HOW TO DEVELOP SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY!

 

Proud Works vs. Humble Faith

 

“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’” (Matthew 7:22)

Consider the difference between a heart of “faith” and a heart of “works.”

The heart of works gets satisfaction from the ego-boost of accomplishing something in its own power. It will attempt to scale a vertical rock face, or take on extra responsibilities at work, or risk life in a combat zone, or agonize through a marathon, or perform religious fasting for weeks — all for the satisfaction of conquering a challenge by the force of its own will and the stamina of its own body.

The heart with a works-orientation may also go in another direction and express its love of independence and self-direction and self-achievement by rebelling against courtesy and decency and morality (Galatians 5:19–21). But it’s the same self-determining, self-exalting works-orientation — whether it is being immoral or mounting a crusade against immoral behavior. The common denominator is self-direction, self-reliance, and self-exaltation. In all of this, the basic satisfaction of the works-orientation is the savor of being an assertive, autonomous, and, if possible, triumphant self.

The heart of faith is radically different. Its desires are no less strong as it looks to the future. But what it desires is the fullest satisfaction of experiencing all that God is for us in Jesus.

If “works” wants the satisfaction of feeling itself overcome an obstacle, “faith” savors the satisfaction of feeling God overcome an obstacle. Works longs for the joy of being glorified as capable, strong, and smart. Faith longs for the joy of seeing God glorified for his capability and strength and wisdom and grace.

In its religious form, works accepts the challenge of morality, conquers its obstacles through great exertion, and offers the victory to God as a payment for his approval and recompense. Faith, too, accepts the challenge of morality, but only as an occasion to become the instrument of God’s power. And when the victory comes, faith rejoices that all the glory and thanks belong to God.

OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY JULY 10, 2021.

SUBJECT : OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD! 

Memory verse: "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." (First Thessalonians 5 vs 15.)

READ: Matthew 5 vs 43 - 44; First Peter 3 vs 8 - 9:

Matthew 5:43: You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

5:44: But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

First Peter 3:8: Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

3:9: not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

INTIMATION:

It is often fashionable, in this our fallen world, to tear people down verbally or get back at them, if we feel hurt. God encourages us to pay back wrongs by praying for the offenders. In God's kingdom, revenge is an unacceptable behavior, and therefore, is ungodly. Rise above getting back at those who hurt you. Instead of reacting angrily to these people, pray for them. Instead of reacting angrily or speaking guile words to those who offend you, pray for them. 

In one of the passages we read today, the apostle Peter warns us against returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling (abusing, maligning, belittling, defaming, or deriding). But, on the contrary, we should bless our offenders, knowing that God called you to this, and in so doing, you inherit His blessing. 

Jesus said, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”(Matthew 5 vs 44.) It is difficult or near impossible, in this fallen world to love your enemies, or bless those who curse you, or do good to those who hate you. When we are wronged or feel wronged, often our first reaction is to get even. Instead, Jesus said we should do good to those who wrong us! Our desire should not be to keep score but to love and forgive. However, this is not natural, but supernatural! 

If you love your enemies and treat them well, you will truly show that Jesus is Lord of your life, and this is only possible for those who give themselves fully to God, because only Him can deliver people from natural selfishness, and gives us strength to love as He does. Instead of planning vengeance pray for those who hurt you. Our praying for our offenders rather than revenge helps us not to take laws into our hands and we then overcome evil with good.

Jesus, our Messiah, and 'Role Model,' prayed for His enemies, His accusers, His persecutors, who abused, maligned, belittled, defamed, and derided Him, even on the weight of excruciating pains as He hung of the cross; He said on the cross, "....Father forgive them, for they know not what they do...." (Luke 23 vs 24.)

It is often our desire to return evil for evil, tear people down verbally or get back at them, if we feel hurt. God encourages us to pay back wrongs with good; praying for our offenders, seek and pursue peace with them. If we love life and desire to see good days, we should eschew evil and do good. "For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil." (First Peter 3 vs 12.)

Too often we see peace as merely the absence of conflict, and we think of peacemaking as a passive role. But an effective peacemaker actively pursues peace by building good relationships, knowing that peace is a by-product of commitment. The peacemaker anticipates problems and deals with them before they occur. When conflicts arise, they are brought into the open and dealt with before they grow unmanageable. Making peace is hard work—you have to search for it and work to maintain it—but it results into God's blessing.

When our speech is motivated by Satan, it is full of bitter envy, selfish ambition, earthly concerns and desires, unspiritual thoughts and ideas, confusion, and evil. But when our speech motivated by God and His wisdom, it is full of mercy, love for others, peace, consideration for others, submission, sincerity, impartiality, and righteousness.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the fruit of the Spirit, that I may be strengthened to overcome evil with good, and to love my neighbor as myself," in Jesus' Name I prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR FAITH!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY JULY 09, 2021.

SUBJECT : NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR FAITH!

Memory verse: "For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David." (First Kings 11 vs 4.)

READ: Daniel 1 vs 8 - 15:

1:8: But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

1:9: Now God had brought Daniel into favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.

1:10; And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are of your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”

1:11: So Daniel said to steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

1:12: “Prove test your servants for ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.

1:13: Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat of the portion of the king's delicacies: and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.

1:14: So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.

1:15: And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king's delicacies.

INTIMATION:

Compromise can be defined as a blending of the qualities of two different things or a concession of principles. Compromise is an important element in getting along with others, but we should never compromise the truth of God’s Word and our faith in Him.. If we feel we have to change our Christian beliefs to match those of our companions, we are on a dangerous ground. Cooperate with people as much as you can, but avoid any alliance, partnership, or participation that could lead to immoral practices. Sometimes people urge believers to compromise and give only partial obedience to God’s commands. But commitment and obedience to God cannot be negotiated. When it comes to obeying God, half measures won’t do.

We also are living in times of widespread sin and sexual immorality. It is popular to be open-minded toward many types of sin, calling them personal choices or alternative lifestyles. But when believers begin to tolerate sin in their lives, it is lowering the standards and compromising their faith and effective witnessing for Christ. Remember that God’s approval is infinitely more important than the world’s. Use God’s Word, not what people around you are willing to accept, to set the standards for what is right or wrong. When we want to take part in an activity that we know is wrong, we may make excuses to justify our behavior, saying that it isn’t as bad as it seems or that it won’t hurt your faith. Christ has strong words for those who look for excuses to sin.

Our memory verse relates to King Solomon, Israelite’s King who so much compromised his faith in God and allowed pagan worship resulting from pressures from his numerous foreign wives. For all his wisdom, Solomon had some weak spots. He could not say no to compromise or lustful desires. Whether he married to strengthen political alliances or to gain personal pleasure, these foreign wives led him into idolatry. You may have strong faith, but you also have areas of weakness—and that is where temptation usually strikes. Strengthen and protect yourself where you are weak because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Solomon handled great pressures in running the government, but could not handle the pressure from his wives who wanted him to worship their gods. If Solomon, the wisest man, could fall, you can also. 

In marriage and close relationships, it is difficult to resist pressure to compromise. Our love leads us to identify with the desires of those we care about. Faced with such pressure, Solomon at first resisted it, maintaining pure faith. Then he tolerated a more widespread practice of idolatry. Finally he became involved in idolatrous worship, rationalizing away the potential danger to himself and to his kingdom. Because we want to please and identify with our loved ones, God asks us not to marry those who do not share our commitment to Him.

When we ignore God’s clear statements of right and wrong and make decisions based on the preferences of our audience, we fall into compromise and lawlessness. God promises to honor those who do right, not those who make everyone happy. When you have a difficult decision to make, don’t discount the effects of peer pressure. Realize beforehand that the right decision could have unpleasant consequences: social rejection, career derailment, public ridicule. Resolve to stand for what is right no matter what other people pressure you to do.

Daniel and his friends—Shadrach,  Meshach, and Abednego—were astute examples of godly people who refused to compromise their faith. The Babylonians were trying to change; (1)  their thinking by giving them a Babylonian education, (2) their loyalty by changing their names, (3) their lifestyle by changing their diet (see Daniel 1 vs 1 - 20). Without compromising, Daniel found a way to live by God’s standards in a culture that did not honor God, wisely choosing to negotiate rather than to rebel, Daniel suggested an experimental 10-day diet of vegetables and water instead of the royal foods and wine the king offered. Without compromising, Daniel quickly thought of a practical, creative solution that saved his life and the lives of his companions. As God’s people, we may adjust to our culture as long as we do not compromise God’s laws.

When we share our message across cultural and economic boundaries, we must be sure that the requirements for faith we set up are God’s, not people’s. In trying to find a common ground with those to whom we witness, we must be careful not to fall into the quicksand of compromise. When reaching out to others, we must be sure that our own footing is safe and secure. Be careful not to become so much like non-Christians that no one can tell who you are or what you believe. Influence them for Christ—don’t allow them to influence you for sin.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of uncompromising faith in You, that I may be found worthy of Your crown of glory, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Six Ways Jesus Fought Depression

 

And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. (Matthew 26:37)

The Bible gives us an amazing glimpse into the soul of Jesus the night before he was crucified. Watch and learn from the way Jesus fought his strategic battle against despondency or depression.

He chose some close friends to be with him. “Taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee” (Matthew 26:37).

He opened his soul to them. He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Matthew 26:38).

He asked for their intercession and partnership in the battle. “Remain here, and watch with me” (Matthew 26:38).

He poured out his heart to his Father in prayer. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39).

He rested his soul in the sovereign wisdom of God. “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).

He fixed his eye on the glorious future grace that awaited him on the other side of the cross. “For the joy that was set before him [he] endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

When something drops into your life that seems to threaten your future, remember this: The first shock waves of the bomb in your heart, like the ones Jesus felt in Gethsemane, are not sin. The real danger is yielding to them. Giving in. Putting up no spiritual fight. And the root of that sinful surrender is unbelief — a failure to fight for faith in future grace. A failure to cherish all that God promises to be for us in Jesus.

In Gethsemane Jesus shows us another way. Not painless, and not passive. Follow him. Find your trusted spiritual friends. Open your soul to them. Ask them to watch with you and pray. Pour out your soul to the Father. Rest in the sovereign wisdom of God. And fix your eyes on the joy set before you in the precious and magnificent promises of God.

THE VIRTUE OF HUMILITY!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY JULY 08, 2021.

SUBJECT : THE VIRTUE OF HUMILITY!

Memory verse: "A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor." (Proverbs 29 vs 23.)

READ: Proverbs 18 vs 12; 22 vs 4; Isaiah 57 vs 15; Matthew 23 vs 12: 

Proverbs 18:12: Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.

22:4: By humility and fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.

Isaiah 57:15: For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Matthew 23:12: And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

INTIMATION:

Being humble is not to think of yourself too highly or putting oneself down. It is not self-degradation, rather it is realistic self-assessment, understanding your limitations, and realizing your sinfulness. Truly humble people compare themselves only with Christ, recognizing their gifts and strength and are willing to use them, as Christ directs, to serve. It is also to bring oneself low; it can imply lower social or economic status; it is being meek or gentle. Humility means proper respect for God, not self-depreciation.

Humble people are not wise in their own opinion. They guard against pride, and are willing to admit their mistakes, and be open to godly advice of others, and ask for help when needed. They always review their plans, thoughts, and actions, comparing them with what Christ would have done in the same circumstances. Healthy self-evaluation is important, and the key to an honest and accurate self-evaluation is knowing the basis of our self-worth, comparing our thoughts and actions with Christ's standards. 

Humility is a virtue that can be practiced by anybody as it has no age barrier. Both young and old should be humble and ready to serve each other. Young men should follow the leadership of older men, who should lead by example. Respect those who are older than you, listen to those younger than you, and be humble enough to admit that you can learn from others. The nature of the world is to strive to exalt one’s self above the fellow man. However, the nature of Christianity is submission to one’s fellow man. Unless one learns the spirit of submission he has not learned the spirit of Christ. 

Perhaps, the account of the Scripture that illustrates the consequences of pride and humility more vividly is God's humiliation of King Nebuchadnezzar:

"All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?

While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.

That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from the men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagle's feathers and his nails like bird's claws." (Daniel 4 vs 28 - 33.)  

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which was interpreted to him by prophet Daniel. But he refused to do what the LORD commanded him to do within the twelve months probationary period, and God's wrath was unleashed upon him according to his dream. 

The Bible warns that pride is the surest route to self-destruction. A humble person is more secure than a proud person because humility gives a more accurate perspective of oneself and the world.

Prayer: Abba Father, engrace me with the humility that is in Christ, to think lowly of myself, and be meek and gentle, ready to serve You and others, even with the talents You deposited in me, in Jesus' Name I prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Saving Faith Loves Forgiveness

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Saving faith is not merely believing that you are forgiven. Saving faith looks at the horror of sin, and then looks at the holiness of God, and apprehends spiritually that God’s forgiveness is unspeakably glorious, beautiful. We don’t just receive it; we admire it. We are satisfied with our new friendship with such a great, forgiving God.

Faith in God’s forgiveness does not merely mean a persuasion that I am off the hook. It means savoring the truth that a forgiving God is the most precious reality in the universe. Saving faith cherishes being forgiven by God, and from there rises to cherishing the God who forgives — and all that he is for us in Jesus. This experience has a tremendous effect on our becoming forgiving people.

The great act of purchasing our forgiveness is past — the cross of Christ. By this backward look, we learn of the grace in which we will ever stand (Romans 5:2). We learn that we are now, and always will be, loved and accepted. We learn that the living God is a forgiving God.

But the great act of experiencing our forgiveness goes on forever into the future. Our joyful fellowship with the great God who forgives lasts forever. Therefore, freedom for forgiveness, flowing from this all-satisfying fellowship with the forgiving God, lasts as long as we do.

I have learned that it is possible to go on holding a grudge if your faith simply means you have looked back to the cross and concluded that you are off the hook. That’s why I have been forced to go deeper into what true faith is — not just a relief that I’m off the hook, but also a profound satisfaction with all that God is for me in Jesus. This faith looks back not merely to discover that we are off the hook, but also to see and savor the kind of God who offers us a future of endless reconciled tomorrows in fellowship with him. Satisfied fellowship with such a forgiving God is crucial for our being forgiving people.