THE STAFF OFGOD

One of the most powerful truths in the bible is the identity of the believer with God and the authority that comes with that identity. In Ex. 17:1-16 we see a people who needed refreshing from God but identified more with Moses to meet the need. They accused Moses of taking them into the desert to die of thirst and spoke of stoning him. However, the God of grace, who had brought them to where they were, did so to teach them who they were as the people of God. He was going to teach their hands to war, and teach them to stand in the authority of their identity as His chosen people. Moses had already learned the lesson personally but Israel had a long way to go.
When God sent the water to refresh Israel at Rephidim, the Amalekites showed up to war against them. The Amalekites are a picture of the principalities and powers that Christians wrestle against from generation to generation. It seems that every time God sends fresh water to his people to bless them, the enemy of our souls attacks us declaring we can’t have that water. He attacks us with the arrows of doubt, fear, and discouragement.
However, Moses stood in the gap fully identified in the life and authority of God Almighty. At one time he identified himself as a prince of Egypt. In his exile he then identified himself as a simple shepherd. Both were identifying in the flesh. When God called Moses to go to Egypt to deliver Israel from bondage, He asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” It was a shepherd’s staff. He told Moses to throw it down and it turned into a poisonous snake. If we identify in anything of the flesh it is venomous. God has told us to lay our lives down. He wants us to see that there is nothing good about our fleshly natures. God is only pleased in the life of His Son and would have us to identify solely in Him.
Moses very carefully picked up the viper by the tail and it turned back into a staff. Only this time it was no longer the staff of a shepherd, it was the staff of God! Once we see the filthiness and danger of identifying in the flesh, whether it be a lofty identification of a prince, or a lowly identification of a shepherd, we must be careful not to take up our lives again and to live them out by our own abilities. We live and stand in the life and authority of the risen Christ.
When the staff of God was raised in the hands of Moses, Israel prevailed over the Amalekites. The staff of God has been vested into the hands of every believer to bring down the strongholds of Satan and to defeat him in every attack. What is your identity? Is it in a title, or a career, or anything other than Jesus. God wants to train your hands to war against the enemy, but before you will ever be effective you must lay down the staff of your fleshly life and pick it up again, but only as the staff of God. Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing.” Satan isn’t afraid of our identity in the flesh which has no power. But Satan is terrified when God’s people face him identified in Christ, the true “Staff of God!”

Can a Christian be Inhabited by Demons? T. Butler

The legitimacy of deliverance ministry stands or falls on whether or not a Christian can have a demon/demons inside his/her body. There are many that deny that possibility. If they are correct, then deliverance ministry is completely false, and thousands of people are being led astray by a false teaching. On the other hand, if they are wrong, then thousands of people who truly need help will not be able to get it. Therefore, the matter must be considered carefully in the light of the Holy Scriptures.
Experience can also legitimate as long as it doesn’t conflict with scripture and if the individuals are credible. I pray that the following information will be helpful to you in reaching a decision in this matter, or at least help you to be open-minded.

Biblical Terms

The Hebrew terms for demons in the OT.

Spirit – Heb. Ruwach, roo-akh
This is the primary word for demon in the OT. (see I Sam.
10:6) When it is used for a demon, the adjective (evil or
unclean) is placed in front of the word to reveal the character
of the spirit.

Familiar spirit – Heb. Owb, obe

This word is used for spirits that impersonate the dead. People
who are mediums for these spirits are called necromancers.

Devils – Heb. Shed – shade also Sa-iyr – saw-eer

The Greek terms for demons and their vexing in the N.T.

Spirit - pneuma – new-mah
This word is used for every kind of spirit, such as angels,
demons, and the Holy Spirit. When used for demons
adjectives are placed before it to reveal the character of the
spirit.
Demon – daimonion – dahee-mon-ee-on
This word is only used for evil spirits.
Demon-possessed – daimonizomai - dahee-mon-id-zom-ahee
This word is the verb noun form of daimonion that describes
their vexation in people’s lives
Possessed – echo – ek-oh
This word is a verb meaning to have or to hold.

Note- The terms relating to demons, “ possessed with devils, possessed of devils, or possessed is found twelve times in the NT. Ten times the greek word “daimonizomai” is used. (Mt. 8:16; 8:28; 9:32; 12:22; Mk. 1:32; 5:15,16&18; Lk. 8;36) The word is a verbal noun. It means to vex. This vexing or oppression is always seen in the scripture as coming from the inside of a person.
Two times the greek word “echo” is used. (Acts 8:7; 16:16) The word means “to have” or “to hold”. It has the idea of having a firm hold on one so he can’t get loose. Neither term means to possesses in the sense of ownership.

The words “ktema” Mk.10:22 and “huparchonta” Acts 4:32 are the primary words used for ownership God is the only one who truly possesses all things. The bible makes it plain that, “earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: (I Cor. 10:28) As Christians we have been bought with the blood of Jesus. We belong to God. No Christian can be possessed in the sense of ownership by Satan, but he/she can be vexed or demonized.
Even the most demonized unsaved person in the world is not owned by the devil, and can come to Jesus. (See Mk. 5:6)

Arguments That Say A Christian Can’t Be Demonized

1. There is no N.T. example of a born-again Christian ever being
demonized/possessed by a demon.

(Response – If we argue that because there is no N.T. example of a demon being expelled from a believer, therefore it can’t be true, then we must understand that our stand or belief is being built on silence, rather than the word of God itself.

The same argument could be used for the O.T. There is no internal evidence that a covenant child of God, namely the Jews could be demonized. However, the silence of scripture didn’t prevent the reality of the event. Jesus came under the O.T. economy to the Jews and cast demons out of His own people. If the Pharisees had said to Jesus, “Where do you find this in the scriptures?” He could not have pointed to any scripture stating that a child of Abraham could be demonized.

However, we have a very plain example of a saved woman who was demonized in Luke 13:10-16. Jesus called this woman a “daughter of Abraham”, which is a term in scripture denoting genuine salvation. (See Rom. 4:8-22) All true believers are the children of Abraham, whether Jew or Gentile. (Gal. 3:7) In Jn. 8:31-41;44, Jesus told the Jews who were the physical descendants of Abraham that Abraham was not their father, rather Satan. Being a Jew did not make one a child of Abraham.

The argument naturally develops to the difference between a saved person under the O.T. economy, and a saved person under the N.T. economy. Those that believe that a born-again believer can’t be demonized/possessed say that the O.T. believer did not have the Holy Spirit, but the N.T. believer does. This leads to the next argument or objection.)

2. God and demons could not possibly dwell in the same body
simultaneously, because God would not tolerate the presence of evil.

(Response – It is understandable that many would have great difficulties in believing that God would share the same space with the presence of evil, especially as one contemplates the stark contrasts of character between the two.

The force behind this objection seems to be that somehow God is tainted, or too holy to tolerate a presence of a demon; therefore one or the other has to be absent. It carries the idea of the attitude of a woman in a gorgeous white wedding dress in a coalmine. The beautiful white dress is so incompatible with the filthy black coal that it must leave or be defiled by the coal, or that the coalmine is transformed into a clean wedding chapel.

Though this view is very understandable in the realm of human reasoning, it fails to portray the biblical view of God’s nature and character. Does it really matter where Satan or demons are? According to the scriptures they are all in the presence of God. (Ps. 139:7-8) Even if we were in hell, God’s presence is there. The bible makes it plain that the Spirit of the Lord is everywhere beholding the good and the evil.

The bible teaches that the temple of God has three sections, the Holy of Holies, the Holy place and the outer court. Satan has constant access into the very throne room presence of God. (Rev. 1:10; Job 1:6) The scriptures teach Christians are the temple of the Living God and that the Holy Spirit dwells in all true believers. Well, if Satan can roam freely before the very Throne of God in heaven why is it that many presuppose that he can’t enter into the temple of God called “a Christian”? The enemy loves to tread his filth on holy ground. Satan goes boldly before the Throne everyday to accuse the saints before God.

God and demons experience one another’s presence regularly, whether they are inside a believer or outside a believer. What difference does it make? Is God less Holy outside a believer than inside a believer? God has tolerated the world’s sin, Satan and demons in His omnipresence for over six thousand years. Can God only tolerate demons at a distance? Does close proximity cause God to recoil? Can the difference of being underneath the dermis/skin of a believer or above the dermis/skin of the believer cause God to recoil in repugnance? The answer to me is no.

Another biblical truth that would seem to refute the idea that God and evil can’t dwell together in the same body of a believer is the fact that God dwells in us whether we have a demon or not. The flesh is every bit as evil, corrupt, and sinful as any demon. (Jer.17:9) Yet God dwells in us as His temple. If we are as unholy in our flesh as God says we are and we don’t taint God’s holiness by His dwelling in us, then certainly a Christian that is demonized can’t as well.)

3. The scriptures teach that it is impossible for a Christian to be
demonized.

(Response - The evidence from the scriptures that are used to disprove that Christians can’t be demonized are slight and taken out of context. In my studies the following scriptures are used to support the negative argument.

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
I Jn 4:4

(Response - It is argued that this verse makes no sense if a Christian can be inhabited by a demon. However, the context is making a declaration that God is superior in power over Satan. That is the very essence of deliverance ministry. It is the driving force that gives the saints the confidence to dispossess the enemy.)

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” I Cor. 2:12

(Response - If one is honest with the context of this scripture it will be seen that this verse has nothing to do with a demon, but to the world’s system. The word “spirit” is also used to describe an attitude or mindset.) (Eph. 4:23)

“No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.” I Cor. 10:20

(Response - Once again, if the context is looked at, it will be quickly seen that these verses deal with eating meat offered to idols. Paul declares to eat the meat is to be a participant with the ones the meat is being offered too. He challenges the Christians not to be participants with demons by the act of eating the meat. Isn’t it interesting he declares we can be participants with them.)

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” II Cor. 6:14-16

(Response - This scripture is only dealing with the unequal yoking/marriage between a believer and unbeliever. The unsaved is a child of Satan and the saved is a child of God. The two should not marry. It has nothing to with demons. Besides, having a demon and fellowshipping with it is two different things. This is light as a straw as an argument to prove a Christian can’t be demonized.)

“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?”
James 3:11

(Response - The context of this verse is dealing with the words that proceed out of the mouth of the believer, not the ability of God and demons to co-habitat the same body.)

Conclusion
Many believers, due personal bias and presupposition refuse to accept that Christians can be demonized, leave the believer defenseless to demonic attacks and demonization? This sounds really good, but is it just false security for the believer? Does it in fact work on behalf of evil spirits pulling down the walls of protection and leaving them vulnerable? Is it Biblical? I believe that this doctrine is a dangerous over simplification. It works on the behalf of demons. It makes no Biblical sense and it leaves the believer vulnerable and a demonic target. I do not wish to minimize anyone’s feelings, but it is important to understand that a personal opinion is just that, it is not the final authority. All of us are guilty of bias determined by presuppositions that we have been taught and our own personal experiences. Because of our propensity towards bias, we must carefully and earnestly try to establish ourselves in the truth as we prayerfully search the scriptures to see if these things are so. (Acts 17:11)

Wet Monkeys In The Church - T. Butler

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phi 3:13,14)

Sometime ago I read about a zoo that conducted a behavior experiment with some monkeys. They removed the monkeys from the cage and then placed a bunch of bananas in the top of an artificial tree that had been placed in their cage.


The monkeys were put back into the cage one at a time. The first monkey came in and saw the bananas and began to climb the tree. Upon doing so the zoo attendants sprayed the monkey with cold water, which caused him to screech and run to the corner of the cage. A little while later he attempted to get the bananas and once again he was sprayed. After several sprayings he quit trying for the bananas.


A second monkey was let in who quickly noticed the wet monkey in the corner but just as quickly saw the bananas and headed straight for them. As you can imagine the second monkey got the same treatment as the first and finally surrendered into the corner with the first monkey, both wet, confused and frightened.


The interesting part happened when the third monkey was let in the cage. He quickly sees the two wet and frightened monkeys in the corner but also sees the bananas and heads straight for them. Only this time no water was needed because the other two monkeys darted to him and began to pull at him and wouldn’t let him up the tree. After a while the third monkey quit attempting to get the bananas and surrendered into the corner with the other two.


Though this behavior was seen in the zoo, I have seen it in the church. Not people being squirt with a hose but people who at one time sought God’s best for their lives but quit after they were squirt with accusation, discouragement, hurt, unbelief, or something else.
These people not only stopped their own spiritual progress but also began to impede others.

You know the old saying “Misery loves company”. As new believers come into the church these wet monkeys do all they can to prevent them from making spiritual progress. They let the new believers know that they are idealists and that the bananas can’t be had. They keep pulling and impeding others until they as well merely look at the bananas as an unattainable goal.


These wet monkeys in the church are satisfied with religious form and traditions but lack vital, deep intimacy with Jesus Christ. After all, they tried for the bananas one time but discovered it can’t be had so now it is their job to prevent all others from attaining to that goal.
Perhaps you know people like that in the church. Perhaps you are one. I just want to say to all the saints, “Go for the Bananas!” They are yours to be had and enjoyed. It matters not what all happens to you in the process. Don’t let wet monkeys rob you. Let no man hinder you in your pursuit. God bless you all.

Uh, Did I say that? - T. Butler

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Be careful for what you ask for, you just might get it”? In pulpits all across America Christians are challenged to Christ-likeness. It sounds real good, and certainly seems like a reasonable pursuit in light of Christ’s claim on our lives. Once the sermons on Christ-Likeness are given, there is generally a challenge by the pastor or an alter call inviting people to come and pray to be more like Jesus. In response people come forward sincerely and earnestly praying to God to make them like Jesus. After the service they go home and proclaim what a wonderful time of worship they had, and how God deeply touched them. It is a wonderful thing when God moves in and touches the heart. Yes, praise the Lord! Chalk up another good service for Jesus. Thank you God!

Then Monday comes. Time advances forward putting more distance between the trip to the alter and their present state. Life rushes by with things to do, people to see, kids to care for, places to go, and a ton of “have to’s”. Soon the visit to the alter and the blessing thereof is forgotten. Just another collected memory along their spiritual journey, even though the experience was real and the prayer was sincere.


But wait a minute! What didn’t happen at the alter? Oh sure there was desire for an anticipated end, Christ likeness, but there was no real thought as to how it is processed out by God. Did He take us seriously? If so, what begins to happen? How does He begin to make us Christ-Like? In light of our forgetfulness does God say, “Oh well, at least they were sincere”, and quit? Did we ever stop to think that God would say, “OK, I will take you at your sincere request, even if you have forgotten about it”? Let the process begin! At this moment most Christians are oblivious. The prayerful plea is filed away in some memory cell labeled, “Spiritual Experiences With God”. They forget that God doesn’t forget, and that He answers the deep yearning of the heart. He takes it seriously, even if for a season we don’t.


And by the way, what is the Christ-Likeness for which they yearned? Was it to be like the popular Jesus where everyone welcomes Him with shouts of praise and waves palm branches? Was it to be like the healing Jesus that amazed the crowds? Was it to be like the powerful Jesus Who performed miracles, or was it to be like the preaching Jesus Who spoke with boldness and great authority?


Certainly Jesus did all these things and it was good, but a major truth is missing. None of the above perfected Jesus to be what His Father wanted Him to be. Something was lacking. He had to suffer. He had to face crisis, sweating blood. He had to go to the cross. No one can be Christ-like unless they too go through suffering and crisis. God will see to it. So when it happens, don’t forget your prayer, “Lord, please make me like Jesus”. Prepare to be perfected by suffering. If Jesus could not be what He needed to be except by suffering, then don’t think for a moment you are exempt.


Heb 2:10 For it became Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons into glory, to perfect the Captain of their salvation through sufferings.

“The Super Apostles” T. Butler

I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent (super) apostles, even though I am a nobody. 2Co 12:11

Look out here they come! Hot, red hot, super anointed super apostles ready to initiate the populace into their revelations and their anointing. Step right up and get your miracle. “Hurry up, before I am no longer hot”, they say, “and don’t forget to put your seed (money) in my coffer”. They are wealthy and have huge followings. Masses of people pour into their meetings and listen to their declarations. People bark, growl, and laugh hysterically, fall out, convulse, and are frozen in trances. This is the power of the anointed ones upon the attendants. They are the Generals of God, the brokers of the new Pentecost. They announce a worldwide revival that God is bringing through Holy Ghost power.


It matters not so much what the bible says, though they love to twist its words so that gain and godliness become one in the same. No need to test the spirits. Anyone who does is judged as a heresy hunter who will fry in hell for daring to question one of the Lord’s anointed. No longer are the “old paths” sufficient. No longer is it in vogue to “not go beyond what is written”. Instead, Revelation knowledge is the happening thing for many in the church today. The few voices of objection are overwhelmingly squelched by shouts of attendants who have come to “Joel’s Bar” to get a drink from a Holy Ghost bartender. Sensationalism, professionalism, and emotionalism are the favorite cocktails served in the church.


The old love letters of biblical parchment are no longer sufficient for faith and practice. God is doing a new thing they say. Watch the gold dust fly from their hair, and watch the fillings in the mouth turn to gold. Behold little birdie feathers floating down from the ceiling with the incense of angels permeating the room. Come and get your blessing from these anointed ones while they are HOT!


If I sound a bit sarcastic it is because I am. I am amazed at the foolishness and shallowness of so many in the church. Don’t chase after these flamboyant and self –promoting super apostles. Take a quick glance of the heart of a true apostle, Paul.

1Co 4:9 For I think that God has set forth us last, the apostles, as it were appointed to death; for we have become a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honorable, but we are despised. 11 Even until this present hour we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffeted and have no certain dwelling place. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the off scouring of all things until now.


Jesus is “God’s Anointed” follow hard after Him.

The Great Sin of the Church - Tony Butler

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. 16 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift;… Is. 30:15,16a

I heard a story of an explorer who had gone to Africa for a safari. He hired a group of natives to carry his heavy supplies. On the first day under his direction the natives made really good progress that far exceeded his expectations. As the explorer went to bed the first night he anticipated another fast journey the next day as well. When he got up the next morning and tried to rally the natives, to his surprise they would not move. When he inquired through a translator why they would not move, they told him, “On the first day we went too fast and too far. Now we must rest and allows our souls to catch up to our bodies.” The only difference between the natives and busy Christians is they knew what was happening and we don’t.


There is a refusal among Christians to be still and silent before God, a refusal to look at the beauty of creation and to contemplate the awesomeness of the creator. The great sin of the church is the sin of slothfulness. Not slothfulness in the since of inactivity, because slothfulness is not the absence of doing, rather it is the absence of doing what we are supposed to be doing as beings made in the image of God. The periphery of slothfulness can be filled with a dazzle of activity and verbosity. Slothfulness, or laziness is a refusal to do our real work, that is to deal with God and deal with ourselves. It avoids getting serious with God and self by busily and noisily diverting attention with a smokescreen of activity.


The verse above reveals Israel had the same problem. Instead of responding to God’s invitation to draw near to Him, instead, they jump on fast horses to escape proximity. We are not much different. Our tendency to respond to inner restlessness is to get more active. However, our souls never seem to catch up, and we aren’t satisfied. Our hearts were made for God and will continually be at unrest until we rest in our creator. He cries out to us to us saying,

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. Is. 55:1-3


The solution of to the sin of spiritual slothfulness is seen in the above verse. Three times we see the word “come”. Four times He tell us to listen. We must understand there will never be satisfaction in the realm of being and doing alone. There will be a time when our money is completely spent on bread that doesn’t satisfy. The fundamental cause of this is due to misdirected activity and a refusal to be still and listen. God is pleading with us (for our good) to come close, and listen, so His word will pull us into communion with Him. He will then give us things that truly satisfy the hunger of the soul and bring satisfaction in our labors. We can be led out into His pastures with joy and peace, mountain and hills singing, and the trees clapping.

Get the Dung Out!!! - T. Butler

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you. Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children; Eph. 4:31-5:1

In Nehemiah chapter two and three you will read about a particular gate in Jerusalem called the “Dung Gate”. This gate was an important gate and played a very specific role. God had given Israel very specific instructions on getting rid of their dung. After all, if the dung were not removed from the city there would be a tremendous health hazard with all kinds of disease. If Jerusalem was to be healthy it had to get the dung out.


Our bodies have a God designed dung gate as well that serves a very important role. If the body doesn’t rid itself of its waste, inevitably all kinds of physical complications will occur resulting in death. Jerusalem knew what to do with its waste; the body knows what to do with its waste; how is it that the body of Christ often times doesn’t know what to do with its waste? Dung is a natural, normal part of every day life. It wasn’t to be piled up in the home or the city. No one should make a memorial out of it. It is merely to be removed.


So many believers today seem to want to collect and save past offenses, jealousy, resentment, bitterness, and etc. Instead of removing their spiritual dung they store it, save it, justify it and talk about it to as many people as they can, and strangely enough, sit around and stare at it constantly. They come to church with it and then leave with it. Some people have been known to carry their dung around for twenty years. If that isn’t weird enough, sometimes they have dung fights within the church. Dung gets thrown everywhere. Yuck!!


Anytime dung sets out in the open there is a bad smell and flies invade. They are attracted to dung. In Luke 11:18 Satan is called “Beelzebub” which literally means, “lord of the flies”. Dung in the church invites demons to do their dirty work among the saints. If the body of Christ will get rid of its dung as God intended and directed, there will be greater spiritual health and a more difficult environment for Satan to penetrate. As believers we should avoid and admonish manure spreaders in the church. Would you allow someone to bring his or her dung into your house and pile it on your living room floor? Of course not!


Remember, a dung free dwelling is a healthier environment. God has a waste management program. It is called forgiveness. The blood of Jesus cleanses and purifies us daily. Let us labor to keep the body of Christ healthy. Collect all past dung, walk through the dung gate and get rid of it. Be blessed and healthy!


Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Eph. 4:15-16

By the way, I know this article really stinks

Strength Through Weakness - T. Butler

And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me. 10 Therefore I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am powerful. 2Co 12:9-10

In order to grow muscle in bodybuilding one must work the muscle to exhaustion. This is accomplished by lifting the weights with several repetitions until the muscle can’t lift the weight anymore. The exhaustion causes signals to be sent to the brain telling it that the muscle being exercised needs more help. Thus, more muscle cells are created to meet the demand of the greater requirement placed on the muscle.

Think about it. In bodybuilding the key to future strength and growth in the body is caused by weakness or exhaustion. If the body can lift the weight with no exhaustion there is no need to create new cells. The person can lift the weight but will never grow or exceed present capacity.
In the same way God has set forth the exhaustion principle so we may grow as Christians. God will allow trials in our life that are heavier than our capacity to handle. They are really gifts of grace so that we become strong in the Lord. Where these trials are absent, there is no growth. The apostle Paul realized this principle in his own life. His weakness resulted in greater strength.
A person in bodybuilding that doesn’t increase his weights will never achieve his potential. He must be pushed beyond himself. A bodybuilder will always use a “Spotter” in order to go beyond himself. Once the bodybuilder’s muscle is exhausted, the Spotter helps him to finish the repetitions. The weight is impossible for the bodybuilder to lift so the Spotter comes to his aid. The end result of a bodybuilder working with a Spotter is a lot more size and strength.

The Lord Jesus Christ is our Spotter. God allows trials into our lives that are to heavy for us to handle. We are exhausted in our own capacity and discover His strength. As a result, we discover that our weakness actually produced new growth. With this new growth comes greater understanding and faith that helps us to be more willing to tackle other things bigger than ourselves. Remember, most anything God calls us to do by way of vision or trial will always exceed our capacity. But thanks be to God our heavenly Spotter will always be there as our supply of strength to get the job done.

This produces glory to God and growth to us. It is not easy, nor is it pleasant, but it yields a Christ-likeness and strength that can’t be gotten in any other way.

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Christian Ophthalmologist in the Church - Pastor Tony Butler

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Matt. 7:3,4

There are more Christian ophthalmologists in the churches than you would imagine. They are everywhere! They diligently seek patients on which to practice their surgery. To make an appointment one doesn’t need to find them, they find you! Most of them seem to graduate at the same institution called “Splinter Picker College”. They are a happy lot as long as they are practicing surgery on other people. They feel so righteous and spiritual as they help others along life’s path.
However, there are a few Christian ophthalmologists that go to “Big Log University”. Few graduate from this awesome university because it is so demanding on each student. It seems that each student goes through voluntary eye surgery so they are enabled see with perfect vision in order to help the truly needy. It is very humbling for them to confess obstructions of their own sight. After the surgery they must constantly apply a specific kind of eye salve that that maintains perfect vision. (See – Rev. 3:18)
These eye doctors never come to another person to do surgery unless they have truly searched out their own condition, making sure they have pure motivation, which is born out of the love and compassion of God.
The “Splinter Picker” graduates have an ongoing feud with the “Big Log graduates”. The Splinter Pickers are convinced that the Big Log grads didn’t have the right kind of surgery. They are very demanding that things should be done the right way, their way.
Discovering and removing the specks of others convince them the kingdom of God is improved. They are a gregarious lot and have a lot of fellowship with other groups of people in the church. Groups like “the joy killers” “the water brigade” (You know, the ones that like to douse the fire of God) and “the strong Christians” (Those are the ones who sit in the back of the church who fold their arms over their chests and grit their teeth).
It is amazing how gifted the Splinter Pickers are. It seems that most of them have the gift of discernment, hearing God on a regular basis concerning other people’s splinters. Their favorite line is “God told me to tell you” or “the Lord led me”. I find it interesting they never seem to hear from God about wonderful things concerning people. When they come towards you, you can see the tweezers dangling.
I want to give a little advice when they approach. (unless you are ready for a feud or willing to be declared as a non-receiving defensive person) Under no circumstances point out any obstructions in their eyes. It is generally best to thank them for their concern and that you will take the matter to God. A Splinter Picker convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.
Does it sound like I have had a lot of experience with Splinter Pickers. Oh yes, Splinter pickers are extremely drawn to pastors, but they will do surgery on anyone. Final advice. If you must be an eye doctor, go to Big Log University!

THE PURCHASE

An angel of the Lord was on his way to complete a charge that had been given to him, when out of the corner of his eye he saw a figure approaching. The angel could hardly believe his eyes, it was the Lord, Himself. As his Creator approached, the angel bowed in humble adoration of the One Who now stood by him. The surprised angel thought to himself, “He is so glorious to look upon. I am so honored and blessed to be in His Presence. I am not worthy of Him.” Then, the Lord gently raised the angel to his feet and looked upon him with smiling approval as a mother would look upon a small child during innocent play. His eyes were full of love and grace.

The angel asked, “Mighty Creator, what brings You this way that one such as I should experience such singular joy? At first, the Lord said nothing, as though something weighty was on His heart. He seemed to be looking past the angel with His eyes fixed on a small blue sphere floating in the vastness of space. Then, looking at the angel, and pointing to the blue planet He said, “I am going there to make a purchase.” The angel replied, “A purchase, Lord? How can this be O Mighty Creator? All is Yours already.” The Lord responded graciously to His beloved angel by saying, “My precious one, have you forgotten that with God all things are possible?”

The angel felt a bit embarrassed in his heart for questioning any of the words his Creator had spoken. He knew of His great wisdom and power. Still his angelic curiosity could not let go. “Mighty Creator, what on earth are you going to purchase? Certainly, there is nothing more valuable on earth than the beauty of Your creation in heaven.” Lovingly, the Lord began to correct His angel by saying, “Oh, but you’re wrong my curious one. There is something on earth more valuable than all that is in the universe combined; therefore, I am soon going to purchase it for myself.” The boldness of the angel began to emerge as he pressed the Lord saying, “Mighty Creator, please indulge me, for I am at a total loss of understanding. Your words are intriguing, and are beyond my contemplation’s. I have traveled to earth on many occasions, and I have seen nothing that would supersede the combined value of your created universe. What is there on earth that could possibly be that valuable?”

Amused by His intense curiosity, the Lord placed both hands on the angel’s shoulders, looked gently into his eyes, and said, “I will answer your question, My precious angel, that you may have greater understanding of Your Creator. The object of great value that I seek to purchase is mankind.”

The angel was dazed with the Lord’s answer. His mind was racing with thousands of thoughts, trying to find logic in what he had just heard. As hard as he tried to understand, nothing made sense to him. Astounded and more confused than ever, he looked at the Lord with intensity and great curiosity and said, “’Mankind!’ Did you say, ‘mankind?’ O Mighty Creator, why would you want to purchase them? They hate and reject you. They have all turned to their own way, and the way of peace they have not known. There is not one good man on the earth. They all have become altogether filthy. Would it not be better to destroy those that hate you? Why would you, the Holy Creator want to purchase such worthless people?”

While waiting for an answer, the angel saw the Lord take His eyes off of him and cast them once again toward the earth. Watching the Lord, the angel noticed tears rolling down His cheeks with an expression on His face that He had never seen before. The Lord spoke as He continued to gaze upon the earth, “Your observations are correct, my angel. They do hate Me. They have turned against Me, and yet My heart can’t let them all perish. I love them, and I know some of them will love Me and turn back to me.”

“But Lord, they all lie in the lap of the wicked one. They are his slaves. How are you going to purchase them?” the angel inquired. “With My blood.” The Lord responded. “I must go to the earth and become one of them. The hands of My Own creation will kill me, and My blood will be shed for their sins, that I may purchase them unto Myself. I will rescue them from Satan’s slavery, and they will become a possession, an eternal treasure. They will come into my great glory, and in Me they will have great inheritance. Go now, my angel, and gather more of your brethren, for soon I desire you to herald My coming to the earth.”

The Lord then proceeded to the earth, leaving the angel behind. The angel was overwhelmed and astonished by the words he had heard. He felt so blessed and honored to talk to the Lord, and that His Creator would share such truth with him. The angel departed quickly that he might fulfill the Creator’s command, but his mind was still racing with curiosity and confusion. “Purchase…, killed…, blood…, for mankind…” These words kept repeating themselves in his mind as he flew away to tell his brethren of his most fascinating encounter.

Peter 1:18, 19
“For you know that it was not with perishable things Such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ.”

THREE GREAT IMPUTATIONS

The word “impute” means to attribute from one thing to another. For instance, when a sheriff deputizes a citizen, he imputes to that citizen authority. The civilian did not have it until it was imputed to him.

The Bible mentions three imputations that impact everyone’s lives. Two of the three imputations have already happened, and are universal. There is no word to be said, nor action taken to change their impact. However, the third imputation happens on an individual basis, and is solely determined by the choice of that individual.

As we look at the three imputations, let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart as to where you stand in light of these truths.

Imputation #1: Adam’s Sin –

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12.

The first imputation is the sin of Adam that was passed on to humanity. The result of that imputation put a death sentence on every person in the world. We are sinful today, because Adam’s sin was imputed to all mankind, and the wages of sin is death(Romans 6:23). All men are condemned already, because of their sin (John 3:18), and only one thing can save them from judgment in the lake of everlasting fire.

Imputation #2: Christ’s Sacrifice –

“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.” (Romans 5:18) “For God made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us though He did no sin…”
(2 Corinthians 5:21).

The second imputation is the sin of the world that was imputed to Christ on the cross of Calvary. Adam’s sin was passed to all men, but God passed all men’s sins on to Christ through the cross. Jesus bore our sins on His Own Body as a sin sacrifice that by the shedding of His Blood we might be forgiven. This is what is meant when we say that Jesus died on the cross for the world. All of us are sinners, and all of our sins were placed on Jesus as He took our judgment upon Himself, the Just for the unjust. Although Jesus was delivered up to the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, though He, Himself, never knew sin, He was raised from the dead for our justification (the opportunity to be declared righteous) (Romans 4:25).

Imputation #3: Our Righteousness

“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, Who became for us Wisdom from God, and Righteousness and Sanctification, and Redemption.” (I Corinthians 1:30) “For God made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (Jesus.” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Adam’s sin was imputed to all men, all men’s sins were imputed to Christ on the cross. The first Imputation brings death. The second Imputation brings opportunity. The third Imputation imparts righteousness and life. This last Imputation is available for all, but must be individually received through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Alone.

For example, a story is told about a man who was condemned to death in the electric chair. He was to die at midnight. A pardon had been secured for him, but the person bearing the pardon did not arrive at the prison until ten after twelve. Though the pardon was good and was offered, it had no force to save the condemned man’s life, because it was never received. In the same way, Christ offers a pardon to all people. The opportunity for forgiveness is there, but it must be received. “He came His Own, and His Own did not receive Him.

"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His Name.” (John. 1:11, 12).

This imputed righteousness, which is our pardon, can only be received individually through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. No amount of good works can produce a pardon that secures for us eternal life.

“For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace, but as debt. To him who does not work, but believes on Him (Jesus) Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3-5) “Now it was not written for his (Abraham’s) sake, alone, that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him, Who raised up Jesus our Lord, from the dead, Who was delivered up because of our offenses (sins), and was raised for our justification (to be declared righteous).” (Romans 4:23-25) “Therefore, having been justified (declared righteous) through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1).

Dear reader, the first two Imputations have already taken place, and you are powerless to change their impact. Remember the third Imputation is not automatic. Its life and pardon must be received personally through faith, alone, trusting in the One Who died for your sins on that cross, that you might be forgiven and made the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. Won’t you receive His pardon today? He loves you, and wants you to be His very own Own child.

BEWARE OF THE DOGS

If you were to come up to a fence gate with a sign that says, “Beware of the Dogs,” and there were four Doberman Pincers snarling on the other side, would you open the gate and go into that yard? The answer to the question is obvious; you would not enter that yard. There is, however, a yard that many will enter into, even though there are vicious dogs, and a “Beware of the Dogs” sign in place.

The Apostle Paul put up such a sign in Philippians 3:1:

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me, indeed is not grievous, but for you, it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”

The “dogs” Paul was talking about were false teachers, who believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but taught that salvation was not by faith in Jesus, Alone. They were teaching that each person had to be circumcised to be saved. They were saying what so many false teachers say today, declaring that what Jesus did for us on the cross is not sufficient to save men from their sins, but that the works of sinful man are also required. Paul could not agree less and had tremendous disputes with these dogs.

Acts 15:1,2 “And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved. When, therefore, Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them.”

When one adds works to the gospel of Christ, it becomes a false gospel that is cursed of God. The people who preach and teach it are cursed, as well.

Gal. 1:6-8 “I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

Beloved, God has strong words for those that would dare teach that the work of Jesus on the cross is not sufficient to save a person. Yet many in our day still teach that it is “Jesus plus Baptism, Jesus plus the Ten Commandments, Jesus plus whatever religious rules a group requires, but the Bible teaches that it is JESUS PLUS NOTHING. One merely places his or her faith in what Jesus did for them on the cross, and receives His salvation as a gift. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8,9

“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

If a man is trusting in any work of his own hand to get to heaven, he will never be able to do enough. For righteousness comes not by the work of man, but by faith in the work of God.

II Corinthians 5:21 “For He (God) has made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, Who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” Works are commanded of God, but never are they required in order to be saved; they are to be done because we are already saved (Ephesians 2:10).

Beware of those evil dogs, and don’t go in their back yard. They are not servants of God, but messengers of Satan.

II Corinthians 11:14, 15 “And no marvel; for Satan, himself, is transformed into an angel of light. There, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

On the outward, they are kind, loving, and good people, but God measures a man differently than people. God sees the false teacher that would pervert His gospel as an evil worker sowing the lies of Satan. Those that put their trust in their perverted gospel will be accursed by God. Hear the names that God calls false teachers that oppose His Truth: snakes – hypocrite – blind guides – whited walls full of dead men’s bones – evil workers – fools – clouds that hold no water – brute beasts – liars – filthy dreamers, children of Satan.

Anyone who speaks like that today in our politically correct society is seen as intolerable, unreasonable, and narrow. Well, narrow is the way, and few there are that will walk its path. Let God be true and every man a liar. God has called us to grace in His Son. We are fully accepted by Him when we trust in Him, alone, for our salvation. Don’t be fooled by Satan’s ministers. Stay out of their yard by heeding God’s warning, “Beware of the dogs.”

ANY OLE WAY WILL DO

Can you imagine an airline pilot coming in for a landing at a busy Atlanta airport. He asks for landing instructions. The tower responds by saying, “Just do what you think is best; ‘any ole way will do.’”

You and I live in a world that requires much specificity and exactness; especially in the sciences, our work place, and most of our day-to-day living. Would you want to be on the space shuttle that was put together “any ole way”? Would the boss accept your work that is done “just any ole way”? Specific directions are needed to get to a specific destination, and sometimes being off by one degree can be the difference between life and death. Yet, when it comes to God, it is amazing to me how people apply the “any ole way” philosophy to their lives.

This is the spirit of “Ecumenism.” Budda, Confucius, nature worshippers, animists, spiritists, Scientologists, New Agers, Islam, Hinduism, white magic, false teachers in Christianity…and the list can go on, of people in belief systems seeking harmony and oneness with one another. They would like us to believe that everyone is a child of God, because God is a loving God, and though the roads that we all travel on are different, they all ultimately lead home to Him. It doesn’t matter if the belief systems are false and contradict one another. With God, “any ole way will do.” The world loves this philosophy. So called world religious leaders call for all people to be one, regardless of their faith, believing that ultimately we will all be united with God. God says this is NOT so.

To this I can only say, you don’t swallow this “any ole way” philosophy in every day practical life, and I suggest that you do not swallow it concerning God The way to God is clear and concise; otherwise Jesus Christ and the apostles are liars and deceivers. The Lord Jesus Christ, Alone, was on the cross and bore our sins on His Own Body, and He, Alone, can save a man’s soul from hell. What you and I think apart from what the Word of God plainly states doesn't change God's truth. Let God be true and every man a liar. I close this devotional with some Scripture for you to think about:

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galations 3:26

“Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.” John 14:6

“Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“…that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far off have been brought near through the Blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:12, 13

“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the Door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and will find pasture.” John 10:7-9

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged…and anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.” Revelation 20:12, 15

“Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made this Jesus, Whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”’ Acts 2:36, 38, 39

“ANY OLE WAY WON’T DO!”

The Mountain Man Versus The Manipulated Man

Exo 32:1 Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him."

Moses had been up on God’s holy mountain called Horeb for 40 days receiving the law of the Lord after Israel’s exodus from Egypt. On the mountain Moses basked in God’s presence. He discovered the character, communion, power, and sweetness of that presence to the extent that he would refuse to do anything or go anywhere without it. All true godly men will spend time in the presence of God. It is a biblical reality that proximity and communion with God go hand in hand.

Distant from the presence of God were the people of Israel. Aaron, Moses’ right hand man was in charge during his absence. The people feared something had happened to Moses and demanded that Aaron make a golden calf so they would have some kind of visible representation of God that would guide them in the days to come. Depraved man will always reduce God down to his own concepts. This frees man to be play at being religious instead of having true communion in spirit and in truth. That is exactly what Israel did; they rose up to play with lewd dancing, drunkenness, and fornication.

While on the mountain, God told Moses to go down to the people because they had corrupted themselves. Because of his close communion with God, Moses understood God’s holy character and was not about to be manipulated in any way by the demands of men. He rebuked the people and God’s judgment fell resulting in the death of 23,000. Moses burned the idol, ground it up to powder and made the people drink it. It was not something an Aaron would have done for he was a man who could be manipulated, but it was something a communing mountain man would do who was guided by the word of God.

Many congregations today want what is entertaining, what is polished, professional, emotional and aesthetical over the genuine and holy. They seek men who can be manipulated, and who will tickle their ears by reducing God to a more acceptable deity. “Make us a god fashioned from the gold of the world”, is their cry. The manipulated man will enjoy the temporary accolades of the crowds and will be rewarded well for attending to their cries but up in the mountain is a God who sees it all for what it is, “corruption”.

However, God is looking for mountain men who will commune with Him and receive His word so that it is burned into their hearts with holy fire. He desires his word to declared in season when people love it and out of season when the ecumenical masses despise it. Often God’s truth will not be well received by those who hate it. Mountain men always will expose the lie; they will demand decision; and they will call for a mug of ground up calf idol in repentance. The mountain man will never compromise God for the whims of people.

What kind of man more resembles you, Mountain or Manipulated?

Pass the Heresy Please

Hi god! There are a bunch of us that have come to give you a better insight as to how things should be done. We came to help you determine what is acceptable to us. We are here to show you the wisdom of “The Smorgasbord”. We are here to let you know that religion should be about what we like so we can all have that we desire. After all, who needs to be encumbered with narrowness and lack of variety?

Oh, you agree with us you say. Great! Hey god, How about a portion of a Lesbian Priest and Homosexual Bishop. And if it isn’t too much, how about a spat of “What’s in it for me?” and a lot of “Self Glorification”. Just think about all the possibilities of selection. Something for everybody! We come to you god because we’re really hungry. Would you please give us an extra plate of “Personal Prosperity and Easy Believism”. Yum Yum This stuff sure is good!

Thank you so much god for all this diversity. Ever since some of the Dr.’s of theology and liberals realized the Bible wasn’t the inspired Word of God and that Jesus isn’t the only way to heaven, more and more people will delight in the smorgasbord. After all, the idea of sin and judgment is no longer in vogue. That holiness stuff is a real drag. We would rather save ourselves and express our spirituality in our own way. Hey god, got any Crystals in the selection?

What a great smorgasbord you laid out for us god. It really makes us feel so good about ourselves. We used to feel guilty about the stuff that was fed to us. All that “You must be born again” and death to self “ talk. We don’t like those preachers that speak of sacrifice, servant-hood, and fellowshipping in Christ’s sufferings. However, we do love these new milk toast preachers that won’t speak the hard things. We have some of the best comedians and storytellers right behind the pulpit. After all, it’s a lot more entertaining and more people will come. We need those preachers that emphasize getting and not giving. Nothing like personal prosperity! We all know that love makes the world turn around, but god, lets be for real, it’s money that greases the axle.

Hey god, we want to thank you for the fine diverse smorgasbord. It is only proper to thank the chef for such delicacies. Thanks god! But wait a minute. You don’t look like God. There’s something about you that seems a little unusual, but we just can’t put our fingers on it. As a matter of fact, our stomachs are starting to feel a little queasy. What’s that you say? You have a special solution of Kool-aid that will solve the problem? Great, give us some.

(If you don’t get the Kool-aid line, look up Jim Jones on the internet)

II Tim. 4:3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry

The “Born Identity"

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1Pe 1:3

There was a woman in need who came to stay with a mother who had two children. The needy woman was so thankful and caused no trouble. She helped around the house and was pleasant to be around. However, the mother’s two children were sometimes lazy, they griped and complained, often they were not as thankful as they should have been to their mother, rebellious at times, and somewhat spoiled.

As time went on the woman that had moved in with the family discovered the inheritance the children were going to get. She came to the mother and demanded that she get a share of the inheritance because of her diligence and good works in the home.

The mother informed her that the inheritance was only for her children. The woman then declared that because of her good works that she also was the mother’s child. Surprised by the ridiculousness of the statement she told the woman that the children were hers through birth. She alone had birthed them into the world and that all the good deeds of anyone could not make them her child. She refused to accept the woman as her child and the idea that she had right to any inheritance.

You probably agree that the woman staying with the family was ridicules to think she was the mother’s child and deserved inheritance just because she did good things. But how is she unlike people who think because they are religious, full of good deeds, and nice that they too should receive heavenly inheritance and be considered children of God.

All of God’s children come into that relationship through birth. That is the only way God identifies any of His children. This is why Jesus said, “Except a man be “born again” he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. ( Jn. 3:3) The Apostle Paul made it plain that new birth comes by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. . Gal 3:26 )

Dear reader you must understand this precious truth. A not so wonderful child of God is completely accepted and receives inheritance because he/she is identified through birth as His children. A wonderful sinner is rejected because he/she has no birth identity.

No one can come to heaven or be a child of God through personal merit, deeds or anything else. We must be born a second time in order to become God’s child.

It isn’t hard to understand. Our children are not our children through performance but through birth. They have shortcomings but they are ours. Other people’s children may behave better than our own but that doesn’t make them our child. The same is true of God. There are wonderful sinners out there that are religious, moral, kind and benefit society, but that doesn’t make them a child of God. So the question is:

Do you have The "Born Identity?”

Kiss The Son!

Perhaps one of the most overt declarations of God’s ultimate triumph over the nations is found in Psalms Two, which was written by King David through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is a prophetic and Messianic Psalm. It is a Psalm that testifies that the Lord Jesus Christ will rule the entire world from Jerusalem. In this Psalm there are four voices that cry out to ears that will hear.

The first voice is the voice of the nations that are in rebellion against God at the end of the age. “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." Vs. 1-3

Notice, in this scripture the rulers set themselves in a strong stance. They are taking a deliberate, premeditated position against God and plot a coup against God. They want no restraints from God, they are self willed and desire to be the captains of their destinies. They see God as One Who binds or handcuffs. It is an all out contempt against divine sovereignty. Men and nations are now well on their way toward that end. It will all culminate at the battle of Armageddon. All their ideas and plots are in vain.

The second voice in contrast to the proud, rebellious leaders of the earth comes from the heavens. It is the voice of the sovereign Father speaking as the omnipotent God of the universe. "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." 4-6
We see God’s response to their proud wickedness. Does he start shaking and say, “Gee boys, I’m really scared? No, God will laugh at their idiocy. Look at the contrast, the rulers are all plotting, but God is seated and laughing. Their threats are a joke and utterly absurd. However, following His laughter will come His anger and terror. He will cause them terror. In spite of their plotting God sets His King on my Holy hill. God has spoken it and His mighty power will bring it into force.

The third voice speaks of power, Sonship, and Kingship. It is the voice of the Messiah Jesus. He reminds us of the Father’s decree that can’t be altered and that He is the only begotten of the Father. As such He, Jesus, is heir to all things, and to all nations.
"I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery." 7-9

Now the Son speaks as though He is reading the divine decree. I am the heir. I am His only begotten. All I ask for is mine by the Father’s hand. The nations are mine and will be ruled with strength and power. The rebels will be crushed. Jesus is the Son the Father is pleased with, no other. He alone is declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead”. He alone sits at the right hand of God. Don’t look for a slain lamb in that day, but a terrifying Lion of Judah who shall pounce on and devour all who oppose Him.

The fourth voice is a pleading voice, I believe the voice of the Holy Spirit who convicts the whole world of sin.
"Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."10-12

Here God tries to dissuade men from their vain imaginations. He will not beg but counsels them in wisdom. Since Jesus is Lord it is only wise to order your life to that reality. To resist it is to be a fool and face certain judgment. The Spirit cries out to man and says, don’t resist him, reverence Him. He is God. He is your creator. Take refuge in Him and be safe. But the atheist, the false religionists, the self righteous, the proud will perish. Wise people and rulers should embrace and kiss the Son. Those who love Jesus and the kingdom of God can face the future with absolute assurance that God’s eternal decree will triumph over the vain imaginations of ungodly men.

God Spoke Through An Ass

Num 22:28 And Jehovah opened the mouth of the ass, and she said to Balaam, What have I done to you, that you have beaten me these three times?

When I was in Bible College one of my professors Dr. E.C. Bragg, was speaking on this text. I hadn’t been a Christian long and was wondering why God would lead one like myself to Bible College. In my short time as a student I had already heard eloquent speakers and awesome scholars expound and preach the word of God. I was amazed at their giftedness and profundity.

I couldn’t help at that time but to compare myself with them. How could God ever use a former pothead and drug user? I didn’t even want to think about all the brain cells I must have killed off in my wilder days. My past antics had retarded normal development of speech and vocabulary. A typical sentence for me was “That’s cool man I can dig it”. I think the word “man” must have been every other word in any sentence I spoke. I never really noticed it among my pothead peers but after I became a Christian I became very sensitive to my lack of ability to speak properly. I really felt stupid. How could God ever use me?

Have you ever wondered if God will use you in wonderful ways? Have you ever backed out of something because you felt you weren’t sufficient for the task? It might be wise to back out of some things. I suppose I would do well to back out of leading a team in rocket design. But that isn’t what I’m writing about. I’m writing about things that God may ask you to do.
God often calls us outside of our comfort zones that we may learn to rely on Him alone. He does this in order that the glory and the excellence may be of Him and not of us. Through this we learn of His ability and how He is glorified through our weaknesses. I think I have been learning this lesson my whole Christian life.

When Dr. Bragg was lecturing in class that morning he shared something that I needed desperately. He shared how God spoke through Balaam’s ass. In his concluding words he called us to attention by saying, “Young Men! If God can speak through an ass, He can speak through anyone!”.

I had heard challenging sermons, and awesome lectures from giants in the faith but nothing did more for me by way of hope and encouragement for future ministry than those words of Dr. Bragg. I remember thinking to myself, “God can speak through me!”

From that day on I realized it was not by my eloquence, profundity, or anything else, it is all by the Spirit of the Living God. I believe God can do more with a single sentence spoken by a man in the Spirit than all the profundity and eloquence spoken in the world. Be encouraged and pursue whatever God leads you to. Look not to yourself but to the author and finisher of your faith. Faithful is He who called you, Who also will do it.

A Lesson in Broken Glass

…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:13,14)

A few years ago I invited a messianic Jewish evangelist by the name of Dr. Howard Morgan to come speak to us about our Hebrew roots. During one of his messages he gave a wonderful illustration that really blessed me. I want to share it with you in hopes God will use it to encourage you as well.

Dr. Morgan visits England each year for special meetings. In one of those visits he visited a famous glassblowers’ shop. With wonderment and awe Dr. Morgan watched the master glassblower work. The glassblower created beautiful and seemingly flawless artistic masterpieces right in front of his eyes. Dr. Morgan wondered about the glassblower. He thought about the years it would take in order to master such a craft.

When the glassblower was finished with one of his creations Dr. Morgan began to speak with him. He asked him what one had to do in order to become a master glassblower. The man merely answered, “You have to break a lot of glass.”

His answer let Dr. Morgan know that his life had been filled with imperfection and mistakes. The difference between him and others was simply that this glassblower never gave up his pursuit to master his craft. He came to class every day. Broken glass and deformed pieces of work came with the territory if one was to excel as a glassblower.

What would have happened to this man if he had responded to his failures by giving up and never coming back to class? The answer is simple. He would have never become a glassblower, nor would he ever have become a famous master at his craft. Beauty that could have blessed thousands would never have found its mark on admiring hearts.

This is a lot like the Christian life. We are always learning. In the process we shouldn’t be surprised that we break some glass along the way. God certainly isn’t. The broken glass is necessary to teach us things we need to know and understand. When the glass breaks so many get discouraged and quit coming back to class. We are convinced the teacher must think we are no good and that we are failures.

We often think like this because we have an accuser that tells us we are awful, and that we are fools for even trying to live for Christ. He displays our dismal failures before us, shames us with hellish laughter and mockery. He tells us the teacher is so disappointed in us and that we should stop coming. This accuser will never speak of our potential, but only of our imperfections and mistakes. We look at all the broken glass around us and find ourselves in agreement. We lose hope and begin to skip class using all kinds of excuses and justifications. We have accepted the lies of the accuser.

But in truth the teacher thinks the opposite. Our broken glass will never upset Him. It is anticipated. The teachers’ heart is never that His students quit, but only that they keep coming back to class. The Christian life is one of growing in grace, not “arriving in grace”. The blood of Jesus has paid for all the broken glass. His hearts’ desire is that we finish our course. The God of the bible doesn’t concentrate on His children’s broken glass. He concentrates on the blood of His Son that paid for it all. Get back in class!!!