It's never too late for you!

33 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:

2 But did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.

3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

4 Also he built altars in the house of the Lord, whereof the Lord had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.

5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord.

6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.

7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

8 Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.

9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel.

10 And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.

11 Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God.

14 Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.

15 And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.

16 And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.

17 Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the Lord their God only.

18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the Lord God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel.

19 His prayer also, and how God was intreated of him, and all his sins, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers.

20 So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

We live in a day and age where most people judge someone by their past. Many has been the person who started life badly. They developed a reputation for being bad. But, watch what happens when that person turns their life around and begins to live for Jesus. Most that either know them, or know of their reputation, will usually say, "Yea, right! I have a hard time believing that one." 

In today's passage, we have a young king who took all the wrong steps. He had all the right tools. His father, Hezekiah, was a great and godly man. He led his kingdom to live for God, made much needed reforms, and did not tolerate evil. Tall shoes indeed for a twelve year old boy to fill. 

But, one thing about young boys, especially in their teen years, is that they tend to rebel against their elders. Some of them come to their senses. Some never do. As soon as Manasseh (whose name means, "causing to forget." He was named after Joseph's son who was so named for God's blessings causing Joseph to forget being sold into slavery by his brothers, wrongly accused by a harlot, and being forgotten in prison.),he began to stretch his royal wings and take the country in directions that his godly father never would've agreed with. 

His life was the poster child of ungodliness. He allowed and encouraged his country to become "multicultural." Everyone who wanted to serve their foreign idols were not only allowed to do so, but aided in doing it by the young king's government. 

"Oh how wise you are," said one of the young king's advisers. "Be more inclusive and the rest of the world will love you," said another. "If you want to show how truly great you are, and how great our nation is, you must allow people to follow the truths that they were raised to believe," said his religious adviser. "Imagine how the international community will love you if you stop all this religious exclusivity, your highness,"

Listening to these voices, Manasseh allowed all manor of ungodliness into his kingdom. Alters were built to idols in the mountains and the valleys. Groves were built. This was a place where the worshipers of Ashtaroth (a fertility goddess) could go and (for a small fee) sleep with one of her "priestesses" in order to gain a blessing for their crops and/or help their wives to conceive a child. (Makes sense, huh? Sleep with one woman in order to help your own wife become pregnant? SMH) 

They had their own version of abortion on demand, too. They threw their children in the unholy fires of Molech, seeking the blessing of the false god. (Much as America kills millions of babies every year for the "blessing" of personal freedom.)

The young king even started practicing sorcery and witchcraft! He became so full of himself that he placed altars to his own handmade idols in God's own temple! (Boy won't that preach today?) He had -and therefore the kingdom had- no fear of almighty God at all. If a nations leader(s) have no fear of God, the nation won't fear him, either.

God sent prophets to warn the king and the nation to repent of their evil ways, but to no avail. 

Finally, the one, true God had had enough. 

He sent the mightiest nation in the world (and the world's first terrorists), Assyria, against King Manasseh and his country. God didn't back his people. He allowed them to be overrun and the king to be taken captive. He was stripped of his finery, placed in chains, taken back to Assyria as a captive and thrown in a dungeon to rot.  

His story could have tragically and sadly ended there. He could have died in that dark and dirty place, never to be seen or heard of again. 

But, king Manasseh began to think on his life. He remembered how things were before all of his glorious "reforms." He remembered how peaceful and wholesome things had become under his god-fearing father's reign. He recalled the truth's that his father had taught and championed and how blessed the country had become by following them. 

Slowly, it dawns on Manasseh just how foolish he had been- and just how evil his advisers advice (and his following them) had been. He remembered the prophets that God had sent to him to try and warn him to repent. 

He's overwhelmed and cries out in real repentance. 

How long this process took, we're not told. How many times the enemies whispers of "It's too late for you, king," kept him from crying out, the scriptures do not say. 

All we know is that, at some point, he makes up his mind and cries out in spite of the voices, "God forgive me!" 

If God were as harsh and unforgiving as many people try to say that he is, Manasseh would've died in his hell hole. But, rather than giving Manasseh the fate he deserves, God reaches down and forgives this ungodly man- even in his prison cell. 

Still, that could've been the happy ending of Manasseh's story. "Evil King repents, is forgiven, and dies in prison." Most of the religious folks would've have told that story of a loving God's mercy for years to come! 

But, it doesn't end there. Nope! 

God not only forgives him, but he sets him free and restores him to the same position he held before God had passed judgement on him! Oh, the forgiveness of our God! 

But, here comes the real test for Manasseh. 

The city gates are open wide. No expense has been spared. The king is returning! The streets have been cleaned. The riff-raff have been run off. The advisers have spruced themselves up. The religious leaders are prepared to thank their god's for the return of the king. 

The truly pious aren't in the mood for celebration. To their minds, here comes more of the same ungodly policies.

Trumpets blare and the king enters the city in his chariot. The people applaud!

The king waves and his feet touch the ground in his beloved city. You can almost see him fall to his face and kiss the ground he never thought he would see again. When he arises, there are tears in his eyes. He's so glad to be home! 

But, looking around as he had entered his country and now his capital, he became more and more aware of the awesome tasks that were set before him. For a truly repentant heart cannot allow things to continue as before. Changes must come. And they must come as quickly as they can possibly be made. 

The king calls his counselors together and begins to explain what he has in mind. The more he speaks, the more alarmed his counsel becomes. "Does he really want to undo and destroy all the progress we've made through the years?" 

When it becomes apparent that's exactly what he intends to do, an outcry arises. "King, you can't do this!" "My lord, the people will revolt!" A cacophony arises that is full of objections. 

The king rises to his feet and silences the room with one cry, "Silence!"

Gone is the timid boy who could be sweet talked into ungodliness. Gone is the young king who's baser instincts could be appealed to to convince him to make the reforms they wanted. 

In their place stands a man of God, full of the power of God. His mind is made up! His advisers are fired and replaced. His word is full of the wisdom of God and his will is made of iron. 

He strengthens the defenses of his nation and begins to tear down and destroy the idol places that he himself had helped to set up. 

You can almost hear the religious folks saying, "Who does he think he is? He helped set all this up." "It's true we prayed for reformation, but he can't be the one! His past is too bad to be God's man for this hour!"

If Manasseh had listened to these voices, the revival of his country wouldn't have happened. 

But, Manasseh remembered the God of Grace and Mercy that had given him a second chance when he was in his dark and cold prison cell. He remembered the voice that he heard in that hopeless place and spoke life and purpose back into his life.    

So, Manasseh ignored the naysayers. He ignored the finger pointers. He just focused on God and the task that he had been assigned. He didn't let the talk bother him. Manasseh had a mission from God and he was going to accomplish it- even if it killed him. 

True repentance is much more than saying, "I'm sorry." Real repentance is a change of heart and mind that connects the ungodly sinner to the God of mercy. It changes the sinner into a willing vessel. It opens the door for a miraculous change that will effect many more people who see the evidence of Jesus in the life of the penitent soul. 

My friends, if you are trapped in a prison created by your own sin, it's not too late for you. If you feel that your life is over and God cannot use you, you're wrong. Repent, and watch God work!

But, when the naysayers arise, ignore them. Hold on to what God has told you. Go about the work he has sent you to do. And above all else, don't let your past dictate your future. "He whom the son hath set free, is free indeed!"  

     

Why some of us go to hell: the real reason.

Acts 2:37-39King James Version (KJV)

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all men, and holiness,without which no man shall see the Lord:

John 16:7-9King James Version (KJV)

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Hebrews 10:10

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

I want to start off by making something crystal clear: I am an Apostolic Pentecostal believer. I believe that Jesus is God all by himself and that the only plan of salvation is found in obeying Acts 2:38 and in holiness thereafter.

That said, I learned something today. I felt impressed to read John 16 this morning. In doing so, verse 9 jumped out at me. 

John 16:9King James Version (KJV)

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Jesus said here that the spirit of God would convict men of sin. That part is not an earth shaking revelation. We all know that. 

What was a revelation to me was the fact of the sin that was listed. He didn't name the 10 commandments. He didn't even name the two greatest commandments. What he said was, we would be convicted of our sin of..... NOT BELIEVING IN HIM. 

Did you catch that? 

Why did he say that? Why didn't he say the sins of (this), (that), and (the other)?

Here's the simple answer: Because he died once for all! Because he shed his blood as a sacrifice for all of our sins- past, present, and future. 

Did you catch that? He paid the price for all of our sins! The only thing left is whether or not we will believe and obey him. 

If we believe in him, we will obey him. We will repent of our sins, be baptized in Jesus name, allow him to fill us with his spirit, and strive to live for and follow him for the rest of our lives. 

If we do not believe in him, we will go to hell. But, the sin that will send us there is not the cursing, drinking, carousing, and such. No. All that's already paid for. The sin that will send us to hell is because we chose not to believe in him. 

He spends 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, trying to get our attention- trying to gain access to our hearts. He died so that we might have a real relationship with our creator. He places stop signs in our paths to try and get us to change directions and go to him. He will keep trying to have that relationship with us until our final breath.

But, if we refuse, we will burn for eternity for the simple reason that we rejected his forgiveness. We rejected his love. 

So, what will it be my friend? Your sins are already paid for because God almighty became a man and died to wash them away.

Will you do as he says and believe, repent, be baptized in Jesus name, be filled with the Holy Ghost, and follow him daily?

Or, will you reject his sacrifice and die in the one sin that is left: failure to believe him. 

Failure to believe who he is. Failure to believe in his love. Failure to believe in his mercy. Failure to obey his words. 

The choice is yours. There's only one sin left. Can you not let that one sin go and believe?

 

When God (seemingly) disrespects us.

John 9 King James Version (KJV)

9 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Imagine that you were born blind. Imagine that you lived in New Testament times and were born blind. Then, this could be your story. 

Verse 1 states that Jesus came upon a man that was born blind. Aren't we all born blind? No, you say? Jesus said in John 3 that unless we are born again we cannot see the kingdom of God. Ahh, you say. We are all born spiritually blind. 

So, what hope do we have of a good life? Certainly, the blind man in our passage today had no hope of a good life. There were no social programs to help him learn a trade. There were no government checks and government housing to aid his living. There were no trained seeing eye dogs available  to him. He probably didn't even have a salvation army type bell to use to draw attention to his plight. (A bell would require money to make. Money that he didn't have.) All he could do was sit (or stand) by the wayside of the street and beg for whatever money that a merciful traveler might be inclined to throw his way.

His plight becomes even more unbearable by the question of the disciples of Jesus in verse 2. "Who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" There was (and still is) this false belief in the world that all sickness and disabilities are a direct result of direct sin. While it is true, that sickness and disability are in the world because of man's fallen nature, a persons sickness or disability are not necessarily caused by that person's (or their family's) direct sin. 

Think about the ludicrousness of the disciples question. Their question assumes the possibility that the blind man's own sin could have caused him to be born blind. How in the world can a baby in the womb (who's doing nothing but growing there) commit a sin? While it is a possibility that the parent's sin (drinking, or drugs, or physically fighting and causing a problem in the womb) could cause a problem with the baby. More than likely, it was simple genetics (something that the disciples- and still many today- didn't understand). 

Jesus' answer makes it clear that not only was it genetic (and not caused by sin), but that it was (gasp) God's sovereign will that the man was born blind. Really? A loving God actually chose for this man to be born with a disability? Yes, according to Jesus in verse 3. 

Some of the situations we find ourselves in are not of our making, but (as hard as they are) they are the perfect will of a loving God for our lives. We may not like or want them, but God wants us there. Our job is to make the best of the situation and survive. 

The blind man here had already proven that he was a fighter. He could have lain down and died in his own pity party. He could've stayed at his parents home and demanded that they feed and cloth him. However, not only did he not do these things, he actually went out into the streets. He endured the public ridicule and scorn and tried to bring in as much of an income as his station in life allowed him to do. 

So what did Jesus do to this man? Did he hug him? No. Did he scream and holler and make a public show of healing him? No. What did he do? He did three things: He spat on the ground, made a mud ball and placed it in the man's eyes, and he sent him on a journey. 

In many places in the world, especially in the middle east, to spit on the ground in front of a person is a very disrespectful act. It signifies how utterly disdainful you find that person. Think about it. God, in human flesh, looked at this blind man and (seemingly) disrespected him. The man was blind. He was not deaf. Many of the religiously pious had surely spat on the ground near him in disgust. Here, Jesus seems to do the same thing! 

Worse yet, Jesus them makes mud out of the spit (so it had to be a fair amount of spittle he used) and rubs the mud into the blind man's eyes. How disrespectful is that? 

Then, Jesus didn't even explain to the man what he was doing. He simply told them man to go to the pool of Siloam and wash. Why did the man obey? Why did he not simply wipe off the mud and return to his begging? Why did he not explode at the insult of this supposed prophet? 

The answer, I believe, is found in a) Jesus' reputation as a good prophet (and against the religious elite) and b) the place he was sent. 

First, the word Siloam means "sent". So, the sent one (Messiah) was sending him. This was definitely a step up in the world for him. Noone ever asked him to go somewhere in a good way. Yet, the Messiah did. And, as a side note, another word that means sent is Apostle.        

Second, the location of the pool was by the wall adjoining the kings gardens (Nehemiah 3:15) and would therefore be in the middle of all the "somebodies" of the day. It was probably a forbidden place for beggars. Yet, on this day, at the behest of the messiah, a beggar in ratty clothes would not only go there, but he would bend over and wash the mud and spittle from his eyes. Oh, the shame! Oh, the shock of the elite! I can almost see the man's smile as he headed out to obey the master. 

The man didn't know he was going to be healed. Jesus hadn't told him that. He'd just told the man to go and wash. Surely the thought of a possible beating for obedience entered his mind, but he dismissed it. He'd been beat before. He'd been looked down on before. Why not obey this man who had done so much for people before this? There was nothing in the master's reputation that would cause the man to believe that Jesus intended him ill will. 

So, the blind man obeyed the master. Notice that neither Jesus, nor anyone else, lifted a finger to go and help the man do as he had been told. Notice also that the man didn't ask for help. He simply went and washed in this pool. 

Can you imagine the emotional reaction of the blind man as the mud was washed away? Suddenly, for the first time ever, he could see! I don't know about you, but I'd be shouting to high heaven and dancing a Pentecostal jig! 

What can we learn from this story? 

When God seemingly has turned his nose up at us, even disrespected us, we should obey anyway- trusting in the reputation of our loving Father. He may not seem to be offering us any help for the journey. He may not even tell us the reason for the journey. But, when we obey him and reach the end of our journey, the miracle that occurs is far better than anything we have ever imagined! 

It doesn't matter what others think. It only matters what God thinks. In spite of the appearance. In spite of the seeming disrespect. Regardless of the lack of help from others. Always obey the orders of the master. When we do, we will find healing, mercy, and joy.  

A true memorial

Philippians 3

King James Version (KJV)

3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

I realize that this is a strange scripture to use for a memorial day post, but there's a reason for that. 

I see many posts on Facebook that say, "if you enjoy your freedom, thank a veteran." In principle, I find myself somewhat in agreement with these postings. It is true that we enjoy our freedoms in this country due to the sacrifices of those who were willing to fight and die to gain and keep our God-given rights.

However, freedom won does not equate to freedom lived well. Do we use our freedoms wisely? Do we make godly choices that glorify God, aid our families, and help our fellow man? Or, do we use our freedoms to sew to the flesh and it's every ungodly desire?

Has our national freedom been used to make us better? or worse?

Many veterans shake their heads when they see the way our freedoms have been abused and misused to make society worse, not better. Many will tell you that what our nation has become is NOT what they fought to preserve, but rather it has become something they no longer recognize. Something far less than our founding fathers aspired to.

The best way to honor our veterans (living and dead) is to return to and lift up the ideals of our founders. We should stand firmly on the Constitution and stand against those that would destroy and change it.

Some 2000 years ago, Paul reminds us in the above passage that- due to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ- we have a high calling to attain to. We are not to allow God's grace to become a do as you want, it's covered thing. We are, in light of the battle fought and won on Calvary, to live our lives in such a way as to glorify and honor the one who died to give us the chance for salvation.

Pithy, religious sounding slogans, don't cut it. Going through the motions of religion doesn't cut it. We are to live our lives in the light of the one who called us into his marvelous light. We should honor him daily in everything we do and say. We should strive to let him live through us to touch a lost and dying world- who have no hope except through him.

He didn't call us to build grand cathedrals. He called us to be his hands and feet. He called us to build into the lives of the hurting, the broken, the poor, the widow, the orphan, the unwanted of society. He called us to shine his light of truth into the dark places of humanity- even when those places are occupied by the rich and powerful- in order that they might see themselves as HE sees them and repent before it is too late.

Yes, we must be biblically born again (Acts 2:38), but real Christianity is so much more than that. Paul said that in spite of his well educated and high standing social status of his past, he counted it all as DUNG that he might attain Christ!

We need to stop holding onto yesterdays anointing, yesterdays blessings, and yesterdays revivals. God has promised us revival in these last days, but we won't be a part of it unless we live our lives immersed in him. We must immerse ourselves in his word and spirit and allow him to change us. We must let his holy fire burn away the chaff that we've allowed into our souls so that the world can see him in all we do.

So, on this memorial day, lets rededicate our lives to the cause of the one who truly should be lifted up- Jesus Christ. Let us seek first his righteousness and watch him work. He's not interested in our abilities and education. He's interested in our availability and submission to him as Lord (supreme controller). This truly is the best memorial we can give him.

In closing, let's pray:

Lord Jesus, we repent of our shortsightedness. We repent of being caught up in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. We repent of getting caught up in the "me generation." We ask that you move deep inside us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. We ask that you strengthen us to walk in your word and ways- whatever the cost. We ask that you help us to be your hands, feet, heart, and mouths in this backward and broken generation. Lead us to such as would be saved, and save them. Let us look past the pride and see the pain. Give us the wisdom to know when to speak and what to do. Use us to spread you word and your love to this lost and dying world. In Jesus name! 

Fruits of the spirit, part 2: Are we experiencing and sharing the love of God?

Galatians 5:22-25

King James Version (KJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

John 13:35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Mark 12:29-31

King James Version (KJV)

29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

The Greek word for love in all of these verses is the word "Agape." It means, "affection, good will, love, benevolence." 

So, one of the fruits of the spirit is for us to experience and show affection towards others. That means we genuinely care about others. When we see that they are struggling, we should be moved to prayer for them. And more than that, we should be moved to act. 

James 2:15-17

King James Version (KJV)

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

In this fast paced world, we spend most of our waking hours trying to "make a living." For many people, going to church has become a formality. It's another checked block on our list of things we have to get done. 

Yet, Jesus doesn't call us to GO to church. He calls us to BE the church. That means he requires us to DO what he would do. It is very instructive to us that the first squabble in the church was not over doctrine (Acts 6). It was over the distribution of resources in caring for the widows and orphans. 

Nowadays, the first thing we (the church) tend to do whenever someone comes to us in need, is to tell them "we will pray for you. Have you applied for Government help?" Here's a hint, church: It's NOT the Government's job to help the needy. According to God's word, it's OUR (the churches) job.

Part of the meaning of Agape is BENEVOLENCE. It means, "a disposition to DO good, an ACT of kindness, a generous GIFT." There's nothing in that definition about good intentions or warm thoughts. We are to ACT on and DO what needs to be done for the good of the needy and the glory of Jesus. 

How many times did Jesus either start or end a teaching by meeting the needs of his hearers? If we are his body, shouldn't we be about his business? Which is the more biblical act for us to perform: helping those in need (whether born again or not, and regardless of how they got into the situation in the first place), or building bigger and grander church buildings? Did Jesus die to build the church? Or the church building? 

It has become a source of pride for "God's people" to brag about going to the nicest church building, or the church with the biggest name pastor, or the largest congregation. What get's lost in the shuffle is how many people in need are turned away by that "church" because they choose to spend their money on the building, or the pastor's exorbitant salary, rather than on PEOPLE. 

If we are his body, it's high time we start acting like it. We should care for both where their souls are heading (heaven or hell) AND their physical and emotional needs. It's time we stop patting ourselves on the back for our own perceived righteousness and start BEING righteous by showing the love of God to each other and to the lost. Real Christianity is about relationships- both with God and with others. 

That requires more than a prayer. It requires more than giving a Bible study. It requires getting involved in their lives and helping them in their needs. It means we have to do more than say we are his church. We must BE his church. And men, it requires us to love our wives and families as Jesus loved us- and he DIED for us that we might be saved. (See my earlier post http://theauthorspage.blogspot.com/2014/03/love-is-action-word.html) 

If we truly love God, then we will love others as he does. He saw our need and acted. The love that we felt when we were born again should transform us. We should become LESS self centered and more God and others centered. Miracles happen when we take the love of God outside the church walls and into a needy world. 

Lord, give us your mind and eyes. Help us to BE your church by helping others. We repent for our selfishness and false prosperity doctrines. We ask you to open up our bowels of compassion and help us to love others as you do- in helping them in their needs. In Jesus name!