Are we wishing upon a star? Or hoping in God?

Romans 8:24-25

King James Version (KJV)

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Hebrews 11:1-3

King James Version (KJV)

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

James 2:20-26

King James Version (KJV)

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Ever notice that most people use the words, "wish", and "hope," interchangeably? In fact, ask someone the definitions sometime and you'll find that, most of the time, there's no real difference between the two words in their minds. Is there a difference? 

When Paul says that we are "saved by hope," is he saying we are saved by a wish? If not, what's the difference in the two?

The two words are similar. Both are expressions of unfulfilled desires. Both are expressions of wants and (sometimes) needs. Both words mean that there is something "out there" that we don't have and want to have. But, what's the difference in the two?

I can say I sure wish I had a new car, for instance. But, unless I get up and work- unless I make the necessary preparations that will enable me to get that new car- it will remain an unfulfilled desire.  

Peter was faced with a choice between a wish and a hope one day. It was a rainy, stormy night. He and the rest of the Apostles were scared stiff inside of a fishing boat. All their knowledge of the seas told them that they were all about to drown.

Then Jesus came walking into the situation.

At first, they were all terrified. They just knew that a spirit from the realm they were all about to go to had come to escort them there. However, Jesus spoke to them and said, "Fear not, it is I."

Peter asked, "Lord, if it be you, then bid me to come to you on the waters."

Jesus said simply, "COME."

Here's where Peter had a choice. If Peter's request were merely a wish, then what he had really asked Jesus to do was, "Lord, through no effort of my own, cause me to get up, step out of the boat, and walk on the waters to you."

Indeed, when most people ask Jesus to be their savior, that's really what they're asking. They're really saying, "Lord, I know I need a savior. But, I don't want to change. I want you to just wash me and make me clean with no requirements on my part."

In other words, "Jesus, I want a savior. But, I have no interest in having a Lord."

The word, "Lord," means "supreme controller." We want to be in control. We want God to save us, but we want him to answer to OUR desires, not the other way around.

That's why most peoples "faithful hope" is really a "faithful wish." We want to be saved, Lord, but how dare you require me to give up anything I want. How dare you ask me to not have all this world has to offer. I want to talk how I want, dress how I want, act how I want, see who I want, read and watch what I want, but STILL be saved.

These folks do go to church (most of them). They do know some scripture. But, their desires are to BE conformed to the image of this world, rather than be conformed to the image of Jesus. And they can find large crowds at large churches to tell them what they want to hear.

All the while, Jesus cries out to them to be like David- "a man AFTER God's own heart." He wants us to pursue HIM every bit as hard as he pursues US. He wants our walk to be like Peter's, who heard Jesus say, "Come," and knew that he must leave his comfort zone and follow the call of his "supreme controller."

Hope requires us to enter into partnership with Jesus. Indeed, the word "grace" (by which we are saved) actually is a relational partnership with Jesus. The definition of the Greek word includes, "the divine influence on the heart AND it's reflection IN THE LIFE- including gratitude."

So, when we are saved by grace, we are saved by God influencing us and we CHOOSING to reflect that influence in our actions, thoughts, and deeds. It effects every area of our lives.

Like Peter, we must willingly respond to the call of Jesus and step out of our safe comfort zones, out onto the turbulent and uncertain waves. We must leave behind the laws of this world and obey the laws of God.

When Peter stepped out of the boat, he was ignoring the laws of gravity and physics that screamed that he would sink into the rolling seas and drown. He was responding to his master's call and trusting his master to protect him from what he was sure was a deadly situation.

When he stepped out, Jesus responded by suspending the physical laws and allowing him to walk on top of the deadly waves. THAT is faith in action.

When God's word says for us to step away from this world and it's sinful ways, it is for our benefit. For those things will lead us to eternal torment in hell. Yet, in repenting of those sins and leaving behind the world's ways, we are stepping away from what comes natural to us. BUT, we are acting on the call of God and trusting him to do his part. HE says he will lead and guide us into all truth.

Indeed, salvation is not simply a one time event. Rather, it is a lifelong process of seeking, hearing, and obeying Jesus. Every step we take away from this world, is a step closer to joining Jesus in HIS world.

Be sure that this world will fight us every step of the way, but in this case, the end will more than justify the means.

And just as Peter barely made it to his master, so the Bible says that "the righteous SCARCELY be saved..." We won't make it without him, but we also won't make it unless we give it our all.

We are saved by HOPE, not by a wish. Hope requires an obedient action in response. A wish requires nothing but empty desires.

Which one do you want? Will you have a wish for heaven, or a fervent hope?
If hope, then make Jesus your supreme controller and begin to follow him. 

Are we sheep or goats?

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

In this prophecy, the Lord tells us that there will be a judgement. He tells us that there will be two types of people at that judgement. Sheep and Goats. The sheep make it to enjoy everlasting joy with their Lord. The Goats are doomed to everlasting punishment. The difference between the two? One set obeyed their Lord's commands and reached out to others. They were service oriented. The other set cared only about themselves and didn't reach out to others. They were ME oriented. 

Yes, in order to become a sheep in the first place we must be born again (John 3:3-8, Acts 2:38) for we are all born as goats. But, are all of us that claim to be sheep really sheep? Or are some of us goats? 

Matthew 13: 24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Apparently, not all of us who say "Lord, Lord" will enter in. (Matthew 7:21) So other than being born again, what are some of the differences between sheep and goats that might help us to see what we are and change (with God's help) if necessary? 

First of all, both sheep and goats are pretty dumb animals. However, sheep know their dumb and need a shepherd. Goats resist authority and try to go it their own way.

Secondly, sheep love their shepherd and follow wherever he leads them. Goats are in it for themselves and only willingly obey their owners when it is for their own benefit (in their eyes). 

Sheep know their masters voice and will only listen to him. Goats are subject to many voices for they follow whatever voice suits what they want to do. 

Sheep are humble and gentle. Goats are always looking for a fight to prove who's right- meaning trying to show that they are right and others are wrong.

Sheep trust their shepherd to provide for them no matter what. Goats only trust themselves and do their best to show how "self-made" they are. 

Sheep usually are content to stay in the pasture their shepherd has provided for them. Goats are always looking for greener pastures. In their eyes, the grass on the other side always looks better than what they already have- until they get there. 

Sheep's wool is good to make others warm and comfortable. Goats have no wool and only a few folks can stomach goat's milk. 

Sheep study their shepherd and recognize him afar off. Goats study only what's right in front of them and usually ignore their master. 

Sheep are accepting of new members of the flock- even helpful. Goats usually try to show a new member of the flock just how high they are and how low the new member is. It's about control.

So, church, let's examine ourselves. Are we sheep? Or are we goats?

Are we vexed or stirred?

2 Peter 2:6-9

King James Version (KJV)

6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Acts 17:16-17

King James Version (KJV)

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

Acts 17:22-31

King James Version (KJV)

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Sometimes, some of the greatest lessons we can learn through studying the Bible comes from comparing Bible characters. Today, we are going to compare two men who lived in evil cultures. Two men who God calls righteous. Two men who, though they had  calling on their lives, ended with vastly different results. 

The first man we will look at is Lot. Lot left an evil country (Ur of the chaldees) and traveled with his uncle Abram (later called Abraham). He learned a lot from his uncle's walk with God. He watched his uncle grow in faith. He shared in the blessings of his uncle's godly life. He did not stick around to see just how much his uncle's faith would grow.

Instead, being a business man himself, he made choices based not on God, but on increasing his business. He was a shepherd, just like his uncle. His flocks increased and he became rich, just like his uncle. However, when two great businesses try to occupy the same space, something has got to give. 

When Abram gave Lot a choice to solve the conflict with their employees, Lot chose to take what was to him the "best location." Rather than staying in the wilderness, he moved his business and pitched his tents "towards Sodom." To his human vision, the land looked to be richer towards Sodom. He would have more buyers for his wool if he moved closer to the population center of Sodom. So, he chose "the better deal."

After he was gone, God again spoke to Abram and told him how much he was going to bless him, promising him more wealth and property than he could ever use. 

The next time we see Lot, he is now living in Sodom. More than that, he now sits at the gate as a leader of the city. A respected and powerful business man, who's opinion is looked to on matters small and great. Yet, 2 Peter says that Lot's spirit was VEXED. 

The word vexed in the Greek here means: "(to be vexed with something irksome); to feel indignant at:--be grieved at. "

In other words, Lot lived in that evil city, giving people advice, helping them in their businesses, helping them set city policy, but he lived in a state of tolerance. He tolerated their lifestyles. He hated their lifestyles and did not allow their lifestyles in his home, but due to business and political concerns, he did not openly rebuke their sins. It might have cost him his position in the city. It may have cost him customers if he had stood against their sins. So, he silently grieved at the state of his city- doing nothing.

The result was terrible. He lost his position. He lost his business. He lost his wife. He lost his son's in law. He left with his daughters and the clothes on their backs and that was all. The city he had chosen to make his fortune was destroyed. He was still called a righteous man in the new testament, but not much else good is said about him.

In the new testament, we see the Apostle Paul in another ungodly city. He had the same concerns as Lot, for he made his living as a tent-maker and was a leader of men. As such he experienced the same temptation to be tolerant that Lot did, yet, Paul didn't give in. He wasn't vexed by the city. He was stirred.

The Greek for "stirred" here means, "to make sharp, sharpen

1. to stimulate, spur on, urge
2. to irritate, provoke, arouse to anger"

Paul looked around him at the idolatry and evil in the city and didn't give his business or his community standing a single thought. His thoughts were that a) this idolatry and sin was an open affront to the one true God, and b) these people need to know about Jesus and have the opportunity to be saved.

So, he disputed with the religious and a few verses later, disputed with the "great thinkers" of his day. Did he have any converts? A few. But, all were given the chance to know Jesus.

What about us? What do we do?

Do we who know the truths of scripture live with a vexed heart, like Lot? Do we hate what we see around us, but do and say nothing about it because of the perceived ill effects it may have on us and our status and bank accounts?  
Or, do we, like Paul, stand up against the sins of our society and risk it all for love of God and love for their souls?

Paul went on to write 2/3 of the new testament. He was easily the greatest evangelist in church history. Through the process, he was stoned, beaten, imprisoned, ridiculed, scorned, and eventually beheaded. Yet, he could say, "I have fought the good fight. I have won the race. And now there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness..."

Lot fades into obscurity. A beaten and defeated man who lost it all by trying to protect it all.

Which one do you want to be like? Lot or Paul?

I for one am tired. I'm tired of being told not to speak. I'm tired of being pressured into tolerating the evil that is growing more and more prevalent around us. I'm tired of hearing folks cuss, but being told not to mention Jesus. I don't want to be like Lot and lose it all by trying to preserve it all. I want to be like Paul, who risked it all and gained it all.

No more vexation for me. Lord, stir me! Let me see through your eyes and feel with your heart. Let me speak with your mouth and act with your hands. I don't want to be vexed, I want to be stirred!

What will it be for you? Will you be vexed? Or will you be stirred? 

Marc Royce 3.0- Called to be weak?

1 Timothy 6:11-12

King James Version (KJV)

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

If you (like me) are a fan of Davis Bunn's action character, Marc Royce, then get ready for a treat. What started in Lion of Babylon and it's sequel, Rare Earth, continues in Bunn's latest novel, Straight of Hormuz, due out November 5, 2013.  

Part three has more action, more plot twists, and even more problems to overcome. Seemingly isolated from his government, in conflict in his personal relationships, and facing a foe that is both intelligent and tricky, what's a spy to do?

However, for me personally, the true resolution of the book doesn't come at the very satisfying ending that leaves the possibility of another sequel (please?). It comes on pages 201 and 202 out of 332 pages. Marc Royce teaches us all a much needed lesson:

"I have spent my entire adult life training to be a warrior. To analyze and fight and succeed. To control risk and battle danger. And yet there comes a moment when I must go against my training. When I must accept that events are not to be fought against, but rather accepted in prayer. That at such times I cannot retreat into the safety of coldness and anger and still remain a faithful servant. There is NO (emphasis mine) harder lesson for me to learn than to recognize the moment when I am called to be weak."

Wow! What a lesson!

I can hear Paul (I believe) saying: 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (Hebrews 11:32-34).

I can hear 2 Chronicles 20:15 : And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

We humans, especially men, seem to go through life trying to "defeat our enemies." Every situation we find ourselves in must be analyzed, strategized, and conquered.  We pat ourselves on the back for our ingenuity. Yet, sometimes, our Lord has to allow the situation to get so bad that we have no choice but to look up and ask for his divine help. That's usually when he moves his sovereign hand and brings victory- after we have submitted to him.

This is why I enjoy these books so much. Though Marc is an amazing character in literature, he is not presented as a superman. He is presented as well trained, intelligent, and dedicated, but as a real human being. He suffers the same doubts, fears, and weaknesses that we do.

Most importantly, he has to rely on God's help to bring the victory, just as we do.

If you want to read a good book just for enjoyments sake, Straight of Hormuz is an excellent choice. However, if you want to get more out of it than an afternoon or two's entertainment, then dig a little deeper.

This action book should come with a Christian study guide. It covers themes of relationships with the opposite sex (keeping ourselves pure), standing for truth (even when our superiors are against us), relationships with other believers, and much more.

Want to taste before you buy? Here's a link to the first 3 chapters:  (http://statictab.com/j4s7yd8). 

Good stuff, Davis Bunn. When's the next one coming out?

What do you mean when you say church?

Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

When Jesus said this, was he talking about your local church building? Was he saying to Peter that on this spot, on these rocks here, we are going to build a building and call it "the church?" 

Lets examine some other scriptures about "the church" and see what we may find.

Acts 2:47

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Many read this and say that you must go to a church building in order to be saved. But, is this what the Bible means when it says this?

Acts 5:11

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

This sheds a little more light on our subject. How can a building made of wood, bricks, and mortar feel great fear? Can a building hear? 

Let's examine a little further.

Acts 8:1

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Was the great persecution against the building? Were they tearing down church buildings? Did they hit the buildings so hard that the building pieces were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria? Did those pieces landing there start a revival and more church buildings begin to grow at those spots?

Acts 11:26

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Were they brought to a building and assemble with a building? Were the disciples (believers) called Christians (Christ-like) because of a building?

Acts 14:23

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Is there more than one church? Or is this referring to local assemblies that are still a part of "the church" at large? If so, is it referring to a building, or the believing people themselves?

Acts 20:28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

When Elders are charged to feed the church of God, are they ordered to feed and care for a building? Did Jesus die for and purchase a building with his blood?

1 Corinthians 12:27-29

King James Version (KJV)

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Are the gifts of the spirit given to build up the building? Or the believers themselves? What say ye?

Ephesians 3:10

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Is the building supposed to know the wisdom of God? or God's people?

Colossians 1:24

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Did Paul suffer for the building? Or for the people?

Ephesians 5:29

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

Does our Lord cherish and nurture a building? Or the people who meet there.

1 Timothy 3:15

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Was Paul concerned with how we conducted ourselves in a building? Or with how we live our lives?

Seen enough? There's a lot more. However, I believe I've made my point. Jesus didn't die for a building. He doesn't cherish a building. He doesn't care for a building. 

A building will never go to heaven or hell. A building will eventually either be torn down and replaced, or rot in disuse. so why are we so focused on a building? Why do we think that unless a person attends our building, they are either not saved or backslid? 

Deny that? Well, what do you mean when you say "They don't go to our church?" What is your intention in your mind, when you say, "They stopped coming to church. They are backslid?"

No, Jesus didn't die for a building. You don't have to attend a certain building to make heaven. That's Churchianity, not Christianity. When scripture says "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together...", it is not referring to a particular building.

I have news for you that are caught up in churchianity rather than Christianity:

Not all believers have the same gifts. Not all giftings that you may have are needed in any particular group of believers. If you are attending one body of believers, and your gifts are not needed there, then keep looking. 

Somewhere there's a body of believers where your gifts are needed. Don't stay in one building and shrivel up and die. Don't sit on a pew and rust from lack of use. Let God lead you where you are needed and can be used for his glory and kingdom. 

We do need each other to make heaven. We can go to heaven together or to hell alone. But, we must allow God to lead us to our field of labor. If we are unable, or not allowed to labor in one place, we must find where it is that the Lord wants us to work with other believers. It's his "church". It's his work. We only labor with him. 

Lord, help us find the field you wish us to work in. 

Leaving the wilderness.

Exodus 3

King James Version (KJV)

3 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

2 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

The world loves "rags to riches" stories. Stories of folks pulling themselves up "by their boot straps" are very popular. They help to give people hope that they can change their circumstances. But, Moses' story is the opposite. His story is "riches to rags."

Moses had lost it all. The power and prestige of being a prince in the most powerful nation on the earth was a distant memory. At one time in his life, anything he wanted was at his beckon call. Any whim that entered his head was there for his command. But, one choice changed it all.

One choice to defend a slave left him destitute. One murder to defend the defenseless, made him lose his favored status and on the run for his very life.
When we stand up against the world's system, we lose out with the world.

Moses winds up in the wilderness. He finds the clan of Jethro and finds a wife.

The once mighty prince, instead of having slaves, servants, and attendants, now has to watch sheep. In the dirt. In rags. He has to fight off wolves and snakes to defend sheep. He no longer has the mighty weapons of Egypt to fight with. All he has is a shepherd's staff. Talk about a "fall from grace."

Moses gave up his riches and traded them for a life that taught him to care for others. He learned how to work, and not be pampered. He learned how to fight, but not for himself. He learned to provide for the needs of others. In so doing, he saw his own needs met.

Amazing, how that works, isn't it? The world says "make your own way." Jesus tells us to "give, and it shall be given unto you." The world says for us to seek others to serve us. Jesus says for us to follow his example by serving others. The world tells us to "save up until you can." Jesus tells us to obey his command and THEN he will provide the resources to accomplish what he told us to do.

Why did Moses find himself on the back side of the desert, living in harsh circumstances? Because it took those circumstances to make him usable by God to accomplish his purposes in his life.

With all the knowledge he had before he left Egypt, the world would've said Moses was ready to lead Israel. God left Moses in the wilderness for 40 years and THEN said, "Now, I can use him."

God allows circumstances in our lives in order to shape us into the vessels of service he needs us to be. Indeed, 2 Corinthians 1 says, "4 (God)Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

Our experiences prepare us to minister to others.

When we are in the wilderness, we feel utterly alone and abandoned. We cry, we complain, we feel dejected. Finally, our attitude begins to change. We begin to discover ways to be productive in our lousy circumstances. We learn how to find water in dry places. We figure out how to find food in places where food doesn't grow.

Later, after God brought Moses out, he sends Moses back to Egypt to stand against the most powerful nation in the world. He is used to free Israel. Then, because Moses knew the wilderness so well, he is used to lead them through it.

When God brings us out of the wilderness experience, he is ready to use us to help others.

We need to be like Moses. Learn from our experiences. Learn how to find nourishment from God even in our wilderness. When we do, for God will always provide for our needs, then we will be able to help others through their wilderness.

So, as one wilderness goer to another, let's praise him for our wilderness. Why? He's changing us to be used for his kingdom work.

Spreading dung: The lost art of mentor-ship.

Luke 13:6-9

King James Version (KJV)

⁶ He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

⁷ Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

⁸ And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

⁹ And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Matthew 3:8
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Galatians 5:22-23

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.

We live in a very strange time. Saints complain about their pastors and preachers. Pastors and preachers complain about their saints. Everybody complains about everybody. 

We "go to church" to "have church".  But, the world wonders "Will the real church please stand up?" (Please see my blog post from  8-14-11)

Why are there so many shallow Christians in the world? Why are not the fruits of spirit shown openly to the world? Why are we not having revival? Why are so may saints- even some that have been "in the way" for 50 years- still spiritual babes and not spiritual adults? 

They want milk. They want to be patted on the back and spiritually burped. They want to be told how beautiful they are and how loved they are, but have seemingly no desire to dress themselves and clean up their own messes. Why?

I've wondered this and prayed about it for years. The other day, I opened the word and, as it seems to when the Lord wishes to tell me something, a section of scripture leaped off the page at me. Read Luke 13: 6-9 above. anything jump out at you? There's a wealth of wisdom in those few short verses. 

First, for the saint (all preachers/pastors are supposed to be saints first of all), if your life seems full of dung (mess), perhaps the Lord is trying to fertilize your life so that you can bring forth fruit.

I want you to notice, though, that the Lord goes to "the dresser of his vineyard" and tells him to cut down the unfruitful tree. Who is the dresser of the Lord's vineyard? THE MINISTRY! Now, before you go off half cocked and try to really tell those rotten saints a thing or two, please notice the response of the dresser.

"⁸ And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

⁹ And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."

This is reminiscent, in a way, of a couple of verses in the Old Testament: 

Isaiah 41:28
For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

Amos 8:11
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

We live in a time where there are more church buildings and more congregations of "Christians" than ever before in all of history. Yet, the spiritual state of the majority of the world is about as bad as that of Sodom and Gomorrah! How can this be? 

We, as preachers of the Gospel MUST be honest and repent! If there is a finger to be pointed, it is not at the saints, the government, and certainly not at God. It is to be pointed at us!  

We have fallen into the traps the devil has laid before us. We try to build large congregations and bigger and better buildings. We build large radio/TV ministries and increase our exposure to sell more books. All this is done under the guise of a bigger platform in order to "get out the word." Yet, we water down the word, to attract more people. Is this right? 

The truth is that it is done to build our ego's and line our own pockets! We, if we are successful, have large organizations, homes, nice cars, clothes, and cars. But, what is the spiritual state of our hearers? 

While we are busily telling them about how much the Lord loves them and how he wants to bless them, they are not growing in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior- as Peter prayed they would!

We tell them to give money to "support the ministry of the Gospel", but we are not really doing the ministry we are called to do. 

Real ministry is NOT standing above them and giving them religious platitudes. Our ministry is to get down and dirty with them in their lives. Notice again what the dresser tells the Lord: 

"⁸ And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:"

He offered to dig about the tree and fertilize it. 

This requires getting your hands dirty. This requires getting involved in their lives as people. It requires digging about in their lives, giving them the word, and fertilizing it. In other word (in the worlds vernacular), we are to "give them crap!"

This is not a relationship of a hug, a few well spoken words, and a handshake- now watch me speak next service. This is a relationship of, "let's get together and break bread." 

It is doing something that Jesus did and his disciples (the Apostles) did: MENTORING them! 

It is allowing them into your life and getting involved in theirs. It is eating with them, loving them, hanging out with them, rejoicing with them in their victories and crying and praying with them in their falls. We are to help them stand up again!  

There is a false teaching that most ministers are taught: "Don't get too friendly with the saints." This is a lie from the pit of hell! Jesus got personally involved in the lives of the Apostles. The Apostles got personally involved in the lives of those they ministered to. And the legacy was passed from person to person. This is what the scripture means in Ephesians 4:11-13:

Ephesians 4:11-13

King James Version (KJV)

¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
¹³ Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

WE help to perfect them, by mentoring and teaching them. We get personally involved in their lives. Then, as they grow, they begin to mentor others. THIS is the work of the ministry. THIS edifies (grows) the body of Christ. It will eventually bring us all into the unity of THE faith.

So, preachers, come down off your platforms (and high horses) and get personal with the saints! True ministry requires prayer and study, but it also requires friendship, love, and a willingness to serve them personally. 

Faith is more than belief. It's an action word.

Ministry is more than a position, it is a call to mentor. 

It's time to roll up our sleeves, till the garden, and spread a little dung!