Count it all Joy

“My Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2


When I was first filled and illuminated by the Holy Spirit as a late teen, enlightened by the Scriptures along with the Grace and wisdom of God, I was sure there would be few problems that occurred throughout my life until glorification. I did not necessarily know what a trial was. Any tribulation in my life up until salvation was the only real challenge I thought I would encounter, forever. My preconceived ideas of Christianity involved simply praying to receive what I want, and receiving favor because I now “belong to God.” After all, The Creator of the Universe had chosen me before the foundation of the world for me to bear His name and glorify Him throughout all eternity. Would God take anything from me that I have? Would He not give me something that I want? Would He cause me hurt and pain?

It turns out that my preconceived ideas about being a Christian were exactly the opposite of what is true. Although being saved is the greatest thing and highest calling for a human being in the history of the Universe, it is also the most difficult [on earth]. It is great because it means that Jesus Christ has passed over our sins by 1.) shedding His perfect blood to bring us back to life or justifying us and 2.) reconciling us with God so that we inherit eternal life instead of eternal destruction. But, it is difficult upon the new birth because we are now literally separated from the rest of the fallen world. The ground we live on is cursed and every human being naturally hates God until He performs the miracle of salvation within the soul.

Once the new birth takes place, i.e., the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are guaranteed eternal life (1 Corinthians 1:22). It is the most profound mystery of all time. It perplexes the greatest of worldly minds and thinkers (who are still fools in the eyes of God). Yet, in the midst of this infinite blessing, there can and will develop the greatest trials, obstacles, temptations and tribulations known to man. This can only be true to the Christian, mainly because only he has obtained knowledge of the truth, by the Spirit, to accurately represent a biblical worldview. We are no longer at one with the world. Those who love the world are at one with it and do not disagree with it. One who loves the world develops personal philosophies about life and how they (personally) come to knowledge of “truth.” It is a most pleasing doctrine to a man that is cut off from the Grace of God as they revel in self-lordship.

As the unregenerate or unsaved person encounters a trial of some sort, the only natural avenue to take is to pity oneself while simultaneously pleasing the flesh and senses with some sort of idol worship. Many result to drugs or anything that causes them to obtain a certain temporary feeling of relaxation or comfort. Apart from Grace and adoption by the Heavenly Father, it is a steadily declining state that never fully recovers. When a trial arrives or a storm comes, what is already an infinitely deadly sinful state simply enrages into a forest fire of sin. Although, there are various circumstances of trials and tribulations, the wicked heart remains the same as God either effectually causes it to glorify Him or to continue into further sin and ultimate destruction. A primary example is the story of Cain and Abel. As they both brought forth an offering, one was clearly favored over the other and therefore, one glorified God while the other did not.

“And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Able also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but he did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against his brother and killed him.”

Genesis 4:3-8

What seemed to be a level playing ground from conception and birth, irrevocably played out into what was to be the first murder in the history of mankind. The favor and Grace of God upon Abel over Cain was extolled in the particular trial that Cain was presented. Namely, his offering was not accepted or respected by God. It was a predicament for Cain that, indeed, caused him to be very angry. Instead of being delivered, his anger developed into rage that caused him to murder his very own brother. Since he did that, the Lord said,
“So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.” Genesis 4:11

Because the regenerate soul has a different eternal destiny than the unregenerate, he is dealt with differently. His sins are atoned for and they are not ultimately used against him. Although sin is and will be involved in almost any trial due to the deceptiveness of our own hearts, it is ultimately used for our good and the ultimate glory of God. For example, a seemingly impossible perceived situation or scenario by man will be one that develops into a possible storm with a difficulty that is unable to be substantiated by any human being. Thus, the purpose is clearly not in or of ourselves.

As Christians, it is our duty to recognize that we cannot create or deliver ourselves from any trial. Because of this fallen world, they will inevitably come. As the same temptations in the Christian arise in the trials to please the flesh because of our fallen nature, we are called to count it all joy when these various trials come about. James tells us to let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:4). Only the Holy Spirit can genuinely do this work as we are caused to see the ultimate perfect work of Jesus Christ and how He responded to the various trials and temptations. After the perfect impossible storm has indeed risen and bloomed into full growth, the agony that sometimes causes the Christian soul to cry will bring him to his knees, giving him power to plead for deliverance instead of falling into sin.

Because the unregenerate soul is ignorant in the knowledge and power of God, he is self-sufficient in all of his ways. That is, when trials arise, he will attempt to overpower them, in his utter weakness. James is quite aware that Christians have the propensity to attempt to be self-sufficient and reminds us that in the moment we do so, we prove to be double-minded and unstable in all our ways (James 1:8). We begin to expect things from God because we believe, in our ignorance, that we should be able to produce and provide things ourselves. We believe in the midst of a calamity and/or trial that we can deliver ourselves. Despite any and every circumstance known to man, in complete humility, we are called to be subjected to the wisdom and will of God. He causes us to be that way.

We truly apply the Gospel in our lives when, in the midst of various trials, we continually learn to rest in Christ. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Many Christians have read and reread the above Scripture without truly applying it or interpreting what it actually means. It is truly an impossibility to know Christ and what “resting in Him” even means without first being called to be a Christian. Jesus first says,
“Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” Matthew 11:27
If Christ has revealed Himself to you, causing the new birth, then as long as you are on earth, you are resting in Him. To rest Him is to love Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. To rest in Him is to trust that He is your deliverer from all spiritual warfare or any trial and tribulation. To rest in Him is to know that He created all things, knows all things and is Sovereign over all things, including every trial or scenario. To rest in Him is to repent, believe and know that all of your sins are forgiven, forever.

Every trial for the Christian is purposed to continually conform us into the image of Christ. Trials and tribulations, despite how long and unruly they seem, are the necessary means that God has chosen to sanctify those He loves and disciplines. We must cast our crowns before the feet of the Holy One that delivers us from them, knowing that we truly have nothing and deserve nothing. To obtain patience, we must demonstrate patience. To obtain kindness, we must demonstrate kindness. To get, we must give. To live, we must die. Rejoice in your trial, Christian. Know that God is making you like His Son. What is impossible with man is possible with God. Rest in Him and count it all joy.

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12

The Heart of True Worship

After attending a few 'Shane and Shane' concerts in the last few years, I have developed a specific liking to their worship style music. I know that each song is specially anointed to illuminate a certain attribute of God or harp on a specific verse or chapter in Scripture to allow me to dwell on His glory. But, it is not just the words that are amazing. It is not just the eternal life-changing truths resonating through my soul that make all the difference. No, I like the amazing giftedness and harmony between Shane Everett and Shane Barnard. As one who appreciates the acoustic guitar and its finesse beauty, I enjoy the astounding musical talent in the string picking of the Shane’s. The euphoric worship atmosphere created by them has attracted many Christians from everywhere and from different walks of life.

As the concert begins, the heart pumps harder in anticipation of high hitting notes in the voice of Shane Barnard along with the seemingly perfect harmonizing of Shane Everett. Unlike many musicians, Shane and Shane sound just as amazing live in concert as they do in their recordings. Many impromptu adjustments to instruments and genre in particular songs keep the audience on the edge of the chair, if sitting at all. There is an unlimited appreciation in each song, that anticipates the next and so forth. Non-charismatic worshipers suddenly become charismatic as they worship freely, with hands in the air, at one with God. The concerts are so spiritually powerful, uplifting and invigorating that it is almost a disappointment when it is over. At the time of the concert, I feel closer to God than I have in a long time. During the concert, it is as if I just got saved all over again. After the concert, I am disappointed that I have not pursued God as I had during the extravagant, talented, anointed show that musically exudes my God better than most any other musician I know of.

Imagine the same effect without hundreds of people surrounding you thinking and feeling relatively the same. Take away the microphones, amplifiers and speakers. Subtract the sound board, along with the guitars and even the stage. Take away the concert altogether. Does that produce the same affect? Does it tap into the emotions in the same manner? Most importantly, do you think, feel and worship your God in the same way?

I notice a subtle wicked transition in my own heart when comparing certain musicians and/or particular events to worshiping God or knowing God more intimately. Shane and Shane are a perfect example to illustrate the obvious affect they have on me, not only spiritually, but emotionally. Why does God seem bigger and more glorious when the acoustic guitar sounds big and glorious? Why do I necessarily meditate on the angelic heavenlies more or to a greater extent when I hear an angelic-heavenly voice?

The truth of the matter is that God does not change at all from before the concert, during or after the concert, song or major event. In fact, God has not and will not change throughout all of eternity. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is exactly how He has revealed Himself in Scripture. I am the sinner who has fallen from perfect fellowship. I am the one who changes from one minute to the next. I am the one who may worship the true and living God one day and turn right around to worship Baal or some graven image the next.

The type of worship setting, musical artists, church or conference should not make the difference in how we worship God or what we “expect from Him”. What should and does make the difference is first how we truly seek His presence in all things, every day. Not just at a Shane and Shane concert, Together for the Gospel conference or New Attitude conference. Christians are called to worship God and give Him glory in everything. We are to worship Him the same three months before the concert, the night before, the day of and the drive to the concert as we do during and after.

Even for true Christians, worshiping an imaginary God or idol is an easy trap to fall into at such events and in general. Even in the Old Testament and throughout all Scripture, we have been ones to have unclean and deceitful lips from a deceitful heart. Beginning with Adam and Eve to Israel, to the first century church A.D to modern day Christians. What comes most naturally to us is the propensity to sin and develop idols without even being aware. King David, however, was clearly not only aware, but prays what is called an imprecatory prayer that curses the enemies of God. That included anyone who ‘worshiped’ with unclean lips and heart. David did not want that to be him.

“Hear a just cause, O Lord, Attend to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.
Let my vindication come from Your presence;
Let your eyes look on the things that are upright.

You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night;
You have tried me and have found nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips,
I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.
Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip.

I have called up You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,
O You who save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.

Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
From the wicked who oppress me,
From my deadly enemies who surround me.

They have closed up their fat hearts;
With their mouths they speak proudly.
They have now surrounded us in our steps;
They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,
As a lion is eager to tear his prey,
And like a young lion lurking in secret places.”

Psalm 17

In David’s heart of worship, he had the humility and knowledge of the divine justice and mercy of God. God had particular mercy on David that caused him to continually plead for it. He also revealed to David His righteous judgment and justice on the wicked that caused him to continually plead deliverance from the wicked and Satan (the destroyer).

May our hearts of worship stem from the same premises and revelations that God has revealed to David in the Psalms. Let’s not observe the brand name of an acoustic guitar that rots away, yet the concert lights shine so brightly upon. May we not dare think about food or drink that we will not need in eternity while appearing to be worshiping God in spirit and in truth. Please do not obsess over who is a quality worship leader and great singer or not. But, may we meditate upon the precepts that God has ordained. May we pray for our enemies who do not know the Grace of God. We shall surrender our very thoughts, desires and wills upon the great Mercy of Jesus Christ, the perfect One who gave His life on a rugged tree. Let’s reflect in our consistent heart of worship the desire to be continually delivered from the ever present sin in this life until we pass into glory.

Building God-Glorifying Relationships In a God-Hating Society

It would probably be an understatement to say that most Christian single men and women eagerly desire marriage. However, if you were to abstractly view the culture of our world and everything it desires, it is virtually the exact opposite. Everything pure, wholesome and potentially a blessing to anyone that desires a Godly marriage is something that seems to be forever lost and indeed, is. We must only turn on the television to ABC or FOX and even the TV Guide Channel to see the subtle and blatant perversions of some type of relationship, physically or verbally. The lies that we see on television and in the public everyday affect the emotions and should stir righteous anger by the grieving the Holy Spirit in believers. Because we are in the world and not of the world, believers must continually separate and discern within ourselves what we truly desire in a relationship in accordance with God’s Word.

Through personal experience, I assume that most (single) Christians have seen movies and/or television shows that are of a perverse nature. Much of what is on the television screen regarding certain sitcoms, series shows and movies is a purposeful fabricated design and perversion to please the senses. It is created drama for your viewing pleasure; otherwise we would not desire to watch it. Virtually every scenario, particularly between a male and female, displays a heightened sense of emotional and sexual attraction that we may or may not personally experience. The part that most viewers don’t cognitively realize is that even though they are viewing a scripted scene, they are still viewing ‘real’ people on the set (so says the press anyway). The more viewing of these types of relationships that we see, the more we subject our emotions and thought lives to being affected by them. We begin to compare ourselves to a particular person or picture ourselves in a particular scene. If we desired to be in a relationship prior to viewing, we now desire more; at least the parts that are supposed to arrive after marriage.

After having observed some type of dramatic premarital or extramarital relationship for thirty minutes to an hour, it may cause us to feel as if we are lacking some type of drama in our relationship lives. Or specifically to Christians, it should cause extreme grievance in our hearts as it attempts to make foolishness of our obedience to God’s Word and what Jesus Christ says about relationships. If we are living our lives under the authority of Scripture, then a battle must take place when we are ever personally engaged with such television shows or movies that say “Sex outside of marriage is great” or “It is alright to cheat on your spouse.” The ‘freedoms’ that are presented in these relationships are simply lies to create more bondage to the flesh and to have you remain ignorant of the blessedness of a lifelong marriage.

Perhaps the most depressing part of our television culture is that it takes an increasing amount of drama and sexual scenes developed by writers and producers to even interest young viewers; the more sex and drama, the more viewers. In other words, the more sin and rebellion, the more interesting it becomes to watch. Why? It is not necessarily the drama itself or the sex itself that causes these reactions and responses. Rather, it is the powerful and inevitable comparison affect the shows and movies play to provoke a personal application to our lives. As sinners, we naturally compare ourselves to other people. We do not look for what we already have, we develop an envy strategy to pick out what we do not have and then compare accordingly. For example, you see someone kissing in a movie. We think to ourselves about the simple fact that we have either kissed recently or not; or never. We are naturally inclined to these things because God has instilled them in us. It is His desire that we experience them, powerfully, freely and blessedly, in the context of marriage.

What the culture of our favorite drama series, movies and sitcoms is sure not to represent is a relationship that is wholesome and God-honoring. It is less than a needle in a haystack, a virtual non-existence. This fact not only stems from our already wicked hearts, but has preceded each generation. For example, “as statistics show”, divorce is more prevalent today than twenty years ago. But, we don’t ever seem to do the research prior to that. Perhaps the ‘statistics’ prior to the 20th century are irrelevant. Divorce apparently has been happening since the fall of man. In fact, Mark recorded the Pharisees asking Jesus “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” (Mark 10:2). The Pharisees, already having an acceptance of this in their hardened hearts, provided the justification that Moses gave them in the law. They said to Jesus, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” (Mark 10:4) It is exactly what happens in modern day divorce. Nothing has changed. People still divorce for the same reasons today that they did three-thousand years ago. It is seen in television shows, movies and real life. Because of its popularity and ‘freeing’ nature, it is just as common as marriage (50+% divorce rate). But Jesus settles the dust of any justification on the issue by speaking clearly,
“Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. ‘But from the beginning of creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ‘and the two shall become one flesh’, so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. ‘Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.’” Mark 10:5-9

The obvious and precious divider that separates true believers from unbelievers is, upon conversion, the possession of the Holy Spirit. It is, in essence, “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”(John 14:17). It is what convicts of our sin, righteousness and judgment in the world. Since the world neither sees nor knows Jesus Christ as far as blood-bought, righteous knowledge, they cannot and will not obey Him. It proves that this world is passing away, along with its passionate lusts.

Even though the new birth provides discernment to believers, it is only because of it that we can truly honor and glorify God in any relationship. Therefore, since we now know the things about relationships that God loves, we now learn to hate the things that He hates, because it does not bring honor or glory to Him; namely, the selfishness of defrauding one another emotionally and/or physically outside of marriage. It is clear that when such situations arise, we are not to be comfortable and nonchalant but discern, repent and take immediate action. Paul explains the serious matter that, “Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:2).

As Christians, we are not to be ashamed of the Gospel and how it changes our view of personal relationships along with what we allow our eyes to see on the television screen. The flippant decisions made by our culture show just how easy it is to be in a relationship of any type, except one that honors God. According to what Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians, it is difficult enough for true Christians to maintain purity. Due only to the Grace of God, by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, we are able to honor relationships and ultimately marriage for what ordained it to be from the beginning. Marriage is the precious china that our Creator has, in His Sovereignty and goodness, set into place to represent the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church. It is a powerful, yet delicate, sacrificial representation that truly only belongs to those who have been redeemed. Because of the blood shed on the Cross of Calvary, for the forgiveness of our sins in particular, we can now glory and humbly participate in the greatest act of sacrifice between two people on earth. It is merely a representation on earth, but mainly a preparation for the eternal marriage between the church and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:1-3

Redeeming the Time

“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth,
And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth;
Walk in the ways of your heart,
And in the sight of your eyes;
But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.
Therefore remove sorrow from your heart,
And put away evil from your flesh,
For childhood and youth are vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,
Before the difficult days come,
And the years draw new when you say,
“I have no pleasure in them”:
While the sun and the light,
The moon and the stars,
Are not darkened,
And the clouds do not return after the rain;”
Ecclesiastes 12:1-2

“Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed,
Or the golden bowl is broken,
Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain,
Or the wheel broken at the well.
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
And the spirit will return to God who gave it.”
Ecclesiastes 12:6-7

It is the wisdom of God speaking to the futile soul to say that we must rejoice in our youth and remember our Creator before the difficult days come. Each justified sinner is allotted a certain number of days to glorify the Lord of the Universe and serve each day as if it were the last to breathe (Psalm 90:10). It is not as if the wisdom of man plays a certain role in determining the wisdom of God. In fact, the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Corinthians 1:25). The All-knowing, Eternal Creator is not limited at all in wisdom as we are utterly limited in our own wisdom and mortality. That is why the “foolishness” and “weakness” of God is no foolishness or weakness at all but simply transcends man in His very being as the Sovereign and Omnipotent Creator.

The responsibility of man is recognizing the weakness of our flesh and the true vanity of anything to do with it; the higher the propensity to discern our own evil, the greater the recognition and fear of God in His righteous judgment of sin. The true lack of the wisdom of man is seen in the foolishness of his own iniquity and folly that comes as natural as breathing, yet causes death. We must not live for a moment as if the flesh is eternal, but “die daily,” knowing the flesh will die and then the judgment according to our deeds. May we have a heightened ever-present sense of that reality and a character of the Psalmist, who writes:

“Remember how short my time is;
For what futility have You created all the children of men?
What man can live and not see death?
Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?”
Psalm 89:47-48

The time of youth is a precious vapor that vanishes as quickly as it arrives, just as all flesh. Therefore, the optimal season, in which the harvest is ripe and the fruit is abundant to produce more is when one is young, spiritually vigorous in anticipation. Day by day, year by year, the energy is lessening as judgment is arriving. Drawing ever so closely to the Savior, even while young, we must remember how infinitesimal our time on earth truly is in light of the eternal realm. Seize each moment to speak the truth in love. Endeavor on a studious approach to His word and partake in the divine knowledge. Pray for someone you have never prayed for. Feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Display the Glory of Christ in your actions. Perhaps most importantly, use the ordained means of conversion by preaching the words of eternal life that brings life to a dead soul.

“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:27-28



The clock is ticking…

Believers, Use the Power

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.
Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the Pinnacle of the temple,
And said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’

and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”
Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
And he said to Him, “All these things I will give you if You will fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”

Matthew 4:1-11

The Son of God, in His greatness and perfection, certainly did not need to quote The Scriptures “that are written” to the devil. If there is One person who could rebuke the devil without words, it is Jesus Christ Himself. He could have caused the devil to disappear instantly, without remorse and it would be as if he never was. I imagine, the devil fully knowing [James 2:19] who He is, trembling as He uttered the words, “If You are the Son of God.” Jesus did not falter, stumble or stutter but simply rebuked the slimy ‘ole devil with, The Word of God [Matthew 4:4]. Although He was tempted, no sin has ever been uttered, nor actualized of the minutest proportion in the Son of God. He knew no sin [Hebrews 4:15].

The demonstrative purposes from the God-Man are certainly a sobering reminder that, if the perfect One of God is tried and tempted as a man, yet fully God, then we, having a completely fallen nature are most certainly always a target of prey from Satan, the one who is condemned forever. You are an antelope and Satan is a fallen lion, seeking any flesh to devour and bring to death with him [1 Peter 5:8]. He knows his time is short. If you are not careful, watching and praying, you will be seen in the open, most vulnerable and weak to fall. The world is always offered to you with its greatest lusts. One is just around the corner, but it most likely will not be noticed until temptation has already arisen, maybe even now. For, that is how the devil works, disguising himself as an angel of light [2 Corinthians 11:14]. The devil himself is a wolf in sheepskin. He covers truth with lies and lies with truth, as he quotes the Scriptures back to Jesus, blaspheming God [Matthew 4:6].

Jesus Christ, having infinite power and glory, was only able to be tempted because of His incarnation [Phil.2:5-11], thus in the territory of the devil, being the prince of this world [John 14:30]. He made Himself this way so that He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness [Hebrews 5:2]. Otherwise, as He is, The King of Kings stomps the serpent’s head under His feet. In other words, Christ is truly unapproachable to be tempted apart from His incarnation. Even in His fully human nature prior to crucifixion, He was perfectly consecrated and in perfect fellowship with the Father. He is the omnipotent One from whom all things came to be. Although He is the Bread of Life, being fully human, He ate food on earth. Although He is the living water, being fully human, He drank water on earth. In the same way, although He is the Son of God incarnate, He [because He had chosen to subject Himself] rebuked the devil with the Word of God on earth. If our perfect example does this, we are to do the same, with great tenacity.

Much of the application for the fallen soul is learning to use the power of God with the words of God. Our Savior has shown by example how to rebuke evil and the devil, not only with words, but specific words in the Scriptures. The devil already knows that he is overthrown. For it is written,
“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And he has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”
Colossians 2:13-15
Many situations have arisen and will arise that may or may not be inherently evil at the time of arrival. Since sin is always in the fallen human heart, even upon regeneration, any scenario may become evil instantaneously. The Apostle James warns of the process that, ‘each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed’ [James 1:14]. The abundance of Christians think that temptation applies to certain areas of life and not every area of life [lust of flesh, eyes, pride]. Even if we have exhausted every avenue to sin, we will simply create new and unique avenues to rebel. One arena may actually lead to another avenue. To avoid confusion and from blaspheming, it is important to realize that all evil enticement is derived from our already wicked hearts and the devil. It is not from God, because God Himself cannot be tempted, nor can He tempt [James 1:13]. God is not fallen, but we are the fallen creatures.

Believers must realize the power of the truth of God, quickly discerning good and evil to prevent a fire eruption. Put the coals out before they get hot. Namely, a particular verse of Scripture always applies to a specific area of life, and/or situation. It allows us to cut the head off of the serpent before we are quickly convinced to participate in his evil works. Although the devil does not verbally ask the questions as he did the Messiah, he manipulates the Word and the peace of God by potentially turning a blessed scenario into a demonic enticement.
“Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” James 1:15
The intercession takes place when the comfort of the Holy Spirit tears down the strongholds with quick discernment and fear of God within the soul that would otherwise not even be a “temptation” apart from Grace. The Word of God to fallen sinners is indeed a sword for battle. It is the only thing that defeats the devil and his cunning attempts to bring down a saint of God. He will try every opportunity that is available. It will not be when you see it, but it happens in your own heart before the temptation arises. It is like a snake in the grass, not knowing where he is until he has bitten you. May our comfort rest in the righteous knowledge of the Holy One and not of the demons who say, “What will you do with us, ‘O Son of God?” We will not be sent into the swine, but are already covered by His blood. Therefore, because of His righteousness and the Cross, He clothes our infinitely unworthy unrighteous deeds with His infinitely worthy perfectly righteous deeds, leading to eternal life.

Evaluate the decisions you must make everyday. Why do you make the decisions you do? Without leaning in a legalist manner, compare it in light of specific Scriptures. Just as the devil lied to Jesus, attempting to use the Word of God against Him, so may we, who are evil, attempt to justify a scenario using Scripture and still not honor God [Matthew 4:6]. The devil is plotting right now for your fall and it is a way that you do not expect. He is the ultimate son of perdition, prowling, seeking and blaspheming everything in sight. His only purpose is to steal, kill and destroy [John 10:10]. Even the things you do not see, he uses those to his advantage to capture your particular desires of worldly affections. May you discern good from evil, the will of God from your own perversions and the Grace of God from demonic presence. Take your Sword and ‘Fight the fight of faith.’ Search the Scriptures and do not tempt the Lord Our God. Allow the God of Peace to enlighten your soul by worshiping God and serving only Him.

John Piper Is Not A Great Preacher

The seemingly common difficulty about being a pastor or theologian in a generation where sound doctrine has subsided into circus-like myths is the inevitable truth of being compared to others. Few pastors can withhold the unleashing at others; yet many also prove themselves unfit by being unable to defend the Gospel from the pulpit. This is an age where the Gospel should be most heard and recognized than ever before, but itchy ears seem to have won the majority vote, pleasurably avoiding the responsibility of breaking hearts and killing sin (this is the Sovereignty revealed). The situation puts even more pressure, higher focus and amplifies the ridicule on the very few faithful stewards of God's inerrant and infallible Word. The more error that is seen and discerned within the church and culture, the more precious and treasurable the truth is when it is heard and revealed. Namely, this is preaching the Scriptures. One of faithful stewards who does not plaster his credentials and resume in the foyer, nor waste the precious moments to redeem the time by speaking of the shortcomings of particular pastors, but streamlines the infinite worth of the Glory of God and the Supremacy of Christ over all creation with passionate conviction to the winning of souls and the making of disciples of that, oh so little preached truth, is Dr. John Piper.

Praises from Africa

Today, we landed. Sweat dripped from the brow.
Hunger pangs are felt as never before. Backpack strapped;Book in hand. Ready.
I have never been here and is different than expected. Longer plains and many species to see.
Hot winds cause a toil travel. I thirst, but I am hunting. I did not know what I was up against.
I hope it is worth it as I want to forsake it already. Let me be; I am on a mission.
It is not for me.

Village is on the horizon. Scarcity is well known. I may not be accepted, but some will find out.
Believe me and see, they do not have what you have. Poverty is a disease. Babies dead; Children weak. I hold one and cannot see through the water.
Mother's sick and father is lost. Rice is low as it is too much cost.
The dead are living and the living are dead.

They gather around as they see the book. Meditating and translating;these are important.
Dusk has arrived as the Scriptures are opened. Crowds upon crowds, what will I say?
The weak and hungry thought I had food. The sick and dying thought maybe a cure.
Some were angry, yet some listened. I was here to tell of their condition.
None had ever heard and none ever had seen, the truth that caused them to believe.
Hearts were pierced and their conscience within;
The book spoke about the presence of sin. Some had fallen to their knees;
Some were wailing under the trees. This may cause death, but for me it is gain.
I care not when I leave, whether sooner or later.
I am not here for myself, but to preach Jesus Christ, Our Savior.