a gud werd

Honor

I’ve been reading my Bible recently.
I read a story that relates to an idea that a lot of people have been talking about lately -
Honoring authority.

I’m going to read you this story, it takes place in 1 Samuel 24. It’s a story about David and King Saul.
Saul was after David. Saul was crazy. He’s been chasing David around all over the place to grab hold of his neck, for, honestly, no reason whatsoever besides the fact that David was a good man. There was no mercy in Saul’s heart for his servant David.

1 Samuel 24

1After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.” 2 So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.

3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, “This is the day the LORD spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the LORD.” 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

8 Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. 9He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? 10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the LORD’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. 12 May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.

14 “Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Who are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? 15 May the LORD be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.”

16 When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. 17 “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. 18 You have just now told me about the good you did to me; the LORD delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. 19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today. 20 I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

No one would have blamed David for killing Saul when he had the chance - it would’ve been considered an act of self defense. But David knew where he stood, and that was under the authority of the king who God Himself had hand-picked.

Do you think God does not know who’s in authority over you? Does He not know the very heart of your boss, or your teacher, or your parent?
David gave us an example of honoring leadership - but on such a deeper level than just that - he showed that the righteous thing for him to do was not to lay a hand on Saul even when Saul was acting out of line.
Did David conspire with his friends on how to destroy Saul in order to avenge himself? No, in fact his words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul at all.

Instead, he declared, “May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.”

Imagine with me what our culture today would look like if we stepped out of the norm and declared honor upon the ones the Lord has set as our leaders. What if we could be the generation in which our fathers and their fathers could look at us and say, “May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me when I lead you, when I disciplined you, even when I acted out of anger toward you unjustly. You are more righteous than I, you have treated me well.”

I challenge you to accept this standard, and be the David in your generation.

Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual Gifts

In our day and age, especially in the culture we’re all familiar with, speaking of spiritual gifts could be considered casual conversation - someone talking about a prophetic word they had, a friend speaking in tongues for the first time, or a time they heard of a miraculous healing. But to a lot of people, Spiritual gifts can be a sort of intimidating topic to discover, and even more so enter into.
Paul talks about the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians:
8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

A person could feel unable to recognize their Spiritual gift, and sometimes even feel pressured into developing a Spiritual gift. But there are a few things one must remember about Spiritual gifts and their relation to God.
God does things in His own time. He won’t rush something because you want to reap the benefits of it. God will introduce you to your gift when He thinks it’ll be most effective and edifying for you. Maybe that time has already come for you, or maybe you’re still in the time of preparing yourself to be a servant and child of God.
God does not show favoritism. 1 Corinthians 12 says
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”
And also,
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”
People have been able to do so many wonderful things that God has enabled them to do. But sometimes that leads to a spirit of fear, in which one might question whether or not they could be “good enough” or as “successful” as another Christian. The truth is, the Holy Spirit rests on all who receive Him, and does not reject or hold back on any. He does not only give a small portion to one, then the rest to another. When you receive what Christ has given you with a clean heart, you will not be disappointed or less worthy than anyone else.

In closing, Paul says:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.”

Blood

(after Nothing But The Blood"
On that mount
Of flesh and stone
A man was hung
A man was torn
His life poured out
In crimson red
A crown of thorns
Piercing His head
It spilled to earth
Soaked in the ground
All for the call
Of lost sheep found
And at His cross
I laid my cup
And through His love
I was filled up
It filled my words
My empty claims
Spoke righteousness
Instead of shame
He took my face
And washed my head
With all the blood
That He had shed
He stood before
The world of hate
To defend His hand
Upon my fate
And testified
The Father’s heart
And beckons us
To take a part
Of His red blessing
White innocence
Helps us realize
Unearthly confidence
We’re pure as snow
And whole again
Because we know

It’s nothing but Your blood,
Lord Jesus.

Love Is A Standard

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:  “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:34-40

• Jesus says very clearly that love is to be the standard by which we live.

• Not an easy task - a more difficult calling than if He had said “Live according to the laws of Moses” or “Keep your neighbor in line as you keep yourself in line.”

• Loving God and others calls us out of our comfort zone, and into an atmosphere of unnatural patience, peace, and kindness toward others along with a supernatural submission to the Father.

• Big picture sounds great, what about day to day living?

• I’ve heard of a tactic used - with every thing and everyone you interact with, picture Jesus is standing between the two of you. Everything is going from you through Jesus then into the person. Think of Christ as a conduit for your words and actions.

• Another good strategy is to memory verses on love and interacting with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Read through a passage of the Bible before you start your day. Try to start out each day with the right perspective on things.

• When you’re working - what mindset should you have? Love. Know that whatever you put your hands to has potential to bring glory to God and reward to you.

• When you have downtime don’t fall into spiritual downtime as well.

• Show love through honoring others.

• Show your love for God through obeying Him and taking encouragement from Him.

• If there’s some type of physical reminder that would help you, take advantage of it.
• WWJD bracelets, a necklace, some form of jewelry, business card format, poster, etc
• Most important for living with love as a standard:
• Walking with the knowledge that you are genuinely loved by God the Father, and have been blessed with the honor of being considered His child. Know that though Him you have authority and power, and have been called out of living by trudging through the norm.
• Love as you first have been loved!

Dealing With Disagreement 2.0

PRAY

Being Exemplary Through Reacting to Disagreement

We all get into disagreements.

We get that feeling of the need to prove ourselves.

This is a weak point for lots of Christians, even when discussing Christian matters.

So how do we combat it?

Don’t Rush Into Argument

First off, the Bible really clearly says what to do in a matter of a few short words:

Proverbs 17:14

“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”(NIV)

If you are caught in a disagreement with a fellow brother or sister, don’t always assume you’re able to come to terms with the matter quickly on your own. If the problem can’t be solved between the two of you, ask the advice of someone wiser, who you respect.

Proverbs 13:10

“Pride only breeds quarrels,

but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” (NIV)

It often feels like your duty to show others that you're right, but

Proverbs 20:3 (NIV)

“It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”

Don’t Argue For the Sake of Your Pride

Philippians 2:3-4

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (NKJV)

In Galatians we’re presented the consequence of arguing with another, & the blessing of not:

Galatians 6:7-8

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (NIV)

When you get into an argument, you know you’re the right one, you feel it.

But regardless of who’s side is more accurate, no battle will be won with just sharp words. Trying to show someone the “truth” could only lead to more destruction if you’re only doing it because you’re bent on being right.

Proverbs 18:19

“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (KJV)

Proverbs 3:34

34 Surely He scorns the scornful,

But gives grace to the humble.

Don’t stand up for yourself- let God and the Scriptures do that.

1 Peter 5:6 -7

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.

Keep the focus on God

Realize it’s not your place to tell them what they believe is wrong (unless it is in concordance with Scripture for you to do so)

Know that it’s ultimately up to God to settle scores, don’t do it on your own.

James 4:10-12

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Micah 6:8

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (NKJV)

The Lord doesn’t require you to prove each sinner of their sins. Instead:

1 Thess 5 says:

encourage each other and build each other up,

Romans 14:19

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

PRAY

Thoughts on Wrath

Generally Christians avoid the subject of God’s wrath.
Or, they indulge in His wrath and judgement without mentioning His other traits,
and in general other Christians avoid them.

It’s always an awkward topic - especially with nonbelievers - and even more so with skeptics.
But I believe that the root of the problem is a misunderstanding & clouded view of what the wrath of God truly is.

There are a couple things that need to be realized when talking about God’s less popular side:

First of all, the Bible has clearly established that God is Perfect - the epitome of complete, without blemish or mark, omnipotent, almighty. So much so that, in His owns words, He declares that He wants to be called simply: “I AM” (Exodus 3:14)

Secondly, the Bible openly speaks of God’s anger and wrath -
Jeremiah 25:15-16
This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. When they drink it, they will stagger and go mad because of the sword I will send among them.”
John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for
God’s wrath remains on them.
Psalm 52:5-7
Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at him, saying, "Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!"
There are many, many more verses that seem to hold much, much more venom towards humanity.

God does not seem ashamed of this characteristic of His - so why do we as Christians act like we are?

Because we live and grow in this world, we’ve developed a worldview on wrath - it is painful, overpowering, undeserved, and usually seen within an unjust and power-hungry ruler.

Americans especially seem like we’d have a hard time grasping a leader who is wrathful - could you ever imagine the President of the United States to act out on the people in wrath? He would be instantly shut down and kicked out.

Let me share with you a huge quote on the subject, that really helped open by eyes, by A W Pink:

“It is sad to find so many professing Christians who appear to regard the wrath of God as something for which they need to make an apology, or at least they wish there were no such thing. While some would not go so far as to openly admit that they consider it a blemish on the Divine character, yet they are far from regarding it with delight; they like not to think about it, and they rarely hear it mentioned without a secret resentment rising up in their hearts against it. Even with those who are more sober in their judgment, not a few seem to imagine that there is a severity about the Divine wrath which is too terrifying to form a theme for profitable contemplation. Others harbor the delusion that God’s wrath is not consistent with His goodness, and so seek to banish it from their thoughts.
Yes, many there are who turn away from a vision of God’s wrath as though they were called to look upon some blotch in the Divine character, or some blot upon the Divine government. But what saith the Scriptures? As we turn to them we find that God has made no attempt to conceal the fact of His wrath. He is not ashamed to make it known that vengeance and fury belong unto Him.
A study of the concordance will show that there are more references in Scripture to the anger, fury, and wrath of God, than there are to His love and tenderness.
Now the wrath of God is as much a Divine perfection as is His faithfulness, power, or mercy. It must be so, for there is no blemish whatever, not the slightest defect in the character of God; yet there would be if ‘wrath’ were absent from Him!
The wrath of God is His eternal detestation of all unrighteousness. It is the displeasure and indignation of Divine equity against evil. It is the holiness of God stirred into activity against sin. It is the moving cause of that just sentence which He passes upon evil-doers. God is angry against sin because it is a rebelling against His authority, a wrong done to His inviolable sovereignty. Insurrectionists against God’s government shall be made to know that God is the Lord. They shall be made to feel how great that Majesty is which they despise, and how dreadful is that threatened wrath which they so little regarded. Not that God’s anger is a malignant and malicious retaliation, inflicting injury for the sake of it, or in return for injury received. No; while God will vindicate His dominion as Governor of the universe, He will not be vindictive.”

Dealing With Disagreement

Being Exemplary Through Reacting to Disagreement

We all get into disagreements.

We get that feeling of the need to prove ourselves.

This is a weak point for lots of Christians, even when discussing Christian matters.

So how do we combat it?

Don’t Rush Into Argument

First off, the Bible really clearly says what to do in a matter of a few short words:

Proverbs 17:14

“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”(NIV)

If you are caught in a disagreement with a fellow brother or sister, don’t always assume you’re able to come to terms with the matter on your own. If the problem can’t be solved between the two of you, ask the advice of someone wiser, who you respect.

Proverbs 13:10

“Pride only breeds quarrels,

but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” (NIV)

We’re also presented the consequence of arguing with another:

Galatians 6:7-8

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (NIV)

It often feels like a blow to one’s pride, backing off from arguing, but:

Proverbs 20:3 (NIV)

“It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”

Don’t Argue For the Sake of Your Pride

Philippians 2:3-4

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (NKJV)

When you get into an argument, you know you’re the right one, you feel it.

But regardless of who’s side is more accurate, no battle will be won with just sharp words. Trying to show someone the “truth” could only lead to more destruction if you’re only doing it because you’re bent on being right.

Proverbs 18:19

“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (KJV)

Keep in mind that the Father knows what you’re doing, even if the one you’re arguing with doesn’t:

Proverbs 3:34

New King James Version (NKJV)

34 Surely He scorns the scornful,

     But gives grace to the humble.

Don’t stand up for yourself- let God and the Scriptures do that.

1 Peter 5:6 -7

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.

Keep the focus on God

Realize it’s not your place to tell them what they believe is wrong (unless it is in concordance with Scripture for you to do so)

Know that it’s ultimately up to God to settle scores, don’t do it on your own.

James 4

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Micah 6:8

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (NKJV)

The Lord doesn’t require you to prove every sinner wrong. Instead:

1 Thess 5 says:

encourage each other and build each other up,

Romans 14:19

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."