Humbling Ourselves: Practicing Forgiveness

March 6, 2018 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“… bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Col. 3:13 (KJV)

This week as I scanned my mail, I observed an email celebrating the Lenten season. When I looked to see who had sent it, I noticed its source was a past associate, with whom, I had become very “disenchanted.” Translation? They had committed an action that I felt was unkind and I had not yet found it in my heart to forgiven them. With this personal story as a backdrop, I’d like to focus this week’s Lenten season study on practicing forgiveness.

In the Lord’s Prayer, receiving forgiveness from God is joined to forgiveness of others. (Matt. 6:12; Luke 11:4) Jesus used several parables to illustrate the need to pursue forgiveness. In the parable of the unmerciful servant, He makes the point that human beings are obligated to forgive because God has forgiven them. (Matt. 18:23-35) In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus contrasts the “forgiving” heart of the father in the story with the “unforgiving” older son. It is a study in the stubborn refusal to forgive that is characterized by hardness, a demand for revenge, and arrogant refusal to celebrate. The older son’s self-justified indignation and smugness “over being right” was causing just as much pain and separation between himself and his father as was caused by his younger brother. Unforgiveness often causes as much pain as the original offence. (Sound familiar?) Let’s go back to my email.

I opened the email (which I usually delete) and oh my, was I blessed by what I received. It was as follows:

The only authentic fasting is fasting that includes a spiritual attack against our own sin. If there is an unresolved pocket of sin in our life, God is going to come to us and say, “The fast I choose is for that sin to be starved to death.” From A Hunger for God by John Piper

My heart was “doubly convicted”—my “unresolved pocket of sin” had been exposed AND my fasting this Lenten season needed to be more authentic. God did speak to me and say, “Eileen, the fast I choose for you is that you starve to death the sin of unforgiveness.” The refusal to forgive indicates a rebellious, stubborn heart that has “not drunk deeply of the water of grace and mercy at the well of God’s forgiveness” (Luke 7:47). Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32).

Unforgiveness has been described as poison to the person who holds it in their heart. Some people carry unforgiveness around like a banner of entitlement—“I’ve been wronged and it’s my right not to forgive!” While forgiveness is not easy, God has provided His Spirit within us to show us how we can be freed from the death grip of unforgiveness. Ask Him to set you free.

RESPOND:

This week you will have an opportunity to learn more about and practice solitude. Read the short article, What the Bible says about Solitude as part of your “Journey of THE CROSS”.

Then practice solitude by inviting the Holy Spirit to help you with an unforgiveness you may be holding in your heart. Give yourself completely to God to help you knowing that “God loves you just as you are but also loves you too much to let you stay as you are”.

Lenten Season

Humble Ourselves: The Power of Confession

February 27, 2018 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.” Psalm 51:2-3 (NKJ)

Completing the first part of our Lenten Journey of the Cross, we will now leave our exploration of “Experiencing God” and move to the challenging area of learning to “Humble Ourselves”. Paul tells us that we are to have a “mind like Christ”, our model for humility, who though He was God, humbled himself and became obedient even unto death (Phil. 2:5-8). We will look at three (3) areas on this leg of the journey—confession, forgiveness, and obedience. We begin today with the power of confession.

Confession, these days, is pretty “unusual” behavior. Even the guiltiest of criminals, caught with their proverbial hand in the cookie jar, will stand before the judge and declare themselves, “not guilty.” It has been said that, “confession is good for the soul” but you wouldn’t guess it by the world’s response. Just read the newspaper this week and you’ll find example after example of individuals and institutions, who in the wake of unfailing evidence claim innocence. One of the opportunities of Lenten season is to examine our hearts and let the light of God’s truth shine into areas in need of His cleansing. Therein lie the power of confession.

The 51^st Psalm is God’s lesson on confession. It was authored by King David after he was confronted by Nathan the prophet for his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. The whole incident was not unlike the stories we read in the gossip tabloid or see in the latest “made for television” sequel. King David, however, gives us a better approach to confession.

First, King David quickly accepted responsibility for his behavior and pleaded guilty to all charges. He immediately called upon God for forgiveness. He offers no excuses but appealed to God to “blot out, wash and cleanse him” from his “transgressions, iniquity, and sin.”

“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. (vv. 3-4)

Next, King David recounted God’s expectation of him, as a man and as the leader of Israel. Though King David had perpetrated this crime against Uriah, he answered to a Higher Judge, the omniscient God, who see, hears, and knows all things. There are no “hidden sins” in His presence.

“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” (vv. 4-6)

Finally, King David was concerned about his broken relationship with God. He had the unique opportunity of walking closely with the Lord most of his life beginning as a young shepherd boy in the hills of Bethlehem. He longed to be restored to that relationship.

“Create in me a pure heart, 0 God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (vv.10-12)

It is important that we learn to quickly confess our sins. Unconfessed sin results in guilt and shame, spiritual strongholds in our lives, and even worst, a broken relationship with God. There is power in confession. That power comes from the One who is “faithful to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

RESPONSE:

This week you will have an opportunity to practice journaling as part of your Lenten Season, “Journey of THE CROSS”.

Read Psalms 51:1-12. Then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sin you may hold in your spirit. Then ask Him to give you the courage to confess that sin, knowing that God is “faithful and just to forgive you.” Remembering David’s approach to confession, now create in your journal a “psalm of repentance”.

Lenten Season

Experiencing God: Great Expectations

February 20, 2018 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, ‘What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?’ “

Genesis 29:25 (NKJ)

In his classic book, Great Expectations, Charles Dickens introduces vivid characters who struggle for survival, discover love, encounter failure, work hard and finally achieve success. Dickens’ book has earned the title of “classic” because it accurately depicts the human expectation of happiness within their prescribed lifetime. But great expectations must be tempered with the knowledge that it is God who has the final say with regard to man’s plans and purpose. In God’s providence, He “divinely superintends” all things to His predetermined end. This was the lesson for Jacob as he sought fulfillment of the “promise of a seed” (Gen. 28:14).

Jacob had great expectations as he approached Laban for the hand of Rachel, who was “beautiful of form and appearance” (Gen. 29:17). He anticipated that this marriage was the vehicle that God had chosen for fulfillment of that which was promised to him at Bethel. Instead, he woke the morning after his wedding married to the eldest daughter, Leah, “with the delicate eyes.” The deception by Laban would result in the delay of his great expectation with an immediate view of seven additional years of laboring for his uncle.

Leah had great expectations in her marriage to Jacob. Although she knew he didn’t love her at the time of their marriage, she hoped, with the birthing of four (4) sons, her husband would love her (v. 32). But it was not to be the case. However “when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, He opened her womb” (v. 31). The refusal by Jacob to love Leah would result in the denial of her great expectation with an immediate view of rejection and heartache.

Jacob would eventually marry Rachel but the promised seed would not come from their union. The LORD chose the despised mother and exalted her to be the first mother of the nation of Israel. The kingly tribe of Judah and the priestly tribe of Levi would trace back to Leah. In reading the Scriptures, God was always providentially engaged in the fulfillment of Israel’s destiny. Israel’s purpose could only be achieved through God’s benevolence and divine control that resulted in its care, provision, and protection; in all cases, the intentions of God took precedence and His purposes were always accomplished (Isa. 48:17).

Every aspect of human life is included in God’s providential orderings. Just as God divinely superintended (and still does) His plan for Israel, He is concerned and involved in the lives of individual believers. We may wonder why our great expectations have been delayed or even denied. Our immediate view, like that of Jacob and Leah, may be “short-sighted” and not take into consideration the larger plan of God. It is during these times that we must set aside our fears and doubts and connect to the Spirit within us. It is in dialogue with Him that we realize that God’s purpose is far better than anything we can humanly devise (1 Cor. 2:9). Why? As our Father-Creator, He knows the purpose for which He has created us (Ps. 139:13-14) and how to best accomplish that purpose (Jer. 10:23; 29:11).

What great expectation are you waiting for? Be not discouraged but only trust in God. We are continually in His view and are the object of His affection (Joel 2:21, 23, 26). Let us praise Him in the midst of our waiting like the Psalmist who wrote, “My soul wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him (Ps. 62:5).

TIME TO RESPOND

This week you will have an opportunity to practice reflective prayer as part of your Lenten Season, “Journey of THE CROSS”.

Is there some great expectation you are waiting for? Have it been delayed or even denied? As we experience God this season, we are confident that God will care for all your needs–even when it doesn’t seem like it. Go to your “quiet place” and prepare your heart for this reflective prayer exercise. Set aside about 8 minutes for this time. You’re worth it and God’s waiting to meet you there.

Click here to begin
Choose the second slide, “Jehovah-Jireh”
then push the “Play” button.

Spiritual Maturity

Things I Learned in 2017

January 3, 2018 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD.”

Jeremiah 9:24 (NKJ)

Who’d a thunk it? (Yes, that’s what I said.) We are rapidly approaching two decades into the 21^st century. My, how time flies! When people ask what I’ve been doing, it’s hard to respond: “Just taking it one day at a time.” or “Putting one foot in front of the other.” It’s hard to find words.

So it is with writing this year’s “Things I Learned”. What have I gleaned from my faith walk this past year? As I “examine myself, am I still of the faith”? (2 Cor. 13:5) “Have I studied to show myself approved?” (2 Tim. 2:15) Have I sought the “kingdom of God first” (Matt. 6:33) and am at “peace with all men”? (Heb. 12:14)

“Things I Learned” is written to share my major “ah ha’s” this year with regard to what I learned about God, about myself, and my faith. No judging or regretting. No New Year’s resolutions or personal improvement plans, only silent contemplation about how God has revealed Himself to me from eternity to time we called 2017. What are the things I learned in 2017?

God is faithful and will do everything He can to aid in my success (Jer. 29:11-13). It is, however, my responsibility to insure I am aligned to receive His grace and power. I must exercise caution and be aware of those things in my “human nature” that can impede my “spiritual progress”—fear, doubt, pride and envy. In my daily walk, I must recognize and “set aside the weight and the sin that so easily seeks to ensnare me” (Heb. 12:1): the busyness of the day, the distractions of the urgent versus the important, or the spirit of unforgiveness I may harbor. Lastly, to be successful in accomplishing God’s purpose, it is critical to understand the will of God. While God’s will can be found throughout Scripture, the time I spend in prayer and meditation are key in understanding both His way and His will (Ps. 103:7).

God is in control regardless of what I see happening around me (Ps. 46:1-3). Nothing catches God by surprise whether it is political wrangling, social disparity, or an ecological disaster. Scripture teaches us three truths to sustain us in times of uncertainty and confusion: God is completely sovereign, God is infinite in wisdom, and God is perfect in love. Jerry Bridges writes in his book, Is God Really in Control: “In His love, God wills what is best for us, in His wisdom He always knows what’s best for us, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about.” God has a plan for mankind which was created before the foundation of the world (Ep. 1:4, 10) and each day we are moving to the culmination of that plan. There is no one or nothing that can thwart God’s plan.

God’s Word is critical for victorious living and spiritual transformation (Ps. 19:7-8). Why? Because the Scriptures expresses the very mind of God. It is God speaking directly to us. How? The “word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. God’s Word exposes us for what we really are” (Heb. 4:12, NLT). God’s Word also renews our mind so that we begin to think like Christ (Phil. 2:5) leading us to be conformed to His image–the image God had originally designed for us in the Garden of Eden. Through this process of “exposing and renewing”, or sanctification, we become true children of God (Phil. 2:15). Investing time in God’s Word—devotional reading and systematic study—yield returns that are priceless, in this world and in the world to come (Ps. 19:10-11).

In 2017, I rediscovered the special blessing that can be found in Scripture memorization or as I prefer calling it, “writing God’s Word on my heart.” Oh, the things God has revealed to me about His goodness and His greatness as I’ve “planted” large passages of scripture in my spirit such as Psalms 19 and Ephesians 1. As I memorized each line, I prayed that it would “take root and bear much fruit (Matt. 13:23). This spiritual discipline is not about speed or quantity (how many verses I can learn) but in experiencing the “depth of the riches of His grace” God reveals to me.

What are the things I learned in 2017? I learned that God is God and I’m not, and I’m more than okay with that. However, the Prophet Jeremiah did a much better job in describing what is really important for us to learn in order to live victorious, successful lives:

Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD. (Jer. 9:23-24)

SELAH: What are three (3) things you learned in 2017—about God, yourself, or your faith walk?

Advent/Christmas

A Psalm for Advent

December 5, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“The LORD reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!” Psalm 97:1 (NKJ)

Advent has begun. It is a time for personal reflection and spiritual awakening as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. Choirs and orchestras are tailoring special worship music to commemorate the glorious day when God the Son condescended and entered into historical existence. It is a time for high praise and worship. We offer the 97^th Psalm to usher in this special season.

The 97^th Psalm belongs to a group of psalms (93-100) that affirm Yahweh’s kingship and His rule over the earth. He both delivers and He judges. It is in His great power and His “ineffable” love that He sent His Son to be the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14). The opening verse begins with what every believer should understand as a foregone conclusion—“the LORD reigns!”

The awareness of God’s sovereignty results in an appropriate response: “Be glad!”

The believer’s gladness if not tied to a specific outcome, but to realization of the fact that God works all things for His glory and our good (Rom. 8:28). During acts of personal rebellion and disobedience, He makes all things good (Is. 44:24). When we are faithless, He still proves faithful (2 Tim 2:13). When our strength fails, He renews our strength (Is. 40:31). His sovereignty extended from eternity through time, in that when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive in Christ (Ep. 2:5). God is able to “keep us” until Christ’s returns (Jude 1:24). And nothing can separate us from His love (Rom 8:39).

As important as the fact of God’s sovereign reign, are the effects His returning reign has on believers today. Psalm 97 closes with this exhortation.

“You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” (vv. 10-12)

Believers are to love the Lord and look forward to His “glorious appearing.” They are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts; they are to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age (Titus 2:11-13). They need not fear the day of the Lord’s appearance, because He has protected them from the wicked (Is. 54:17). The godly will enjoy the benefits of the rule of God: “light and gladness”. Light signifies the blessed state of redemption and victory (Isa. 60:1-3). This is cause for thankful praise. The invitation to rejoice anticipates the Lord’s coming with His blessings. Believers already experience many evidences of His kingship here on earth but eagerly await the fullness of his kingdom.

Also read: Do You Wanna Be Happy? Reality Living in God’s Kingdom

As you begin your Advent preparation, remember to include joyful praise for the fact that God fully reigns over all things—places, people, and circumstances. We need not wait to begin our jubilant celebration. We can begin today!

SELAH: Create a psalm of praise and glory in celebration of Advent and in anticipation of Jesus’ glorious appearance in the future.

Advent/Christmas

Perfecting Love

November 28, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (NIV)

Entering into this holiday season, WordBytes has shared two mindsets that will help us understand what really makes this time of the year special—relationships and gratitude. This shift in thinking requires that we look beyond ourselves to more intentional expressions of kindness to others. We close this series on preparing the heart for the holidays with our last mindset, which Paul describes as the “bond of perfection” (Col. 3:14)—the thing that holds everything together—love.

The first Bible verse a child usually learns is “God is love.” As that child grows, his understanding of God’s love is expanded by personally observing acts of kindness in the world. How does God disseminate His perfecting love into the world?

God loves us first. “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). God is the source of love and therefore, He is the starting point of love’s entrance into the world. God’s love for us began in eternity when He gave thought to man. He created man His own image. That endowment was given to no other creature of God’s making. God gave of Himself—His own breathe (Gen. 2:7). He gave man His essence including freewill. He then blessed them and gave them dominion over the whole of creation (Gen. 3:27, 28).

We love God back. “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16). Once we receive the revelation of God’s love for us (Ep. 1:17), it becomes possible for us to return God’s love to Him. When we love God, He comes to live in us through the Holy Spirit (further evidence of His love). We return God’s love through our obedience to His commandments (1 John 5:3) and our willingness to serve others (2 Cor. 5:14-15).

We love others like God. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:11). Jesus was asked by a devious lawyer, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” (Matt.22:35-40). His response reflected His Father’s heart—love God first, others second. God’s love is perfected in us as we love others more than ourselves (1 John 4:12, 17). “Perfected” (teleioō) means to reach a goal or to be complete. As believers love others like God, they begin to reach their goal of spiritual maturity and become effective ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).

We love God together. “Herein is our love made perfect…because as he is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17). After Jesus washed His disciples feet (John 13:1-20), He gave them a new commandment that they love one another. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). The greatest witness to God’s love is how believers care for one another “in community”. It is not the geographic area that I’m speaking of, nor denomination, nor the universal church. God’s love in community is authentic fellowship with other believers, experiencing true joy from being in each other’s presence. As we love God together in community, we show how the love of God looks in the “real” world.

God’s love released into the world bears resemblance to a large stone dropped into a quiet lake. Upon entering the motionless water, the stone creates a series of circular ripples that flow in all directions, outward from its initial source. That’s how God’s love enters the world. God is the Rock (He first loved us) and we are the resulting ripples created by the impact of His love—returning His love to Him, to others, and in community.

Powerful relationships and gratitude in action spring forth from God’s perfecting love. As we prepare our hearts for the holidays, let’s exchange the worldview of “holiday cheer” with “God’s gift” of love and good will toward men. God’s gifts will continue to return great joy and peace throughout the year and for years to come.

SELAH: Read 1 John 4:7-16, “The Source of Love”. In your first reading, make a note of the “words or phrases” that catch your attention. Read it a second time. Feel free to use a different translation or paraphrase; list “the emotions” you feel in your reading. (Awareness of Feelings). Then read the text a final time and ask Jesus to share what is your “invitation for the day” from Him. An invitation is a “personal” message, instruction, or encouragement JUST FOR YOU (versus a general application of Scripture).

Advent/Christmas

Gratitude in Action

November 22, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“Ho, Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters, And you who have no money, Come, buy, and eat.

Yes come, buy wine, and milk, without money and without price.” lsaiah 55:1 (NKJV)

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving 2017, it is an appropriate time to consider not only what we are thankful for but also, how we show our thankfulness? ln other words, how will we express our gratitude? American writer, Gertrude Stein, offers this view of gratitude: “Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone.” I agree! Therefore, I challenge you to move beyond quiet thankfulness to Christ-activated gratitude.

Gratitude is a noun that expresses the quality of being thankful and showing readiness to return kindness. This Thanksgiving, we will reflect on many kindnesses shown to our families and to us individually. As Christ-followers, we are morally obligated to return those acts of kindnesses to others. These opportunities may come to us through individual requests or through needs we personally have identified. “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

Gratitude has also been described as a kindness awakened by a favor received. God has given us great favor. ln Isaiah 55, God is inviting sinners to come and receive the abundant gift of eternal life that is only possible through acceptance of Him. The sinner is encouraged to seek the Lord while He may be found-to call upon Him while He is near (verse 6). This invitation is a reflection of God’s love and kindness toward sinner man.

Even today, God invites us to “come, buy, and eat without money and without price.” What God offers is not physical provision for the body (water, wine, and milk) but eternal nourishment for the soul. God’s favor of salvation should awaken kindness within us (2 Peter 1.5, 7) that will result in compassion for others.

Hunger and homelessness are destroying our communities; hopelessness and despair are stealing the dreams of our nation. This holiday, search for opportunities to “give the gift that keeps on giving”—human kindness. This year instead of giving clothing, gift cards, or electronics, give the gift of gratitude in action.

SELAH: What is standing in the way of you showing “gratitude in action”? Read and meditate on Luke 17: 11-19 to help you express gratitude in action.

Advent/Christmas

The Power of Relationship

November 14, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)

Many of you have asked “the source” of inspiration for the weekly WordBytes. Interestingly, many come as a result of simply observing life and the things that God calls to my attention. This week I received an unexpected thank you card from a young lady whom I have the privilege of mentoring. The thank you note was “unexpected” in that I consider my time with her more beneficial to me as I observe her daunting resiliency to life’s interruptions. She signed her name to the card with the addition of this week’s scripture, Proverbs 17:17. Voile! This week’s WordBytes—“The Power of Relationship.”

God has built us for relationship. During Creation, the LORD God observed, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” (Gen. 2:18, RSV) Therein enters Eve; man in relationship with woman.

The Garden of Eden was the meeting place for God and His creation, Adam and Eve. There they walked and talked with one another. Imagine the conversations they must have had; man in relationship with the Creator of the Universe. Then sin entered the scene. Their relationship was broken. Adam and his wife were expelled from the Garden. Their relationship became strained.

In relationship we experience true joy that enables us to manage both painful and difficult situations. In relationship, we find not only a “friendly ear” but also the resources we need to pull us out of our “personal ditches.” We find the confidence we need to “trust our heart.” In relationship, we experience the courage to “overcome our fears.” Solomon captures the power of relationship in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

As we prepare for the holidays, let us reflect on the power of relationship. Many of us minimize the importance of relationship in our lives. It is in meaningful relationship that we can experience true joy. Seek out those who need support and encouragement to live in these difficult times. Extend your love and kindness to those who may be laboring under extreme emotional strain. Lend financial support to those who may just need “a break”. Relationships, whether they are family or friends, are the best investment of your time, talent, and resources. If your relationship with a friend or family is broken or strained, let the holidays be your excuse to reconcile. Get back into relationship!

SELAH: Ask Jesus to show you those relationships He wants you to establish (or re-establish) this holiday season.

Spiritual Endurance

You Know Better!

September 12, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,

bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV)

I was a very mischievous child and admit that every spanking I received was painstakingly earned. But as I grew older, my mother transitioned me to a different technique for shaping my behavior. I call it “verbal recounting”. After recounting my infraction to me, she would retort, “you know better!” In her statement, she was reminding me of prior knowledge I had received and how I should have conducted myself. Paul reminded believers in Corinth that they too were to “know better” as they responded to spiritual pressure from the “prince of the air” (Ep. 2:2).

In our text today Paul is dealing specifically with spiritual warfare. The motif of the Christian life as warfare is a common one (Ep. 6:10-18; 1 Tim. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:3-4; 4:7). Strongholds would be understandable to the Corinthians since Corinth had a fortress in which its residents could take refuge. Arguments and high thoughts represented barriers and barricades men used against God and the Gospel to maintain their sinful lives and influence.

As believers in Christ, we must recognize that we are at war with Satan and our battlefield is our current sphere of influence. Our chief enemy, Satan, comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10)—to kill human life and spirit by addiction, brokenness, and bondage; to steal the single-mindedness of family through infidelity, enmity between parents, and the redefinition of marriage. He comes to destroy moral and social order by elevating individual selfishness, indulgent living, and greed. Only “knowledge of God” (versus human tactics) can bring down and thoroughly demolish Satan’s kingdom.

To discount Satan’s activities in the 21^st century is as fatal as walking down the middle of a busy highway blindfolded. Satan’s strategy for defeating God’s beloved creature (Col. 3:12) is dependent on our disbelief in his reality. While we must take responsibility for our personal sins, Satan is intent on minimizing his role in our sinful behavior. He is determined to “stay under the radar” like a stealth bomber on a mission to search and destroy.

“Knowledge” signifies to understand completely. By understanding completely who God is, His truth and His grace, Satan’s fortresses will fall. It is in the knowledge of God, His power and His presence, that those trapped inside damning lies can be set free. As believers we can move forward with great confidence knowing that He that is within us is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). We dwell in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit (1 John 4:13). We need never to feel defeated or distressed. We can claim victory over Satan because we know better!

SELAH: Is there an area of your life where Satan has established a spiritual stronghold—an area which stops you from walking in the fullness of God’s will and blessings? Get in a quiet place with Jesus and ask Him what He wants you to “know” about Him that will set you free. Find a Bible verse that reinforces what Jesus says to you.

Spiritual Discipline

“Will the real wisdom please stand up?”

August 8, 2017 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17 (NKJ)

Have you ever watched To Tell the Truth? It is a television game show where three people who claim to be someone are questioned by a panel of celebrities. One of them is the real person while the other two are impostors. The panelists take turns questioning the people about their subject and then try to guess which of the three people the “truth teller” is. The program concludes with the contest moderator asking the question, “Will the real ***** please stand up?” While this is a harmless game of deception, James finds no humor in doing the same as we search for the true meaning of wisdom.

James methodically unmasks the wisdom impostor by clearly delineating what is wisdom and what wisdom is not”.

One doesn’t normally think of James as a book of wisdom. While generally grouped in General Epistles, James has, however, been called the Proverbs of the New Testament because it is written in the terse, moralistic style of wisdom literature—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.

Today’s scripture is found in the overall context of how inner faith is demonstrated outwardly by the believer. In this case, godly wisdom should be an extension of the believer’s faith walk. James challenges believers who would claim to be wise to, “SHOW IT!”

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! (James 3:13, NLT)

James shares how wisdom can either result in that which is divine or that which is demonic. He does this by contrasting seven characteristics of human wisdom with seven qualities of divine wisdom.

Human wisdom is described as earthly, unspiritual (sensual), and demonic. Such wisdom spawns jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and every kind of evil (James 3:16). It originates from a heart that is “sin-bent” (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9), flawed with personal bias, and focused on self-gratification. Such wisdom is also subject to fierce temptation by the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

Divine or godly wisdom is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). This type of wisdom (sophia) acknowledges the holy influence of God upon the actions and thoughts of believers. With God as its source (Deut. 4:5-6; James 1:5), wisdom is framed by those attributes demonstrated in His character within His moral qualities of purity, integrity, and love.

We began our series defining godly wisdom as a way of thinking and conduct that is orderly, socially sensitive, and morally upright. It is a way of viewing and approaching life that results in purposeful, God-honoring living (1 Pet. 1:13, 14). Unfortunately, as we look around our city, our nation, and our world, godly wisdom seems to have been abandoned as men and nations do what is “right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25; Prov. 3:7). It is therefore incumbent upon us as believers to demonstrate outwardly the godly wisdom being placed within us as we obediently follow the teachings of God and the leading of His Holy Spirit. Let James’ words become your wisdom battle cry:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13, NIV)