Envy and Out

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16 (NKJV)

There are many areas of life that are potential powder kegs to our Christian walk, but in my experience, envy is the match that lights them. It’s that driving ‘the grass is always greener’ force that is the number one reason our first two earthly parents fell into original sin. Satan said God was holding out on them, implying, and lying (John 8:44), that God was doing so out of jealousy. Envy moved Adam and Eve to put that match to the fuse of their rebellion. Envy was the motivating factor in Lucifer’s downfall (Isaiah 14:14).

Envy are feelings of discontent and resentment. Envy plays out in longing for other’s possessions, which usually leads to the fuse being lit by animosity, bitterness, and finally unrestrained anger, either in verbal or physical aggression. Envy results in suffering, warfare, theft of property, both nationally and humanly speaking, and desires to have what does not belong to us. Envy is the poster-child of ingratitude.

With all the physical fallout that can be seen with envy it’s easy to deny we even deal with it a little bit. But do you ever see a sharp car you wished you were driving, someone’s boat you wish was yours, another man’s woman, or another woman’s man you think would be a better fit than your current model? I have and still find myself struggling with those feelings at times, yet I refer back to 2^nd Corinthians 10:5 and tear down every elevated place or thing that is a barrier to my relationship with Christ, taking captive every thought in obedience to Him.

Remember, it’s not a sin to be tempted. The writer in the Book of Hebrews says our Lord Jesus was tempted in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). The problem comes when we hold a jealousy in our hearts that can be likened to holding a little bird. It’s at first soft and innocent, pleasantly deceptive to the touch, but as we hold on to it, it grows into a bird of prey that bites and devours us in our relations with others and the Lord Jesus. The sin comes in nursing it.

When we find ourselves holding that innocent little bird of jealousy and resentment, we can open our hearts and let it fly, allowing the Lord Jesus to take it captive. Becoming a slave to Christ in obedience brings true freedom. It sounds counterproductive, but it’s true. Whom the Son makes free is free indeed (John 8:36). When that bird lights, envy and out is the right move to make. Turn it loose and let it fly.

Ken

 

 

Apples and Oranges

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

A sailor, home on leave, decided to pay his respects to an old friend’s grave. As he laid his flowers on the grave he noticed an old Chinese gentleman, who in the oriental custom, was placing some apples and oranges on a grave next to his friend’s.

The sailor looked down at the old man and sneered. “When’s he going to come up and eat that fruit?” The astute Oriental smiled and nodded at the grave of his friend and said, “At the same moment your friend comes up to smell his flowers.”

It is sometimes hard for us to forebear the differences we see in others when the differences we demonstrate are all too evident and perhaps odd to others. Unfortunately, we can be all too quick to judge other brothers and sisters’ freedom in Christ. Someone may worship with hands raised, or might prefer the King James Version while another prefers the English Standard. Another may like old hymns over contemporary Christian, or may even feel church worship is to be done without instruments. The list can go on and on, but these are things that do not alter the message or work of salvation.

I know from my own experience I can tend toward judging apples and oranges. It’s easy to allow an unloving spirit to lead me into areas that are my own preferences and partialities. Humility, patience, and kindness are quickly overcome by prejudice. I sneer at apples and oranges, as the flowers in my hand droop.

As God has made differences among Creation that add luster and beauty, so He has accentuated our lives with differences in people in the church that can still honor, praise and bring Him glory. Our response need not be one of a critical spirit. We have the freedom to enjoy the fragrance of spiritual flowers but let’s not judge those who prefer the sweetness of an orange or the crisp bite of an apple in areas of differential preference. Critical spirits lead to a legalistic, a my-way-is-the-only-way mindset. Paul reminds us to see other’s differences with understanding and grace (Romans 14:3, Colossians 2:16).

Longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit holds us in the bond of peace. When we can find ourselves judging someone else’s apples and oranges we can lay our flowers down and enjoy a nice fruit salad.

Ken

That Slight Smell of Sheep

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here? Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.” 1^st Samuel 16:11 (NKJV)

How God chooses to work sometimes can be mysterious. The mystery can be in the way He chooses, and with whom He chooses to do it. He will always choose the weaker vessel. The one who is always the last one chosen for that P.E. game. You know the one. Maybe it was you who were "stuck" with having to be his or her captain. Perhaps you were that one not chosen first. God works apart from human counsel or wisdom. He is sovereign and knows the future perfectly. Above all He knows the heart.

When Israel faced having to replace Saul as their king, God did not go into the palace and choose anyone of royal descent. He did not turn to the Israeli War College and choose a mighty warrior. He went to a pasture in Bethlehem and chose a shepherd with a humble heart named David. Some suppose he was a lad of perhaps 10-15 years of age when he was anointed and commissioned as king. He later ruled in Hebron for seven years, then over all Israel for another 33 years. God blessed David’s righteous reign, leading Israel into an era of spiritual growth and economic expansion.

In using people, God uses what the world discounts as weak and foolish to shame down and disgrace the arrogant (1^st Corinthians 1:27). People who may not have the station, looks, or breeding but have hearts that love God with their complete soul and mind are His desire and first choice. In their weaknesses His Strength is made perfect, giving Him great honor and glory.

Scripture says of David that he was a man after God’s own heart (1^st Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). He would not have been Samuel’s first choice for the prophet judged with the eyes. But he was God’s choice for He always judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Seeing others as God sees them is where He wants us to live. We need not be offended because anyone He sends our way might bear a slight smell of sheep. In God’s eyes he is acceptable. In God’s eyes he could be a king in the making.

Jesus, help me today to see others as You do and love them as You love them, realizing grace is always an acceptable sacrifice. Amen

Ken

Russian to Judgment?

“And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” says the LORD God, “that My fury will show in my face.”  Ezekiel 38:18

If one is following current world news, they are aware of the threat the nation of Russia is posing to world stability in the current crisis with Ukraine. There’s no guarantee with no one to oppose it, Russia will stop with Ukraine but be emboldened in its incursions against other nations. What is going to happen to the nation of Israel, and what is God going to do about it?

Approximately ¼ of biblical Scripture deals with God’s prophetic timeline. The Israeli prophet, Ezekiel, wrote some 2600 years ago of a people and time that would involve Israel in the last days before His Messiah’s kingdom is established. 

God foretells through Ezekiel that when Israel is a restored nation and Israelis are dwelling safely in the land, a ruler “from your place out of the far north,” (38:15) will attack with a coalition of nations. “Far north” can mean Russia but can include Turkey. They are both far north of Israel.

The list of nations aligned in this antisemitic coalition include Russia, as the coalition leader (‘Gog,’ ‘Rosh’), Magog (Russia, Turkey), Turkey (‘Gomer’ & ‘Togarmah’), Persia (modern day Iran), Cush (northern Sudan), Put (modern Libya), and Meshech (Central Asia Republics).

This invasion will be orchestrated by powerful world leaders who will be led by the region's superpower, which will be Russia. The pretense for the invasion will more than likely be justified to solidify an Arab/Israeli middle eastern peace. However, it will be based on an evil thought to plunder the most prosperous nation in the Middle East (38:10).

America will be too weak, morally, to intervene to much effect, and former enemies of the state of Israel, now on diplomatic terms, will only lodge mediocre protests, but offer Israel no assistance. The coalition armies will advance into Israel with storm-like ferocity, like a cloud covering the earth (Ezekiel 38:9). The Israelis will be caught off guard and completely at the mercy of millions of military belligerents and their weapons.

At that time God will stand for His chosen people. His anger will flare out against this coalition and He will intervene on their behalf. He will cause a great earthquake (38:19), so severe it will topple mountains, cliffs and walls. In their panic the opposing armies will become disoriented and begin attacking and killing each other (38:21). “I will judge him [the armies] with plague and bloodshed. I will rain down on him, his troops and the many peoples who are with him a torrential downpour, hailstones, fire, and brimstone" (38:22). 

The coalition will be completely stopped. The annihilation will be such that Israel will be burying the dead for seven months (39:12). Israel will realize their military cannot save them, but their God can and will. He says He will be glorified and exalted and sanctify Israel in the sight of many nations (39:27). Remember He does not tell us these things to scare us but to prepare us. We will know when these things happen and why. He is just and judges rightly.

I have been a believer in Christ for over 65 years and have never seen the prophetic word coming to pass with such speed! As believers, we may not live to see ourselves die, but may soon find ourselves instantly transformed by the power and love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (1^st Thessalonians 4:15). Whether we will be here to see this invasion or raptured beforehand is debated among many. Please be assured I’m not setting specific times or dates. Those times are only known to the Father (Matthew 24:36). I am speaking only of the signs revealed in His prophetic timeline given by the Jewish prophets and our Lord Jesus Christ, Himself.

God is still on the throne and guiding mankind’s choices according to His will. I can only say with the Apostle John, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Be encouraged.

Ken

 

 

Said and Done

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the LORD GOD, That I may declare all Your works (Psalm 73:28)

Many of you are probably following current world events, with the Russian Federation’s continuing vise-like encroachment on Ukraine and the Iranian regime is seen being weeks away from having a nuclear bomb. It seems the earth is teetering on the precipice of World War III and the total destruction of life as we know it. And many who do not understand the inspired biblical writings of the Hebrew prophets, concerning the promises of God, might have a heightened sense of anxiety and dread.

Jesus told His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me," (John 14:1). The context was His continuing care and fulfilling of what He promised.

It’s been said there are 365 verses in the Bible that tell us not to fear, one for every day. I have not found that many, so I’m not sure who started that. However, I am sure not fearing is a solid biblical principle, woven throughout God's Word, pointing us toward greater trust in His intentions and plan. He is in complete control of all events, even to deposing world leaders and raising them up (Daniel 2:21).

Total trust doesn’t mean there won’t be moments of anxiety or heart palpitations at world events. That’s a normal human response, but to be overcome by fear is not what He wants for you. That’s why He has revealed the future to us through Scripture. It places within us the hope and knowledge that God is working His plan of total universal redemption (Revelation 21:1).

The Bible is ¼ prophetic in its writings. God wants us to know what He is doing by His own will, not to scare us, but to prepare us. All I can say is He has a plan and Perfect wisdom and power to see it done.

So, breathe easier. Go ahead and read the last chapter first (Revelation 22) and see how God’s plan ends for those who have trusted in Him. It may seem as though things have descended into the pit of hell to perish forever, but God says otherwise. “Have I not told you and will I not do it?” Let God be true and every man a liar. He does not change (Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6). Said and done.

What is happening in the world today is as old as history itself and as new and relevant as this morning’s sunrise. We are living in exciting times. We are living in Biblical times. All is being overseen and controlled according to the will of the Greatest and most Perfect sentient Being in the universe. One whose angels are ever standing above His Throne crying “Holy, Holy, Holy, LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:2-3).  He is working to make all things new. Behold He has told us, and will He not do it?  Yes, He will. Take comfort in that, Beloved. And read that last chapter again for good measure.

Ken

Sand in the Sandals

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:4)

There are walks in the spiritual wilderness that can bring us a desert season of doubt. These seasons can make us or break us. Sometimes the Lord wants to get our attention because of sins we practice. But what about when we’ve been living a life of obedience to all He commands and we’re still walking with sand in our sandals?

I remember once how after I had been living in complete obedience, I found myself walking in silent, wilderness wastes. One day I cried, “Lord Jesus, what’s going on here? I have dedicated myself to walking in total obedience to Your commandments and I feel like I’ve been abandoned. Why are You silent?”

It was right after that I was listening to a sermon on God’s silence after committing ourselves totally to Him. The pastor spoke of how God can test us. I remember thinking, “Well, that’s fine. He’s God and already knows what I’ll do. So how does that help me?”

Then he said, “God tests but He also proves us. He wants us to see our commitment is set in solid obedience. That we aren’t returning to sinful patterns or going back to old ways of manipulating others for selfish reasons. He will prove us and sometimes He’ll withdraw His presence from us and will go quiet. He’s still with us but He watches and waits to prove us.” In other words, while He knows what we’ll do, He wants us to know, too.

I want to encourage you that if you’ve fully committed to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and you’re in a desert of silence, you’re in good company. Jesus experienced that, too and none other than Satan himself showed up to thwart God’s will. There’s no record in any of the gospels of God speaking to His only Begotten Son in that sandy wilderness situation. Angels did at the finish (Mark 1:13), but God the Father was silent through Jesus’ wilderness experience.

Being tested is one thing but being proved in your commitment to Christ seems far superior to your growth and edification. He already knows what you’ll do, but what glory, honor, and worship you will offer Him in the strength of His victories on your behalf, and what encouragement in those victories for you!

God’s presence in a desert silence can be inferred even if He is not observed. The absence of evidence doesn’t prove the absence of fact.  To prove us God may go silent, but He never goes deaf or blind. He is with you and knows the exact number of grains of sand you are about to brush off those sandals. He reveals that in your weakness you are made strong by His strength (2^nd Corinthians 12:9). In proving you, He proves Himself, so you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

 Ken

Assembly Required

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching Hebrews 10:25-26

I’ve spoken much about the path to belief in Christ’s redemptive death, and how His shed blood and resurrection from the dead have gained forgiveness and reconciliation with God. OK, but then what?

Fellowship with other saints (believers) is one of the most important areas for Christian growth and support. Finding a fellowship (church) whose doctrines are in line with solid biblical Judeo-Christian values is important. But are all churches the same?

Not all are, and here’s why: People will sometimes confuse different Christian churches (Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Assemblies of God, etc.) as different “religions.”  They are all Christian but considered different ‘denominations.’

Those who are in agreement with the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith, i.e., the Deity of Christ, His Atoning Sacrifice, Bodily Resurrection from the dead and Baptism, at the forefront of faith, can choose to practice them in ways that do not violate Scriptural doctrine. Their practice of biblical doctrine, in worship, praise, fellowship, and encouragement to love and good works, allows them a freedom to follow Christ in reverence and service and express their faith in ways that can be a fulfilling spiritual experience.

Good discipleship (modeling and teaching Christian precepts of the Bible) is the main mission of each and every Christian, followed by a life dedicated to the study of the Word of God, time in prayer, and good works, which naturally flow out of a life in Christ. But where to begin?

From my own experience I have found a church that teaches the Bible, book by book, from Genesis through Revelation can be a great asset to Christian growth. If you’re searching for a church enter ‘bible teaching churches, genesis through revelation in [your town or area]’ in your search engine.  Read their mission statement. Fortunately, many churches still adhere to the tenants of sound biblical faith (Titus 1:9), while, unfortunately, some no longer do, and one needs to be discerning in their choice (2^nd Timothy 2:15).

You may have to visit a few until you find one where you feel comfortable in sound Scriptural doctrine and with the congregation. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be sure.

If you’re looking, ask God to give you wisdom and an understanding spirit. James writes: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

May you be encouraged in your walk with Christ Jesus, whether it is just beginning or a path well-trodden. As God has called us to follow Him, He is faithful to lead, teach, and sustain us at every step. Ask Him to fill you with the power of His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

As He has promised, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20), so shall He ever be. Grace, Peace, and Blessing in your every endeavor in Christ Jesus.

Ken