Getting Real with Jezebel

Getting Real

Anyone who has been in the church for any length of time has probably heard various definitions of Jezebel. Preachers, teachers, and prophets all have their exegesis on who she is and how she translates into New Testament (NT) life. I want to talk about Jezebel in the Thyatira Church. What was Jesus’ beef with her anyway?

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.’”

Revelation 2:18-23 (ESV)

Jezebel promoted sexual immorality and idolatry. Jezebel was a person in the Thyatira Church. She was not a spirit. She was likely a face well-known to the congregation in the Thyatira Church and a friend to many. She was one of them and she had influence. Notice that Jesus says the church allowed Jezebel to teach and seduce others regarding sexual immorality. She was allowed to have an influence on others and was not disciplined nor restrained by the leaders of the church.

Since Jezebel was promoting sexual immorality and Jesus was about to judge the church for it, what does the NT define as sexual immorality and what are the consequences for it?

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

Revelation 22:14-15

According to 1 Corinthians 6, sexual immorality includes fornication, adultery, and homosexuality. Revelation 22 states that the immoral will not enter the city (New Jerusalem) and 1 Corinthians says they will not inherit the Kingdom. Both scripture references place sexual immorality together with other vile sins.

How often do we hear messages on holiness? Are people dealt with biblically regarding these vile sins? Paul, by the Holy Spirit, says:

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (ESV)

The man spoken of (“Purge the evil person from among you”) was having sexual relations with his step mother and would not repent. Sexual immorality was not tolerated! The remedy was to expel the person from the congregation—with the hope of restoration. The goal was to get the person to acknowledge their sin, repent, and be restored, so that they would not be judged. In this case it worked: the man came to his senses and was restored (2 Corinthians 2).

Sexual promiscuity and perversion are prevalent in the church today.

They are tolerated.

They are allowed.

By the church…

… but not by God.

God is Holy and we too are to be holy (1 Peter 1:15). People who are living an immoral lifestyle or who are promoting such a lifestyle should not be allowed to stay in the congregation where they will have influence. They should be given space to repent, as was Jezebel. Jesus said: “I [Jesus] gave her [Jezebel] time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.”

This is New Testament Christianity. God is kind and God is merciful, yet He does not tolerate sexual immorality within His church. His kindness does not translate into passiveness. And since judgment is not handed out immediately, people continue in sin (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

Really, it’s time to stop sinning, whatever our sin may be. Don’t be passive about sin—God isn’t. Encourage your friends to serve the Lord with passion and holiness.

God is Holy.

Be holy.

when + = - & - = I

When Adding = Subtracting and Subtracting = I

Why Some People Leave the Prophetic Movement—Reason 4

Some people leave the prophetic movement without intending to do so... and... sometimes it is the Holy Spirit who leaves. Though Jesus said He would never leave us, He does lift His anointing. How devastating when that happens. It isn't unlike Samson who was lulled to sleep by Delila and then didn't realize that God had left him. (Judges 16:20) Samson's story is a sad one. But how does Samson's story fit into New Testament Christianity? 

Back in the 1990s we were experiencing a great deal of outpouring from the Holy Spirit. It was a fantastic move of God and radically changed my walk with the Lord. Many of my friends would concur that their lives were radically changed as well. The Holy Spirit would visit us with such intensity that we would laugh, fall down, shake violently, or stagger like drunken sailors as the Holy Spirit came upon us. What was manifesting on the outside was nothing compared to what was happening on the inside—as we laughed God transformed us. We pegged these wonderful experiences as “carpet time.”

But then something happened: instead of people manifesting because the Holy Spirit came upon them, people would shake or laugh or stagger hoping the Holy Spirit would come in response to their  “manifestation.” But He didn't. He won't anoint flesh. Let's see if the New Testament has something to say on this subject.

Galatians 3:1-3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 

What genuinely began by the Holy Spirit can, and sometimes does, end as a monument with the inscription “God Was Here.” How does this happen? Let me explain using the statement: 

+ = - & - = I

When adding flesh (or self or good ideas or formulas) to what God is doing, God usually lifts His anointing (subtraction). Subtracting God's anointing leaves only "I" (self). Hence, adding self = subtracting God and subtracting God leaves only I.

God likes to use people and has throughout human history. He likes to work with us, but God demands that He has control. We are to be led; He gets to lead. Things don't go well when those two are reversed. When the flesh begins to control what the Holy Spirit began He will lift, therefore adding the flesh results in subtracting the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, when programs, formulas, and laws replace the Holy Spirit people enter into a pseudo Christianity: true Christianity is Christ-centered and Holy Spirit led, while pseudo Christianity is self-centered and self empowered. 

About 20 years ago a pastor told me to give nice prophecies, so I tagged on a “Remember I love you, says the Lord” to a prophecy. Can’t remember the prophecy, but I sure remember the tag. As I walked away from the mic I determined that I would never do that again. I never want to add to what God is saying or doing. As Proverbs 30:6 says, Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. 

I read and see many things that reek of the flesh, but mascaraed as the Holy Spirit. He knows and so do those who are close to Him. 

So how does the flesh take control? The devil knows he can’t stop what God is doing so he adds to it and he finds people such willing participants. Flesh wants to promote self, so with a little nudge the enemy finds people his tools. We feel important. We maybe even look anointed. But, look at this scripture in James 3, Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 

Self-seeking is evil and it invites every evil thing. No wonder the Holy Spirit backs off when we are trying to control Him by our flesh; He won’t anoint the flesh—He just won’t. He only anoints what is of His Spirit. 

Better is a cave with the Lord than a platform of self.

Pastors and the Pasture

Pastors and the Pasture

Many dynamics are woven into the fabric of a church culture, but the most important is the aggelos, the senior leader of the church. People have great ideas on what a church should look like, but only One can infuse a leader with the wisdom needed for the church they shepherd. A wise master builder is of utmost value: a man who has deep callouses on his knees and a worn-out Bible he studies—a leader who touches God before he speaks to the people. Leaders are, in reality, gatekeepers for the local church culture.

George and I have moved quite a bit and finding a home church was always a challenge. Reading websites and visiting churches was just the beginning of each adventure. Noting the “What we believe” tab was followed by the “What we value,” and then the numerous visits before finding out the real dynamics of each church culture. Usually what is truly valued is quickly apparent, for it flows from the pulpit each service. Jesus said that out of the mouth flows the heart, so if prayer or the Presence of the Holy Spirit or community or the lost is valued, the leader will talk about it and it will be woven into the fabric of the church culture.

The senior leader determines what food is served at the Sunday banquet, but only in part; what food can be served is also determined by the maturity of the people seated at the table. Hebrews 5 states that the writer wanted to serve the Hebrew church steak, but the people could only digest milk. Their spiritual maturity determined their diet. However, a wise leader, the one with calloused knees, will not only see the current condition of the people, but will also see how to keep them (or get them) moving forward. It isn’t healthy when people continue to drink milk year after year. Neither is it healthy for people to be unchallenged in their spiritual walk with the Lord.

Years ago the Lord showed me a picture of a leader as they were teaching. The leader became a prism as the Holy Spirit moved through them when they taught. Each person listening was touched by a different color of the spectrum, as the Holy Spirit took the things of Jesus and revealed them to the people. The Holy Spirit, knowing each person, was able, through one message, to touch each person exactly where they were currently in their walk. But this type of message does not come from putting together a good message, it comes from revelation, from anointing—from the Holy Spirit. 

A leader who only speaks to people where they are at will never move people forward. People need to be challenged. People need vision. People need to hunger for more of God, His Kingdom, His ways, His Presence. As hunger is stirred, people themselves begin to feast throughout the weeks as they feed themselves. There is nothing more intensely valuable than a personal encounter with the living God. This is where vision from God is birthed. This is where spiritual maturity increases exponentially. This is where deep calls to deep. This is what we are created for.

George and I have had great teachers whose teachings were anointed systematic lessons and we have had an anointed leader who mostly shared his messages. One leader took his messages right out of the Thompson Chain in the back of the Bible—good message, no anointing. It was obvious which leaders spent time with the Lord.

A few weeks ago the Lord showed me a picture of a green house. Along with the picture was an understanding that the green house represented the church—my church, in particular. I understood, through the Holy Spirit’s revelation that the green house is a uniquely designed environment for optimum growth. However, everything within the green house must be brought in: the soil, sunlight, seeds, fertilizer, pots, water—everything. The door is tended by the leader(s) of the church, and whether or not they acknowledge it, whether passively or actively, they determine what comes into the green house.

Bottom line, senior pastors determine the pasture in the local church. An aggelos’ personal relationship with the Lord should spur people on to go after God, instead of giving them a nice padded cushion for their rump.

Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. 

Psalm 127

Jars of Oil

Jars of Oil

A couple weeks ago I was invited to meet with a group of leaders within the Truckee Meadows valley. Different ministries were gathering for fellowship. The intent was to build relationships with each other, so that we would begin to work together in relationship, honoring each other’s gifts and walk with the Lord. To build, so to speak, a wall around the Truckee Meadows valley; a spiritual wall, much like the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem in Nehemiah.  

As we discussed ministry, the Holy Spirit showed me what I thought were jars of oil—dusty jars lining dusty shelves. The feel was much like traveling medicine gypsies. “Interesting,” I said, “I just saw dusty jars of oil lining dusty shelves.” Everyone hit “pause,” then without interruption tapped the “pause button” again and continued with their conversation, as if uninterrupted. I was startled by the revelation the Holy Spirit had shown me, and left the meeting pondering, asking the Lord, “What did those jars of oil represent?”

In the days following it became quite clear what the Holy Spirit meant when He showed me those dusty jars sitting on dusty shelves. First, the oil was no longer fresh and flowing as it once had been, rather it was stagnant, bottled and stored, ready for sale. Ready, that is, to be pulled off the shelf whenever something resembling anointing was needed. “I’ve got just the thing just for that…”

Of course this is not to say that everyone in the area is peddling anointing, but some are. 2 Corinthians 2:17 says, For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. Some peddle their ministry; not all, but some. People whose job it is to lead God’s people ought to get paid for what they do. The Bible makes clear that they should. (See Matthew 10:10) The jars of oil have nothing to do with leaders getting paid. What the Holy Spirit showed me was an entirely different storyline.

Consider that when people have had an anointed ministry they can stop operating under His anointing. Probably not all at once, but slowly, surely, they begin to operate more in the flesh than in the Spirit. They continue in ministry, howbeit, sadly an unanointed ministry. And since gifts and callings are irrevocable, there continues still, by God’s grace, a hint of what used to be. People can fake anointing in a lot of different ways and usually only those who know the Holy Spirit and His anointing can tell. Maybe they themselves don’t even realize that they have make a great exchange—flesh for anointing. Hebrews 2 descriptively says, Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. The natural human tendency is to drift away from God.

In the letter to Sardis Jesus says, “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name [NIV reputation] that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”

Jesus makes clear to Sardis they used to walk in a place they now only have a reputation for. Revelation 3:3 says Sardis Church was to “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast [to attend to carefully, take care of] and repent.”  Furthermore, He commands them, “Be watchful [give strict attention to], and strengthen the things which remain.” How had they received and heard and what was Sardis commanded to “attend to carefully and take care of, giving strict attention to”? Jesus doesn’t specifically say, probably because we all have our own stories and walk with God. This is true both individually and corporately, as individual local churches. Most assuredly though, it has to do with their deep relationship with the Lord that gave them a reputation of being alive.

Where are you now? 

Are you full of life?

How is your oil? 

Is it still flowing? 

These are questions we should regularly consider before the Lord.

In the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25), five were wise and five were foolish. The five foolish didn’t take oil with them and didn’t realize that their lamps were going out until it was too late. They were dimming down. When they asked the five wise for some of their oil they replied, “No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.” So, there is a place to purchase oil.

Where?

I’m quite sure there is only One Who has oil to sell. It isn’t cheap, but it is free.

  

Fear

Fear

Is fear controlling you?

Have you ever given a word, or preached, or led worship, or stepped out into a ministry just to find a whiplash of darkness surround you? Maybe you haven’t recognized it is the enemy, but rest assured it is. It seems when we are pressing hard ahead, the enemy’s resistance becomes more intense. You know that irrational dark sort-of emotion you sometimes feel? Yep, that is the enemy. 1 Peter says, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Years ago I heard the Lord say, “Fear is crouching at your door and you must master it.” Reminds me of Genesis 4:7 “If you [Cain] do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Fear crouches at our door, will we master it?

Sometimes fear is natural, sometimes it is spiritual, and sometimes fear is a spirit. Fear always demands a response. If you are driving down the road and a car pulls out in front of you, fear strikes and you respond. In such a case, you have experienced a natural healthy fear. But there is fear that is not healthy. It’s…

A fear that dominates.

A fear that demands.

A fear that makes you want to run or hide or just leave.

It's a fear that becomes an idol.

Yes, an idol. The word “worship” literally means to “bow down.” How often do we bow down to that kind of fear?

I started writing this blog a few days ago. Then today at church I had a revelation from the Lord. I saw spiritual gifts deposited in the people of God. I saw that many of the people had been used by the Lord in various spiritual gifts, specifically words of knowledge and prophecy. (Not at the exclusion of the others.) Then I saw Goliath standing upon a hillside gazing down at the Israel army—the people of God. As each one would begin to confront Goliath, Goliath would thump his chest, while whispering threats as they approached. “I’ll kill your kids if you give it all to the Lord,” he would whisper. “I’ll make you bankrupt.” “You’ll look stupid.” “No one likes you.” “Why should they listen to you?” “Who do you think you are?” On and on it went from this invisible Goliath hurling fear-bombs at the people of God. I saw God’s people retreat as they heard his threats, not knowing the source was a lie from the enemy.

Fear is a big strategy of the enemy. Paul told Timothy (2 Timothy 1:7) that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. How often are bouts with depression, inferiority complexes, and despondent fears—that big dark nebulas cloud—nothing more than a demon whispering lies to us that we believe? We live in a spiritual world with real spiritual enemies. They want to stop the work of God in and through us. Don’t let them. We cannot afford to be ignorant of the ways the enemy works. 

A few people thanked me for the word. One in particular said they could totally relate. They had been feeling like the “voices” were never ending. Without knowing it is nothing more than the enemy’s whispers could lead a person to think they were going crazy.

We all go through seasons when darkness’ encroachment is intense. Sometimes it seems it will never end. Don’t give up or stop pressing forward. The gifts God has given to His people are valuable no matter which gifts you have. We all need what each other has. The lost needs them too. We must keep pressing into the things of God.

Next time you encounter that dark nebulas cloud, rebuke it in the Name of Jesus Christ. Stay on your guard for you enemy goes about as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. 

Don’t be that person. 

Don’t let those around you be that person.

The Making of a Calf

The Making of a Calf

People are prone to idolatry. Throughout the Old Testament and into the New we find the inspired writers' warnings against idolatry. 

Right before the deliverance of Israel God spoke to Moses. God told him the Israelites were to ask for articles of silver and gold from the Egyptians as they left Egypt. They did as Moses directed them (shocking). In this way the Israelites plundered the Egyptians as they left Egypt. (Exodus 11:1-2 and 12:35 below)

Later, in Exodus 32, during the 40 days while Moses and God communed on the mountain, the children of Israel grew impatient. In their defiance they asked for gods to lead them. They gave their golden earrings to Aaron and out of the gold Aaron made an idol.

A golden calf.

Their new god.

They had been slaves, where did they get this gold?  It had to be the same gold that God had told them to ask for from the Egyptians. 

Then they took what God had supernaturally given them and made it into an idol. 

How often do the things that God gives us become our idols? God blesses us, then we in turn become so occupied with the blessing it becomes an idol we serve.

When this happens, we have made our calf.

How are you doing with God?

Exodus 11:1 And the LORD said to Moses, “I will bring yet one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will surely drive you out of here altogether. 2 Speak now in the hearing of the people, and let every man ask from his neighbor and every woman from her neighbor, articles of silver and articles of gold.”

Exodus 12: 35 Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. 36 And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

Thankfulness

Thankfulness

If you are a Christian and living with inner conflict, it may just be the Holy Spirit’s doing. He wants us far more than we want Him. He yearns jealously over us. (James 5:4) What would that jealous yearning feel like inside of someone who has the Holy Spirit living inside them, and yet, is living life loving the world?

Wow, that would be conflict—inner turmoil.

If you think that seems too strong of language, consider Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Note the wording, “so that you may not do the things that you please.”

That is inner conflict.

1 John says that if we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us. That does not mean we aren’t believers—born-again. It means we are worldly. Worldliness cannot love like the Father loves. His love is others oriented. Worldliness is self-centeredness. Self-centered people aren't happy people. We aren’t built to be self-centered, though it is natural. Natural to the fallen creatures humanity has become.
How do we correct this worldliness that so prominently tries to rule in our hearts?

It begins with our thinking, Thinking gives birth to desire. As we change our thinking, one thing we have control over, our hearts, emotions, and actions follow. The Holy Spirit, of course, working with us. We begin to change our thinking by beginning to thank God in everything. Thankfulness is surrender. Thankfulness becomes a mindset. Thankfulness brings with it an attitude of contentment. Thankfulness leads to peace—inner peace and contentment.

1 Timothy states that godliness with contentment is great gain. Not that wealth or lands are great gain, but godliness with contentment is great gain. We get so wrapped up in this world and what it offers. It is deception to think it will make us happy. Worldliness will never lead to happiness and peace.

Make the great exchange.

Honor

Honor

Honor is my word for 2018.

Honor for the Holy Spirit.

I love the Holy Spirit: His Presence, His ways, His voice—I love Him. 

What compares to Him? 

Nothing! 

I love His care for me, and for you. I love how He guides us into the things of Jesus, how He hovers over the word of God bringing revelation, understanding, and correct knowledge. I even love His rebuke, because I know it comes only because He loves.

I want my 2018 to be filled with honoring the Holy Spirit. To honor Him with every step, in every day, with every breath; paying attention to His gentle nudging; obeying when inconvenient. 

Loving His approval more than the applause and approval of people.

I will honor the Holy Spirit's by pursuing His Presence. When I don't sense His closeness, I will remind myself how wonderful He is and will stir myself up to find His face again. 

To love the Holy Spirit so much that the world becomes so very dim. 

His Presence is so very precious that nothing is worth its exchange. 

No position. No power. No friendship. No wealth.

He is of utmost worth.

Join me in honoring this Person more than anything else. 

Let this be our 2018. And when we come to 2019, let us look back over the year with a smile knowing we put Him first. 

Vision, Perseverance, and Hindrances

Vision, Perseverance, and Hindrances

A couple weeks ago during church the Lord spoke to me two words: Perseverance and hindrances. As He spoke He imparted a backdrop of vision. Meaning, I knew the context for perseverance and hindrances was vision that God had at one time given to individuals. 

The following week the Lord gave me a word of exhortation. It seems like a word that will encourage more than just those at my church. I cannot reiterate it word-for-word, but the message will be the same. God began with a question.

“What has the passing of time done to your faith?”

Romans 4 says of Abraham, (paraphrased): Contrary to hope, in hope Abraham believed God. Abraham did not become weak in faith through the passing of time. And though he knew what God had promised was naturally impossible, he did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief. Instead Abraham continued to be strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform.

All the heroes in Hebrews 11 have in common that they did not give up through the passing of time or in the midst of hindrances. They continued to believe God. Some of these heroes even died in faith not having received in this age what God had promised. Their faith carried them, not only past their current situation, but also past their life in this age.

What has the passing of time done to your vision—to your faith? Have you continued to believe God, to be strengthened in faith, or has your vision began to die? Maybe it even needs resurrection.

God says that where there is no vision people cast off restraint; they run amiss; they perish. 

Remember what God has spoken to you in the past. Bring it back into the forefront of your mind. Write it down; begin again to pray about it; plan for it; believe for it. Allow God to breathe new life into that which has become dim.

Faith endures circumstances; faith endures time.

Believe God, again.

Don’t let the sun set on your vision.

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

What is Serving?

What is Serving?

Should we, rather should I, serve? If so, then what should I be doing?

Over the nearly 38 years of walking with God, open doors for servant-hood have availed themselves often. Early on I found myself saying “yes” to [too] many open doors. The church George and I are now a part of has many open doors where we could serve. Yesterday the pastor gave an overview of our church’s heart and areas available for serving. After church George and I talked about how we should serve. Usually we’d be having people over for dinner and opening our home for small groups. But we don’t have a house right now. We are building and in the meantime staying with George’s sister 30 miles from the church. Situations where we can’t do what we have always done makes us take a step back and ask again, “Lord, what does serving look like for me in this season? What should I be doing?”

In Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 Paul discusses different spiritual gifts. Service is mentioned, as is prophecy, teaching, administration and healings, among others. Is serving then waiting on and investing in your spiritual gifts? Or is serving only for those who have the gift of service? There are some things we should all have a heart for as Christians; widows and orphans would fit into that category.

It is easy to feel unwarranted guilt when areas to serve are discussed. Should I go to the park and help feed the poor? Maybe. I have a gift of prophecy and am finishing up my 2^nd book. I know I’m supposed to be doing both of those, but can they be under the banner of service for me? Furthermore, is evangelism a gift to serve others, as well? Of course. Then does it fit under the banner too? Or is the food pantry, going to the park, cleaning the bathrooms, and sweeping the floor only areas Jesus acknowledges? Don’t get me wrong, our pastor didn’t put the heavy on anyone, rather his message caused us to reflect and reconsider what we are doing.

Are some gifts classified as serving and not others? 1 Peter 4: 10-11 says, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Everyone can and should serve, but where? I believe if you don’t know, ask the Lord to direct you and do something helpful. Sooner or later He will make it clear what gifts you have and where you should specifically be serving. If you do know give yourself to it.

Romans 12 puts it this way, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

And 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, 27-31: “For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15 If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.

“27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”

We may not know where we should serve, but we do know we are to serve. In fact, Jesus said that the greatest was the servant. Even to give a cup of water in His name will be remembered by Him. So, what does serving look like in this season of your life? 

Neglected Discipline

Neglected Discipline of Speaking in Tongues

When we hear of Christian disciplines most people’s thoughts immediately reflect on Bible reading, fasting, and prayer. A couple days ago the Holy Spirit spoke a phrase to me, “The neglected disciple of speaking in tongues.”

A brief exegete on tongues for those who are unfamiliar with this gift. The first mention of tongues in the New Testament (NT) is Mark 16:17, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.” Then on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) 120 prayers were are all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Throughout the Book of Acts we see accounts where believers spoke in tongues. 1 Corinthians 12 states it is a gift given by the Holy Spirit. This gift is explained with detail in 1 Corinthians 14 where it is also called “speaking, singing, and/or praying in the Spirit.” It is described in such a way as to lend that it was a normal part of the gathering of believers.

Paul thanked God he spoke in tongues more than anyone. He also wanted all to speak in tongues. As in other Scriptures, we must assume that what Paul wrote is the heart of the Lord. We don’t have full knowledge of the benefits of speaking in tongues. But it must be important. We should discipline ourselves to speak in tongues often.

If you don’t yet speak in tongues, ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Believe He did. Open your mouth and speak in tongues. He wants you to have it more than you want it.

Here is the exhortation from the Holy Spirit:

Do not neglect the discipline of speaking in tongues.