Seeds Of Success (S.O.S)

Seven Tests That Prove We Really Know God

Greetings in the Precious Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is also the Captain of our souls!

During my “forced sabbatical”, I’ve been spending quality time with God (which of course was God’s purpose for “forcing” me to sit down for a season).  As I noted to some, I am working on an e-votional called “Forced Sabbatical: When God Sits You Down”, which I thought would be the first release during my time away from the day to day.  But as the Holy Spirit would lead, here's a word for us all to reflect on from The First General Epistle of John. 

I love 1 John because it forces me/us to "keep it real."  John was a no nonsense preacher.  He didn't play with or sugarcoat the Word of God.  He brings it straight down the pike.  Either you "is or you ain't" a Christian!  No in between, on my way, might be, will get better as I get older stuff.  Just straight word!

So here are "seven tests" that prove we really know God.  Now before you get all huffy, remember, John said this in the Word of God, not Dr. Adams. These are not my original thoughts or points.  I came across them in my devotional time this morning and was lead by the Holy Spirit to share them with you.

 I've got work to do.  And I'd imagine that you do as well.  Enjoy and let me know your thoughts.

 

Test #1 - Obeying God's Word (1 John 2:3-6)

• 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
• 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
• 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
• 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (KJV)

 

Test #2 - Loving Your Neighbor (1 John 2:7-11)

• 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
• 8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
• 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
• 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
• 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. (KJV)

Test #3 - Remembering Your Spiritual Growth (1 John 2:12-14)

• 12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
• 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
• 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (KJV)

Test #4 - Not Loving The World (1 John 2:15-17)

• 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
• 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
• 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV)

Test #5 - Guarding Against Antichrists or False Teachers (1 John 2:18-23)

• 18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
• 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
• 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
• 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
• 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
• 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. (KJV)

Test #6 - Letting The Gospel Remain in You (1 John 2:24-27)

• 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
• 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
• 26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
• 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (KJV)

Test #7 - Continuing, Abiding in Christ (1 John 2:28-29)

• 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
• 29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. (KJV)

 

How’d you score on the tests? God is speaking...are you listening?

 

A servant,

 

Dr. Adams, III

 

Come Boldly!

Hebrews 4:16 -- Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV)

Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ!

Do you have something on your heart that you need to talk to God about?  Do you have a prayer request that’s either repetitive or seemingly unheard or unanswered by God?  Have you prayed time and time again but nothing seems to be happening?  Or, do you feel your prayer requests are somewhat bothersome to God?  Well, I’ve got some good news for you!  The bible instructs us to “come boldly” before the throne of grace and make our requests known to God that we may “obtain mercy and find grace in a time of need.”

The Book of Hebrews was written to Christians who were sojourners or travelers scattered in the Jewish Diaspora.  Scholars differ on the authorship of this letter though some attribute this work to the Apostle Paul.  The intent of Hebrews is to encourage Christians who had undergone persecution and would face further persecutions in the future.  These persecutions caused some Christians to question their commitment to Christ.  The writer of Hebrews, sensing a breakdown in the faith, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, penned this letter to remind fellow Christians that in spite of what we are going through, we can always “come boldly” before the throne of grace.

Are you facing persecution? Challenge? A tough or critical decision? Struggling to get a prayer through? Come boldly before the throne.  Listen, when the bible instructs us to come boldly, that means we are to come with confidence and exercise freedom of speech.  God’s throne is available to us because of the person, work, and sacrifice of our High Priest, Jesus Christ.  Jesus is always pleading on our behalf and it is because of His pleading that we can find grace.

But not only do we find grace when we come before God’s throne, God is so good that we obtain mercy.  This means we receive God’s compassion because our High Priest, who is advocating on our behalf, feels our pain and is in solidarity with our suffering.  Grace implies the bestowal of spiritual gifts which we are empowered to exercise as we move supernaturally in and towards the answer to our very prayers by faith!  But we also obtain mercy which refers to the remission of our sins when we confess them before God. Isn’t it encouraging to know that God does not hold grudges?  When we confess, God forgives (1 John 1:9). 

But it gets even better!  All of this comes in “a time of need” meaning before we are overwhelmed by temptations and when we need it most.  What a mighty God we serve!  God’s supply of grace is available for all believers against all exigent circumstances, and it is supplied every time we are in need of it.  Oh, what joy!

In closing, come boldly!  Don’t hold back on God because God won’t ever hold back on you.  Whatever you need, God’s got it.  All we need to do is come boldly.  Now we can truly know what it means to sing, “Jesus is on the mainline, tell Him what you want…you just call Him up and tell Him what you want!”  Why don’t you give Jesus a try?  Why don’t you “come boldly?”

 

 

Grasshoppers or Giants?

Numbers 13:33 -- And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. (KJV)

Do you have any problems or challenges in your life at this present moment?  Are you trying to figure out your next steps? Your next move? Are you on the brink of a major decision but cannot seem to decide which way is the best to go?  Do you see the other side of the problem/challenge and yet cannot get there because of the perceived (or real) obstacles in your path?

If you’re like me (human), your answer is a resounding “Yes” to at least one or more of those questions.  You can see it but you can’t touch it.  You feel it in your heart and spirit but can’t get to it.  You believe God is on your side but you can’t seem to move forward.

A big part of our challenge can be found in the fact that our focus is too often on the obstacles in our path and not on the goal or end result/destiny itself.  Let me see if I can make this a little clearer.  We see ourselves at a new and more exciting level in our life, but we focus on the obstacles and not the destiny.  We see ourselves getting a promotion on our job, but we focus on the obstacle of a need for additional training or working longer hours.  We see ourselves achieving a college degree certification, or G.E.D., but we focus on the number of classes we must complete, the papers we must write, or the fear we have about whether we can pass a certain class.

When we operate from the above stated mindset, we are operating with a grasshopper’s mentality.  The grasshopper’s mentality works like this:  God gives us a vision or promise, we embrace the vision or promise, the scope of the vision or promise scares us, we stop focusing on the vision or promise, and we start focusing on the obstacles in the path of the vision or promise.

We are not the first humans to operate in this mindset.  In Numbers 13, God instructed Moses to send one man from each of the 12 tribes of Israel into Canaan, to spy out the land and report back its condition and inhabitants.  The key thing to remember is that God had already promised the land to the Children of Israel. Therefore, regardless of the obstacles in the land, it was already theirs because God had already given it to them.  Moses obeys God, selects the 12, and sends them out on the mission.  Of the 12, only two (Joshua and Caleb) came back with a good report.  The other 10 did not see the vision or promise, they only saw the obstacles.  In fact, the 10 specifically state in Number 13:33, “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

Do you see what happened?  They forgot all about the God’s promise (vision) and they placed their focus on the sons of Anak (obstacles), calling themselves grasshoppers and the sons of Anak giants.  In fact, the scripture says “we were in our own sight as grasshoppers…” meaning they gave up, threw in the towel, and lost all self-esteem concerning their ability to overcome the sons of Anak (obstacles) in order to obtain that which God has already promised them was theirs!

What obstacles on the path to your promise are you facing today?  How do you see yourself?  Are you a grasshopper or a giant?  What would happen if you didn’t allow the grasshopper mentality to take over and you saw yourself as the giant God has created you to be?  I can tell you what would happen.  You would march forward, unafraid to face the obstacles in your way, because you possess the confidence of a giant!  And more importantly, you have a great God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Deborah, and you and I on your side.

My encouragement to you is simple: shake off the grasshopper mentality.  See yourself as a powerful giant, and see God as bigger than any problem or challenge you are facing.  God has already promised you the land.  It’s yours!  Possess it. Has God ever lied to you?  No!  And you can rest assured that God won’t start now or ever.  March forward GIANT!  And when you reach the promise, obtain the goal, get the promotion, or earn the degree, remember, you must give God all the glory for it is because of God and God only, that you and I are ever able to achieve the greatness within.

Gone Soft?

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Ocassionally, I am blessed to feature the written works of some of my family or friends.  Today I awoke to find a challenging and thought provoking devotion written by one of my good friends and coaching client, Cynthia Newman. 

Cynthia is a dynamic, vibrant, and successful business woman.  She serves as the President of our Congregation.  But most importantly, she is a true follower of Christ. 

Listen to Cynthia's voice.  Hear and absorb her words.  I was blessed by her outpouring and I am confident you will be as well.

Achieve the Greatness within,

Dr. Adams, III

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Gone Soft? by Cynthia Newman

My Fortune Cookie: Be a doer of deeds and not just of words.

 

My Bible: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)

 

 

I’ve had that little piece of fortune cookie paper floating around my purse for weeks. If you know me, then you know that I change purses like I change undergarments (daily)! But somehow, that tiny piece of paper managed to follow me around long enough for me to take notice.

 

Today I awakened to find myself pondering my plight. Where I am and how I am using the voice that God gave me. Am I making an impact? Am I doing things that uplift others or am just helping myself? When I hear a call for help do I stop and meet the need or do my words end the capacity of my comforting?

 

This week, as I sat to reflect on my life, I realized that I had been passing the opportunity to help those in need. There were calls by women struggling to get ahead and wanting to be mentored. There were children needing a responsible adult to step in and be a rock in their lives. There were women trying to escape their situation and needing some strong person to step in and show the way.  I am sure I get these types of calls regularly, but for some reason, this week, God stopped me long enough to slow me down and cause me to take a look at my actions.

 

When I examined myself, I realized that I had “gone soft”. Somewhere in my process of life and trying to achieve my goals, I had forgotten to slow down and help others achieve theirs. Now I am not saying that I don’t lend a hand to those in need. I do my share, but in reflecting, I found that sometimes the level of my compassion is centered on my words (e.g. “I’ll pray for you”) and that my actions didn’t always see the situation through to resolution.

 

While I know that I am busy (these days we all are), God showed me that there are times when people need more than just my w ords. That he has equipped me with the capacity to help and that is what I must do.  For example, can I use my contacts to provide resources to person in need? Can I take an hour a week to spend time with that child who needs just that…my time? Can I give to the person who may need groceries, the money a I planned to use for new shoes? These are decisions that we all have to make. But only I know if I can and I will.

 

I must be clear and say that the bible teaches us that “wisdom is the principle thing and in all thy getting, get an understanding” (Prov. 4:7). So, we must allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into discerning when we are to help and when we are to be still. But, the Holy Spirit, who leads you into all truth (John 16:13), will do just that.

 

God is calling all of us to a higher level…will you answer the call? Or have you “Gone Soft”?

Are You Seeking?

Lamentations 3:25-- The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. (KJV)

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is also the Captain of our souls.

As a pastor, much of my study time in the Word of God is targeted towards specific assignments that I am responsible for in the work of the ministry.  These assignments range from preaching at church(es) or conferences, bible studies, special studies, or workshops. But sometimes, to my complete satisfaction, God just leads me to what seems like a random scripture (though I know there really isn’t such a thing as a random scripture) that speaks to my heart and perks my interest.

Such is the case with Lamentations 3:25.  It wasn’t a scripture I found as much as it’s a scripture that found me as I was flipping through the Word.  In fact, I’ve learned that when God wants to reveal something to me in a time of searching and discernment, God will often drop His word right in front of my face.

Two words caught my attention in this text: wait and seek.  In some respects the two words can appear to be contradictory.  “Waiting” can be viewed as passive while “seeking” implies activity.  But upon further examination, it becomes clearly evident that this is not the case.  It’s clearly evident that while we “wait” we must never cease to “seek” for it is in the act of seeking God that God promises we will find Him.

Commentators help us to understand that Lamentations chapter three contains five key points that give us greater insight into the prophet’s words.  First, this chapter lifts up a sad complaint of God's displeasure and the fruits of it (v. 1-20). Secondly, we find words of comfort to God's people when they are in trouble and distress (v. 21-36). Third, we see the duty prescribed in this afflicted state (v. 37-41). Fourth, and maybe even unfortunately, we see the complaint renewed (v. 42-54).  But fifth, and fortunately, we see encouragement given to hope in God, and continue waiting for His salvation, with an appeal to His justice against the persecutors of the church (v. 55-66).

In verse 25 specifically, the prophet wants to make it clear that those who trust in God never trust in vain. What an encouraging word!  If I’m waiting on God (trusting) and seeking God (believing, worshipping, and serving), I can have the confidence that God will not abandon my trust nor will God fall short of what He has promised.  But here’s a further insight into this text that deserves illumination. The prophet reminds us that God is good. But even better, the prophet wants us to be assured that God is especially good to those that wait and seek!  Wow!! How powerful is that affirmation in a time when we really need to be reassured.  I’d say it’s very powerful, wouldn’t you?

I don’t know where you are in your faith walk, and I don’t know what you are waiting on God for.  But if you’re like me, you have a least one thing (probably more like a few things), that you are waiting (trusting) on God for.  The prophet spoke these words in Lamentations to encourage our hearts to keep waiting (trusting) and keep seeking (believing, worshipping, and serving) because it is in this posture that we find God and experience all of God’s promises.

My heart has been encouraged.  And I pray you’re has too.  Wait (trust) and seek (believe, worship, and serve).  God is good and God’s word is sure.  Are you seeking?

Have You Possessed Your Land? - Part 1

Deuteronomy 26:1-3

 

26:1 And it shall be, when thou art come in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein;

 

2 That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there.

3 And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us. (KJV)

 

The faithfulness of God cannot be questioned. We can totally depend on God and God’s Word is sure.  Isaiah 55:11 tells us that “the word of the Lord will never return void.”  When God speaks something into existence, it’s a done deal and no devil in hell can stop it.

The faithfulness of God can be trusted and the maturing Christian learns to trust God even when he or she cannot see exactly what God is doing.  My Bishop and mentor, Dr. Tom Benjamin, calls these the times when “God is operating on the left side…”  The left side is the side of mystery.  It’s the side where God is working but we can’t see what God is doing.  This is contrasted with His right side, or more specifically, when God uses His right Hand or His Hand of power. 

It is important to remember that in this life we will have what are called “wilderness experiences.”  These experiences are designed to test our faith and prove to us just how faithful God is, in spite of us.  These experiences are designed to shape us, mold us, grow us up, and help us get to a place where we are totally dependent on God. 

Wilderness experiences are often found in sickness and death.  Wilderness experiences are found in trials and tribulations.  Wilderness experiences are found in loneliness, depression, marital problems, divorce, transitions, and loss of income or employment.  Wilderness experiences are voids in our life and the times when we can’t see or interpret the Hand of God. 

Yes, we all have wilderness experiences. And yet, without those wilderness experiences there can be no possession of the land.  Without those wilderness experiences, there can no real appreciation for the power of God. Without those wilderness experiences there can be no true understanding of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is in those wilderness experiences that God is most revealing.  And, it is when we’re going through something that God often speaks the clearest.  It is in those times when God speaks and gives us His promise.

Jurgen Moltmann, the German theologian notes: “God reveals Himself in the form of promise and in the history that is marked by promise.”  So what are you saying Pastor? Simply put, the faithfulness of God brings us through the wilderness into the land He promised us.  So the question for you today is:  Have you possessed your land?”

The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of Moses.  Commentators help us to understand that it begins with the Children Israel temporarily settled in the plains of Moab, opposite Jericho, and on the threshold of entering the Promised Land.  Moses is addressing the people in what he knows will be his final words.  In a series of speeches that amount to his final testimony, he reminds the people of their recent history and of all that God had done for them thus far across the wilderness. 

Again and again, Moses emphasizes that Israel must show total allegiance to God and obey His commandments if they are to enjoy peace and prosperity in the land that God is giving them.  Moses accomplishes his work in a series of three addresses. In the first address, Moses: reviews God’s mighty acts; reminds the people of their conquest at the Jordan; and speaks about the consequences of God’s deliverance.

In the second address, Moses: lays out the heart of the Covenant of Faith; talks about the conquest of Canaan; and warns against the dangers of prosperity.  In the third address, Moses: exhorts the people to remain committed; warns against hypocrisy; and names Joshua as his successor.  It is in the second address of Moses that we find the focus for this writing, and it is in the second address where Moses details two important rituals: the presentation of Firstfruits and the presentation of the tithe. 

Moses pays close attention to the words he is speaking because he wants the people to understand that they will be accountable for performing these rituals once they have entered into the Promised Land.  Have You Possessed Your Land?  Are you benefiting from the land that God has brought you into?  Are you better off than you parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents? Regardless of how you answered those questions, here are three key points that I want you to grasp.

First and foremost, God gives freely.  Deuteronomy 26:1 states: “And it shall be, when thou art come in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein;(KJV)”  This text confirms that God has a land promised to each one of us.  If you have not come into your promise, expect to because God’s word is sure.  But more importantly, when you do come into your promise, remember that it is God who gave you the land freely and God is the one who deserves the glory for His goodness.

Secondly, God shows favor.  Deuteronomy 26:2 notes: “That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there. (KJV)” The scripture makes it clear that we are to bring firstfruits to God because these are fruits of the land that God has given us.  The fact that the land God has given produces fruit shows emphatically that God has shown favor! 

Here’s another important point:  God’s favor does not need to be justified or explained.  Sometimes we spend too much time trying to explain to people, who really don’t care and are just on the attack (or hating on you), why we have the favor of God on our life.  Now let’s be clear.  I am not saying that we should not testify to the goodness of God.  God forbid.  But I am saying that when the favor of God is on your life, you can’t explain it to someone who doesn’t believe they have the same favor, even though God is no respecter of persons.  So, stop trying to explain away your favor and walk in it!

Finally, God is faithful.  Deuteronomy 26:3 notes: “And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us. (KJV)” God is faithful.  What God promised our parents, grandparents, and even our great-grandparents, God is bringing to pass in our lives.  Remember, somebody prayed for you and somebody prayed for me.  The fruit of the land we are reaping is the result of the prayers of the righteous saints that have come before us.  God is so faithful that He keeps generational promises.  He gives to us what He promised to our ancestors.  What a mighty God we serve!

In closing, “Have You Possessed Your Land?”  Are you walking in the blessings that God freely gives, basking in His favor, and experiencing His complete faithfulness? I am a witness that God’s promises are real.  Are you?  Stand on God’s word.  Don’t waiver.  Don’t look to the left or the right.  Don’t let anyone talk you out of your blessings either.  What’s yours is yours.  Possess your land!

 

No Other Help -- Part 7: The "Five P's" -- The Proven Faithfulness of God

Psalms 121 (KJV)

121:1 A Song of degrees.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help come th from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

It has been a few weeks since my last post on this wonderfully moving and blessed subject of “Looking to the Hills: The Five P’s.”  Some of you have followed t his study faithfully and I have received numerous emails testifying to how God is speaking directly to you from this work. 

My delay has not been due in sending this newest e-votional has not been due to inactivity.  Rather, I’m learning that it is best to only pen or speak God’s Word when God gives utterance.  God is speaking and I am writing.  Are you ready for the next lesson?  Great, then let’s go a little deeper as we now focus on the fifth and final “P”; The Proven Faithfulness of God.

Isaiah 55:11 states: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (KJV)   This is a powerful word of confirmation that every child of God can find assurance in.  God’s word can be trusted.  God’s word is sure.  Whatever God has spoken will come to pass.  All of God’s promises are yes and amen!

A closer look at this text via the commentators helps the reader to understand that “all truth which God reveals is as much adapted to produce an effect on the hard and sterile hearts of men and women as the rain is on the earth.”  Have you ever noticed that when rain falls, it does not selectively determine where to fall?  In essence, rain doesn’t fall only on vegetation (grass, trees, flowers, etc.).  Rain falls on rocks, dirt, streets, and sidewalks as well.  At first glance, it doesn’t seem to be any point for the rain to fall on that which doesn’t appear to be able t o produce growth.  But God is an all-wise God who understands that the power of rain is not simply where it falls, but in its ability to produce growth when it falls.

God has a design for giving His word.  That design is for the accomplishing of the Gospel.  God promises that His word will never return void, even if when it goes forth, its purpose seems to be in vain in our eyes. God’s word is God’s advice, act, chronicles, commandments, counsel, decree, portion, power, and promise.  God’s word does not need the approval of anyone to accomplish what it has been sent to accomplish.  What does this mean?  Well, quite simply put, God’s word can be trusted and God faithfulness has a proven track record. Whatever God has spoken over your life has already come to pass in the mind of God.  All you need to do is believe what God has said and walk in His word.

What are you trusting God for today?  What promises has God made to you?  Are you willing to believe God until what He’s promised comes to pass?  I pray your answer is a resounding “Yes Lord!”  Why? Because if you take a moment and look back, you’ll be reassured that God has already proven to you that He is faithful.  Ever been sick and God healed you? That’s His proven faithfulness.  Ever had a broken heart that God mended?  That’s His proven faithfulness. Ever needed help with any of life’s challenges (raising children, school, marital problems, loss of income or employment, etc.) and experienced God’s helping Hand? That’s His proven faithfulness.

In closing, God’s word is proof of the His proven faithfulness, which is also a sign of the fullness of God’s mercy.  From Genesis to Revelation we can find comfort, peace, guidance, and mercy.  God speaks to us over and over again through His word and assures us that He and He alone is the One True and Living God.  God is everything we need.  And, God is merciful in spite of who we are.  In essence, when we are at our worst, steeped in sin and rebellion, God is merciful.  When we are disobedient, God is merciful.  When we do not trust Him, God is merciful.  God’s mercies are renewed day by day, moment by moment.  Thank God for His mercies. And, thank God for His proven faithfulness.

My prayer is that you have enjoyed this walk with God through the “Five P’s.”  I have certainly enjoyed penning them.  Now God is moving us into “possessing the land.”  Have you possessed your land?  See you next time as we begin a new and fruitful walk in God's word.

No Other Help - Part 6: The Five "P's"

No Other Help – Part 6: The “Five P’s”

Psalms 121 (KJV)

121:1 A Song of degrees.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

In the fifth part of this vital lesson on trusting God and “looking to the hills”, we began a study on the subject of The Predestination of God.  Predestination is the fourth of “Five P’s.”  As I continued to pray, study, and reflect, God took me a little deeper regarding the biblical and theological teaching around predestination. 

As a reminder, predestination is the biblical teaching that declares the sovereignty of God over humans in such a way that the freedom of the human will is also preserved. To predestinate means to “limit in advance; predetermine; determine before; or ordain.”  But God helped me to see that God’s promises are directly connected to God’s predestination and can be verified through God’s Word. 

To help get my point across regarding this fascinating premise let’s look at the life and witness of Abraham.  Specifically, let’s focus on Abraham as a Man of Faith

The Unger Bible Dictionary[1] helps us to understand that the spiritual experience of Abraham was marked by four far-reaching crises in which his faith was tested, and which, in each case, he was called upon by God to surrender something naturally most dear to him as follows:

 

·         First, his giving up country and kindred (Genesis 12:1);

·         Second, his breaking off with his nephew, Lot, particularly close to Abraham by virtue of kinship as a fellow believer and possible heir (Genesis 13);

·         Third, the abandonment of his own cherished plans for Ishmael and his being called upon to center his hope in the promise of the birth of Isaac (Genesis 17:17-18);

·         Fourth, the supreme test of his mature life of faith in his willingness to offer up Isaac, his only son, whom he loved passionately and in whom all his expectations centered (Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:17-18).

In each case cited above, Abraham’s faith was tested.  Each test was progressive and each test was more complex and demanded more of Abraham’s faith than the previous test.  In each case had Abraham failed to respond properly to God’s predestined plan, his destiny would have been delayed or possibly derailed. 

We are like Abraham.  In order to move into the promises God has already predestined for our lives, we must face and pass the progressive faith tests that God places before us.  Recently in my Sunday School class, I challenged my students to ask themselves the question: “Am I willing to accept and pass the tests that God places before me in order to receive God’s promises for my life?”  I challenged the class to find 30 minutes in the coming week where they could be alone with God, their Bible, and a journal.  I promised them that if they would follow my lead, God would speak to them and help them not only ask the question, but also begin to see the tests that they must pass to move closer to their predestined promises.

I am happy to report that in the weeks that followed, one by one, my students reported back to me in person, via email, and via text messages (we live in an electronic world) with great testimonies and breakthroughs of their personal encounters with God. 

I would now like to issue the same challenge to you.  Are you willing to find 30 minutes this week alone with God so that He can begin to not only share His promises with you, but also help you to see the tests that you must begin to face and pass in order to move into the promises God has predestined for your life?  I assure you, God is waiting.  And I assure you, God will speak and you will not be disappointed with what you hear.  The only disappoint that’s possible will arise from your unwillingness to accept the test.

In closing, Abraham is known as “The Father of Faith” because he trusted God totally and unequivocally.  Abraham didn’t have all the answers up front.  But he knew God could be counted on to be faithful to His word.  And that was all Abraham needed.  What are you trusting God for? What has God promised you? Are you willing to accept and pass the test?  These are predestination questions that lead to your promise.  Face them, embrace them, let them empower you, and watch God work supernaturally.

See you next time as we continue our series: “No Other Help: The Five “P’s.”

 

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[1] (From The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright © 1988.)

 

No Other Help -- Part 5: The "Five P's"

Psalms 121 (KJV)

121:1 A Song of degrees.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

In the fourth part of this vital lesson on trusting God and “looking to the hills”, we were enlightened and encouraged by what we learned about God’s Providence. As we continue in this study, let’s now turn our attention to the fourth “P”; The Predestination of God. 

Predestination is the biblical teaching that declares the sovereignty of God over humans in such a way that the freedom of the human will is also preserved. To predestinate means to “limit in advance; predetermine; determine before; or ordain.”

Scholars help us to understand that two major concepts are involved in the biblical meaning of predestination. First, God, who is all powerful in the universe, has foreknown and predestined the course of human history and the lives of individuals. If God were not in complete control of human events, God would not be sovereign and, thus, would not be God.

Second, God's predestination of human events does not eliminate human choice. A thorough understanding of how God can maintain His sovereignty and still allow human freedom seems to be reserved for His infinite mind alone. Great minds have struggled with this problem for centuries. As believers, we should trust the mind of God as explained to us by the Word of God.

The Apostle Paul helps us to understand the doctrine of predestination (the mind of God) in the first chapter of Ephesians.  Take a look at Paul’s teaching:

Ephesians 1:1-12

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (KJV)

In verses 5 and 11 specifically, Paul tells us that God has “predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself.”  He also tells us that “we have obtained an inheritance” and that inheritance is predestinated because God consulted with God and determined it so.  This is a fascinating premise that bears a little deeper exploration.

When God get’s ready to do something, God does not need anyone’s permission.  God counsels with Himself, determines what is best, and wills it to be so.  Think about this for a moment.  If it is the will of God to predestinate something in our lives nothing can stop what God wills because God is in complete control.  Let’s personalize this a little more.  When God gives you a vision concerning your life, God has already willed (predestinated) that vision to happen in the mind of God.  God only asks that we have faith, look to the hills, and move towards the vision with full confidence.  That’s good news and that’s something to shout about.

In closing, the biblical doctrine of predestination is one that can only be fully understood by faith through the Word of God.  Some will find it difficult to wrestle with the premise that if God is a good God (and we know He is), and God is in control of everything (and we know He is), why does God allow bad things to happen?  As I stated above, great minds have also wrestled with this premise throughout the ages. 

As humans, we will never fully understand the mind of God.  God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.  But we can trust the character of God, which ultimately means we can trust the will of God.  That’s why Paul could also confidently pen Romans 8:28; “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (KJV)

So, remember, look to the hills.  For in “the hills” you will find God’s Predestination. See you next week as we finish our series: “No Other Help: The Five “P’s.”

No Other Help - Part 4: The "Five P's"

Psalms 121 (KJV)

121:1 A Song of degrees.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

In the third part of this vital lesson on trusting God and “looking to the hills”, we learned from Deuteronomy 8 that God is a God of promises.  In this lesson, I want to explore the third “P” or The Providence of God. 

The Unger Bible Dictionary helps us understand that PROVIDENCE (foresight or foreseeing) is a theological term that speaks to the continual care God exercises over the universe He has created. There are at least three key principles to God’s providence[1]:

1.      God's providence is unlimited.

• God’s care for His people is not seasonal, contingent upon our attitude or actions, or ever in danger of being depleted.  God’s care is fully comprehensive and forever.  It never runs out and it will never stop.  This is the confidence that David displayed in Psalm 23 when he penned, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”  Another way of stating David’s words is: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I want for nothing!”  Because God’s care is unlimited, we really have no needs, or wants.  God is a good shepherd who will always make sure His flock has everything we need and then some.

2.      The constant and final aim of God's providence is the fulfillment of His purpose in creation.

• The Apostle Paul makes it clear in his letter to the Christians at Ephesus that God has foreordained a purpose or destiny for each of His children (you and me), and that it is God’s intent to insure that His purpose for our lives comes to pass.  I like what Paul says in Ephesians 1:11, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.”  God does not need to consult with anyone regarding His plan for your life.  When He determines the plan, He consults with Himself. And once He is settled on the plan with Himself, He makes it your inheritance.  That’s good news because it means that no obstacle or devil can stop God’s plan for our lives.  God will always work on our behalf to move us into the fulfillment of His destiny for our lives because it is His constant and chief aim.

3.      The particular steps in this divine process are often unintelligible to us, but the purpose of God is independent and eternal and is certain of its realization.

• Romans 11:33-36 states: “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (KJV)”   Belief in the providence of God, based on the Word of God, is of the highest importance because it ultimately causes us to live a life of trust, gratitude, patience and hope.  We don’t always see what God sees.  We don’t always understand where God is taking us, or why certain things are happening a certain way.  The child of God must learn to trust God completely because it is only when we have complete trust that we are assured of God’s active involvement in our day to day lives.  What is important to us, according to the will of God, is also important to God.  And God is deeply interested in, and committed to, helping us accomplish that which He had the foresight to ordain specifically for us.

In closing, providence, or foresight is a blessed assurance.  God can see what’s down the road, around the corner, up the hill, and beyond the clearing.  And the good news is that if at any of those points there is imminent danger, God care for us so much that He will either steer us clear of the danger, or give us the faith, strength, and navigational skills to make it through to the other side.  So, remember, look to the hills.  For in “the hills” you will find God’s Providence. See you next week as continue in our series: “No Other Help: The Five “P’s.”

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[1] The New Unger's Bible Dictionary, Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois, 1988