Greetings everyone,
Some time after prayer and Word study this morning I began to meditate on God's faithfulness to his Word. God's flawless integrity is unmistakeably clear in that he will always be found following through on what he said. Look at what the estranged prophet Balaam had to say about this:
Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Of course Balaam had originally been invited by Balak, king of the Moabites, to curse the Israelites in chapter 22. However, as we discover in chapter 23 and onward, Balaam could not curse- but only bless them as the Lord commanded. The Lord had already declared his people blessed (22:12) and he would permit no reversal of that declaration.
Now, at one time or another, we have all heard the saying: "If God said it, He will do it and if He spoke it, He will bring it to pass." This is true and God is certainly to be magnified for such great commitment to his Word. But what about us as believers?
Can people rely on us to follow through on our words? Do we personally honor the words we speak? Of course no one is perfect, and it's obvious that we all forget things spoken at one time or another. However, can we honestly say that more often than not our words are reliable?
As believers, integrated into our calling is the purpose to demonstrate God on the earth. Since God is faithful to His Word, we should be faithful to our words. We are indeed the light of the world and we represent him. God wants people on earth to have 'Heaven-like experiences' by our hands. This is what God intended for us in the beginning. Adam was on the earth what God is in Heaven. It is into this vacuum that I write. We must ensure that the integrity of our words remain intact as God's Word does.
Of course we should be discretionary about what we say as to not create avoidable circumstances. We certainly don't want to put ourselves in any sort of bondage. Moreover, there are times when things we've spoken must be changed or revised to accomodate a changing circumstance or new information. In these circumstances the Holy Spirit will be our guide if sought.
So let today be the day that you make (or renew) the decision to "elevate the reliability of your words."
In His Service,
DsW
July 30, 2009
July 25, 2009
A Sacrifice Born Out of Gratitude
Greetings everyone,
Consider with me the following scripture: Leviticus 22:29 - And when ye offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will. How about that? In Old Testament times a sacrifice could be offered up to God by an Israelite as an act of sheer gratitude. Note that this was not necessarily a corporate sacrificial offering, but that it could be offered individually. Just out of pure recognition of God, clothed with sincere gratefulness- this sacrifice was offered. In modern day church colloquialism we'd call it a type of 'free will' offering.
When you get a moment, take a look at the thanksgiving offering in the book of Leviticus. It is discussed primarily in chapters 3, 7, and 22. For in-depth study purposes, note that it falls under the category of a type 'peace offering'.
In His Service,
DsW
Consider with me the following scripture: Leviticus 22:29 - And when ye offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will. How about that? In Old Testament times a sacrifice could be offered up to God by an Israelite as an act of sheer gratitude. Note that this was not necessarily a corporate sacrificial offering, but that it could be offered individually. Just out of pure recognition of God, clothed with sincere gratefulness- this sacrifice was offered. In modern day church colloquialism we'd call it a type of 'free will' offering.
When you get a moment, take a look at the thanksgiving offering in the book of Leviticus. It is discussed primarily in chapters 3, 7, and 22. For in-depth study purposes, note that it falls under the category of a type 'peace offering'.
In His Service,
DsW
July 20, 2009
WT Email Archives: Thought Management - Part One
Greetings everyone! The doors of the former WordTime email archives have just swung open. In the coming days and weeks I will be uploading some of my WT email series' such as 'Thought Management', 'Thanksgiving', and others to this new blog site. Those of you that read them back then can now easily share your comments in this new format. As for those of you that didn't get a chance to read - you're invited to join in on this fresh discussion!
Tell a friend and let's dive right in to Part One of the 'Thought Management' series already in session (see below).
When things happen to us- we think about it. When things are said to us- we think about it. When we say things to others- we think about it. When we do things to others - we think about it. Whether the things said or done were good or bad- we're always thinking about something, but how are we managing what we think about?
'Thought Management' as I like to call it, should be a common practice for every believer (or anyone breathing for that matter). A thought is like a mental seed, which when it is planted in the soil of a mind it has the potential to grow into a future action. Well, how would it grow you say? By meditation. {We'll look at another view on this later.} The point is that- sooner or later an individual will act upon or respond to their 'sustained' thoughts. This notion gives credence to the fact that a large part of spiritual warfare takes place in our minds.
Therefore, acknowledging that it is within this 'mental battle field' where we either secure liberties or shelter 'bondages' is paramount. As many of us have experienced in our own lives, the bondages of our mind have a way of leaking out into our disposition and behavior progressively.
Remember, Satan will often try to harm you with your help. He'll also try to use people against you, but it's not until he has influenced you personally in some way that he's satisfied for the moment. If he can get in your head then he can get ahead of you, at least mometarily. OF COURSE HE IS A DEFEATED FOE AND HE MUST BE REMINDED OF THAT. However, we are personally responsible for keeping a handle on our own mental stuff.
Moreover, because countless things - good and bad - can occur over the course of a day, week, or month we may inadvertently pile up thoughts (memories) like large heaps of straw. While some of these memories may be good and cherish worthy, others may not be productive at all. In a short letter to the Philippian church Paul highlights a few things about thoughts. Let's listen in on the conversation:
(Philippians 4:7-9) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
As another illustration: Many years ago my pastor said, "Our mind is like an interstate; many thoughts will travel across it during a lifetime." Nonetheless, as police officers over our own minds we must determine which thoughts we'll 'pull over and arrest' (i.e., meditate on). Choose ye this day to pull over and arrest thoughts that are a blessed benefit to you and others. As for negative and destructive thoughts, cast them down immediately and forcibly- disallowing them passage. In other words, practice casting and forgetting! Destructive thoughts are extremely poisonous to your present and deadly to your future! You must use your faith to forget what's unnecessary! Let's listen to Paul's commendation to the Corinthian church:
(2 Corinthians 10:3-6) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
So then, thoughts and memories that are in opposition to the knowledge of God are only fit for one thing- "a cast down". Go ahead, increase your knowledge of God through Word study, church attendance, etc. and discover what your mind was really made for.
Begin casting down thoughts today. You'll be glad that you did. Stay tuned for Part Two of this discussion.
In His Service,
DsW
Tell a friend and let's dive right in to Part One of the 'Thought Management' series already in session (see below).
When things happen to us- we think about it. When things are said to us- we think about it. When we say things to others- we think about it. When we do things to others - we think about it. Whether the things said or done were good or bad- we're always thinking about something, but how are we managing what we think about?
'Thought Management' as I like to call it, should be a common practice for every believer (or anyone breathing for that matter). A thought is like a mental seed, which when it is planted in the soil of a mind it has the potential to grow into a future action. Well, how would it grow you say? By meditation. {We'll look at another view on this later.} The point is that- sooner or later an individual will act upon or respond to their 'sustained' thoughts. This notion gives credence to the fact that a large part of spiritual warfare takes place in our minds.
Therefore, acknowledging that it is within this 'mental battle field' where we either secure liberties or shelter 'bondages' is paramount. As many of us have experienced in our own lives, the bondages of our mind have a way of leaking out into our disposition and behavior progressively.
Remember, Satan will often try to harm you with your help. He'll also try to use people against you, but it's not until he has influenced you personally in some way that he's satisfied for the moment. If he can get in your head then he can get ahead of you, at least mometarily. OF COURSE HE IS A DEFEATED FOE AND HE MUST BE REMINDED OF THAT. However, we are personally responsible for keeping a handle on our own mental stuff.
Moreover, because countless things - good and bad - can occur over the course of a day, week, or month we may inadvertently pile up thoughts (memories) like large heaps of straw. While some of these memories may be good and cherish worthy, others may not be productive at all. In a short letter to the Philippian church Paul highlights a few things about thoughts. Let's listen in on the conversation:
(Philippians 4:7-9) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
As another illustration: Many years ago my pastor said, "Our mind is like an interstate; many thoughts will travel across it during a lifetime." Nonetheless, as police officers over our own minds we must determine which thoughts we'll 'pull over and arrest' (i.e., meditate on). Choose ye this day to pull over and arrest thoughts that are a blessed benefit to you and others. As for negative and destructive thoughts, cast them down immediately and forcibly- disallowing them passage. In other words, practice casting and forgetting! Destructive thoughts are extremely poisonous to your present and deadly to your future! You must use your faith to forget what's unnecessary! Let's listen to Paul's commendation to the Corinthian church:
(2 Corinthians 10:3-6) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
So then, thoughts and memories that are in opposition to the knowledge of God are only fit for one thing- "a cast down". Go ahead, increase your knowledge of God through Word study, church attendance, etc. and discover what your mind was really made for.
Begin casting down thoughts today. You'll be glad that you did. Stay tuned for Part Two of this discussion.
In His Service,
DsW
July 19, 2009
Lord, I Humbly Submit - Part One
"Lord, to you I humbly submit. In this season, I again identify and remove all hindrances of selfishness which have limited you from interacting with the world through me to the extent that you desire. With a sense of freshness, I renew my response to your propitious and continuous grace by yielding (offering) my 'total self' back to you. Lord, my acknowledgment is this: It was you, who before the foundation of the world, endowed me with everything favorable. For that, I thank you sir and I humbly submit."
Greetings to All,
As I sit down to write a few words about this very essential element of the Kingdom citizen's experience, I am humbled all the more. In part, to have meditated and received such illumination from God and in part to have you as readers. My efforts to fully capture and present God's wisdom on this subject are undoubtedly insufficient; nonetheless allow these written words to find a secure lodging place in your heart. It is my belief that by taking this brief journey regarding humility from a biblical perspective with me, your life will become richer.
Biblical humility is a freedom! That's right, a freedom from the 'flesh-born' disease of egotism and pride, which grows out of the recognition that all we have and are comes from God. The apostle Paul penned it like this in I Corinthians 15:10a - It is but by the grace of God (that) I am what I am... Furthermore, biblical humility acknowledges that anything and everything that is praiseworthy about us is not only God-originated, but God-sustained. Therefore, all credit, glory, and honour must be deferred to Him as both the originator and the sustainer. So then, at the base level, humility acknowledges that we have absolutely 'no-thing' to glory in. All that we possess, tangible or intangible, is a gift from Him. Note the words of our Lord's half-brother James:
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." - James 1:17
So with this understanding should come a deep and profound sense of gratitude which should prompt willing submission to God. As we'll see later, humility carries with it a decision to act.
Now most of us have heard of the notion that pride serves as humility's greatest rival. This is certainly a true saying. All self-boastings, over-confidences, and self-reliances are unprofitable exercises in pride (Rom. 12:3). Pride is rooted in selfishness. Selfishness is too much attention on and recognition of - 'self'. Whereas, humility rests in the recognition and praise of another (Rom. 12:10; Phil. 2:3-4). You see, self-boasting or self-reliance of any sort is a privilege exclusive to God alone. Read the following scriptures as the Lord talks about Himself:
"I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour." - Isaiah 43:11
"Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." - Isaiah 44:6
In the New Testament, even Jesus, being God in the flesh and naturally deserving of all praise and adoration humbled himself and became obedient to the Father unto death (Phil 2:8). With Jesus being our greatest human example, we see that obedience and humility are linked. In essence, our willingness to obey God reveals our humility stance. Therefore, with humility is the decision to act obediently. This is also true within certain of our human relationships. In light of this discussion, take a second and briefly consider the relationships between (1) parents and children, (2) supervisors and employees, (3) pastors and members, etc. We'll discuss more on humility within these relationships at a later time.
For now, as a final thought, humility must be evidenced in our behaviors and dispositions understanding that God is the only one who cannot become any better. Even on our "good days", if we justly measure ourselves against Christ we'll discover that there is still plenty room for improvement. Moreover, as we see ourselves clearer through humility, declarations such as, "Lord, I humbly submit," will echo from our hearts the balance of our days.
In The Service of The King,
DSW
P.S. - For all the scriptures referenced above, I have provided a bible search box to the right of this blog screen for your convenience. You can view these scriptures in different bible versions. I look forward to hearing from you and reading your comments.
Greetings to All,
As I sit down to write a few words about this very essential element of the Kingdom citizen's experience, I am humbled all the more. In part, to have meditated and received such illumination from God and in part to have you as readers. My efforts to fully capture and present God's wisdom on this subject are undoubtedly insufficient; nonetheless allow these written words to find a secure lodging place in your heart. It is my belief that by taking this brief journey regarding humility from a biblical perspective with me, your life will become richer.
Biblical humility is a freedom! That's right, a freedom from the 'flesh-born' disease of egotism and pride, which grows out of the recognition that all we have and are comes from God. The apostle Paul penned it like this in I Corinthians 15:10a - It is but by the grace of God (that) I am what I am... Furthermore, biblical humility acknowledges that anything and everything that is praiseworthy about us is not only God-originated, but God-sustained. Therefore, all credit, glory, and honour must be deferred to Him as both the originator and the sustainer. So then, at the base level, humility acknowledges that we have absolutely 'no-thing' to glory in. All that we possess, tangible or intangible, is a gift from Him. Note the words of our Lord's half-brother James:
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." - James 1:17
So with this understanding should come a deep and profound sense of gratitude which should prompt willing submission to God. As we'll see later, humility carries with it a decision to act.
Now most of us have heard of the notion that pride serves as humility's greatest rival. This is certainly a true saying. All self-boastings, over-confidences, and self-reliances are unprofitable exercises in pride (Rom. 12:3). Pride is rooted in selfishness. Selfishness is too much attention on and recognition of - 'self'. Whereas, humility rests in the recognition and praise of another (Rom. 12:10; Phil. 2:3-4). You see, self-boasting or self-reliance of any sort is a privilege exclusive to God alone. Read the following scriptures as the Lord talks about Himself:
"I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour." - Isaiah 43:11
"Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." - Isaiah 44:6
In the New Testament, even Jesus, being God in the flesh and naturally deserving of all praise and adoration humbled himself and became obedient to the Father unto death (Phil 2:8). With Jesus being our greatest human example, we see that obedience and humility are linked. In essence, our willingness to obey God reveals our humility stance. Therefore, with humility is the decision to act obediently. This is also true within certain of our human relationships. In light of this discussion, take a second and briefly consider the relationships between (1) parents and children, (2) supervisors and employees, (3) pastors and members, etc. We'll discuss more on humility within these relationships at a later time.
For now, as a final thought, humility must be evidenced in our behaviors and dispositions understanding that God is the only one who cannot become any better. Even on our "good days", if we justly measure ourselves against Christ we'll discover that there is still plenty room for improvement. Moreover, as we see ourselves clearer through humility, declarations such as, "Lord, I humbly submit," will echo from our hearts the balance of our days.
In The Service of The King,
DSW
P.S. - For all the scriptures referenced above, I have provided a bible search box to the right of this blog screen for your convenience. You can view these scriptures in different bible versions. I look forward to hearing from you and reading your comments.
July 11, 2009
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