22For day by day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God.
38All these, being men of war who could draw up in battle formation, came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one mind to make David king.
1 Chronicles 12:22,38
When trying to follow God's ways we're told not to lead by emotion but to lean on God's wisdom. How is it then with David, a man of God's own heart, was such a great leader? He allowed his heart to lead. This is different from emotional leadership because leading by heart has nothing to do with the "state" of your heart or temporary conditions. Leading by heart has everything to do about commitment and passion for God.
If I remember correctly, Pastor Wayne gave a sermon on commitment and passion before (not sure if he used those phrases tho). When we're walking right with God, our passion will fuel us to follow Him. But a lot of times we just don't feel like doing good... it's being real about our faith; that's where commitment comes in. We need to check our hearts past the "feelings" or even our "fire" so that we can stand faithfully through tough times. These two things, like teetering on a pivot, will vary depending on our conditions but it's all about heart.
Out of all places, I found a quote on Twitter that says, “Before you assume, learn the facts. Before you judge, understand why. Before you hurt someone, feel. Before you leave, commit to staying.” Sometimes the drive or passion fizzles, that's when we need to go back to our commitment... we have to. There's many, many times I feel like giving up... so many times. But leaving ANY situation because of how I feel is unacceptable. This doesn't mean that there isn't threshold in some cases but God clearly has a plan to use every situation to draw other hearts to Him. I need to be in tune with my heart.
Father God, thank You for awesome devotional time... especially today when I didn't "feel" like reading through Your word. Please continue to guide me in Your ways and day by day strip out myself for more of You. Amen!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Watch Your Mouth
6But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod,
7so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.
8Having been prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist."
9Although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests.
Matthew 14:6-9
How many times have we said something only to immediately regret saying it? What were the consequences from it? A lot of our pain comes directly from "speaking our minds" and that's a nasty whip looking to lash both you and the one receiving it. John the baptist was beheaded because Herod spoke foolishly. He made an oath in front of Herodias' daughter and all his dinner guests forcing himself to keep it even if he really didn't want to. There's a place and time to speak freely but this must be done in private confidence with a godly lightning rod; otherwise, it'll definitely hurt someone.
I just experienced this last night. Both me and the other person "spoke our minds" and we ended up nowhere except for hurt. In the past I refrained from saying what was on my mind for fear that it would hurt the person but as time went on I'm not thinking about that as much and want to defend myself or at very least get my say in the matter. To be honest there's a burden that's relieved when I say it but it has definite consequences. I need to learn to express these same concerns and feelings without breaking out the whip so that it can be taken, digested and used for kingdom purposes.
Father God, thank You for blessing me with my life. Really, it's not even mine but mine to steward until You call it back to earth. I pray Lord that I learn from all these experiences and I never get bitter. When I do head down that pathway I pray for accountability through Your Mighty Spirit to nudge me back. Thank You Jesus, Amen!
7so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.
8Having been prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist."
9Although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests.
Matthew 14:6-9
How many times have we said something only to immediately regret saying it? What were the consequences from it? A lot of our pain comes directly from "speaking our minds" and that's a nasty whip looking to lash both you and the one receiving it. John the baptist was beheaded because Herod spoke foolishly. He made an oath in front of Herodias' daughter and all his dinner guests forcing himself to keep it even if he really didn't want to. There's a place and time to speak freely but this must be done in private confidence with a godly lightning rod; otherwise, it'll definitely hurt someone.
I just experienced this last night. Both me and the other person "spoke our minds" and we ended up nowhere except for hurt. In the past I refrained from saying what was on my mind for fear that it would hurt the person but as time went on I'm not thinking about that as much and want to defend myself or at very least get my say in the matter. To be honest there's a burden that's relieved when I say it but it has definite consequences. I need to learn to express these same concerns and feelings without breaking out the whip so that it can be taken, digested and used for kingdom purposes.
Father God, thank You for blessing me with my life. Really, it's not even mine but mine to steward until You call it back to earth. I pray Lord that I learn from all these experiences and I never get bitter. When I do head down that pathway I pray for accountability through Your Mighty Spirit to nudge me back. Thank You Jesus, Amen!
Things Above
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2
Sometimes I get so caught up in myself, I think the world around me is caving in. Why is it that the littlest problems seem to become huge in my life? It's because I'm not concerning myself with greater things; things from above. When I'm involved with eternal things my tide rises so that unmeaningful things become petty, nonexistent or at most, unconcerning. I need to focus on things above!
Colossians 3:1-2
Sometimes I get so caught up in myself, I think the world around me is caving in. Why is it that the littlest problems seem to become huge in my life? It's because I'm not concerning myself with greater things; things from above. When I'm involved with eternal things my tide rises so that unmeaningful things become petty, nonexistent or at most, unconcerning. I need to focus on things above!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Blasphemy Against the Spirit
31"Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.
32"Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Matthew 12:31-32
Trying to understand this passage has been an up and down experience. Sometimes I get it, sometimes I'm stumped as to its meaning but the underlying theme I always get is that "believers" can't commit this sin. This scripture is saying people can deny Jesus (many did) and be forgiven but to deny the Holy Spirit is unforgivable.
At that time, people were denying Jesus left and right because they didn't believe the fulfillment of the scriptures by Christ. He did miracles, healed, brought people back from the dead, showed love & compassion... all this done while fulfilling the scriptures of the prophets; the very words the Jews lived by. None of this was good enough. If you sin here there was still hope and forgiveness as long as you were open to God's Spirit.
In blasphemy of the Holy Spirit there is no forgiveness. In regards to time, the Holy Spirit was sent at Pentecost, after Jesus had ascended into heaven. How can one blaspheme against the Holy Spirit? My understanding is that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the "stubborn refusal to listen to the Holy Spirit." Forgiveness can only come through the Holy Spirit so it makes sense that if we never let God in we can never be saved.
Believers have the Holy Spirit in them so committing this sin is impossible. Non-believers can still repent until their dying moment but if they refuse the Holy Spirit they'll never accept Jesus... how can they?
Father God, thank You for blessing me with salvation. I know this can only come through belief in Your Son, Jesus; that He came, died and rose from the grave. That's the celebration we partake in on Easter! Help me to keep You in highest reverence, Father. In Your Son's precious name I pray, Amen!
32"Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Matthew 12:31-32
Trying to understand this passage has been an up and down experience. Sometimes I get it, sometimes I'm stumped as to its meaning but the underlying theme I always get is that "believers" can't commit this sin. This scripture is saying people can deny Jesus (many did) and be forgiven but to deny the Holy Spirit is unforgivable.
At that time, people were denying Jesus left and right because they didn't believe the fulfillment of the scriptures by Christ. He did miracles, healed, brought people back from the dead, showed love & compassion... all this done while fulfilling the scriptures of the prophets; the very words the Jews lived by. None of this was good enough. If you sin here there was still hope and forgiveness as long as you were open to God's Spirit.
In blasphemy of the Holy Spirit there is no forgiveness. In regards to time, the Holy Spirit was sent at Pentecost, after Jesus had ascended into heaven. How can one blaspheme against the Holy Spirit? My understanding is that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the "stubborn refusal to listen to the Holy Spirit." Forgiveness can only come through the Holy Spirit so it makes sense that if we never let God in we can never be saved.
Believers have the Holy Spirit in them so committing this sin is impossible. Non-believers can still repent until their dying moment but if they refuse the Holy Spirit they'll never accept Jesus... how can they?
Father God, thank You for blessing me with salvation. I know this can only come through belief in Your Son, Jesus; that He came, died and rose from the grave. That's the celebration we partake in on Easter! Help me to keep You in highest reverence, Father. In Your Son's precious name I pray, Amen!
Hope
28"(AM)Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
29"Take My yoke upon you and (AN)learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and (AO)YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.
30"For (AP)My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
29"Take My yoke upon you and (AN)learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and (AO)YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.
30"For (AP)My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
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