Strongholds

Strongholds

2 Corinthians 10:1-6 “Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

Stronghold is defined as a castle, fortress, a place of protection, a fortified place, a place of security. God is our stronghold and place of protection and security. Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” When king David was on the run from Saul for  years God took care of David, He put people around him to protect him and provided strongholds for him to stay in for protection. 

     But there are other type of strongholds that come against the truth and will of God. Every believer has strongholds in them that need to be identified and pulled down. There can be strongholds over a city, church, ministry that needs to be identified and pulled down. In a believer it could be many things, a belief, way of thinking, attitude, sin, unforgiveness, bitterness, fear, idol, etc. In the blue letter bible for the verse above in 2 Corinthians 10:4 it defines this type of stronghold as - a castle, fortress, fastness, anything on which one relies. Anything a believer attaches or relies themselves on that could continuously get in the way of our relationship with God. Could be pornography, a habit, another person, etc, that Satan can and influence and work through. God is jealous God and going to come after these things in our life because he loves us and wants his will for our lives. These are areas that God wants to change and renew to become more like Him. Exodus 34:14-15 (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God).

In the 9 second video I put on here is from the Lord of the rings movie. A hobbit named Smeagol or Gollum is fishing with his friend. His friend finds a ring that represents a very powerful evil to take over the world. Smeagol becomes influenced by the power of the ring and kills his friend. The ring is like a stronghold to him that he calls his precious, he is obsessed by this thing and turns into a mad creature. He looses the ring to another hobbit and his cousin Frodo is chosen to carry the ring to destroy it. Smeagol pursues the ring in a deceptive way till it ends up killing him. Even though this is a fictional movie it has a lot of biblical comparisons. What’s interesting in this movie is a team of mighty talented warriors is assembled to go on the journey to help destroy the ring but a humble little hobbit is chosen to carry the ring till the end and destroy it. There was a lot of deception because of the ring but Frodo the hobbit proved faithful. Another important part of this is a hobbit named Sam that was with Frodo and stayed faithful during the whole journey. Humility is a powerful weapon when dealing with Satan and his army of demons.

 http://youtu.be/Iz-8CSa9xj8

The person I want to use in the bible is Gideon. Gideon is one of my favorite people in the bible for many reasons, his story is in Judges 6-8. In Judges 6:12 God comes to Gideon in a low place of weakness and humility and calls him a Mighty Warrior. God tells him he is going to rescue Israel from the mighty Midianites who was oppressing Israel to starvation. Gideon has a really hard time at first accepting this for a while because of who he is and were he is from and his circumstances. He is small and God is big and mighty and does powerful supernatural things. It didn't make since or add up to Gideon and I’m sure it didn't add up to others. Till God chiseled down 32,000 men in an army to 300 and led Gideon and the men to defeat the Midianites, God gets the glory.

But the part of Gideon’s story I like is when Gideon pulled down the false gods of baal and asherah and built an altar to God. Judges 6:25- ^“Now it came to pass the same night that the Lord said to him, “Take your father’s young bull, the second bull of seven years old, and tear down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the wooden image that is beside it; and build an altar to the Lord your God on top of this rock in the proper arrangement, and take the second bull and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the image which you shall cut down.”  So Gideon took ten men from among his servants and did as the Lord had said to him. But because he feared his father’s household and the men of the city too much to do it by day, he did it by night.” There is a lot that comes to me in this but I like that Gideon was afraid and went during the night and took ten men with him.

This is from the blue letter bible, the name Gideon means. Destroyer, brave warrior, hewer of trees, chop or cut down, to break strength, faith in God not in power of arms. Some other interesting descriptive words that I won’t list but you can look it up. Anyway Gideon was in a place of weakness but because of God’s power working in him supernaturally he accomplished a great work for the kingdom. He was used to pull down shrines of false god’s and built an altar to  God to bring glory to Him.

Even though we walk in the flesh God gives us his mighty weapons to pull down strongholds. Love, truth, faith, humility, the Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit, God’s word, the armor of God, fasting and prayer are all weapons of God. Every believer has God’s mighty weapons. Gideon took 10 men with him to tear down the shrines of false god’s. Your brother’s has God’s mighty weapons. I like to meet and study with men it helps me grow in many areas. I like to set across from another brother and open myself up deeper with God’s word and be transparent pray for one another and have accountability in truth and love. When I fellowship and study with other men it helps me see what’s in my own heart. Proverbs 27:19 “As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.” KJV

Have Faith in God’s mighty weapons and that God can use them through a humble servant no matter how long you have been a believer and what part of the body you are. God’s mighty weapons are a gift from God to every believer from the grace of God when you accept Jesus by faith. You don’t have to earn them through a performance, test, degree or program. You have them from your faith in God.

2 Corinthians 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Readiness on blue letter bible is defined as prepare ready, opportune, seasonable, to receive one coming.

Faith and Faithfulness

Faith and Faithfulness

 It has been a while since I have written any thoughts. I have been quiet and listening of late. God seems to have taken me back to the foundation if you will, just being still and listening. He has really been speaking to me about different things I think that may be used in different ways for what is ahead. One thing was He took me to 1 Corinthian 3:11 about the foundation I have in Christ, the perfect foundation, who He made me to be where He has led me and what He has given me to build on this foundation. There is many but I will mention one.

 In my study, listening and wrestling this came to me from the Lord at different times in different ways.

1.Faith in Him which is like a foundation laid in the soul on which is built up the fuller and richer knowledge of saving truth. From blue letter bible.

2.The fruits of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23. The King James lists faith, the other translations list faithfulness.

3.I believe faith is one of God’s mighty weapons given to all believers. 2 Corinthians 3:1-6.

 I am not in anyway saying not to be faithful or obedient. It clearly talks of these all through the bible. I need to grow and be more faithful and obedient. Jesus was completely faithful to His Fathers will. Faith in God and the Holy Spirit working in us gives us the ability to be faithful in what God wants to do in our life, His will. But no one has or will be completely faithful except Jesus. God gets the glory.  Our faithfulness and view of it can be a great thing and it can also get us into deep waters and enslaved in some interesting ways. Deeply needing God, humility and faith in what He can do goes way beyond faithfulness. Faithfulness comes from the word faith; it is what God does even when we are not faithful.  He gets the glory. When I read the gospels I think Jesus kept teaching the disciples over and over again about faith in God. Let me put it this way if I was playing 5 card draw with anything on the cards I wanted from His Kingdom. It would be as listed, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Word of God, and Faith. Faith in what the other 4 cards can and will do.

 Us, our marriages and the body of Christ victories in battles over, Satan, the world, sin, strongholds etc, come from our faith in God. 1 John 5:4-5, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

 I will shortly mention a few people in the bible. Gideon in Judges 6-8. This is one of my favorite men in the bible. God comes to Gideon and met him where he was in a low place of weakness in Judges 6:12 and calls him, Mighty Warrior. Gideon starts to realize that it is really God and he is accepted by God. As his faith and belief in God grew, he becomes a mighty warrior for God’s Kingdom. One bad man on a mission. This is not a normal everyday happening. I don’t think this was because of Gideon’s great abilities. I am going to write more on Gideon in my next post. This is a great story for us in many ways but I think here is how being accepted and loved by God and others for who we are can be a big help in our faith growing.

 The story of Abram or later called Abraham in Genesis 12-25, he is called in scripture the father of our faith. His journey with God is amazing, Hebrews 11:8-9,“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.”   In Genesis 15 God made a covenant with Abraham that in everything God promised Abraham would be fulfilled in His timing. This covenant was made by God and upheld by God because He is God and completely faithful in everything He says and promises. Abraham was not fully faithful, God was. Abraham’s faith in God grew as the promises where fulfilled by God in His time. We are part of the seed of Abraham, all who believe by faith in Jesus Christ.  Romans, 4 is a great chapter that explains more about Abraham and faith in God. Romans 4:16-21, “So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.”  This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.

 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!”  And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.

 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” What speaks to me is Abraham left his home and by faith followed God not knowing where he was going. Also in Romans 4:17 it says in the NLT that Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. It says that as his faith grew stronger this brought glory to God. FAITH!

The last is the 12 disciples; this speaks all about faith in God to me. Jesus was constantly teaching them about faith In God all through the gospels. To me, Jesus was planting in them a foundation of faith in their heart soul and inner being. Two scriptures come to me, one is Matthew 14:22-32. In this scripture the disciples see Jesus walking on the water and Peter by faith not only attempts to walk on water he does. I don’t recall many people in the bible walking on water. I’m glad here Peter sank right at the boat and Jesus grabbed him. The disciples’ faith became stronger, God was glorified and they worshiped Jesus as the Son of God.

 

The second is Luke 22:31-32,  ^“And the Lord said, “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.”  Clearly here, Peter and the disciples seem to have failed.  But again, how this was used to strengthen their faith and bring glory to God. Jesus was praying for their faith just like He has prayed for all our faith and intercedes for us. How important their faith was and Jesus said when you repent and return to me, strengthen your brothers.

 

 I really desire for God to strengthen my faith to glorify Him and strengthen others. 1 Peter 1:6-7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,  that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

 

I am always thankful for all the people in the bible and their experiences. I was and still am in awe of what God done through people at times that went way beyond mans way or understanding, God does supernatural things. Moses seen God’s glory and presence and more supernatural works of God then any other man in the bible. As I grow and try to become more faithful I hope I don’t lose any of the hunger for a child like genuine faith in God. Galatians is a good book they seem to have tried to work for everything from God. Paul called them foolish Galatians 3:1-9 and he reminded them by faith. Hebrews 11:6  “But without faith it is impossible to please Him,for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”   

 

Faith in God - Caleb

The next person in the bible I want to write about is Caleb. Caleb means dog, wholehearted, faith, faithful, or devoted.

I use to go hunting with my dad. My dad use to train dogs and was well known for his training. The dogs were very loyal and faithful to their master. They would stay on a trail even if it meant to the death. Something is telling me that Caleb had this same heart and loyalty to his master.

When I was led to write on faith at the time I had no plans to write on Caleb. As God led me to this it is always amazing what God speaks to my heart. I can only write what I’m given everyone may view differently.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

Substance - that which stands under, firm foundation, real or actual existence. Nature of a person, steadfast, courage or assurance.

 

Evidence - proof, prove, tested, or conviction. Evidence is not on human feelings. Evidence is a conviction in a persons heart that what God is going to do exists. It is a condition in the human heart that is real to God.

 

Faith is not in natural human faith. Faith in God is supernatural. A person can have faith in what God and His Word says and is going to do. God is sovereign, faithful, and true. God is going to accomplish His plans and will regardless whether we are able to see it or have complete understanding. 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

 

Caleb is first mentioned in Numbers 13:6. God led His people to the promise land after He freed them from Egypt. A land He had prepared for them and was giving to them. God commanded Moses to send a leader from each of the 12 tribes to scout out the land. Caleb was from the tribe of Judah the son of Jephunneh. The 12 scouted the land for 40 days and this is what the Word says Numbers 13:23 & 27-29 "Then they came to the Valley of Eshcol, and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs. Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.  Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there.  The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.”  The people who were occupying their land the promise land God gave them were giants. A very large race of people, trained warriors. It says that Caleb was the one to speak of the 12 to take the land at once. 10 of the scouts convinced the people not to go and caused fear in all the people because of the giants they would face. It says Joshua the future leader of Israel and Caleb tore their clothes in great distress and sorrow and tried to get the people to act upon God’s promises. The whole community wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb. The Lord was very disappointed in the lack of faith in all the people. He killed the 10 scouts that led the people to have fear. They had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years and only Joshua and Caleb could enter the promise land with a new generation.

 

Being apart of this must have been a very difficult situation for everyone. The land and life they could have had but was never able to enter. Spending the rest of their life knowing they could have had this land. The frustration of Joshua and Caleb believing and trying to get the people, I think around 2 million to respond.

 

The big thing I learn while writing this is what took place between Caleb’s heart and God. Caleb’s faith in God and the conviction in his heart regardless of the circumstances and outcome. Way more important then what people see and what they think or circumstances or outcome it is always about God and our heart and intimacy and relationship with Him. God always looks at the heart of man.

 

 

God said this of Caleb in Numbers 14:24 "But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it."

 

Later when they were allowed to enter the promise land they divided the land among the people and Caleb was given his portion of land he requested that was promised to him 40 years earlier. Joshua 14:6-12 “Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: “You know the word which the Lord said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea.   I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart.  Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God.  So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’  And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old.  As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in.  Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.”

 

To me Caleb is a very unusual person or story. The faith he had in God and his heart. It said he was just as strong in the Lord at age 85 after 40 years in the wilderness then when he scouted the promise land. I think he could have become bitter in his heart and weak in his faith during the 40 years in the wilderness. I think because of his faith in the Lord and his conviction in his heart the Lord stayed strong inside him to help him finish strong.

Romans 5:1-5 Faith Triumphs in Trouble. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

 

I don’t think I have meet anyone quite like Caleb. But while I was writing this I know that I have seen this type of faith, heart and spirit that has came out in many people around me at different times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Great Commission - Faith

  I wanted to write about faith, not as to teach but to learn myself. If a person wants to learn about faith there are many books and resources written by amazing people that are very helpful. We know that faith comes from God. Romans 10:17, 1 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 12:3. Faith is an amazing beautiful gift that is explained to us in the Word of God and is a mystery that I will never fully grasp but will always hunger for. Well praise God for making it that away. In saying that I believe the best way a person learns about faith is to follow Jesus and listen, watch and learn what your master is doing. In other words you learn more about faith on the journey with God. Hmmmm. 

  Hebrews 11:1-3 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”

 

  There is saving faith or believing in God and accepting Jesus in our hearts where we are spiritually reborn and receive eternal life. Every believer is cleansed of their sin as if they have never sinned and stands Holy and blameless before God because of Jesus blood and death on a cross. This faith does not come from a man, degree, or a book. It comes from God and is a gift and the blood and death of Jesus. This is faith that believes when a person is saved it does not matter what sin he done he is cleansed and new because of Jesus. You either have this faith or you don’t, looking at a believer from their past sin and life is not having faith in the good news or gospel. You either believe Jesus blood and death can save and make a person new or you don’t. Faith that believes in what God says in His Word, His promises, And what God wants to do in your life or through you, or more important grow into who God wants you to be in Him. Faith that takes action or activated faith to receive what God has planned for your life. This paragraph sounds wonderful and easy but not.

 

  With this faith from God and working in your life God can make a living testimony out of your life. What a blessing!

 

  I like what Henry Blackaby writes in Experiencing God: “Faith is confidence that what God promised or said will come to pass. Your faith does not rest on a concept or idea. Faith must be in a Person-God Himself. Faith is not drawing up a grandiose idea and then asking God to make it come to pass.” So in other words to me it is all about God and given from God. Am I going to yield and give Him full control to take me on the journey to please Him and live a life of faith that He desires for my life that glorifies Him. Hmmmm. Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” So God started speaking to me in a more intense way a few months ago about faith He just kept fanning it in my life where ever I went but mainly in my heart from Him. When he does this I don’t have to manufacture it I just have to listen and hopefully receive what he is trying to teach me.

 

  I am going to share some scripture of people in the bible and break this into sections. Before I do that I want to share what I think are 6 things God is trying to tell me. But before that I think this faith thing God is always stirring in my heart and life. I have that much figured out but beyond that I will find out on the journey. Faith pops out to me in His Word like I’m in a 3D movie.

 

  1. Genuine faith, am I authentic who God wants me to be? If we trust God and have faith in Him why do we need to be someone else. He is eternal and is all knowing, all power full and ever present. I think genuine faith will be way more pleasing to God than trying to be someone else or anything false. It is amazing what God was speaking to me about this and I am going to write about this later. John 1:47  ^“Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” Is my faith in God real and whole hearted or is my faith in other things or people or self.

 

  2. Do I or we desire the kind of faith that God teaches and examples in His Word. Do I desire and want this in my heart and ask God for this. This is the kind of faith I think where God does things we can’t explain or understand at times. In the Word it is referred to as strange things. Is it about faith in God or how good we perform or glory in men. This is the kind of faith Jesus taught and exampled to the 12 disciples. It wasn’t their excellence or might as men it was faith in God. Luke 5:26 “And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.” Isaiah 64:1-3 “Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence—As fire burns brushwood, As fire causes water to boil—To make Your name known to Your adversaries, That the nations may tremble at Your presence! When You did awesome things for which we did not look, You came down, The mountains shook at Your presence.” We can’t do these things that’s the point God can.

 

  3. How important living a life of faith is to God and what is His view of faith in my life? In other words am I seeing from God’s expectation? Am I living the life of faith that God has planned for my life that pleases and glorifies Him. Faith in God’s plan will open the door to what He wants for my life. My plan and everyone else’s plan or Satan’s plan will not, it has to be what God wants. I believe God has a beautiful faith journey for all of us that is fruitful and glorifying to God, may be difficult at times but pleasing to God. Romans 12;1 & John 10:10

 

  4. If we live this life of faith that God has planned for us what God does inside of us. Putting this in words is hard like His power becoming alive in us. His kingdom opening up inside of us. You know things only God can do. Fire, power, life, fruit, growing spiritually, His presence in our life. Passion, healings, hearing from Him, speaking the power of the Word of God into someone’s life, 1 Corinthian 14:3 “But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.” This is not always planned this is being led by the Holy Spirit and Him speaking through you with His Word.

 

  5. When God leads you to a place that requires His help and He stirs or activates His faith inside you what this does to people around you even though you don’t see it or understand it. This pleases and glorifies God and strengthen others. Like I said it is a God thing you don’t get to plan it that’s why it is called faith in God. The whole bible is based on faith in God and full of it.

 

  6. How God uses a life of faith for His purposes and kingdom now and for years to come. We are not going to know or understand how but to understand that this pleases God and can be a blessing and passed on to others.

 

 

  The first example is Abel in Genesis 4:1-15. This story of Abel is said to be the first offering to God from man. Abel brought an offering sacrificed to God. A gift the best of first born lambs from his flock that was given to him by God. Abel was killed after by his brother Cain and this is what God said of Abel years later in Hebrews 11:4,  “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” Abel brought a sacrifice to God with the right heart and motives. It says he brought it by faith, that may speak differently to everyone. To me he brought the sacrifice to glorify God in faith. He didn’t bring it for Abel he gave it to God in faith for how God wants to use it for His kingdom and glory. It says that because it was brought in faith and it pleased God that even though Able is dead his example in faith stills speaks to us today.

 

  This is amazing about Abel, the very first offing to God given from man in Faith that pleased God. Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve so this offering to God was given at that time and is still speaking to us today and will continue to speak because God’s Word last forever.

 

  In this time of writing and listening to God this came. “What you do in life is history. What is put into motion from Faith in God is legacy.” Paul Cole. {paraphrase mine}  Hmmmm.

 

 

 

 

The great commission- The Heart

After a person accepts Christ and is saved what changes and drives that person to hunger to be with the Lord, read the word of God, and find and do God’s will in their life. What drives that person to obey Jesus and the word of God, love others, forgive others, go after the one lost sheep Luke 15:1-7, and want to help the lost find Jesus. What drives a person is found deep in the inner parts of man in a very intimate place. Men will choose and do what drives them, what they are passionate about. At times men work hard long hours for way more earthly treasure then they need that has no eternal value. They train long hours to compete in games to be first or number one for a medal trophy or recognition which has no eternal value. Men will travel long distances and sacrifice much to obtain what they want or drives them. The flesh of man can be driven to hunger for many things when influenced by the enemy, satan. James 4:1-3 “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.  And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

When a person accepts Christ they are reborn spiritually and given many wonderful blessings. Eternal life with God, the Holy Spirit that is inside a person which no one can fully explain this miracle, and a new heart, a regenerated heart. John 1:12-13 ^“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” God’s nature, understanding, desires and will is birthed inside a person. But men still have free will and a human nature. What dives a man and choices he makes is found deep inside a man’s heart.

 

A great example of how God changes people and what drives them His Word is the 12 disciples. I think Jesus birthed in them over time a solid foundation in Him. A faith in Jesus that I think is hard for us to fully grasp just reading about it. And I think Jesus changed and renewed them by getting God’s understanding and will for their lives in the most important place the heart. The disciples where given the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 and Jesus told them in Acts 1:8 they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you to be my witnesses. The Holy Spirit gave them the ability to understand the foundation and faith in Jesus that was birthed in their hearts.

 

God has really been speaking to me for a period of time more about the heart. I didn’t look for it or study it. God just got my attention and kept speaking to me fanning it in many different ways. At the very center of man is the heart. The heart affects everything in our life, you could say it acts like a filter. It affects the way we perceive everything, love, discern things, the way we think about ourselves, the way we see and understand God and His Word, the way we view other people and our circumstances. Much more than I can list, everything. Our commitments, choices, decisions, how we accept the blessings and promises of God love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and pass them on to others. There is close to a 1000 scripture in God’s Word and how He looks at the heart of man not the way we have been taught to look at man. The heart is a very special intimate place where God speaks to a man. Jesus said in John 7:38 “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.” Proverbs 23:7 speaks of truly how a man thinks or views his self from his heart. He may say one thing but the commitment is not in his heart or he has the wrong motive. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.” We can say one thing and intellectually even in our mind understand scripture but that’s why God looks at the heart. Matthew 15:8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.

 

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. A wellspring is defined as the origin, beginning, root, or where there is a new start. The source, fountainhead, a continual flow or abundant supply.  An inexhaustible spring of affections and ideas. Where the issues of life are at inside a man. If you want to find out who someone is or what God is doing in there life set and listen to their heart and it will flow out. That’s why Jesus command The great Commission making disciples and deeper relationships is so important. Discipleship is very important for the growth and health of every believer and the church. Jesus knew what He was doing when he gave the command. It’s every believers call to obey despite their circumstances. In John 4:2 in the very beginning of Jesus ministry the Word says that Jesus didn’t baptize His disciples did. That speaks to me that every believer is to be equipped to disciple others.

 

If you want to find out the will of God or purpose for a man it will be birthed and found deep in a mans heart. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” I think as we journey and walk with God He is faithful and very patient in giving us His grace to understand Him and his will for our lives.

 

What drives every man’s passions and desires is found in His heart. Is Jesus the Lord or King of our life. Does He rule in every area of our heart and Is He the treasure inside our heart. Even though we all struggle with this and are born with a deceitful heart God says in His Word that we are reborn and given a new heart. A heart that will listen understand and worship Him. What strongholds and areas of darkness are still in our hearts for the enemy to use. What is there in our heart that competes with Jesus fully ruling in our heart.  

 

They say the battle is in the mind which is true but I think there is a bigger battle in every man’s heart. God looks at the heart and said I will plow up the hard soil and soften the heart so they will understand me. I think to continue to grow and get deeply rooted in Jesus men need to look at the battle inside our hearts.

 

In Exodus 28:15-30 A Ephod was made for the priest Aaron when he entered the Holy Place and came before God to represent all of Israel. A chestpiece was made with 12 stones to represent the 12 sons or tribes of Israel to be worn over his heart. Urim and Thummim was also entered onto the chestpiece and to be worn over his heart going before the Lord to make a decision or to understand God’s will. Urim and Thummin is suppose to represent perfection, truth and light. When we are reborn and receive a new heart we have Jesus inside our hearts. A constant flow of living water pouring truth and light in our hearts to help us understand God and His will for our lives. We are also given a piece of armor from God to protect our heart in every battle the breastplate of righteousness.  

 

I think the heart is a very special place to God and where he is very intimate with each person. In Genesis 6:5-6 Moses wrote that God seen the condition of man and it broke His heart.

 

The Great Commission Discipleship 2

Today at a meeting with wonderful Godly men I was reminded by the Lord it is time to send this out. I want to continue with discipleship and I don’t know how far until I’m done. I don’t have it all figured out and everyone would explain it differently. The last writing was about the process we go through to become like Christ or growing in our maturity in Christ. I was reminded that this process is referred to as sanctification in God’s word. Sometimes my use of words could be better in writing what God is telling me. A believer will be tested or refined in many ways, trials, temptations, afflictions to become like Jesus. It says in Romans 8:28-29 that every believer is chosen or predestined to this process. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” So God lets us know this in His word so we won’t be in the dark about this, shocked or surprised.

I want to try to explain something God done in my life 6 years ago that changed my life and walk with the Lord in many ways. At that time in my life and walk I was growing, reading, praying and listening to sermons. From what I was reading in God’s word and hearing about in sermons was far from where I was in my life, marriage, and walk with the Lord. As time went on this really bothered me and this went on day by day for over 3 years. I really had no relationships and wasn’t connected in any way much where I went to church which was my shortcoming certainly not the church I went to. I can say this it was a timing thing from God in His plan for my life and part of the journey that continues. So finally, I went to the Lord day and night in prayer about this and I want to talk about what the Lord put in my life to help me.  The very next day He led a person to me that I meet in a conversation that was meeting with a guy who was starting to grow his ministry here in Arizona. I was introduced to this guy and he offered to disciple or mentor me. His name is Roy Comstock and the ministry is called Christian Mentors Network. Roy was an older man and more mature and when he shared his life experiences with me and took me through his material it really helped me grow in many ways. I’m in the ministry at CMN and have meet with Roy consistently from the beginning and continue to grow. But the difference in my life also happened right away and within 4 months I was given an opportunity to step out in faith from the Lord and start to disciple other men. Or what I should say is, we disciple each other which helped me continue to grow and learn from others. This process of discipleship has and continues to be a very big part of my life that opens up many opportunities and helps me grow. These relationships with others have really helped me grow and come closer to the Lord. So I want to mention a few things about this teaching or example that was put in my life.

I think the best way to learn about this teaching we try to pass on to each other when we disciple each other is to study how Jesus taught the 12 disciples in the gospels. During Jesus mission or ministry for 3 years He chose 12 disciples to walk with Him in all He done. Where or who can we have a better example than Jesus. The way He taught the 12 can be taught and applied in so many different ways. But one of the most important observations to me is that He done the example he taught and expected the 12 to do the same. When Jesus left to be with the Father in Acts 1:9 all the disciples where filled with the Holy Spirit. At that point, Jesus didn’t walk beside them He was inside them and they passed this teaching on to the other believers. This was the church at its purest form. I like to listen to sermons and the word of God preached from people who are very gifted in this area. I like to set and listen to what God is telling me its one of my favorite things to do. I like to go to conferences and listen to people gifted in different areas talk on many subjects but I have a different view than I did. I go and listen sometimes and make a few notes and listen to what God is telling me. Then I go and try to apply them to my life which is a great thing and an interesting process. But I also go and I see a room filled with 50 to 20,000 men or people and ask myself who do these men have in there life to help them apply this to their life. I think this is where this example from Jesus can be applied. I think this can be a very difficult place for the church and body of Christ.

 Another way to explain it would be say Jesus is fishing and He would feed everyone that came by. But some, if they are willing, he would feed them then he would show them how to fish, then he would give them the tools to fish and walk beside them till they were able to fish on their own. Jesus always taught the 12 in parables and set the example. Jesus taught them in a way they would see then understand then do and apply. In Luke 5:10-11, Jesus didn’t give Peter, James and John a quick 30 minute message on how to fish for men and leave them. They followed Him for 3 years as He taught them. I think as I walk with Jesus and read the Word there will be times where I need more alone time with Jesus and the Word and there will be times when He will put someone in my life to walk beside me and help me for a time. I think these relationships we have are a gift from God and for a reason in our walk. God has a reason for His timing.

To disciple each other takes great humility and is a great way to grow in our relationship with Christ. I think it is important to remember that discipleship is a process to sharpen and strengthen not only your self but to help the other person become closer to their Lord. Remember the 12 did walk and follow Jesus not any man but God. In John 3:22-26, John the Baptist helped in a humble way to grow disciples for Christ not himself. If we want a deeper understanding of the Lord and who he made us to be a disciple has to look to Christ not man. Jesus has a plan for every disciple and no other person will ever sustain, love or understand you like Jesus. What’s great is when we help other each other look to Jesus and find Him in a deeper way. To grow to become like Him we have to look to Him and His examples in the Word of God.

There is no perfect man, only Jesus. But when a believer humbly receives the grace of God and steps out in faith in obedience to obey the command of Jesus The Great Commission. That’s when the Holy Spirit does wonderful things through common people.

The body of Christ is a very special, beautiful, powerful, and living work of Jesus. Jesus has given every believer special gifts and experiences to help each other and the body of Christ. I call these treasures but some are hidden in all of us. God will put others in our lives to walk beside us to learn who we are in Christ as the Holy Spirit reveals and draws them out of us.

Proverbs 20:5 “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” This teaching and example from Jesus is very needed and important for the church and body of Christ. Since I have been in this ministry I am amazed at what great treasure from Christ that is in the heart of every man.