THE HEAD & NOT THE TAIL...
"And the Lord
shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above
only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the
commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them." [Deuteronomy 28:13,14]
That does appear to be a promise to us that God will give us whatever we want, as long as we serve Him, doesn't it? Simple. Remember, though that "ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living;" [2 Timothy 3:16 CJB]. We can't isolate one or two verses, EVER. Deuteronomy 28, admittedly, puzzled me, when I considered the whole of Scripture which appeared to go against the seemingly "Name It, Claim It" wording of this chapter. I no longer avoid what I don't understand in the Word of God--I study it, and ask Him to open my understanding; and if I am wrong, correct me. What I discovered is that "Name It, Claim It" is still a lie from the pit of Hell and perhaps, one of the greatest deceptions of our time.
In reading Exodus 23:20-33, the answer became apparent. It's all about idolatry. Who and/or what is on the throne of our hearts is the key. Psalm 37:4, says this: "Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires." [HCSB]. Then, as well as now, Who and what I desire matters. My desire must be for God--more than anyone or anything, in order to access these blessings. When I arrive at the place that my heart is so fixed on Him, my desire will be for only more of HIM. He will then bless me with what I desire--more of Him. Out of my desire for more of Him, comes a change in my heart toward others as well. As God delights to bless me tangibly, because I have chosen Him--the best Desire [as King Solomon asked for wisdom, 1 Kings 3:5-14] my heart will be mindful of the needs of others. I will see need and respond with compassion to need, before fulfilling my own desires. The truly blessed are the merciful, said Jesus.
Idolatry has consumed us, and we don't recognize it. We think of idolatry as a golden calf, but idolatry is so much more than that. Idolatry is clinging to tangible things, and being unwilling to give them up to bless others. If we won't give it for the health and well-being--physical, emotional and/or spiritual of others, it is idolatry. We have made people, money, fashion, "our" time, talent, homes, cars, "ministries" even ourselves and more idols. What may be worse is our skill at rationalizing our idolatrous behavior, rather than repenting for it. How about this? God desires that we be the head in spiritual things, first--then, He can entrust us with the natural. He can give us the natural because He knows that we will know better than to build bigger barns (Luke 12:15-21); but we will invest the tangible into the Kingdom for spiritual treasure. That's the plan. It's about spiritual investment. Many in God's Kingdom are suffering lack, not because they lack faith, but because those who have the treasure are not making the investment as they should. It is the Apostolic way (Acts 2:44-46; 4:32-37; 2 Corinthians 8:12-15; 9:5-12) to see to it that everyone has their needs met. Until we do it God's way--according to His plan, we will always be in a position of begging in our churches, suffering lack, and so will many individuals. We settle for tangible things that will corrupt when God is trying to give us a much greater dividend and return, but we won't invest. We don't see the grand picture. When He places the substance in our hands, it isn't to stop there--it is to be invested, to gain a spiritual harvest of souls. It isn't simply about the offering plate, either--or standing in line, giving $100 (to be seen of men Matthew 6:1-7); it is feeding hungry souls, meeting physical needs, to open doors for spiritual ministry. It is nearly impossible to preach the Gospel, effectively to people who don't believe that you love and genuinely care for them. Giving paves the way to effective soul-winning. What an opportunity to be the head!
Deuteronomy 28, makes perfect sense. Idolaters will see this passage as God desires to give them whatever they want as long as they keep His commandments (legalistically). Those who love God with a whole heart and want more of Him will see that it means the blessing is in being a blessing, in the city, and in the field.
"Then,if My people, who bear My Name, will humble themselves, pray, seek My Face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land. "
And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them." [Deuteronomy 28:13,14]
That does appear to be a promise to us that God will give us whatever we want, as long as we serve Him, doesn't it? Simple. Remember, though that "ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living;" [2 Timothy 3:16 CJB]. We can't isolate one or two verses, EVER. Deuteronomy 28, admittedly, puzzled me, when I considered the whole of Scripture which appeared to go against the seemingly "Name It, Claim It" wording of this chapter. I no longer avoid what I don't understand in the Word of God--I study it, and ask Him to open my understanding; and if I am wrong, correct me. What I discovered is that "Name It, Claim It" is still a lie from the pit of Hell and perhaps, one of the greatest deceptions of our time.
In reading Exodus 23:20-33, the answer became apparent. It's all about idolatry. Who and/or what is on the throne of our hearts is the key. Psalm 37:4, says this: "Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires." [HCSB]. Then, as well as now, Who and what I desire matters. My desire must be for God--more than anyone or anything, in order to access these blessings. When I arrive at the place that my heart is so fixed on Him, my desire will be for only more of HIM. He will then bless me with what I desire--more of Him. Out of my desire for more of Him, comes a change in my heart toward others as well. As God delights to bless me tangibly, because I have chosen Him--the best Desire [as King Solomon asked for wisdom, 1 Kings 3:5-14] my heart will be mindful of the needs of others. I will see need and respond with compassion to need, before fulfilling my own desires. The truly blessed are the merciful, said Jesus.
"Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with
life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of
their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate
themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
Blessed and enviably happy [with a happiness
produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by
the revelation of His matchless grace] are those who mourn, for they
shall be comforted!
Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous—with
life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of
their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient,
long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth!
Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys
His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall
be completely satisfied!
Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with
life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of
their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!
Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous—possessing the happiness
produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by
the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions)
are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!
Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!
Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in
the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds
satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward
conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for
being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with
life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of
your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute
you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.
Be glad and
supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and
intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were
before you." [Matthew 5:2-12, AMP]Idolatry has consumed us, and we don't recognize it. We think of idolatry as a golden calf, but idolatry is so much more than that. Idolatry is clinging to tangible things, and being unwilling to give them up to bless others. If we won't give it for the health and well-being--physical, emotional and/or spiritual of others, it is idolatry. We have made people, money, fashion, "our" time, talent, homes, cars, "ministries" even ourselves and more idols. What may be worse is our skill at rationalizing our idolatrous behavior, rather than repenting for it. How about this? God desires that we be the head in spiritual things, first--then, He can entrust us with the natural. He can give us the natural because He knows that we will know better than to build bigger barns (Luke 12:15-21); but we will invest the tangible into the Kingdom for spiritual treasure. That's the plan. It's about spiritual investment. Many in God's Kingdom are suffering lack, not because they lack faith, but because those who have the treasure are not making the investment as they should. It is the Apostolic way (Acts 2:44-46; 4:32-37; 2 Corinthians 8:12-15; 9:5-12) to see to it that everyone has their needs met. Until we do it God's way--according to His plan, we will always be in a position of begging in our churches, suffering lack, and so will many individuals. We settle for tangible things that will corrupt when God is trying to give us a much greater dividend and return, but we won't invest. We don't see the grand picture. When He places the substance in our hands, it isn't to stop there--it is to be invested, to gain a spiritual harvest of souls. It isn't simply about the offering plate, either--or standing in line, giving $100 (to be seen of men Matthew 6:1-7); it is feeding hungry souls, meeting physical needs, to open doors for spiritual ministry. It is nearly impossible to preach the Gospel, effectively to people who don't believe that you love and genuinely care for them. Giving paves the way to effective soul-winning. What an opportunity to be the head!
Deuteronomy 28, makes perfect sense. Idolaters will see this passage as God desires to give them whatever they want as long as they keep His commandments (legalistically). Those who love God with a whole heart and want more of Him will see that it means the blessing is in being a blessing, in the city, and in the field.
"Then,if My people, who bear My Name, will humble themselves, pray, seek My Face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land. "
Val,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I understand what point you are making, but I certainly agree that "God our Father will not put any child of His into a hell fire no matter what their sins", because He never does, however, He certainly allows us to go through heavy testing, and dark periods. For instance, remember the conversation between Our Father and satan concerning uppright Job. Until God gave permission satan could not touch Job, but with the permission of God, satan was able to strip Job of everything that he had except his life--and his trust in God. Remember Joseph, sold into slavery, imprisoned and still maintaining a righteous standard--because there was a purpose--as there was for Esther, "for such a time as this". Even Jesus, the Son of God, came to suffer and die, for a greater good. Our suffering has a purpose--it does not come from God, but yes, He does allow it, and it ALWAYS has purpose, for our good, and for a witness to those who are present. "And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." [John 9:1-3]
That has been proven by the Word of God time after time (as we examine the great men and women of faith of the Word of God [see Hebrews 11]), and by experience, too.