we can read about people just like us ⎯ extremely fallible yet immensely useful to God.
To my husband, Karry ⎯ thank you so much for supporting me in this endeavor. Your strength and vision have kept me going.
To my children ⎯ I never dreamed that God could bless me so abundantly! I am very proud of you, and want to thank you for being a source of inspiration and instruction in my walk with God.









“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh, but in vain.”
Psalm 127:1





This book is dedicated to every saint who refuses to labor in vain.



















CHAPTER ONE

Promises, Promises


Do you remember when you got saved how everyone told you that a “new life” was beginning and that your old life was no longer? Can you remember how excited you were at the prospect of having a fresh new start, a new lease on life? What a thrill to be able to start with a clean slate. How confusing it is when all of the “old” people and “old” problems enter with you into your new life!
One of the biggest struggles we face as new believers is having the expectation that God will somehow eliminate everything that wasn't pleasant before you began your walk with him and then discovering the harsh reality that it isn't so. Many of us have experienced mighty deliverance from drugs, alcohol and other addictive lifestyles and yet, God doesn't take every negative thing away. Your deliverance may be assured but emotional scars remain and deep-rooted insecurities must be dealt with. The same people that got on your nerves before you got saved still get on your nerves even after God changes your heart.
The resounding question is why? Many of us become disenchanted with this God who is supposed to fix everything and doesn't. People walk away because they were looking for a cure-all for every problem, every bad relationship, and every circumstance. Please understand that I am not saying that Jesus cannot remedy those things ⎯ because he can. But I find that often we seek him not for him, but for what he can do for us materially and naturally. Churches are filled with people who buy into the teaching that as soon as you say yes to God, he says yes to your every wish. Need a house? Come to God. Want a fatter bank account? Come to God. I believe in our zeal to see people converted, we are sometimes guilty of “selling” Jesus like miracle snake oil. It’s tempting to push a Jesus who waves a hand and makes all financial problems disappear, but why not testify of him as Jehovah-jireh, Lord our provider? There are some things that money won’t fix. Money is of no use in the spiritual realm, you cannot buy the Holy Spirit or its anointing (Remember Simon in Acts 8?) On the other hand, when you have spiritual “wealth” God will provide abundantly for you according to the counsel of his will. Your greatest blessing can come from experiencing the Lord’s favor in your life. We often promise the end of all depression and struggle, but why not promise Jehovah-shalom, the Lord our peace? It’s the peace of God ⎯ that still, small voice ⎯ that nurtures and heals our hurts. The pledge that all physical ailments will be healed sounds good, but why not tell them about Jesus who is Jehovah- rapha, the Lord our healer? He is a healer of the mind and body. He is the healer of attitudes, perceptions and prejudice. He is the mender of broken self-esteem. Are you tired of fighting the world system and the corrupted standards of society? Go to Jehovah-nissi, the Lord your banner, for he will surely fight your battles and bring balance to every injustice.
Since we don’t know what the Lord’s will is for a person (unless he specifically speaks to you about them), why not just point them to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? We have promised so much to so many only for them not to see the manmade promises come to pass because the Lord has a greater purpose for letting whatever it is remain. It is confusing to believers and hinders their faith. Let’s not ever forget that the greatest thing you could ever receive is salvation. Without salvation, nothing else matters. We should help hungry souls understand the importance of obtaining forgiveness and eternal life; the rest will take care of itself.
Not long ago, I found myself up at 3:00 a.m., unable to sleep. I began watching a gentleman by the name of R. C. Haus who preached a message called “The Angry Savior". He said something that really stuck with me which was: "God didn't save you so that he could be your errand boy. He saved you to submit your will to his and allow him to use you for the building of his kingdom." He went on to say that we seem to think once we are saved we can just submit our list to God, like we did to Santa when we were kids, and expect him to fill it.
Wham! That hit me right in the gut! I thought about myself and had to admit ... I've been there … and still go there. Isn’t this the way we sometimes view the church? We come to have every bad thing removed and every good thing given to us without ever asking the Lord about his will for those areas of our lives. Thank you, Pastor Haus, for that word.
I really began to think about how we have confused the respective roles. God is the Almighty Creator, who spoke all things into existence. He knows the end from the beginning and is everywhere at the same time. He is all-powerful and everlasting. And we are … none of those things! Many of us have been so messed up by the “name it and claim it” teaching that we missed the fact that GOD decides what is best for us and what isn’t. Yes, we have the ability to decide to choose a thing, but if it’s not God’s will for us nothing good will come of it. Instead of buying into the teaching that we are entitled to everything, why not seek the Lord’s purpose for your life and trust him to provide for your needs … all of them?
“What man is he that feareth the LORD? Him shall he {God} teach in the way that he shall choose.” Psalm 25:12
Submission is a dirty word to us, but necessary so that we may learn our place. It is taboo unless of course, we are not the one submitting. We certainly have no issues when someone is in submission to us. The carnal nature wants to exalt itself, and if you are not careful you can find yourself in a position of trying to serve God with your own agenda. Have you ever looked up the definition for “serve”? It means “to wait on”, “to do for.” What are you doing for God? Do you know his will for you?
“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13
If we know anything at all, it is that Jesus is the cure-all for sin. Seeking him should be our goal. Our earnest desire should be cleansing from the awful stain of sin, freedom from the captivity of Satan, and a desire to serve the Living God. If that is your heart’s desire, God will take care of all your needs.
Still, the question is often asked: "Why can’t we just sail victoriously through life and not struggle?" Doesn't the word say that God will fight our battles and give us victory? Doesn't it say that he will give us a peace that passes all understanding? Here is something to consider. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul says:
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in mine infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
I am firmly convinced that God doesn't take away every weakness and problem in order to keep us humble. The first thing to burst forth in the midst of any personal success or victory is pride. I think the hardest thing for me to quench is ego. It is a natural thing to be proud of your accomplishments, but not at all fitting to take an attitude of self-importance for something that God and only God has done. Paul recognized that if it were not for the thorn, the frailty, the insufficiency left in him, he would go off on an ego trip because of the magnitude of spiritual knowledge God had given him. Obviously God had given him peace regarding his decision to let the thorn remain, because Paul took pleasure in his infirmities. Paul was then able to see the thorn from God’s point of view, realizing that living an overcoming life wasn’t by his might or his power but by God’s spirit. Now that is a peace that passes all understanding! Paul understood that anything he faced was nothing compared to God's power. He knew that, even in his weakest and most broken-down state, God could show his glory. Paul wanted God to be glorified, not himself.
Promises ... promises? Most definitely! Our God is a promise keeper; He is the Promise Keeper. He will never go back on his word and he cannot lie. I've heard that there are over 7,000 promises in the Bible. All of them are sure and true and available for us if we simply follow the principles of God, and activate them through our faith in Jesus Christ.
“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, was preached among you by us, ... was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
For all the promises of God in him [Jesus] are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:19-20
“And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to full assurance of hope unto the end:
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4

Immaturity Not an Option
We like to spend our spiritual energy trying to get rid of our trials but how many of you know that God uses trials to make you better? If you go to the word you will see that is exactly what the Lord says. I wonder why some of us feel we should have special treatment? The Lord plainly teaches that, without adversity, you do not grow spiritually. There really is no point in sporting your little attitude when things aren’t going well. Pick your lip up off the floor, get yourself together and ask yourself: “What is the Lord teaching me? Is this an area where I need development? How can I use this as an opportunity for Jesus to get some glory instead of an occasion to grumble and complain?” To give us some insight into this principle, the Old Testament devotes chapter after chapter to Israel’s griping and complaining in the wilderness. The majority of them never made it to God’s Promised Land because of it.
The nation of Israel witnessed miracles and feats of God that most of us will never live to see ⎯ plagues on their behalf, the parting of the Red Sea, the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. After all they had endured in captivity, could the wilderness be that bad? So it was in the middle of nowhere, but they were free. They felt isolated, but they had God. Yet, they grumbled and mumbled against Moses and the Lord. God fed them supernatural food, and they weren’t satisfied. He quenched their thirst with water from a rock, and it wasn’t good enough. If that isn’t special treatment I don’t know what is, and yet it seems as though they felt they deserved more! Isn’t it funny how we can become self-centered and unappreciative after God delivers us from our trouble?
“And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would God we had died in this wilderness!
And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? And how long will it be ere thy believe me for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.” Numbers 14:2, 4,11-12
I marvel at how much we are like Israel sometimes. Think about it. Jesus freed us from the bondage of sin just as God freed Israel from slavery. He severed the ties to our former master Satan, the god of this world, just as he delivered the Israelites out of the hand of Pharaoh, ruler of Egypt. The Lord sets our feet on solid ground to walk in the newness of life just as he guided the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. But it doesn’t take long for our eyes to turn back to where we came from. Why? Because all of our problems just don’t vanish and coming to Jesus usually presents the new believer with new issues to face. Once you come into the kingdom, you are confronted with a set of challenges you never had in the world, and truly the world loves its own. You never had the kind of clashes with your friends and family that you experience once the word gets out that you’re saved. Suddenly you’ve become a curiosity, or worse, a problem. People begin to treat you differently. Your coworkers become distant and your family doesn’t understand you anymore. Your “significant other” feels threatened by this new-found love you have for the Lord. You tend to only feel comfortable in church or around other saints. There is a feeling of isolation that sets in, just as the Israelites felt secluded in the wilderness after their deliverance. It may not feel good, but it is necessary.
Isolation is a trial in itself but it is so necessary if you want to hear the voice of God. Israel didn’t understand the purpose of their isolation and, oftentimes, neither do we. They constantly wanted to be with and like the “crowd” (the other nations that surrounded them) and never fully comprehended that God had chosen them OUT of the crowd to be a peculiar people unto him. This is still the church’s struggle today, individually and corporately. Where do we fit in? Are we supposed to fit in at all? How close can we be to the world and still be the church? And on the heels of it all comes the adversary, whose unholy mission is to draw us away and accuse us when we fall. Did you really think he would just let you go without a fight?
The prophet Zechariah wrote of a vision the Lord showed him of the high priest Joshua standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at Joshua’s right hand to resist him. The devil was right there, even in the presence of God! The Lord Himself rebuked Satan (Zechariah 3). Jesus told Peter that Satan desired to have him to sift him as wheat (Luke 22:31). He wants to press you through the sieve of temptation to break you in pieces, but God uses that same sieve to refine you. Satan hindered even Paul, in all of his anointing, from going to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:18), but look at what he wrote to the church at Corinth:
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair:
Persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 17
We are refined in the furnace of affliction, and come out as pure gold. If everything in our lives went smoothly and without a hitch, we would never have a reason to trust God. If you will just step off the edge and trust him, you will find that each trial is a stepping stone to a higher level of faith in the Lord. Maturity comes from experience, and experience means you have been through events in your life (and survived). Your encounters in life equip you to help someone else, which is what God calls us to do.
The most effective ambassadors for Christ are not lily white and pure ⎯ never been anywhere or have never done anything. True ambassadors can talk to real people because they have been to the edge and back and are standing, by the grace of God, to tell about it. There is no self-righteousness in them for they know that, were it not for God, it would have gone the other way.
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:3-5
Paul gloried in tribulations. The Greek word used is kauchaomai meaning to boast (Strong’s #2744). Paul took pleasure in his infirmities. Here, the word eudokeo is used which means to think it good, to choose, or to be favorably inclined (Strong’s #2106). Paul is able to “count it all joy” when he deals with his afflictions within and without. He gives the impression that he considers it to be an honor for him because, in doing so, he glorifies God. He doesn’t cover up his weakness and the disappointments; he wears them proudly as a testimony of how God has brought him through. There is no martyr attitude here, no “trouble on every side I don’t know how I’m going to make it” syndrome. It seems that segments of Christianity have perfected the art of self-pity. There are other religions where the adherents consider it an honor to die for their god, and who actually make it a practice. If we say we serve the True and Living God, how much more should we earnestly contend for the faith? We serve the only wise God, whose mercy endureth forever. He will see to it that, regardless of circumstance, you will inherit the land and dwell therein forever (Psalm 37:29). No matter what comes your way, nothing can separate you from the love of God. He himself will rebuke Satan on your behalf, so take heart because the battle is not yours … it’s the Lords!

Vain Imaginations
Try to imagine how effective the body of Christ would be if we all felt like Paul. Instead, when I look around, I see ego raising its ugly head. In our ranks are pastors and leaders who want to control and manipulate “their” people. I see those who God has gifted parading in the flesh as though it were their own ability. We get saved and find our niche in the church and take a superior attitude. Saints are stepping on and over other saints in their efforts to be noticed, accepted, and used in a ministry. It has lead to a spirit of competition in the church like I have never seen before and it grieves me. We have cliques, and cliques in the cliques. We segregate by our various talents, by those who we like and dislike, by income, race, and by level of spiritual maturity.
We become judgmental of people in the world, totally forgetting that the world is precisely what we were delivered from! We seem to forget that we had another life and that we were not always saved. Even people raised in the church have done their share. How is it that we can turn around and condemn people for doing the same things we did ... or are still doing? It is time to get real. We put so much energy into selecting who we want as members of our church, and use the balance of that energy deciding who looks saved and who doesn’t, or who fits in and who doesn’t. The church is not some exclusive club or fraternity, and we certainly don't have the right to choose who is admitted. Didn't the Lord say:
“You have not chosen me, I have chosen you.” John 15:16
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he
called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Romans 8:29-30
How have we come to the place where we decide whether or not people “belong” in our church based on their appearance or background? How can the church take a vote on a candidate to be accepted? A long time ago my husband told me that the true Church, God’s Church was not an organization but a living organism ⎯ how true. And God, not us, chooses the true Church. Our responsibility is to love, encourage, teach and preach Jesus Christ to whoever wants to hear. Since the wonderful grace and blessings in our lives are God's doing alone, we must stop lording that over people as if it were our own doing. How dare we ever try to take credit for what almighty God has done! He said he would not share his glory with another; it all belongs to him.
“For who maketh thee to differ from another? [God!] And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? [From him] Now if thou didst receive it, why doest thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” Colossians 4:7
In other words, it is God that gives us our gifts, talents, and anointing, and he gives it according to his good pleasure and according to his purpose. My gift isn't yours and yours isn't mine. Isn't it wonderful that God orchestrates your blessings just for you? Paul asks: "And what do you possibly possess that God didn't bestow upon you?" So why do we get a big head and glory in ourselves as though it is not God’s blessing and that we are somehow responsible?
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think; but to think
soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Romans 12:3
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:3-8
Can you imagine the God of heaven, coming in flesh and submitting himself to his own creation?
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made ... He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not...And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 3, 10-11, 14
If the omnipotent, eternal God of heaven could come in flesh as Jesus Christ and suffer humiliation and persecution from the very ones to whom he gave life, how much more should we strive to remain humble? There is a saying I've heard parents’ use for years: "I brought you into this world and I can take you out!" Now that I have kids, I understand just what that means. As parents, you and I are in a position of authority, which if we are wise, we teach our children to respect. Anyone with children knows the feeling you get when your kid mouths off or is flip in some way. Don't we run it down for them? “I put the clothes on your back and the food in your belly and provide the roof over your head. Don't you dare talk to me that way! I changed your dirty diapers and stayed up with you all night when you were sick. Don't you dare.” Sound familiar? But when I consider how our precious Lord not only didn't expect the same type of respect we do, but knew how we were going to treat him, I'm in awe at the depth of his love and patience with us.
Imagine the child you helped create, the child you nurtured and loved, turning on you. Picture that child as part of a crowd that is beating you and spitting on you. Envision your child killing you and being pleased with the deed. It is the ultimate betrayal isn't it? Some of us are “killing” the Lord’s witness today with our unbelief, our attitudes, and our lack of faith. Are you willing to step out from among the crowd and yield to Jesus the way He yielded to the Father? " ... not my will, but thine, be done." (Luke 22:42)
Jesus made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant. Jesus made himself … the Lord made a conscious decision. He could have come in glory, as a man of wealth and influence, but he chose to come in the form of a servant. God calls on us to be servants ⎯ not just to him but also to each other. A servant is available when the master calls. A servant tries to anticipate the master’s needs by being prepared in advance. A servant understands that the role of submission to the master actually aligns him or her as the master’s helper and aide. Christ came as our example, as a model for us to follow. Our desire should be to be like him. 1 John 2:6 says: “He that saith he abideth in him [Jesus] ought himself also so to walk, even as he [Jesus] walked.” Look closely at our Jesus; learn about him. His life lifts up a standard you and I can press toward. What will you see? ⎯ love, self-sacrifice, humility, and unselfishness shown by the Creator to his creation.
“So after He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, and was set down again, he said unto them,
Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” John 13:12-15
Could this possibly be what Paul meant when he wrote in Romans 12:1 to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service?” Ask yourself: Do I only love those who love me? Can I show humility or do I always have to have the upper hand? Am I of service to others and can I take a back seat, or do I always have to be in the forefront? Can I take a hit in a situation trusting that God will work it out? 1 Peter 2:20-22 says:
“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable to God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth.”
In other words, there is no glory in accepting chastisement for your faults ⎯ that’s what you are supposed to do. The glory comes when you are rebuked and have done well, when it's not your fault. If you can take that patiently, then you are meeting the standard of God. Will you allow the Lord to shape you in this way?
Let me close this chapter by saying that submitting your life and your will to the Lord Jesus Christ will bring a change in your life. He knows what you need and where you are going and how to get you there ⎯ if you will just trust him. Let's not make our goal prosperity, leadership, or a life free of problems. Let us “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:14
“But he [God] giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to
God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
James 4:7, 8, & 10

































CHAPTER TWO
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge


I have attended services at many churches and have noticed something very disturbing: our focus seems to be shifting away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his saving power to “signs and wonders.” So much time is spent seeking the outward manifestation of God's power that the people aren't being taught how to seek the inward manifestation of God's power in them, and through them.
What good is it to shout and dance, get slain in the Spirit and lay on the floor for an hour, only to rise up not able to face the trials of life? To face this world and its challenges you need FAITH. So many of us have the impression that “carpet time” with the Lord builds our faith. Not so, the bible says, “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God..” (Rom. 10:17)
Certainly, receiving a touch from God in a service or anywhere else is amazing. It comforts us, sustains us, and strengthens us. Many times God can speak to you in that state without interference. Other things can be purged out and we arise feeling refreshed. It's beautiful! But it is not a substitute for the word of God. We often focus only on the feeling of being touched by God and not on the word, which is God’s revelation of who he is. Saints become church junkies who exist from service to service to get “touched” or “refilled” in order to make it two or three more days until the next service. Can you make it on the word and not the feeling? If you can’t, it is time to learn. The atmosphere in church is wonderful, and praising God feels good, but you are going to need the word in you to survive.
The purpose of praise and worship is to glorify and bless the name of God, not to be slain in the Spirit. Praise is our ministry to the Lord, not a “gimme” session. I’m going to step way out and say that the purpose of worship is not even so that we can get healed. I believe that just magnifying the name of God, thanking him, and extolling him, no matter what my condition, is the purpose of praise. It is our duty to praise him for his wonderful excellence. All creation owes him praise,
“Praise ye the LORD, Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.
He hath also established them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord.”
Psalm 148
The trees are called to praise him, so are the animals. They don’t come with a reason or an agenda; they praise God because he decreed it so. Do people really get healed during worship? Aboslutely! When it is God’s will for them to be healed. But what about those who are never healed? Some of those people are the greatest worshippers because they can speak his praises in spite of circumstances. Paul talks about his infirmity and admits that he prayed for the Lord to remove it, but God did not see fit to do so. Paul was able to see how this negative answer to his prayer took his praise to another level. God showed him that, through his infirmities, he would show his power. Paul tells the church at Corinth that he gloried in his infirmities so that the power of Christ might rest upon him. What about people who aren’t praising God but get healed anyway? It is important for you to understand that we should not have ulterior motives when we come to worship God. We know he sees our hearts. Healed or not, praise him. Broke or not, praise him. Hurting or fulfilled, praise him. Let’s encourage the saints to praise his name just because he is a mighty God!
The Bible tells us that God inhabits the praises of his people (Ps. 22:3). When we come together to worship God, praise is what ushers in his tangible presence. It should be our time to simply exalt the name of the Lord and bask in his presence. Many saints feel that this experience is confined to church service, but Jesus also said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). The Lord is present if there are only two saints who come together to bless him and it doesn’t have to be in a sanctuary. There are saints who can get into his presence when they are alone ⎯ no choir, no crowds, and no pretty sanctuary. That’s how I want to be! We do God and ourselves a disservice if we think he will only meet us in church. God, the Spirit, lives in us at all times. We don’t need to visit a building or seek a group for worship ⎯ we have a built-in worship leader.
A time of praise and worship is an intimate union with God. Don’t succumb to the pressure to worship him in a certain way. The Lord is a personal God, and he moves on different people in different ways. Some may want to shout and dance, others may want to kneel and be quiet. Let the Lord have his way. It bothers me when we try to make everyone do the same thing at the same time. Worship him in your own personal way, remembering that he loves you for the unique person you are. Speak to the Lover of your soul and let him know how you feel. No one has to script that for you; let it come from the innermost part of you. Let’s not take such a wonderful privilege and turn it into something trivial and generic.
Praise sets the tone for the tangible presence of the Lord felt by the believer. Praise skyrockets our faith and prepares us to hear his word. But we should not just stop there. Once we feel him we need the word, which is quick and sharper than a two-edged sword to do its work in us, dividing asunder the soul and the spirit.

Knowing
Our biggest downfall as Christians is that too many of us would rather sit and listen to someone else rather than dig into the word ourselves. It’s easier to let someone else feed us. Please understand that I am not against teaching and preaching. The Bible says:
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15
It is important to understand that you must strive to know the Bible for yourself. Knowing the word adds to the foundation being laid by your pastor, and also helps you identify false teaching. If you don't know God’s word for yourself, how will you know if what is being taught is in accordance with the scriptures?
To get a revelation of the deeper things of God you must do one thing: believe all the scriptures. In his book, Portraits of Christ in Genesis, M.R. De Haan says: "If Jesus rebuked the people of His generation for not believing all the Scriptures (Luke 24:25), then what excuse have we with the added light of the New Testament and the illumination of the Spirit of Pentecost? And yet the ignorance of the average believer concerning the word of God is appalling and shocking. This may offend many of you, and be very unwelcome, but one of the most discouraging things in my ministry is to find that after teaching some people for years, they are still children as far as knowledge of the word is concerned.”
What a painful truth and it is more prevalent today than when he wrote it thirty years ago. We take from the word what we want, and reject what we don't like. Consequently, we do not understand many of God's principles. If you don't know or understand them, they cannot be applied. When you don't apply them, you won't produce fruit in those areas.
Believe all the scriptures and God will begin to build upon the foundation of his word. He will take you from layer to layer, level to level. Precious truths will become illuminated when you believe all the scriptures. Do you dare try?
“Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts,
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line: here a little there a little.” Isaiah 28:9-10
Line upon line, precept upon precept, one on top of the other. Each one lays a new foundation for the next revelation and yet remains tied to the one below that supports it. No house can be completed unless the foundation is laid, the walls are framed, and the roof is built. It's difficult to tell what the house will look like when you can only see the frame of the building, but you have seen pictures of the final structure and you trust that the builder knows how to construct the foundation to exactly fit the specifications. Once the sheetrock is in and the floors are laid, you can walk through the bare rooms with a clearer vision of what the dwelling will look like. The house is eventually completed, and you are then able to see it in its final form.
This is the same principle at work in the word of God. Even though you cannot grasp everything in the word right away, you trust that God has laid a sure foundation. The word tells us that the foundation is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:10-11). As you hear the word, your faith is increased. As you study the word, God begins to link words, concepts, and principles, and you begin to see it all coming together ⎯ the big picture. This wonderful process continues until, one day, the entire world will see the fulfillment of the word that you and I have come to know and trust. We will see the place that God has prepared for us, and we will stand in his presence and worship him.
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he [God] is pure.”
1 John 3:1-3
I vividly remember weaning each of my children. Every time I would introduce a new taste, I would giggle at the faces they made. They would give me the "What in the world is this? Where is my milk?" kind of face. But after a few spoonfuls, they would lean forward and open their mouths for more, clapping and gurgling in pleasure with each mouthful. Saints of God, I ask you: Do you have an appetite for the word or are you one of those “picky eaters”?
“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3-4
“Except you become as a little child” ... you see, children are teachable. They are shaped and molded by the one in authority over them. Children don't have agendas; instead, they follow where the parent leads. That's why the world is in such a mess today ⎯ there is no leadership and authority in many homes. But our Heavenly Father is not an absentee dad or a dysfunctional mom. His way is sure and true, filled with blessings and power for those who are teachable, those willing to be formed in the hands of the Master.
Jesus said to “search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Search the scriptures and believe them. Don’t just pick the ones that make you feel good; ask God to reveal truth through ALL of his word.

Ignorance is Not Bliss
One of Paul's frequent sayings was: "I would not have you ignorant, brethren.” Does not the Bible say to "study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth?" 2 Timothy 2:15.
In I Corinthians 3, Paul chides the church because they have not grown in their relationship with Christ through the word. He tells them that he could not even speak to them as spiritual people but as carnal, even as babes in Christ. Keep in mind he is talking to church folk. How would you feel if someone in the church said you were not a mature, seasoned saint but a carnal, “just out of the world” babe? I would find it insulting, what about you? But the question remains: Can you hold up under strong teaching? Are you still carnal or have you grown? I know people who seemingly don't want to hear anything heavy. They plead: "Just keep it simple.” The philosophy seems to be if it's going to “get in my face” or challenge me in any way, I really don't want to deal with it. But over the years I've learned to measure myself by the word. It will always let you know where you fall short, but always graciously gives you a way to improve your spiritual walk. Do you ever read the word and ask: Is this me?
Paul goes on to say that he has fed them with milk (basics) and not with meat (heavier, deeper things of God) and they still have not grown and cannot hold up under strong teaching. That is a scary passage for me. I don't want to be that way. If we were to take a poll of Christians today, I'm sure most would say that they don't want be that way either, and yet, some of the craziest teachings and traditions with absolutely no basis in the word come right out of the church!
I wonder if any of us realize just how many so-called doctrines we have believed in over the years that are not supported by the word of God, yet we held on to them because we didn't know any better ⎯ and neither did the teacher! Think about some of the dogma we have passed on to our children and grandchildren. Generations come up believing in something that is not biblically sound all because we would rather be bottle-fed than eat a full-course meal!
You know it is dangerous to be this way ⎯ dangerous and miserable. Let me tell you why. First, as a saint who is walking with the Lord, you should see growth in your relationship with Christ. Second, I must emphasize again, you must know and apply the word in your life. If you are relying on traditions and the vain philosophies of men as your spiritual foundation, you are on a road to disaster. Jesus said:
“Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? Thus ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
Matthew 15:3, 6, 7-9
And Paul said:
“Beware, lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments [foundations] of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:8-10
And John wrote:
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15
These verses are often used to reach the unsaved and bring them out of false religion, but Jesus was speaking to the Jews ⎯ God's people. Don't forget they were the people that received the law of God, but corrupted it through their own ideas and agendas. They possessed some of the truth but missed the fulfillment of all of the truth. Jesus was and is addressing the issues of the modern-day church. Oftentimes we start out possessing truth and, through our tampering due to ignorance or personal agendas, we make the truth into a lie.
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6
We would do well to heed what the Lord says about those to whom he gives truth and revelation only to see it corrupted by their carnality.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. [This is not referring to those in the world. See the next verse.]
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. [This is for church folk!]
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God [Instead they looked to glorify themselves], neither were thankful [but took his blessings for granted and took credit for them as well], but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like unto fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. [Their carnal desires became their idols, like the pagan gods of the heathen]
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleaness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and served the creature [themselves] more than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 1:18-25
Ouch! Do you see what God is showing us not only through the written word but also through the actual history of a nation? This isn’t just for the Jews who rejected Christ, but for the church also. The nation of Israel is our example. The entire plan of God was revealed to them throughout history by Moses, the prophets, and the acts of God. All of the Pentateuch revealed God and yet Israel missed him because they desired their own glory. We are privileged that God left us an example through them of what not to do, yet we still don’t take advantage of them having gone before us. Everything that God has ever done isn't about you or me or anyone else. The word of God, the purpose of salvation, and our Christian walk and development are all to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. The entire Bible speaks of him; we serve and worship Jesus. The Lord should be the focus, not any of us.
“Unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.” Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17
“That thou keep this commandment, without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6: 14-16

Thou Wilt Show Me the Path of Life
It disturbs me to see so many saints aggravated and upset over every little (and big) thing in their lives. Do you think it is God's will for blood-bought saints to walk around frustrated, depressed, angry, and at wits end? Where is faith? We know that without faith, it is impossible to please God, and we know that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word. So we've come full circle back to the scriptures. The Lord has given us the path of life by the word ⎯ the written and the incarnate word. Jesus said: “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63
Why not let God lead you in the paths of righteousness? Only he is able to do this for you. Anything that we try to do on our own will only end up in a mess. When you operate outside of the principles of God you are without his covering. Without his covering, you are open and fair game for any circumstance to overtake you. When that happens, you will experience one of the most painful conflicts you can imagine ⎯ walking in the flesh instead of the Spirit. The battle between the natural man and the spiritual man is part of our walk with God but what happens when the flesh wins?
Without warning, your spiritual health becomes a victim to the winds and rains of life. You say you believe God but you really do not. You say you have faith and yet you really have none. The Bible says without faith it is impossible to please God, so you just sink down further in your circumstances and seem to live from crisis to crisis because you don't know and apply God's word in your life.
“Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statues; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.”
Psalm 119:33-40
David had eight requests: Teach me, give me, make me, incline my heart, turn away my eyes, quicken me in thy way, stablish (establish) thy word, and turn away my reproach. God has to do it all! You can’t do it on your own; when you try, life and Satan will railroad you.
Suddenly, you find there is always anger and anxiety living in the pit of your stomach. You lash out at people over things large and small. You begin to manipulate individuals and situations in your life because you don't trust God to handle it his way. It doesn't feel right if you don't have your hands in the pot. You are trying to get spiritual results in the flesh, and the results are never what they are supposed to be.
Envy sets in against others who always seem to be at peace. Before you realize it, there is a root of bitterness that has taken hold of your very soul and all of your actions are steered by this irrational, negative spirit. You don't rest well. The worrying is always there. You are always on edge, waiting for the next aggravation you just know is coming your way. This state of mind and spirit is infectious and will spread to other areas of your life. It spills over into your home life, your professional life, and your spiritual life. You don't feel like praying and it's hard to read your Bible. You haven't fasted in months and aren't hearing from God.
“My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
I have declared my ways and thou heardest me: teach me thy statues.
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove me from the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.” Psalm 119:25-32
David's soul cleaved to the dust because he declared his ways. David tried to carry the burden of his own actions and was not only incapable, but found it to be too heavy to bear. Thankfully, we have a Savior who says: "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30).
The book of 1 Chronicles 13 illustrates a situation where David declared his own way. The incident could be applied to any of our lives: good intentions and bad results. David had just reclaimed the ark from Kirjath-jearim and was preparing to bring the ark back to the city of David. His desire was to give God a great tribute and bring the ark back with much solemnity and ceremony. In his zeal to do something remarkable for the Lord, he decided to make a new cart for the ark to rest on during the procession through the city. There was a major flaw in his decision however, because the Lord commanded that the priests were to carry the ark on their shoulders by the staves he commanded them to make.
“This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things:
“And when the camp setteth forward [when they were ready to move the tabernacle and the ark], Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of the testimony with it.” Numbers 4:4-5
“..all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers skins, and put it to the staves of it…
... after that, the sons of Kohath shall come bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.” Numbers 4:4-15
God said the priests were to carry the ark. He decreed that they should bear this holy thing on their shoulders. Why? It is a clear type of the New Testament ministry for which we are now responsible. God calls us to carry the gospel to the world and bring the ministry of reconciliation “of God in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19) ... of forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ ... of salvation and eternal life. Jesus said: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). He also made it very clear that "he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me, is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:38). Jesus also said: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:29-30).
It was God’s command that the ark was to be carried by the Levites and no one else could touch it. Although he had good intentions, David organized a catastrophe.
“And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.
And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing…
And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark: for the oxen stumbled.
And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him,
because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.”
2 Chronicles 13:7-10
How could things go so wrong? Because David disregarded the word of the Lord and as a result of his disobedience, an innocent man ⎯ who also had good intentions ⎯ died. Bad results. Even though Uzza was trying to protect God’s vessel, the Lord’s anger was kindled against him because he violated his word. Had Uzza let the ark fall, he would not have died; but because he had respect for the things of God but not the commandments of God, he also paid the penalty. This serves us notice not to let our zeal for spiritual things affect our judgment so that we follow people into error. Uzza knew what the Lord commanded. David should have borne the responsibility alone. How easily are innocent people drawn into our disasters.
What an incredible lesson the Lord is teaching us. Every time you “make your own cart” instead of doing what God said to do, you will have to deal with the consequences. And notice how quickly other people get involved. Whenever you transgress God’s word, the innocent always suffer. It may be a loved one, a marriage, a child, or a job, but something or someone somewhere will pay for your mistake. In the Bible, the innocent always pay the price for the sins of others.
True to the form of human nature, David got upset with God! Have you ever been mad at God because he let you face the consequences of your bad decisions? David was, and not only was he upset but he then became afraid of the ark and didn’t want to take it home. You see, he still missed the point: the power behind the chastisement was not in the thing, it was in God. Often, as children of God, we avoid the circumstance or consequence of our actions rather than deal with it. We choose to leave it because it doesn’t feel good to have to face our mistakes. The problem is that, when you don’t face the mistakes, you repeat the same ones over and over until you learn. David chose to leave the ark at the house of Obed-edom (at least he learned part of the lesson ⎯ he carried it!). I’m sure David thought he could shuffle the problem off on someone else so he wouldn’t have to deal with it. Isn’t that what we tend to do? We throw the blame on everyone else, make excuses for our errors, and pass along the hot potato.
But here is where you can get a real glimpse of the workings and character of God. The Bible says: “And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had.” The curse David threw off on Obed-edom became a great blessing for his entire household! Your mess is your mess and your chastisement is yours. No one else can take the heat for you. You can’t transfer it to someone else so you must learn to deal with it, because the same thing that brings you pain will bring someone else much joy.
When David heard of the blessings at Obed-edom’s house, he finally realized that his problem wasn’t the ark; it was his lack of obedience to the word. He went and retrieved the ark, brought it to the city of David, and ended up worshipping God like never before, even dancing out of his clothes! (See the same story in 2 Sam 6). What a relief to finally understand what the Lord is teaching you. The burden is lifted. There is an assuredness and a steadfastness that comes when you recognize the lesson, learn from it, and then move forward. David learned his lesson well. Note what is written in Judges 15:
“And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto Him forever.”
He got it! The Lord put him on Straight Street, but look at the price that was paid; an innocent man perished.
Think of how often we declare our ways. I feel so embarrassed when I reflect on the times that I just had to put my two cents in and take over a situation. What was I thinking? People I encountered were negatively affected because I drew them into my conspiracies. On the serious side, I was responsible for damaging people that I lost my temper with and told off. I was responsible for hurting someone's feelings or, worse, disregarding them. I still regret getting involved in certain things because of the devastation I left behind lies, hurt, and manipulation just to name a few. What kind of witness is that? We are called to be living epistles, read of all men. What are people reading in you?
Can you speak of God's wondrous works not just in public but in your quiet time? Can you praise and bless his name not only in the sanctuary but when you are alone with him? I'm not talking about the fake "God is good and I'm blessed" performance we put on so that no one suspects what we're really going through. We have become so adept at acting out our spiritual characters that we fool everyone into thinking all is well when we are dying inside. In our pain we look to other saints or pastors for comfort, forgetting that the Lord said he would not leave us comfortless but would come to us. The church often exerts such pressure to look like you are living an overcoming life, and to look like you don't have any struggles, and to look like you are just a Holy Ghost dynamo that many saints cave in under the weight of the facade. What's funny is that everyone in the church is dealing with their own adversities; many are the same as your own. So why fake it? Some of you have been living in spiritual limbo for years. Now is the time to break out and escape! The Comforter is here!
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-5
Jesus is anointed not only to deliver salvation to the unsaved and loose them from the bonds of sin, but his anointing also frees us from the prisons of anger and low self-esteem, resentment, fear and depression, ugly pasts, and harsh realities. You can be free. Jesus can apply precious Holy Ghost salve to the torn areas of your life and tenderly wrap them with his love. He can step into your life and proclaim that, from this day forward, the devil and any fiendish spirit he sends will have to go!
How wonderful that Jesus can give you beauty in exchange for the ashes and ruins in your life: the sense of purpose that was incinerated by someone who said you would never be anything in life, the burned up traces of innocence engulfed by rape or abuse, the particles of trust that have blown away every time you were betrayed and hurt.
Jesus Christ can bring healing. Your ashes and your waste places can be replenished. Instead of sadness, you can receive the oil of joy. Instead of that spirit of heaviness, a garment of praise! Jesus is waiting to slip that garment over your shoulders; his arms will enfold you and you will be covered. I sometimes envision that garment of praise being draped over me. I can feel the weight of it. It feels like a heavy woolen winter garment. My shoulders hunch under the weight of it but it shields me from the cold winds. What a beautiful thought! Where you were once bent over under the load of your problems, you can instead carry praise for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! Instead of complaining, you can bless the name of God! Sweet tears of joy can replace the salty tears of hurt and bitterness.
Before long, you are standing tall in that garment. Praise is the medicine that strengthens your weary frame. You are a tree of righteousness, tall and regal, the planting of the Lord. It's all his work! Why do you struggle so?
“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
I said in my haste, All men are liars.
What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,
In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 116









CHAPTER THREE
Walk the walk, Talk the talk

“The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.” Psalm 15:7

I would like to run two groups of words by you: (1) maturity, wisdom, experience, responsibility, and reliability; (2) immaturity, foolishness, inexperience, irresponsibility, and unreliability.
In the course of living we undoubtedly have been in one group or the other, and it seems to be our nature as human beings to vacillate between the two. Some of us have the ability to stay in one of these categories longer than others; so the question is: Where do you find yourself the most?
This question is vitally important because all of the other issues in your world connect through the group you function in most often.
How, and on what basis do you make decisions?
How do you react to people and/or situations in adversity?
Are you someone who others can depend on and trust or do you violate confidences and break commitments?
These questions are significant because you will find that, all too often, your natural tendencies transfer over into the spiritual.
What will you find? God has a message for every inadequacy in the scriptures, laziness, indecisiveness, anger, revenge, jealousy, depression, loneliness, and betrayal. The scriptures address our human frailties. If you search the Bible you will find that God provides guidance and comfort. He promises to be with us throughout our trials.
I once read an article that contrasted a mature person versus an immature person. As it listed all of the traits of each, I was able to identify myself and other people in my life. What started out as a simple glance at an article became a very profound and “telling” experience for me. That basic outline was actually a tool that could be used to help you spot harmful tendencies in yourself and others. The results were meant to aid you in making personal changes and in making solid decisions regarding how to deal with others. I then began to reflect on the scriptures and realized God’s word is the perfect measuring tool. He clearly spells out his requirements and the steps to achieve them.
If we have the tools in front of us, why not use them? The answer can be found by looking at the topic of this chapter: maturity. Maturity is utilizing your knowledge to make decisions that will benefit yourself or others. Here is an illustration: You can place a bowl of food and a baby spoon in front of an infant, but all of the areas that control the functions necessary for the child to self-feed have not yet been fully developed. Nor has the infant’s digestive system matured sufficiently to process solid food, and so they survive on milk or formula for much of their first year of life. But if you placed the same bowl of food and a spoon in front of a six-year-old and that child couldn’t use the utensils or digest the solid food, it would signal that something wasn’t right.
“Saved folk” are still real people that have to function in the real world. It is mind-boggling that many saints of God are no better, (and sometimes worse), at reading people and situations than their worldly counterparts. How can this be when God has given us the answers already? Could it be that some of us are infants who can only digest milk and not solids? Paul got tired of preaching to folks who couldn't process what he gave them, and he finally got to the point where he flat out tells them (with love) that he is sick of it. Pastors and teachers must be tired of laboring in the gospel and delivering the word to saints who are developmentally delayed. As the body of Christ, when are we going to get tired of being in preschool when we should have graduated already?
“Of whom [Jesus] we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use
Have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Hebrews 5:11-14
The Lord just read our news! This is an age-old problem that still exists in the church today. The word of the Lord stands forever, doesn't it? Everyone who survives on milk (the simple) is unskillful in the word of righteousness and is a babe. That’s fine if you have just come in to the kingdom, but there are saints who have been in the church for years and are still babes. But the strong meat, the skill, belongs to those who are grown and mature. How did they grow? By applying the word, they have honed their skills and their senses have been sharpened to discern both good and evil. These are the saints with power! These individuals don’t make crazy, rash decisions. I wonder how many preachers, teachers and others gifted by the Spirit of God feel like Paul. How many of these saints have no outlets for expression or venting because they interact with people who “hear, yet hear not and see, yet see not?” How many saints search the body of Christ and wonder when is this crowd is going to get a clue, wonder how long it will take people to learn to apply God’s word in their lives, and wonder about the effectiveness of church leaders? Where are the teachers? Too many believers are still sitting in the students’ desks and won’t get up so that the next class can come through! What respect (and sympathy) we should have for people that God has placed in the forefront to instruct his people. It is not an easy job.
The point I am making is this: why is the church as a whole so hard to instruct? I believe the root of the problem lies in two areas: The first is complacency or even downright laziness, on the part of many (not all) in authority and many (not all) of the saints in the laity. We are about to delve into an area that I realize is sensitive and may offend some, but that is not my intent. Be willing to take and honest look at yourself and, if it pertains to you, then recognize that and deal with it. David was a man after God's own heart because he recognized his faults, confessed them, and then asked for help. God doesn't call us to be perfect in the context of not having any weaknesses; he just wants us to be honest!
Let's deal with the first point as it relates to those who preach or teach, (which technically should include all the saints because we are called to share this gospel). Understand that I am not a preacher, nor am I in a position of leadership with a church. I am speaking from my observations and discussions with other saints and pastors. I found that many of us share the same feelings and thoughts regarding the level of preaching and teaching we receive in the church. I have been blessed with the ability to travel and have had the opportunity to visit many churches, conferences and conventions. The one thing that strikes me is the lack of depth within an alarming number of speakers who deliver the word. On the other hand, God has gifted us with many gospel “stars” who communicate the word with clarity and power. I believe one of the reasons they have achieved that level of understanding is because they have a desire to be excellent for the Lord. They don’t appear to be doing anything for God halfway. The Lord never gives us less than his very best, and so I wonder why so many who want to do the work of the Lord would choose not to be excellent.
How many ministers preach on television or are asked to speak at every conference or travel the world to preach the gospel? Whatever their number may be, if you compare it to the number of people who preach and teach in the U.S. alone that number is truly minuscule. Think about it. How many pastors and saints are there in every church, in every state, in every city and country town? The goal is not to be on television, but what if churches all over the country, and the world for that matter, received the kind of instruction that a handful of people are providing? I believe that kind of teaching is not only possible, but should be available to everyone. I believe that God can stir up the gifts in those who serve him and wake up the sleeping giants of the church. Who out there wants to see it? Where are you?
Have you ever wondered how many preachers or teachers really study before they share the word, or if they pray or fast concerning their responsibility? Do you think it's possible for people to copy other ministers’ messages, throw something together the morning of the sermon, or just get up and talk instead of digging into the word? Yes it is, and I'm afraid it happens quite often. I’ve sat through many of those types of messages. The lack of a fresh word is unfortunate because I know that God has a people who want to know him and understand his principles, people who are looking for encouragement and substance not just a shout and a dance. I am disturbed when I sit through one of those thrown-together messages and I leave hearing comments like: "Boy we had church!" God commands his pastors to preach the word. God also sets men and women in leadership positions and gives them charge over the souls of his people. How could anyone dare to “sort of watch” for them and not give it their all? (See John 10) And how can we, who are being pastored, not hold our shepherd accountable to feed his sheep? Make no mistake, Jesus said that he is the Good Shepherd, and he made it a point to teach church leaders about how he expects his flock to be shepherded. He said that none would get away. When God gives a man or woman the call to shepherd a part of his flock, he is entrusting them with a great deal of responsibility. To whom much is given, much is required, right? Look at how Jesus pastored when he walked the earth. Did Jesus ever do anything halfway? Was he ever lazy? Yes, Jesus got tired but he was never lazy. He gave his all, even his very life, for us.
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom [manmade that is], declaring unto you the testimony of God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
And I was with you in weakness and in fear, and in much trembling.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing worlds of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
For those of you who feel God's call to teach or preach his word, please do it with excellence. Do your best, and don’t get discouraged because you’re not perfect; in our flesh we are unable to come close to the excellence of our Lord and Savior. Also, know this: your calling is not an occasion to glory in yourself, nor is it just about making a dollar. Watching out for souls is serious business. God will hold you accountable for delivering his message in the manner he wants and within his time frame. Never take for granted your gifts and never give the people of God scraps instead of the fullness of the word.
“The priests said not, Where is the LORD? And they that handle the law knew me not; the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit."
"Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet not gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.”
Jeremiah 2:8, 11
Those that handled the law knew him not, and these were the same people that received the law! Somehow they found themselves distracted and walking after things that did not profit them. Why? The distractions led them to compromise God’s word and their relationship with him as well. They reverted back to their pagan gods and began to worship something other than God the creator (like their own agendas maybe?). And they changed their glory! It is no wonder that at times it seems as if the joy and anointing have left us. The Bible says: "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” Where is the profit and the excellence?
“Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun."
For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.”
Ecclesiastes 7:11-12
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will be withold from them that walk uprightly.”
Psalm 84:11
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments;
For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart.
So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” Psalm 2:1-4
The profit is in the wisdom and knowledge of God, which can only be obtained through a relationship with him and being skilled in his word. The Lord acknowledges that money can take care of some natural situations, but it is useless in the spiritual realm. If you compare the two, true excellence is only found in wisdom because wisdom gives life to those who possess it. If the power of life and death is in the tongue, and you are speaking to the people of God, are you personally responsible for dispensing life or death? God has more to say about this so let's go all the way:
“My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken; my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains. [Where are the laborers for the Lord?]
For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.” Jeremiah 10:20-21
“Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.” Jeremiah 12:10
This is not an attack against pastors. I know this is a delicate issue but lives and souls are at stake. If you are delivering the word of the Lord, then God commands that you seek him and ask him for guidance as you lead his sheep.
What message should I bring?
In what areas do the saints need to be built up and encouraged?
Are there areas where they are lacking knowledge in the word?
How have they grown under the direction of your ministry?
God holds all of us accountable, preachers and congregations alike. If you feel a calling to share the message of the gospel, you are held to a higher standard. Quite frankly, all of us should be sharing the gospel in some form or fashion. Doesn't the Bible say that we, the church, are a royal priesthood, a peculiar people, and a holy nation? You and I are priests called to minister the word of God; being a church leader is not a prerequisite. See how you can apply this to your own ministry, whatever it may be.
Before we cover the second point concerning the lay people of the church (oh yes, it's our turn now), I want to show you something about the laziness and complacency found among the people of God, irregardless of one’s calling. The Lord hates laziness and a lackadaisical attitude.
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
Provideth her meat in summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.” Proverbs 8:9
Here we find a principle, which, when applied, will work in whatever you put it to. This is not just about physical labor and provision; translate this also to include laboring in the gospel. If the ant can go about its business of preparation, how much more should the saints of God? Can you get a word from God and not just your pastor? Can the pastors search the scriptures and labor to provide meat to the people? So many churches are struggling and pews are empty. There are churches literally on every corner and yet cities remain unchanged. The Lord is asking: “How long will you sleep?”
“The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” Proverbs 13:4
If you are not motivated concerning the things of God that take effort, namely studying the word, you will be spiritually deprived. It is the diligent souls that thrive and grow fat or rich in the knowledge of God.


Cast Not Your Pearls Before Swine
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:16
What do you think our Lord meant by that statement? Jesus was speaking to his own people. As he closed his Sermon on the Mount, he admonished them not to do as the Gentiles and worry about their natural provision, but to seek the kingdom of God first and trust him to supply the rest. He then warns them not to judge others but to first look inside themselves and deal with their own issues before attempting to instruct anyone else. Suddenly, switching gears, he tells them not to give that which is holy to the dogs and not to cast their pearls (treasures of the kingdom) before swine. The Jews obviously thought he was speaking of the Gentiles, whom they believed were impure because they did not follow the ceremonial laws. We know that Jesus first came to his own (Israel) and he expressed that many times. One example occurred when he told the Canaanite woman who was seeking healing for her demonically vexed daughter that he had only come to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Jesus repeated to her what he said to the Jews: "It is not meet to take the children's bread, and cast it to the dogs." But something unexpected happened. This Canaanite woman had faith. More importantly, she realized she was a dog! You and I would surely have been offended, but there was something different about this woman ⎯ there was no self-righteousness in her. She freely admitted to the condition she was in and knew that, whatever she was, Jesus could help her. Our Lord healed her daughter and declared that the woman had great faith. Did Jesus contradict himself by healing the daughter of the Canaanite woman?
The Jews missed the message Jesus conveyed that day. No, our Lord did not contradict himself; instead, he illustrated the point that he made in the Sermon on the Mount. Faith in him, linked with humility and not self-righteousness, would move Jesus to do great things. So while the Jews surely thought Jesus spoke of the Gentiles, he was, in fact, pointing right at them. It is so typical of our human nature to always point the finger at someone else. Self-examination is difficult and most of us avoid it. The message is always for someone else, the prayer is always for someone else, and the correction is always for someone else. Watch out my friend. If you’re not careful, the miracles and blessings will be for someone else!
Jesus prophetically declared that when you cast your pearls before pigs they will trample them under foot and turn back and rend (tear) you. There are individuals who have literally damaged the reputations of various people and tried to tear down their ministries because they preach the truth. So many want the Dr. Feelgood messages. Many of us would rather hear about victory over our enemies on the job and about all the money we are going to get. In most cases, when someone presents you with “reality preaching”, where you’re forced to take a hard look at yourself, you won’t like them very much. It is difficult to sit and listen while God’s messenger exposes how you are living and calls you to the carpet about it with the word as backup. We usually don’t want them to hang around too long. God forbid that we have to sit through a five-night revival! What’s crazy about this kind of attitude is that this kind of preaching is exactly what the Lord ordained. I am amazed at what Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel endured. Jesus didn’t coddle or pacify individuals who were wallowing in a self-made mess. He spoke about reality and showed them where they currently stood with God and where they actually needed to be. Peter did the same and so did Paul. The word is designed to show us how deficient we are, and how simply and beautifully we can be made whole. Isn’t it strange that, even today, the body of Christ still wrestles with the truth when it is directed internally and not outwardly at the world?
There are ministers in the body of Christ suffering persecution from their own brethren because they preach the untainted word of God, avoid head games, and avoid ego-building and over exaltation of every position in the church. It doesn't matter where you are in the body of Christ; all of us are accountable for our actions. The brethren are better able to find splinters in other eyes, than deal with the logs in their own. Some of you have felt the sting of rejection because you only wanted to glorify Jesus Christ and not cater to every personality and ego in your congregation.
There is a lesson for the church concerning casting our pearls before swine. If you know anything about swine, you know that they love the mud. Try as you may, you will never keep them clean. Some of us cannot stay out of where God brought us. He cleans us up, sets us in another direction, and then we turn around and head right back to the filth. Or we stay clean on the outside but there is always that yearning, that desire to go back to the mud. So we stay put, but we bring our piggy attitudes with us to the house of God. This principle doesn't just apply to worldly behavior, but also to receiving the word of God. Some of us prefer to hold on to traditions and false ideas about scripture rather than open our minds and hearts to receive the fullness of the word.
Why? Because the word does the very thing that Jesus did with the Canaanite woman: it makes us admit what we really are and makes us realize that outside of Jesus Christ there is no hope in us. Rather than admit reality, we want to feel that surely there is some good inside of us. We pacify ourselves with the knowledge that God purposely chose us. We take what we like from the scriptures and leave the rest. We prefer to keep our church traditions and our feel-good doctrines tightly in our grip rather than let the word of God have free reign in our hearts.
Don’t cast your pearls, or God-given treasure, before swine. Take the principle to another level. A swine doesn’t necessarily have to be a person who is reprobate and lost; there are people within the church that keep going “back to the mud.” For some, change is always eyed with suspicion. Control is lost when new things come, and most people prefer the comfort of the familiar. Maybe God has given you something that doesn’t fit in with “the way it’s always been.” Do you have enough confidence in your personal experience with God and enough faith in him to take it all the way? Read your Bible. What did God ever do that fit the norm? He had Noah build the first boat seen on the planet and had him telling people about the coming rain, something else they had never seen. God spoke to Moses from a bush. He made a fish swallow Jonah and spit him back up three days later. He told Hosea to marry a whore. Isaiah walked around naked prophesying to the people of God. Jesus was born of a virgin. What more do you need? The ways of God⎯the strange and miraculous events of the Bible⎯are a curiosity to the human mind. People will not receive you if they are stuck in the mud. They may use your gift for their benefit and do all they can to stifle your efforts to spread God’s word and minister to his people. Some believers freely give of their talents, their time, their money, or other resources, but people or ministries who seek self-glorification sometimes misuse these offerings. They strive to keep the status quo and consider change annoying. Some of you have received an anointing from God that is being misused or should I say abused because you haven’t recognized that you are dealing with people who have no vision. Instead of becoming disheartened, seek God’s purpose for bestowing the gift and ask his direction to lead you to people who recognize and appreciate it.
This is not a call for everyone to leave the ministry they are under and seek new leadership; this is addressed to mature saints who have a calling from God and are tired of the same old routine. This is for those who know that God has called them to something more meaningful, more powerful, and more relevant in their lives. We need you! “But how can I be sure?” you ask. The scriptures say those who skillfully use the word: “have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5). Surely God will reveal what is good for you and what is not by his Sprit. Evil does not always mean sin, it can mean grim or tough circumstances. I believe that, not only does he endow us with the ability to discern Satan, but that his Sprit directs us in making decisions. You know when God ushers you into a new purpose, and he won’t move you into a position to fulfill it and not equip you to get it done!
Our difficulties come when we are afraid to move out of the comfort zone to reach for the promise, and we try to stay in the old place with the new anointing and purpose. We become frustrated and miserable, and end up asking God to change the people when he is changing us. If he wanted you to be like everyone else he would leave you where you are and not call you to anything different. Digging in your feet when God has ordained a move is casting your pearls before swine. It won’t be received and people will turn and trample you. You may feel isolated, you may feel like there is no one who understands, but God does. Talk to him, seek his will, and watch your blessings unfold.
“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated [not just salvation, but any fresh word from God], ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were used. [Sometimes it’s the people closest to you that are the source of reproach.]
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10, 32-33, 35-36
I know the frustration of feeling so totally out of place and misunderstood. I know what it’s like to want people to pray for me, and there was no one to call. It wasn’t because I didn’t have any friends in Christ, but because God began showing me that, of the few people who were in my life, none of them could change what he wanted me to experience. He also corrected my obscured vision of certain individuals who seemed to have it all together, but it was really a front, a mask. What do you do when God begins to expose people around you? What do you do when he tells you not to go to a certain person for guidance or friendship? You must learn to trust and rely on God! Who else is there? Can you handle the Lord showing you certain truths about people? Can you show these people love in spite of your new-found awareness? Can you deliver a word to them if God directs you to do so, even knowing you may encounter hostility or rejection? Many believers are going through the same experience. If this encourages just one person, I have done what I am supposed to do. Yes, you are in a strange place but the Lord has you firmly in his grip. Just let him mold you. Let the transformation happen. “For with God, nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). Don’t fight and don’t quit. Resolve that you will not be deterred from your purpose.
And finally, the real question: Are you a swine? Can you let the word, which is Spirit and Life, do its work in you or are you happier in the mud because it is all you have known? You will never grow in Christ if you aren't willing to be uncomfortable at times. You will never grow if you prefer your old waste places instead of the new place that was prepared for you. What is even more difficult is when the Lord decides to take you out of a place of fulfillment instead of desolation. Can you make the move without knowing where the next place will be? Do you realize that the old place can be the spot you are currently in spiritually? Are you wrestling with doubts and concern about what a move will mean to your spiritual life? Or, are you so ready to receive what God has for you that it really doesn’t matter how it comes or who brings it? Sometimes the Lord will send someone who is not from your particular church or organization to bring a word you aren't accustomed to hearing. Can you receive the word even though they are not from your denomination? Do you dare believe that God speaks through anyone of his choosing?
Frank Bartleman was at the heart of the Azusa Street revival in 1906. His writings were instrumental in spreading the news of Pentecostal renewal throughout America and the world. This is what he wrote ninety-four years ago:
“If ever men shall seek to control, corner or own this work of God, either for their own glory or for that of an organization, we shall find the Spirit refusing to work. The glory will depart. Let this be one work where God shall be given His proper place, and we shall see such a work as men have never yet dreamed of. (Italics mine) All our business is to get God to the people. Let us yield ourselves for this and this alone. Some of the “canker worms” of past experience have been party spirit, sectional difference, prejudices, etc., which are all carnal, contrary and destructive to the law of love, to the “one body” of Christ. “For in one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” ⎯ I Corinthians 12:13. Self-satisfaction will always cause defeat. Oh, brother! cease traveling ‘round and’ round your old habit-beaten path, on which all grass has ceased to grow, and strike out into pastures green, beside the living waters.” F. Bartleman, Dec. 1906, in Apostolic Light, taken from Azusa Street: The Roots of Modern Day Pentecost
Ninety-four years have passed and his appeal is still valid for us today. What he put to pen and paper nearly one hundred years ago was a message from God to his people ⎯ remember your purpose.
I am so tired of denominational posturing and the constant struggle to determine who possesses the whole truth and who is qualified to teach. For years I was told that individuals outside of my affiliation could not teach me anything because they didn’t understand the Godhead. I almost began believing that, but something about that kind of thinking didn’t sit well with me. Especially when I realized that some teachings within my church were without spiritual basis, such as gender issues or racism. I ask you, what human or organization on the planet possesses the whole truth? Only God possesses the whole truth because he is the Truth. And he reveals himself (Truth) to whom he chooses. Beyond his initial unveiling of himself when you are saved, the Lord may reveal one thing to you and another to me, but his purpose is to edify the body of Christ at large. Some receive more revelation than others do for purpose of sharing it with all people saved and unsaved. God does not give us revelation to hoard it in our own little group. I believe it is precisely for this reason that he doesn’t choose to give one person or group knowledge of everything about him; we become too territorial. Only the Lord knows who are the true Spirit-filled believers and members of his Church. We are not even qualified to guess. Yes, there are doctrinal standards of the Bible regarding the born again experience namely: repentance and confessing Christ, baptism in Jesus’ Name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. But there are people who have had that experience and fall away from the faith, and there are those who haven’t yet had it, but before they leave here God will see to it that their election is complete. The Bible says the wheat and the tares grow together side by side and God said he would do the separating. He is Sovereign. He chooses what to reveal and to whom. No one has the right to judge God’s timing nor his choice of vessels.
In his book “The Sovereignty of God”, Arthur Pink writes: “The Gospel is the means which God uses in the saving of His chosen ones. By nature God’s elect are children of wrath ‘even as others’; they are lost sinners needing a Saviour, and apart from Christ there is no salvation for them. Hence, the Gospel must be believed by them before they can rejoice in the knowledge that sins are forgiven. The Gospel is God’s winnowing fan: it separates the chaff from the wheat, and gathers the latter into His garner.”
“… it is to be noted that God has other purposes in the preaching of the Gospel than the salvation of His own elect. The world exists for the elect’s sake, yet others have the benefit of it. So the Word is preached for the elect’s sake, yet others have the benefit of the external call. The sun shines, though blind men see it not. The rain falls upon rocky mountains and waste deserts, as well as on the fruitful valleys; so God suffers the Gospel to fall on the ears of the non-elect. The power of the Gospel is one of God’s agencies for holding in check the wickedness of the world. Many who are never saved by it are reformed, their lusts are bridled, and they are restrained from becoming worse. Moreover, the preaching of the Gospel to the non-elect is made an admirable test of their characters.”
The church is often more resistant than the world when it comes to receiving the word of the Lord. Are you eager to receive the word from those whom the Lord sends to you, and use it to examine yourself, or are you among those that persecute and reject the prophets? When Jesus said, "A prophet is without honor in his own country,” what do you think He meant? God’s prophets didn’t suffer persecution and alienation from the rest of the world. The rejection came from their own people who ostr