Famine of Righteousness Part 2

Ezekiel models a godly lesson to the people

Ezekiel was a wise prophet. He went so far that he actually humbly acted out with great dramatization the need to be obedient. He personally modeled a thought provoking godly message to the people. To prove his point, he himself laid bound on his side facing a clay model of Jerusalem for 390 days. He ate a simple meal of wheat, barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt baked into bread cake weighing about 8oz, that was cooked on cows dung.

He then turned to his other side and lay there for another 40 days. This was an additional reminder to remind them of their 40 years spent wandering in the wilderness. Ezekiel went to great lengths to get their attention. He earnestly wanted them to return to the Lord. He even shared his vision of the corrupted Temple. They were experiencing a “famine of righteousness.”

There was absolutely no doubt that the “hand of the Lord” was upon Ezekiel. The Lord gave him graphic picturesque visions. The people however still simply refused to listen. Ezekiel personally experienced “The GLORY of the LORD” on many occasions. Over sixty times throughout the Book of Ezekiel he repeated “Then they will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel was known for his strangeness. He took grave measures to demonstrate his dedication to the Lord.

The many prophets before him had also been often ignored. Their unfavorable messages were overlooked and thought of as negative. Yet despite the odds God kept, sustained and strengthened them. The Lord said to Ezekiel; “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you…” He said “Son of man I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; and they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn…”

The Lord told Ezekiel to speak HIS WORD to them whether they listened or not. Ezekiel was given a scroll to eat. As he ate it, he said “So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.” They simply just did not want to receive the message that Ezekiel presented to them. God’s Word will yield conviction but there is a savory lasting sweetness when digested. They could not see how they had allowed the world, bureaucratic politics and its foreign customs and ways into the Temple. Ezekiel was able to experience the “Glory of the Lord” because of His obedience.

GOD is so AWESOME!

Many of the ways of the world have nested themselves in the midst the Church of God

Today it is really no different, the world and society in which we live continuously attempts to embed its principles within the people of God. To make acceptable what God has said is not acceptable and to cloak and present itself as though one is practicing unconditional love. Yes, “God is Love”  but He is also a just God. According to Nahum; “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, He will not acquit the wicked.” Deception is all about us. Today because of it we too are experiencing a “famine of righteousness.”

God’s principles for life and living are continuously put on the back burner. Ezekiel is such a good example because he had a real concern for the abuse that was taking place within God’s Temple. Sin was rampart among the people of God. Many of the leaders had simply lost their faith and were trying many alternative ways. They wanted the accolades of the people over the favor of God. Ezekiel was shown firsthand the “wicked and detestable things that they were doing.” They had banned together and plotted wickedness. They had embraced and accepted quite worldly practices and worship that was not acceptable to God. They had allowed the world into God’s Temple. The Glory of the Lord departed from the Temple.

True Worship

Pray all throughout worship. Manipulation does not move the Lord. Worship should never be about theatrics. There are many different modes of worship. Know this, God’s Holy Spirit is never not aware of what’s going on anywhere. This is true even if there are all types of emotional outbursts. Grief, sadness and the light or heavy normal burdens of life can bring forth sadness and tears. When this happens pray and place your focus upon the Lord. A sweet gentle release can come about. ” Rejoice in the Lord! Again I say rejoice! ” For our God is omniscient and therefore always knows about everything and everyone at all times. Peace, joy, meekness and self control are fruits of the Holy Spirit.

When deliverance is needed there will be all sorts of frantic emotional outbreaks. But this is not praise it’s pain, burdens and suffering… One must be led by His Holy Spirit to know and discern when and when not to respond. It is also a time to pray, focus and intercede for chains and depressive burdens to be broken and lifted… It is during deliverance we petition and evoke the infilling presence of the Lord to intervene and cast out doubt, fear, torment, pain, demonic influences, and anything that is not of Him… This is a time for deep intense fervent intercession. This is not always apparent to onlookers. For fervent prayer is also being in a focused prayerful state of mind… Always keeping in mind God is never far from us… YES, do praise and thank our LORD GOD when deliverance comes forth. For HE is the ONE who gets the GLORY!

It takes courage to “STAND!” upon the principles of GOD!

Yes, we can freely worship and praise the Lord. However, we should always be mindful that our worship & praise is to God! Our almighty fortress God is forever worthy of “True Worship.” We need to daily ask for the infilling presence of His Holy Spirit. Yes, this world is on a “slippery slope”. Yet, we can still depend on the Lord God to keep us safe even in the midst of an unstable world. Even when we know this world is experiencing a “famine of righteousness.” Therefore, stay on, the ” Narrow Path “ that has fewer travelers. It is very important to know that despite how things appear; “God is always ultimately in control.”

Stay focused upon the Lord; don’t become distracted

Ezekiel again is a wonderful memorable example. He displays how God may require you to do some things and give up some things. Some of the customarily practiced traditional behaviors should be abandoned. Being those things that distract from who God is; rather than welcome His presence. Worship should not be out of habit or simply a learned behavior. It is a natural expression of praise, thanks and appreciation towards God. From a carnal perspective many simply cannot comprehend this. They do not see that many hinderances have been adopted… When God reveals something to you respond or do not respond accordingly. Looking through the lenses of one’s spiritual eyes you can better grasp the spiritual significance of the action.

God always leaves a remnant of His people. He always has something better for us. There is always more with the Lord. He wants us to grow in His grace, wisdom and knowledge. He does not ever want us to be stuck in mediocracy. He wants to manifest and multiply the Fruit of His Spirit within us. This is why it is so important to know firsthand the Word of God for yourself. This way you are not just towed along with whatever is going on. Sometimes we are to observe. God’s Word is rich and powerful. It contains a plethora of lessons of disobedience, betrayal, rejection, spiritual warfare, power, and love. Christ Jesus became the Word wrapped in sinless flesh. He conquered sin in the flesh for us all. True victory is always found in the Lord and abiding within His principles.

God sometime requires us to do some seemingly strange things. Sometimes we are to observe and pray. When God’s Spirit is with you, you can expect to at times to be persecution, ridiculed, misunderstood or rejected. It is in seemingly hopeless situations that God is able to do a great work through you or to you.  We are to remain disciplined and alert.  There is nothing more important in life than your relationship with the Lord.

Benefits of the believers faith

Our faith, hope and trust must always be in the Lord. Jesus Christ’s life, death, crucifixion and resurrection were for a great purpose.  It is because of Him we have been bestowed with eternal life. It is by faith we walk in obedience to our professed salvation.  Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Life as a Christian comes with a plethora of benefits. As we embrace and implement the truth of His Word we spiritually grow. Hebrews 4 tell us, “For the WORD of GOD is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Each day is a precious gift from the Lord. We should always be able to find something to be thankful for.

We as believers are to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. This should be our first priority.  In the Lord we can forever strive and thrive! Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.  We are to always contend for the faith! Daily we have the opportunity to grow in His grace, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. God always has a personal interest in the lives of His children, even when there is a “famine of righteousness.”

HALLLELLLUJAH PRAISE GOD!

Growing and maturing beyond resentment Part 2

Growing and maturing beyond resentment Part 2

Resentment leaves an endless void that one attempts to fill with things that are usually unhealthy for them. You avoid confronting what is bothering you. There is a way out of this.

Marriage is the perfect place to learn properly how to deal with resentment. You two are supposed to be life partners. Like it or not you vowed to help one another become the best that each of you can be? Or were those just words? However each spouse must be willing to take responsibility for their part!

You cannot change what has happened but you can begin to learn how to “let go” of any resentment. Letting go does not mean that you continue to allow the action(s) to occur again. It means that you make a conscious effort to make some behavior changes. Insanity is; “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

In a healthy marriage you take into consideration what impacts you both. You don’t drain one another you seek to refuel, refresh and restore. Oneness makes you sensitive and you work together to have a healthy symbiotic relationship. You speak the Truth in Love. You seek to balance one other. You seek to create a healthy environment where you both can thrive. Where others can experience that balance as well.

Many marriages suffer because resentment is what binds the husband and wife together. Life has become a tally board of how many times they have hurt one another or allowed others to hurt them. Instead of becoming transparent and drawing closer to one another. They all too often run to their friends and seek their support rather than seeking to resolve the problem within their marriage.

There is nothing wrong with talking with your friends, relatives or having a support group. There is nothing wrong with having a therapist, counselor, life coach or any other professional service. Be sure that you are honest if you want favorable results. Just make sure that you do not relay the incident in a way that you are supported when or if you are in the wrong. This will not really help you, your family, friends nor your marriage. This does not mean that the experience was not painful or wrong! You instead seek to become empowered by the incident once you commit to resolve the related unresolved anger. Why? Because you want to be free from it. Or do you really? This means that you will have to allow the pain to dissipate that is associated with what has transpired. But it must first be allowed to come to the Light so you can properly deal with it.

You will have to build a bridge of emotional stability across it to not let it hold you captive any longer. It does not mean that you have to forget. It means that you will have to confront yourself and how you have allowed whatever it is to remain unresolved.

See part 3

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People

Life is Not FAIR but GOD IS!

Habakkuk is a wonderful short, sweet, powerful Book in the Old Testament that is packed with wisdom. The prophet Habakkuk asks God, “Why are things not fair? And why does God not do something? He prophecies during the final reign of the Assyrian Empire and right when the Babylonians began to increasingly grow in power to control and dominate the world. The Chaldeans were being sent to judge Judah. The key scripture is: “Lord I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”

This miniature book illustrates just how powerful God is, consisting of only three chapters! God can use any situation to demonstrate His mighty power! God eventually answers Habakkuk; this is why this book is so valuable. God tells him to “Look among the nations and watch~ Be utterly astounded!” For a season God allowed the cruel treatment to take place. It is here He uses the unbelieving decadent Babylonian pagan nation to reprimand His rebellious nation of people! The Babylonians in time would also suffer punishment for their wickedness…

The Book of Habakkuk boldly demonstrates that our complete Faith and Trust must be in God! We can have complete confidence in Him! When there is much pain, sickness, trouble and distress one must turn first to God and not man! Allow Him to direct you! Remember “Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart and lean not to your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He WILL direct your path.” Proverbs 3 Although we can study and learn intellectually what actually opens the door to our spiritual wisdom and understanding is our relationship with the Lord. It is so important to know God’s Word! It is here through the Divine power of His Holy Spirit; The Comforter and Teacher where learning the essential keys of life resides! Despite everything that goes on in the world it is important to keep in mind “God is STILL in CONTROL!” God alone deserves to be worshipped, honored and PRAISED!

Habakkuk cries out to the Lord for help! There is very little known about Habakkuk, there is less personal information recorded on him than any other prophet. There was much going on about him. Just like it is in the 21st century today! Like Habakkuk we too can turn to the Lord in times of distress. He tells us “Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem the righteous, so that justice is perverted. Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed.” Look how applicable this is today! Remember, although “bad things are happening to good people” God has not forgotten us! When you know that things are not right, when you know that there have been injustices against you it is important to know God in His time will vindicate you! Sometimes you just have to be patient and humbly wait! Knowing that what is important is that “God Knows,” in the meantime draw close to the Lord! You must learn to put things in their proper perspective!

How often have you heard someone say; “That’s not fair!” What does it mean to be fair? According to Webster’s’; pleasing to the eye or mind a flawless quality; clear legible, unbiased or impartial. What makes anyone think that life is fair? Life is not fair, but God is! God is ALWAYS right! As Habakkuk says; “The righteous will live by Faith!” The Apostle Paul also says this in Romans and again in Galatians! It is also once again confirmed in Hebrews! The question is often asked; “Why does bad things happen to good people?” Really, in essence the TRUTH is only God is good!

Judah, God’s people had a series of wicked kings that did not subscribe to God’s way, they rejected Him and His principles they adopted the ways of the world. Judah had a young King Josiah, he believed and trusted in God but his successors did not. King Josiah tried to turn their hearts back to the Lord but it only lasted for a season. He had instituted significant spiritual reforms in Judah! Eventually they were finally invaded and taken into Babylonian captivity under King Nebuchadnezzar. During captivity they were oppressed, persecuted and their possessions were taken away. The Babylonians were a strong military force they were a nation that plundered the goods of many. Does any of this sound familiar? Habakkuk was aware that the Babylonians were being used to punish Judah. He realized that there were some things that they would experience that did not seem fair…

Habakkuk realized that the people were actually being disciplined. He prays to God on their behalf and asks for mercy. He did not quite understand why this was happening but He trusted God anyway! “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in your day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” Regardless how things look or appear and no matter what happens God always does what is right! There are many things in our little finite minds that we will never quite understand. But we can surely always lean and Trust on an all knowing Infinite God who knows exactly what is going on! Habakkuk knew that God would triumph. We too can be reassured He will in His time vindicate us when we are sincere and faithful to Him! We must learn how to patiently wait for Him. We must focus on God and not the circumstance. Our strength and Joy comes from the Lord! Even though it may appear that the wicked prosper at your expense sometimes, in the long run they really don’t !

Today when many are turning away from God’s principles, When right is yoking up with what is wrong, When the world is saying this is right and the scriptures is saying that is wrong… When nothing seems to make sense; “wait on the Lord!” We never get to the point that we are not susceptible to spiritual attacks and oppression no matter how much we plan or grow spiritually. This is why we have to continuously pray and daily seek God’s face. This is why we need a Savior! Praise God! Hallelujah anyhow!!!

One can be encouraged as Habakkuk reminds us how “the sun and moon stood still in their habitation!” This happened when Israel gained victory over the Amorites at Gibeon the Lord made the sun stand still, during a battle for Joshua! (See Joshua 10) Although we cannot see what God is doing we have to learn to trust Him! We should always consult God and let Him know how we are feeling even though He already knows! God will take us through the test and trials designed by man and over the landmines put in our path. Look around today and see there are many economic difficulties, families in crisis, marriages resulting in divorces, sickness, diseases and natural disasters! Know God is Able! God is here to help us endure any hardships that may arise in life! It is to Him we must look to, He is Sovereign and greater than any situation! Habakkuk concludes with an illustration of a deer! Notice how a deer can manage to scale and climb up the rugged terrain of seemingly impossible mountain and doesn’t slip! As Habakkuk says: “Yet I will REJOICE in the Lord, I will be JOYFUL in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my STRENGTH; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” Keep looking to the Lord! It is here in Habakkuk we find “The Lord is in His Holy Temple. Let all the earth keep silent before Him” Praise God!