Victorious Living

Our Spiritual Lineage

Who are your people?

Observing the impact of the devolution of family and community, I have renewed appreciation for being privileged to be “shaped” in the 50’s and 60’s by a close-knit community in Kansas called Quindaro.

The thing that most influenced my development was in understanding the importance of family lineage. As we were introduced to the parents of friends and acquaintances in the neighborhood, the first question we were asked was, “Who are your people? Whose family do you belong to?” The inquiry continued until they were satisfied that we were “safe” to associate with their children. Our family lineage became an integral part of our inheritance.

Lineage means a line of descent or ancestry—the people, families, or groups from whom someone or something comes. Simple definition:  Lineage = ancestry or a line of descent.

Unfortunately, we have loss that sense of family lineage and “safety” because of the disruptions of 21st century living and loss of human connectivity.

Our Spiritual Lineage.

Knowledge and appreciation of our spiritual lineage is even more important than our earthly one.  It shapes our identity and empowers our ability to accomplish the purpose God has for our life.

It’s been said that “a person can never rise above who they think they are”.  If you think you are talented, you will perform brilliantly.  If you think you’re worthless, people will treat you insignificantly. Therefore, it is critical that we as believers in Christ understand our spiritual lineage.   According to Galatians 3:29, we are:

    • Abraham’s seed
    • Heirs of God
    • Joint heirs with Christ
    • Heirs of the promise

We were “predestined by God into adoption as children” because of the work accomplished by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5).

Heirs of God.

As heirs of God (Romans 8:17a), we can now experience an intimate, personal relationship with the Father. A joyful existence with God is ours because of His great love for us (1 John 4:9-10).  This includes divine access to God who is all powerful, all knowing, and ever present (Psalms 145:13).

Our purpose becomes the channel through which God’s purpose is fulfilled, and our destiny is inexplicably connected to heaven where Christ now resides (Ephesians 1:10). Our life has eternal value and consequences.

Heirs of Promise.

As heirs of promise, we have received God’s gift of salvation (Isaiah 55:1-7; Matthew 1:21). This salvation is “realized now” in the deliverance from the penalty and power of sin (Romans 8:1).

This salvation will also be “realized in the future” through eternal life in eternity future with Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34).  It is here that we will be delivered from the presence of sin. This promise is secured through our faith in Christ–just like Father Abraham (Romans 4:16; Hebrew 11:8-9).

In addition, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we experience the power and presence of God.  This results in love, joy and peace regardless of the circumstances we might face (Philippians 4:6; Galatians 5:22-23).

Our spiritual lineage is a topic that can be explored without ending. While we cannot address all its many aspects and benefits, let us not negate its importance in our daily life.  No higher position or greater wealth can we acquire than becoming heirs of God through our faith in Christ.

Spiritual Maturity

Don’t Let Go Your Faith!

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Don't Let Go Your Faith!

 

Where is your faith?

Economic upheaval, social strife, and natural catastrophes.   All these cause us to continually feel anxious, apprehensive, and nervous.  What is our response to these feelings of dread?  These feelings may cause us to question our faith.  Are we secure in our belief that God is there to help us in our  direst of circumstances?  These questions, unanswered, can result in a faith unable to stand the challenges we face in the 21st century.

In the book of Hebrews, the author addresses many Jewish believers, who had  stepped out of Judaism into Christianity.  Faced with persecution by their countrymen, they wanted to reverse their faith choice.  The author moves forward to show that there is more to be gained in Christ than to be lost in Judaism.

Let us hold tightly…

As true as it was in the 1st century, today it is even more imperative that we believers hold firmly to our faith even in the midst of persecution, antagonist challenges, and the current worldview.

The religious landscape of the United States continues to change at a rapid clip. In Pew Research Center telephone surveys conducted in 2018 and 2019, 65% of American adults describe themselves as Christians when asked about their religion, down 12 percentage points over the past decade. Meanwhile, the religiously unaffiliated share of the population, consisting of people who describe their religious identity as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular,” now stands at 26%, up from 17% in 2009.

 How do we counter the pressures we feel?  “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” (Hebrew 10:23)

Without wavering to the hope we affirm…

In God we can place our confidence and our hope.  Amid gloom and crisis, we place our hope in the supreme God who rules over everything.  And because God is sovereign, He ultimately controls all that happens in the world and in our lives.

Our belief and hope in our God become the refreshing promise of rescue and provision regardless of the circumstances we face.  God’s plan and purpose for our life supersedes indisputable facts and devastating odds (Habakkuk 3:17-19 ).

For God can be trusted to keep His promises.

Although we flippantly have inscribed on our coins, “In God we trust”, it’s now time to write upon our hearts the Psalmist’s words, “I have put my trust in God.” (Psalm 56:4)   Trust in Hebrew means bold and confident.  The description means to throw oneself down, extended on the ground, upon his face. We figuratively (and literally) throw ourselves boldly into God’s arms.

As we face the many challenges of life that tend to shake the very foundation of our faith, let us “put our trust” in the One who is able to deliver us from all harm (Psalm 46:2).  With God we are able to exchange our fear for bold confidence (Psalm 20:7).

Stretch out on “mature faith”, believing what God has promised in His Word.  Depend on the presence of the Holy Spirit to bring to your memory that which God has said He would do (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Don’t let go your faith!

Although we may occasionally “waver” in our faith (we’re a work in progress through sanctification), we must never give up on God.  While we may be unsteady and even unstable at times, God never changes.  He is always the same (Malachi 3:6).  God is everything we need  and much, much more.

I believe like the writer of Hebrews that there is more (so much more) to be gained in Christ than anything and everything that this world has to offer (Ephesians 1:3-17).  Knowing all this, why would I ever let go my faith  God!

Knowing God

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about Eternity

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It is important that we have a clear understanding about eternity.  Living in the 21st century requires that we equip ourselves with correct information.  Therefore, we will close this series on myths, lies, and misunderstandings discussing the deadliest of them all—MLMs pertaining to eternity.

The Danger of Eternity MLMs

MLMs hinder our ability to accept the reality of life and death.   Since our belief systems influence our behaviors and the choices we make, a misstep or an error in belief can have “forever” ramifications.  We get one chance to make the right choice. (Acts 4:12 )

Myths

Myths are often connected to spirituality or other religious beliefs versus Christian doctrine.  They can result in a false sense of spiritual security. Many myths are often tied to what heaven or hell will be like.

Heaven will be a dreamy, floating existence in the clouds.

Heaven is the place where we will continue to serve the Lord (Revelation7:14-15 ). Just as Adam was given charge of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15 ), we will fulfill the God-glorifying, personally fulfilling work that was part of God’s original plan for our life.

Hell is a place where there’s always a good time and party. 

Hell was initially designed to house Satan and those fallen angels that participated in open rebellion against God in heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15 ). People who joke about wanting to go to hell is so much foolishness.  There will be no partying in hell only darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12 ; 13:42 ) .

Lies

Lies are the most dangerous MLMs.  Why?  Because our belief in them can result in our being in a place we don’t want to be for eternity.  There will be no “do-overs.  Following are the most frequently cited and the deadliest.   

There is no heaven nor hell. 

Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us (John 14:2 ).  We know that when “our tabernacle is dissolved we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven.”  (2 Corinthians 5:1 )

Hell is real (Matthew 25:41 , 46 ).  It is a place of eternal punishment. There are those who propose that because God is good and loving, He would never condemn anyone to a place of eternal torment.  God doesn’t send people to hell.  People send themselves.  

All roads lead to heaven.  

While this may be a very popular view, the Bible teaches that the only way a person can go to heaven is on “God’s terms”.  He has made His terms very clear in His Word and by Jesus Himself.    “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me”. (John 14:6 ).  Other reference scripture includes John 3:3, 16 , Acts 4:12 , and Galatians 1:6-9.

Misunderstandings

Misunderstandings are often the results of incomplete or incorrect information.  While they are the most benign of the MLMs, it is still important to seek reliable and accurate information about eternity.

God is responsible for death.  

Well-intentioned people console loved ones at the death of a family member with statements such as, “God wanted them with Him.” “They’re in a better place.” “God knows what He’s doing.”

The truth is death is the result of man’s sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2).  It is a sure fact that we all will die.  The best way to be with family in eternity is to receive Jesus as Savior.

We will worship God in a tabernacle in heaven.  

The tabernacle of the Old Testament and the church structure today provide a physical place to worship God.

However, there is need for neither in heaven because we will live in God’s presence.   The object of our worship, God, will be with us throughout eternity.  We will freely worship God continuously (Revelation 21:3 ,22 ).

The True Beauty of Eternity

Our understanding of eternity influences all that we do today.  It becomes the filter by which we evaluate how we spend our time; what we focus on: where we place our priorities.

Eternity, most importantly, is where we will spend forever with Jesus.  Our relationship will never be interrupted by our busy schedule, our unconfessed sin, or the enemies’ fiery darts aimed at our faith.

Knowing God

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about the Bible, Part 2

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Our Search for Truth

Myths, lies, and misunderstandings (MLMs) are dangerous to the spiritual welfare of both believers and nonbelievers.  This is especially true with regard to MLMs about the Bible.  Why?  Because it results in people’s hesitancy to see the Bible as the authoritative source for their lives, their beliefs and their behaviors.

Last week I focused on the biggest MYTHS concerning the Bible in the 21st century.  Today we will complete this study by reviewing the most frequent LIES and MISUNDERSTANDINGS.

What is a Lie?

A lie is a statement that is false and is created with the intent to deceive. And Satan has done an excellent job in intentionally deceiving people to believe that the Bible is not the primary source of truth.

In this postmodern era, relativism offers the view that there is not absolute truth.  Truth is viewed as “relative” based on individual perceptions and considerations.  This kind of thinking often finds its place in the context of moral or ethical questions and decisions.   Satan has used this thinking to continue his campaign to “blind the eyes” of mankind to the source of truth and relevancy (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Lie #1 The Bible is no different than any other book.

Without a doubt, it is different! All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  The Bible was written by God using the unique talents and personalities of its authors.  They wrote “God’s Word” not as robots with pens.

The Holy Spirit superintended the human author without taking anything from their personalities.  He made sure that what they chose to write was exactly what He wanted to communicate to people through them.    The writers were different, but the message remained the same and was consistent, from Genesis to Revelations.

Lie #2 The Bible is full of errors and mistakes.  (Written by men who make mistakes)

First, I must share that In the Word Ministries believes in the authority of Scripture which is another way of saying that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant (without error) Word of God.  It is the ultimate source of knowledge about God, as well as the definitive guide for our daily lives.  It is the infallible rule of faith and practice.

Secondly, you will find that the Bible has been proven, by secular sources, to be historically correct and accurate in its rending of events recorded within it–this includes the people, places and events, including the events surrounding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  A great resource on the historicity and inerrancy of Scripture is Hank Hanegraaff of the Christian Research Institute, www.equip.org.

Is it just a Misunderstanding?

A misunderstanding is a mistake of meaning or intent.

Misunderstanding #1 The Bible is boring and difficult to read.    

The first question to ask concerning the Bible being boring is, “what is our intent in reading it?” The Bible was not written to entertain! It was written to reveal the plan of salvation God has for His people and to disclose who He is.  It is about INTENT and PURPOSE.

I am reminded of a story I heard in a business class.  A lady called to complain that the taste of Clorox should be changed.  She was using it as a mouth rinse.  The customer did not use the product for its intended purpose.

Although the Bible contains history and poetry, narratives and even love stories AND has been on the most read, best seller list for centuries, its purpose is not for entertainment.   It is the ultimate source of knowledge about God as well as the definitive guide for daily living.

 Don’t be Fooled!

Truth is being challenged on every hand.  It is important that we do everything in our power to ensure we make our decisions based on the best sources.  Beware of those things that mask the truth, especially concerning life now and eternity.  We must be on the alert for myths, lies, and misunderstandings that misguide and misdirect you from the purpose God has for our life.

 

Knowing God

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about the Bible, Part 1

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Why don’t people read the Bible?

If I had the definitive answer to that question, ministers would be flocking to my door.  I have, however, had opportunity to talk to many individuals who give reasons why they choose not to participate in Bible classes.

Their answers agreed with that which was discovered in the Barna Institute’s research study on the Bible.

With over 5 billion copies sold, the Bible remains earth’s most-read book. But the world in which we read and engage with the Bible is rapidly changing. The steady rise of skepticism is creating a cultural atmosphere that is becoming unfriendly to claims of faith; the adoption of self-fulfillment as our culture’s ultimate measure of good is re-orienting moral authority; and the explosive growth of digital tools such as Bible apps, daily reading plans, study resources and online communities offer unprecedented access to the Scriptures.[1]

 As stated earlier, the best strategy to guard against spiritual error is God’s truth.  That truth is available through the Holy Spirit and the Bible.  Therefore, as is the case with the Holy Spirit, the Bible is also the target of many myths, lies, and misunderstandings.  To that end, I would like to put forth the thought that many people don’t read the Bible because of myths, lies, and misunderstandings they have about the Bible.

Because MLMs about the Bible are widespread and spiritually detrimental, we will focus this week’s WordBytes on Bible myths.  Myths are widely held but false beliefs or ideas.  Myths are upheld to misrepresent the truth and to maintain certain views or ideas, i.e., the worldview, Satan’s lies.

The Bible is outdated.

This myth supposes that God is like man, constrained by time and space.   He is not.  God is infinite and never changes (Malachi 3:6).  His Word is therefore timeless.  In addition, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8) and His judgments unsearchable (Romans 11:33,34).   Who is in position to question His intentions and instructions?

The Bible is “contemporary”.  Its knowledge and wisdom come from God who whose existence is independent of any created being.  The Bible speaks truth regardless of the reader’s position in time.

It reveals God’s expectations of us and how we are to relate to one another—family, socially, and the church and to Him.  It contains both moral and social principles of living which are never outdated.

The Bible is irrelevant in the 21st century.

We often hear this myth about the Bible because it doesn’t conform to the world’s view—which is usually contrary to the way and wishes of God.  This belief is common and is based on a “self-directed” life, where individuals are encouraged to pursue their own path in life.

However, Jesus warned in his Sermon of the Mount (Matthew 7:13-14).

You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way.   But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.

The truth of the matter is the Word causes great discomfort to those who operate as “sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).  The Word’s power causes individuals to feel convicted of their wrongdoing and therefore, they reject its application to their life (Hebrews 4:12-13).

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Next week, we will discuss, “Lies and Misunderstandings” about the Bible.

[1] The Bible in America:  6-Year Trend, Barna Research Group.

The Holy Spirit

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about the Holy Spirit

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Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about the Holy Spirit

Danger ahead…MLMs

As we discussed last week, myths, lies, and misunderstandings (MLMs) are dangerous to the spiritual welfare of both believers and nonbelievers.  The best strategy to guard against MLMs is God’s truth.

That truth is available through the Holy Spirit and the Bible.  Because Satan is continually exposed by both, it is not surprising that these two are frequently the subject of many MLMs.

Today, we will share MLMs most often repeated about the Holy Spirit.

Top MLMs about the Holy Spirit

Though not exhaustive, here are my top MLMs concerning the Holy Spirit.  The source of this list are frequent questions I have received concerning the third person of the Trinity.

Myth: “The Holy Spirit is for Super Christians.  He is not for everyone.”

Unfortunately, this myth has been around for quite some time due to religious and denominational differences.  The devastating result of this myth is that people question whether they are indwelled by the Holy Spirit.  In addition, this myth gives the perception that Christians receive the Holy Spirit based on their merit.

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, Jesus gifts us with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:14).  While we can’t control the Holy Spirit, we can, however, hinder His work.  We can quench the Holy Spirit by refusing His guidance or grieve Him by continuing to do sinful acts.

As we surrender our will to God’s will, we will receive greater filling by the Spirit.  “Filling” means we empty ourselves of self and make room for MORE of HIM.  This results in the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and conforming to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

Lie: “The Holy Spirit is actually our inner spirit guiding us on the path to our true purpose and destiny.”   

It’s a path alright.  A path to nowhere. This is perhaps the most egregious lie designed by the devil.  It denies the reality of God.  Satan’s MO is to always have man look to himself as the primary source of power and control.  This is a “self-directed” belief (lie) that keeps people from coming to the “glorious gospel of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

This strategy of Satan is intended to keep us bound, broken, and discouraged.  We fail to reach God’s designed purpose for our lives.  Why?  Because we attempt to do what only God can do through His Holy Spirit in us (John 15:5; Ephesians 3:20).

Misunderstanding:  “The Holy Spirit is like an angel that God sends to help people.”

This belief reflects a lack of understanding of who God is and the work of the Trinity.  First and foremost, God is one God with three distinct, eternal, coexistent persons.  God is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1).  Jesus, who is God’s only begotten Son is also God.  And finally, the Holy Spirit, who is God’s Spirit is also God.

Regarding these three manifestations of our one, God, we must recognize their distinctions, but not separate them from one another. We will never understand all that God wants us to know about him without having full knowledge of each representation of him. [1]

Without a correct knowledge of God, we risk “being tossed to and fro by every wind of new teaching and influence, when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth” (Ephesians 4:14, NLT).  The best approach to deal with MLMs is to know the truth.   Be alert to myths, lies, and misunderstandings that threaten our walk of faith.

Next week we will focus on MLMs pertaining to the Bible.

[1] Lead Me, Holy Spirit:  Longing to Hear the Voice of God, Stormie Omartian

Knowing God

Guarding Against Error: Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings

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Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings

Living in the 21st century requires that we be diligent and equip ourselves with correct information (Proverbs 4:7).  This guards us against error, especially, with regard to our spiritual beliefs.

Error often presents itself in the form of myths, lies, and misunderstandings (MLMs).  This includes what we know about the  God and and His purpose for our lives.  Today we will examine MLMs and how they can negatively impact our ability to have a correct view of God.

MLMs—the what and the why?

Myths, lies, and misunderstandings can be credited to many different things.

  • Myths are widely held but false beliefs or ideas. Myths are upheld to misrepresent the truth and to maintain certain beliefs.
  • Lies are statements that one knows are false, with the intent to deceive.
  • Misunderstandings stem from a failure to understand something correctly. A misunderstanding can be caused by an incorrect conception or a misinterpretation. It can also be mistakes of meaning or intent.

Myths and misunderstandings can be attributed to a general lack of knowledge.  Even within our churches, discussions on the Holy Trinity are limited.  Congregations need to be better informed on our relationship with each member of the God Head and how each of them impacts our lives.

Lies, of course, can be assigned to the father of lies, Satan.  Satan has done an excellent job in intentionally deceiving people about who God is.  We tend to make God smaller than He really is, to fit our human view.  We compare our limited abilities with God’s infinite power.  We do this to justify our decisions and behaviors (Jeremiah 17:9).

God is the true source for victorious living.  It is in Him that we live and breathe and have our meaning (Acts 17:28).  Our personal relationship with God provides us with courage and hope amid our struggles.    It strengthens our faith and points us to the One who will sustain us in the most difficult of times.  Therefore, we are able to persevere and do not “faint” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

How to deal with MLMs?

What is the best approach to deal with myths, lies, and misunderstandings?  Seek out and know the truth through spiritual discernment.  The primary source of that truth is the Bible.  The Holy Spirit leads us in all truth (John 16:13).

In this postmodern era, relativism offers the view that there is no absolute truth; truth is relative based on individual perceptions and considerations. Satan uses this thinking to continue his campaign to “blind our eyes” about God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:4).

We must seek truth in all we do and boldly denounce MLMs that keep others in darkness (Ephesians 5:11).  Myths, lies, and misunderstandings intent is always the same:  to deceive, mislead, and misrepresent.

For the next few weeks we will explore  other MLMs that  lead us to spiritual error and away from God’s truth.

Spiritual Renewal

Defending the Abundant Life

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Who stole our abundant life: Recap

In our early discussions on abundant living, we acknowledged the forces that vie for our attention and inevitably drain us of living the abundant life promised to us, by Jesus in John 10:10.  These forces are described as thieves that creep into our lives to “steal, kill, and destroy”:  to steal our peace, to kill our hope, and to demolish our lives.

 Abundant life, offered by Jesus, is a life vigorously devoted to and in personal relationship with God and with others (John 15:4-5)).   Abundant life offers spiritual freedom and eternity with God to those who put their trust in Christ (John 3:16).

We concluded that abundant life is only possible through the leading (filling) of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The result?  Life lived “in the presence of, under the authority of, to the honor and glory of God. (Coram Deo)

To close the study on abundant living, let’s detail three key threats to our abundant life.

The Thieves

God’s Word warns us of three “thieves” that have operated in the world since its creation and continue with extraordinary success today.  They are the areas that are responsible for the demise of not only individuals but also families and nations.

These thieves have mastered the art of seduction and deception.  They use not only our personal weaknesses against us (Hebrew 12:1) but also information gleaned from social media and digital platforms.  The three thieves attempt to stand between us and God.  Their intent? To damage our relationship.  To stop, block, and damage our source of abundance, which is God alone.    They create breaches in our spiritual wall that result in the lack of God’s abundance.  These thieves are the world, Satan, and our flesh.

The World and Satan

As followers of Christ, abundant life is not dependent on the world’s view of abundance.  While God blesses us with provision and favor in this life, we are not dependent on the things offered by the world for our needs.

The world attempts to dictate our identity based on computer algorithms and logic versus our identity in Christ. (Galatians 2:20) The world demands our attention and fosters the belief that our best life centers on wealth, power and influence.  The world draws us away from the true source of all our needs (John 15:5).

What can we say about Satan?  He does sin very well.  He is a master of deception and lies.  It is his intention to keep us as far away from God and the truth as possible.

One way He does that is by developing “counterfeits” to the real things that are possible only through our relationship with Jesus Christ.  (2 Corinthians 11:14-15; 1 John 4:1)

Satan rarely invents; he imitates and corrupts. God offers truth; Satan substitutes deception. God offers life; Satan promises life but produces death. God offers eternal joy; Satan offers fleeting pleasure with lasting consequences. The Holy Spirit gives discernment so we believers can recognize the difference.

Our Flesh

The quote “We have met the enemy and he is us.” is most famously attributed to Walt Kelly, creator of the comic strip Pogo, written for a 1971 Earth Day poster. Kelly’s quote pointed to the source of many of our problems—our actions, attitudes, and choices. Our flesh controls those actions, attitudes, and choices.

Awareness of our flesh’s weakness is offered in passages such as:

      • Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things…”
      • James 4:1 – “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
      • Romans 7:18 – “I know that in me dwelleth no good thing.”

Our flesh’s desire to satisfy our needs (versus God’s will) result in disobedience and sin (1 John 2: 88).  We can’t blame everything of the world and Satan.  Sometimes the enemy is “in me.”

Defending God’s Gift of Abundant Life

How do we defend our abundant life?  Short list.

      1. Grow in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:2)
      2. Pursue and maintain an intentional, intimate walk with Jesus. (James 4:8)
      3. Be filled (obedient) with the Holy Spirit. (John 10:27)

Meditate on the scriptures cited on the short list.  Begin implementing the offered  solutions in your life.  Then watch God’s abundance flow freely into your life.

Spiritual Renewal

Seeking Abundant Living

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Seeking an abundant life?

What is abundant life? In Hebrew, abundance or abundant, range in meaning from “blessings” (the good things one is blessed with) to “plenty and much”.   Under the Mosaic covenant, God promised that obedience would bring rich material blessings to God’s people.  (Deuteronomy 30:9-10) It was there that man viewed abundance as material wealth, riches, and possessions.  This is also the world’s view of abundance.  Abundant living follows as a natural consequence of material possessions.

These “negative” aspects of the kingdom run counter to a heresy that is gaining ground around the world, the so-called “prosperity” gospel. A growing number of false teachers are gathering followers under the message “God wants you to be rich!” But that philosophy is not the counsel of the Bible—and it is certainly not the counsel of Matthew 6:33, which is not a formula for gaining wealth. It is a description of how God works. Jesus taught that our focus should be shifted away from this world—its status and its lying allurements—and placed upon the things of God’s kingdom.[1]

Seeking worldly success?

Why do we seek material abundance?  It is an indicator of our identity with personal success and standing.  While I’m not saying anything is wrong with material abundance, I only caution our pursuit and dependence on it to validate who we are.

Jesus cautioned in Luke 12:15 that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.  Using this warning as an introduction to the parable of the rich fool, Jesus concludes with this sad observation for those who seek physical abundance.

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many good things stored up, [enough] for many years; rest and relax, eat, drink and be merry (celebrate continually)”.   But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own all the things you have prepared?’  So it is for the one who continues to store up and hoard possessions for himself and is not rich [in his relationship] toward God.”  (Luke 12:19-21, Amplified)

What hinders our abundant life?

How do we know if we’re truly seeking God’s kingdom first? There are questions we can ask ourselves. “Where do I primarily spend my energies? Is all my time and money spent on goods and activities that will certainly perish, or in the service of God—the results of which live on for eternity?” Believers who have learned to truly put God first may then rest in this holy dynamic: “…and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Finding abundant life.

Abundant living is only possible through the leading (filling) of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  Abundant living is everything we need to reclaim our lives—balance, energy, peace, simplicity, and happiness.

Abundant living differs from worldly success by focusing on spiritual fulfillment through love, joy, peace, and purpose rather than financial prosperity or personal gain. Biblical characteristics of abundant life include love, joy, peace, purpose, growth, freedom, and hope, all stemming from a relationship with God.

Like the rich fool, we will be disappointed if we place our focus on the world’s view of abundant living.  For life to truly be enjoyed, it will be through our personal relationship with God.  God is more than our sufficiency.  He is our Great Reward. (Genesis 15:1; Matthew 5:12)

[1] Got Questions, “What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?”

Spiritual Renewal

Who stole our abundant life?

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The thief comes …

In her book, The Wired Soul, Tricia McCary Rhodes describes what it feels like living in the hyperconnected age of the 21st century:

While I am not personally prone to panic attacks, these days there are moments when I find myself out of sorts, almost as if I can’t quite catch my breath.  I don’t think I’m alone in this.  People of all ages seem terminally distracted, perpetually hurried, and often harried.  It is rare for an answer to the question “how are you?” not to include the word busy and elicit some degree of angst.  Collectively it feels as if we are losing something important in the name of progress, as if life itself is slipping through our fingers.   

I know I’m not the only one who identifies with Dr. Rhodes.  I listen to friends, associates, and even strangers share their frustrations as they attempt to be “all-and-everything-to-everybody-while-no-good-for-themselves”.   This leads me to ask, where is the promise of an “abundant life”?  Jesus offers an explanation in John 10:10.

To steal, kill and destroy.

In this analogy, Jesus contrasts his nurturing care for His believers with that of a thief. The thief He refers to are the leaders of Israel who cared only for themselves.  They stole, killed and destroyed “the abundant favor” that God had promised His people (Philippians 4:19).

Who are the thieves today?  It’s anything or anyone who robs believers of the promises and blessings of God (Ephesians 1:3).   The thief is noise, hurry, and crowds.   It’s our bad habits, our toxic relationships and yes, our over-committed calendars.  The thief is social media—that constant intruder who interferes with our ability to live in the present and in the presence of God.

The thief comes not only to kill and destroy our peace, our relationship with others, but more importantly prevent our intimacy with God. Are we slaves to the notification bell on our phones?  Can we live without Facebook as scrolling becomes our new entertainment?

More in the thieves next week!

The abundant offer

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” So, what does “abundant life” look like?

Life (zoe) is defined as “real and genuine”.  It is a life vigorously devoted to and in personal relationship with God and with others (John 15:4-5).   Abundant life offers spiritual freedom and eternity with God to those who put their trust in Christ (John 3:16; Romans 6:14).

Life lived abundantly (perissos) is only possible through the leading (filling) of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  Abundant living is everything we need to reclaim our lives—balance, energy, peace, simplicity, and happiness.

Reclaiming our abundant life

If we feel we’ve lost our abundant life, Jesus has provided a way to regain that which was stolen by the devil or that which was slowly surrendered to the world.

Dr. Charles Stanley, pastor, Bible teacher, best-selling author, and founder of In Touch Ministries, offered this advice as we seek to reclaim our abundant life.

Many believers still try to fill their own void with achievements, wealth, or relationships. When such aspirations are given higher priority than the Lord, they can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction. An abundant life is possible only when we seek God above all else. Pray for His guidance as you search your heart. Confess any sin and ask God to fill your life as only He can do.