Under His Wings

One of my favorite illustrated stories from my Junior Church years was about the mama hen who protected her chicks when a fire swept through the farm. She spread her wings and tucked them close. When the farmer found the hen, she was dead. BUT, as he moved her, all her little chicks came scurrying out from underneath her... unharmed. So thankful my heavenly Father covers me.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. ~ Psalm 91:4

Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life's trials are o'er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I'm safe evermore.
(written by William Cushing in 1896; music composed by Ira D. Sankey)

In Every Area

Don't compartmentalize your faith. Too many times we attend church or have devotions as if it is just another something to check off our "to do" list. Our Christian walk is not a few hours here or there each week. It is a part of EVERYTHING we do - our relationships, our employment, our entertainment... We wonder why we aren't making an impact... maybe it is because we have put God in a box.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 ~ 5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Covert Parenting

Beware of covert parenting. Kids remember and imitate those things we don't realize we are teaching. "Do as I say, not as I do" just doesn't cut it. Griping about the boss or pastor or government official... leads to disrespecting you. "Come on, we HAVE to get to church for the work day," ... leads to reluctance to serve. "I don't know WHERE they get this from. Must be the friends they hang around." Nope. Parents are their kids greatest teachers. What are you teaching covertly?

Proverbs 22:6 ~ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Remember: More is caught than taught!

Matters of the Heart

Do you have a heart condition? Many times those with physical heart conditions don't recognize or choose to ignore their symptoms thinking that it is "nothing". Those with a spiritual heart condition do the same thing. However, those around them are very well aware of their spiritual condition. Complaining, griping, murmuring, gossip (talebearing), angry words, even "holier than thou" attitudes are all signs of a critical spirit... a serious heart condition.

Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Who Fights For Us?

Soldiers don't choose what battles they fight. Christians fighting the good fight of faith don't either. The difference is that our Commander-in-chief fights FOR US! What is your battle today? Remember, you don't fight alone!

2 Chronicles 20:9 If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.....15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

Follow HIM

Psalm 28:5 Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.

It is a dangerous place to not follow God's Word, His plan, His principles, His examples. We've seen many lives ruined over the years simply because individuals or families thought they "knew better" than God. Dangerous ground. Tread carefully.

Battle Ready

Ephesians 6:11-12: PUT ON the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

We are commanded to PUT ON the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:11-20) But at no time, anywhere in Scripture, are we ever told to take it off. Sermon after sermon, lesson after lesson through the years I have been told to put on the armor of God to protect myself from Satan and the world. But I submit to you that we must not relax our guard when we are in the seemingly safe walls of our home or our churches. It is when our guard is down that Satan attacks. Whether it is through family members or church members, personal opinion or false teaching, we cannot, and must not, allow ourselves to be lulled into a sense of seeming safety. We have not been called back to headquarters (Heaven)... until we are, we are expected to stand a the ready and fight the good fight of faith. PUT ON the armor of God and NEVER take it off!

Ephesians 6:
¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Magnify the LORD

Psalm 40:4 Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Psalm 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, THE LORD BE MAGNIFIED.

Magnify the LORD regardless of the situation. HE is in control. HE is on the throne. Let us exalt HIS name forever!

What is "Spiritual Narcissism"?

I came across the term "spiritual narcissist" a few days ago which set my research brain in overdrive.

First, understand that "narcissism" is a predominant feature of today's society. We have become so self-absorbed. Regular posts to FaceBook regarding our dinner, entertainment, or relationship woes or highs are prevalent. Twitter is even faster! And how exciting to have several thousand "followers"!

It's all about ME! They love ME! Aren't I so important?!?

Second, patients with extreme self-love to those who show signs of narcissistic personality disorder are dealt with by psychologists on a daily basis. The spectrum is wide ranging but all need to be dealt with so that the individual can properly function in personal relationships and life experiences in general.

The most basic of definitions for "spiritual narcissism" is pride running wild without an ounce of true humility. Indications of this behavior often include anger when they are rebuked, failure to submit to authority, failure to admit wrong, a critical spirit toward anyone who does not see things their way, and manipulating others through division to name only a few. "Spiritual narcissists" have an uncanny way of feigning "humility". "Oh, no, I could never do that. Well, if YOU think I should, of course, I will be in charge." They have made getting people on "their side" an art form. Hang around a spiritual narcissist long enough and you will pick up their offenses; if you don't, then you are on the "outs" with them and will be punished in some way... usually through intimidation or ostracism. "Spiritual narcissists" are skilled at knowing what buttons to push to get you to do what they want. In other words, they know EXACTLY what to do or allow you to do to play to your own pride.

Romans 12:3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Galatians 6:3  For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

After reading a number of articles, definitions, etc. I believe the following two blog posts seem to have the most down to earth and understandable explanations regarding "spiritual narcissism".

"Spiritual Narcissism" http://leadingfromthesandbox.blogspot.com/2011/02/spiritual-narcissism.html

"Dealing with Narcissists" http://leadingfromthesandbox.blogspot.com/2011/02/dealing-with-narcissists.html

Providing these links for your own research. This is purely informational.

Remember: be careful not to judge or label someone else as you are reading. We each must search our own hearts to be certain that WE are not the problem.

The Wrong Questions

Ecclesiastes 7:10: Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

"We never did it that way before." "Why do we need to change?" These two statements are warning sings that trouble is brewing in a church. They are the baby steps to discontentment. They are precursors to division. Beware of using these phrases, you may be indicating a heart problem that is in the development stage.

Do We REALLY Desire Revival?

2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

humble: not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive: reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission (synonyms of note: meek, modest, unp

retentious)

The above verse is often linked to desiring revival. There is a definite list of things that need to occur BEFORE God will hear our cry for revival. There has always been one key factor when I have seen God move in on a church and true life-altering, habit-changing, revival break out - humbleness of individuals. "Lord, send a revival and let it begin in me." Why is this? Could it be that those church members pushed aside their pride and began to get right with God AND with each other? I believe so.

We can pray for revival. We can seek God's face through extra time in His Word, attending Bible study after Bible study and even by turning away from wrong things... but unless we are willing to humble ourselves before God and man, to make things right with each... God will not hear. He will not send revival.

Being Haughty is Naughty

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

Proverbs 16:18: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

haughty: having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy (synonyms of note: highfaulutin, huffy, presumptuous, self-assertive, stiff necked)

A haughty spirit is such a dangerous attitude to have. Individuals, regardless of age, who demonstrate this arrogant superiority and disdain to someone (usually an authority figure) whom they deem unworthy not only suffer because of it, but also their family members. It may be an individual sin, but its effects are wide spread. It is contagious. Parents who are haughty have children who pick up this attitude. Haughty church members tend to lead their closest friends and immature Christians down that road as well.

 

We must guard ourselves against those who have a prideful and haughty spirit. Beware of those who speak against authority figures - parents, husband, pastors, employers, government. Beware of those who try to set themselves up in positions of authority. Beware of those who complain "they are doing all the work". These attitudes sew seeds of contempt and contention. It is not God-honoring.

Props to My Examples

Proverbs 15:22: Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Thankful for the many individuals through the years who have instructed, reproved, and encouraged me. Your insight has helped to establish me today. So many have been and continue to be tremendous examples of God's truth and His leading even though I know they have endured trials and grief. Thank you for "keeping on, keeping on"!

Hindering?

Galatians 5:7-10: Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

Oh, that I may not be hindered in running the race through false teaching, conflict, or discouragement. The TRUTH is God's Word. His absolutes. I must not waver from them.

Self-restraint or Self-indulgence?

"In his 'Treatise Concerning Religious Affections', Jonathan Edwards suggested that true growth in Christian discipleship is not finally mere excitement, increasing use of religious language, or a growing knowledge of Scripture. It is not even an evident increase in joy or in love or concern for the church. Even increases in zeal and praise to God and confidence of one’s own faith are not infallible evidences of true Christian growth. What, then, is evidence of true Christian growth? According to Edwards, while all these things may be evidences of true Christian growth, the only certain observable sign of such growth is a life of increasing holiness, rooted in Christian self-denial. The church should be marked by a vital concern for this kind of increasing godliness in the lives of its members." ~ Mark Dever, from "Nine Marks of a Healthy Church", Crossway, 2000, p. 201.

Self-denial: a restraint or limitation of one's own desires or interests. Outward "spiritual" actions, speech, or increased knowledge cannot be a true barometer for spiritual maturity. Is self-denial evident in your life? If things don't go your way, do you accept it; do you pout; do you create a "stink"? Can you let go of your preferences for the sake of another? Can you submit to others' stricter standards for the cause of Christ? John the Baptist "got" it: He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30). We get in the way of the furtherance of the Gospel when we refuse to push aside our desires. You may talk the talk, but do you walk the walk through a life of self-denial?

Galatians 5:16-17; 24-26 ~ This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. ... And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

What's Your Opinion?

Horatius Bonar, "Man: His Religion and His World", 1851 ~ "This thinking for one’s self independently of God and His revelation is not merely an evil, but a sin. Nay, it is a sin of more than common darkness – it is so audacious, so contemptuous towards God. It places man on a level with God or at least sets Divine truth and human opinion on the same footing. It strips the former of all innate authority, while it gives to the latter an authority to which it has no claim!... There can be no authority save that which is infallible and Divine, that is, God speaking to us directly in His Word."

We must be so very, very careful not to mishandle God's Word to suit our own wants and desires. While many of us would not dream of adding to or taking away from God's Word, picking and choosing verses out of context is just as wrong. We must study and obey the "whole counsel" of God - not just what makes us happy.

2 Peter 1:20 ~ Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Backslidding Heifer

Yesterday, Dan spoke in Jr. Church to the kids about the "backsliding heifer". As I listened, I was reminded that we don't have to go "all the way back" to the sin(s) we were saved out of in order to be in a backslid condition. 

"Backsliding" is simply the cessation of going/moving forward. Anytime we think "we have arrived" -- we are backsliding. We can never "stop" in our Christian walk; it's a continuous journey forward to be conformed to His image.

Proverbs 14:14  The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

Jeremiah 2:19  Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Jeremiah 3:11  And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

His Plans

It is said, "You are either heading into a trial, in the middle of a trial, or coming out of a trial." Even though you may be blindsided, even though you may not be able to see a way through, even though you may be bruised, battle-weary and war-torn ~ God is still God. He has a plan. He has NOT forgotten you; he thinks about each of us. There is an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

A Prayer for My Pastor

Quoted by Robert G. Lee in "Who Said That?" ~ Senator Robert S. Kerr -
A Prayer for My Pastor ~ "Our Father, let me be a pillar of strength to help hold him up and not a thorn in his back to pull him down. Let me support him without striving to possess him. Let me lift his hands without placing shackles around them. Let me give him help that he may devote more time in working for the sa

lvation of others and less time in gratifying my vanity. Let me work for him as the pastor of all the members and not compel him to spend precious time in bragging on me. Let me be unselfish in what I do for him and not selfish in demanding that he do more for me. Let me strive to serve him and the church much and be happy as he serves me less and the church and others more."

Oh, that we would only see WE BRING GRIEF to the man of God when we fight and bicker amongst ourselves; when we seek special treatment instead of putting ourselves and our desires aside for the furtherance of the Gospel; when we make unreasonable demands; when we think we can do better than he; when we resist the instruction of God's Word; when we question his authority; when we lack understanding of the vision God has given him.

Hebrews 13:17 ~ Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: FOR THAT IS UNPROFITABLE FOR YOU.