Foundational Teaching!

God’s ‘Foundational Teaching’ is a tutorial lesson and a warning to Israel as they are about to cross into the Promised Land.

The purpose of this post is to understand God’s Sovereignty and Providence regarding His watchful care over His people Israel.

God, because of HIs love for His people, is speaking to Israel through Moses calling to their remembrance what they had experienced in the wilderness.

In the context of Chapter 8, Israel stands on the wilderness side of the Jordan River.

They are at the ‘door’ of entering the land promised to Abraham, and confirmed to Isaac, and to Jacob.

The ‘tutorial’ text is Deuteronomy 8.

This text looks back historically recalling the failures of the adult generation that came out of Egypt.

This text also looks forward prophetically, ‘warning‘ the next generation what will happen to them if they do not heed this teaching session.

God knows their heart.

God knows what He needs to ‘say’ to Israel.

God is going to reveal to Israel what He knows is in their heart and warn them of its potential repercussions.

This is not God’s judgment.

This is God’s grace and mercy for His people, as their loving Heavenly Father.

This, too, is what each one of us, as followers of Christ, needs to understand as we, individually, walk with the Lord upon our own pathway of spiritual growth with Him.

Selah.

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Moses is reminding the present generation of Israelites, standing at the bank of the Jordan River, that on the other side of the river IS the Promised Land that God promised to Abraham. (Genesis 12:1-9; Genesis 13:1-7; Genesis 15:1-8)

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we, too, must understand God’s ways of ‘teaching’ His children during our pilgrim journey with Him as we are conformed to the image of Christ, according to the W0rd of God, governed by the Holy Spirit.

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The Apostle John at the end of his first Epistle, concluded with this statement.

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” (I John 5:21, NKJV)

“Little Children! Guard yourselves from idols. (I John 5:1, Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible)

Combining the two verses:

“Little Children! Guard yourselves from idols. Amen.”

The Book of Deuteronomy is a historical account spoken to the nation of Israel by Moses prior to Israel’s entry into the land of promise made to Abraham.

Q: What is the primary importance for our understanding?

It is this?

That the first generation of adults that were delivered out of the bondage of Egypt all died during Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.

Only two of the original adults of the first generation entered the promised land.

They were Joshua and Caleb.

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Refining our focus.

Who is Moses speaking to?

Moses is speaking to the next generation of Israelites reminding them of what happened to the first generation; and what would happen to them if they did not ‘guard’ their hearts.

Deuteronomy 1:1, NKJV, “These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel on this side of the Jordan River in the wilderness…”

The purpose of this post is to give us insight into the ways of God using the ‘teaching’ of Deuteronomy chapter 8.

God is tutoring His people.

Moses is bringing to the memory of the next generation what happened to their adult family members in the wilderness.

Why?

To show Israel, how God looks into the heart through ‘testing’; to remind them that what happened to the first generation; and to warn Israel would happen to them if they did not heed God’s Word of warning.

Moses , like the Apostle John, is telling them to ‘guard’ their heart’.

What are they to ‘guard their heart‘ from?

‘Guard their hearts from idols’. (I John 5:21)

Deuteronomy 8 outlines the tragedy of the spiritual, economic, and life-changing disaster that Israel will ‘reap‘ if they follow the desire of their heart; believing that it is ok to ‘sow’ their walk with God following after the ‘idol of their heart’.

What ‘idol of the heart’ is mentioned?

The wealth and abundance of the Promised Land.

Remember: An idol in the Word of God is a man made object or an idol of the heart.

The warning: The abundance of one’s provision can become your ‘idol‘; and your personal desire for it can become your ‘idol of the heart’.

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In the wilderness, God revealed to the nation of Israel the condition of their heart.

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses is reminding them of the deceitfulness of wealth; its growing effect upon their heart; and ultimately its consequence upon their covenant relationship to God.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, NKJV, “No one can serve two masters; for he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (Lit. in Aramaic, riches)

Jesus said that you will ‘serve’ one of the two of them.

If you serve the ‘idol’, then that idol becomes the object of your worship.

If you serve an’ idol‘, then you cannot worship God in ‘spirit and truth’. (John 4:23,24) [See Foundational Treason! Part 3]

Remember this acronym: Idols Deceive Our Love (Lifestyle, Living, Liberty)

This is what is being addressed in Deuteronomy 8.

Q: Is this applicable to our nation today? to the Church? to Christians?

Q: Is this applicable to you?

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The Book of Deuteronomy is a series of messages spoken by Moses to the nation of Israel rehearsing their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

God had delivered the nation of Israel ‘out’ from under the influence of the ‘idol-gods’ of Egypt, to bring them into His Presence in the wilderness.

God sent Moses to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, to tell him to let His people go ten times.

With each encounter, God brought a plague upon Egypt to confirm His word spoken by Moses to Pharaoh. (Exodus 5-12) [See: Does Tribulations Bring Tension?]

All of the plagues Egypt experienced were directed against Egyptian deities that they worshipped.

In the wilderness, God’s desire was to bring them unto Himself having delivered them from the ‘control’ of Pharaoh and the Egyptian lifestyle.

God set His people free to reveal Himself to His people, to bring them to Himself.

Why? To ‘teach’ Israel about His rule and reign; and to reveal His heart of love for Israel; so that they would understand that His desire was to be their God and for Israel to be His people.

This has always been the desire that has governed God’s heart for His people. (Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Revelation 21:1-8)

This desire is eternal and has always existed in God’s heart before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:3-14)

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“In the beginning God…”

Read Genesis 1-3.

Focus on God’s heart for mankind.

It began with Adam and Eve.

Their relationship was destroyed by sin.

Jesus came to satisfy the wrath of God against sin at the cross.

Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension prepared the way for the reestablishment of that relationship through the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The cross dealt with the ‘heart’ of the problem of sin.

The ‘heart‘ of the problem, in Deuteronomy 8, is to show the struggle to remove the influence of Egyptian ‘idol-worship’ from Israel’s heart so that they learn to live separated unto God relationally and be obedient to the leadership of Joseph as they enter the Promised Land.

But, the Promised Land is inhabited by giants.

The Promised Land is inhabited by idolatrous nations that need to be conquered; and their idols and places of idol-worship destroyed.

Whose responsibility is this?

Israels, under the leadership of Joshua.

In order to do that Israel needed to have a singleness of heart that was completely committed to loving and serving God, only.

This means that there can be no ‘mixed worship’; no’ idols’; and no ‘idols of the heart.

This is what the Apostle John was warning Christians when he said, ‘Guard Your Heart’ from idols.

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Here is the setting:

Deuteronomy 1:1 begins, “These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel on this side of the Jordan in the wilderness…” NKJV)

A journey that began in 1440 BC, coming out of Egypt into the wilderness, lasted until 1400 BC.

On a map what could have been an 11 day journey (Deuteronomy 1:2) lasted 40 years because of Israel’s unbelief and disobedience.

In the wilderness after two years of preparation, Israel refused to enter the Promised Land because of unbelief.

See Numbers 13:1-14:45; Hebrews 3:7-4:13.

The entire adult generation that came out of Egypt under the blood of a lamb (Passover), and had crossed through the Red Sea on dry ground, died in the wilderness.

Only two adults of that first generation of adults entered the Promised Land.

Joshua and Caleb.

Deuteronomy is a series of messages spoken to the next generation of Israel reminding them of God’s dealings with His people throughout their wilderness wanderings.

The ‘next’ generation had witnessed what Moses was retelling.

The‘ tutoring’ they (the next generation) received was a call to obedience which would pave the pathway for victory and blessing.

It was God’s heart for His people to possess the promises that He had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

At this point, if you are not familiar with the Book of Deuteronomy, I would encourage you to read chapters 1 through 7 before studying chapter 8.

Focus on this:

Moses is speaking to the next generation after the first generation had died in the wilderness.

Moses is reminding the next generation of what their parents had seen; what they had heard; and how they had lived and responded to God in the wilderness.

The next generation had witnessed, growing up in the wilderness, what happened to their parents and family.

Please read Psalm 78.

Please read Psalm 95.

Q: What does God desire from His children?

A. God wants our ‘unshared love’.

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Deuteronomy chapters 1-7, rehearse in the ears of the ‘next’ generation their parents: behavior; lifestyle; and their responses to God and to Moses.

  1. Deuteronomy 5 revues the 10 commandments spoken to the nation of Israel.
  2. Deuteronomy 5:27 reminds them of the verbal response to God of obedience.
  3. Deuteronomy 5:28 records God’s acknowledgment of their verbal response.
  4. Deuteronomy 5:29 expresses the longing of God’s heart for Israel to be obedient to their word of obedience spoken to Him.
  5. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 is Israel’s, ‘Shema’ that is rehearsed/recited/remembered daily in prayer to God.
  6. The Shema is a daily acknowledgment of Israel’s commitment to God.
    • “The word Shama means more than just hear. It means to listen, submit, obey and become a part of, and become one with.” (Hebrew Word Study-Hear, by Chaim Bentorah, July 14, 2019)
    • See also Deuteronomy 11:13-21; Numbers 15:37-41.
  7. Deuteronomy 7:6-11, Israel is reminded that they are God’s chosen, Holy people, His covenantal people..
    • See also II Corinthians 6:11-7:1; I Peter 2:5, 9-10.

The Word of God teaches that ‘separation’ unto Him is mandatory.

Therefore, there can be no idolatry!

The same is true today for the Church, the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ!

I Corinthians 10:1-11:1; 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1.

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I know there is much redundancy in this post. Some readers may choose not to continue into the next section of the post.

I understand.

However, if you would like to do a personal Bible study, then I encourage you to continue with the remainder of this post, using your Bible, a notebook, and your personal commentaries.

May the Lord bless you as you pursue the study of God’s Word, governed by the Holy Spirit.

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Our text is Deuteronomy 8:1-8, ( I am using the NKJV)

The teaching is in an outline form

The study is entitled:

“GUARD YOUR HEART!“

The study proceeds verse by verse.

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Deuteronomy 8.

A. verse 1 – is a call to obey God’s Word.

  1. James 1: 21-25, James exhorts us to be “doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves”. (v.23)
  2. verse 1: Why the call to obedience?
    • so “that you may live, multiply, go in, and possess the land (the promise) the Lord swore to your fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob)”. (insert mine)
    • possess-to inherit, possess, seize, occupy (used 250+ times in the OT)
    • God promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob repeatedly.

B. verse 2 – is a call to remember God’s ways.

  1. God did it!
    • He led you.
    • He humbled you.
    • He tested you.
    • This wasn’t a temptation from Satan.
  1. James 1: 2-4
    • “count it all joy”
    • why?
    • because the “testing of your faith produces patience” (endurance/perseverance)
    • therefore, “let patience have its perfect work”
    • why?
    • “so that you may be perfect” ( the Greek word is teleios: finished, complete, consumate.)
    • This is becoming grown up; mature in Christ.
  2. James 1:12 [words of the verse are italicized] (inserts are mine)
    • “Blessed“(makarios-a grace word that expresses the special joys and satisfaction granted the person who experiences salvation-Matthew 5:1-12)
    • “is the man who endures” (to hold one’s ground in conflict, bear up against adversity, hold out under stress, stand firm, persevere under pressure, wait calmly and courageously-not passive resignation to fate and mere patience, but the active, energetic resistance to defeat that allows calm and brave endurance)
    • “temptation for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised ” (to engage, to profess, to assert, to announce what one is about to do) to those who love Him.
    • God is seeking for Israel to be ‘approved’; In the Greek, James 1:12, the word (dokimas) ‘approved’ means ‘tested, approved, or proven to be genuine)
  3. Why did God do this to Israel in the wilderness?
    • “to know what was in your heart ” (meaning, so that Israel would understand what was in their own heart. God already knows what is in their heart. He is revealing their heart to themselves.)
    • Have you experienced God showing yourself to yourself to reveal what is in your own heart?
    • Why did He do this?
    • To see” whether or not they would keep His commandments or not.“
    • To teach Israel how God governs His people.
    • God had brought them out from the control of the government of Egypt, Pharaoh.
    • Egypt ‘controlled’ them-Sin ‘controls’ by condemnation.
    • God ‘governs’- with grace, by the Holy Spirit, according to the Word of God.
    • Romans 8:”There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
    • It is one thing to be taken out of Egypt (justification) it is another to have Egypt taken out of you (sanctification).
    • Justification is the ‘work of the Cross’. Jesus said, “It is finished.” (John 19:20)
    • It is accomplished by Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
    • Sanctification is the ‘way of the cross’.
    • This is the teaching of learning how to follow Christ as His disciple.
    • See Matthew 16:24-27.

C. verse 3 Remember: God did it His way.

  1. He humbled you.
  2. He allowed you to go hungry.
  3. He fed you with manna, that your father’s did not know.
    • See John 6-Jesus is the Bread of Life.
  4. Why is God taking Israel through this ?
    • “so that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.
    • “the daily supply of manna had directions to obedience. (Exodus 16)
  5. Q: Did Jesus walk through a similar testing, a temptation in the wilderness?
    • See Matthew 4: 1-11.
    • Q: Do we, as a believer, walk through similiar trials, temptations, and testings?
    • See 1 Peter 4:12-19.

D. Verse 4. “Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years.” [There were no malls in the wilderness; and there was no http://www.wilderness.com.]

  1. What did Jesus teach?
    • Matthew 6:24-35, “take no thought….”
    • Read the text and compare it to Deuteronomy 8.
  2. I Peter 5:5-7
    • Q; Do you have a humble heart?
    • Q: or a prideful heart that leads to an ‘idol of the heart’?

E. verse 5

What is God doing?

  1. See Hebrew 12:3-11.
    • Hebrews 12:3 “For consider Him (Jesus) who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” (insert mine)
    • This is God’s divine discipline as a Father in the lives of His children.
    • This is God’s School of the Spirit.
    • Hebrews 12:6: “For whom the Lord loves He chastens”
    • Chastening is the corrective discipline used in training a child, designed to bring them to spiritual maturity.
    • God is showing Israel is ‘love’ for them, as their Father.
    • How?
    • God is ‘chastening’ His people before they enter the Promised Land.

F. verse 6.

  1. Back to square one:
    • “you shall keep the commandment of the Lord your God, to walk in His way, and to fear Him.
    • Jesus said, John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandment.”
    • See John 14:15-31 for context.

G. verses 7-9

  1. What follows are the blessings of God’s provision for the nation of Israel in the Promised Land.
    • “…God is bringing them into a good land.”
    • “a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills;”
    • “a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and hills;”
    • “a land of olive oil and honey;”
    • “a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing;”
    • “a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper.”

H. verse 10.

Q: What kind of response does God expect them to give from the heart?

  1. “When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.”
    • The nation of Israel, the people of God, believers in Jesus Christ, should be grateful for the blessing of the Lord that has been given to them.
  2. Israel is being prepared to enter the Promised Land that was spoken to Abraham.
  3. In this time of preparation, Moses, in effect, casts a ‘dark cloud’ of history that dampens their expectations.
  4. Moses reminds them of what happened when Israel spied out the land?
    • See Numbers 13:23-33.
  5. Why did Israel wander for 40 years in the wilderness?
    • Because they chose not to believe God’s promise.
  6. What did they find in the Promised Land?
    • It was a land of plenty, with abundance; but there were GIANTS in the land. [Numbers 13]
    • And so, because of the GIANTS, they chose not to enter the Promised Land.
  7. John 10:7-10, Jesus said, “…I have come that they might have life and they may have it more abundantly (excessive, overflowing).”
    • This is not a prosperity doctrine.
    • This is a quality of life; not a quantity in life.
    • God is not against His people having an abundance of wealth.
    • The problem is whether or not the person with wealth stewards it righteously; or whether the wealth becomes an idol that controls the person’s heart.
    • See Mark 4:18-19; I Timothy 6:3-10,17; Proverbs 23:4-5; Ecclesiastes 5:8-20)
  8. What is to be our response?
    • A heart of gratitude, praise,and thankfulness that blesses God, the Father.
  9. God had made a promise to Abraham to give them a land.
    • God brought Israel to the entrance of the land.
    • Israel spied it out and saw its incredible provision.
    • Between the promise given and the fulfillment of possessing the land there was a problem-there were GIANTS in the land.
    • Consider the giants that these individuals faced as they walked with God:
    • Joseph
    • David
    • Daniel
    • Paul
    • the individuals listed in Hebrews 11.
    • They were all given ‘promises’.
    • Between their promise and the provision, there were ‘giant’ problems that they faced.
    • To enter into the provision of the promise, they walked according to the Word of the Lord that was given to them.
  10. To inherit the promises of God, we, too, will face problems of personal GIANTS that come between us and our experience of God’s provision.
  11. This is true in our walk with the Lord. (this is a complete study in itself.)

I. verses 11-18. Verse 11 begins with this word: ” Beware”

  1. God is warning Israel (us), just like the Apostle John.
  2. “Guard Your Heart”-Beware of turning away from God.
  3. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God.
  4. ‘Turning away’ begins with not keeping the Word of God.
    • How did Jesus respond to Satan’s temptation in the wilderness?
    • “It is written”
  5. The setting aside of God’s Word reprograms your heart’s response that will cause you to turn away from Him.
  6. As you continue to set aside the Word of God, you become proud, while partaking of the blessings of God; then you become full; self- satisfied; and you forget what God did for you!
  7. What did God do for Israel?
    • He brought them out of the bondage of Egypt.
    • He led them through the wilderness.
    • He crushed the ‘creepy crawlers’ (demonic forces).
    • He supplied them with water from the well of His salvation.
    • He fed them with manna, the bread of heaven, daily (i.e. the Word of God)
    • He humbled them.
    • He tested them.
    • Why? to do them good in the end.
  8. But, setting aside and forgetting the word of God …
    • produced pride.
    • and, pride turned into ownership,
    • and ownership tells your heart…

J. Verse 17. “my power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.

  1. I (self) assume ownership.
    • It is all about ‘me’.
  2. Ownership declares to itself, in the heart...
    • I am my own provider; I am god.
    • I now have an ‘idol of the heart’.
    • A hardness of the heart sets in the life of the believer.
    • We forget that ‘in Christ’ we have been clothed with humility.
    • there is no be no arrogance, conceit, and haughtiness.
    • However, self is arrogant, full of conceit, and haughty.
    • ‘Self- Ownership’ is an arrogance.
    • Arrogance says, “I am god”…
    • and a hardness of heart sets in.

K. Verse 18. is a call to remembrance.

  1. God did it.
  2. God gave you the power (vigor, strength, capacity, means, ability to gain wealth, it is not an innate talent, it is a God-given ability).
  3. God did this so that He might confirm His covenant which He swore to His people Israel.
  4. II Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
    • Christ is the fulfiller and the fulfillment of all the promises of God because He is their total sum and substance.

L. Verses 19,20. Where does this road of forgetfulness lead us?

  1. “Then it shall be, if you forget…”
  2. This is a conditional statement.
    • That means, you do not have to go this way!
  3. B.U.T. (Believer Understand This) -this is where the process of forgetting God’s Word, turning away from Him, and exalting yourself leads to:
    • you follow after other gods
    • you serve other other gods
    • you worship other gods.
    • do you see the progression?
  4. Matthew 6:19-24 reads,
    • “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures (this is following after other gods) on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad (serving other gods), your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness. No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve (you will worship the God/god that you serve) God and mammon (riches).”
  5. Matthew 6:25 Jesus tells us,
    • “Therefore I say unto you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (did God faithfully feed His people in the wilderness?), or what you will drink (did God faithfully supply His people with water in the wilderness?), nor about your body, what you will put on (did God faithfully see that they were clothed in the wilderness?). Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
  6. Matthew 6:26-32,
    • Jesus tells his listeners how God, the Father, cares for His creation (birds of the air; flowers of the field) and for His people (represented by Solomon); Jesus says that you do not have to worry, because “your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
    • Jesus includes the Gentiles saying that they too, have need of all these same things.
  7. What is the conclusion of the matter?
    • Matthew 6:33 instructs us to “…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
    • Q: Are you focused, like Israel, on the ‘things’ of plenty in the land; or will you remain focused upon God and His Word, to inherit the promises of God?
    • If you focus on the ‘things’…
    • then the ‘things’ can turn your heart from following after God; and God told Israel that they would surely perish.
  8. How?
    • “You will perish just like the nations I am going to destroy before you (the nations in the land of Israel’s inheritance.)
  9. Why?
    • Because they would not be obedient to God’s voice.
  10. Please understand that as a believer, this is not an issue of your eternal salvation.
    • You are justified in Christ. (Romans 10:11-13; Acts 4:12; John 3:16)
    • You are eternally secure. (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:38-30)
  11. The issue is your personal growth and maturity in your walk with the Lord; and the fulfillment of God’s plan for you to accomplish for Him during your life. (Ephesians 2: 1-10)

M. Conclusion.

  1. Read I Corinthians 10:1-14.
  2. Read Hebrews 3:7-4:10.
  3. Read Revelation 2:1-3:22.

N. Ponder Prayerfully.

  1. Are there ‘idols of the heart’ that you worship?
  2. Are there physical idols that you worship?
  3. Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal to you if there are any idols in your life. (Psalms 139:23-24)
  4. Respond to the Lord as He reveals to you what He sees and shows you what is in your heart.
  5. Walk in obedience to the Word of God, governed by the Holy Spirit.
  6. God, the Father, will bless and provide for you all your needs as you “…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Why do I believe that this teaching is imperative for the Church to hear and understand this teaching?

God, the Father, is pouring out His Spirit, in the nations of the world. He is pinpointing a ‘next generation’ throughout the earth. Many young adults are coming to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. These young people are born again, being water baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, healed and delivered from personal bondages.

This is a Sovereign work of God.

This is what the Spirit of God is saying to the Church.

Does the Church have ears to hear “what the Spirit is saying to the Church?

It is time to stop and listen.

It is time to “be still and know that I am God.”

Be blessed, your brother ‘in Christ’, deo

Foundational Treason! Part 3

Foundational Treason Part 2, began with a quote spoken by David Foster Wallace who said, in reality there is no such thing as Atheism because everybody worships something. (paraphrase)

I believe that is true; do you?

Wallace concluded, “The only choice we get is what to worship.” (emphasis mine)

Q: ‘What’ do you worship?

John 4:1-26, records a verbal discourse between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at a well at mid-day.

Near the conclusion of their conversation, Jesus says (vs.21-24), “…Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither worship on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But* the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (NKJV) (emphasis mine) [italicized mine]

Jesus made it clear Who is to be worshipped, God, the Father.

Q: *BUT do followers of the Lord Jesus Christ worship God, the Father, “in spirit and truth”?

If there is an idol (a what) in your life, a literal, hand made object; or an idol of the heart, then that prevents you from worshipping God “in spirit and truth”.

Why?

Because worshipping an idol represents the sin of treason against God. (See Foundational Treason! Part 1.)

As a Christian, I can worship God in spirit because I am born again by the Spirit of God; but I cannot at the same time worship God in truth if I have an idol or an idol of the heart.

At the conclusion of the previous post, the following statement was made. (Foundational Treason! Part 2)

God, the Father, is seeking your ‘unshared love’.

Q: What does that mean?

In order to worship God “in spirit and truth,” there cannot be any other gods (idols)in your life that you are ‘seeking’, ‘desiring’, ‘coveting’, ‘pursuing’, or ‘worshipping’.

As a Christian, any attention given to an idol is sharing your love and affection between that idol and God.

Why?

Because, idols are other ‘gods’.

Remember Satan’s words of Adam and Eve, “you shall be like God”, and because of their treason against God, mankind has become their own god, a , self-god , independent of God. (Genesis 3)

Peter Nittler, a Christian, realized that he ‘worshipped’ words first thing in the morning.

He said that habit in his life set a mood and tone for him as he began his day.

Q: Do you have a habit that sets the mood and tone for your day?

Q: Is that habit good or bad for how you start your day?

Having a routine to start your day is not necessarily bad.

The question is, what is your routine centered on?

Q: Is God, the Father; God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; God the Holy Spirit setting the mood and tone for your day?

Q: Or, do you have idols in your life that set the mood and tone for your day?

Referencing Tim Keller again, I recently heard part of a sermon in which he was talking about idols in the lives of Christians. (emphasis mine)

He called them ‘conservative idols’.

[Personal thought: Interesting choice of words, I did not hear any explanation why he referred to them as ‘conservative.’]

The first was money [wealth]; the second was women; and the third was work. (Insert mine for alliteration)

Sunday morning, June 7, 2026, Dr. Gifford,* was sharing from Ephesians 2:1-3:10 at North Creek Church**. (Bibliography)

Dr. Gifford alluded to the same point that Tim Keller made.

Dr Gifford taught that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ can pursue goals in their lives that are in reality idols because they desire “possessions, accomplishments, pleasures, events, etc to edify themselves.” (emphasis mine)

[Personal thought-those words all sound ‘conservative’ to me.]

Pastor Keller taught that believers ‘share’ their love for money (wealth), women, work, with God.

That implies that they do not have an ‘unshared love’ for God, alone.

God doesn’t say you cannot be rich; but His word does warn us about the deceitfulness of riches. (Matthew 13:22; I Timothy 6:10; Matthew 6:24)

God’s word encourages us to have a fulfilled marriage relationship-one man, one woman; but ‘having a perfect marriage’ can be idolatrous.

John Piper says that if our “affection and time serving or focusing on our spouse diminishes our time spent with our community, personal growth, or spiritual life, then it can be idolatrous.” (See Desiring God, Has Marriage Become My Idol? September 1, 2017)

God has a work for each of us to do(Ephesians 2:10); but are we pursuing the work, that God called has called us to do; or are we working our way up the corporate ladder at all costs.

John Piper comments that, “Your work has become idolatry when it is the root and not the fruit of your acceptance.” (See Desiring God, “When Has My Career Become My Idol?, November 4, 2019)

Can you visualize the intersection of money (wealth), women, and work converging to create one large idol that controls your life? (insert alliteration)

To maintain such a lifestyle will require us to focus upon ourselves so that we ‘look good’, ‘feel good’, ‘be right’, ‘stay in control’, seek personal gain’, have a hidden agenda, ‘be uncaring of other’s needs- living totally independent apart from God. ( The Agape Road: Journey to Intimacy with the Father, by Bob Mumford, 2006)

Q: What is the source of that lifestyle?

We are focused on ‘self’. (See Mark 8:36; Luke 12:16-21; Luke 18:9-14; Luke 16:19-31).

As a Christian , God is present in your life; but you cannot worship Him in ‘spirit and truth’ if you share your love between idols and God.

It will not work!

Why?

Our God is a Jealous God.

Exodus 34:14 , NKJV (context Exodus 34:1-17)

“(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.)

__________________________________

Why is God jealous? Because of His LOVE for His people (all humanity)

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV, context John 3:1-21)

__________________________________

Adding to Tim Keller’s three ‘idol‘ words; I add Nittler’s’ ‘idol‘, ‘words’.

We now have four ‘idols’.

Wealth, women, work, words.

This is not an all inclusive list; but they represent the problem.

Q: Are any of these ‘idols’ present in your life?

Referring back to Nittler’s idol of ‘words’, his physical idol was his cell phone.

It is not true that the cell phone has become an ‘idol’ of humanity?

At the beginning of the New Year, 2026, Pastor Kent at NCC** continued teaching from the Book of Isaiah.

In Isaiah 42, God speaks to His people regarding their idols.

For several sermons, Pastor Kent talked about idols in the lives of humanity, especially Christians.

One of the idols he brought to the attention of the congregation was ‘cell phones’.

I have found it interesting that since January, how many other writers, ministers, and teachers, I have have heard or read addressing the topic of idols in the lives of Christians.

Cell phones and computer hardware have become idols in the lives of believers and non-believers.

They represent a ‘what do we worship’ just like David Foster Wallace said in his Commencement Address in 2005.

Studies have shown how detrimental being obsessed with a ‘cell phone’ can be in your life.

Pastor Kent strongly challenged the congregation regarding the use of their cell phone.

Q: Are the words you read and hear on your electronic devices more important to you than the Word of God?

Q:As a believer in Jesus Christ, do you spend more time with your electronic devices than you do with God?

If you answer either or both questions in the affirmative, then you do not have an ‘unshared love’ for God, alone.

Q: Are you willing to practically and prayerfully examine your relationship to your cell phone?

Sounds awkward right? but necessary!

What do I mean?

Nittler understood that his cell phone was a personal idol in his life.

Q: Is the cell phone a personal idol in your life?

Q: Are you willing to confront the possibility that you, as a Christian, have an idol, or idols in your life; therefore, you do not have an ‘unshared love’ for God alone.

Remember, God is a jealous God.

In reality, your ‘cell phone’ may not be a ‘what’ in your life at all.

I have had to come to grips with idolatry in my own life.

I realized that the ‘cell phone’ did dominate my attention; therefore I curtailed its usage.

Many years ago, golf was an idol of my heart.

I am thankful that the Lord removed that idolatry from my heart.

__________________________________

Here is where the ‘rubber meets the road’.

Nittler says in his short article, “You might bristle at the idea that you worship the news. Me too. But read that first paragraph again (Wallace’s quote) again. I’m giving the news the best part of my day, the keys to my hope, and letting it tell me what is true, right, and beautiful. At a certain point, you gotta call a spade a spade. I’m not just consuming the news; I’m bringing myself to its altar.”

Nittler is being transparent.

He recognizes that his cell phone is his idol.

Where did Nittler say his day began?

Using his cell phone, Nittler said,”I am not just consuming the news; I’m bringing myself to its altar.”

Nittler, is worshipping at another altar; therefore, he cannot worship God in ‘spirit and truth’.

Very strong words.

Stop and ponder this truth.

Nittler is saying that he is controlled by the news, and seeking its headlines before he thinks about coming to God in the morning.

Q: Is there an idol, or an idolatrous habit that is controlling your life?

You may not personally have a ‘cell phone altar’ but ‘what’ altar do you present yourself to, before you seek the presence of God, or even consider seeking God’s presence?

If you are a Christian, I strongly encourage you to consider these acronyms for the word I.D.O.L(s):

  1. Idols Deceive Our Lives .
  2. Idols Destroy Our Lives
  3. Idolatry Destroys Our Life Spiritually.

What many are experiencing with their ‘cell phone’ is just the tip of the ice berg regarding the impact that personal idolatry is having on the life of a Christian; a husband and/ or wife; a father and/or mother in their family; and as a member of the Body of Christ.

Why?

Because you cannot worship God in ‘spirit and truth’ with an ‘unshared love’.

If you are worshipping your idol and at the same time seeking to worship God, that is called ‘mixed worship’.

_______________________________________

Remember, God is a jealous God.

The reality is, whether we consciously know it or not, the world watches the Church.

People in the world watch the people of God.

Non-believers watch believers.

Christians in the Church watch other Christians in the Church.

Q: What does your lifestyle tell another about your relationship to God, the Father?

The people in your life know whether or not the Lord Jesus Christ is your first love, or if you have a ‘shared love‘ in your life.

If you are married and have a family, ask your wife and your children, they will tell you what’s true.

As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, if you have an idol in your life, then you are sharing your love with that idol and with God.

That is called ‘mixed worship’.

Remember Tim Keller’s three conservative idols–wealth, women, and work, and Peter Nittler’s personal idol-words?

Idols are not new; there have been idols throughout the history of mankind.

Q: What did the Apostle Paul tell the Corinthian Church?

Read II Corinthians 6:14-18.

I wonder, if the Church at Ephesus, had idols? (Revelation 2:1-7)

Why do I ask that question?

Jesus said that they had ‘left their first love’.

This sounds like to me that they were sharing their love between something else(idol) and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus was to be their first love.

Q: Is Jesus your first love?

The Church in Ephesus didn’t have ‘cell phones’ so it had to be something else.

At the end of each of the seven letters to seven Churches in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2,3) the following statement is made:

“He who has a ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”.

I encourage you to stop; seek the Lord; ask Him to search your heart, and see if there be any wicked way in you? (Psalm 139:24, context Psalm 139)

God is gracious.

His mercies are renewed every morning.

He loves you more than you really comprehend.

He is a loving heavenly Father that delights in you.

God, the Father wants you to mature as His child.

God asks you to repent and turn away from the sin that so easily besets you.

God desires for you to be changed from ‘glory to glory’ into the image of His Son.

God is saying to you, come to Me, just as you are, and I will be your Father, and you will be My son/My daughter.

God loves you very much.

Seek the Lord while He may be found….

blessings, your brother in Christ, deo

[Bibliography: * Dr. Gifford, Associate Pastor, at Faith Community Church, Santa Clarita, CA; **NCC- North Creek Church, Walnut Creek, CA.]

Foundational Treason! Part 2

“In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there’s actually no such thing as Atheism. Because there’s no such thing as NOT worshipping, everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship.” [David Foster Wallace, 2005 Kenyon College Commencement Address]

Q: What is your ‘choice’ for worship?

[I am a reader of ‘The Pour Over’ app; I wholeheartedly recommend it to you for your consideration.]

The above quote was taken from their ‘News health‘, Sunday, May 31, 2026.

The article was written by a staff member, Peter Nittler.

Nittler reflecting upon Wallace’s words, begins, “I’ve been known to start my days by plugging myself into the news machine. Before my glasses are on, the algorithm’s setting my mood and the experts are telling me how to think and feel about AI, immigration, wars-whatever’s hot in the headlines.” Though he wasn’t a Christian, the headband-wearing writer David Foster Wallace (quoted above) would call that behavior worship. And with remarkable theological precision. DFW would warn me: “pretty much everything you worship will eat you alive.”

Q: Does this sound like you?

Wallace is not making this statement distinguishing between believers in Christ and non-believers.

I agree.

Wallace is making a true observation of all humanity.

Nittler continues, “Worship money and things…you’ll never have enough. Worship beauty and sexual allure….you’ll always feel ugly. And in my case: worship the news…you’ll never know enough, be right enough, or be free from anxiety.”

Q: What is Nittler alluding to?

The Apostle John at the end of his first epistle, makes a simple, but profound statement.

The problem is, it is not simple.

He is deadly serious.

I John 5:21, NKJV, “Little children keep (guard) yourselves from idols. Amen” (insert mine) (emphasis mine)

Q: Do you believe that John’s statement is applicable to believers? to the Church? to you?

[At this point, I need to make an editorial comment. If you have not read the previous two posts, ‘Foundational Thoughts! and ‘Foundational Treason! Part 1, I recommend that you read these two posts before continuing to read this post.]

In the previous post I asked the question: Has idolatry been an issue throughout the history of the nation of Israel?

The answer to this question is YES!

The fact is, throughout the entirety of Scripture, the issue of idolatry is well documented.

The Word of God tells us that there are physical idols; and there are idols of the heart.

Q: Are there physical idols in the nations of the world today?

Q: Are there physical idols in our nation?

Q: Are there idols of the hearts in mankind?

As defined in the previous post, an idol represents humanity’s desire to worship another ‘god’.

The worship of an idol means, ‘I do not want to worship the one true God; nor do I want Him to govern my life’.

The truth is ‘I want to ‘control’ my life’.

Pastor Tim Keller, who passed away in 2023, summed up what sin is, with these words.

I paraphrase, “sin says that I do not anyone or anything governing my life; I do not want to be governed by God; I do not want to be depended upon Him; I want to be totally independent, dependent only upon myself.”

Q: Does this attitude reside in your heart?

As discussed in the previous post, Satan proposed to Adam and Eve to disregard God’s Word and “be like God”.

They chose to disobey God’s commandment, reject His authority, and “be like God”; this resulted in taking control of their own lives.

Their sin against God’s authority is an act of treason.

Strong words, but…

Their choice is the fulfillment of Tim Keller’s description of sin.

This ‘act of treason’ was offered to Adam and Eve by Satan, who himself, “said in his heart ” I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:13-14, NKJV.

Satan committed treason against God, and God’s authority.

The result of Satan’s treason against God was :

“You shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.” Isaiah 14:15, NKJV.

Please read Matthew 25:31-46.

Jesus explains what will take place when He returns again to judge the nations and separates the sheep from the goats.

Jesus said that hell, is a place of eternal punishment (i.e.-Pit); where “….everlasting fire was prepared for the devil and his angels…” (Matthew 25:41)

Hell is not a place of eternal judgment prepared for sinful humanity.

But, you might argue that if a person does not accept Jesus as their Savior, then they will go to hell.

That is correct; they will go to hell.

But that is not God’s choice for sinful humanity.

Going to the place of eternal judgment is the result of sinful humanity not calling out to God who loves them.

God, the Father, who has provided the way for them to be eternally saved from the PIT of hell. (2 Peter 3:9)

Q: What is God’s heart for sinful humanity?

A: For God-so loved- the world-that He gave-His only begotten Son- that whoever believes in Him-should not perish-but have everlasting life.( John 3:16, NKJV)

[The hyphenated verse is my own design for emphasis. I encourage you to read each section carefully ; meditate on the words; and consider their importance.]

Q: What is the believer’s destination?

Not the Pit of hell; but everlasting life.

Q: What is the believer looking forward to?

In Matthew 25:32, Jesus said to His sheep; those who believed in Him: “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you, from the foundation of the world.”( NKJV)

Jesus said, believers are going to be in the Kingdom of God.

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, is addressing the Lord’s sheep, telling them to ‘guard’ their hearts from the allurement of idols.

Why?

Because an idol will turn your heart away from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Q: Do you remember that Satan tempted Jesus to worship Him?

Satan said to Jesus that he would give Him “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” if He would “fall down and worship Him.” ( Matthew 4:8, 9, NKJV)

Q: What was Jesus response?

“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord you God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” (Matthew 4:10)

What we need to understand is that Satan still seeks to be worshipped.

“Even though he (Satan) was cast out of heaven, he still seeks to elevate his throne above God. He counterfeits all that God does, hoping to gain the worship of the world and encourage opposition to God’s kingdom. Satan is the ultimate source behind every false cult and world religion. Satan will do anything and everything in his power to oppose God. However, Satan’s destiny is sealed-an eternity in the lake of fire(Revelation 20:10). [Source , Got questions: Who/what is Satan?] (insert mine)

Satan is especially deceitful in his use of physical idols and idols of the heart.

Believers ‘in Christ’ must understand that Satan is relentless, active, and in total opposition to God.

We know that Satan was defeated at the cross. (Colossians 2:15; context Colossians 2:11-15)

Yet, in the purpose God, until God’s salvific plan is completed; God allows Satan to be an adversary working against His people,the purposes of God, and to be an influence the the affairs of the unredeemed people of this world.

Satan’s activity is completely governed by the Sovereignty of God in complete Holiness.

Q: For what purpose?

[it is not hard to find books, sermons, teachings seeking to answer this question]

Let us consider some examples from the Word of God.

Go to ‘The Book Job’. (Job 1:1-22)

Q: What did God allow in the life of Job?

Q: What did God want Job to learn?

The Holy Spirit, led Jesus, the Son of God/Son of Man to be tempted by the devil. (See Matthew 4:5-11)

Q: What did God allow in the life of His Son?

Q: Why did God allow this in the life of Jesus His Son?

Jesus, responding to His disciples, when they asked Him to teach them to pray, included these words, “lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one”. (Matthew 6:13, NKJV)

Q: Who is the evil one?

Satan

Q: Why is it important to understand the significance of these words in our walk with the Lord?

Paul instructed the Ephesian Church, “Finally My brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, (so)that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood; but against principalities, against powers, and against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12, NKJV) (insert mine) [boldness mine]

Q: What is Paul reminding the believers in Ephesus about the enemy of the Church?

The following thought was put forth by John Piper ?

Can you visualize how much we experience the glory of God, the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives because of the presence of Satan in the world today? (See Desiring God, ‘Ask Pastor John’, episode 408, August 15, 2014)

I would like to say it this way.

Everything God does ‘sticks it’ in the face of Satan and brings Glory to Him.

Q: Why does God purpose for us to experience Him ‘sticking it’ in the face of Satan in our lives?

The ultimate ‘stick it’ in the face of Satan happened at the Cross.

2 Corinthians 4:6, NKJV, “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (see also, Colossians 2:11-15)

Paul, himself, asked God three times to remove the “messenger of Satan” that God allowed to torment him.

Q: Who initiated that?

Q: What was God’s response to Paul’s prayers?

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”. (II Corinthians 12:9, NKJV; context verses 7-10)

Q: Have you experienced the sufficiency of God’s grace in your life praying for Him to remove the struggles in your life?

The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews, said of Jesus, Son of God/Son of Man, “…who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear,though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became that author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him…” (Hebrews 5:7-9, NKJV, context Hebrews 5:1-11)

Q: Where did Jesus offer up the prayers and supplication, with vehement cries?

A: In the Garden of Gethsemane.

Q: How is His struggle different from Adam in the Garden of Eden?

Q: Did Adam struggle over whether to obey God or acquiesce to Satan’s temptation?

A. I honestly do not know.

I do not see anything in the Word of God that indicates that Adam struggled against sinning.

We do know implicitly that Jesus struggled regarding the removal of sin that Adam had committed.

Adam submitted to Satan’s words and that resulted in sin.

Jesus submitted, as the Son of God/Son of Man, and said, Father,” not my will but your will be done”.

Jesus drank the fullness of the cup that the Father had put before Him, and went to the cross, as the Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world. (Matthew 26:36-46)

Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension verifies that Christ’s work on the cross is finished that offers fallen humanity the gift of salvation buy grace so that they can be saved from eternal damnation. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

This digression is necessary.

The Church must awaken to the spiritual warfare that is present; and Satan’s relentless , ongoing, active opposition in the lives of believers, and the Church seeking to discredit the work of Almighty God.

At the cross, Jesus triumphed over sin, death, and Satan.

The Apostle Peter, reminds the “pilgrims of the Dispersion”:

“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5:8, NKJV)

Consider the words of Jesus to Peter, “Simon, Simon! Indeed Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you…” (Luke 22:31,32a, NKJV)

{I am so glad that Jesus is our (my)great High Priest that lives forever interceding for us (me). (Hebrews 5) (inserts mine)

Consider Job 1:6-7, NKJV, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” (Sounds like I Peter 5:8)

At this time, the issue for us to know and understand is that God is Sovereign over all the earth, all mankind, and uses Satan for His own purposes.

That can be a tough truth to swallow, but it is all part of God’s process.

Therefore, let us remember Romans 8:18-39.

I encourage you to read this passage of scripture.

In the midst of this passage, Paul writes, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, NKJV)

Paul concludes this passage by telling us:

“Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, whall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39, NKJV)

Q: Do you recognize from this passage of scripture that Paul is assuring us as believers that there are no works of Satan, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior?

Rejoice!

This is a good time to take a break and stop, rest ,and reflect upon what has been shared so far in this post.

God governs all, by His Sovereignty and Providence, according to the Word of God.

Whatever ‘ways and /or means’, He chooses , is part of His eternal process to redeem (justify) a lost humanity; conforming(sanctify) us to the image of His Son; so that we will spend eternity (glorified) in His Presence.

Our task then is “to be faithful in the ‘not knowing’ of God’s work in our life”.

Isn’t that a definition of ‘faith’? (Hebrews 11:1)

blessings, a brother in Christ, deo

Foundational Treason! Part 1

‘Treason’ is a very strong word.

One would think that it is inappropriate in the context of the ‘Foundational’ posts.

The Apostle John concluded his first epistle with the following verse.

I John 5:21, NKJV, reads, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen”

This is the only instance the Apostle John uses the word ‘idol’ in his writings.

Q: Throughout the entirety of the Word of God, has the subject of ‘idolatry been an issue?

A: Yes.

The Apostle John inspired by the Holy Spirit made this clear understanding regarding the Lord Jesus Christ: “…but these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31, NKJV)

Q: Does ‘idolatry’ mitigate against that truth?

A: Yes.

The substance of the Apostle John’s first epistle is summarized at the end of the epistle when he says, “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” (I John 5:18-20, NKJV)

(Please read the previous post,’Foundational Truth!’, for further understanding.)

Therefore, in the context of the Apostle John’s summary, it is not surprising that he would end his epistle with this admonition to “keep oneself from idols”.

Why?

Because an ‘idol’ will move one’s center of attention from the truth found in the Lord Jesus Christ to another center of attention, a life centered and dependent upon another god.

Jesus, Himself, addressed this same thought in the Sermon on the Mount, when He said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24, NKJV; context Matthew 6:1-34)

In short, idolatry is ‘treason’ against God.

Consider these acronyms for Idol(s). I.D.O.L.(S.)

Idols Deceives Our Love Spiritually.

Idols Destroy Our Lives Spiritually.

Idolatry’s Darkness Obliterates Light.

The Apostle John’s last sentence is the antithesis of the Absolute Truth found in the Lord Jesus Christ because an ‘idol’ deceives our living for God in His Love, His Life, and in His Light.

The word ‘treason’ is a turning from, a rebellion against, a disloyalty to, an act of betrayal.

“In the Bible, treason primarily means betrayal of trust, conspiracy against civil or divinely appointed leadership [i.e.: Lord Jesus Christ], or spiritual unfaithfulness to God. Because Israel functioned as a theocracy and later as a monarchy, disloyalty was treated as a severe crime against both the state and God Himself.” (source AI: christianconcern.com) [insert mine]

The Meriam-Webster Dictionary defines treason: “the offense of attempting by overt to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the Sovereign or the sovereign’s family.

[Thought: ponder that definition reflecting upon this scripture: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. But I have come that they may have life; and they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10, NKJV)]

Jesus is not the thief.

But there is a thief.

Jesus spoke these words when He shared that He was the Good Shepherd, John 10:1-30.

Selah.

The motivation for treason can be multi-faceted; but it has but one foundation, and that foundation is pride.

Q: What is the source of ‘treason’?

A. Lucifer/Satan. (Isaiah 14:12-15)

Satan’s pride was an act of rebellion against God’s authority.

Satan’s pride is an act of ‘treason’.

Q: What is the issue of the universe?

A. Who is in charge?

The Word of God leaves no doubt about who is in charge of the universe.

Let us look at one verse of scripture the is representative of many others.

Psalms 103:19, NKJV, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”

In the Amplified Version, the words, “His kingdom rules over all” are rendered: “His sovereignty rules over all [the universe].”

Just before Christ’s ascension back to His Father, He said to His disciples, “…All authority has been given unto Me in heaven and one earth.” (Matthew 28:18, NKJV)

Paul writing to the Church at Philippi, explaining to them the coming of Christ, the Incarnation of the the Son of God, who took on human flesh, becoming the Son of Man, and having obediently completed the work that His Father had asked Him to do, says, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (NKJV) [Context Philippians 2:5-11]

The Lord Jesus Christ is the One who the Apostle John said our enemy, Satan, would attempt to turn our hearts away from the truth found in Him.

John 1:14, NKJV, says, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (emphasis mine)

When Lucifer/Satan said, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…(Isaiah 14:13b, NKJV), he committed ‘cosmic treason’.

[Note: ‘Cosmic Treason’ is the title of an article written by R.C.Sproul, May 1, 2008]

When you read the account of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, His temptation was ordained by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 4:1-3)

Prior to being sent into the wilderness, Jesus had come to the River Jordan to be baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). After Jesus’ water baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus ‘like a dove’, and a voice from heaven came and said, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 4:1, NKJV, says, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

Why?

Jesus is the Son of God in human flesh.

In human flesh, He is, now also, the Son of Man.

What is the significance of this?

Just as Adam was spoken to by Satan in the Garden of Eden; so Jesus, the Son of Man is going to be spoken to by Satan in the wilderness.

In the Garden, Satan asked a question, “Has God indeed said…?”; in the wilderness, Satan said, “If you are the Son of God…”

Satan questions God’s word to Adam. (Genesis 3:1-8)

Satan sought to manipulate God’s word spoken to His Son. (Matthew 4:1-11)

Jesus did not succumb to Satan’s temptations in the same way that Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan’s temptations.

Jesus stood against Satan’s deceptive words and lies, responding, “It is written”. (Matthew 4:4,7,10)

Satan’s third temptation is a revelation of his pride.

Matthew 4:8-11, NKJV, says, “And again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give you if You will fall down and worship me.” “

[Note: Where did Satan get the kingdoms and the glory? He stole them. He is the thief of John 10. He stole them in the Garden from Adam.]

These words express the root of pride that Satan had voiced from his heart, “I will ascend into the heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest side of the north*; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14, NKJV) [* ‘the side of the north’ reminded me of Psalms 48:1-2]

The very thing that Satan was offering to Jesus “if He would worship him”, was what Paul told the Church at Philippi (Philippians 2:1-11) Jesus received from His Father because He fully obeyed what His Father had asked Him to do, “…He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, …”.

Think about the irony that exists between what Satan desired for himself and who Satan was speaking too, the Son of God/Son of Man.

The nations and the glory that Satan was offering to Jesus was stained with sin.

Jesus, the Creator (Colossians 1:17) did not need the kingdoms of this world; nor did He need the glory.

Jesus left the Glory (John 17:1-4) that He had in heaven to come to the earth.

Jesus came into what He had created originally without sin.

Therefore He didn’t come for the ‘glory’ and ‘position’ Satan was offering him. ( John 10:25-30)

Jesus came to take back what was stolen?

How?

Jesus came to fulfill His Father’s desire for Him to be the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. (John 1:29b, NKJV)

Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s spoken word to them, they committed ‘treason’ against God.

Disobedience to God’s word is sin.

Sin is ‘treason’ against God’s authority.

As previously written, “treason primarily means betrayal of trust, conspiracy against civil or divinely appointed leadership, or spiritual unfaithfulness.”

The immediate consequence of Adam and Eve’s sin was the forfeiture of their spiritual relationship with God through spiritual death.

Adam and Eve’s sin also had other consequences, see Genesis 3:13-24, which culminated in them being driven from the Garden (“expelled from the Garden, Tree of Life Version).

[It is important to point of the heart of God regarding His love from Adam and Eve. Yes, God, is a God of justice; but He is also a God of grace and mercy. Genesis 3:21-22 speaks loudly regarding God’s love. These two verses point us to the cross.]

Q: Why did the Son of God come, take on human flesh and become the Son of Man, and die on the cross?

A: Through the finished work of Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, mankind-the descendants of Adam and Eve-all humanity has been offered the way to be forgiven of their sin, be reconciled to God, restored relationally to God, and brought back into God’s presence, no longer “expelled” from Him.

What is offered is a free gift to all of mankind; but it was provided at the highest cost-the cost of God, the Father, giving His Son for the ‘cosmic treason’ of the world(that is not universalism), so that we might have eternal life. (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden.

They lived on the earth but existed under the conditions specified by God because of their disobedience. (Genesis 3)

Because of the sin, they were governed by their own authority; but not God’s direct relational authority.

God’s authority is still absolute over all of His creation.

That authority is both Sovereign and Providental.

Adam and Eve governed themselves; yet are subject to, like all humanity to God’s Sovereignty and Providence.

Adam and Eve governed themselves.

Or did they?

Their disobedience had consequences as mentioned before; but it also had far reaching consequences.

Their sin subjected them to death, both in their spirit and in their natural body.

Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death”.

Their sin resulted in having a different, relational father, Satan himself. (John 8:44, context John 8)

Satan is also the God of this world. (see 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; John 12:31; I John 5:10)

Satan is the father of lies. (John 8:44, context John 8)

Satan is a deceiver. (2 Corinthians 11:14-see context 2 Corinthians 11:5-15)

Satan’s goal is to deceive the whole earth. (Revelation 12:9)

Adam and Eve, all of humanity, because of their sin nature, not only govern themselves; but they are influenced by, and governed by the world, the flesh and the devil (Satan).

All humanity is descended from Adam and Eve, and all are born with a sin nature.

Therefore, as born sinners, we are all in need of a Savior. (Romans 3:23)

Enter the Son of God. (Luke 2)

Knowing Christ as our Lord and Savior does not exempt us from temptation.

As believers, we too, are susceptible to being influenced by the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

The entirety of scripture addresses this ‘cosmic foundational failure, its cause; its remedy; its purpose, and its ultimate hope. Ephesians 2:1-10)

But God…

Jesus spoke directly to this issue when He was talking with Nicodemus. (see John 3:16-18; context John 3:1-21)

The Apostle Paul writing to the Church at Ephesus elaborating on God, the Father’s, heart that is set into motion before the foundation of the world(Ephesians 1:1-18) says, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world*, according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan)*, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of the flesh* and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in ^mercy^, because of His great ^love^ with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, make us alive together with Christ (by ^grace^ you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His ^grace^ in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by ^grace^ you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” {emphasis mine}

[Note: what is also highlighted*: the believer’s three enemies- the world, the flesh, and the devil, Satan.]

(Note: What are the three ^words^ that are highlighted that reveal to us God’s heart? They are mercy, love, and grace{4x}.

Remember, “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20b; context Romans 5:12-21)

This is the longing heart of God of God, the Father for his fallen humanity.

I encourage you to read again about His mercy, love, and grace; ponder what He brought us out of and what He has brought us into ‘in Christ’. (Colossians 1:13, context Colossians 1:1-18; I Peter 2:9)

Our man-made idols are formed when we desire not to be ‘governed’ by God: the Father; the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; the Holy Spirit-according to the Word of God.

Consider what you forfeit: John 17:3, NKJV, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

I recommend that you read John 17.

This post has been a long journey; but I trust it has been a blessing to you who completed its entire reading and study.

Q: Why is this important to understand?

A: Our Father desires your ‘unshared love’ for Him.

It’s time for a break; you and me.

blessings, a brother in Christ, deo

To Be Continued

HABAKKUK’S HEADLINES–THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.

Facebook asks the question, “What is on your mind?”

I assume that what’s on our minds is similar, the war in Iran.

At the close of 2025, I asked the Lord about what was coming in 2026? The answer was, Seismic Spiritual Shaking.

When I originally composed this post what was on our minds was the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Unfortunately, that conflict is still happening.

Most of us were not focused or even aware of what Putin was doing at Ithe border of Ukraine. It was not that the world was ignorant of his troop and armament buildup but what was going on was not making ‘neon sign headlines’ that grabbed our attention.

It appears that the leaders of the world did not believe that Putin would launch his forces to crush Ukraine into submission. Looking in the rear-view mirror, there was ample time to weaponize Ukraine for a formidable response, if and when, Putin decided to attack Ukraine. How many times have we heard that discussed since the war began? What people saw was viewed with ‘blind eyes and what people heard was heard with ‘deaf ears’. What we are seeing and hearing now is the result of that blindness and deafness.

As of this moment (March 23, 2022), it has been 28 days since the start of the invasion. The world has witnessed death, destruction, and devastation at the hands of Putin. In spite of Putin’s relentless and ruthless aggression, Ukraine has resisted to the best of their ability, and cried out to the nations for additional assistance and aid. President Zelenskyy should not have to ‘beg’ for assistance from other nations.

The populace of the world has witnessed their nation’s leaders grappling with the proper response. Many, including my wife and I have asked, why the hesitancy? why the vacillation? why the reluctance? It seems the common reason is the fear of how Putin will respond to escalated interference by other nations, especially with Russia’s nuclear capabilities.

The more I listen to commentators discussing the war in Ukraine, the more I realize just how much the media synthesizes the information and then askes others, ‘what do you think?’ It is sort of like Facebook, ‘what’s on your mind?’

The truth is that most responses are speculation. Don’t completely turn a deaf ear to me, I have listened to many individuals who have shared insightful understanding and meaningful analysis. However, I confess that most of the commentary is redundant; therefore, I listen carefully and critically. I do not believe that is wrong.

What we do know to be true is being shown to us visually. The destruction is real; the desperation is real; and the devastation is real. What we are watching is reality in Ukraine. This is NOT a video game. (emphasis mine)

So, what is on my mind? Last Fall (2021), I joined a men’s Bible study. They were studying the minor prophets. They were concluding Habakkuk. Since then, we have completed Zephaniah, and now we are beginning Haggai.

In the past week, I have returned to the prophet Habakkuk and re-read his conversation with God about what he was witnessing in Judah. What motivated me to return to this portion of scripture? I have been reflecting upon the sovereignty of God.

Habakkuk was used by God to bring a message to His people in Judah. The Word of God, through the prophet is important; however, there is something else that takes place in this narrative. Habakkuk, the man, comes to an enlightened understanding about the sovereignty of God.

You see, I am asking the Lord about His sovereignty regarding the events that are happening in Ukraine. Do I believe in the sovereignty of God? Absolutely. Have I read about the sovereignty of God throughout His Word and seen His sovereignty at work in the lives of individuals and nations? Yes. Have I, like yourself, experienced the sovereignty of God in my life? Yes.

But…what I am witnessing is not being read from the pages of the Bible; it is not being read from a book about the history of a nation; it is not being watched as a documentary about a previous war; it is not being viewed on a newsreel; it is live, up close and personal.

What makes it personal? Christine and I were in Ukraine in 2004 on a two-week mission’s trip. We were in/out of Kiev. Kiev was where we entered Ukraine and from where we left Ukraine. We came to minister to orphan children at a summer camp for one week, and then to work with a church from Vinnitsia a second week ministering to high school students. Those children and young people probably varied in age from 4 to 18 years old. Now, 18 years later, they are 22 to 36 years old. What are they doing now? Are they fighting the war? Are they fleeing? Or are they hiding in their homes in fear? Probably all of the above.

[As I continue, please understand that I am not saying that Ukraine is God’s people, like Israel; nor am I inferring that Ukraine is ripe for judgment because of sin against God.]

I am asking myself, like Habakkuk, God where are you in all of this?

Habakkuk’s Headlines read, “O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? even cry out to You, Violence! and you will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? for plundering and violence are before me; there is strife and contention arises. Therefore the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore perverse judgment proceeds.” (Habakkuk 1:1-4, NKJV)

Like Habakkuk, I ask Lord, where are You in all of this? Why are You silent? Maybe, He is not silent; maybe we are not being told what He is doing in the midst of the devastation. I have heard about some of the Lord’s interventions. There was a report of Christian’s working with the refugees from Ukraine in Poland on a national news program. There have been stories of Christians and non-Christians who have come to this war-torn region to help in any way they can. Samaritan’s Purse has set up a field hospital to take care of injured refugees. God is at work. The Red Cross is front and center helping in Ukraine. I think most of God’s intervention is not being reported to the public; and in the course of time much more will be shared about the ‘miracles’ of God.

After Habakkuk makes his plea, God answers him; but Habakkuk does not receive the answer he wants to hear. God tells him that He is raising up a nation to invade His people’s land.

Whoa! God, I am witnessing that live, up close and personable, why? I don’t understand. Lord, I don’t understand what You are doing? I know You are sovereign. I know You rule over all the earth. You are Creator God. I have read about Your sovereignty and rule in the life of Job; in the life of Your people, Israel; in the conquering of the nations in the promised land; in the lives of individuals like Joseph, Moses, David, Saul of Tarsus, to name a few. Your sovereignty permeates the world. Father, I am having trouble understanding what is going on in Ukraine coupled with my understanding of Your sovereignty.

For me, it seems, almost too easy to simply resign this event to the answer that God is sovereign, and He does what He pleases. I know that’s true, but…how many kings, rulers, or people, did God ‘stir their hearts’ to give them the impetus to do or set into motion something that He wanted to be done? One example, Ezra 1:1 (NKJV) “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by mouth of Jeremiah the prophet might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus kind of Persia so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing saying…”. God stirred Cyrus to make a degree that Israel could return to Judah. Jeremiah had prophesied that Israel would be in exile for 70 years. Now it was time for them to be released and return.

As I pondered God’s sovereignty, I remembered these words, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV), the verse continues, “…declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Ok, Father, I receive that. God is not obligated to explain what He is doing, allowing, or permitting.

There are a lot of well-meaning men of God sharing what they believe this act of aggression in Ukraine means scripturally; how it fits into end time prophecy; and how it anticipates the second coming of Christ.

What they ‘see’ maybe true; but I confess, I’m not there. Like Habakkuk, who received a response from God, I will pursue his stance in relation to God’s answer.

Habakkuk 2:1-4, (NKJV), “I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart and watch to see what He will say to me, and I will answer when I am corrected. The Lord answered me and said: Write the vision and make it plain on tablets that he may run who reads it. for the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak and not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, I will not tarry. Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by faith. (emphasis mine)

Let us consider these words from the passage. stand, watch, listen, wait, live by faith. Let us take this same stance. (emphasis mine)

Following Habakkuk’s stance before the Lord, he pronounces a list of woes to the nations surrounding God’s people. Please read, Habakkuk 2:5-19.

At the conclusion of the litany of woes, Habakkuk 2:20 (NKJV) says, “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” [my thought: maybe, this is a time for us “to be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) or “be quick to listen and slow to speak” (James 1:19),]

The words of Habakkuk reminded me of Psalm 62:1,2,5-8 (NKJV), “Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved…My soul wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved (shaken). In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength and my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.” (Insert mine)

Chapter 3 of Habakkuk begins with a prayer. Habakkuk 3:2 (NKJV) says, “O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O lord revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of years make it known; “in wrath remember mercy.” [ my prayer emphasis, yes Lord, in wrath remember mercy.]

Habakkuk knows the time will come when what God has shown him will come to pass. It is inevitable. Habakkuk continues addressing God, calling to remembrance how He came to His people; how His Presence overwhelmed His creation; and how He sovereignly protected Israel. (Read Habakkuk 3:3-13)

Habakkuk 3:13 (NKJV) says, “You went forth for the salvation of Your people, for salvation with Your Annointed. You struck the heart of the wicked, by laying bare from foundation to neck. Selah.”

What effect did Habakkuk’s interaction with God have upon Him?

Habakkuk 3:16 (NKJV) says, “When I heard, my body trembled; My lips quivered at the voice; rottenness entered my bones; and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble. When he (the invading nation) comes up to the people, he will invade them with his troops.” (insert mine)

However, because of the grace of God, Habakkuk has changed from a perplexed prophet, who as a man, is bewildered about what God is doing, to an individual who has had a revelation of the sovereignty of God that has led him from being perplexed too now being able to offer praise to God in the midst of the situation that he finds himself, even to the verbalization that he “might rest in the day of trouble.” (Habakkuk 3:16 above) What a transformation!

Let us read Habakkuk’s praise, (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV), “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the field yield no food, though the flock maybe cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls–yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”

Judah was an agrarian nation. As such, Habakkuk is offering praise to God even though the entire economic system be decimated.

Habakkuk is confident that God IS sovereign. He is resigned to God’s will being done “on earth as it is in heaven”. And he has come to a place of “rest in the day of trouble”. (Emphasis mine)

As I mentioned earlier, like Habakkuk, I have wondered about God’s part in all that is happening in Ukraine. Being sovereign, how can He not be involved? As a believer in Christ, I must rest in the sovereignty of God. It is not my place to question God’s integrity, nor insinuate that God is instrumental in acts of evil. Read James 1:12-15. God is not the originator of evil, sin, or death.

Like yourself, my hope rests in the return of Christ. Recently I saw these words on a t-shirt, “Normal is not returning, Jesus is!” How true. We want normal to return, whatever, that means, but our world proceeds forward living out God’s sovereign salvific plan that includes the second coming of Christ. Are we there yet? No, but each day is one moment closer.

The scripture never says that living in the last days will be easy. In fact, Jesus said in the Upper Room discourse to His disciples, John 16:33 (NKJV), “These things I have spoken to you, that in me, you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation (the Greek word is thlipsis, it means- pressure, oppression, stress, anguish, tribulation, adversity, affliction, crushing, squeezing, distress) but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” How Lord, I ask? At the cross (John 17-21) (inserts mine)

The Apostle John, I John 5:4, NKJV, writes, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.” In Christ we are born of God; Christ said He overcame the world; therefore, in Christ, we overcome the world, how? by our faith. We have come back to Habakkuk 2:4, “the just shall live by faith“. Habakkuk realized that personally. We, too, know that. (Emphasis mine)

In this time of TENsion ,(play on the Greek work thlipsis, it had 10 different meanings), let us be at rest in Christ, and rejoice like Habakkuk in the sovereignty of God.

Therefore, as we stand, watch, listen, wait, and live by faith, let us PRAY. (Emphasis mine)

Pray for Ukraine. Remember we are wrestling against Satan, the “prince of the power of the air”(Ephesians 2:2); and “… against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”(Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV)

Resting in the Sovereignty of God, a brother in Christ, deo

Foundational Truth!

This post is a continuation of the previous post entitled, ‘Foundational Thoughts!’

I encourage you to read the previous post if you have not read it so that you have the background thinking for this post.

At the close of the previous post, the following verse was quoted.

1 John 5:21, NKJV, reads, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

The Amplified Bible reads, “Little children (believers, dear ones) guard yourselves from idols–[false teaching, moral compromises, and anything that would take God’s place in your heart.]

Q: Why do you think the Apostle John closes his first epistle with these words?

Q: Are these words of admonition applicable to the Church today?

If so, then why?

Let’s start with reading 1 John 5:18-20, NKJV.

“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin*; but he who has been born of God keeps (guards) himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” {boldness mine} (marginal note)

*NKJV Bible commentary found on page 1790; 5:18, Does not sin: See note 3:6-9, when John teaches that anyone whose life is unrepentantly characterized by sin does not belong to the family of God. The reason that a Christian does not persist unrepentantly in sin is that he who has been born again of God keeps himself, or as may be also be translated, “He (Jesus) who was born of God keeps him (the believer) from the relentless temptation and snare of the wicked one. {Who is the wicked one? Satan}

The Amplified Bible reads, We know [with confidence] that anyone born of God does not habitually sin; but He (Jesus) who was born of God [carefully] keeps and protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know [for a fact] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] lies in the power of the evil one [opposing God and His precepts]. And We [have seen and] know [by personal experience] that the Son of God has [actually] come [to this world], and has given understanding and insight so that we may [progressively and personally] know Him who is true–in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life (please read John 17:3) [boldness mine]

Q: What do these verses tell you personally about your/our Foundational Truth?

Q: What does the Apostle John share that ‘we know‘?

If you are ‘ok’ with underlining words, phrases, scripture in your Bible, then underline the words, ‘we know‘; followed by, underlining ‘what we know‘.

I encourage you to read, reflect, and respond personally to each of your ‘we know‘ underlinings.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you, the truth of these words and how they personally apply to your life, today.

I encourage you to journal your thoughts.

Q: What is the overall ‘Foundational Truth’ of these verses?

A. Our spiritual foundation of truth is a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Jesus Christ is “…the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20b)

How incredible is this: The Apostle John was chosen by God, under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to write about His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

John composed one Gospel, three epistles, and The REVELATION of Jesus Christ.

Beginning with the Gospel of John:

John 1:1-5 NKJV, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and did not comprehend it.” {The Amplified Bible reads, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].}

Throughout the Gospel of John, his words are focused on accomplishing one thing–Jesus Christ is our Foundational Truth.

Near the conclusion of his Gospel account, John writes:

John 20:30-31, NKJV, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you have life in His name.” (boldness mine)

In the first Epistle, the Apostle John writes:

1 John 1:1-5, NKJV. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us–that which we have seen and heard we declare to you that you may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”

Reading these words, we understand that John ‘knew’ what he was talking about; why he knew what he was talking about; and wants you to ‘know’ too, and says, just as ‘we know’, you too, can know. And he tells us why he wants us to know? underline these two words, ‘fellowship’ and ‘joy’.

Q: Where is that fellowship and joy found? with other believers, and “with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”

King David said it this way:

Psalm 16:11, NKJV, “You will show me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Selah.

In John’s second epistle, he declares:

II John 9, NKJV, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.”

And in John’s third epistle, he rejoices:

III John 3,4 NKJV, “For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”.

The essence of John’s written words are that ‘we may know‘ Him, who is Foundational Truth, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle John’s last composition is: The REVELATION of Jesus Christ.

Q: What thoughts come to the forefront of your thinking regarding the last book of the Bible?

The REVELATION of Jesus Christ is the ‘capstone‘ of the Foundational Truth found in the Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, throughout the entirety of Scripture.

Throughout The REVELATION, the Lord Jesus Christ is worshipped,exalted, extolled, and declared worthy to be praised.

Therefore, not only is Jesus the cornerstone (Matthew 21:42, 1 Peter 2:6) of scripture; but He is also the capstone of scripture.

(See Got questions: What is the significance of a capstone in the Bible?)

“Theological Significance: In biblical theology, the capstone represents the culmination of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. As the capstone, Christ is the essential and final piece that completes the spiritual structure of the Church. His role as the capstone signifies His authority, preeminence, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The imagery of the capstone also serves as a reminder of the rejection and subsequent exaltation of Christ. Though initially dismissed by the religious leaders, Jesus’ resurrection and ascension affirmed His position as the cornerstone of faith. Believers are called to build their lives upon this foundation, ensuring their spiritual edifice is aligned with the truth and grace found in Christ.”

“Practical Application: “For Christians, the concept of the capstone is to recognize and honor Jesus as the central figure in their faith journey. It encourages believers to rely on Him as their source of strength and stability in their spiritual lives. By acknowledging Christ as the capstone, Christians are reminded of the importance of aligning their lives with His teaching and example, ensuring their faith is built on a solid and enduring foundation.” (Topical Bible:biblehub.com, Capstone)

The entirety of John’s writing, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was to explain, exalt, and exemplify, the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

Pastor Jack Hayford, in his teaching of The REVELATION of Jesus Christ, encourages us to focus upon Jesus, the Lamb of God, and the worship of Him in heaven that permeates this last book of the Bible.

Yes, there is an abundance of eschological substance in the last book of the Bible regarding end times; but Pastor Hayford reminds his audience not to lose the primary focus of ‘Who is returning?’; ‘Why is He returning?’; ‘When He is returning?’; And what will be accomplished because He returns?

(See Revelation 1:7,8; Revelation 21:1-8, 22-27)

I submit to you, our understanding of the answers of these questions explain Christ as our ‘capstone’.

Quoting GotQuestions: “The capstone, like the cornerstone, is an important metaphor for Jesus and His prominence as Head of the Church and the kingdom of God.”

[Note: I recently read a statement by Pastor Mike Woodruff that said, if you want to understand what happens throughout the entirety of scripture, then you must clearly understand Genesis 1,2 and Revelation 21,22.]

What was originally created by God was desecrated by Adam’s disobedience; and Christ’s obedience at the cross destroyed the source of the desecratration by His death(See Romans 5:12-21).

The cross is the place chosen by God the Father to satisfy His wrath against sin.

The cross is the place where judgment and love collide taking away the sin of the world; the place where death died; and the place where Satan’s authority is disarmed.

Christ’s death, burial and resurrection declares His victory over the power of sin, death, and Satan’s authority; and His ascension signifies that His earthly work was completed; and He was restored to His original glory with His Father.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, was the promise of the Father validating that the ‘work of the cross’ was finished; and now the ‘way of the cross’ was governed by the Holy Spirit, according to the Word of God, in accordance with the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Body of Christ, fulfilling God, the Father’s plan of salvation until the end of the age.

Basking in the Foundational Truth that resonates in the Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle John concludes his first epistle with these words.

1 John 5:21, NKJV, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (emphasis mine)

In all of John’s writings, the word ‘idol’ is only used once, in this verse.

I find that remarkable; yet extremely profound.

Why?

Because an ‘idol’ is the absolute antithesis of everything that John has written about finding the absolute real truth in the Person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Today, 5/15/2026, I read the following in Mike Woodruff’s, ‘The Friday Update’:

“A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting the truth; this has been exactly reversed.” G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936)

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6, NKJV.

Q: Do you believe that?

Looking forward to the next post, I offer this acronym for the word idol.

I. D. O. L. — (an) Idol Desecrates Our Life

The first post was entitled, Foundational Thoughts!

This post is entitled, Foundational Truth!

The next post will be entitled, Foundational Treason!

Yes, treason is a strong word, but it fits.

a brother in Christ, deo

‘Foundational’ Thoughts!

In our world of darkness and brokenness, in our nation of division and strife, in our daily headlines news of murder, anarchy, lawlessness, and rebellion, where do individuals turn to find hope, rest, and peace?

The answer is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Not all headline news is despair, loss, and devastation.

Did you know that the Lord is saving souls, healing, and delivering people from their bondages in this nation and the nations of the world?

There has been a tent crusade, in Stockton, California, where many are finding Christ, being miraculously healed and delivered. [Mario Murillo Ministry]

This past weekend on May 2, at Pirates Cove, in southern California, many were water baptized. The headline read, “Hundreds Declare Jesus Lord in ‘Baptize California’ at Pirate’s Cove, and It’s Not Over”.[CBN.org]

Do you know about or remember Pirate’s Cove? That was where many young people found Christ in the early 1970s; the place where the Jesus Revolution happened.

Article dated 5/4/2026: Hundreds Declare Jesus Lord in ‘Baptize California’ at Pirate’s Cove, and it’s not over. “Hundreds of believers took the plunge at Baptize California over the weekend, publicly declaring their faith in Jesus Christ.” [CBN.org]

Did you know that the Lord throughout this year has been moving on college campuses?

Article dated 4/29/2026, Hundreds of Students ‘Go All in with Jesus’ at OSU as Spiritual Awakening Keeps Spreading. Quoting the article: “Thousands of college students have rallied once again in pursuit of Jesus Christ, with hundreds saying “yes” to the Gospel, this time in a huge outreach held on the campus of Oklahoma State University. It’s proof that the spiritual awakening among America’s college students is still spreading as the UniteUS ministry reaches for the next generation with the message of salvation.” [CBN.org]

I recommend that you also visit Global Christian . Please read the article TOP 20 COUNTRIES WHERE CHRISTIANITY IS GROWING THE FASTEST, February 27, 2025. It will amaze you. [Global Christian relief.org]

I also recommend a podcast found at Voice of Martyrs, regarding what is happening in the nation of Iran during this ongoing conflict with Israel/USA. The Church is growing in the midst of the turmoil, the hatred, and the persecution of believers for their faith in Jesus Christ, which has resulted in many deaths. Also there is an ongoing number of Muslims that are coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

It is not all bad news.

The truth is that this type of headline news is not wanted in the mainstream media.

Why not?

Consider this headline from Intercessors For America, it read: TWO VISIONS OF AMERICA AT 250: REDEDICATION OR REBELLION? (dated 4/30/2026)

Strong words!

What picture of our nation comes to mind when you read those words?

A chasm of division?

An irreconcilable future?

A grieving nation?

A lost way?

When our nation was in verbal debate regarding its founding, a stark realization came to the forefront.

The establishment of a new nation needed the blessing and guidance of God. Not everyone in the room was a believer, but the overriding thought was that without God’s guidance and wisdom, the gathering of the founders to create a new nation would flounder and probably fail.

Understanding their need for God, I interject this thought.

They realized that their own personal motives, hearts, and minds had to be ‘right’ in order to formalize a nation ‘under God’.

This was then, and still is, a very tenuous position for our nation.

When this nation was founded, its future, as our founders realized depended upon its citizenry to be moral and ethical.

In short, this nation as it proposes to do that which is moral and ethical has a greater chance of survival, than if it departs from morality and ethics.

But isn’t this a basic historical truth that has led to the downfall of nations throughout history.

John Adams said, “We have no Constitutional government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Corruption, revenge, ambition, or envy will break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

I believe we are witnessing the truth of these words.

Our nation has unloosed itself from its moral and ethical foundational moorings and seeks to chart its own course apart from the oversight of God.

While we as a nation may say ‘God bless America’ with our mouth, where is our heart?

Our citizens are divided into two major groups struggling for the helm of the ship.

At this point I desire to ask you, the reader a series of questions.

Q: Do you want to see this nation return to its founding roots or not?

Q: Do you want order restored or lawlessness to continue?

Q: What is your own personal desire for this nation?

Q: What is troubling you in your own heart regarding the state of this nation?

Q: What do you believe is the ‘crux’ of the problem?

Reading the concerns of our founding fathers, they understood that the future of this nation was dependent upon the unity of the ‘hearts’ of those that lived in this nation to adhere to basic morality and ethical behavior.

Q: What is the state of this nation’s basic morality and ethical behavior?

I am not asking you what political party you are a member of.

I am not asking you if you are a believer or unbeliever.

I am not asking you if you are a citizen of this nation.

I am asking you as an individual person if you are pleased or grieved by the morality and ethical behavior of this nation?

The answer of your heart determines your reaction to the overall political atmosphere and attitudes lived out daily by you with your family, at your work place(unless retired like me), with your friends and neighbors, and other meaningful associations that comprise your daily activity.

Your ‘heart’ attitude is revealed by the words of your mouth.

Are you a person seeking to ‘divide’ with your words and actions?

Or, are you a person seeking to ‘unite’ with your words and actions?

If it was you were at the ‘helm’ of this nation’s ship, what course would you chart for its future?

The title of this post was ‘FOUNDATIONAL THOUGHTS!

Where is the next post headed?

I John 5:21, Amplified Version, “Little children(believer, dear ones) guard yourselves from idols-{false teachings, moral compromises, and anything that would take God’s place in your heart}

riding out the ‘storm’ with you,

a brother in Christ, deo

I recommend to you a podcast found on Voice of Martyrs, about what is happening in the nation of Iran. The Church is growing there in the midst of the turmoil, the hatred, and the persecution of believers for their faith in Christ, which has resulted in many deaths.

What is the N.E.E.D. of the Hour? Pt.2

Whether or not you immerse yourself in the headline news, national podcasts, cable news networks, conversations at the office water-cooler, family discussion regarding our surrounding world events, you do have a inkling, a knowledge, a knowing, that things are not right in the world in which we live.

The previous post ended with this: Seismic Spiritual Shaking.

The context of those words has been discussed in several of the previous posts.

These words were first shared in December 2025.

The development of the importance of these three words have been brewing, from my perspective, in the past decade, since the 2016 election.

Even before the election of 2016, there was a formidable animosity growing against Donald Trump and the realization that he was going to seek the Presidency of the United States.

The truth is that his political desire to be President became a driving force for what has turned the uncovering of a political agenda that had been developing for many years in our nation.

Unfortunately, the public and private conflict that has evolved because of his desire to be President and to seek to ‘Make America Great Again’ has been like the discovery of a ‘kidney stone ‘stuck in this nation’s ‘political bile duct’; and the political physicians of our nation have wrestled over how to remove ‘him’, not the ‘stone’ so that things can ‘flow’ again in the same way that things were flowing before he became President.

The problem is that Mr. Trump is not the ‘kidney stone’.

The ‘kidney stone’ has been enlarging for many years in our nation because of the diet of politics that it has been fed; and now with its painful realization, we are experiencing its effects due to its size and its difficulty to remove.

Q: Is there a doctor in the house?

The focus on removing the President, keeps the nation’s attention on him, and diverts the attention away from the ‘blockages’ in our governmental system.

The two political parties are like opposing doctors prescribing their diagnosis and treatment needed to remedy this nation and make it well.

As President of the United States, Mr. Trump becomes the ‘physician in chief’.

“We the people” make up the body of this nation and we are the ones suffering from our political doctors.

The pain is real, the complications are severe, the potential consequences can be devastating.

A ‘kidney stone’ that is not properly taken care can be terminal if not properly treated.

Just recall the demise of the nations of this world throughout history.

People of this nation are concerned about the political well-being of our nation.

Will our political ‘kidney stone’ pass on its own?

Will it pass out of our system with political medications?

Or will it require an extensive surgery to remove our political ‘kidney stone’?

Many are ‘waiting’ it out.

Meaning what?

This ‘stone’ will become more tolerable to live with and with its pain when Mr. Trump’s presidency is over.

Then we can consider what ‘surgery’ is needed to remove the ‘stone’.

Maybe.

Others are seeking to expedite the removal of this ‘stone’ surgically.

This type of ‘surgery’ is called ‘the political process’.

How do I know this?

It is not hard; consider the intense battle over voter identification.

The problem is that throughout Mr. Trump’s terms as President, many have not been in favor of him as the ‘physician-in-chief’ to perform the operation(s) needed to remove this ‘stone’.

Mr. Trump is characterized as a politician (physician-in-chief) with a very poor ‘beside’ manner.

He has exhibited many positive ‘operating skills’ as ‘physician-in-chief’; but in a way that often offends his listeners.

Unfortunately, Mr. Trump’s ‘beside’ manners make the headlines; but many of his positive results performing a successful ‘operation’ have been ignored and/or purposely overlooked.

Please understand I, too, am grieved by his ‘beside’ manners; but I am grateful for the ‘successful operations’ that he has performed seeking to restore this nation to make it well again.

It is a daunting task; especially when you are constantly being accused of and sued for ‘malpractice’.

So, here we are, in the second year, of Mr. Trump’s second term of being President, and the political diagnosis, the political gamesmanship, the political wrangling continues.

Is anyone else tired of the political rhetoric; the media’s daily pontificating; and/or the personal agenda of self proclaiming critics that see it as their duty to keep the public informed of the ‘wrongs’ that daily beset this nation?

I choose not to watch or listen to the hysterical headline news.

I do read headlines and choose which ones to pursue so as to have an understanding of what is going on in our nation and the world.

I have assumed a personal wait period of 48-72 hours before jumping to conclusions.

I have found that this is a more reliable way to find out what the truth of a reported news story is really about.

Most of the time this works; but not in every case.

I have allowed myself to be ‘sucked’ in, only to find out, I was not patient enough.

I have even had people tell me, that I have missed it.

That’s ok.

Then how do we are believers keep in touch?

Refocus our attention.

Be disciplined in your walk with the Lord.

Read the Word of God; listen carefully to what the Holy Spirit is saying.

Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, had the Apostle John write down what He wanted to say to seven churches.

Consider this: These three words: the Seismic Spiritual Shaking will bring change.

The greatest Seismic Spiritual Shaking happened at the CROSS, Matthew 27:45-55.

The Lamb of God took away the sin of the world.

In The Revelation of Jesus Christ, there are 5 key earthquakes (shakings) spoken of: Revelation 6:12-14; Revelation 8:5; Revelation 11:13; Revelation 11:19; and Revelation 16:18-21.

Is there an earthquake (shaking) that takes place when Christ returns?

Yes!

Zechariah 14:4.

Jesus, Himself, speaks of earthquakes being a sign of the end times.

See Matthew 24:1-8.

Things being ‘shaken’ are not foreign to the Word of God.

On the Day of Pentecost, what transpired in the upper room is ‘symbolic’ of a ‘shaking’ from heaven. Acts 2:1-4.

(See also, Acts 4:13-31; Acts 16:16-34)

God uses ‘shaking’ to get people’s attention.

The Seismic Spiritual Shaking that is coming will get people’s attention.

Buckle Up!

What makes this Seismic Spiritual Shaking possible?

A ‘stone’ was removed that had sealed the tomb in which Jesus, who was crucified, was laid.

The ‘stone’ did not prevent His resurrection.

The removal of the ‘stone’ allowed His followers to see the empty tomb.

The Lord Jesus Christ is Risen, just as He said.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead brings newness of life and our blessed hope.

Why is there a Seismic Spiritual Shaking ?

Because, God is moving by His Spirit throughout the earth.

The Word of God is being preached; people are getting saved; being water baptized; filled with the Spirit; healed, and delivered evil spiritual bondage.

The Book of Acts is unfolding before us in this hour, just as it was when the Church began, and recorded by Luke.

What is happening today has happened throughout the history of mankind.

What the nations of this world are witnessing is the grace, mercy, and love of God being made available to those who will receive the Gospel of truth about the person of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s word is being confirmed with signs and wonders following.

This is happening throughout the world and will continue to grow, and then the end will come.

What will be witnessed is the reality of the Seismic Spiritual Shaking that took place on the CROSS where Jesus, the Begotten Son of God, was nailed.

There on the cross, a collision took place, a Seismic Spiritual Shaking.

A collision between the love of God and the wrath of God.

I call it The L.A.W. of the Cross.

The Love And Wrath of the Cross.

a brother in Christ, deo

In the Midst of Unprecedented Unrest

[Note: The Amplified Version is used for the scripture references unless otherwise noted.]

The following quote was on Facebook, 4-24-2026. The author is Rick Renner.

“When the peace of God is standing guard at the entrance of your heart and mind, the devil has lost his access to your thought life and your emotions.” (see: Philippians 4:7; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; Colossians 3:15; Proverbs 4:23)

We are living in an age of ‘Unprecedented Unrest’; a time when people are blatantly advocating ‘be ungoverned’; a time of the Bible spoken of in Isaiah 5:20, “Woe(judgment)is coming to those who call evil good, good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute butter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” [see context Isaiah 5:8-23]

Jesus said, in Matthew 24:37-39, “For the coming of the Son of Man(the Messiah)will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the [very] day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not know or understand until the flood came and swept them all away; so will be the coming of the Son of Man be [unexpected] judgment, [Genesis 6:5-8; 7:6-24] {see context Matthew 24}

Solomon wrote, in Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, “That which has been is that which will be [again], And that which has been done is that which will be done again. So there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it can be said, “See this, it is new”? It has already existed for [the vast] ages [of time recorded or unrecorded] Which were before us.” {See context Ecclesiastes 1:1-11}

The blessing is that today, ‘in Christ’, we are living in what is new!

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ[that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature[reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings new life]. {See context 2 Corinthians 5:14-19}

Therefore, just like Noah, before the coming of the flood of judgment, we live in the midst of the world upon which God looks down and sees that “the wickedness (depravity) of man was great on the earth, and that every imagination or intent of the thoughts of his heart were only evil continually. The Lord regretted that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was [deeply] grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy (annihilate) mankind whom I have created from the surface of earth–not only man, but the animals and the crawling things and the birds of the air–because it [deeply] grieves Me [to see mankind’s sin] and I regret that I have made them.” But Noah found favor and grace in the eyes of the Lord.” {See context Genesis 6:1-8}

What is the reason we can rest in the quote of Rick Renner?

Because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of John 3:16. {See context John 3:1-36}

Jesus, the Son of God/Son of Man,is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

He is God, the Father’s, perfect sacrifice, that was offered as an atonement for sin who was nailed to the cross for the sin of the world.

Hebrews 10:12, says, “whereas Christ, having offered the one sacrifice [the all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself] for sins for all time, SAT DOWN [signifying the completion of atonement for sin] AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD[the position of honor]…”

Christ died on the cross, was buried in a tomb, on the third day He was resurrected from the dead, bodily ascended into heaven, and now sits at the right hand of God, His Father, and His second coming will be His return to this earth.

Therefore, as believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, children of God,the Father, we can be assured of our rest and peace in the midst of the tumultuous storm of Unprecedented Unrest we are experiencing, now.

Why?

Because we are in the ARK, the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us now give our attention to the scripture references that support Rick Renner’s quote.

1. Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. [John 14:27]” {See Philippians 4:5-7 for context}

2. John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength in every challenge.]” {see context John 14:1-31}

3. Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in *perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast[that is committed and focused on You–in both** inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].” {See context Isaiah 23:1-6}

*Lit peace, peace, a Hebrew idiom of emphasis.

**The Hebrew word for inclination became a technical term in Jewish tradition, and the rabbis frequently referred to the “evil inclination” much in the same sense as the sin nature.

4. Colossians 3:15,”Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].” {See context Colossians 3} (I recommend that you read this entire chapter.)

5. Proverbs 4:23, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” {See context Proverbs 4:20-27}

These admonitions and teaching from the Word of God are our place of refuge in God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, comforted by the Holy Spirit in the storms of life.

Jesus, knowing what His disciples, and we would face in this world, praying to His Father, prior to His arrest, said, “I have given to them Your word[the message you gave to Me]; and the world has hated them because they are not of this world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one. They are not of this world, just as I am not of this world”…”I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me, through their message, that they all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe [without any doubt] that You sent Me.” [ John 17:14-16;20-21]{See context John 17:1-26}

Just as Noah, who found grace in the sight of the Lord in the midst of the flood, was safe, secure,and at peace and rest because of his obedient faith…

“By faith [with confidence in God and His word] Noah, being warned by God about events not yet see, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his family. By this[act of obedience] he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which comes by faith [Genesis 6:13-22]” {Hebrews 11:7}.

so, we, too, in Christ, have found grace in the sight of the Lord, are safe, secure, and at peace and rest in our spiritual ARK, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ last words to His disciples, before His prayer to His Father, recorded in John 16:31-33 accurately describe the hour in which we are living.

“Jesus answered them, “Do you now [at last] believe? Take careful notice: an hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will all be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

At peace and rest in His Victory, come Lord Jesus.

a brother in Christ, deo

Controlled or Governed, Part 1 & 2

Jesus was not ‘controlled’ by anything or anybody.

He was ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit.

What made the difference?

He walked in an ‘agape’ relationship with His Father.

He was solely desirous to please His Father.

Therefore He did everything orderly and obediently.

In doing so, His Father’s kingdom was manifested on earth as it is in heaven.

Let me explain.

[The two words in the title of this post are not original.]

These two words were taken from a, Lifechanger’s 72, video teaching by Bob Mumford, entitled ‘Governed, Not Controlled’.

Over the past fifty plus years, the Lord has used Bob Mumford as a teaching mentor in my life, and Christine, my wife.

For a few months, I have been reflecting upon the prayer that Jesus gave as an example of prayer to His disciples answering their inquiry to teach them to pray.

See Luke 11:1-3; Matthew 6:5-15.

I have also, for many years, reflected upon, prayed, and sought to live by the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 11:28-30.

Matthew 11:28-30 comes in the midst of much controversy.

See the context in Matthew 11.

If you are a regular reader of the posts at livingwordsofencouragement.com, then you may recollect that the previous two passages of scripture have been important to us as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Recently, I have been asking the Lord to help me understand clearly the meaning of Matthew 11:28-30.

I have known it in measure; but I would like to more clearly understand the wholeness of the passage.

I asked the Lord, ” What does it mean that Your ‘yoke is easy and your burden is light?’ “

The teaching of Matthew 11:28-30 is bracketed by ‘weary and heavy laden’ and ‘easy and light’ and each is related to Him giving us rest.

These two phrases appear to be polar opposites of each other.

The rest spoken of receiving in Matthew 11:29 is the result of taking His yoke upon me, and learning that He is ‘gentle and lowly’ in heart.

Picture this, between the first rest, and the second rest, is the heart of God.

{Note: I recommend that you read Dane Ortland’s book, ‘Gentle and Lowly’ The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers }

In this passage of scripture, there is a rest that is given to us, from Him (vs.28); and there is a rest in Him (vs. 29).

What is the difference?

The difference is found in understanding the distinction between being ‘controlled’ or ‘governed’.

The emphasis of the teaching by Bob Mumford emphasized that God doesn’t ‘control’ us; He ‘governs’ us.

I concur with his understanding.

Q: What is ‘controlling’ your life as a follower of Jesus Christ?

Q: Is coming to Christ, daily, the focus of your life?

Q: What gets in your way and takes precedent over you spending time with the Lord?

Not spending time with the Lord will bring weariness and heavy burdens.

I am becoming more disciplined regarding coming to the Lord at the beginning of my day; therefore, I can testify, that I as I begin my day with the Lord (this works for me), intentionally coming to Him, and casting all my cares upon Him because He cares for me (I Peter 5:7); then, as I walk with the Lord, I am experiencing Him ‘governing’ my life, and that His ‘yoke is easy and His burden is light’.

This does not mean that I am without personal struggles.

This does not mean that I am not confronted with challenges.

This does not mean that I do not face temptations, trials, or stressful situations.

What I am learning is that having come to my Father and casting all my cares upon Him, I am experiencing His care for me.

Q: What am I talking about?

A: My cares are the worry, the anxiety, the stress, the depression, the stressful interactions that I face throughout my day that seek to ‘control’ my life.

Those cares are influenced by the world, the flesh, and the devil.

But ‘in Christ’, we can overcome.

See I John 2;15-17; Ephesians 2:2-10; James 4:7-10

All of our cares, were crucified at the cross, when Jesus died for the sin of the world.

Several years ago the Lord gave me a clearer understanding of Philippians 4: 5b-7. “The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)

[From that understanding has grown into what this post is sharing.]

The ‘work of the cross’ is finished.

I am justified ‘in Christ’.

The ‘way of the cross’ is now being fulfilled in me as I ‘abide’ in Christ.

Please read John 15:1-11. The word ‘abide’ in the NKJV is used ten times.

At the conclusion of John 15:11, NKJV, Jesus says, “These things I have spoken , that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

I am experiencing that joy.

Jesus’ death on the cross put to death the ‘controlling’ influence of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Please read Romans 6,7,8.

God ‘governs’ His children by the Holy Spirit according to the Word of God.

Please read Romans 8:12-17; John 14:25-28; Ezekiel 36:22-27; 2 Corinthians 3:8-18.

Believers ‘in Christ’ experience the government of God in their lives as the Holy Spirit ‘governs’ their lives, and bring them into rest ‘in Christ’.

Christ is our rest!

SELAH.

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Q: What did the nation of Israel rebel against in the wilderness?

A. The government of God.

He had brought them out from under the government of ‘control’ in Egypt and brought them to Himself to ‘govern’ them.

Q: What was in their heart?

A. Discontent. They grumbled and complained and wanted to return to Egypt.

As I have heard it said, God had brought them out of Egypt; but Egypt still existed in their heart.

Q: What was God seeking for them to understand?

A. God, our Father, wants to care for His children as a loving Father. He does not want to ‘control’ our lives but ‘govern’ them. That has always been His original intention.

(I recommend DeVern Fromke’s book, ‘The Ultimate Intention’.)

How is this accomplished?

Please read Hebrews 4:1-16.

Entering into God’s rest is stated in Hebrew 4:10 NKJV, “For he who has entered His rest has himself ceased from his works as God did from His.” (emphasis mine)

Consider this: I cease from my own works, when I yield to the government of God, submitting myself to be ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit according to the Word of God.

SELAH

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I will explain it this way. religion ‘controls’; relationship ‘governs’.

Q: What do you worship?

Q: What do you give ‘worth-ship’ too?

Q: What do you consider more important than your relationship to God?

Anything more important to you than God is an’ idol‘in your life; and by definition that is ‘religion’.

Read Exodus 19:1-4.

The truth is, it does not have to be a carved image to be an idol.

Jesus said you cannot serve God and mammon.

Please read Matthew 6:19-34.

Consider His teaching in light of everything shared so far in this post.

We need to ask the Lord if there is something in our lives that we serve, give our attention too, that robs us of our relationship to Him.

If there is, then my ‘attention’ given to that is idolatrous; so then by definition a religion that ‘controls’ me; and I am not ‘governed’ by God.

I John 5:21 NKJV, the Apostle John instructs us, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”

SELAH

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Strong words, B.U.T. (Believer Understand This) …hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.

Remember: religion controls; relationship governs.

Galatians 5:1 NKJV, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again in the yoke of bondage [not yoked to Christ]. (emphasis mine, emphasis mine, [insert mine] )

Romans 8:1-2, NKJV, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit [‘governed’ by the Spirit] For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death. ” (emphasis mine; [insert mine])

John 8:31-32, NKJV, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (emphasis mine)

These verses do not advocate a teaching that instructs us to ‘do your own thing’.

Judges 21:25, NKJV, “In those days, there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Israel had put off the ‘governing’ authority of God and lived their lives unto themselves.

They lived an ‘ungoverned’ lifestyle, or was it?

Not really, they ‘governed’ themselves!

And they were enslaved to their own ‘control’ of themselves.

Q: What did Jesus say to His followers regarding following Him?

A. Luke 9:23-24, NKJV, Jesus explaining the true cost of being His disciple said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let Him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake shall save it.”

See Matthew 6:24, John 8:31-32, I Peter 2:21, John 10:27.

The ‘governing’ factor of this teaching is found in the following statement spoken by Jesus to His disciples.

John 13: 31-35 NKJV, [the night of Jesus’ betrayal] “So, when he [Judas] had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’, so now I say unto you. A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (emphasis mine) [inserts mine]

Jesus did not share His love with anyone or anything that was more important than maintaining His ‘unshared love’ for His Father.

He lived out that relationship with His Father. What He is instructing His disciples is that, in order, to love another, it begins with an unbroken love relationship with the Father. You cannot love one another if you do not abide in Him, as He abides in His Father’s love, and His Father’s love for Him.

Anything that you allow to come between yourself and your love for God, the Father, is idolatrous. That idolatry prevents His disciples from loving one another, and/or loving any other person.

Q: What does the history of the relationship between God and His chosen people show us?

A: His ‘unshared’ steadfast love for them was never ending; but their love for Him was a ‘shared’ love, worshipping other gods.

Q: What does God, the Father desire from His children?

A: Their ‘unshared love’ for Him, and Him alone.*

(*source: Bob Mumford)

Please read Exodus 20:1-6; Exodus 34:10-16; Deuteronomy 4:23-24; Deuteronomy 6:10-15; Joshua 24:14-28.

The Book of Judges follows The Book of Joshua.

Compare what you just read to the last verse of The Book of Judges.

Judges 21:25.

Q: Did they keep their promise to God?

SELAH. END OF PART 1.

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BEGINNING OF PART 2.

Vision yourself in the Upper Room.

Jesus is instructing His disciples for the last time as a group the night of His betrayal, His arrest, His trial, and His crucifixion.

These words are prior to the Cross.

On the cross, He fulfilled completely what the Father had sent Him to accomplish.

Jesus said, hanging on the cross, “It is finished”.

John 19:30, NKJV, “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

Jesus has died. He has been buried. Three days later, He was raised from the dead.

We are now on the other side of the cross, on resurrection ground.

I encourage you to read, two previous posts. “The Other Side of the Cross, Part 1″; and” The Other Side of the Cross, Part 2″.

On the cross, the ‘work of the cross’-justification: our position ‘in Christ’ is finished.

After Christ’s resurrection,and our acceptance of Him as our Lord and Savior, we embark on learning the ‘way of the cross’-sanctification: we embrace being conformed to the image of Christ; growing in our relationship to God the Father; maturing as a son of God; learning to please our Father; and completing the work that He has purposed for us before the foundation of the world.

See Ephesians 2:1-10.

With this understanding, as a son/daughter of God, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, as a member of the Body of Christ, let us consider the prayer that Jesus spoke to His disciples when they asked Him to teach them to pray.

See Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4.

Please turn to Matthew 6:9-10.

In this prayer, it begins giving our attention to our heavenly Father who is in heaven.

Next, we declare that our Father is Holy and totally separate from all other gods…”Hallowed be your name”.

Jesus then says these words, “Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

What is the implication of praying these words?

In heaven, there is no disorder, or disobedience.

Every thing is in ‘order’ and done in ‘obedience’.

Is that true on earth?

No.

Q: Before Adam and Eve sinned, was everything being done according to God the Father’s ‘order’ and ‘obedience’ on earth as it was in heaven?

Yes.

Q: Were Adam and Eve ‘governed’ by God or ‘controlled’ by God?

A. They were ‘governed’ by God.

They walked with God exercising the government of God on earth as it was in heaven, ‘orderly’ and ‘obediently’.

Q: What was Satan’s purpose?

A. To change that.

Q: Was that accomplished?

A. Yes

Jesus came to do what His Father required to reconcile that broken relationship between Himself and humanity.

Jesus came to satisfy the wrath of God against sin; to provide atonement for mankind; and to restore His Father’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

That is the message of the Gospel.

This is what is being accomplished now in the age in which we are living (between the ascension of Christ and His return ). Ephesians 1:20-22.

How?

All authority has been given unto Him in heaven, and on the earth (Matthew 28:18-20) and by inference under the earth (Philippians 2:10).

Q: What does it mean, then, when we pray to the Father, “Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” ?

Remember, in heaven, everything is in ‘order’ and ‘obedient’.

A. It means that whatever the Father asks to be done on earth is to be done in ‘order’ and ‘obedience’.

This happens all the time.

Absolutely, yeah right!

I am, we are, never negligent knowing what God asks us to do, correct; nor, am I,nor are we, disobedient to what He has asked us to do?

Q: Has such a life ever been lived on the earth in human flesh?

A. Yes.

Jesus did it!

How?

God’s A.I.-‘Adonai’s Incarnation’.

Please read Philippians 2:1-11.

The Son of God, came, took on human flesh, set aside His prerogative as God, which included His Glory, and became fully human, as the Son of Man.

Jesus said of Himself, as the Son of Man, John 8:28-29, NKJV, “Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father has taught Me, I speak these things. For the Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”

See John 12:49-50; 14:10; John 5:19-21.

Jesus only said and did what His Father told Him showed Him.

He did it according to His Father’s ‘order’ and in ‘obedience’.

Therefore, when He did that, His Father’s Kingdom came; and His Father’s will was done “on earth as it is in heaven”.

Well, that was easy for Him to do, He is the Son of God!

Q: Was it?

A. He did this as the Son of Man in human flesh.

On the night on which Jesus was betrayed, before His arrest, Jesus went to the garden of Gerhsemane.

Q: What happened there as Jesus prayed?

Q: Did the Son of Man struggle in the flesh of His human body to do the will of God on earth as it is in heaven?

Q: In the garden was Jesus being ‘controlled’ by God, or struggling to please His Father ‘governed’ by the Spirit, knowing what His Father told Him to do, and that it required His obedience?

He absolutely knew what the Father had asked Him to do; and He was struggling in the flesh of His human body to obey the Father.

Q: What did Jesus verbalize as He prayed in garden?

Q:What words epitomize His struggle?

Q: What was Jesus’ desire?

A. To obey His Father’s will.

He loved His Father; and His Father loved Him.

The Father and the Son are One.

See John 10:22-33.

Jesus and the Father have always been One from before the foundation of the world.

Now Jesus, the Son of God, who became the Son of Man in human flesh, is struggling.

Hebrews 5:5-11.

Please read His words as recorded in the gospels of Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42;or Luke 22:40-46.

Q; What was Jesus’ petition, His concern, His struggle?

A. Matthew 26:39, NKJV, Having entered the garden, and instructing His disciples, Peter, James and John, “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless , not as I will, but as You will.”

He was struggling in human flesh, completely desirous of pleasing His Father, experiencing everything that we experience when we walk as a child of God wanting to please our Father in our earthly body struggling to be obedient.

We know there is a difference.

That difference is stated in Hebrews 12:3-4.

What Jesus did for us, we will never experience.

That is the grace, mercy, and love of God sending His only Son to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Doing the will of the Father, as it is done in heaven on earth, brought about the Father’s kingdom, His rule, and ‘governing ‘authority into a world of darkness to be released “in Christ”, through the body of Christ, governed by the Holy Spirit according to the Word of God, not controlled.

SELAH

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It is time to intersect these two passages of scripture.

Matthew 6:9-10 and Matthew 11:28-30.

I am coming to understand how meaningful Matthew 11:28-30 is for us as believers ‘in Christ ‘walking out our journey with the Lord from the day of my salvation until the day that I will stand in His Presence (Jude 24-25).

Between the two words, REST, exists the pathway of discipleship, growth, and understanding of the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and the heart of the Father for His children.

Prior to the first word, rest, Jesus says come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. That rest is from what ‘controls’ our lives. Without that rest, we are not free from sin, the world, the flesh,and the devil. In the ‘finished work of the cross’ we are free from their ‘control’. This is our objective position ‘in Christ’.

The second word, rest, is preceded by entering into the ‘way of the cross’.

We are to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.

Doing this we embrace the ‘work of the cross’ experientially.

How?

Jesus calls us to abide in Him,meaning to take His yoke upon us, and to learn that He is ‘gentle and lowly’ in heart toward us.

He is not out to ‘control’ us.

He wants us to respond to His love for, to submit to His love, and allow that love to ‘govern’ our lives.

The positive result of our response to Him is that we will experience the ‘way of the cross’ that is not ‘controlling’ but ‘governing’ us by His Spirit, according to the Word of God.

Our relationship will not be governed by ‘control’ but through the realization that His ‘yoke’ is easy’ and His’ burden is light’.

Our rest in Him is found being delivered from our adversary’s ‘control’ and being ‘governed’ by Him.

During the final week of Jesus’ life in Jerusalem, prior to the Passover, Jesus made it very clear that the Pharisees were controlling the people through their religion.

Jesus’ life was the complete antithesis of being under the control of religion.

He lived His life ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit and fulfilled the written Law, in human flesh, and offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God as an atoning sacrifice to His Father.

What love, what grace, what mercy!

Religion (idolatry) ‘controls’ , what do you worth-ship.

Relationship with God, the Father, longs for His ‘governing’.

In Christ, we have been set free, from ‘control’; and made free to be ‘governed’ by the Holy Spirit according to the Word of God.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, shares that the fruit of wisdom from below is demonic; it ‘controls’ us negatively; however, the fruit of the wisdom from above does not control us but ‘governs’ us positively.

James 3:13-18

The Lord is speaking to His Church.

“He that has ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. Revelation 2:7

He wants His Church to focus on Him, set aside everything that diverts us from being attentive to Him, meaning allowing Him to reveal to us, what He sees ‘controlling’ our lives as a believer, setting it aside, renouncing it, and repenting and asking forgiveness as necessary; and learning to be ‘governed ‘by His Spirit, according to Word of God.

I encourage you to seek the Lord while He may be found.

We are living in days of Seismic Spiritual Shaking.

It has come; it is coming; and it will come with greater intensity.

The Body of Christ needs to be ready.

Are you ready?

Are you rest-ing ‘in Christ’, yoked to Him, learning to be ‘governed’ by the Spirit according to the Word of God, surrounded by His love.

I am reminded of these words.

“There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God. A place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God. O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God; hold us who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.” (If you know the tune, then sing these words.)

In this place of rest we are like a weaned child laying on the breast of his/her mother.

Read Psalm 131.

blessings, your brother in Christ, deo