Lessons from Life

An Excellent Spirit!


Daniel did a better job than the other two leaders or
any of the royal rulers. He was an unusually good and able man.
So the king planned to put him in charge of the whole kingdom.
(Daniel 6:3 NIRV)

 

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The world is currently looking for and calling up top notch nurses, doctors, scientists, researchers, inventors, social forecasters, along with anyone who has expertise in fighting a disease that challenges our way of survival. On the other hand — God is calling for men and women in the body of Christ who have many abilities. Those who God calls (to use their abilities) are needing one prevailing ingredient, which is an excellent spirit!

Many who serve God also have their professions, careers, and jobs, and make up a lot of the world’s workforce. Others have the task of home and family responsibilities. Daniel was such a man, who daily took care of the affairs of a nation and — according to the king — he maintained and excellent spirit! His “secret” no doubt, was his love and devotion toward his God!

Another great leader was Esther. This writer has heard some negative comments about Esther: how she planned evil to catch Haman in a trap. This writer strongly opposes this viewpoint! God judges evil intentions and actions, and He certainly would have judged Esther had she done any wrong. This would have been woven in the story, but we don’t see any trace of this in the author’s writings. Queen Esther was a women of integrity who stood up against what was evil and base. She knew her life and the lives of her people were at stake as she went before the king. We see her integrity, her caring, and so many other qualities that made up an excellent spirit! She appeared to be a women of prayer and had long been taught integrity by the example of her uncle Mordecai. God gave Esther the plans to overthrow evil Haman. We never see one time where Esther used her beauty or authority as queen, to undermine anyone. She simply asked for an audience with the king and Haman. This was her way of “going to the law” (who was the king) to expose the evil intents of a very evil man. Jesus told us to be wise as a serpent. Esther was simply wise as the serpent, Haman. She did nothing outside the bounds of God’s spiritual law and did not violate any of His principles, but maintained her excellent spirit!

The bible is filled with shining examples of those who maintained excellent spirits, like Joseph, Ruth, Hannah, Mary, Nathanael, Dorcas, and others. Biblical history has taught us, it seems, that leaders who have had excellent spirits have come forth, to make a great difference, and keep the people alive in times of great trials!

While we work on our ministries, let us equally work on our spirits. It’s imperative that the two be one!

Finally, it’s important to note that an excellent spirit is a spirit that does not entertain unwholesome thoughts. We have the power to dismiss even thoughts that attempt to bombard our minds (Eph. 6:16)! During those times we may constantly quote the scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding (Prov. 3:5).

Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me.
(Ps. 51:10)

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which
are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all,
and to the spirits of just men made perfect.
(Heb. 12:23)

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find
such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
(Gen. 41:38)

My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior…he hath regarded
the low estate of his handmaiden…He hat put down the
mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
(Luke 1:47-56)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and
if there be any praise, think on these things.
(Phil. 4:8)

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Murder and Entertainment!


 

THE FASCINATION WITH MURDER

Murder is on the increase, not only with those who physically commit such crimes, but also those who are transfixed with their details. Many video games and apps, news reports, and television programs all have one thing in common — exploiting murder! Our world has a curiosity, fascination, and even a love affair with the “how’s” and “whys” of murder. We are being fed a steady diet of crime, served up in as many ways as possible to make the viewing and hearing about killing palatable. Murder is a heinous crime that can capture the attention of its listeners and viewers. For those taken in by the sensationalism, at some point murder goes beyond “news”. The news has the ability to feed on the psyche and can become as addictive as any powerful drug. This is a trick of an enemy!

THE EFFECTS OF MURDER ON A SOCIETY

Many know the account of Samson who was fascinated with Delilah’s ways. After Sampson’s hair was cut, he thought he had the strength he once had to fight. He found out at the critical time he didn’t have that strength at all. Likewise, one cannot be consistently curious about murder and think it doesn’t have any negative affect on them mentally and spiritually (Mt. 24:12). The Bible states: “We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.” – I John 5:19 – Berean Study Bible

Copycat killings usually start with one who is intrigued by another’s murder(s). The intrigued person eventually “acts out” what has been sown in their heart. We should stay away from anything that is wicked — and our hearts are desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9). We should also know that we haven’t experienced the utter depths of where our hearts can lead us. (“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” – Prov. 4:23/GNT.) A person who is “saved” is not immune from being caught up in the spirit of murder — which is usually in some form of news or entertainment through means of broadcasting. People can be subject to this spirit, whether saved or unsaved (James 4:2; I John 3:14-15). Great spirits from history have a way of returning and affecting masses of people. We see these following accounts in the Bible. During Noah’s day the earth at that time was given over to violence (Gen. 6:13). The apostle Paul noticed that the city of Athens was given over to a similar spirit, which was idolatry (Acts. 17:16). The prophet Hosea took a wife from the land of Israel that was given over to idolatry and adultery. Habakkuk complained of the wide-spread violence of his day (Hab. 1:1-3). History has a way of coming back to repeat itself.

The first murder in the Bible was broadcast for the purpose of showing how dark sin really is, but we see the insatiable drawing power murder has to consume all who are given over to its spell — from those who commit actual crimes to those who are drawn in by the details.

Stay away from murder!

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The Changing Season!


Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant
thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun.
(Ecc. 11:7)

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Many of us enjoy seeing the last days of winter give over to the bright rays of the approaching spring sunshine. The degrees in the weather begin to climb and there is often anticipation in the air! Things become renewed and revived. All forms of life begin to emerge and grow because spring has come around again.

God has given the four seasons and we become accustom to their changes, but God has other seasons, as well. These seasons often do not normally coincide with the natural changes in the seasons that we are used to. These are the seasons in our lives. They are outlined in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and we need to learn them well! If we study them, we can better understand God’s plan and timing for our lives.

Through every season that God brings in our lives, there should be a systematic study and meditation on His word. Those who will commit to study will also be established like a tree. In contrast to a natural tree — whatever season we find ourselves in…our leaves will not die or even wither (Ps. 1:1-6). Unlike the reasonably predictable changes in the four natural seasons (Matt. 16:2-3, Gen. 8:22) — our fruit can suddenly become ripe at any time, even during times we do not anticipate. God suddenly uses us for His glory (II Tim. 2:21) during any given opportunity or season (Ps. 1:3)! We can be used by God during spring, summer, or fall. His plan for us is to still produce fruit even during the winter of our lives (Ps. 92:12-15, Ps. 71:18).

We are all familiar with the words of a famous song, “everything must change, nothing stays the same”. We should make as much preparation as we can for unexpected changes in seasons — whatever that season may bring.

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They that are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and green: To shew that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
(Ps 92:12-15 – ERV Version)

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Tis the Season for Forgiving!


Then said Jesus, Father, forgive
them; for they know not what they do.
And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
(Luke 23:34)

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Does the holidays have you stressed out because you don’t seem to have much to give?  Why don’t you give someone a wonderful gift this holiday season that may be valued more than money? Give forgiveness! This great gift that you have can, no doubt, bring joy to some troubled soul today. You may very well have the power to release someone of past offenses done to you or levelled at you. Release them and in turn, release yourself. You may find it to be the best gift you ever gave.

It is true that some people don’t accept gifts to well, but still give it in the spirit that Christ would (St. John 1:11). All of us have given quality gifts we thought people would like only to find it didn’t suit them, and that’s okay…but, give anyway!

There has never been a better time when Christmas and Easter come together so beautifully. We celebrate both Christ’s birth and resurrection as well as reflect on His death. His birth is a season for giving. His death is a time we reflect on Him giving himself for those who humiliated and wronged Him. They planned and schemed. They lied in wait for Him and finally, beat and put Him to death. Here is a quote from Luke 23;34, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” In His humility, Christ was a VICTIM who became the world’s greatest OVERCOMER (Phil. 2:8-9)! He gave to those who hurt Him the most. His example is the true spirit of giving this holiday season!

Why don’t you, by the Spirit of the Lord, call someone and tell them you are sorry for what happened in the past and ask for forgiveness or maybe you need to tell them you forgive them. These make great gifts this time of year!

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An Imitation of Love!


Little children, we must stop expressing love merely by our words
and manner of speech; we must love also in action and in truth. 
(1 John 3:18)

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There is a movie titled: “The Imitation of Life”, that could have easily been named the Imitation of Love. The two main actors are a single black mother and her fair-skinned daughter, who conveniently passed as white. The daughter had struggles loving her mother because she wanted to “fit in” with white America during the 1950’s. The mother pursued the daughter with unconditional love. The daughter (suffering her own struggles with her skin color) rejected her mother’s love. She finally realized the depths of her love for her mother at the time of her mother’s death — which was too late. (This was a tragic story!) The movie should be seen by all people who have issues loving anyone because of internal and external pressures.

In many ways there are struggles we face with those who are considered different than who we have defined ourselves as. Many only want those type of people in their world. The church also struggles with loving certain members who are in the body. We all know that love can be expressed by words, but “I love you” means nothing if there are no actions that back up mere words. Take a moment and ask yourself how would you define love? What does it look like? Is it a nice feeling you have for someone and they, in-turn, have for you? How would you define it? Let’s go back to I Corinthians, chapter 13 and revisit the “love” chapter and see what love really is. Here is a good biblical definition of love, as well: For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE his only begotten son. The verse clearly suggests that love is a sacrifice. Forms of intense giving are expressions of love. Love means little to others if our flowery words are simply poured out on them. We must be careful because there is an imitation of love. It looks like love, and it often masquerades as love, but it can have its root in selfishness and indifference. True love cannot be imitated with just words of expressions.

God — help us to love — not just with words, but also in deeds! Amen!

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