Unfortunately as I read through the Bible, I see a reoccurring theme that truly saddens me. What is that theme you may ask if you have not also noticed it? It is making the wrong decisions in your senior years. Some of those individuals that have done this are Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Asa, and Jehoshaphat, and sadly, these individuals all paid for their wrong decision.
Let me share the story of one of these men who happen to be a king in Judah. King Asa, the son of Abijah’s story, is found in 2 Chronicles 14 -16. King Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of God. He brought religious reformation to Judah by ridding the land of idols, destroying the high places and commanding the people to seek after God and obey His commandments.
For ten years the land was peaceful and prosperous, but then King Zerah of Ethiopia and his army came to war against Judah. When King Asa saw this tremendous army that was arrayed against them he prayed this humble prayer, “Lord, it is nothing with (there is none beside) thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power (between the mighty and him that have no strength): help us, O Lord our God; for we rest in thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee” (2 Chronicles 14:11), and God showed Himself strong and allowed Judah to smote the Ethiopians and to spoil their cities. At the completion of the fighting, Judah returned home with an abundance of spoil (gold, silver, camels, cattle, sheep, and garments).
After this war, the prophet Azariah gave a word of admonishment to the king to which he positively responded by once again going through the land destroying the idols he found and calling the people to renew their covenant with God. For the next twenty-five years, Judah once again experienced peace.
In the thirty-sixth year, King Baasha of Israel assaulted the city of Ramah which was in Judah and a short distance from Jerusalem. This time rather than rely on God’s divine intervention, King Asa sought an alliance and help from the Syrians who interposed and routed the Israelis.
After this battle Hanani, the seer came to King Asa and said, “Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria and not relied on the Lord thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars” (2 Chronicles 16:7-9). King Asa was displeased with the rebuke, and he placed Hanani in prison, and he became an oppressor of the people who were not in agreement with his actions.
Three years later in his thirty-ninth year of reigning King Asa’s feet became infected and over time became progressively worse; however, rather than seek God for healing he sought the physicians and eventually he died of this sickness in his forty-first year of reign.
Here is the story of a man that experienced the favor, goodness, and blessings of God. Not only did He bless him, but He also blessed the nation over which King Asa presided. God desired to be their “I AM continually.” All God wanted was their allegiance and obedience. When King Asa failed to ask God’s help when He rejected God, God granted him his independence.
What have I learned from the life of King Asa? To never think I am so self-sufficient that I don’t need God’s assistance. To never think I can go a moment without Him. To never think I can live a healthy life without His merciful hands being upon me and not to be like so many of the seniors in the bible and make a fatal wrong decision.
When we listen to the news or read the newspaper, we can clearly see we are living in a world of turmoil, and the truth of the matter we are only exposed to a minute amount of tragedies that are happening around the world. People are overwhelmed with their situation, and they don’t have a remedy; so many of them are committing suicide. They are looking for answers, but unfortunately, they are looking in the wrong places.
The Bible states, “Man that is born of a women is a few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). It does not matter what your age might be; there is no escaping trouble; it will find you. The Bible also states, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalms 34:19). There is not one problem that you may be experiencing that God cannot solve. He is the answer, and He has all the answers.
Knowing the creator of the world and its inhabitants are interested in our wellbeing should bring us great comfort and assurance. Also, understanding the role of our King who cares for His citizens, allows us to say in our heart and mind when an issue presents itself, “The king has the answer and solution, there is no need for me to stress over it.”
Finally, many times, God wants to alert us to the trouble that is headed our way; however, we are so busy doing our thing that we do not connect with Him. It is up to us to invite God into our situations, it is up to us to earnestly ask Him for help, and most of all when He gives us the answer it is up to us to follow it whether we understand it or not. So, as you go thru your daily activities, sing this song and tell those with whom you come in contact. “God is the answer for the world today; besides Him, there is no other, He alone knows the way.”
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 armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:12-13).
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Though I know at some level, believers are in continual warfare; I keep forgetting the above two scriptures. Now, I have come to understand David’s words that are recorded in Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Eventually, after much testing and failures, I am going to learn to do what will bring me success.
Unlike us, demons assigned to our lives do not become weary in their task. They are trying to steal, kill, and destroy. They are trying to oppress, repress, suppress, and depress us. They do whatever it takes to accomplish their assignment, and I am finding out that I must be as vigilant as they are in doing what the scriptures have stated.
At the beginning when God created man in His image and likeness, God told man these words, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1: 28). It was the plan of God that man was to establish the influence of heaven on earth. God gave only men the legal authority to rule the earth. Anything or one that does not possess a body has no legal right of rulership on this earth. As believers, we are to exercise our authority and put the devil and his forces out. We are to use the power that God placed in us because He is not going to do the work that He has assigned to our hands. Failure or success depends on our determination.
Ephesians 6:13 tells us, “to stand.” The dictionary gives one of the meanings of the word “stand” as “a defensive effort.” So, believers must guard against and stand firmly amid of the enemy’s attack. Don’t cringe, be depressed, or be afraid of your enemies.
We have the legal right to cast out all illegals. If you doubt my words remember the words of Jesus in Mark 16:17, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils.” You have the power and authority, now do the work.
Once again I thought I might be skipping blogging for this week because I did not have a topic to share with you, but I am learning even in blogging to wait on the Lord for direction, and as usual, He came through. I was watching a convention service on the internet last evening, and the presider took time in the middle of the service to pray for those that were ill. His actions ministered to me physically and spiritually, and the topic for today’s blogs was revealed to me, “The God that Healeth.”
Many of the Israelis that were in the wilderness did not have a relationship with God; however, He had chosen them as a nation of people on whom He would bestow His love, protection, blessings, and concern. He desired to be their one and only King and as their King, God told them three days into their wilderness experience these words, “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26) and later when He gave Moses the laws and statutes by which the people should live He reminded them of this promise with these words “And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee”(Exodus 23:25). In His kingly role He provided for His people with the understanding that for them to receive the benefits of citizenship, they were expected to show allegiance, loyalty, and obedience to their king.
For the New Testament church of which we are a member, we have the same promise provided for us by God when He sent His son Jesus to earth and allowed Him to die by crucifixion for our sins. Jesus, our earthly king, has the same characteristics as His Father. God provided Israel with healing and Jesus; God manifested in the flesh does the same for us (Isaiah 9:6-7; 53:4-5).
Why does God do this? He does this because He is a wealthy King and owns everything and has every resource (including healing) at His disposal. Also, God and His Son change not, they remain the same yesterday, today and forever (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8) and praise God, our healings are not limited for they are spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental (Psalms 103:3).
In closing, let me reminded you all healing comes from our King. Some healings come quickly while others may occur over a period of time. Please don’t be deceived, when you go to the doctor, when you take medication it is still God that is healing you. So, if you are sick on today, I declare you can be healed and receive your citizen benefits from the God that healeth.
As I stated in a previous blog (Kingdom Citizenship) because we are kingdom believers, there are rights and privileges granted to us by our King, who takes care of His citizens. Jesus in His earthly ministry emphasized this fact to His disciples telling them in Matthew 6:25, “Take no thought for their life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.” These things are considered basic necessities and are often the things for which we worry.
For most of us, it is easy to complain rather than practice faith and positive confessions. I read this statement of Charles Capps over twenty years ago, and it remains in my spirit, “Satan has deceived the body of Christ into confessing their fears rather than their faith.” When problems arise in my life, I have to continually remind myself that God is in control and not to complain and worry. Also studying the story of Israel in the books of Exodus and Numbers has been beneficial in showing me what not to do.
Let me share some of their story with you. The Israelites left Canaan and went to Egypt because of a famine in the land. When the famine was over, they remained there because they were treated royally. After 430 years, things changed, and the Egyptians viewed the Israelis as a threat; therefore, they placed them in bondage and made them their servants. God intervened on their behave, and after inflicting ten plagues on the Egyptians, He delivered them mightily out of Egypt and destroyed Pharaoh and His army in the Red Sea.
After Israel crossed the Red Sea, they entered into the wilderness (an uncultivated, uninhabited, barren region), where they quickly forgot all that God had done for them and because of their unbelief they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. During that time, they murmured about water, food, and leadership. God had chosen Israel to be the people upon whom He would bestow His love and blessings; however, they continually angered and disappointed Him with their actions. He wanted them to love and trust His Word in all situations. Instead, they complained when things were delayed, or they experienced hardship. Their murmurings and complaints resulted in consequences, and generations of them died in the wilderness, never reaching the promise land.
From my study of Israel, I have learned these two essential things. God, my King, is my Sustainer, and I may sometimes be in an uncomfortable place, but in time, I will receive what I need to maintain and overcome. So, fellow believers instead of complaining I am praising God and using my spiritual weapons. I pray you have also learned to do the same.
In the Kingdom of Heaven, there is an innumerable vast number of mighty, intelligent, powerful, immortal, noble, obedient angelic spirits which were created by God. In accordance with His orderly, systematic character God gave them different assignments: some were worshippers, some were messengers, some were agents of destruction, some were guides, some were protectors, some were ministering spirits, and a large portion were in God’s army. Throughout the Bible, you can read numerous accounts of angels fulfilling their assignment; however, on today, I would like to focus on the angelic ministering spirits.
Both in the Old and New Testaments, many events are shared concerning these angelic ministering spirits that assist individuals in their time of need. You can see one in the life of Elijah when he was running from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:5-7), in the life of Jesus in the Mount of Olive (Luke 22:43), in the life of Abraham’s servant as he traveled to Nahor to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:40) and in the life of Peter when Herod put him in prison (Acts 12:7-11). On today I thank God these ministering angels are also assigned to kingdom believers.
When I looked up the Greek meaning of the word “ministering” as it is found in the scripture, it gave the definition, “to be a public servant, to perform charitable functions.” In the Old Testament times, David knew there were angels with him for he stated in Psalms 34:77 “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” In the New Testament Paul stated in Hebrews 1:13-14 “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Knowing there are angels assigned to minister on your behalf should bring comfort to every believer. We have the right to ask God to send our angels before us, to work out problems, to fight on our behalf, to protect us as we travel, and to assist us in areas that we feel are insurmountable.
Aren’t you glad that you have a King in your life that is so concerned about you that He goes beyond human assistance and assigns angelic help to you? Therefore, when problems arise, don’t become stressed but remember you have heavenly help from your King and your angel. Knowing this, I suggest you don’t delay, but use them today.
In 2 Timothy 3:1 Paul stated, “That in the last days perilous (grievous) times shall come” and from all the events that are happening in our world I believe we are living in the era in which Paul called, “last days.” When I turn on the news I hear of some tragic event taking place, I can see the Spirit of Lawlessness happening with the murders and robberies in our communities, and the hardness and evilness of men’s heart are visible in my interactions with people. I am often saddened by the plight of this world, for those who have died and whirled into eternity without receiving salvation, and for those who are presently living but don’t think they need a relationship with God. These are issues over which I must pray and rest in the hands of God who is in control of everything for He has a plan for humans that will eventually happen and unfortunately, it will not be pleasant.
Jesus enlightens us of this plan in Matthews 13:24 -30, 36-43 which states, “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
In this same chapter, verses 47 -50, Jesus reiterates the plan using a different example. He said “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
In both of these parables, Jesus expounds on end time events. Within the world are those individuals that received Him and have a relationship with God and within the world are individuals that have rejected salvation and are members of the kingdom of darkness of whom Satan is the leader. Both of these groups of people (good and bad) exist together. It is not the responsibility of the believer to judge and cause a divide for God has assigned that task to His angels. It is the believers who are joint heirs with Christ and members of the kingdom of God responsibility to preach and teach the Word to a dying world (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:8). With the help and direction of God, will you join with me in doing our part of propagating the Word and leaving the judging to God?
On today I would like to begin this blog by reviewing the words of Jesus in Luke 13:20-21 using several translations. They read as follows:
“And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” (King James Version)
“It is like yeast kneaded into dough, which works unseen until it has risen high and light.” (The Living Bible)
“Again he asked, What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” (New International Version)
In these verses, Jesus is sharing an example of what the kingdom of God is like in a manner that His audience would understand for leaven/yeast was used in His day in making bread. Since most of us purchase our bread rather than make it, let me share some interesting aspects of yeast.
Prior to use, yeast is kept in a sealed package where it remains inactive; however, when the package is opened, and the yeast is placed in hot water, it is activated. Over time this yeast that appears small and insignificant when mixed in dough begins to influence the dough. The dough changes in size and enlarges. The dough does not affect the yeast but the properties of the yeast effects the dough.
In the beginning, God created the heaven in which the invisible kingdom of God resides, and then He created the earth with its visible inhabitants. He planned that the earth would be a colony in which His children had dominion (Genesis 1:26). His children’s lifestyle and culture were to mirror heaven. His children were created to be influential. His kingdom comes, and His will be done on earth can and will only happen as we allow ourselves to become as yeast. Despite the pressures or turmoil of the day, despite the magnitude of the situation in which we are placed, quietly and systematically, we will do the job of a change agent, influencing the world. So, lest you forget you have an assignment, remind yourself daily, “I am yeast in the kingdom of God.”
In our world, an ambassador is the highest-ranking representative sent abroad to a specific nation or international organization, and they represent their country in lieu of their national leader.
In 2 Corinthians 5:20a, Paul said, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” In this statement, he was addressing the believers in Corinth and reminding them of their position within the body of Christ. Also, our status of being in the world but not of the world is stated by Jesus in His prayer to the Father in John 17:14, 16 & 18. This title and status have remained the same for believers in this present century; so let me share some more information on the role and privileges of an ambassador.
An ambassador is not elected but appointed by his national leader, and he is usually handpicked because of the stellar qualities that he possesses. To be effective in his assignment, an ambassador has to be respected, dependable, a good manager, and a skillful negotiator. The ambassador represents his home country and is committed to the interest of his country. It is the ambassador’s duty to be influential for his government, and when questioned, he never shares his personal position, but he speaks his nation’s official position. Also, ambassadors are responsible for determining the political climate, analyzing important events, and reporting critical information to their national leader.
While performing his responsibilities abroad, the ambassador has access to all of his nation’s wealth. He is protected and entirely covered by his government. He is given a salary, housing, transportation, and food. While abroad, his place of residence may be appealing; however, the ambassador does not attempt to become a citizen there. Lastly, the ambassador can only be recalled home by his leader.
Keeping all of these facts in mind, believers as ambassadors have an awesome responsibility and kingdom rights. While we work in this earth, we can rest in the knowledge that we are covered and have the backing of a higher power. We don’t have to worry about our needs for they will be provided. When we speak, we are to speak with authority the Word and thoughts of our leader (God). We can do the job because the Great One is in us. Finally, as a kingdom ambassador hold fast to these Words of Jesus that He spoke to his disciples in Luke 22:29-30. Reading from The Message Bible, it says, “Now I confer on you the royal authority my Father conferred on me so you can eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and be strengthened as you take up responsibilities among the congregations of God’s people.”
Most humans love to be acknowledged and praised, and many are concerned about their social status in life. These actions are not new for we can read about them in the interaction of Jesus with His disciples in Matthew 18:1-4. It reads, “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” In the text, Jesus used the opportunity to share a valuable principle with His disciples that also apply to all believers. In the kingdom of heaven, worldly prestige, greatness and fame mean nothing. What matters in the kingdom is the humble, servant spirit of a believer, and Jesus uses a child to illustrate this principle.
Jesus points out that first and foremost, a believer’s perception concerning what promotes them in the eyes of God must be right, and if it is not, a change needs to take place.
Young children are not concerned about status; they are not vying for a position. Young children are lovable, innocent, teachable, and helpful. These are the characteristics that God wants believers to possess, and only when these traits are evident is greatness in the kingdom attainable.
So today, this blog is short, simple, and priceless. If you had the wrong idea concerning greatness: change, humble yourself, and learn to be a loving, willing servant.
The Teacher's Pick 