The Purpose for the Tithe

"Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.

And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the Lord thy God hath blessed thee:

Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose:

And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,

And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.

At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:

And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest." [Deuteronomy 14:22-29, KJV]

The only reason and time the tithe was to be monetary (according to Scripture) was when the agriculture was too difficult to carry on a long journey. Then, it could be converted to money and used for whatever was desired. Why? Because, Levites, immigrants, orphans and widows couldn't eat money. The tithe was never meant to be monetary. The early saints didn't tithe--they gave ALL, so that everyone had what was needed. Tithing as a "Christian" concept didn't occur until the 3rd century, and was instituted by Roman Catholicism--and at that time, was voluntary. What Christians call tithing today, has little to do with the Old Testament Law. Malachi 3, was written because the wicked priests were robbing the storehouse so that there was no meat to feed the Levites, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow. Please don't take my word for it, please, don't; trust the Word for the Word's sake. Malachi 2:1,2 says: "And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.
If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart." And, chapter 3 is a continuation of the message to the priests, not the people.

Finally, there was a purpose for the tithe--much like gleaning. It was for sustenance. To insure that those people who had no means of growing crops or owning and caring for livestock had a means of survival. Today, we need that same mentality--make sure those who care for our souls and the poor among us--be they friend, foe, immigrants, children, single mom's/dad's struggling, the elderly, disabled, homeless, disenfranchised and forgotten all have their needs met.

Turning the Hearts of Kings

There is a verse in the Bible that says: "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." Some of us, assume that this means that when God gets involved in our affairs, the king has no control and will do whatever is in our best interest. If history hasn't proven that to be an errant interpretation, perhaps context should--not just of the next verses, but of the whole of Scripture.

The verses that follow in the 21st chapter of Proverbs say, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin." [Proverbs 21:2-4] 

(I always say, context is EVERYTHING, when it comes to the Bible. You have to know, Scripture interprets Scripture--not one verse ever stands on its own. The more I learn of God's Word, the more I have been able to put to rest that lie that "the Bible contradicts itself". The Word of God never does. The problem is people who read the Word of God without understanding--who refuse to dig deeper because of tradition, preconceived notions, etc. The Word of God is holy, authoritative, righteous, real, living and altogether true, pure and lovely. I promise.) That was a side thought! :) 

Clearly, the king has choice--or free will, and God has not (nor will He ever, as long as we are in this dispensation, like He didn't in the prior dispensation though man failed to use free will wisely) stripped it from mankind. God does, however, watch and weigh the choices that the king (and all of us) make out of the depths of our hearts. It seems though, God is especially concerned with the decisions of leaders and kings. Why? Their decisions have a profound impact on multitudes of people--they are not simply making decisions for their own family unit, but for nations (or perhaps, churches, organizations, employees,etc.), and with that elevation comes the greater responsibility to ensure that all decisions are done without oppression, in humility, with justice and righteous godly judgment--never with a proud heart, and arrogance. I like the Living Bible translation..."

Just as water is turned into irrigation ditches, so the Lord directs the king’s thoughts. He turns them wherever he wants to.  
We can justify our every deed, but God looks at our motives.
God is more pleased when we are just and fair than when we give him gifts.
Pride, lust, and evil actions are all sin. [Proverbs 21:1-4, TLB]

God is not waiting for the king (or anyone else) to recognize you, so He can miraculously move them to make you a billionaire, millionaire, buy you a house, car, etc. He might prick some wealthy consciences in our favor if we would pray for billions to feed and shelter those who have nothing and to evangelize the world. If only we could stop praying amiss--carnal prayers are so selfish and ungodly. If you ask God for substance, ask for it to bless the Kingdom of God--investing in others, not to make yourself comfortable--that would be unrighteous, unjust, and arrogant. If you want a lot of substance for yourself, work for it, don't pray (amiss) for it, or expect to use and abuse others to gain it. God pondereth the hearts....we will answer for the decisions and acts made in the earth.

Grace always,
Lisa

Miracles, Signs and Wonders

"Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas" [Matthew 12:38,39]

Today, in our churches there is a tendency to encourage the people of God to seek and to "claim" divine miracles and blessings. I'm not exactly sure why we think that is the way to go since Jesus clearly says that seekers of "signs" (semeion: an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally -- miracle, sign, token, wonder) are a "wicked and adulterous generation. Yet, if God's people are not actively chasing miracles they are deemed faithless--according to Jesus, just the opposite is true. 

Miracles aren't bad, but they have a distinct purpose, and they are not for the comfort of those who already believe--it could be that we will experience them, but they must not be our personal goal. The goal should always be that men might believe. If we would take these final words of John's 20th chapter to heart, we would understand that: "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." That is the purpose of miracles (or "signs"); that those who don't believe yet, might be drawn to Him (through the vehicle of signs, wonders and miracles) and believe and have eternal life through His Name. Jesus confirmed this truth again in John 9, saying that the miracle He was about to perform on the blind man had nothing to do with his sin or his parents, "but that the works of God should be manifest in Him". It worked, too. In verse 8, the neighbors asked, "Is not this he that sat and begged?" It got their attention.

If miracles aren't for believers, directly (we could benefit, though if unbelievers are in our midst who need to see the Hand of God to believe), what does God have for us? 

God has reserved something far greater and more precious for His children who already believe, that the world cannot receive or understand. They can only grasp the super/natural because it is natural--a heightened natural, but still natural, tangible and relatable to non-spiritual beings. Like parables they can be grasped and believed with the mind and the eye, while spiritual truths cannot be understood this way. The supernatural is merely a heightened aspect of the natural, earthly and carnal. When the disciples asked Jesus why he spoke to the multitudes in parables, He answered, "because they seeing see not; and hearing hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear." [Matthew 13:13b-16]. Jesus used the tools of parables and miracles in the same way and essentially for the same purpose--to maximize the understanding and experience of those He ministered to, that they might see and believe in Him.

What we have is so much more precious and powerful, but often we cast it aside and settle for the supernatural and earthy things that are purposed for unbelievers. The spiritual and eternal things of God that cannot be corrupted or seen with the natural eye or destroyed by man's hands--or even the enemy belong to us ("But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14). We spend very little time talking about them or focusing our attention on them--our focus is on physical health, wealth and prosperity--all temporal and corruptible things; and it is very grievous to God and to those who recognize the error--it is painful. 

Jesus asked the man whose focus was like today's "church" in Luke 12 (who was busy amassing wealth and securing his future, too), who would have those things when his soul was required of him? We are to be "rich towards God", not "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life". We have twisted God's Word to suit our desire for earthly gain; even, in fact, taking a simple (very common) greeting between friends to be a declaration that God wants us to have earthly health and prosperity "even as thy soul prospereth". John simply wanted Gaius to have a safe and blessed journey; much like we say: "Be blessed!" or "Have a great day!" It doesn't mean that it will go that way, but we hope it will, right? We take this so literally (in error), but not this: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." [1 Peter 4:12-19]

 

APOSTOLIC, Really???

Today, in the world, there are an estimated 24 million Apostolic Pentecostal believers. That's the count for those who call themselves Apostolic--I'm one of them, from the crown of my head to the souls of my feet; and I take that designation very seriously. Why? Because, in all honesty the only New Testament church in the Bible was made up of those who held to the Apostolic standard. Mind you, except for baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit--we don't much resemble the first Apostolic believers and their way of living. We are very different from those first apostles and saints who believed and carried out the words of Jesus.

The first Christians, after Jesus was resurrected, were baptized "in Jesus' Name" and "filled with the Holy Ghost" according to the book of Acts. That was the first step, but only the beginning of being real Apostolic people of God. That was just the "milk" (Hebrews 5:12-6:1), but the test of who is actually Apostolic, is not merely in the beginning foundational works of repentance, but in adherence to the tenets of Jesus Christ, and the apostles (who fulfilled the Gospel and taught it as they were commissioned to do, by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:16-20 and in Luke 24:36-53). Even with their doubt, Jesus gave them a commission to change the world from the status quo--beginning with Jerusalem (and they did according to Acts 17:6). And what was the status quo? According to Jesus, (in the 23rd chapter of Matthew):

1Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

² Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
³ All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
⁴ For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
⁵ But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
⁶ And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
⁷ And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
⁸ But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
⁹ And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
¹⁰ Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
¹¹ But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
¹² And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
¹³ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
¹⁴ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
¹⁵ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
¹⁶ Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
...
²³ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
²⁴ Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
²⁵ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
²⁶ Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
²⁷ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
²⁸ Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
²⁹ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous...". 

Some very distinct characteristics of Judaism had arisen that were not of God--and He very strongly rebuked them. He begins with the "heavy burdens" that the priesthood was imposing on his people that were far outside the realm of the Mosaic Law. They had for centuries, now been twisting and perverting Scripture to suit their own selfish desires--desires to be obeyed implicitly or face being cast out of the Temple. Next, Jesus moves on to the subject of "schisms" where some in Judaism--namely the scribes and Pharisees were elevating themselves above the population of God's people by the desire to "be seen of men", demanding special seats in the Temple, enhancing the priestly garments with bigger boarders and adorning their foreheads with phylacteries (small leather boxes that held some portion of the Law). Jesus continued in His rebuke by mentioning special titles--"Rabbi, Rabbi" and "father", admonishing them to be servants, not masters of men. After this, Jesus spoke to the priesthood regarding their greed, saying that they were abusing the office by creating a burden to those who were poor ("widows", as they were the predominant group of poor people, at that time). Finally, in verse 23, Jesus moves to the subject of tithing (and many of us today, try to use Matthew 23:23 as proof that Jesus supported and taught tithing), when He said that the Pharisees have departed from the true Law, instead focusing on the tithe--the letter of the Law. Of course, they should have been tithing (as they were still under the Law), but they had placed more importance on tithing than on the weightier matters of "justice and mercy and truth"; we do, too. Note: the tithe was still in the form of agriculture, even though money was widely in use by Jesus' day (it was never intended to be monetary--because those who were to receive the tithe, were given exactly what they needed for natural sustenance). Jesus, although born under the Law--and the Law continuing until His death, burial and resurrection (which ushered in the dispensation of Grace) never commanded tithing. In fact, the tithe is only referred to twice by Jesus, here in in Matthew 23 and in Luke 11:41-43. And, they are the same account, recorded by both Matthew and Luke (note the wording similarities). In fact, these are the only instances of the word "tithe" in the entire New Testament, and tenth (as it relates to tithing) is only mentioned in Hebrews 7. Yet, today, we spend inordinate amounts of time on the subject of tithing. And, the truth is, tithing limits giving.

If tithing was intended to be a part of the New Testament Church (especially, as prominent as it is today), more attention would most likely have been given to the subject. Rather, Jesus taught sacrificial giving--and His focus was more on giving to the poor and those in need, than on the Temple. The apostles followed suit. We read of the manner of giving in the New Testament Church, with no mention of the tithe, but of giving ALL to ensure that everyone had their needs met; and as Jesus taught them, no special notice was given to any individuals who gave (giving was a private matter, as Jesus taught--no trumpets [which He referred to because the Pharisees had begun to show off their giving by carrying around trumpet-shaped receptacles with their money in them, which were formed to mimic the trumpet-shaped receptacles in which money was to be placed in the Temple, for its upkeep]). There was no inequality--as least, it wasn't taught or supported by Jesus or the apostles. Further, the apostles shunned pride, and being of an elevated status in the church, choosing rather to suffer alongside the saints, just like Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8). 

Paul teaches however, that we should care for our church leaders who give themselves solely to the Gospel, for our edification. But, we have taken care far beyond the scriptural intent, now lavishing on them the very things that Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and scribes for. We have assigned special titles to church leaders--the apostles used none--but chose to walk in the humility that Jesus taught them. They were not called by the offices they held--the office is what they did, not who they were, and they understood this; as evidenced by Paul's list of church leadership (all called by their names, without title) in Romans 16, and includes as part of the instruction to salute these worthy saints, this word: "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." 

There was no tithe in the early Church. They gave as was "purposed in his heart" and according to need. "Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need." Giving was needs-based, not desire-based. There was no tithing in the early church. It was instituted by Roman Catholicism in the 3rd century--and even they began the practice as voluntary; later because of greed they made it mandatory, to ensure that the coffers remained full. There were no titles in the early church, either--that too, was instituted by the Roman Catholic church about the same time. Why do Apostolic people adhere more to the tenets of Roman Catholicism and give them more credence than the teachings and words of both Jesus and the Apostles??? "The early church's expectation that every Christian would tithe found formal expression at the Synod of Mâçon in 585, which embedded the practice in canon law. A millennium later, the Council of Trent sharpened this law's teeth: it provided for excommunication if any Catholic declined to contribute his tithe." Under the Law of Moses, God promised blessings for Israel’s obedience to the commandments and curses for their disobedience to the commandments. In the New Testament, once the new covenant was established, to tithe is being disobedient, to give freely is being obedient.

Today, our current custom is the use of titles for many--and currently, "lady" is very popular for pastors wives in our churches, but it is a secular term, not biblical. There is to be no natural royalty in the Body of Christ--only in the Spirit are all of God's people considered a royal priesthood--and we are, all who believe, considered elect--no one more than another; not even based on office. Many would use the passage written by Paul concerning the "elect lady" in 2 John 1, as proof of the use of this "title". However, the translation of that suggests that "Lady" or "Kuria" (Greek) was her first name--as it was a very common first name in the first century. And, why would Paul assign a title to this one lady and not to those in Romans 16, whom he regarded most highly, as well? Context is everything, in God's Word.

For us to be Apostolic, truly, much that we cling to, today, must be abandoned. Our focus must return to servanthood--all of us, and away from church hierarchies, and elite status among church leaders. We must also pattern our giving after the teaching of Jesus and follow the example of the apostles and Christ in the way giving was carried out. Leadership in the Body of Christ (scripturally) does not afford anyone special titles or status, nor a right to claim a greater level of finance from the Body of Christ for personal wealth or gain. 

How Apostolic are we, indeed?  
   

RESERVED...FOR US

Today, God's people often relegate Him to genie-in-a-bottle status. I'm sure, that most of us don't realize that is what we do. However, to live our lives in constant desire for deliverance from natural circumstances--declaring, demanding and decreeing that God change the atmosphere for us (in this life) is doing exactly that. God has never promised us that we can have whatever we want. The reason we believe that every desire is at our fingertips is due to lack of context. It's easy to manipulate the Word of God into saying anything we want, if we isolate a verse, here and there. Context changes everything--and considering how God moves and deals with His people throughout the entire Bible, will show us that is not His goal for us, in the earth. I'm still amazed that we believe we can call those those things which be not as though they were--when that is not what Paul said. He wrote to us that "...God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were", not us. We don't have that ability, and we should not even attempt it; that's God's place.

We have become miracle-chaser's, even though Jesus said, "An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas..." (And we know what happened to Jonah--his sign or miracle was being in the belly of the whale for 3 days and nights; it was miraculous, just not in a good way). "Sign" as Jesus used it in this verse refers to "miracles, signs and wonders". They are not bad things, but they have a distinct purpose--and they are not for our comfort and our desires...unless we are an "evil and adulterous generation"; in fact, over and over in the New Testament we see demonstrations of the righteous giving or selling what they had for the cause of Christ--and to bless those who were less fortunate. Jesus used miracles and spoke to unbelievers in that manner because it is all they could grasp--we are to be different, spiritual, not carnal. The supernatural is for a witness to His power, not how we live our lives--looking for God to intervene supernaturally in our affairs. The word supernatural can be broken down into two words: "super" and "natural"; so, the supernatural isn't spiritual, but an elevated level of the natural, earthy and carnal things. John 20:31 tells us why Jesus performed miracles--"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." In this context, Jesus had just challenged them (Thomas and the other disciples) to believe, without seeing. Although they were called and chosen by the Savior--they still did not believe, completely; it would take the power of the Holy Ghost to change them into believers.

For us, who are called, chosen and believing, God has reserved the spiritual things as His gift to us. For believers, abundant living has nothing to do with the natural, but with the spiritual. Paul, in his letter to the church at Colosse, wrote: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." [Colossians 3:1-4]. 

If we interpret Scripture to mean that God desires His people to have the best of everything, then what do we do with those elect saints in 1 Peter, suffering immeasurably who had "joy unspeakable and full of glory" in the midst of being scattered throughout the Roman Empire, facing death, terrible suffering and false accusations? What do we do with the great cloud of witnesses who "were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth." What do we do with Paul who suffered with a "thorn in the flesh" that he persistently asked God for deliverance from--and God's response was, "My grace is sufficient for thee...". Or, what about Joseph and Job? How is it that we think God will automatically remove us from difficult circumstances when we "pray in faith"? The Word of God commends these people for their faith, yet, they suffered much. Are we any different--does God reserve something supernatural for us, but not the same deliverance for them?

When the Word of God speaks to us of abundant living, it refers to being fruitful--spiritually. Our focus is to be on the eternal things of God, not the earthly. Our fruit is spiritual and it is to be evident in our lives, by the Holy Ghost. The difference in our suffering and those who suffer without Christ is the peace and joy we have, in the midst of the chaos (that's living abundantly!). The world only has pain, but we have God in the center of our suffering giving us "peace that passes all understanding" and "joy unspeakable". There is no promise to us that we can have whatever we desire--not, contextually. When the psalmist writes, "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart..." it is with the understanding that we are delighting ourselves in the Lord. To delight in the Lord is to crave Him so much that we are insatiable--for Him. Then, He gives us what we desire--not tangible, earthly things, but more of what we crave--HIM. God only writes that blank check for us, when our affections are set on Him. 

If it takes miracles, signs and wonders to keep us attracted to God, maybe it's time to question our faith and belief in Him. It is immaturity or lack of faith that keeps us dependent on God for natural things that we can obtain ourselves with hard work, if we desire them; but they should not be our drive and motivation, in life. That is not the focus of the Holy Spirit--to give us whatever we want. If we could measure faith by substance, then Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates would be among the most faith-filled people in this nation. Faith can only be measured by a spiritual measuring stick. James, said the man with dead faith is not the poor man, but the one who withholds his substance from the poor. Jesus challenged the young ruler's faith by asking him to sell everything he had and come and follow Him. He wants us to come to Him expressing how "poor in spirit" we are, so that He can fill us with His Spirit and spiritual things.

The test of faith is not how much we can get if we believe, but how much we believe when we don't have everything we want. Will we still hold on and serve Him, with all of our hearts, when things don't go our way? Habakkuk put it this way: "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Even though "the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:". Why and how was this (and is this) possible, in the face of such trouble and lack? Because, "The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."         
 





 

PHARISEE'S IN THE HOUSE (repost from 3/25/09)

Most of us are familiar with the evils of the system of Apartheid that existed in South Africa for many years. Even today, many experience the aftershocks of that wicked and damnable system. Under Apartheid, only European whites were completely free, in South Africa. Indians, no matter what their education and accomplishments could not travel freely without "papers" and were still subject to harassment. Blacks suffered far more--being even darker. They were forced to live in crowded townships, only allowed to leave to work for the European whites (who couldn't survive without their labors). When they began to demand their rights as citizens, they were beaten, jailed and brutally murdered--sound familiar?


These evils aren't limited to people of color either--remember Adolph Hitler? He was so fixated on creating the "perfect" race of blond-haired, blue-eyed people with no "imperfections". They should all have a particular nose and jaw line, and none could have diseases--particularly inherited ones, or mental deficiencies, not just retardation, but depression, or melancholy, either. So, they killed the "imperfect" ones and started kidnapping what they considered "perfect" babies from surrounding countries like Poland and Austria and cared for them by select women until they came of age. The boys then were trained for Hitler's army and the girls became breeders.



In the Far East, there still exists a caste system--many deny the evils of it still occur, but those at the bottom live it daily. In Hinduism, there is a caste system that is tied directly to their belief system. The Untouchables or "Outcastes" are regarded as not only beneath the other's in the system--but completely outside of the caste. Within the caste system, are the Sudras (black), they are the laborers. Above the Sudras, are the Vaisyas, (brown) they are the farmers, merchants and artisans. A step above the Vaisyas are the Ksatriyas, they are the warriors and rulers. And, finally, at the top of the caste are the Brahmins (white), they are the priests and teachers. Notice, the Untouchables don't even have opportunity to work. No opportunity to provide for themselves or their families. According to the Bhagavad Gita, the only way to reach the top is through self-harmony and inner peace. Hmmmm....



I'm sure you're thinking all of this makes Jesus see red, and worse! Me, too. I have another point to make though; how different are we, in the church? Most of us aren't "at the top either," (only a select few--who meet certain criteria) with our own version of caste systems. Most of us are absolutely appalled at all of these evils and the hatred that causes men to treat other men in such damnable ways; but I question if we are not guilty of the same--only in more subtle ways. Subtilty is one of the enemies best tricks--because it is often missed. We recognize the elephant about to trample us, but what about the little fox?



I know that many will disagree with me. I know that many may agree, but won't be willing to admit that there is truth to what I have said, because there is a consequence to making a change--it's unpopular. Still, I write it, in the hope that those who are honest, will search themselves and ask God if they have been guilty of this, and repent.



My point for including the above information, is that we have to be so careful in our treatment of one another as brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. We must ensure that we do not develop (consciously or unconsciously) a "caste system" of our own making, within the church. I meant to say church, and not Church--because the Church, the true Body of Christ will have no such divisions! (1. Cor. 12:25) That Church will have leaders, pastors, preachers and teachers whose hearts are turned toward the people of God--not just spiritually, but in totality. And that burden cannot rest only on the leaders, but it rests upon the shoulders of us ALL. In turn, we must do what we can to help shoulder the burden of our leaders in prayer, in attitude, in cooperation and in the minute details of life. What is it that we can do to help minimize the burden of another? DO IT! For in the doing of it, you have helped to carry the Cross of Christ!



I wonder often, how is it that we recognize global injustices of the Hindu caste system, Apartheid, racism, lack of women's rights under the Taliban, and yet not see injustice in our own churches? When we don't address it, it affects more than Sunday morning, it affects our homes, our communities, our witness, our spirit, our emotions and our health overall.



What can we do? Repent. Resolve, today that no longer will you use whatever position God gave you to rule/lord over another. Always use the ministry for the upbuilding of God's people. Many use biblical offices improperly--to keep people separate, not realizing that those offices (not titles, for they were never used by the apostles; in other words they were apostles, but not called Apostle _______) call us to a position of servanthood--not only to God, but to His people. I think, so many times we forget that before we were deacon, elder, bishop, evangelist or even apostle, we were first and foremost BROTHER; and that the office is not the same as a title--the office is biblical; but the title is not. In fact, there were no titles used in the church until about the 3rd century, when Roman Catholicism instituted them as a means to control people and create an elite class within the church. I plead with my brothers and sisters in ministry, don't abuse the privilege and responsibility that God entrusted you with toward His people (they don't belong to you). Everyone that you damage with your arrogance, your elite systems, or your unkind words pierces Him afresh.



In 1. Corinthians 12, we are reminded that the one body has many members--my part (or your part) in the Body, doesn't make either of us more important or less important. Respect is due to the office, but sometimes we take that too far--and when we do, we set our beloved leaders up for failure; and in actuality, respect as a concept is to be extended to everyone, biblically; including leaders to people. We must not glory in the flesh--it's all temporary, but our relationship as brothers in Christ will last forever. Let's renew that bond, before He comes....



"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I AM NOTHING. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."



Motives really do matter; and your heart is showing.



Love & Abundant Blessings,

Lisa

How to Give

Giving is a major part of Christianity, and its theme runs throughout both the Old and New Testaments. How to give, changes according to God's plan for each age, and His will.

One thing is certain--calling ourselves Christians, yet being unwilling to give lavishly, is akin to central air conditioning in Hell--it just cannot be; it is a spiritual impossibility. Giving lavishly, however, has very little to do with the amount given, but more to do with the amount not given. What are we willing to give in service to God? And, more importantly, what do we cling to, rather than giving?

Jesus and the apostles had much to say about giving. Not a lot about tithing; perhaps because it was understood that giving cannot be relegated to a mere 10% under grace--but, the Bible tells us, "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." [Acts 2:44,45] It wasn't a new concept that the apostles came up with, either; they learned it from Jesus. They heard Jesus' words as he commended the poor widow in the temple: "For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." Often, today we assume because a person gives less--they have "robbed" God, but according to Scripture, that is the wrong measurement. It is the proportion given weighed  against that which remains in our possession that determines how generous we are. At least, that is what Jesus taught. "Two mites" (the equivalent of about 1/2 penny) can be more than thousands of dollars--if it is all that one has.

Many times, people assume that non-tither's don't give 10% because they are stingy and don't want to give--but for some, it is because tithing actually, puts (unspoken or unseen) limits on giving. For most who tithe--the majority of the total they give is in the form of the tithe--they may give more than tithe; in fact I believe most do, but the biggest portion of their total giving is the tithe. Unfortunately, that is not grace-giving. Grace giving is much more lavish than 10%, and gives not according to rules, laws, or personal choice and desire, but according to need, ability, and always is governed by the heart. Many would say "Well, where does that leave all of the Old Testament teaching on the tithe?" There is no contradiction with Old Testament Scripture when we really understand the tithe and its purpose--and when we look contextually at giving throughout the Old Testament. The purpose of the tithe was to provide for those who did not have the means to provide for themselves--in that day, it was the group of priests who were Levites (their need existed because they could not be landowners; their work was solely dedicated to the Temple, worship of God, and temple care). Along with the Levites, other recipients of the tithe were "the fatherless, the widow and the stranger among you". In that time, these were the categorically "poor"--at least, they would be without the provision of the tithe. Even with the tithe in place, to insure that no one fell through the cracks, God gave more instruction in giving and generosity. "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God." [Leviticus 23:22]. God always makes provision for His people, but He uses His people to make the provision. How good are we at setting provision aside for those who have need? God commanded this, too, as well as the tithe.

Today, it is often taught that we are to exercise faith for our needs--Jesus taught that our needs will be met when we seek His Kingdom, first (note: NEEDS: [specifically, water, food and clothing] not desires). Still, today, as always God uses us to meet needs--He could miraculously drop provision from the sky, but His will is that our hearts are directed to care for our neighbors--and that is His will. In fact, He doesn't want us to expect or look for miracles, because He said, "An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign [Greek: semeion: meaning "miracles, signs wonders, or a token"]; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas..." [Matthew 12:39]. God's people are to be beyond the point that we are miracle-seeker's, but living by faith whether "abased or abounding". When there is lack, the problem isn't with God's provision, but with our withholding the provision that He has placed in our hands to bless and care for others. We need each other to survive.

Where faith is concerned, the Bible never questions the faith of the poor man--but the faith of the man who has substance. Jesus answered the rich young ruler who wanted to know what he needed to do to inherit eternal life with this: "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." "And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." James very pointedly, follows the example of Christ with, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 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? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." The faith of the one in need is never in question--except with modern Christians. Blame is laid at the feet of those who lack, and faithlessness is the charge. However, that clearly goes against the teachings of Jesus--and even the Old Testament, because even under the Law, God used His children to be caretakers not only for one another, but even "the stranger". 

We each must ask ourselves how well we line up with God's plan for giving and providing. It cannot be simply limited to Sunday morning or the offering plate at church, but it must become a way of life. And, giving entails more than finance--how willing are we to give up our precious time, energy and other non-tangible things for others?

Will Jesus commend us as He did the poor widow? Or, will He reject us as "goats" for failure to care for the "least of these"? We get to decide whether we will give lavishly or not--but the consequences for not giving rest solely in Him; and they have the harshest eternal repercussions. [Matthew 25:41,46]

HOPE PRISON

"And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper." [Genesis 39:20-23]

The last place you expect to find hope is in prison. Prison, by definition, is a place to remove hope and cause those imprisoned to lose sight of joy, peace, contentment and beauty. We all have prison experiences--they don't necessarily involve prison bars, armed guards and barbed wire--at least, not literally. But life sometimes brings chains to imprison us--for some the "prison" is financial, or poor health, or lack of education, or a multitude of difficult things. Prison is not permanent--even though it always feels like it will last forever. It could indeed be permanent--as far as this world goes; but if you know God, you have a hope beyond the prisons of this "life". Paul wrote, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." [1 Corinthians 15:29,30]. If this was all there is, then we would be doomed to misery; BUT because of Christ, they are (in perspective) only "light afflictions" and the glory that is to come will completely overshadow these temporal circumstances--they won't even be a memory.

Two things are important to remember: This is not it. Whatever I am going through is temporal--that doesn't mean that God will deliver me from every "prison" in this world--that's a mistake and a lie that many Christians believe--and it has caused many to give up in frustration when the "olive tree failed to yield fruit" and "there are no cattle in the stalls" (Habakkuk 3: 17-19). God didn't promise us a prison-free life--or even that He will remove us from the prison; His promise is to keep us, in spite of our difficult places and seasons, and to give us peace that surpasses understanding. It surpasses understanding--because having peace in prison simply makes no sense. However, that's the miracle of walking with God--our circumstances don't dictate our spirituality, worth, or how we respond. Trials that should destroy us--and that will destroy many don't, because God is in the midst of them upholding us and protecting us from the flames so that they do not consume us. The flames are real and destructive, but we won't be destroyed if our hope is in Him. He won't ever fail--He can't; and His Word is true. Expecting everything to go my way, or assuming that every time I find myself in a trial, God is going to remove it or remove me from it is immature and ungodly. 1 Peter 1 is the account of God's "elect" in a prison of torture, false accusation, and extreme brutality--and the only promise to them was "joy unspeakable and full of glory"--in the trial, but there was no expectation of deliverance--in this life. The promise is in an eternal glory and rest.

Secondly, this prison has a purpose. This is not the time to lick your wounds--it's time to grow. There is a reason for the term "growing pains"--growth is not comfortable--it hurts. It takes friction and force to grow. It is a trial by fire that brings the greatest growth to the child of God. Typically, we measure strength and faith by "blessings", but that is not how God measures--it's the wrong yardstick to measure with. We can't use a natural yardstick to measure spiritual things. God looks for spiritual fruit, while we tend to look for natural fruit--the proof is in the "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance" in the trial. The trials of life teach us, to love, to have compassion, to be patient and how to walk after the Spirit--while we mortify the deeds of the flesh (the mortification takes place in prison--it isn't easy or comfortable) . "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."

In prison, right now? Stand and see the true salvation of the Lord--right there in the midst of the trial. Don't run, stand. He reigns and is ever-present, even in prison.
 

The Homosexuality Argument

     There are so many points to the argument that loom ludicrous; it’s hard to know where to begin. I’ll start with the most common “Christian” viewpoint. Most Christians believe firmly that homosexuality and lesbianism are wrong, and an “abomination” to God. However, the abomination isn’t in being homosexual—it is acting on the homosexuality (or lesbianism). The Bible says this: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” [Leviticus 18:22]. This verse and all of the others in the Word of God (Genesis 19:4, 5; Leviticus 20:13; Judges 19:22; 1 Kings 14:24, 15:12; Romans 1:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10; Jude 1:7) deal with the practice of homosexuality, not merely being homosexual. For too long, we have shunned, abused and mistreated homosexual’s and lesbian’s as being an abomination when in fact, it is homosexual and lesbian behavior that is the abomination, according to Scripture.

     Secondly, most Christians hold fast to the belief that it is impossible for anyone to be born “that way”. Often, I have heard God makes no mistakes, so there is no way He would create such vileness. There are problems with this thinking, too. First, how do we know that homosexuals and lesbians aren’t born with those tendencies already innate in them—just as many are born with other negative genetic and hereditary obstacles that must be overcome, in order to walk victoriously in Christ? The Bible does not say that God did not allow them to be born “that way”—anywhere. The Bible however, does point out that we are all “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” [Psalm 51:5]. The Amplified Version further illuminates it this way: “Behold, I was brought forth in [a state of] iniquity; my mother was sinful who conceived me [and I too am sinful].” In other words, we ALL come here in this sad, horrific state—of iniquity. The iniquity might be different, but it is all iniquity, and if not handled through repentance and forgiveness of sins, the end result is the same for every sinner. Did God make man in this state? Emphatically, NO! But once sin entered the picture through the deception in Eden, man was born in a state of iniquity. The only man (and woman) who began life without iniquity (other than Jesus Christ) are Adam, the first man, (and Eve, the first woman) who were created in a state of perfection. The gift of free will was misused by them, and it catapulted all of mankind in a state of chaotic, sinful dysfunction from that time forward. Now, because I was not born with homosexuality or lesbianism does not make me special—my iniquities were different, and I have to trust in God’s redemptive power to overcome the ones I have. Many are born with tendencies toward alcohol or substance abuse, mental illness, some are born into families where incest, domestic violence, and other evils exist, and they are perpetuated generation after generation—it is a state of iniquity. If my issue is alcohol (or any other addictive behavior), but I make a decision never to drink alcohol—I will never become an alcoholic; because I haven’t practiced the abuse of alcohol. What we often fail to do is to recognize the compulsive or sinful tendencies that exist in us—or, we rationalize them; so we never gain victory over them—at least, until we acknowledge our sinfulness and repent. It is the same for those with homosexual tendencies—men and women cannot help being born with the predisposition toward those things, but they have to make a decision whether or not to act on them (and when it comes to God, no decision is a decision). We all still (in spite of the catastrophe at Eden) have free will.

     Many homosexuals argue that since they cannot help who they are—being born in that state, it is only right and just that they be able to marry and live together as heterosexual couples. Those who do not marry may think that it is okay to engage in homosexual sex, or be involved in same-sex relationships; however, that is the practice of the sin—and that is an abomination. I recognize that our society, today, makes it appear that it is all okay, and homosexuals and lesbians should be afforded the same rights and privileges as heterosexual couples. Heterosexual marriage was/is sanctioned by God and right. He proves that it has His blessing by giving heterosexual’s the ability to procreate. In humans, procreation can only occur between male and female; so, for us that is God’s plan. If mankind chooses another path, you do have the right to exercise that choice but know for assurance there are dire consequences for choosing the practice of any sin, and this one along with all of these are an abomination to God—they stink in His nostrils.  

1.      “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.  Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.  For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord…” [DEUT. 18:10-12]

2.      “That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the Lord your God.” [DEUT. 20:18]

3.      “Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small. Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small.  But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.  For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God.” [DEUT. 25:13-16]

4.      “Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.” [DEUT. 27:15]

5.      “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” [PROV. 6:16-19]

6.      “For the froward is abomination to the LORD...” [PROV. 3:32]

7.      “The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.” [PROV. 15:9]

8.      “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD:” [PROV. 16:5]

9.      “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” [PROV. 17:15]

10.  “…the scorner is an abomination to men.” [PROV. 24:9]

11.  “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” [PROV. 28:9]

12.  “Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination, Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? He shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.” [EZEK. 18:12,13]

13.  “And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour’s wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee had humbled his sister, his father’s daughter.” [EZEK. 22:11]

14.  “Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.” [MALACHI 2:11]

15.  “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” [LUKE 16:15] (In this context, covetousness).

     It’s amazing how short-sighted we can be. We have such extreme tunnel vision—we are experts at focusing on the “motes” (or even their “beams”) of others; but how many abominations are we guilty of, ourselves? An abomination (to God) is an abomination; just as a sin is a sin—there are no degrees for abominations. The result is the same and how God views them (and smells them) is equal, too. So, before we protest against another homosexual being an abomination, remember the list.

     The practice of homosexual behavior is unnatural, but He will allow mankind to burn in its lust for sin and same-sex behavior; God has never revoked free will, but He has empowered those who choose Him to live righteously, if we desire.

     For many, this post may seem prejudicial, but I challenge you to open your heart and hear the truth about sin—everything that feels good, is not good. Can you handle the eternal repercussions that come with the wrong choices?