A BALANCED LIFE OF GIVING

Christians are considered citizens of another kingdom, kids of another family and residents of another world or realm - all while living in this one. There is an amazing balance act required by the Follower of Christ when he/she accepts Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. 

You have heard the expression - The Believer has to be in the world but not of the world. This truth tells of the requirement met for living out the Christian life (not being of the world) while meeting the condition for living in a temporary place (having to dwell for the time being in the world).

In Matthew 22:15-22, Jesus is approached by Pharisees with an entrapping question - "Is it right to pay the Imperial Tax to Caesar or not?" The Imperial Tax was a special tax levied on subject peoples and not the Roman citizens. Referring to the coin used for payment in those days, Jesus answered, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?" The Pharisees replied, "Caesar's." Jesus responded, "So, give back to Casesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

Notice that the Pharisees only asked about what is owed to Caesar. They got a bonus answer when Christ included God in the picture - "give back to God what is God's".

This is part of a delicate balancing act that Christians live out while in this world, but not of it. We adhere to the laws that govern our society and culture, but we should also be following the precepts, instruction and lifestyle example of Jesus Christ. Giving back to the community, county, state or country is logical. But, how do you give back to God?

Even though God owns everything, giving back to Him is a sign of acknowledging that He has entrusted us with His blessing. For us to get in the way and stop the flow of His plan, His favor and His mercies is absurd. We earnestly need His input, His counsel and His guidance since He bestowed the favor to begin with. 

Many, if not most, of the world owe somebody money, goods and/or services - so we work in order to satisfy all those that demand this of us. Christians owe our lives to Christ our Savior. He paid our sin debt, restored our relationship with Father God and secured eternity with Him forever. 

This life is a life of giving out of necessity. However, I also give back to The Lord not only due to the tremendous gift of salvation, but of the awesome favor He blesses me with continually. He allows me to steward His grace upon my life and in turn I give it back.

In this world we are somewhat free to manage our money as long as come tax season we pay our required amount of taxes. In God's kingdom, giving back to God means you continue in His favor as you trust Him with the original design. In this life we are called to live - A Balanced Life Of Giving.

LIVING STONES

Throughout Scripture everyday analogies are given to communicate a spiritual truth. For example - 

• "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream." (Jeremiah 17:8)
• "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field." (Matt. 13:24)
• "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough." (Matt. 13:33)
• "The kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field." (Matt. 13:44)
• "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls." (Matt. 13:45)

One of the analogies that I believe believers may want to stop and research is the analogy of us as Living Stones. However, let us first look at Jesus pictured as a rock or stone.

There are many references to Christ as The Rock, The Stone or The Cornerstone. In Matthew 16:18 when Jesus was talking to the little rock or Peter, I believe Jesus pointed with His finger at Himself and said, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Why? Because there is no other person the church is built upon than Christ Jesus. No other person does the gates of Hades wither at the name of than Christ Jesus. Peter did help build the church, but it was not built UPON him. Peter did make a great sacrifice with his life, but he did not overcome death, Hades and the grave as Jesus did. The church is built UPON Christ Jesus, The Son of the Living God.

Another reference to Jesus as a Rock is found in Daniel 2:33-35. In this passage a supernatural rock becomes a mountain that engulfs the entire earth. This prophetic literature describes the return of Jesus in a militaristic fashion when He will subdue all worldly kingdoms and set up His own for a thousand years before making things new.

Speaking of mountains, that is what rocks form. In mountains, specifically Mount Zion, we can see The Mountain or Kingdom made out of relationships at the cost of Chirst's life. God sits upon the top as King of the Mountain and He is also the Root of the Mountain. In this same way, we were placed in The Temple as stones of His House, His Kingdom and His Family. However, Christ is The Chief Cornerstone. 

Cornerstones are important in the building of a physical structure, even moreso our spiritual lives. The functions of the cornerstones are to set the boundaries, give direction and support the load of the structure. All of the cornerstones matter in our lives, but one matters most - The Chief Cornerstone.

What makes The Chief Cornerstone different from the remaining three? The first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, which is analogous to our spiritual foundation, is important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, including the other cornerstones, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

So, where does that leave us? 1 Peter 2:4-8 brings the challenge to be "like living stones" front and center - a supportive, Christlike person with structure and character whose life and service always points to his/her Chief Cornerstone - Christ Jesus. The passage reads - 

"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:

'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.'

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and, 'A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.'

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for."

Within this passage, Peter re-emphasized a prophecy about Christ and His opponents from David in Psalm 118:22 - "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone". This would be fulfilled by the Jewish religious leaders of Christ Jesus. Rejected by "the builders", the Pharisees and Saducees took ownership of the Temple. Their positions, roles and responsibilities were too precious to them so they kept God, as The Head of His House, even in His prophetic Scripture of a coming Servant Messiah - Out! 

Notice, "the builders" here are men, not God. The religious Jewish leaders proved that with the rejection in John 11:48. They said, "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation." There was the concern. They said, "our temple" and not God's temple. 

Then the High Priest declared and prophesied - "better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." (John 11:50) This was the Jewish answer. 

Then they waited and schemed for their prime opportunity to take Jesus of Nazareth out of the picture. "So from that day on they plotted to take his life." (Jn. 11:53) This became their plan.

Listen! If Christ as the Chief Cornerstone was rejected, we can be sure rejection as being part of His household is guaranteed. John remembers Jesus saying, "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." (John 15:20) People, inside and outside Christianity, will look for flaws in us. We must abide in Christ. We must always point back to The Cornerstone and the price paid for His prominent placement in our lives and in The Family of God.

I know we don't think much of rocks as being living or even active. On the contrary, rocks are usually active when they are acted upon by an outside force like water, wind, lava, gravity and so forth. However, believers are being called to be proactive. Notice the section - "you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house...". The phrase "are being built" implies a process. Yes, Jesus Paid It All, but now sing the rest of that - All To Him I Owe. Christ has Redeemed us with His life and claimed the victory through His Resurrection. However, our part now remains to live a devoted life to Him, hopefully seeing our physical manifestation glorified soon, upon His Return.

Christ is The Creator and Sustainer of everything. Who or What is The Chief Cornerstone of your life? Who is the governing force, anchor, moral compass, peace and security in your life? I pray your answer is Christ Jesus. If He is, then alignment with Him in every facet of your life along with shoulder-to-should service with fellow believers and expected times of persecution is how we can view ourselves as - Living Stones.

FOOTHOLD

Imagine yourself a mountain that moves. Who or what is king of the mountain? Who or what is king of you? Is it a fleeting emotion? Is it a relative, friend or thing?

Imagine again, but this time picture yourself as a portable room. Who have you let in your door? Who or what are you letting in your door currently? 

Ephesians 4:26-28 mentions the word "foothold" as a condition brought about by the enemy of our souls that has given him possible strategic advantage over our lives. The verse reads - 

• "'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." 

The original word for "foothold" here is topos. It is likely where we get our word topography - the study of land or places. Topos can refer to a specific advantageous location, like a foot in the door or right placement of the foot on a mountain outcropping. Some would say this is being in the right place at the right time. Foothold can also refer to a condition or advantageous opportunity the the likes of anger and other passionate emotions which can turn negative or positive depending on the user.

The instruction in the verse is three-fold:

1. Do not allow the condition to get to you and lead you to sin. ('In your anger do not sin')
2. Do not allow the day to end with the condition still unresolved. (Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry)
3. Kick the devil off your mountain or out of your door/home! (do not give the devil a foothold.)

The how-to defeat or avoid this scenario altogether is to perform preemptive work. We all need to be more sensitive, more considerate, more attentive and more aware of ourselves, others and our surroundings. We need to be more proactive. If we have our antenna up and tuned to these and most importantly The Holy Spirit, far and few between will be the Foothold.  

SILENCE

There is a song by Simon and Garfunkel entitled "The Sound of Silence". Some say it was written in the void left by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. There are times when even with the best intentions of desiring to reach for the words to say to someone, we would be better served if our mouths stay shut. Then there are other instances where something said is totally appropriate and would drive the sheer awkwardness of silence away. 

There is plenty in Scripture to draw from on this topic. However, allow me to lift from three verses. The first is Proverbs 17:28 - 

• "Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues." 

So here, we have somebody or a group of people that are known in the community as "fools". The thought is one that is not written down but inferred by what is stated - if fools are wise enough to keep silent and discerning enough to hold their tongue, then how much more should the non-foolish already be doing this? Hopefully you are counted among the non-foolish and are exercising restraint of the tongue. 

Ecclesiastes 3:7 is the next verse and it states there is - "a time to be silent and a time to speak". This is pretty straight forward logic but we fail miserably with the timing of when to speak at times. I have put my foot in my mouth or wished I had to stop me from talking a few times in my life. This is certainly a prayer bullet to have on your list of things to ask The Lord for help on a daily basis. A little extra Scripture here provides one of my favorite verses that applies to this situation of when to speak - "A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!" (Proverbs 15:23)

Esther 4:14 is the final main verse I had in mind for this subject. This verse reads - "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Nothing like the extermination of you and your people to stir you to action. Mordecai not only saw the leaders of their land as the threat to their demise, but inaction or worse yet - Silence. 

Mordecai's cousin, Esther, is who the above passage is addressing and encouraging to use her opportunity of position, beauty, charm and reason to save the Jews from obliteration. In other words, if ever there was a time to speak-up and not be silent - now was the time. And Esther came through in flying colors.

God's discerning Spirit within the Believer is of utmost importance here. Think before you speak is still a common challenge for us all. Some have this issue more than others and need a heavy dose of the Holy Spirit as their discerning guide. 

When I graduated from college many moons ago, I was blessed with a job in radio. I worked as a Producer/Director or Board Operator for a local talk radio station. For each talk show host on my shift my responsibility was essentially a "Screener". I would use a simple computer program to capture name, age, location and subject desired to talk about. This information was displayed on another computer monitor in the host's studio in front of me through a glass window. In addition, if the host selected anybody and the person went off track from the information provided and was nasty, I had a Red Delay Button (of 6 seconds) that would drop any undesirable content and rebuild that delay for a next time.

The Holy Spirit does the same for us mentally, physically and spiritually. God gave David a powerful and anointed prayer in Psalm 141:3 - "Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." Because once the words are out - they are out. If we allow Him, The Holy Spirit can be our Screener. Jesus told His disciples that He would give them the words to say via The Holy Spirit when they were arrested (Matthew 10:19) How much more do you think He would give us the right words, at the right time to be an encouragement or help to others if we seek His counsel and leading? 

If you are a considerate person, one that does not blab or speak every, single thing that is on your mind, then knowing when to speak or not is still a challenge, but at least you give Pause; at least you are sensitive to a given conversation. My encouragement today is to practice conferring with The Holy Spirit before we open our mouths. And even sometimes with His counsel He may want us to exercise - Silence. 

THE KEYS TO GOD'S MANIFEST PRESENCE

God is everywhere, at all times - omnipresent. However, as believers in Christ Jesus, God's Son, we can have a more intimate experience of God's manifest presence. The keys to God's manifest presence are thanksgiving and praise.

My Pastor's son, Logan, taught recently on this subject and stated, "The password into His presence is 'Thank You'." Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." This is a simple mindset, attitude and lifestyle we can adopt but often forget or neglect. God has blessed us with everything, now do we return to The Giver on a regular basis with thanks and entrust back into His hands what was already His? For many Christians this is a grateful lifestyle that is lived out daily.

However, Lord help us to never be so consumed by ourselves, others, society, our culture or things that we revert back to what the Israelites did - they forgot you! In Judges 3:7, 1 Samuel 12:9 and Jeremiah 3:21 the phrase "they forgot the Lord their God" is used to describe the Israelites condition. And in Judges 8:33-35 the phrase - "and did not remember the Lord their God" is used for the same condition. Again, Lord help us never to forget you. Help us to learn from King David, as he said, "Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits." (Psalm 103:2) In this command to his own soul, David had the right mindset, the right attitude and right lifestyle - to never forget, to always be thankful to the Lord and praise or "bless" His name.

The should'ves, could'ves and would'ves of life are tools of the enemy who target our joy and progress. Unfortunately, our society focuses on what they do not have and has an I deserve attitude or spirit of entitlement that flies in the spirit of humility which is a fruit of a thankful heart. 

Mr. Rick Renner stated in his Sparkling Gems From the Greek 2, "Thankfulness is a prerequisite to happiness because only a thankful heart can be a happy heart." (p.467) 

Acquiring and keeping a grateful and thankful attitude not only reminds us of past and recent blessings, but of God's promises - His projected blessings yet to come. A focused perspective is the key. Keep your focus on God's Faithfulness (God's Track Record) and your attitude and future will immediately brighten beyond belief.

"If society focused its gaze on God and kept Him in their minds, it would be more difficult for Satan's deception to work its plan in the world. But when man becomes unthankful - ceasing to acknowledge God and to be thankful for His abundant blessings - that is when he begins to sink into decadence." (Renner, page 468)

"You see, a Christian may not slide into the same sins to which the world quickly succumbs, but ungratefulness, bitterness and other heart-hardening attitudes will worm their way into your soul if you do not maintain an attitude of thankfulness and constantly recognize God's goodness in your life." (Renner, page 469)

I watched a three-part movie series recently called "Death Comes to Pemberley" (attached to the "Pride and Prejudice" story). In the final installment, the female lead, Anna Martin playing Elizabeth Darcy was speaking with her beloved about perspective and said, "Let's look to the past only as it gives us pleasure. And to the future only as it gives us hope."

The Hebrew people did this eons before Elizabeth Darcy arrived on the scene. As God's people would travel from place to place experiencing the many facets of God's favor - altars of stone would be built to commemorate or commit to memory what The Lord had done for them there. In addition, they would not only build the altar, they would name the altar, like The Lord is My Shelter (protection).

Gratitude is a purposeful, humble, mature act of recognizing and appreciating The Giver. One of the ten men with leprosy in Luke 17:11-19 is an excellent example of this deliberate return to The Blesser, Healer and Giver - Jesus. We desperately need to remember and not forget The Lord as He continually blesses us whether we see it or not. Then as we remember "all His benefits", as David said, we can enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise as we use - The Keys to God's Manifest Presence.

IN HIS LIKENESS

As I age, I hear some people say, "I see your mom and dad in you more every day." This is a good thing for me because God blessed me with Godly parents that raised me in The Way I should go. However, that similarity in appearance, behavior, attitude, humor and faith is part history of my family, part environment I grew up in and part purposeful parenting/instruction I was given as a youth. As a Believer in Christ, after accepting Jesus' sacrifice for our redemption and restoration to Father God, I have to work at becoming more In His Likeness.

The fact that Christians can be individuals and yet seek to be consumed by God's likeness is a wonderful mystery. The world would say - "Be all you can be. Be your own person. Be the best you, you can be." Some would go as far as to picture reliance on someone for their identity as weak. This depends on who you rely upon for your identity. 

For the Christ Follower this is certainly not a sign of weakness. This is a sign of maturity and a good decision in the development of your whole being - to be more like Christ every day.

All Christians are works in progress. I know of nobody who can claim to have arrived at the Perfect Likeness of Christ. Since this is the case, one of the important ingredients in the Believer's relationship with Jesus for our transformation into His likeness is Time With Him.

Any relationship that is going to be of worth is going to find more time and effort dedicated to it. I believe we prioritize and carry out consciously and unconsciously the relationships we deem important and want to continue. The Scripture calls this - tarrying. 

There is an active tarrying and a more soaking tarrying. When we actively wait, we are consistently pursuing God about something and waiting for His response while living and serving. When we soak in God's Presence, we are spending a little to a lot more extra TIME with The Lord during our Personal, daily, one-on-one meetings with Him. I am sure we do both.

However, I know I love it when best friends and family desire to spend quality, intimate time with me! How much more do you think The Holy Spirit desires Communion with us? My pastor put it this way - "Christianity is not a Zap ministry, but a Sap ministry, where The Oil of His Holy Spirit saturates us and flows down slowly over every inch of our being." [Pritchard Paraphrase] 

This is a perfect opportunity to receive a report card from The Lord on our development. This is a great time for us to allow The Holy Spirit to pin-point additional areas of improvement. This is a wonderful occasion to have God hold up a Holy Mirror and see how we are progressing or regressing - In His Likeness.

WORTH WHILE

Ever said to someone, "You are such a joy!" or "You are such a joy to be around."? When Christmas time rolls around the song Joy To The World can be heard in many places. Although this a great song to promote joy, peace and happiness for the season, the lyrics portray a future time when this will be fulfilled with the rulership of Christ over the entire Earth. Until then all of us believers and non-believers must daily search and find joy to keep life worth while.

The writer of Hebrews stated about Jesus' life outlook - "For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Notice in counting the cost of enduring the cross, the joy, His joy on the other side was figured into the worth of the sacrifice.

The Lord asks Christians to behave the same way through James saying, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3) Believers do not need to rejoice at the issue, just acknowledge the problem is going to develop you further into who you should be in Christ. I realize many times we don't stop and think this way, but we should begin training our minds, spirits and attitudes in this regard. 

We do have an Ace up our sleeve, our Ace is the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. Jesus has paid for all our mistakes, lived the perfect life and is ready to counsel us at any moment. He is only a heartbeat away. And His counsel is only a prayer breathed in view of a short term issue or long term concern.

Now-a-days we desperately need joy. In this world of joy thieves, I smile with the smile of a Cheshire cat grin because of who my Joy is - The Holy Spirit - and all the joy He is faithful in providing me. His joy is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10), His Joy makes me full (John 15:11-12), His Joy keeps my life - Worth While.

LIVE IN CHRIST

Identity In Christ; Living In Christ

Many things pull at us to claim our identity. Among some of these possessive things are our culture, environment, and self-perception. However, for those who are followers of Christ, our identity should have been metamorphosed into that of a Christ-like human. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” So, what are some of the identifying traits, markers or characteristics Christians should have by being in relationship with Christ?

1. In Christ – we are saved from a eternally, damned future. “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” – Acts 2:38

2. In Christ – we have healing to distribute as well as to receive. “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’” – Acts 3:6

3. In Christ – we publicly acknowledge His control and leadership of our lives through Baptism. "Then Peter said, ’Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.’ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” – Acts 10:46-48

4. In Christ – we have authority to cast out demons and evil spirits. "She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!' At that moment the spirit left her." – Acts 16:18

5. In Christ – we have right standing with Father God. “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,”. – Romans 3:22

6. In Christ – we were loved with the ultimate sacrifice and continually loved by His faithfulness no matter our pitfalls. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

7. In Christ – we are now reconciled. “Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” – Romans 5:11

8. In Christ – we find and walk in grace, righteousness and eternal life. “The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 5:20-21

9. In Christ – we are not condemned. Romans 8:1

10. In Christ – we have an interceder for us. Romans 8:34.

11. In Christ – we have God’s Presence always. Romans 8:39.

12. In Christ – we are sons and daughters of God. Galatians 3:26

There are numerous more instances where the Believer’s Identity – In Christ – can be found in Scripture. However, I thought this would be a good start and foundation to remind us who and what we have, especially when the enemy visits and tries to change our identity. 

The Devil loves to play mind games (schemes is used in Ephesians 6:11) with the followers of Christ. One of the tricks he will employ is a convincing half-truth that he submits or slides across the “table” for us to blow out-of-proportion and accept as truth. He used this tactic in the beginning with Adam and Eve at The Garden saying, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1 

First Satan places doubt in his target, then he submits his lie(s) for consideration - “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” - Genesis 3:4

Remember what Christ Jesus said about the Devil? “the devil,…..He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44 So, recognizing there is no truth found in the devil, let us re-read his consideration to Eve.

1. “You will not certainly die.” Did they and humanity die when they disobeyed God concerning the one instruction given them? Yes. Their and our relationship with Father God was severed.

2. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened,” Really? Were our eyes opened? On the contrary, they were shut or clouded at best.

3. “and you will be like God” We were already made in God’s image, but here Satan was trying to thrust us to usurp God’s throne because he couldn’t. Now our image was fallen and needed restoring.

4. “knowing good and evil” Do we always know what is good and evil? No. We still need God’s Holy Spirit to help us discern one from the other.

Another image of this tactic is when Joseph's brothers returned to their father Jacob with Joseph's robe dipped in goat blood. The brothers only said, "We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son's robe." The seed of suggestion was planted and Jacob's part played out just as they thought, Jacob replied, "It is my son's robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces." (Genesis 37:31-34) Our enemy, the devil, uses this same tactic so beware.

There is an identity crisis in our world today. People don’t know who they are. Some people feel they have to do some soul searching to find out their true self. Some have a problem with multiple personalities. Others do not even think they should be the gender they were born with, that God somehow made a mistake.

Because of the spirit of confusion that is rampaging across the globe, I felt it imperative to communicate that if Christians are not standing and being Identified with Christ, then their fellow brothers and sisters and non-believers will follow anything. 

Jesus, the Son of God, paid the ultimate sacrifice for whosoever would believe in Him to find all that they need, including their identity. However, not only did Jesus pay the price, but He was the first to conquer death, Hell and the grave. By Jesus not only supplying my payment for a restored relationship with Him, but also securing His victorious stance over all things – we too can do all things through Christ who gives us strength; we too can find and operate in the promises He made to us; we too can Live In Christ.

STAY ON HIS MOUNTAINTOP

Christ promised many wonderful things for His believers. However, Jesus also promised, 

• "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16:33) 

The Christian's daily walk will have challenges from time to time, but it should not be a matter of major ups and downs. Our journey should not be dictated by great swings to the mountaintop one moment and then a trip to the valley of life the next. I know this is challenging to grasp when going through a situation. However, the rest of that statement from Jesus was - 

• "But take heart! I have overcome the world!" 

So, my encouragement today is to Stay On His Mountaintop. 

Here are some promises of God to remember -

1. Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
2. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, dwells in you, the believer. (Romans 8:11)
3. God will never leave you, nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
4. You are seated together with Christ in Heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:6-7)

While our hardships manifest in this physical world, there is another realm that contains the main battle. Paul says it like this - 

• "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) 

Paul instructed the believers in Ephesus of this many years ago so they could make their necessary changes to daily living. The same is true for believers in Christ today. This is a matter of perspective that results in a lifestyle of victorious authority with and through Christ On His Mountaintop.

Some keys to remaining Victorious on a Daily basis are:

1. Know and Speak the Word of God over anything and everything, especially the situation at hand.
2. Cover the issue with the blood of Christ in prayer
3. Speak your testimony of God's track record in your life out loud as The Word of Your Testimony.
4. Pray for pieces of The Armor of God.

When Christ was in the wilderness being tempted by Satan, Jesus thwarted every attack with a verbal counter that began with - "It is written...". For Believers we have to have read The Bible or Word of God in order to know it and speak it over our situations. Plus, the more we are in His Word, the better prepared we will be for that "struggle that is not against flesh and blood".

The next two keys are found in Revelation 12:11 and the view is of the Tribulation Saints who will overcome the wiles of the enemy during this awful time in history known as The Tribulation. However, this can be said about all believers fighting the good fight of faith. 

• "They triumphed over him [satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." 

Praying Christ's blood over an issue and sharing one's testimony requires us to speak, so be ready to use your voice, mind, heart and spirit in Holy Confidence.

The fourth key I mentioned concerns wearing God's Armor daily. The armor is referenced in Ephesians 6 and each piece is mainly a defensive piece except for the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Rhema or Revealed, Word of God. The whole set is patterned after the Roman gear, so the shoes and shield could also be an offensive weapon. The shield could be used to push enemies away and there were spikes on the bottom of the shoes that Roman soldiers wore. The idea is to know how each piece performed in the natural and realize what they do for you in your spiritual relationship with Christ, then pray for those pieces of armor for your Daily Victories.

The fact of the matter is that challenges, troubles, problems, issues - whatever you want to label them - will test us everyday, but Christians must remain steadfast and confident. In truth, nothing should throw us out-of-whack; nothing should surprise us and get us out of sorts. Yes, a situation might be difficult BUT...

1. Our God is greater
2. We have God's promises in His Word
3. We are going to speak His Word over everything
4. We are going to claim His Blood as a cover
5. We are going to testify to His Faithfulness
6. And we are going to put on The Full Armor of God.

This is how Believers in Christ stay consistent. This is how Christians remain steady with a good dose of self-control. This is full confidence in knowing who the King of the Mountain is forever and that we don't have to waver as we - Stay On His Mountaintop.

"YOU LOOK LIKE YOUR DAD."

Growing up to this day I have been told - "You look like your Mama." I thanked them and we usually have conversations about family and move on. I have also had people say, "You look just like your Dad." I have thanked them and had similar family conversations after this statement. 

The fact that I look like my parents is a good indicator I belong to them. If you hang around me long enough you will see I have the same kind of humor, mannerisms, values, speech and so forth that identify me as belonging to them and them to me.

In a Christian's life, this mirroring should occur and be noticeable with our heavenly parent, Father God. A wonderful, observable indicator of looking and behaving like our Heavenly Dad is found in Galatians 5:22-23. 

Paul kinda pictures the Believer as a portable, variety, fruit tree. As we are walking out our faith journey with the Holy Spirit and in tune with the Word of God, the natural result is bearing all these different kinds of Godly life-applicable fruit. This Scripture says,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

The catch in identifying ourselves and others as Belonging to Father God is to be aware of the abundance or lack of each fruit. Not that someone who lacks in any area is not part of God's Family or not saved, but that person sure would be a candidate for a phrase such as - "You look/behave nothing like your Dad."

This is the challenge. This is the encouragement. Let others not say, "You don't look like your Heavenly Father." But let our lives reflect thinking, speech, behavior and relationships that would support anybody, especially our fellow Christians saying, "You Look Like Your Dad."

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE...

Have you ever felt or said - "There's nothing like......" (you fill in the rest of that thought). For me there are several things that qualify. Some of these things that "There is nothing like" are a good night's rest, chocolate chip cookies and milk, quality time with family and friends, singing, playing your favorite instrument or sport and enjoying your favorite meal. 

Scripture speaks to this and says there is nothing like - finding the right words to say at the right time. Proverbs 15:23 is the actual verse and reads - "A person finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word!"

Also, The Bible deals with relationship as nothing like having. Relationship is what we were created, built and wired for, especially relationship with God. God is an abundant giver and has given us relationship with His Son, Jesus, which is enough, but even moreso others like immediate family, friends and for this husband - my wife.

Thank The Lord, I do not have a quarrelsome or adulterous wife otherwise my living conditions would be horrific. Let's observe the negative descriptions of the wife from Proverbs first.

• Proverbs 19:13-14 - a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof. Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
• Proverbs 21:9, 19 - Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. (9) Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. (19)
• Proverbs 23:27 - for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
• Proverbs 25:24 - Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
• Proverbs 27:15 - A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;

That is what I do not have and do not wish upon anybody, but have witnessed some living with - so sorry for you. I am blessed beyond measure. I have received goodness, favor, a wife with noble character, a prudent spouse and a woman who respects The Lord as my wife. The Scripture that speaks to this is -

• Proverbs 18:22 - He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.
• Proverbs 12:4 – Wife with noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is the decay in his bones. 
• Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
• Proverbs 31:10-11 - A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

How do you say Thank You to the Lord for a gift such as Tanya Elizabeth? Beyond a shadow of a doubt she was a Godsend. There have been many blessings in my life I have not been not able to see The Lord accomplish for me. However, for the blessings that He has bestowed upon me that I have seen and thanked Him for, especially my wife, being in step with God it is easy to keep saying, "There Is Nothing Like....".

SACRIFICE

Sacrifice is not how The Plan started out, but Sacrifice was soon to come after obedience had been violated. Humans had one rule to abide by in the beginning, then the Serpent, also known as the devil, came along and deceptively convinced Adam and Eve that God did not mean what He said.

"And the Lord God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.'” - Genesis 2:16-17

We had one rule to follow and could not get that right! Since then, our nature has been to set-up and follow our own rules and regulations on how to live life. I believe this is a big reason why God called a specific people out of all the nations, the Hebrews, and gave them an impossible Instruction Manuel to Life - The Law. In addition, the sacrificial system was established but not because God liked it, but because The Law had been given to follow.

Samuel says, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22). Stated another way - If you stay in obedience to me, which I prefer, you will not find yourselves sacrificing any burnt offerings or fat of rams.

However, as we know, there is only one person in all of history that can and did follow every letter of The Law - Christ Jesus. There was no way humanity was going to be able to dot every "i" and cross every "t" to the commands in The Law. And so that we would have freedom from that endless imprisonment, Christ was the Sacrifice required by The Law in order that He might bring in a new Law of The Spirit (Romans 6).

With this new Law of the Spirit, obedience and sacrifice are still vital parts to God's plan for our lives. John emphasizes this by stating what Christ did for us and in essence exemplified for our replication.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:16)

Notice Christ laid down His life first for us and for His disciples on a daily basis by providing teaching, food at times, protection, direction and so forth. Then ultimately He laid His life down unto death for our redemption to Father God. In fact, John speaks up again and records Jesus speaking on this as Christ said,

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13)

However, Paul takes "laying down one's life" a step further than "one's friends" in Ephesians 5:25. Paul challenges the Godly husband to be prepared to literally give your life up for your wife.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..."

Believers in Christ have been called to obey, we have been called to serve and we have been called to Sacrifice. In the beginning if we just obeyed we might starve off the sacrifice part of life. But now, obeying God's Word and living the sacrificial servant's life He exemplified are both part of living the Christian lifestyle. If God was willing to sit down before creation and consider the cost of the sacrifice He would pay for all of humanity in all of history, then surely we can practice loving friends, loving family, loving God with Sacrifice.

OWNERSHIP

Concerning ownership, in Philippians 3:12, Paul says, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."

You can tell some things about a person by what they choose to own materially. You get to see what they value as either important or special. Some items they may need in their daily function or something may be acquired that is just nice to have around the home. We are all owners of Things & Stuff, the question really becomes - Do the Things & Stuff own us?

There are other Things & Stuff besides the material world to be concerned with owning or being owned by. Such additional considerations as attitude, word choice, fellowship choices and so forth are examples of non-material things to have control over or they have mastery over us.

Paul gives us three great steps toward a great mindset on Ownership in this Philippians 3:12 reference. 

1. Humble Thyself
2. Press On; Don't look back
3. Take Hold; Own God's Stuff

Immediately he places himself in a humble position by admitting he is still a work in progress, he says - "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,". 

Then Paul encourages the church by exemplifying someone who does NOT stay stagnant but who goes forward in his journey of faith or "press on" for a certain purpose. This purpose is what I often miss in my life many times and desire to encourage you, along with Paul, not to miss out on today.

I believe many Christians understand humility and not turning back but going forward in life with Christ. However, when we finally recognize we don't know it all and are ready to move WITH God, I believe we often miss out on the ownership of the promises that have been secured through the high price of Christ Jesus. Paul tells the church in Ephesus and now us eons later - "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus," (Ephesians 2:6). 

True, we did not purchase all the promises in and from God - we never could. Only one person could redeem us, restore us and "Raise us up with Christ and seat us with Him in the heavenly realms" - Christ Jesus! The Promises of God are part of His Gift to us, His Benefit Package to those who trust in Him. Our part is recognizing He will never be finished with us. Our part is continuing to appreciate His presence with us in the past, but press on to better things ahead. Our part is to realize our authority in Christ and take hold of God's Stuff that He has for us - Ownership.

HIS YOKE

Matthew 11:29-30

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Of all beings in existence, God has every right to be harsh and boastful. His yoke or plan for the lives of all under Him have every right to be hard and their burdens heavy. God does have a harsh side to Him, look at the judgments to come upon the world in the last days. God is boastful, read the Bible and you will see Him boasting of His Name - I Am - and His Son, Jesus, "This is my son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." (Matt. 3:7). God's harshness and boasting are Justified, He is Holy and Perfect in all His ways. However, Matthew paints another side of God for us - a gentle, humble farmer.

Just like oxen who have a collar or yoke around their neck for a farmer's guidance in the field, so too Jesus applies this thought to His followers or disciples. "Take my yoke" does not mean take my cross. Christ's mission, the Salvation of us all, was His alone. With Christ's mission completed and our cross or calling already taken up, what more do we need to take up? What is His "yoke"? Benson Commentary answers it like this - "Believe in and obey me: hearken to me as a teacher, rely on me as a Savior, and be subject to me as a governor." (https://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/11-29.htm) His "yoke" is His plan and lifestyle that He has for us. The way we yield to that plan and lifestyle is found in the second half of that beginning phrase - "and learn from me". 

Notice Jesus quiets our minds about our decision to take His yoke as He describes Himself in the next section of the verse - "for I am gentle and humble in heart,". Christ calms our fears of what kind of farmer or taskmaster will be at the helm directing us. In addition to taking His yoke or plan for our lives and experiencing His gentleness and humility, Jesus adds as a benefit - we "will find rest for our souls". 

That is all nice and good, but what about the yoke? What about the lifestyle or plan we accept? Jesus continued, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The yoke we take on, the lifestyle/plan we accept is an overcoming lifestyle or plan. Jesus told us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) He overcame everything so that we might find help in overcoming daily. 

The "yoke" and "burden" lastly mentioned in this passage are owned by Jesus. Jesus says if you accept my way of life, my teachings and be obedient to me then you will find my lifestyle or yoke to be "easy" and my challenges/requirements or burden to be "light". Notice the burdens we have are not non-existent and they may seem difficult at times, but compared to eternity they are light and momentary afflictions. Paul says it like that, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Cor. 4:17-18)

Christ has acquired all victories for us. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15) Walking in His victories, learning of His ways, and finding rest in Him now becomes our journey of faith with Jesus - should we choose His Yoke. 

THE COUNSELOR

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1) This verse and these pictures depict that at anytime in our lives, The Lord is a safe place to run to for anything - He understands. However, not only does Jesus merely understand, He has strength for us to endure the challenge(s) AND will be there to help at every moment along the way.

His accessibility is instant because of the great price He paid with His life for our redemption. There is no other person that restored our fallen relationship with Father God. Therefore, there is no other person we should pray to, through and in the name of than Christ Jesus. "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus," (1 Timothy 2:5). The next move becomes ours - "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) 

Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, not only comes alongside us in our troubles but He lives within us. He is our Great Partner in life that is ready, willing and able to help us with anything, even in the times when we are helpless and/or do not know what to pray. Romans 8:26 says, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

The Greek word for "help" in this verse has the idea of partnership or cooperation in the removing of an obstacle. "It tells us that the Holy Spirit literally becomes one with us in the task of removing every obstacle. In the midst of our weaknesses when we are inadequate to get the job done, the Holy Spirit says, 'Let me grab hold of that hindrance with you and you and I will push against it together until it is moved completely out of your way.'

In this way, prayer becomes a twofold partnership between you and the Holy Spirit. When that really becomes a revelation to your heart - when you realize that your prayers are not something you're responsible for alone - it will forever change your prayer life." (p.911, Sparkling Gems From the Greek 2, Renner).

The Dynamic Duo back in the day was Batman and Robin, but they cannot touch The Dynamic Duo that each of us make up with God. By staying in His Word and continuing with the calling He has for our lives - believers will benefit tremendously when we give ear, both of them, to our Refuge, our Strength, our ever-present Help in time of need - The Counselor.