God Brings the Moral

Photo by Jeff Johnson

God has always given us the opportunity to walk with Him, in His ways- which are Life or choose a lifestyle of death that ends in the destruction of the soul.

We often don’t think about how our thoughts -control our actions or how they help us to receive help and guidance from God or not. 

God is only a thought away but it’s amazing how far that empowering thought can be from us at times if we aren't including God in our thoughts.

Vinegar by itself does nothing in a bottle but put some baking soda in with it and watch that mixture overflow the confines of that bottle.  We are like that vinegar and God is like that baking soda- alone our thoughts stay stagnant but with God we grow past the confinements of our understanding.

King David wrote, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever…”
  

Jesus said, “He that believes in me, as the scriptures says, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

Ever felt on edge, wary, fickle, frail, frustrated, burdened?  I have….

At times we can be our worst enemy.

So for those times, I have asked God to help me write some things down to help me regain and stand in the balancing rhythm of God’s presence, bringing moral -“LIFE” to my soul.

Jesus said to love God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength (ability) but the only way I have found to have this “ability” is to surrender my heart to God in all matters of life which fits well with the words from book Zechariah.

“It is not by force nor by strength, but my Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts.

In other words, “Let go…”

The Apostle Paul learned it’s not by one’s strength or sure determination but an acceptance of “ones weakness” that allows God’s power to rest upon them… “For my grace is sufficient.”
(Repeat sentence if it hasn't sunken in.)

As I reflected on these passages written by Paul, I have gotten a sense of freedom and a certain contentment- he didn’t try to wrestle everything but had God use what came as an opportunity for God to show himself stronger and brighter and mightier then the circumstance.

Paul was driven to practice the art of losing the part of “himself” that hindered him from experiencing the liberating fullness of Christ.  In Paul’s mind, the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ and the promises that came with those things could not be out done- so knowing this he surrendered his “hindering life” for Jesus’ sake.

Do you remember Jesus saying, "to find life one must lose it for his sake"?

I find this “losing” of ones self is a continuous thing- and I have found that the “tender responsive heart” is handicapped from God’s leading and greatness in our life when we close ranks on ourselves -by accepting schemes and ideas that tire, wear, mundane, burden, assume and think we are in some kind of control.  For WHERE is the renewing power of the Spirit of Christ going to work and move if the space God wants to use is already taken up by our own faulty understanding?

2 Corinthians says, “Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
 

When we do this "we make room" to receive the necessary things from the Spirit to make the soul abound and overcome.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In being reminded of our supernatural birth in Christ Jesus to now- it is vital that our created souls be continuously "yoked" to the Spirit.  For our souls were specifically created to experience a fulfilling life in the Spirit of God.

Colossians says, “Put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” 

We know the new self is created by the Spirit of God.  We need this engagement of the Holy Spirit daily or we may suffer a very shortsighted, drab existence, hindered not only by our understanding but whatever might come.  The things of life are no different then what anyone else goes through but it’s in WHO you and I focus in that gives moral to our soul.

With God- he helps us unfold and fold our thoughts in a godly manner.

Knowing Jesus’ Lordship over our lives gives us this settling affect in our soul- strengthening our inner man like tapping the weakening bubbles out of a substance.

In art school I often saw the havoc of air bubbles in ceramic pieces- causing vessels and pieces to shatter and crack in the firing process.

It is not different in us… God is the potter, he is the author and finisher of our faith- and he knows what “air bubbles’ to rid us of so we will make it through the firing process of this life.  Knowing this we look to Him to strengthen the inner man.

Psalms says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

Galatians says, “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

2 Peter says “As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need to for living a godly life.  He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness!  And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises.  He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you and caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.”

Doubt can even become evil for not addressed.  That is why it’s important not only to believe but ask God to help us overcome our doubt... so that the edginess, worry, fickle, frail, frustration and burden will not reign over our hearts but God who brings moral.

Like a commander bringing moral to his soldiers before battle… this is what Jesus wants to do for us daily.  That we may “not” go out in the world with some kind of dread but go out with cheer and vigor and hope!

“For if God is for us, who can be against us?”         

Reputation

“Listen!  It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD!”  Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!  Fill in the valleys, level the mountains and hills, straighten the curves and smooth out the rough places.  Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all the people will see it together.  The LORD has spoken!” Isaiah 40:3-5

How true it is of the human heart and mind.  The heart and mind can be a wilderness of things, thoughts, concerns, wants, needs, pains, and so on.  They can be a wasteland full of worry and useless thought.   They can be valleys of self-pity and selfishness.   They can have mountains and hills of hurt, failure and what we think and only see as “impossibility”.   They can have snaking roads that lead us on self-exploration and activity but in the end lead nowhere.   They can be full of rough spots that make life uncomfortable because of our unsettling outlook on life.   In fact it so rough that we only pay attention to the bad ride instead of what God might have for us.

Notice the words "can be".  They don't have to be.

The heart that never gives those things to the Lord to answer and heal will never reveal the glory of the LORD.

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34)  What is in your heart?  What is in the heart of others around you?  You can tell what is affecting their heart by what they say.

The reputation we give to others about the LORD will be dependent on the level of dependence we have in the LORD.   The level of dependence we have in the LORD will gauge how much we love trust and reverent respect we have for the LORD.   A heart without love, trust and reverence for the Lord is without peace, hope assurance and is lost in a wilderness of it’s own making.  The life captive to such a heart has only set their affections on the things on the earth not on God above.  A heart that sets its affections only the things of this life isn’t receptive to receive from God.   A heart like this lives in the foolishness of the world and wonders why it is so easily crushed and harden by the things of this life.   May God help them…. Seriously.  I was once one of those people and only by God’s love and grace was I saved and I am empowered everyday not to go back to be one of those people.  God help them.  I feel for them.

“With the Lord’s authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopeless confused.   Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him.  They don’t care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways.  Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.” Ephesians 4:17-19

David writes the very words of God, in his thoughts, “How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame?  How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood? Selah. But know that the LORD has set apart Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call him.  Be angry, and do not sin.  Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.  Selah.  Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.   There many who say, ‘Who will show us any good?’  Lord, life up the light of your countenance upon us.  You have put gladness in my heart, more then in the season that their grain and wine increased.   I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”  Psalm 4:2-8

How long will people not turn to God to help them?  How long will people who call themselves Christian turn God’s glory to shame?

Let me warn you in humility:  Your actions matter.   They matter more then you know.

Our dependence on God has far greater affects then anyone really knows.   The tiniest actions good or bad affect others and how others perceive us as Christians and the LORD.   Think of the sigh or someone rolling their eyes- how is that looked at by others.  Think of a sincere smile and warm greetings that seeks nothing in return.  Just think of what happens with an encouraging word in amongst many discouraging words.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will reap.  For he who sows in the flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Galatians 6:7-8

“Do not stifle the Holy Spirit” 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit by allowing the things of this life and world to take a higher position over God in your life.  God is to be highly respected and reverently feared.   Our actions should show something about who God is in our lives.  The only excuse we should have is “God is our excuse.”

“Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in place of honor and power.  Let heaven fill your thoughts.  Do not think only about things down here on earth.  For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.  And when Christ, who is your real life is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.”  Colossians 3:1-4

How does one make a highway for the LORD in their heart? I have to put myself aside everyday.  Some call this “picking up my cross or denying myself”. 

Some might say,  "Don't you feel like you are missing out?  Don't you feel like you don't have any control of your life?" 

"What am I missing out on?  In the end, is what I miss out on really matter in the end?  I could gain everything for selfish gain and leave nothing worth anything.   My faith would be worthless.  My legacy would mean nothing.   We must ask ourselves have we allowed God charge of our lives to make a difference in other people's lives?"  I throw pride and self ambition away to gain what God has to empower me to touch others for Him.   I want people to see God's influence, glory and reputation in my life.  Besides does anyone really have any control of their life?  Think about it....

Everyday I pray and give God whatever is heavy on my heart, (this allows God's spirit an open channel to flow) which aligns my heart and mind so I can receive what God wants me to receive for that day, hour, moment.    Often I spend several times throughout the day meditating, and studying and listening to what God is speaking to me and building upon in his word in my heart and understanding. 

I see my actions matter and I can’t take any of them for granted.    His Holy Spirit enriches my soul as I open myself to Him.  I hope you see that all your actions matter to God.    

I encourage you to spend time with God.  Free up your mind and heart- making a highway for God.  Spend time reading his word carefully.  Asking for more heartfelt insight and looking more deeply at what God’s word really means to make you live it out.  Continually seek the Lord throughout the day for direction and purpose.   And trust God and trust what God has said in his word.

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Up Holding the Faith. Disciple 2

We take a lot of things for granted.   We take electricity for granted.   Imagine getting up in the morning on your trip to the bathroom and flipping on the light and have no electricity for that light.  Imagine turning on the water faucet and having no water come out?  We take those things for granted.  We even take God for granted.  

God is the source of our faith.  If we aren’t seeking and plugged into him we aren’t living by faith.    We might as well have stayed in bed if we haven’t sought and placed ourselves in his hands that morning.   A person cannot uphold the faith and stand in the faith unless they are earnestly, sincerely, seriously contending, asserting, and maintaining in the faith.   God doesn’t have an off and on switch but we do (it’s called choice).  We have a choice to seek God or not seek God. 

You and I have been chosen and entrusted by our Holy Father to live and carry out in the faith in obedience, submission, and holy reverence towards God and in God.   Only in the holy faith of our God do we not fall into compromise of others or ourselves and lose the holy convictions God has given us.  We were created and chosen to glorify God and things don’t go so well for others or us if we don’t plug into God.  Instead of God’s goodness and godliness coming out something that should had stayed out of view and out sight comes out instead (your flesh).   If we aren’t focused, plugged into God, our flesh can be manipulated by those around us and situations around us.  That is why is so important to be mindful of God and have a heart full of God. 

Jude 1:3-25

“Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share.  But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.  I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives.   The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.  I want to remind you, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful.  And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged.   God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.  And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion.   Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment.  In the same way, these people- who claim authority from their dreams- live immoral lives, defying authority and scoff at supernatural beings.  But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said,  “The Lord rebuke you!”  (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.) But these people scoff at things they do not understand.  Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction.  What sorrow awaits them!  For they follow the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother.   Like Balaam, they deceive people for money.  And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion. (Numbers 16:19-49, 26:9-10)  When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you.   They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves.   They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain.  They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots.  They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds.  They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to the blackest darkness.”

“These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires.  They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want. But you, dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said.  They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers who purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires.  These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you.  They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.    But you, dear friends must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life.  In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.   And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.  Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.   Now all glory to God, who is able keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.  All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.  All glory, majesty, power and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.”  Jude 1

We aren’t to make excuses.  We have either sought God or haven’t sought God. 

“No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good and this is what he requires: “to do what is right, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8

 Proverbs 6:16-19

“There are six things that LORD hates- no seven things he detests: haughty eyes, (stuck up, lofty, exalt, magnify oneself, to think of ones self to be too highly to humble and help someone else.) a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among believers.” 

A person who sows discord among believers are conspirators, gossipers, grumblers and complainers.  They are also those who are stuck up and think too highly of themselves.  They are on the same list as murders and thieves and whatever else is defined as feet that race to do wrong.

We have to understand that the reason God hates those things because he knows it’s not just the big things that destroy but the small things as well.

James says, “In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.  But a tiny spark can set a great forest fire.” James 3:5

1 John 5:4-5

“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.   And who can win this battle against the world?   Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Why do I mention this?  I mention all this to stimulate and warn you and to build a fortress of God words in your heart and mind.   So when the savages and pirates and slaves and beasts of compromise and temptation come to raid and pillage they will find an invincible, impregnable fortress of conviction built by God’s everlasting wisdom and love.   You will be able to stand without fear for the source of your strength will be God himself.   You will be a beacon of light; you will glorify Him and uphold the faith God has entrusted.  You will then pass this on (in action and word) to others to build up their faith in Jesus Christ.

Why do I mention this?  I mention all this to stimulate, remind and warn you and to build a fortress of God's words in your heart and mind.  So when the savages and pirates and slaves and beasts of compromise and temptation come to raid and pillage they will find an invincible impregnable fortress of conviction built by God's everlasting wisdom and love.  We will be able to stand without fear for the source of our strength will be God himself.  You will be a beacon of light of God's goodness; you will glorify Him and uphold the faith God has entrusted.  You will then pass this on (in action and word) to others to build up their faith in Jesus Christ. 

God is our source.  We are to be hooked to him and he empowers what comes out.

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.  You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you.  Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch can not produce fruit if is served from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me.  Yes I am the vine; you are the branches.   Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing.  Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.  Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.  But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask of any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit.  This brings great glory to my Father.”  John 15:1-8 

Pick up your Mat and Walk

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Ever been oppressed? Oppressed to the point you feel disabled and handicapped spiritually? Ever feel this burdening presence that closes in on you? You sense its weight. You sense its tension on your body as if you are wrestling something invisible as you try to do what needs to be done throughout the day. It is a presence that just does not leave you alone.

Most often we wrestle this presence with our physical and mental strength and it doesn’t go so well because we are up against something spiritual. We need to use spiritual weapons when we are up against spiritual weaponry and foes.

You are saved by Jesus Christ and because you are saved by Jesus Christ you have the authority in Him. You have spiritual authority in Him. You have been set free from the law of sin, which so easily influences the physical and mental sides of us. The physical and mental sides are often manipulated causing us to lose peace and rest- we move into areas of unbelief (sometimes unknowingly) which is a sin.

This unbelief in sin causes us to become captives to our oppressors. We sit handicapped spiritually on our mat and feel sorry for ourselves because "everyone is able to get into the pool of Bethesda before we do when the waters are stirred up."

We grumble and complain serving the law of sin not realizing we are falling into the same trap as the Israelites who had left Egypt. Though they had been set free – their hearts sank back into their old ways and desires. And we know what happened to them….

However those with Joshua had a promise. Joshua had the promise from God and we also have the same promises through Jesus.

Do these sound familiar? “ I will be with you. I will not fail you or abandon you. Be strong and courageous. Do not turn away from God and you will be successful in everything you do. Meditate on the word day and night and obey it- only then will you succeed. I command you- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:5-9)

Jesus told the man at the pool of Bethesda after he asked him, “Would you like to get well.”

The man complained but Jesus ignored the complaint at first and simply ordered, “Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat and walk!”

Instantly the man was healed. He rolled the mat and began walking. When Jesus found the man in the temple again… Jesus then addressed the man’s complaint with this. “Now you are well, so stop sinning or something even worse may happen to you. (John 5)

We are to strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress- we do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. Hebrews 12. Hebrews 4:14-16

Through the things we suffer we learn to be more obedient and dependent upon God- seeing our need for Him everyday of our lives.