Recently, my sister brought to my attention a message by the pastor of a church she has been attending. Although the pastor's message was not regarding the tithe, he spoke of a time when the financial offering to his fellowship was strong due to "good times" or times when those who attended the fellowship brought much in the way of financial gifts. When the worldwide financial correction came, by his insinuation, many pulled back their giving. His is not the only church affected by the financial correction.
Firstly, I do not know how many in his church were bringing the tithe- those who do and have revelation of it are usually hard to move off it. Many in churches today bring "what they think is best" based upon their evaluation of their financial situation (before the financial contraction, less than 20% of those attending church in America actually brought in 10% of their gross income). Those who are not obeying God's command to tithe and rather give gifts (less than 10%) are likely to bring less for fear of not maintaining their financial standing, again, based upon their evaluation. The difference is a selfless determination to obey "no matter what" based upon a revelation of God in the matter and an uninspired understanding leading to "what seems right to me". Inspiration based upon revelation is the key. Although the tithe from your resources to God (Hebrews 7:8 reads: "Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.") by necessity is financial, His approach to the tither is not primarily sustenance (or something you can spend on needs or otherwise).
Malachi 3:10 reads "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house (spiritual and material food which is your act of obedience in the conditional bargain) and try (or prove) Me now in this says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it" (have you ever received a financial blessing that you did not have room for? I thought so. But Spirit to soul blessings almost have to be shared- we in ourselves don't have room enough to receive them, we glow with and speak about the truth that we have received about Jesus Christ whom we are to follow. That is how the gospel is preached! Good ground receives from God and produces more!) So you see the blessing to us in this context is not financial/sustenance but revelation to experience the fullness of who He is! But wait, it is not only spiritual to soulish blessing. The Lord is not done speaking.
Malachi 3:11 reads "and I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field (clearly the context is financial/sustenance- what did they do with the fruit of the ground/vine? They ate or sold it!) and all nations will call you blessed for you will be a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts."
In order to walk just as Jesus walked we must understand things like Jesus understands them. You see, Jesus was a giver. His nature was to help the human creation become what He had thought at the beginning. He inspires us to become givers by commanding the tithe from our resources- honestly, what means alot to us - our stuff. When we obey He begins to provide to us the revelation needed to experience the fullness of who He is - to become complete in Him!
The commanded tithe will eventually bring us to a giving nature. We will get to a place where we are willing to give as He purposes. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. This process yanks that root out of our heart.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Book of Job Part 4
We have completed an evaluation of the book of Job. It is my understanding that not everything in the Old Testament is relevant in the New Testament, otherwise why have a New Testament? So, the question is, is there New Testament standing regarding what Job experienced? If not, then maybe we should let the old alone.
In the gospel according to Luke, chapter 22, verses 31,32, Jesus says, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren." Satan asked whom? He asked the Lord God for permission! What did Jesus say? Did He say "no, get thee behind Me Satan"? No, Jesus did not say that. He said that He had prayed that that Peter's faith should not fail (would not have said this if Peter did not already know), "and when you have RETURNED to Me, strengthen your brethren". He knew that Peter had to be willing to put action to understanding for himself. If Jesus did it for him, like a mom or dad who spoon-feeds a 12 year-old, he would not get it. Peter needed to get it. Peter needed to come to grips with what Jesus knew about him just as Job needed to come to grips with what the Lord knew about him!
Romans 8:16,17 consolidates it well. "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if indeed we suffer with Him that we may be glorified together." Suffering with Him means He is directing the path.
Hebrews 12:5,6 reads, "and you have forgotten the EXHORTATION which speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives."
Verse 10,11 reads, "for they(human fathers) indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them but He for our profit that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Sound like Job's and Peter's experience? It is your responsibility to seek your Lord's wisdom as to whether what you are experiencing in suffering is WITH Him or apart from Him. As you study, ask Him to differentiate between the two. He knows what you need to hear next, firmly positioning yourself on the Rock!
In the gospel according to Luke, chapter 22, verses 31,32, Jesus says, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren." Satan asked whom? He asked the Lord God for permission! What did Jesus say? Did He say "no, get thee behind Me Satan"? No, Jesus did not say that. He said that He had prayed that that Peter's faith should not fail (would not have said this if Peter did not already know), "and when you have RETURNED to Me, strengthen your brethren". He knew that Peter had to be willing to put action to understanding for himself. If Jesus did it for him, like a mom or dad who spoon-feeds a 12 year-old, he would not get it. Peter needed to get it. Peter needed to come to grips with what Jesus knew about him just as Job needed to come to grips with what the Lord knew about him!
Romans 8:16,17 consolidates it well. "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if indeed we suffer with Him that we may be glorified together." Suffering with Him means He is directing the path.
Hebrews 12:5,6 reads, "and you have forgotten the EXHORTATION which speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives."
Verse 10,11 reads, "for they(human fathers) indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them but He for our profit that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Sound like Job's and Peter's experience? It is your responsibility to seek your Lord's wisdom as to whether what you are experiencing in suffering is WITH Him or apart from Him. As you study, ask Him to differentiate between the two. He knows what you need to hear next, firmly positioning yourself on the Rock!
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Book of Job Part 3
We see in chapter 32 that a man named Elihu is introduced to Job's refinement. Job's comforters have ceased speaking- they recognize that Job was righteous in his own eyes and they could find no answer for him. The wrath of Elihu was aroused "against Job because he justified himself rather than God". Also, against Job's three friends was his wrath aroused because they found no answer and yet condemned him. "Now because they (Job's friends) were years older than he (Elihu), he waited to speak to Job."
32:6-9 "I am young in years, and you are very old; therefore I was afraid, and dared not declare my opinion to you. I said,'age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom', but there is a spirit in man and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice'." As we read on through chapter 37, we see how Elihu proclaims the truth to Job. He recounts Job's words of self-righteousness and counters with the understanding God knew Job needed to repent. The understanding that God gave Elihu for Job prior to the Lord speaking directly to Job is similar to what John the Baptist did for Israel prior to the introduction of Jesus Christ.
They each provided a "make His paths straight" revelation so when the Lord spoke (or came as in Jesus case), Job and/or Israel could be ready.
We know that much of Israel received John's ministry to repent and as we shall see, Elihu's words to Job were well received.
After Elihu speaks, the Lord enters to proclaim who He is (Chapter 38,39). Job has heard the prophet (Elihu) and is in a position to hear from the Lord (the prophet's reward). He understands and says "I am vile; what shall I answer You?" The Lord says,"would you indeed annul my judgement? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified? Have you an arm like God?" Read through the remaining chapters, seeing where Job said to the Lord in 42:5,6 , "I have heard about You with the by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
The end result was what the Lord wants for all His human creation- to be able to reveal Himself to us. He comes to the temple that has been made ready. He comes for the bride that has made herself ready. The making ready part is our willingness to run the race that has been set before us. Who sets the race? He does! Job's distresses were for the sake of forming the righteousness of God in Job by revealing to Job how self-righteousness ruled him. When Job understood, he did what upright and blameless people do- he repented.
32:6-9 "I am young in years, and you are very old; therefore I was afraid, and dared not declare my opinion to you. I said,'age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom', but there is a spirit in man and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice'." As we read on through chapter 37, we see how Elihu proclaims the truth to Job. He recounts Job's words of self-righteousness and counters with the understanding God knew Job needed to repent. The understanding that God gave Elihu for Job prior to the Lord speaking directly to Job is similar to what John the Baptist did for Israel prior to the introduction of Jesus Christ.
They each provided a "make His paths straight" revelation so when the Lord spoke (or came as in Jesus case), Job and/or Israel could be ready.
We know that much of Israel received John's ministry to repent and as we shall see, Elihu's words to Job were well received.
After Elihu speaks, the Lord enters to proclaim who He is (Chapter 38,39). Job has heard the prophet (Elihu) and is in a position to hear from the Lord (the prophet's reward). He understands and says "I am vile; what shall I answer You?" The Lord says,"would you indeed annul my judgement? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified? Have you an arm like God?" Read through the remaining chapters, seeing where Job said to the Lord in 42:5,6 , "I have heard about You with the by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
The end result was what the Lord wants for all His human creation- to be able to reveal Himself to us. He comes to the temple that has been made ready. He comes for the bride that has made herself ready. The making ready part is our willingness to run the race that has been set before us. Who sets the race? He does! Job's distresses were for the sake of forming the righteousness of God in Job by revealing to Job how self-righteousness ruled him. When Job understood, he did what upright and blameless people do- he repented.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
The Book of Job Part 2
1:13-2:13 Then all that the Lord had placed in Satan's power was destroyed- Job's children were dead; Job's servants were decimated and all his possessions were stolen. Then, Satan again presents himself to the Lord with accusations that Job would curse God if attacked in bone and flesh. The Lord gives Satan permission to strike Job in that way, but to spare his life. Satan obliges and although stricken by the severest of circumstances and his wife's admonishment to let go of his integrity, curse God, and die, Job holds fast to what he knows of the Lord, saying in 2:9,"Shall we indeed accept good from God; and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (The mouth will say what the heart allows, for "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks")
Without question Job has responded exceptionally well in the midst of a severe trial. Regarding his offspring, Job was worried to the point of offering daily burnt offerings because "it may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts" (1:5). Apparently Job's concern was justified as they were destroyed, seemingly unconcerned in the face of their father's faith. Based upon how they ended up, they knew what was right in their father's sight and were unrepentant. Chapter 5:3,4 reads, "I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed his dwelling place. His sons are far from safety. They are crushed in the gate and there is no deliverer (for the foolish)."
It appears that Job responded in an upright and blameless way. Yet Job's biggest fight was yet to come: the battle of self-righteousness vs. righteousness of God. That battle was a formidable foe for Job, bringing correction from the Lord. The chapters between 2 and 42 record Job's struggles with a foe of which he was unaware- the grip that self-righteousness had on his soul. We must understand that battle is ours as well.
Satan is hoping he can get you to serve yourself, family, possessions, health. The Lord knows what he has put in man, a measure of faith to persevere. James 1:4 reads "let perseverance have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing".
Without question Job has responded exceptionally well in the midst of a severe trial. Regarding his offspring, Job was worried to the point of offering daily burnt offerings because "it may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts" (1:5). Apparently Job's concern was justified as they were destroyed, seemingly unconcerned in the face of their father's faith. Based upon how they ended up, they knew what was right in their father's sight and were unrepentant. Chapter 5:3,4 reads, "I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed his dwelling place. His sons are far from safety. They are crushed in the gate and there is no deliverer (for the foolish)."
It appears that Job responded in an upright and blameless way. Yet Job's biggest fight was yet to come: the battle of self-righteousness vs. righteousness of God. That battle was a formidable foe for Job, bringing correction from the Lord. The chapters between 2 and 42 record Job's struggles with a foe of which he was unaware- the grip that self-righteousness had on his soul. We must understand that battle is ours as well.
Satan is hoping he can get you to serve yourself, family, possessions, health. The Lord knows what he has put in man, a measure of faith to persevere. James 1:4 reads "let perseverance have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing".
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Book of Job
Job (Iyyob, Iob) is derived from the Hebrew word for persecution/persecuted one. In Arabic, its meaning is repent or repentant one.
Job1:1- "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned (turned away from) evil". It appears Job was willing to obey all that he understood about God and His ways.
1:5- So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them (his sons and daughters from 1:4) and would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts". Thus Job did regularly. Do you think that Job could have been correct in his evaluation of his children? Was Job righteously attempting to sway his children from cursing God in their hearts to blessing him as any astute Christian parent would do even today?
1:6- ...the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord and Satan (the Adversary) also came among them.
1:8- Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered (set your heart on) my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" Was the Lord offering Job to Satan, and if so, why?
1:9,10- So Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land." (Satan is saying that Job serves God only because of what He has done for him and his houshold with protection and possessions)
1:11- But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" And the Lord did exactly that! Read on!
1:12- And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power (hand); only do not lay a hand on his person". So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. (And began his assault upon all that Job had.)
Why would the Lord seemingly agree to allow Satan, the adversary of all who desire to walk uprightly in the Lord's eyes, to assault Job's possessions when the Lord himself found Job to be upright and blameless? Remember! Satan knew he needed the Lord's allowance to be the instrument against Job (1:11).
Ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you in this matter. Remember! Seek-find; knock-it will be opened to you; ask-receive.
Job1:1- "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned (turned away from) evil". It appears Job was willing to obey all that he understood about God and His ways.
1:5- So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them (his sons and daughters from 1:4) and would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts". Thus Job did regularly. Do you think that Job could have been correct in his evaluation of his children? Was Job righteously attempting to sway his children from cursing God in their hearts to blessing him as any astute Christian parent would do even today?
1:6- ...the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord and Satan (the Adversary) also came among them.
1:8- Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered (set your heart on) my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" Was the Lord offering Job to Satan, and if so, why?
1:9,10- So Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land." (Satan is saying that Job serves God only because of what He has done for him and his houshold with protection and possessions)
1:11- But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" And the Lord did exactly that! Read on!
1:12- And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power (hand); only do not lay a hand on his person". So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. (And began his assault upon all that Job had.)
Why would the Lord seemingly agree to allow Satan, the adversary of all who desire to walk uprightly in the Lord's eyes, to assault Job's possessions when the Lord himself found Job to be upright and blameless? Remember! Satan knew he needed the Lord's allowance to be the instrument against Job (1:11).
Ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you in this matter. Remember! Seek-find; knock-it will be opened to you; ask-receive.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Increased Faith Part 2
Take heed to yourselves (not everyone else and those offensive things they have done to you) for if you HAVE faith as a mustard seed (you understand that forgiveness of offense is the will of God in Christ Jesus and are willing to BEGIN the process to be found in forgiveness), the offense harbored in your soul must obey you and be as far as the east is from the west to you. You will be free from it! Hallelujah! Understand this: the devil will try to bring you back there (to unforgiveness from offense) by reminding you of it. If we will fight the good fight of faith in this matter, we will be free! Remember this! It is our souls that are being saved. It's a process of standing on what we know of Him and His ways and pressing toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus unto maturity (completion)!
Now we need to talk about increased faith. Jesus told the disciples that they did not need increased faith to forgive offense. In my opinion, He told them to exercise what they had already come to understand from being around Him. Jesus had been forgiving offense from the masses and priestly class since His ministry began. We notice that He said that He could call legions of angels to destroy if He desired, but, He came to help. Even His stern rebuke to the pharisees and scribes went without judgement. I think He expected the disciples to learn from that and we should recognize His forebearance toward us as we fall short of His grace. It stops us from judging others when they offend, and that is victory in Christ Jesus!
Yet Jesus does give specific instruction to the disciples request for increased faith. Clearly there were attitudes and motivations within their souls that He knew of but the disciples were unaware of (remember Peter's fall at the crucifixion). Jesus knew all these things and said, "and which of you having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say, 'PREPARE something for my supper, and GIRD YOURSELF and SERVE me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink". (Luke 17: verse 7-8)
In my opinion, Jesus is teaching His disciples that they will receive INCREASED FAITH in the process of preparing (studying), girding themselves (ordering their conduct aright) and serving (going where He desires them to go). Just as the wet is in the water, INCREASED FAITH comes as we press toward the mark for the life He desires and has ordained for us! Notice He says He will not increase their faith at the front end, but with and in the process He directs!
REMEMBER! Faith, fundamentally is revelation in the knowledge of Jesus and the Father (who are One). The Godhead sharing with us the fullness of who They are. Do you think They will share the blessing of that understanding with those who are cold or lukewarm toward them?
Now we need to talk about increased faith. Jesus told the disciples that they did not need increased faith to forgive offense. In my opinion, He told them to exercise what they had already come to understand from being around Him. Jesus had been forgiving offense from the masses and priestly class since His ministry began. We notice that He said that He could call legions of angels to destroy if He desired, but, He came to help. Even His stern rebuke to the pharisees and scribes went without judgement. I think He expected the disciples to learn from that and we should recognize His forebearance toward us as we fall short of His grace. It stops us from judging others when they offend, and that is victory in Christ Jesus!
Yet Jesus does give specific instruction to the disciples request for increased faith. Clearly there were attitudes and motivations within their souls that He knew of but the disciples were unaware of (remember Peter's fall at the crucifixion). Jesus knew all these things and said, "and which of you having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say, 'PREPARE something for my supper, and GIRD YOURSELF and SERVE me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink". (Luke 17: verse 7-8)
In my opinion, Jesus is teaching His disciples that they will receive INCREASED FAITH in the process of preparing (studying), girding themselves (ordering their conduct aright) and serving (going where He desires them to go). Just as the wet is in the water, INCREASED FAITH comes as we press toward the mark for the life He desires and has ordained for us! Notice He says He will not increase their faith at the front end, but with and in the process He directs!
REMEMBER! Faith, fundamentally is revelation in the knowledge of Jesus and the Father (who are One). The Godhead sharing with us the fullness of who They are. Do you think They will share the blessing of that understanding with those who are cold or lukewarm toward them?
Monday, November 28, 2011
Increased Faith (Luke 17:3-10)
"Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent', you shall forgive him." (Luke 17:3-10)
As a result of those Words, the apostles asked Jesus to "increase our faith". They knew instantly that their faith did not include the ability to forgive seven times in a day. They knew they were lacking in that area. They knew that if someone sinned against them seven times in a day, the offense brought by the same would be more than they could overcome. The roots of offense can grow deep into the soul.
Jesus says, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you." Mustard seed faith is faith to BEGIN! If you have faith to begin- a desire to act upon what Jesus reveals to us as the will of the Father- the desired end will be yours. I asked the Lord the significance of the mulberry tree. Some time later a TV evangelist said that the roots of the mulberry tree run deep into the ground. So, even though the roots of offense run deep, faith to begin to remove that offense from your heart will succeed if you understand that offense is there and want it removed!
Say to the this mulberry tree (the deep roots of offense), "Be pulled up by the roots and planted in the sea(covered over by the blood of Jesus Christ; just as the Father forgets our falling short of His grace; as far as the east is from the west) and it would obey you!
Take heed to yourselves. Will you ask Him to show you how to forgive in this manner, just as the Father forgives us upon approach?
As a result of those Words, the apostles asked Jesus to "increase our faith". They knew instantly that their faith did not include the ability to forgive seven times in a day. They knew they were lacking in that area. They knew that if someone sinned against them seven times in a day, the offense brought by the same would be more than they could overcome. The roots of offense can grow deep into the soul.
Jesus says, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you." Mustard seed faith is faith to BEGIN! If you have faith to begin- a desire to act upon what Jesus reveals to us as the will of the Father- the desired end will be yours. I asked the Lord the significance of the mulberry tree. Some time later a TV evangelist said that the roots of the mulberry tree run deep into the ground. So, even though the roots of offense run deep, faith to begin to remove that offense from your heart will succeed if you understand that offense is there and want it removed!
Say to the this mulberry tree (the deep roots of offense), "Be pulled up by the roots and planted in the sea(covered over by the blood of Jesus Christ; just as the Father forgets our falling short of His grace; as far as the east is from the west) and it would obey you!
Take heed to yourselves. Will you ask Him to show you how to forgive in this manner, just as the Father forgives us upon approach?
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