FAITH vs. UNBELIEF

Unbelief will leave us lacking.

UNBELIEF...

• Caused Zacharias to be struck dumb
• Caused Israel to miss the Promised Land
• Caused Nazareth to lose out on the miraculous

"...whoever would draw near to God MUST BELIEVE...that he rewards those who seek him." (Heb 11:6 ESV)

"ALL THINGS are possible to one who believes." (Mark 9:23 ESV)

TAKE OWNERSHIP

The "blame game" has been going on for many years! It's almost always easier to blame someone or something else when we fall short. "The devil made me do it!" is not an uncommon phrase. Modern psychology has taught people to place the blame on a parent or the circumstances of their upbringing.
At what point do we accept responsibility for OUR OWN SIN?
When does my mistake really become my mistake?

James appropriately wrote, "Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of HIS OWN LUST..." (James 1:14).
John added a point about Cain when he said "HIS OWN WORKS WERE EVIL..." (1 John 3:12).
Learning to accept responsibility for our own actions is vital to our personal success in life!

This mindset is important not only in relation to our sin, but it is important when speaking of our SALVATION! While it may be others that lead a person to Jesus Christ, each individual must make up their own mind whether or not they will serve God.
Acts 26:28 records these words, "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."
While Paul could testify and share the Gospel with Agrippa, he didn't have ability to make the decision for him. Only Agrippa could make that call.
The same is true today! No person has the authority, obligation, or ability to repent on behalf of another. No person can be baptized in another's place. 
SALVATION IS PERSONAL!
As Peter admonished the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem on Pentecost, "SAVE YOURSELVES..." (Acts 2:40).
The Apostle Paul would later write to the church in Philippi, "WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION..." (Philippians 2:12).

In the words of Elisha A. Hoffman, the songwriter,
It is mine, mine,
blessed be His name!
He has given peace, 
perfect peace to me;
It is mine, mine,
blessed be His name!
Mine for all eternity!

FEET

Feet...

They take us places we need to go. Sometimes they take us places we DON'T need to go.

Jeremiah, the Old Testament prophet, made note about people who loved to wander and didn't refrain their feet (Jer 14:10).

Taking a walk or a hike through the woods or up a mountain on a path that we've never been on before can be an exciting adventure. Driving an old country road in an unfamiliar area can be refreshing. But, these same things can also get us lost! Many people have become disoriented and lost all sense of direction because they allowed their feet to wander down the wrong path. If a person is going to venture into never explored territories, it is best to have some kind of a guide. A map, a GPS device, or the instructions of a trusted person are helpful.

God has not left us without direction! He never intended for us to wander aimlessly!
The Psalmist declared, "Thy word is a lamp unto my FEET" (Psa 119:105).
Proverbs tells us, "the path of the just is as the shining light" (Pro 4:18).

While God wants to take up places we've never been before, through His Word, there will always be a light that goes before our FEET to illuminate the path before us.

Getting the Word Below the Surface

Luke 9:44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

"sink down" - That's an interesting description used by Jesus, especially since He is referring to spoken words and not something tangible like a submarine submerging beneath the surface of the water.

How many times have we been accused of not listening? Perhaps we heard what was being said, but we didn't really understand what was being communicated. Maybe we were only "half-way" listening. It could have been that we simply forgot what we were told.

Ever heard a parent tell a child, "you need to get it through your thick head..."?

When the Lord speaks to us, somehow, we must be able to get His words beneath the surface of our lives. We have a tendency to retain so little of what we hear through the course of a day. But, if we are privileged to hear from God, we want to be able to keep it.

Paul said, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;" (Colossians 3:16). Said another way, "Let His words go deep and not remain on the surface."

Moses wrote that His words should be laid up in our heart and soul (Deuteronomy 11:18-20).

The Psalmist wrote about the Word being hid in his heart (Psalm 119:11).

The prophet mentions that when he found the Word, he ate it (Jeremiah 15:16).

Jesus said His words should abide in us (John 15:7).

May the Lord help us today to not only HEAR His words, but RETAIN His words.

Numbers 14

Numbers 14:4 (ESV) - "And they said to one another, 'Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.'"

It is notable the things that were being said by those who lacked faith in God and possessed a rebellious spirit toward the man of God.

First, they desired a different leader. God had chosen Moses. He put Moses in their lives to lead them out of their slavery. Yet, consistently, we find a people that lacked a loyalty toward Moses and faith in God.

It is telling of individuals that regularly criticize godly leadership. Many times people begin looking for different leadership when their faith in God is lacking. Often times, they need someone or something to blame. The natural thing to do is condemn the leader instead of looking in the mirror.

Second, they desired to return to Egypt. Of all the places to want to go, they wanted to go back the land of their bondage. Again, when there is a lack of faith in God, people want to go back to their "comfort zone." When there is a fear, people turn back.

When God brings a person out of the world, it is important they maintain their confidence in God to see them through. There is a temptation in most to return to the beggarly elements of the world at the first sign of discomfort.

Have faith in God.

Resist the temptation to question everything about the man of God in your life.

Refuse the pull to return to the pit from which you were delivered.

The Fear of the Lord

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, so writes the wise man of Proverbs. A healthy fear of God is Scriptural. A "fear" of God is best described as a reverence. God is to be revered for who He is. Many times a person's level of understanding of God will determine their level of respect and awe of God.

Notice the word of the Lord as He comments on their fear.

Isaiah 29:13 ESV

And the Lord said:
“Because this people draw near with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
while their hearts are far from me,
and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,

Their fear did not come as a result of a respect for God, rather their "fear of me is a commandment taught by men."

Some have come to the place that their respect, reverence, and awe of God is based on a man-made commandment and not out of humility before Him.

Man may have the ability to persuade others to fear God based on a man-made commandment. This seems to produces hypocrisy and empty Christianity.

But a genuine and true fear of the Lord is born out of revelation of the greatness of God.

David wrote in Psalms 8 - "O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth... what is man that thou art mindful of him."

David's fear came not from man's word, but from a healthy reverence for the King of glory.

Fear God for who He is and not based on the commandment of men!

The Enemy is Defeated

Isaiah 14 gives a good summary of the destiny of our enemy.

v. 12 - "you are fallen...you are cut down"

v. 15 "you are brought down"

v. 19 - "you are cast out"

It is encouraging to know that our enemy is defeated.

Thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ! - 2 Corinthians 2:14

3 Steps Every Father Should Take

Genesis 28:1a "Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and directed him"

There is a simple lesson in this verse for fathers who would like to be better leaders to their children.

First, our children must be "called" by us. That is, they must hear their name come from the lips of their dad. A son should know that his dad has confidence in him and not simply ignoring his potential.

Second, we see that Isaac "blessed" his son. Do we bless our sons or berate them? Instead of becoming our child's best critic, we should become the one that imparts everything godly to them. When we bless our sons, we are giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Finally, it is the duty and obligation of every father to give "direction" to their son. Proverbs 22:6 instructs parents to train up a child in the way he should go and the Apostle Paul 6 says to raise them in the admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) . There is a path that seems right to every man, but like the Ethiopian in the book of Acts children need "some man should guide me" (Acts 8:31).

Dads should rise to the position of leading their homes by "calling", "blessing", and "directing."

Take Up Thy Bed

Luke 5:25 - "And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God." (ESV)

The preceding verse is taken from the story of the paralytic that Jesus healed after he was lowered into a room through a hole in the roof by some of his companions. Jesus was initially challenged when he told the man that his sins had been forgiven, but afterward, healed him also.

It is noteworthy that Jesus told the man to pick up his bed (v.24). Interestingly enough, Jesus healed the man, but then instructed him to take up the couch that he had been lying. The bed was the place that he had been confined to for years. His bed, in a sense, had power over him because he was unable to get away from it. His bed represented who he was.

When Jesus told him to pick up his bed, verse 25 tells us "immediately he rose...and picked up what he had been lying."

The very place that he had been confined to was the thing that he took control over. He was not only forgiven and physically healed, he now held in his hands everything that represented who he was for so many years. He was at a place that he now had victory over it.

When Jesus Christ changes our lives, He gives us the power and victory over our past! Our past might be filled with excuses and reasons of why it didn't happen, or why it could never happen. It might be circumstances that have dictated us for many years.

At some place in time, we must take control over the thing that has held us prisoner for so many years. Low self esteem, addictions, vices, broken relationships, abuses are all things that seem to plague many people. But when Jesus Christ gives the command to RISE and TAKE UP THY BED - that is the time to get up and take control and claim victory over the your "bed."

Discernment

John Maxwell – “Discernment goes deeper than knowledge, resembling intuition. At times, discernment is a gift; at other times, it results from much experience. Discernment brings a profound perception of what is occurring, either on the outside or the inside of a person.”

Lifting People

"The strong man does not prove how strong he is by standing on top of a stack of weights; he demonstrates his strength by showing how much weight he can lift. Neither does an effective leader prove anything by putting people down. Leaders are weightlifters." - J. Mark Jordan Living and Leading in Ministry, p. 46

"Sin Lieth at the Door"

God warned Cain.

Sin is waiting.

It's ready to pounce like a tiger stalking its prey.

"... if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." (Genesis 4:6, ESV)

Cain had no reason to be angry with God.

His offering was not acceptable.

God is very interested in our offering.

He pays attention to the attitude and spirit behind our gift.

We have to have a right relationship with our brother before we can bring anything to the offer God (Matthew 5:23-24).

If we do well - God will accept us and our offering (Genesis 4:5).

If we do not well - sin is waiting and ready to pounce on us.

"present your bodies a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1)

"let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually" (Hebrews 13:15)

"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain..." (Hebrews 11:4

WHAT KIND OF AN OFFERING WILL GOD RECEIVE TODAY?

Christian Perfection

"I am called to live in perfect relation to God so that my life produces a longing after God in others lives, not admiration for myself" - Oswald Chambers

The Superiority of the Son of God

Just a few notes about the superiority of Jesus Christ from Hebrews 1:

• the Son has been appointed heir of all things (v2)
• He is the brightness (radiance) of God's glory (v3)
• He is the exact imprint or express image of God's nature (v3)
• He sustains all things by the word of His power (v3)
• the Son has purified of us from our sins (v3)
• He occupies the position at the right hand of the Majesty on high (v3)
• He became much superior than the angels(v4)
• He has inherited a more excellent name than the angels(v4)
• all the angels of God have been told to worship Him(v6)
• His throne is forever and ever (v8)
• His throne is established in righteousness (v8)
• the Son was anointed with the oil of gladness above His companions
• He created the heavens and the earth (v10)
• He remains and His years have no end (vs11-12)
• His enemies have been made His footstool (v13)

The Land of Blessings and Battles

Moses sent 12 spies, one from each tribe, to examine a land that was promised to them. They were encouraged to go throughout the area and "see what the land is" (Numbers 13:18). The spies went from the North to the South, to the East and to the West. During their espionage they acquired some of the fruit of the land; a cluster of grapes, some pomegranates and figs.

The 12 spies also noted people dwelling in fortified cities, the descendants of Anak, and several other groups living in the land flowing with milk and honey.

It quickly became apparent to these 12 representatives that the land they were commissioned to spy on was not only a land with abundant blessings but also a land where battles would be fought. In order to enjoy the blessings God had for them, they were going to have to fight some battles. When asked for their report of the land, two of them gave the thumbs up to move forward and take the land. The other ten were not convinced.

Blessings and Battles

In order for people to take possession of the blessings in store for them, there will be battles they will have to fight. God's blessings often don't come without sacrifice. His favor is frequently found in the midst of a struggle.

Walking with God is the greatest privilege this life affords a human being. But, this privileged life doesn't come without first having to fight some battles and driving out the enemies that currently possess this promised land.

Finding A Place for God

Life is busy.

People are busy.

There never seems to be a lack of things to do.

A person that is bored in this day and age chooses to be so.

However, in the midst of busy-ness, there must be room for God in a life.

The Psalmist said it so well,

Psalms 132:3-5 (English Standard Version)

3 "I will not enter my house

or get into my bed,

4 I will not give sleep to my eyes

or slumber to my eyelids,

5 until I find a place for the Lord,

a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."

So the question must be asked:

Does God have a "dwelling place" in my life?

The cares of life seem to have a way of choking out the important things in life (Luke 8:14).

When Mary and Joseph sought a place to stay the night because of her pregnancy we are told, "there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)

Lots of things seem to crowd God out of a person's life:

• Money
• Greed
• Hobby
• Entertainment/amusements
• Envy
• Vacation
• Bitterness
• Education
• Career
• Relationships

The list could go on and on but the fact remains that each person must be willing to lay aside some things to be make room for God! (Hebrews 12:1)

God's Knowledge

As the Old Testament patriarch faced the scrutiny of his "friends" he responded with this question. "Will it be well with you when He searches you out?" (Job 13:9 NKJV). Job was facing much criticism from his accusers. It ultimately led him to ask the question in hopes of causing them to realize their own shortcomings.

It is sobering to consider that God has the ability to know every aspect of a man. Reading through Psalm 139 reveals God's omniscience...

Psalms 139:1-17

O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

Our position doesn't veil God's awareness about us. He knows whether we are lying down or standing up straight. Our location doesn't keep God's eye from following us to and fro. He is able to perceive if we are in heaven or in hell. The time of day has no bearing on God's profound ability to know us. If it is dark or daylight, he knows all about us.

The writer of Hebrews gives a glimpse of God's unmatched ability:

Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

What is the result of being under God's microscope? What kind of things show up? Pride? Lust? Envy? Bitterness? Dishonesty? Anger? God has more than just a surface knowledge of a person. It is futile for a person to think they might be concealing their true identity from a God that possesses limitless knowledge.

The upside to this realization is that God not only sees every fault and shortcoming in a man, but He is also keenly aware of every hurt, victory, scar, disappointment, problem, sickness, mountain, valley, heartache, thorn, emotion, celebration, etc... that a person experiences. The Lord not only knows the bad side of a person, but He can see the positive also.

The Apostle that wrote to the saints in Rome said it well, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out." (Romans 11:33).

The Greatness of God

O Lord my God,

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all

The works Thy Hand hath made,

I see the stars,

I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy pow’r throughout

The universe displayed;

Carl Boberg wrote the words to this well known hymn "How Great Thou Art" in 1886. They are reminiscent of David's words in Psalm 8 - "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?"

More recently Chris Tomlin penned the words to a song that is sung weekly in churches all over. "The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty; Let all the earth rejoice; All the earth rejoice. He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide; And trembles at His voice; Trembles at His voice."

There are no words that can adequately encapsulate all that God is or sufficiently describe His greatness. Carl Boberg, David, and Chris Tomlin have all made laudable attempts but in reality the task is overwhelming. David would later write in the 143rd Psalm - "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable." Perhaps the Lord Himself said it best when He inspired the prophet to write, "To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, or compare me, that we may be like?"

There is no God - like our God!

Contentment Is Learned

Philippians 4:11-13

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The same writer that penned the letter to the Corinthian church wrote the words above. "I have learned...to be content."

The Apostle had been on both ends of the spectrum and through his experiences he "learned" that contentment is not based on circumstances. His attitude was that in "whatsoever state I am" - he would be content. Contentment is often "learned." It is through good times and bad times that we learn. It is through opportunities gained and opportunities lost that we learn. Many people strive to climb another rung on the ladder of success hoping they will find fulfillment and satisfaction, but when they arrive - they "learn" it was NOT what they were looking for.

The ability to maintain a steady and contented spirit in every circumstance and situation in life is definitely not something that comes natural to us humans. It takes the grace of God. It takes a constant infusion of His influence.

Joni Eareckson Tada recently wrote a book entitled, "A Lifetime of Wisdom: Embracing the Way God Heals You." In it, she makes the following statement. "How we need this abundant, free-flowing stream! It requires a special act of grace to accommodate ourselves to every condition of life, to carry an equal temper of mind through every circumstance."

She later writes, "The New Testament word translated contentment in our English Bible means "sufficiency." I've been told that Paul uses the same Greek root here in Philippians that he does in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where he says God's grace is sufficient."

The amazing grace of God is a teacher (Titus 2:11-12). If we will allow God to teach - we can learn. That is why Paul could write - "I can do all things through Christ which strengheneth me." (Philippians 4:13).

Where is Contentment Found?

The Apostle Paul is not like a typical American. He said he was content "with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities." How odd is that? In weaknesses? During persecution? What was this guy thinking? But Paul had a series of prayer meetings that proved to be insightful. In one of these meetings, the Lord spoke to him and said, "My grace is sufficient for you..." Because of God's sufficient grace - Paul was content.

Most of us seem to think we will be able to find contentment in something we purchase. Because of this lack of understanding we are motivated to buy another car or another home looking for that feeling of fulfillment.

Ultimately, we can find what we are looking for in the power of Christ. In our times of weakness and hardship, the strength of the Lord is perfected in our lives.

That is why this man could say he found contentment. As long as he was facing trouble and insults, he understood that the grace of God would be present!

May God help us live abundant and fulfilled lives in the midst of our circumstances.

Blessings!

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV)

7 So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.