Archive for January 2009

Praise... Darwin?

In 1963, it took only one atheist to take Bible-reading and prayer out of our schools.

Now they want to stop Gideons from giving Bibles to school kids, remove reference to God on our money and in the Pledge of Allegiance, change B.C./A.D., stop public prayer, ban nativity scenes, etc.

The "Freedom From Religion Foundation," is placing billboards around the country trying to offend Christians so that the national media will film their billboard, promote their website, and thus help gain support to fulfill their godless agenda. They want to take from Americans the liberty that we have to freely worship God.

Darwin Day, February 12th, 2009

More than 350 locations around the world are celebrating Darwin Day -- the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin. Atheists will no doubt use it to further their cause. Many universities and even the National Geographic and Discovery Channels are planning to celebrate. This is a big deal.

We want to pull the plug on the rising tide of atheism, so we have created a website called www.PullThePlugOnAtheism.com on which you will find short email-able articles and clips that show evolution and atheism to be both unscientific and, for want of a better word, stupid.

We are also planning our own billboard campaign:

We want to know:

1. Do you have any contacts in billboard companies that could help us make these a quick reality? CONTACT US NOW: newsltr@livingwaters.com - we need to move fast.

2. If you would like to make your own arrangements to have a billboard put up in your area, we can supply you with the artwork above. Just let us know you need it: newsltr@livingwaters.com.

We would value your prayers.

Thank you.
Ray

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"And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' And I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' and the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.' "
~ Acts 26:14 - 15

The first thing that comes to most of our minds when we think about the phrase "persecuting Jesus", we think about those abroad who are brutally beating and/or killing Christians. It seems our minds often carry us to the extreme when we consider most things. At least, that's the way my mind works. But the Lord our God's mind doesn't work that way. He cares intimately about every minute detail, i.e., God has numbered every hair on our heads (Matthew 10:30), God stores every tear in a bottle (Psalm 56:8), the Lord considers any who angrily slanders or hates another to be a murderer (Matthew 5:21-22 & 1 John 3:15), and our holy God considers lust to be adultery (Matthew 5:27-28).

In the eyes of our holy God, who lives in pure light, every little detail is seen and matters to Him. The Lord told us that He does not look at things like we do. We make sketchy judgments based on our limited vision and finite knowledge. God makes righteous judgments based on His infinite vision and infinite wisdom. For God, it is all a matter of the heart - for this is where sin is conceived and if we allow it, will grow and bear fruit.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
~ 1 Samuel 16:7

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
~ Hebrews 4:12

"But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person."
~ Matthew 15:18)

By human standards, I haven't persecuted Jesus and don't on a regular basis. I'm not out slandering Christians, mocking them, beating them or even trying to kill them. Why would I, I'm a Christian myself! By human logic, this makes no sense to even consider that I, a follower of Jesus Christ would be persecuting the One I claim to love! The very thought is not only a bit insulting, but almost an impossibility! But it is not. For I have recently discovered that in my Christian life, I have persecuted my Lord and Savior and have (multiple times) grieved my the Holy Spirit with whom I am sealed until the redemption of my body (Ephesians 4:30-32).

By God's standard, persecution isn't the extreme things we think of. It is the subtle things we don't even consider at times. I'll give you an example. How often have you chosen to do something, whether it be something "good" for your family, ministry work, volunteering, feeding the poor, etc., but instead of praying and asking God if this is how He would like it done? Well, the answer for me, is - countless. So many times in my life I've done things for Christ, but in a way I thought seemed best at the time.

I'll let Oswald Chambers speak, since he makes this point very clear:

"Every time we stand on our rights and insist that this is what we intend to do, we are persecuting Jesus. Whenever we stand on our dignity we systematically vex and grieve His Spirit; and when the knowledge comes home that it is Jesus Whom we have been persecuting all the time, it is the most crushing revelation there could be.

Is the Word of God tremendously keen to me as I hand it on to you, or does my life give the lie to the things I profess to teach?"

King David did this very same thing with his first attempt to bring the Ark of God back to Jerusalem. The idea David had was great! It was very honorable, very noble and everyone around him agreed! But the only problem is, in his haste, David didn't bring the Ark of God back the way God said it must be done; thereby causing the death of Uzzah who irreverently touched the holy Ark of God.

David had a great idea to do something for God, but he did it in his way.

How often have you done this? How often have you decided that you were going to do something for Jesus, and had all sorts of ideas about how you were going to go about it, yet never once consulted the Lord first?

I will close with this profound thought from Oswald Chambers:

"The Spirit of Jesus is conscious of one thing only -- a perfect oneness with the Father...All I do ought to be founded on a perfect oneness with Him, not on a self-willed determination to be godly."

Merciful and most holy Father God, forgive me. Forgive me for being so immature in thinking that somehow I can do something for you - as if you needed me. But oh, Lord how I am so in awe of the fact that You don't need me, but allow me the honor and privilege to participate in Your glorious work! Lord, help me with my pride! Help me to remember that I must do things for You, Your way, or it truly is no longer for You, but for me. Help me to always see this truth. Thank You most gracious LORD for loving me in spite of myself. Thank You for compassionately calling out to me, "Sunny, Sunny, why are you persecuting Me?" so that I might be stopped in my haste to do something "good", yet am trampling on Your will instead - as I insist on mine. Forgive me Father God. I love you truly, with everything I have and all that I am. May oneness with You be my only hearts desire and motivation for all things. Amen.

servant n. ~ a person employed by another, esp. to perform domestic duties.

bondservant n. ~ a person bound to service without wages.

Every time I read in Scripture "servant of Christ Jesus" or something of the like, I used to only have the concept that it meant I was "in His service". But without really considering it, I had been "in His service" most often than not, in order to receive a reward; whether here on earth (like accolades and praise) or in Heaven - our eternal treasures.

But as time passed, I began to cringe at the thought of doing anything in the name of Jesus, for any kind of "reward", even heavenly rewards. To encourage me through difficult trials, people have often said, "Press on Sunny, press on! You know this is for your eternal reward! You'll have treasure in Heaven, far better than any of this and a crown of glory!" Now, I know that they all meant well, but still, inside - I would cringe. I began asking the Lord why I felt this way. I began to ask God why I couldn't receive this encouragement from my brothers and sisters. Was I being prideful? Was I caught in some sin I wasn't aware of? What was it that caused me to cringe every time I heard this?

What was a servant of the Lord to do? What exactly does a servant of the Lord look like and what is a servant of the Lord's mindset?

Then I noticed something in the Bible. Regardless of translations, there is always a footnote whenever the word "servant" is used and the footnote always says, "Or slave; Greek bondservant". I thought, "What's the difference? Aren't they the same thing? And if so, why make a note of it?" As I asked all these questions, my Lord answered by inspiring me to do something very simple, "look it up." I did, although I wasn't sure why; especially because I thought I already knew what both of these words meant. It turns out, I didn't.

As you can see from the definitions above, there is a huge difference between the two words. Most of us will simply explain that both words describe a person who is in service to another. While this definition is close, it is not accurate and misses a very significant difference. A servant is "paid", or "rewarded" for their service. While a bondservant expects no payment or reward for his service.

It was then the Lord taught me that while He does give us treasure in Heaven, this should not be the motivator for me to serve my Him. Instead, I must take cues from Moses and the Apostle Paul who both stated that if they could, they would give up their own eternal life in Christ Jesus to see others come to salvation.

I know we will all agree that there is no greater reward than our eternal salvation. Yet, these two faithful brothers in the Lord, due to their great love for God, desired to give up their own salvation; their greatest reward, if by any possible means this would bring God more glory, and fill our Father God's heart with joy and gladness. WOW! Now, that's agape love returned to God!

Of course, the Lord clearly answered "No" for only Jesus Christ is qualified to be the propitiation for anyone's eternal life.

"So Moses returned to the LORD and said, 'Alas, this people have sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin -- but if not, please blot me out of your book that You have written.' "
~ Exodus 32:31-32

"I am speaking the truth in Christ -- I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit -- that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to flesh."
~ Romans 9:1-3

This brings me to Romans 1, where the Apostle Paul opens his letter with this salutation:

"Paul, a servant [bondservant] of Christ Jesus..." I'll stop here. I've read this probably hundreds of times, but I recently noticed that when I read Scripture, I have a tendency to just run over the salutations. But this time, as I prayed for God to make known to me, His ways, to teach me His paths and to lead me in His truth (Psalm 25:4-5), the Holy Spirit quickened me to stop at this salutation and meditate on it. I did, and here's He showed me:

"Could you open a letter with this salutation? For that matter, could you open a conversation, or any dealings with another human being with this thought: 'Hello, my name is Sunny, I am a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ.' "

Honestly speaking, I know that I could've never (in good conscience) introduced myself this way before, as I haven't always behaved as a bondservant to Christ, but as a bondservant to my dead and disgusting flesh; insisting to have my own way. While I may have not been able to do this before, I should've been able to - and plan to from now on.

For the past few weeks, before I write anything to anyone, or say anything to anyone, I will (maybe not out loud, lest I cause others to stumble) in my heart and mind say, "Hello, my name is Sunny, a bondservant of Jesus Christ." Do you know what I've noticed since I began doing this? It has drastically changed what I do, how I do things, and the attitude in which I do them; whether they be in writing, in daily chores, in speaking--in everything.

I've noticed that in the past few weeks, I speak less. I fight and argue less. I less often insist on my opinion and better that all this, I've found that keeping this in the forethought of my mind has caused me to hear God's Holy Spirt much clearer and better!

Won't you join me? Begin to introduce yourself everywhere you go, in your heart and mind, "Hello my name is [insert your name here], a bondservant of Jesus Christ." Then wait and listen intently to what your Master is speaking to you and you'll know exaclty why I have this huge grin on my face right now! ♥

I've always told my boys one of my most favorite things is to be found in error by anyone I've ever taught (whether my own children or those God has graciously given me to disciple or counsel). I know that sounds a bit strange, but after I explain why, I'm sure you'll desire this as well.

Any teacher is blessed to see their student(s) not only has actually paid close attention to their lessons, but have also trained themselves to apply what they've learned - through research, much study, meditation and personal reflection. Now, when it comes to being a mother training up her children in "the Way they should go" (Proverbs 22:6), her greatest desire is that her children learn to walk in the truth as they themselves begin to study Scripture on their own; testing everything (Acts 17:10-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, 1 John 4:1), from having been taught that only God is perfectly omniscient and all human beings (including mom) are fallible.

With this understanding, you can see why I am so very delighted when anyone I have ever taught corrects me. Their correction proves to me that they have searched God's word for themselves, have been in much prayer, have tasted and seen (perceived for themselves) that the Lord is good; and now have come to me out of love, in humility and kindness to share with me my misunderstanding of God's word or the things of the Lord. Oh, there truly is no greater joy for a spiritual parent, than to know that their children walk in the truth - that is, abides in Jesus Christ! (3 John 1:4)

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not always (at the time) very overjoyed when corrected. No, instead, I have often been caught up in pride and have become very indignant that this "pupil" of mine dares to question my teaching. But I assure you, although this may be my initial reaction, thanks be to our gracious Lord God Almighty, that it is certainly not my final. ☺

To illustrate this truth to you today, I'd like to share with you the very first time I'd been corrected by one of my "pupils" in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I'd been teaching our children about God since the day I knew they were conceived. I read them God's word, sang songs and spoke God's truth to them about why God had created them and that while I had no idea what was going on in my own body, God knew - because only He knows each person intimately. By the time our oldest son was one, I began to have daily breakfast devotionals with him. I wanted him to be fed not only physically, but knew it was more important that he was fed spiritually. So by the time our first son was between two and two 1/2 years old (don't remember exactly, but it was before our second son was born), he was ready to correct me. And it began with the word, "amen", what it meant and when/why we used it.

Amen:

This Hebrew word means firm, and hence also faithful (Rev 3:14). In Isa 65:16, the Authorized Version has "the God of truth," which in Hebrew is "the God of Amen." It is frequently used by our Saviour to give emphasis to his words, where it is translated "verily." Sometimes, only, however, in John's Gospel, it is repeated, "Verily, verily." It is used as an epithet of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 3:14).

It is found singly and sometimes doubly at the end of prayers (Psa 41:13; 72:19; 89:52), to confirm the words and invoke the fulfilment of them. It is used in token of being bound by an oath (Num 5:22; Deu 27:15-26; Neh 5:13; 8:6; 1Ch 16:36). In the primitive churches it was common for the general audience to say "Amen" at the close of the prayer (1Cr 14:16).

The promises of God are Amen; i.e., they are all true and sure (2Cr 1:20).

_______________________________________

Cite This Article:
Easton, M. G. "Amen," Easton's Bible Dictionary. Blue Letter Bible. 1897. 1 Apr 2007. 26 Jan 2009.

As we can see from the definition above, for the word "Amen", when spoken from God means: "it is so, it is truth" and our response to God's proclamation of His truth is also "amen", which when spoken from our mouths, means, "as God has said, let it be so". Therefore when we pray, assuming we are praying in the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth, then we say "amen" because we are proclaiming our faith and trust in what God Himself has already spoken - we are in agreement with Him.

One of the times we would apply "amen" would be when we are giving thanks to the Lord for all His glorious and awesome provisions for us whether it be food, clothing, shelter, spouse, children, etc. For in applying "amen" after we give thanks, we are proclaiming that we agree (we believe Him) when He said that He alone is our Provider of all good things and we ought to only give Him honor and praise, for He alone is due such glory (James 1:17)

Let me share with you the beautiful day in which the Lord our God taught my husband and I when it was appropriate to say "Amen".

Oh, I still remember this day so clearly! It was a Saturday, we slept in a bit and didn't have breakfast, therefore I decided to make us all a hugely fabulous brunch! We had eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and sausage, toast, fruit, pancakes....well, you get the picture. And we were all starving, especially me!

I was just about to dig my fork into all this scrumptious food, when my hand was halted by our sweet little two year old son, who quickly said, "Wait Daddy and Mama! Don't we need to say 'amen'?" I quickly smiled and answered, "Awww, no sweet baby, this is breakfast. We only say 'amen' at dinner." I then again began to put my fork into a piece of delicious food, when my hand once again came to a screeching halt by my son, "Wait! Mama, why do we only say 'amen' at dinner?" I impatiently, with a forced smile answered, "Well darling, I don't know. I wasn't raised in a Christian home, so we never said it. Your Daddy was the only one raised in a Christian home and that's just the way he was taught, so it must be right. Now, leave Mama alone and let me eat my food. I'm hungry and it's getting cold." Our son smiled and said, "Oh, yes ma'am Mama." I joylessly began to pick up my now cold food that had been sitting lifelessly on my fork for what seemed like an eternity, when....you guessed it, my son spoke, "WAIT!" He exclaimed, "I have one more question." By this time, I was a bit miffed with him to say the least and unkindly answered, "Okay Michael, last one."

And here's how it all went down:

Son: "Daddy, Mama. Did God give us this food?"
Parents: "Yes baby, He did."
Son: "Did God give us the food for lunch?
Parents: "Yes son, He did."
Son: "Did God give us the food for our snacks?"
Parents: "Yes Michael, He did!"
Son: "Did God give us our food for dinner?"
Parents: "Yes son. Very good, you've been paying attention. We're so proud of you. God gave us everything. Great! You've got it. Now, are you finished? Can we please eat?"
Son: "Can I ask just one more?"
Parents: "Yes baby, but really, this has got to be the last question."
Son: "Yes ma'am. I was just wondering. If God gave us all the food we eat, then how come we only thank Him one time?"

My Favorite and I looked at our precious baby sitting in his booster seat, we looked at each other, we took one another's hands, and no other words were spoken but this, "Let's say 'amen'."

So when should we, how should we, why should we and for what situations is it proper for us to apply "amen"? Whenever we are in agreement with God and His truth. Which prayerfully, is all the time. Amen? ☺

Awesome, holy and glorious Father God in Heaven, You alone are truth! Thank You for revealing Your absolute truth to us through your written word. In this world, we face so many uncertainties where opinions change, times change, people change - oh Lord, where everything changes, and no one can ever be certain of what might happen next. Merciful Father God, I am even more grateful to know for certain that You LORD, alone are God, You are truth, You love me and You have cleansed me from all my unrighteousness with the blood of Jesus Christ.

Thank You mighty Father for always giving us Your unchanging word, love, salvation and truth. Thank You holy Father for YOU!

AMEN and AMEN!