I wouldn't want to see today's passages from Kings on the big screen! Rated R for violence!! Even with just a mental picture, it's hard to forget the gruesome end of Jezebel. If you think God hates evil any less than He did back then, you're wrong. We're still in a war against wickedness-- it just looks different right now, unless you're seeing with spiritual eyes. I'm reminded of one of Jesus' parables, and a line quoted from it: "But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them-- bring them here and kill them in front of me." Luke 19:27 By the time you get to the end of the Bible, your understanding of Jesus will have expanded.
Make no mistake: we still are to be grieved over evil! "Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols." Acts 17:16 And remember how he felt about the girl with the spirit of divination who was following them around? He was irritated. Did he kill the girl? Of course not! He cast the evil spirit out instead. He knew the demon's time was coming. God's purposes at present are to deliver all (who are willing to be delivered) from the grips of evil. We are in the Age of Grace, and we have a different approach: mercy.
Paul taught in one of his letters: "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2 He demonstrated this in his address to the Athenians. He talked with them, even though they had darkened minds and called him a babbler! "Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there." Acts 17:17 NKJV People were won to Christ through his discussions, but also he was persecuted. It really does take longsuffering (patience).
Sometimes we forget how merciful God's ways are with us. We get tired of hearing correction. I'm happy to take my Father's chastening over having His fire break out against me! I am thankful beyond words to Christ for taking my punishment-- my deserved gruesome death-- and extending God's heart of grace and mercy. That IS God's heart, you know! Why else did Christ die? God's still killing off evil in me though, and in all of His Church. The more we "reckon ourselves dead to sin" through the cross, the easier it is on us. (see Romans 6-- this is deep and important doctrine here, and if you need help with it, please go to your pastor.)
A lot of "hellfire and brimstone" preaching has turned us off, perhaps because it was done without love. We are to speak the truth in LOVE. Is it truly love not to warn people that evil will finally be destroyed? How can we truly preach the cross of salvation if we don't let people know that God hates evil! The "world" is trying to make tolerant wimps out of all of us, trying to make us afraid of telling the truth (politically correct "tolerance" is not the same thing as God's grace and mercy!).
We are becoming, as a culture, much too concerned with our safety! This alarms me! If we are not willing to share the true Gospel of the Kingdom-- of the coming Righteous King and of salvation from evil, sin and death through Jesus Christ alone--because we're afraid of the "consequences," (we should be much more afraid of what God thinks) then we have already come under the influence of a Jezebel spirit (which is an anti-christ spirit). And the future of that demonic spirit is parallel to the doom of said queen.
Today, the spiritual war is just as gruesome and bloody as it was in the Old Testament days. I've personally witnessed what happens when a human being, given over to a Jezebel spirit, gets into a Christian assembly (church) and tries to take over. It's ugly. You want to get the person free if you can, but you have to get rid of the demonic infiltration. You have to protect the sheep. The warfare is difficult, painful and dangerous. But Jesus Christ has already won! Victory is assured (if we'll actually fight)!
"The Kingdom of Christ" is the greatest epic ever! [speaking figuratively here] I dare you to watch the Special Features and see what's happening "behind the scenes"! I guarantee you'll take "wearing your armor" a lot more seriously. But you will begin to realize how great it is to serve the King-- and you will never be a wimpy Christian again.
I pray that the spiritual eyes of the whole Body of Christ will be opened, and that we will seek Him for His strength and courage to do His will. The eternal destiny of this generation is at stake. Are we willing to lay down our lives for them?
Showing posts with label martyr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label martyr. Show all posts
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
June 18, 2010 Persecution and Ministering Angels
There are two parallels with the Old and New Testament readings today that stood out to me: 1) the activity of a major demonic spirit, and 2) the activity of ministering angels from God. We call this particular evil spirit "Jezebel", after the queen who allowed it to control her. I see the same evil spirit working in Herod as well, as the evil spirit can work through men as well as women. It seems here that it tries especially to control the person in charge. Keep your eyes open for the workings of this devious spirit, as it is very active at this time in history.
One of the marked traits of the Jezebelian spirit is persecuting and killing the prophets of God (and anything to do with prophetic ministry). It's always good to see the end of a road so as to decide whether we want to be on it or not. Personally, I wouldn't want to be following the same path as a Jezebel spirit, even in a small way. Since we're in the last days, and we've been told that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh and that there would be a lot of prophesying going on (Joel 2: 28-32), I think we should be careful not to be party to an evil spirit who would wish to stop this. It's also good to beware of counterfeits: but if you know the Spirit of Truth, it's pretty easy to spot something that's not Him.
Even though I'm not excited about going through more persecution (although Jesus did say it was coming), I am very much looking forward to seeing more angelic activity (God's ministering angels). As we see in today's passages, when the persecution level goes up, so does the level of angelic ministry. I've personally experienced some angelic ministrations, although I have not "seen" the angels (with my natural eyes). I would certainly like to be aware of more.
If you're not used to (or don't like to be) thinking about supernatural things, you might want to ask the Lord to change your viewpoint. You might find this kind of help to be very much needful in the future. Probably none of us would be alive today if it weren't for the help and protection of God's angels. I'm grateful indeed for a God Who loves us so much that He created a multitude of powerful and holy beings who are willing to serve Him and us! And in God's mercy, He didn't allow Satan, and the other rebellious angels, to run around on Earth without making sure that God's loyal and powerful angels were right there to help us always have the victory.
P.S. I'm reminded of Rick Joyner's little book, When God Walked The Earth-- and I'm wondering how an angel might feel if they were not allowed to save someone, such as James, who was called to be martyred and was killed for the sake of the Gospel. They would then minister a different kind of grace.
One of the marked traits of the Jezebelian spirit is persecuting and killing the prophets of God (and anything to do with prophetic ministry). It's always good to see the end of a road so as to decide whether we want to be on it or not. Personally, I wouldn't want to be following the same path as a Jezebel spirit, even in a small way. Since we're in the last days, and we've been told that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh and that there would be a lot of prophesying going on (Joel 2: 28-32), I think we should be careful not to be party to an evil spirit who would wish to stop this. It's also good to beware of counterfeits: but if you know the Spirit of Truth, it's pretty easy to spot something that's not Him.
Even though I'm not excited about going through more persecution (although Jesus did say it was coming), I am very much looking forward to seeing more angelic activity (God's ministering angels). As we see in today's passages, when the persecution level goes up, so does the level of angelic ministry. I've personally experienced some angelic ministrations, although I have not "seen" the angels (with my natural eyes). I would certainly like to be aware of more.
If you're not used to (or don't like to be) thinking about supernatural things, you might want to ask the Lord to change your viewpoint. You might find this kind of help to be very much needful in the future. Probably none of us would be alive today if it weren't for the help and protection of God's angels. I'm grateful indeed for a God Who loves us so much that He created a multitude of powerful and holy beings who are willing to serve Him and us! And in God's mercy, He didn't allow Satan, and the other rebellious angels, to run around on Earth without making sure that God's loyal and powerful angels were right there to help us always have the victory.
P.S. I'm reminded of Rick Joyner's little book, When God Walked The Earth-- and I'm wondering how an angel might feel if they were not allowed to save someone, such as James, who was called to be martyred and was killed for the sake of the Gospel. They would then minister a different kind of grace.
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11, 2010 When We Cover Our Ears
From the glory and rejoicing of the dedication of Solomon's temple to the hard-hearted stoning of Stephen: what a jolting and disturbing contrast!
I don't have a lot to say about this. Except: this could be us! At any time, it could be me. This is a stark picture of what happens to us when we habitually stop our ears from the Word of God, reject true prophetic expressions from the Lord, or refuse to receive a godly rebuke given in love. Taking the truth can be painful, but when we refuse it, we can kill. (Don't just limit killing to picking up a stone-- you know we can kill with words, with looks, with rejection.)
I pray that the Spirit of Wisdom and Discernment will show us the heart of the matter. One thing I see is that, if we get stuck where we're at and make a religion out of what's supposed to be a relationship, we are at risk of completely misunderstanding, and even outright rejecting, the next thing that God might do. His purposes have been flowing along, right from the beginning, and He's never turned back from where He's been going. The people of Stephen's day were right in the middle of God's river, the same river they were in during Solomon's reign, and yet they misinterpreted what was happening. He even told them in advance what He was going to do.
KEY:
God always goes higher and deeper! Instead of the commandments in the ark and the glory cloud in the holy place of the temple, the living Word was in Stephen and the glory of God had filled him, a temple "not made with hands." [Not just Stephen, but any Christian who allows Him to do so.]
I've seen and heard of God doing some pretty strange things. Sometimes I've misjudged these things, and later had to repent. I think God's going to be doing some very radical things in these days. I've heard some things, even just today, that fit that description, and I'm not going to disregard them. We need discernment, and we definitely need to stay close to Jesus and listen to His Spirit, Who is glad to interpret to us what He is saying and doing in these last days. Let's not cover our ears!
"But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse." Acts 7:57 NASB
Bonus: Discern the difference between following the crowd and the unity of the Spirit.
I don't have a lot to say about this. Except: this could be us! At any time, it could be me. This is a stark picture of what happens to us when we habitually stop our ears from the Word of God, reject true prophetic expressions from the Lord, or refuse to receive a godly rebuke given in love. Taking the truth can be painful, but when we refuse it, we can kill. (Don't just limit killing to picking up a stone-- you know we can kill with words, with looks, with rejection.)
I pray that the Spirit of Wisdom and Discernment will show us the heart of the matter. One thing I see is that, if we get stuck where we're at and make a religion out of what's supposed to be a relationship, we are at risk of completely misunderstanding, and even outright rejecting, the next thing that God might do. His purposes have been flowing along, right from the beginning, and He's never turned back from where He's been going. The people of Stephen's day were right in the middle of God's river, the same river they were in during Solomon's reign, and yet they misinterpreted what was happening. He even told them in advance what He was going to do.
KEY:
God always goes higher and deeper! Instead of the commandments in the ark and the glory cloud in the holy place of the temple, the living Word was in Stephen and the glory of God had filled him, a temple "not made with hands." [Not just Stephen, but any Christian who allows Him to do so.]
I've seen and heard of God doing some pretty strange things. Sometimes I've misjudged these things, and later had to repent. I think God's going to be doing some very radical things in these days. I've heard some things, even just today, that fit that description, and I'm not going to disregard them. We need discernment, and we definitely need to stay close to Jesus and listen to His Spirit, Who is glad to interpret to us what He is saying and doing in these last days. Let's not cover our ears!
"But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse." Acts 7:57 NASB
Bonus: Discern the difference between following the crowd and the unity of the Spirit.
Monday, May 17, 2010
May 17, 2010 Seeing the King
I've long known that David was a fore-shadowing of the Kingship of Christ. Today, the Lord pointed out a parallel in the Scriptures that I have never noticed before. The Old and New Testaments both concur that there are two reactions to the revelation of the true King. It seems when you are confronted with the King, you either love him or hate him.
From all that I have read about them, I have come to the conclusion that David and Jesus were both totally lovable. Not in a "popularity contest" sort of way, but winsome because they were righteous, powerful, wise and serving. Really, it was only the proud and envious leaders that hated them and stirred people up against them. David was celebrated in Israel from the start, but Saul was fearful of him taking the throne from himself and his son Jonathan. He "saw" the true king, but refused to see what he saw. He tried to kill him instead. It's easy to see the parallels in Jesus' life.
The Pharisees "saw" Jesus and His Kingship but willfully refused to see what they saw. After Jesus gave the blind beggar his sight, He said:
“Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him. And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains." John 9: 35-41 NKJV
The beggar couldn't see at first, physically or spiritually, but when confronted with the King, he saw, believed what he saw, and worshipped Him. I believe the Pharisees, like Saul, could see Who Jesus was, but refused to believe what they saw, out of fear, pride and envy. They refused to acknowledge God. The Pharisees' and Saul's iniquity caused them to see their savior as an evil usurper rather than the rightful King. Once confronted with the Light, rebellious, selfish darkness will try to extinguish it.
Jonathan "saw" the kingship in David, and covenanted with him in loyal friendship. He did not try to fight for his own "rights". It says Jonathan loved him as his own soul. This is the kind of love Christians should have for one another, because we see the King. We don't worship each other, but we worship the King in one another, and we give one another the loyalty, love and honor that are due the children and vessels of the King.
How we respond to one another really reveals our heart toward God. If we allow ourselves to be blinded by heart-sin (iniquity), we will throw spears at our brothers and sisters (probably not actually, but verbally). We are actually throwing them at the Lord. If, and when, we find ourselves on the receiving end of this kind of blindness, the Holy Spirit will come along side us and defend us, as Jonathan defended David. If we love the King, we will honor His brothers and sisters, even to the point of risking our own lives.
David escaped from the presence of the earthly king, but returned in power. The beggar was sent out, first by Jesus to wash his eyes (he probably had to get out of the presence of the rabid unbelief in order to be able to receive his sight), and then he was expelled from the congregation by the leaders. Perhaps he was a great witness for the Lord "outside the camp." David's followers were "outlaws" for many years. We too, have to follow the Lord and bear His reproach "outside the camp." (Hebrews 13:13)
If we get rejected by people-- whether our natural family, self-righteous leaders, or a particular group-- be assured that righteousness will eventually be vindicated. Jesus was sent out of this world (by His own choice of course: He laid down His life), rejected by His own. But He will be returning in power to claim His throne in the glory of the Father. I wouldn't want to be one of His enemies!! (read Revelation 19). But His reward will be with Him for His loyal, faithful servants!
From all that I have read about them, I have come to the conclusion that David and Jesus were both totally lovable. Not in a "popularity contest" sort of way, but winsome because they were righteous, powerful, wise and serving. Really, it was only the proud and envious leaders that hated them and stirred people up against them. David was celebrated in Israel from the start, but Saul was fearful of him taking the throne from himself and his son Jonathan. He "saw" the true king, but refused to see what he saw. He tried to kill him instead. It's easy to see the parallels in Jesus' life.
The Pharisees "saw" Jesus and His Kingship but willfully refused to see what they saw. After Jesus gave the blind beggar his sight, He said:
“Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him. And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains." John 9: 35-41 NKJV
The beggar couldn't see at first, physically or spiritually, but when confronted with the King, he saw, believed what he saw, and worshipped Him. I believe the Pharisees, like Saul, could see Who Jesus was, but refused to believe what they saw, out of fear, pride and envy. They refused to acknowledge God. The Pharisees' and Saul's iniquity caused them to see their savior as an evil usurper rather than the rightful King. Once confronted with the Light, rebellious, selfish darkness will try to extinguish it.
Jonathan "saw" the kingship in David, and covenanted with him in loyal friendship. He did not try to fight for his own "rights". It says Jonathan loved him as his own soul. This is the kind of love Christians should have for one another, because we see the King. We don't worship each other, but we worship the King in one another, and we give one another the loyalty, love and honor that are due the children and vessels of the King.
How we respond to one another really reveals our heart toward God. If we allow ourselves to be blinded by heart-sin (iniquity), we will throw spears at our brothers and sisters (probably not actually, but verbally). We are actually throwing them at the Lord. If, and when, we find ourselves on the receiving end of this kind of blindness, the Holy Spirit will come along side us and defend us, as Jonathan defended David. If we love the King, we will honor His brothers and sisters, even to the point of risking our own lives.
David escaped from the presence of the earthly king, but returned in power. The beggar was sent out, first by Jesus to wash his eyes (he probably had to get out of the presence of the rabid unbelief in order to be able to receive his sight), and then he was expelled from the congregation by the leaders. Perhaps he was a great witness for the Lord "outside the camp." David's followers were "outlaws" for many years. We too, have to follow the Lord and bear His reproach "outside the camp." (Hebrews 13:13)
If we get rejected by people-- whether our natural family, self-righteous leaders, or a particular group-- be assured that righteousness will eventually be vindicated. Jesus was sent out of this world (by His own choice of course: He laid down His life), rejected by His own. But He will be returning in power to claim His throne in the glory of the Father. I wouldn't want to be one of His enemies!! (read Revelation 19). But His reward will be with Him for His loyal, faithful servants!
Friday, February 12, 2010
February 12, 2010
"All the people among whom you live shall see the work of the Lord; for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you." Exodus 34: 11 This is a promise I'd like to claim-- how about you? I see some stipulations here: don't make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land (the Promised Land) where God is sending you. Tear down the altars, pillars and sacred poles and don't worship their gods. What does that mean to you?
Of course God gave them other commandments, but I just wanted to focus on the fact that God called Himself "Jealous." Ex. 34:14 I avoid going into study for this devotional, but I couldn't help looking up this Hebrew word: it's "qanna," meaning "not bearing any rival; the severe avenger of departure from Himself." This is a name of God that I don't recall having learned before. We usually focus on names like Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Rapha! He is still that, so while I'm on it, I'll drop this verse: 2 Corinthians 11:2. Look it up!
My One Year Bible is in the New Revised Standard. In the Matthew reading, it says that they handed Jesus over to be crucified out of "jealousy." I looked that up too, and the word is translated "envy" everywhere else. We get those words mixed up a lot and tend to use them interchangeably, when they are really different. I suppose the religious leaders of the day were "jealous" over their position rather than "jealousy guarding the things of God." They were also "envious" of Jesus popularity, power and whatever else.
The message for me is, don't get envious of the world and try to get what it seems they have, or I will end up compromising and making covenants with the world, which would make my God very Jealous! He wants us a "chaste bride" not "prostituting ourselves to other gods."
That is the reason, for example, that I have chosen not to pursue contracts for publication or recording, and I don't take commercial art commissions. I don't want to get entangled with the world and have it dictate to me what I should do. A desire for riches or fame are things the Lord has taken years to burn out of me, to keep me from falling away. He still runs regular "virus scans" on the motives of my heart to keep it pure.
I will not always be popular when I start to "tear down altars and break pillars and sacred poles" on the mountains where the Lord has called me to have influence. Even when I'm doing God's will, and perhaps displaying the favor of the Lord while working in the world, it is possible that some religious types will get all up in arms to try and discredit me. But I can rely on the fact that "the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine." Psalm 33:18-19
Whether I prosper in all that I do or I become a martyr for the testimony of Christ, one thing I know: Jesus took my death on the cross and prevailed!
Of course God gave them other commandments, but I just wanted to focus on the fact that God called Himself "Jealous." Ex. 34:14 I avoid going into study for this devotional, but I couldn't help looking up this Hebrew word: it's "qanna," meaning "not bearing any rival; the severe avenger of departure from Himself." This is a name of God that I don't recall having learned before. We usually focus on names like Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Rapha! He is still that, so while I'm on it, I'll drop this verse: 2 Corinthians 11:2. Look it up!
My One Year Bible is in the New Revised Standard. In the Matthew reading, it says that they handed Jesus over to be crucified out of "jealousy." I looked that up too, and the word is translated "envy" everywhere else. We get those words mixed up a lot and tend to use them interchangeably, when they are really different. I suppose the religious leaders of the day were "jealous" over their position rather than "jealousy guarding the things of God." They were also "envious" of Jesus popularity, power and whatever else.
The message for me is, don't get envious of the world and try to get what it seems they have, or I will end up compromising and making covenants with the world, which would make my God very Jealous! He wants us a "chaste bride" not "prostituting ourselves to other gods."
That is the reason, for example, that I have chosen not to pursue contracts for publication or recording, and I don't take commercial art commissions. I don't want to get entangled with the world and have it dictate to me what I should do. A desire for riches or fame are things the Lord has taken years to burn out of me, to keep me from falling away. He still runs regular "virus scans" on the motives of my heart to keep it pure.
I will not always be popular when I start to "tear down altars and break pillars and sacred poles" on the mountains where the Lord has called me to have influence. Even when I'm doing God's will, and perhaps displaying the favor of the Lord while working in the world, it is possible that some religious types will get all up in arms to try and discredit me. But I can rely on the fact that "the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine." Psalm 33:18-19
Whether I prosper in all that I do or I become a martyr for the testimony of Christ, one thing I know: Jesus took my death on the cross and prevailed!
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