Month: April 2014

The Christian’s Armor

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

I trust this series is going to be a blessing to all. Many of you understand the correlation between self image and input. If it is something you have not considered, I trust last week’s devotional brought that truth into focus. Once we understand the correlation then we can start inputting truth into us. The Bible calls it meditation. Taking something you learned in your devotions and giving thought and prayer to it until it becomes a pattern- replacing negative or destructive thought. We call these channels. A course the brain travels when a specific situation occurs or certain words are heard. These can be changed. An example. The other night Lisa and I were talking and I jokingly said that “I was more precious than gold.” In the back of my mind I was going to tie that statement into how our “faith is more precious than gold.” However before I could say it Lisa responded by saying, I sure had a high view of myself. As I was about to explain The Holy Spirit spoke and said “why should I not have a high view of myself?” After all I am more precious than gold. His blood covers me. His love abides in me, an adopted prince standing before the throne in Christ. I have every reason to feel more precious than gold. WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO FEEL MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD but we don’t. Why? How would every decision and choice be impacted if we truly lived out our true identity? What keeps us from doing so? Let’s  go into this next series with these questions.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” The Greek word for strong is endunamoo. A compound word from “en” meaning “in or and” and dunamoo ” make strong, vigorous, to strengthen, or become strong. Synonyms are “to enable, to strengthen fully, strengthen so as to establish.” A neat word. The Greek for power is equally significant “Kratos.” It’s meanings are “manifested power,” meaning power that can be seen, not necessarily employed but because of that power it has “dominion (rule).” It emphasizes the presence and significance of force or strength rather than its use.

It combining the two we have “Finally brethren conquer and rule (over the sin nature) because of the overwhelming power of God that lies within you.” Since this is true why then are we not experiencing spiritual rulership in our lives? Faith in the Lord brings the  indwelling Holy Spirit.  Faith Is like an extension cord. When the extension cord is plugged in it can run very powerful and heavy duty equipment. However unplugged it powers nothing. Faith is our cord to God’s power. Faith is built (or comes) by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). However ignoring this, prioritizing other things before our devotions to The Lord, and our power cord becomes unplugged. To prioritize means we chose to put God first. I am not talking about days when the choice is not available.

He says “come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28), or “Trust in The Lord with all your heart lean not unto your own understanding and I will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5&6, my all time favorite). To take matters into our own hands is to live as though we have no Heavenly Father. It brings injury and sin to our soul. Before sin is ever an action it starts with a thought go my own way. This is to become unplugged. The act creates the consequences “you shall reap what you sow.” Therefore to say no to God when He calls us to fellowship, or choosing not to do so “pulls the cord.”

I took a couple weeks of horsemanship classes. I loved horses at the time (I was 13). I was hoping to own one someday. In class they taught you how to properly guide your horse. It was not necessary to pull the reins so that the horse felt the bit in its mouth. Their mouths are very sensitive, and that was poor if not bad guidance. Rather you were simply to lay the reign across the horse’s neck emphasizing with gentle pressure to the side in which you wanted the horse to turn. Boy what a difference. Instead of the horse fighting me and raising up its head wanting freedom from my improper steering, he simply went in the direction I emphasized. There is a neat scripture that speaks of this in Psalms 32:8-9

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they (will not) come near unto thee.” (referring to His promise to guide). He simply wants to impress our spirits with his will and we turn. “He will not yank on the reins.” If we want to go in the opposite direction He will let us go.

Father God,

Give us a heart to love Your Word, because it represents fellowship with You. Let us do it because you invite us to come to you, not because we are trying to earn your favor. We are already favored. As you move in us touch those areas in our life that need healing. Thank you and Amen

Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur

Ephesians 6:10-13

The Christian’s Armor

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

The whole passage of the Christians armor and our spiritual warfare is extensive and rather detailed. We will take segments of it with each devotional. If this is the first time you have read these verses they can be somewhat alarming. An eye opener for sure. The other challenge could be its application. How do I take what I am reading and apply it to my daily life? I want to review these passages therefore and look to the application of them.

In the last devotion I made a point about hearing The Lord’s voice above all the other voices. Let’s define these voices, or better put “the noise in our head.” It can come from within (our self image) or from without (the opinions of others). In either case they reside within our mind which is our processor and determines whether to accept and confirm, or deny and reject the “voice”. Some of the most common voices deal with whether I am accepted or liked, whether I am pretty enough or likable enough, whether I dress right, whether I can hold my own, or if I am “ok in my own skin.”  Beyond that there are relational concerns we carry. We may not forgive ourselves for something we have done in the past. Be it last year or 30 years ago. Also we may have concerns forgiving others or receiving forgiveness from others. We may believe our intelligence is lacking. I know that I was the smartest dummy in my dumbed down math class in high school. I didn’t get math until a senior and by then all my friends were dividing molecules. I learned that I couldn’t win them all and to be OK with that was an important truth to learn.

How we were raised or not raised has so much to do with our internal voice. These “home grown” insecurities can last a lifetime if allowed to. All parents make mistakes in raising their kids. Some just make more and much of that depends on how they were raised. So this is the loudest voice we hear, our own voice. The outside voices only have influence over us because they play on or enhance our own insecurities. T.V. infomercials are designed for this. They expose our insecurities. Unfortunately that is what makes for good advertising. You hear it, you believe it and of course you buy it – goal accomplished. At least for them. For us unless the inside changes these quick outside fixes are at best temporary. The change has to be inside to outside, not outside to inside. It’s CRITICAL that we understand this.

The caterpillar is still a caterpillar until it metamorphosis and becomes a butterfly. Even if you put him in a butterfly outfit and change his outer appearance, he is still a caterpillar. The change occurs internally and once a butterfly it will never be a caterpillar. By God’s Grace and the work of the Holy Spirit we must metamorphosis from thinking, feeling and hearing with our carnal mind and start inputting spiritual truth. God’s Word is the foundation for this. Change the voice, whether it be the repeated tape we’ve heard from childhood or negative input from others, and change will occur.

I diagramed this truth to a high school Bible study group. I drew upon the whiteboard their life, via a stick figure. On one side of my stick figure I listed all the secular voices they heard. Their peers, secular music, carnal movies, T.V shows, and sexual pictures etc., this was their daily “food.” Then on the other side of the stick figure I wrote church and basically Thursday night bible  study. Some went to church on Sunday but most slept in. Then I posed the question based on the input which side is going to influence your decisions the most? My next statement shocked them. “So if you girls end up pregnant you will know why. If you boys fail to reign over your sexual drive and become a slave to them, you’ll know why. If you don’t want this scenario then you must change your input.” They were very quiet after that message. I don’t think they ever saw their life from that perspective. However the same truth applies to us as well. List the secular voices you hear. Putting yours at the top. Then list the Godly input you hear and how often. Based on that  look at your life. If you struggle and feel overwhelmed or ruled over by outside voices now you know why. If Godly freedom is what you want as a bright light growing in you, then God’s Word must be your source. Christ wants to be the voice in your head. Only he has proven absolute love and forgiveness and possess the power to change us. Why should you or I give control of our life to a lesser passion or influence?

How do we change this? What does Paul say? “Finally brethren (summing up everything) be strong in The Lord, and in the power of His might (how?). Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” This will be our topic for several weeks to come. For now make time for reading the Bible. If you’re not a reader turn to AM 710 via your radio or smart phone, or do both. They have some great teaching.

Father God,

Thank you for letting me understand that not only is change possible, but how to accomplish it. Understanding the influences in my life and their affect on me makes me so much more aware of how I need to guard my input. If I allow junk in junk will come out. Let me not do that but rather the truth of Your Word. Thank you and Amen.

Move Forward in His Grace,

Arthur

Luke 12:35-38 & 40 (Matt. 24:45- 51) “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat (dinner), and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”

We know language changes with time and along with it so do the expressions. I believe that Christ’s intent is understood but let’s examine some of the expressions. “Let your loins be girded about.” Men wore long cloaks. There were no pants. A cloak in our mind is more like a garment of warmth, but I am referring to an overgrown shirt that covered down to the shins. With such a long garment moving fast or doing any kind of serious work would be difficult. To remedy this the garment would be tucked into a belt (Loins girded). This granted the legs greater freedom of movement. The expression then “let your loins (thighs) be girded” came to mean to be prepared for action. Be it physically, emotionally and especially spiritually.”

Next expression “your lights burning.” This relates more so to us in that electricity is rather new to man. Prior to electricity oil lamps were used. The trimming of the wick to make the lamp burn brighter was common practice. They also needed to be replenished with oil as it was consumed in producing the light. Another parable similar to this one Jesus told about the five wise virgins and the five foolish ones. Both were waiting for the groom to come. The five wise brought extra oil and the five foolish did not. The foolish asked from the wise for some oil but the wise said no, “but rather go to the merchants and buy for yourselves.” Within the time they were gone the groom returned and because they were not present they were not welcomed in. Again the emphasis of this parable was to live a readied and watchful life for Christ (the groom) to return.

Next verse “And ye yourselves (be) like unto men that wait for their lord… that when he comes and knocks, they may open unto him immediately.” Eutheros is the Greek word for immediately and it’s definition along with its synonyms means instantly, immediately (as rendered), straight way, that very instant etc.” To have a heart so trained that the very voice of The Lord causes a response in us. That we hear his voice above all the other voices that rival for our attention. It is very interesting to watch mothers on a playground chatting with  other mothers.  With all the noise on the playground, yet if their child calls them or cries instantly mom responds. She is trained to her child’s voice and responds to their cry. Her love for her child causes her to be so attentive.

Our affections for the Lord should be so well trained!  “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” This is the end goal of the Holy Spirit – to have sons and daughters that have found their joy in serving their Lord and Father. Such a priceless reward awaits those who submit to the training.  The process of bringing forth purified faith. As gold made molten from the fire releases the dross, so the hardships of life release our desire to build our security here (sand castles) and transfer our security fully over to The Lord.

For our following Vidas I want to talk about these “other voices” that rival for our attention, how to deal with them and how the armor of the Holy Spirit is to be used (Ephesians 6).

Father God,

How much You value purified faith. For once we have it we can enjoy You, and join You in your work. Seeing You exalted is our greatest joy. Mixed faith still has too much of self and still too concerned with the affairs of this life. Free us and help us to understand that truly the only thing we can keep is You.  You are more than enough. Thank you and Amen

Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur

Matthew 12:46-50

(Mark 3:31- 35; Luke 8:19- 21)

While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without (outside the crowd) desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? And who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

We just concluded an extended series on “True Treasures.” We sought to understand the hidden motives of our ways. Why I do what I do or say what I say reflects back to the man inside. If the man inside is needy he will perceive actions or things as to what benefit can be derived from them. If the man (or woman) has truly found Christ, and a growing faith abides then it’s not as much about me as it is about bringing Christ to others through my actions and words. The overcoming of “me” and finding Christ as my “True Treasure” is the purpose and work of the Spirit. As we grow in faith we learn that my needs are met in Christ. It takes time and trial for this to be learned as mentioned in the last Vida, but it starts with the invitation to come to Christ.

I have witnessed a fatal mistake when the invitation to come to Christ is made. It has become too easy to become a “Christian.” You can say the sinners prayer in your chair and presto you’re born again. We say “I won’t embarrass you and ask you to come up.” Since when is receiving the gift of eternal life, or the forgiveness of sins something to be embarrassed about? When has being filled with the Holy Spirit, so I can truly walk a transformed life something to be ashamed of? The whole mindset of being a Christian starts right here and what is the message we are giving? If someone cannot come forward in church how will they ever stand in a secular environment? Luke 12:8-9 Jesus speaking “Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess — me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” (deny in this context does not mean “to coward down” it means rejecting Christ).

Could we be committing such a crime against the Holy Spirit and not even be aware of it? What if the measure of truly wanting Christ is when enough of me has been subdued that I don’t care what others think? I’m going forward! I’m done with me and I need help! By making “being Christian” so easy as a simple prayer in your seat we mitigate the struggle that is needful for new birth. I know I struggled in my seat for several months before I came forward and when I did I shot out of my seat. I was done with me and I didn’t care what others thought. After that precious prayer I knew that I had received eternal life. I was saved. That moment in my life became my confidence and hope for future times of doubt when I let God down or started doubting my salvation. I would think back on that moment in my life and it gave me strenght to come back to my Father.

The Japanese moth is such a beautiful moth with large wings of fluorescent colors. A man had become quite enchanted by these beautiful creatures, and had watched one in particular while it was developing in the cocoon. Finally the day came for this beauty to make its debut. However as it is true of this species the hole they make by chewing the top of the cocoon is ever so small that birth literally takes all day. The moth struggles incessantly till exhaustion to emerge. Believing he was helping his winged friend the man cut a larger opening in the cocoon. It took less than an hour and the creature was born. The man was ecstatic waiting for his little friend to flutter his beautiful wings and fly. Yet the wings just lied limp along the moth’s side.  The moth itself seemed perplexed as to what purpose they served- unable to lift them. In the man’s attempt to help his friend, he hurt his friend. The struggle of birth was the Creators design to press the creatures life fluids out of its engorged body and into the wings giving them life, and reducing the weight of its rather large body.

I believe this is the mistake made by making “becoming a Christian” too easy. Where’s the struggle? Where’s counting the cost and forsaking all to follow Christ? What is the greater sin against the faith? Allowing the struggle to work till faith subdues the carnal man, or allowing someone to walk away thinking that their saved, but there has been no change? When I received Christ I looked at my church body differently. I felt the connection for the first time. I truly had an expanded family that I could be like minded with. The struggle is a precious gift from God. As we choose to say no to the life we lived and say yes to a new life in faith the struggle binds us. A life lived not only by the Grace God gives, but in fellowship with with one another. Sadly I feel modern day Christianity has lost the sense of family, as we have taken away the struggle and made being Christian more ‘cliche.’ We are trying to make people more comfortable in church so that they have a good “church experience.” When what they need is to become very uncomfortable with their sin nature and look to the church for help. This is not a game. If we fail in this we have truly failed. Regardless whether we have a 15,000 member church or a 25 member church. The Truth Saves! It brings Hope. A watered down gospel does not. God help us.

Father God,

Was the Cross easy for You? Was the path to Golgotha after being beaten and carrying the Cross until you collapsed pleasurable? I think not, yet You did it for us. You were committed to saving us because Your love failed not. Father You are worth whatever sacrifice we need to make to end the rulership of our carnal man. Help us to see from Your side of Heaven our desperate need of You before we ever think of denying You. Thank you and Amen.

David and Abigail (part III – final)

“Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek — thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and — the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle — of a sling.

And it shall come to pass, when the Lord shall have done to my lord according to all — the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel;

That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offense of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember — thine handmaid.

And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:

And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.” (Vs.28-30)

“But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him — these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone.

And it came to pass about ten days after, that the Lord smote — Nabal, that he died.

And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the Lord, that hath pleaded — the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept — his servant from evil: for the Lord hath returned — the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.”(vs.37-40)

The whole chapter is the story of David and Abigail. In trying to piece specific verses together so  not to be too lengthy details that enrich the story are missed. I would encourage you to read it in its entirety. In recapping major points we see David, soon to become King of Judah and later King of Israel, being scorned by Nabal. We see Abigail understanding the magnitude of her foolish husband’s offense, and seeking to mitigate the offense prior to needless bloodshed. She seems to be aware that David is to be Israel’s next King. Also interesting are her final words “when The Lord has dealt well with thee then remember thy handmaid.” David was over the Israeli army for several years and Abigail must have heard the reports of David’s victories and how he trusted in God.

This story has a personal meaning as well. Back in 1989 I was terminated from my job of being the lead grower for the ornamental division of a wholesale nursery. I answered to the owner and our two philosophies of growing plants clashed. He was not interested in producing quality plants and I was. So in 89′ I found myself walking from his office to my truck unemployed not sure what I was going to do. The girls were 5 and 7 and Lisa was a stay home mom. However as I made that walk the Holy Spirit spoke these words to me very clearly “but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God” and the emphasis was that my soul was bound in God. In other words ‘He had me.’ Ever since then this verse has always reminded me of God’s faithfulness. All that we have been through in running a business has been a first hand experience of seeing God’s faithfulness to me and to my men (and women). I would hope that we all have a story to tell of God’s faithfulness.

And true to God’s character He was also faithful to David. Once David let go of his right to defend his name then God was free to be God. David consented to Abigail’s wisdom and even acknowledged that God had sent her. Even Nabal seemed to have recognized the magnitude of his offense. It would seem that he had a heart attack with complete failure ten days later. In our culture it is hard to appreciate the story, but speaking brash or proudly against a King or a general Nabal forfeited his life. Fortunately for David he was stopped from doing so. Gods King was a man that fought God’s battles not his own, and that’s the lesson David learned. It is the same with us. It is not our honor we seek, but God’s honor. That we would be small so that God can be big in our lives.

Over the last three devotionals we have discussed several points and the final one would be summed up with this verse “vengeance is mine sayeth The Lord” (Romans 12:19). This is a major point with God. As believers in Christ vengeance is not ours to take. To take vengeance is to be judge, and there is only one who can judge righteously. If the truth were told we are all guilty of punishment because we are all sinners. To God sin is sin, or as we put it “a miss is as good as a mile.” We are to forgive for we have been forgiven. The rest of the details are God’s, and it is easier said than done. So may God bring you your Abigail in that moment.

Father God,

Thank you for the lessons from David’s life and the security we have in You. Even when we are wrong You intervene. Help us always to have a humble heart before You. A heart that welcomes your correction and guidance. Also remind us to not be our own vindicator, but to allow areas of judgement to be Yours alone to deal with. Thank you and Amen

Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur

David and Abigail (recapping only a few key phrases, to read the whole story please review last week.

Upon hearing the servant’s report, “Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys…”  “And it was so, as she rode on the donkey that she came down by the covert of the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met — them.  And when Abigail saw — David, she hasted, and lighted off the donkey and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground.

Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even — Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not — the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send…” ” Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the Lord hath withheld thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal…”  “Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek — thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and — the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle — of a sling.” (1 Samuel 25:18,20,23& 25-26 &29, 33-34)

Part one of this story was a little rough. I hope you were able to understand the just of it. I was in L.A attending classes and my time was limited. The story is a wonderful story in that it is extremely “human” and practical. Here is David with all this military success behind him, and a reputation among all the other surrounding nations as the one not to mess with. Then there’s Nabal who though is extremely wealthy owes his living to David’s military success. Had David lost any of his battles Nabal’s wealth, goats and land would be in the hands of foreigners, and he’d probably be dead. Nabal does not even realize or acknowledge this, as he is not willing to share from his abundance. David knows that Nabal’s wealth was guarded by Israel’s success.  By the blood of men who gave their lives in battle. Therefore Nabal’s stinginess is more than angering, it is worthy of death – at least in David’s mind. So with that as a clearer understanding. Let’s continue.

Lets discuss another point. I will hear from time to time how the Bible is male based. Women will quote one verse in particular without understanding the context and thereby deriving their conclusions. You may know the verse I am referring to. However in this story there is one champion, one person that saved both man and beast without ever pulling out a sword. In fact her weapon was her wisdom and of course she brought food to sweeten the deal. What do we know about Abigail? We know she was Nabal’s wife and that she was obviously gifted in managing a large household. She was respected among the servants and trusted enough for them to share their opinions of her husband with her. What else can we learn about her? The scripture says,

“she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance:” The word for understanding “Sekel” means more than just book learning. It means wisdom and understanding that only comes from God. It could also mean a “light countenance” referring to her inward beauty being readily seen. Could it be that Nabal was so wealthy not because of anything he did, but that God blessed his work because of Abigail? Her understanding speaks to her relationship with God .

In other passages such as with Bathsheba “who was very beautiful to look upon” (2 Samuel 11:2). The word “beautiful” means comingly having adoring qualities but it references only the outward of a person. The same word is used for Abigail except “countenance” succeeds it. So incorporating these two definition we have an inward beauty that distinguishes the outward beauty. Not the other way around.

In I Peter 3:3 true beauty is defined “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” This definition would define Abigail. Sure she was attractive, but the real pull of her attraction came from her heart. Her beauty radiated outward. This is such an important point. In our society we place all our value on the outward and on chemistry. After the first couple of fights the chemistry goes out the window. What has happened to the importance of looks? Reality sets in and the need to live together in peace outweighs the chemistry.

There are those men who worship outward beauty and there are those women that want to be worshipped. They are each a trap for each other. How many times was Racquel Welch, a sex Icon in her time married? Four times. How many times was Pamela Anderson married? To date she’s on her fourth, another sex Icon. If the outward and sex is so “all that” why did their marriages fall? Why do ours? I believe we know the answer. Because there is no inner beauty, no peace or kindness (meekness) to adore the outward. The lust wears off as the arguing and the “me first” attitude tears away at whatever feelings may remain. Divorce can ensue based on “irreconcilable differences”  which is just an excuse. In other words “sex was fun, but me first.”

The biggest mistake made is when we try to compete on an outward level. There’s always someone more attractive who has more of this or that etc. But when the outward is combined with the inward, with the inward taking the dominate role, then there’s no competition because there’s nobody like you! When God has his way in us, then it’s a win,win, win. For God because he now has the soul he loves. For us because now we have the opportunity to grow in peace and become happy with the man/woman in the mirror. And for our spouse, now they have someone being loved by God who in turn takes that love and loves them with it. This has always been God’s design. That each spouse be loved by God who then inturn love each other, and Christ makes that way for us.

Father God,

There are two ways to live, only two – one with You and one without You. To have a good marriage on our own is very doable. Especially if both spouses had good parents. How much more could our relationships be, and our children secure when you are in the middle? The difference is huge. Help us to understand this and run to You and not from You. Thank you and Amen.

Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur

David and Abigail

And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great (extremely wealthy) and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing — his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear — his sheep.                               

And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name: And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.

And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there aught missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel. Ask — thy young men, and they will show thee. Wherefore let the young men find favor in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, — whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David. (the shearing of sheep was joyous occasion) And Nabal answered — David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. Shall I then take — my bread, and — my water, and — my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

Prior to studying these new verses let’s recap our last two Vida’s. One of the greatest and most damaging lies Is that God is a condemning God. I trust with the last two devotions we have completely squashed that. God hates sin because it entraps the soul that he died to free. He gave his life to free us from ourselves and the vices and habits that so easily entrap us. We MUST distinguish between the sin and the sinner. With Christ we have the opportunity to “come clean” with full assurance that on the other side of repentance are the welcoming arms of the Father. That message we must keep close to our chest. For whatever reason whether it was for money, love or both, after the woman’s encounter with Christ I’m sure that she found his love for her to be her “True Treasure.”

Starting with us “hombres” (men). We don’t know much about Nabal.  Was he this brash always, or did he become more so as he became wealthier? We can only assume that his nature from his youth was stingy, for hence his name. Nabal also means rude, arrogant, prideful. It’s a personality type that cannot speak civilly with anyone. To whatever extent he was prior to acquiring his wealth, and I’m sure given his answer to David’s men it only made him more. His response on the surface may seem justified, but even his own servant condemns his actions.

“But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute — our master; and he railed (to scorn or insult) on them. But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we anything, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields: They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, (good for nothing) that a man cannot speak to him.” (I Samuel 25:14-17)

We see that his character was contemptible  even in the eyes of his own servant. Let’s answer Nabal’s question, “Who was David? Who is the son of Jesse? There be many servants…”  Prior to this period in David’s life he was the commander of the Israeli army. He had not known a single defeat. It was because God fought for Israel as long as David was in charge.  So “Who was David,” was an arrogant and insulting statement and the servant knew that their lives were in danger because of it. “Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept — all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.” (referring to killing all the men)  I Samuel 25:21-22

Upon hearing the servant’s report, “Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys…”  “And it was so, as she rode on the donkey that she came down by the covert of the hill, and, behold, David and his men came down against her; and she met — them.” “And when Abigail saw — David, she hasted, and lighted off the donkey and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground. Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even — Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not — the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send…” ” Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the Lord hath withheld thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal…”  “Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek — thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and — the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle — of a sling.” (1 Samuel 25:18,20,23& 25-26 &29, 33-34)

David responded, “And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.

For in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting — thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.” (I Samuel 25:32-33)

So David receives her advice acknowledging it was God intervening through Abigail. For David needed to swallow his pride and know that it is The Lord that he must respond too and not react to the folly of men. We will continue our study next week and draw lessons from it, but it is the same with us. Responding to truth, God’s word, or words spoken to us via people whom God uses, verses becoming offended at comments or insults from people who only care about themselves.

Father God,

Thank you for this real life lesson of David’s. To do good to and for someone to only receive bad in return is frustrating and can be angering. As David learned through Abigail’s wisdom that he could not allow himself to be given over to his own defense or passions. Our reputation stands on what You say of us not men, and if we seek You and allow You to live through us, our reputation is in your hands, not ours.

Thank you and Amen.

Move Forward in His Grace, Arthur

John 8:1-11

A Woman Taken in Adultery

— Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

— This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

— She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

In studying some of the key words for this week’s devotional another thought comes to mind. It is not too far out to consider that this woman could possibly have been the “general call girl” for the Pharisees, or at least one of them. In their great desire to find something to accuse Christ of they were willing to sacrifice their “secret pleasure.” Let me explain a few key words. The first words Christ has with the Pharisees “ He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” The word “without sin” implies a specific sin. “Anamartetos, without sin (yet) not absolutely (sinless) only in a particular case.” Interesting also is that there are several words for sin, but this specific word is used only here. That’s pretty amazing. It’s a specific word for a specific reason. Another question was Christ contradicting the Old Testament law given to Moses by God by preventing the Pharisees from stoning her? Was he permitting this sin to go unpunished, or was he contradicting their hypocrisy? “If their is one among you without (this same) sin, then you be the first to cast the stone. Or said in reverse, all of you should die by stoning for all of you are guilty, and they got it!

“And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” So Jesus never contradicted the commands of the Father. He contradicted their hypocrisy. “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?” Condemn means to pronounce judgement against. To sentence having been found guilty. She had been acquitted, not because she was not guilty but because Jesus had come to redeem the lost “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved (redeemed) through him” (John 3:17). Redeemed is a deep word; meaning to owe a debt we absolutely can’t pay, but to be released of it because someone else paid it for me. Old Testament law is an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth and a limb for a limb. When Adam and Eve sinned it was more than just eating an “apple.” It was a willful disobedience of a Divine law. Which in turn means the worship or obedience to another god even if it’s yourself. If we have never come into fellowship with God through faith in Christ then we are separated from Him. If you are a believer every time we break fellowship with God by disobeying it is spiritual adultery. We have engaged our soul and spirit with another “lover.” I know this sounds extreme but here’s God’s perspective. “Do not rejoice, O Israel, (or my name, O Arthur)  with exultation like the other nations! (that have no true God that guides them). For you have played the harlot, (in that you have) forsaken your God.” (Hosea 9:1) and “I have spread out my hands  as in a Father wanting to embrace His kids) all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; (Isaiah 65:2)”

From Heaven’s perspective we have a serious problem. From our perspective it’s “what’s the big deal?” Well it is a big deal because the Cross was and is God’s only answer to man’s fall. The Cross to some is ugly and in many respects it is. It is ugly, hideous, and a cruel way to die that speaks to the brutality and callousness of mens hearts one toward another. That part is true. But on God’s side of the Cross it is a two fold message to man. One, we are in sin and our sin judged means death – our death. However quoting John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that  He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever would believe in him would not perish but have everlasting life.”  The righteous Judge of the universe pronounced his judgement on man, found man guilty, then stripped himself of His Majesty, His Eternal Glory, and left His estate to be placed on a tree. A tree which his own hands created to be crucified by man his prized creation. For only man was created with a tri fold nature- spirit, soul and body in which could abide God’s Holy Spirit. No other creature formed has this capacity. To understand this is to understand the eternal depth of Christ’s words to the woman “neither do I condemn thee” because he was to bare her guilt, as well as the guilt of all men. Knowing that the Father would not abandon him in death, that he would rise again and claim absolute victory over sin and the grave. He and He alone was able to give life back to man by forgiving man of his sin. No other man before, nor any man after could make this claim.

The final words “go and sin no more” is the normal word used for sin “hamartano, meaning to “miss the mark.” Taken from archery when an archer releases the arrow and misses the bulls-eye. He’s missed the mark. And the mark is holiness as quoted in two devotions past, “Be ye holy for I am holy,” (I Peter 1:16) a command impossible to keep, and it is impossible for God to become less Holy. Christ is the bridge that connects God to man and man back to God – for those who are willing.

Father God,

Thank you for this insight into your nature “neither do I condemn you.” Let us be honest enough with ourselves to admit and know that we cannot live a holy life. We are faulty and hence sinful. We need a Redeemer to receive our sentence so we can live in freedom. You did that for us. Cause us to be humble enough to “open the package” and receive the gift.

Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur

John 8:1-11

A Woman Taken in Adultery

— Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

— This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

— She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Before we start with this week’s devotion I want to repeat the motive behind this series “True Treasure.” That our greatest state of being whether we have an abundance or we struggle with daily needs He, God, is our True Treasure. It is often through the struggles that we come to acknowledge that truth. We are all wired the same. We were made by God for God – to be in relationship with Him. However when Adam and Eve disobeyed God a divide was created and a sin nature entered into the fabric of man. The core of that sin nature is the I, sin, pride combination we discussed last week. We are all the same in needing God’s presence. The way we go about trying to compensate for the lack of It is unique to each of us. This is all on a subconscious level. On a conscientious level it deals with our core values of what causes us to feel safe, secure and of value.

In our first study we dealt with the desire for wealth with the farmer who would build bigger barns to store his crops. God called him a fool because “that night his soul would be required of him.” Then Martha, who represents many of us having busy schedules that crowd God out. In being busy we feel needed and therefore secure. If we would commit to a half hour of time with The Lord we would feel secure with so much less hassle and hectic pace. Then we studied the rich young ruler who had an emphasis on being moral and doing good, but in the end it was his wealth that made him feel secure. Lastly we finished discussing those of us that maintain a very legal right and wrong approach to life. Because we can discipline ourselves to walk that line it gives us a sense of value, importance and unfortunately excessive pride.

Now in this study we are going into an area that has multiplied a thousand fold or more. As the collapse of the family continues, so has this area increased. The breakdown of the family has had a tragic effect on our children. The home represents the one place of refuge and security. Unfortunately as divorce or affairs have come into the home this inner sense that “I’m safe, secure” is  stripped away making our children vulnerable.The importance of this stability, or it’s lack has a huge effect on the “fabric” of our developing kids. As much as one parent wants to cover all the bases, it is not possible. Nor is it possible to keep them from blaming themselves for the divorce, or wondering why daddy had an affair. “He must not love us” is their conclusion. As this thought “I am not loved,  worth loving, or important enough to be loved” becomes woven into their self image they are unprepared for what awaits them. Instead of reaching adolescence, a most turbulent part of life secure, they enter it with this huge deficit and have no inner “tools” to cope with it. They are going to seek out and do whatever means they find to fulfill this void and be accepted. They will go in the direction of the “natural bend” of their soul – such as the personalities we have studied so far.

There are still so many more “natural bends” that we have not studied with sex being a major one. In our sex pumped cultured we have girls pre-adolescence having sex and not understanding any of the physical or emotional consequences that come with it. Many of us live with our boyfriend or girlfriend as opposed to getting married. This also sends a message to our kids of a home that is still not home. Was this the background of the woman in our story? Is that why Christ did not judge her according to the law? The law that God gave to Moses? The pagan culture of that day was very much like ours today.  With the temple prostitutes coming into the towns at night to practice their trade. Could she have been a temple prostitute, but now older and on her own to make a living from the only “trade” she knew? The story does not say, but these are questions to consider.

Let’s get into the story and see what we can learn. The event happened in the morning based on the first verse. That is why I mention that at one time she might have been a temple prostitute, but now she’s on her own? Since she was caught in the very act where’s the man? The law of Moses states that both of them were to be stoned, not just the women. So we have a double standard. Why would the Pharisees not bring the man, could he have been a fellow Pharisee? Whatever was the truth behind this event Christ knew it, and he was not going to play into their self righteous hypocritical ways, nor answer their questions.

We will need to continue this study next week, but this lays the foundation for the study. The lesson to bring home is this. Whatever damage we have sustained through life and how that damaged has caused specific actions, vices or habits from us, Christ does not condemn us. However knowing that we are not condemned by Him, we are not free to continue in a known sin, we are “to go and sin no more.”

Father God,

May the greatness of your forgiveness in not condemning me be the thing that changes me. Once a guilty man with no hope of true life, now standing uncondemned by the only one that could condemn me. Let this joy and truth be the impetus to seek You and begin finding victory in the areas of my life that have torn me down. I no longer need to rationalize my actions trying to make something wrong right – I’m not condemned. Now help me by your grace to live free. Thank you and Amen.