The word "anointing" is often confused with the "power of God.  Anointing is is not the "power of God," but being chosen for a specific purpose in furthering God's Kingdom often with power.

​According to Webster's Dictionary, to anoint means to "rub oil or ointment on," "to put oil on in a ceremony of consecration."

Anointing was a common ancient cultural practice. Shepherds often poured oil on the heads of their sheep in order to protect them from insects that would burrow in their ears and kill them.  This contributed to anointing becoming symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment.    Spiritually, anointing was related to the idea of strength or blessing.

God commanded the Israelites to anoint the tabernacle and altar..

Exodus 40:9-10 (NKJV)9  And you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it; and you shall hallow it and all its utensils, and it shall be holy.10  You shall anoint the altar of the burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar. The altar shall be most holy.

In Bible times, people were anointed with oil to signify God's blessing or call on that person's life.

Priests were anointed with oil.

Exodus 29:4-7 (NKJV)4  And Aaron and his sons you shall bring to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and you shall wash them with water.5  Then you shall take the garments, put the tunic on Aaron, and the robe of the ephod, the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the intricately woven band of the ephod.6  You shall put the turban on his head, and put the holy crown on the turban.7  And you shall take the anointing oil, pour it on his head, and anoint him.

Samuel anointed Saul and later David as kings of Israel.

1 Samuel 9:27-10:1 (NKJV)27  As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us." And he went on. "But you stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God." 1  Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: "Is it not because the LORD has anointed you commander over His inheritance?

Another meaning for the word anointed is "chosen one." God anointed Jesus.

Luke 4:18-21 (NKJV)18  "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;19  To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."20  Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.21  And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Acts 10:37-38 (NKJV)37  that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:38  how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Acts 4:26-28 (NKJV)26  The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.'27  "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together28  to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.  
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All Christians Are Anointed

In addition to Old Testament leaders and Jesus being anointed, the scriptures say that all believers (Christians) are anointed.  

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NKJV) 21  Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,22  who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 

The Holy Spirit within every believer is associated with God's anointing. Every Christian is anointed or chosen by God as His children, set apart for Him.  It means that you have been enabled, entrusted, and empowered to accomplish God's will.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 


1 John 2:20, 27 (NKJV)20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge.27  But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

This anointing is permanent it never leaves you and can never be taken away

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NKJV)21  Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,22  who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. Anointing Comes With God’s Power But Anointing Is Not Power

We often talk about being in church and we comment that the Praise and Worship, the message or entire service was “anointed” or the  "anointing of the Holy Spirit flowed." I was just in one.  However we all too often imply that anointing is the power of God.  God does move powerfully at meetings, through individuals and songs, however, the power of God and anointing are different concepts.  

There Are No Levels Of Anointing
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As believers we are either anointed — consecrated and set aside — or we are not. We can’t be more set aside or less set aside — we are either set aside with our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life or we are not.  

Romans 10:12 (NKJV)  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

Galatians 3:28-29 (NKJV)28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29  And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

I have one gift and another believer has another gift, that doesn’t mean that I am "more anointed" or have reached a "level" that someone else hasn’t. God blesses us with different gifts and ministries for His own designs.  The fact that believers may have different gifts and ministries has nothing to do with anointing.

Romans 12:4-5 (NKJV)4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,5  so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NKJV)12  For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.13  For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 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?

Sometimes people try to use the scripture where Elisha wanted and received a “double portion” of Elijah’s anointing as evidence of levels of anointing.

When Elisha demonstrates the heart of a servant by nobly refusing to abandon Elijah.  The word translated "double," can also mean "to repeat, or do again".  What God did was to repeat the prophetic spirit or disposition with which He had blessed Elijah.

There  Are Times We Are More Prepared Than Others

Sometimes, Christians are more prepared than at other times. Sometimes they may be able to spend time waiting on God more than other times. Times of prayer and fasting can heighten sensitivity to God’s voice. It is important to spend time in fellowship and intimacy with God in order to build up a preparedness to move when the Spirit moves. By being prepared, Christians are more able to tap into the full measure of the anointing upon their life.  

For example my pastor went through a time of prayer and fasting in preparation for an annual healing and deliverance service.   The power of the Holy Spirit was evident in the service as he anointed each person with oil and prayed with and for them.  Other pastors, including me, also prayed with those the pastor anointed.  None of us had a higher level of anointing than any other believer.  Each of us was operating in the spiritual gift we received from God.  Any blessings that come from that service are the result of the power of God not a special or higher level of anointing.

There is a price to pay in anointed ministry, such as waiting upon the Lord, praying, fasting, studying the Word and seeking the mind of the Spirit. There are sacrifices that have to be made in order to walk in God’s fullness. Preparedness affects the anointing of God upon an individual’s life.

All Christians are anointed equally.  God uses His anointed ones (all Christians) to display His power in any way he chooses.  

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A skewed view of God shuts down our prayers, but relating to God as He actually is fosters freedom and confidence in prayer.  

Think of a friend that you have gotten to know over the years.  Was there ever a something that puzzled you or put you off but you now understand.  For example when you first met them they seemed aloof and like they didn’t want to be bothered with you only to find out later that they were very shy.  Or talking about a party you were planning for family member and they changed the subject or didn’t want to help you only to find out later that they lost a child through  an accident. Now that you know these things your relationship with them has gotten better because your view of them has changed.

I can be the same with God.  Our perceptions or misperceptions affect our conversations with with Him.  I preached a sermon, last year, about how important is to be open and honest with God (read “Stop Faking It” here).  But who wants to risk being open unless we are sure that He will accept us warts and all, no matter our condition.   When we have a clear view of who God is we will become more free and confident in prayer. Upgrading our views of God to match His true character is essential if we are to develop a real relationship with Him.

We all know certain truths about God:

• He is love - 1 John 4:8-10 (HCSB)8  The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.9  God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.10  Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  
• He is faithful - 1 Corinthians 1:9 (HCSB)9  God is faithful; you were called by Him into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.; 2 Timothy 2:13 (HCSB)13  if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.;  1 John 1:9 (HCSB)9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
•  He is patient - 2 Peter 3:9 (HCSB)9  The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.  
• He is forgiving - Isaiah 43:25-26 (HCSB)25  “It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more.26  Take Me to court; let us argue our case together. State your ⌊case⌋, so that you may be vindicated.; 1 John 1:9 (HCSB)9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.; Ephesians 1:7 (HCSB)7  We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.

Head Beliefs vs. Heart Beliefs

These truths are good basic theology. However, we often have another set of beliefs about God that we hold almost subconsciously.  We don’t consciously think thiem, much less say them aloud. Nevertheless these thoughts are there deep in our subconscious. The lady who wrote the book “Prayer Begins with Relationship”, Cynthia Hyle Bezek, calls these two set of beliefs “head” beliefs and “heart” belief.  Head beliefs are what we say we believe, and heart beliefs are the perceptions that actually shape our feelings and reactions to circumstances and our relationship with God.

For example you may believe in your head that God will protect you and provide for you and not let any real harm come to you.  But when the doctor says,”we need to do a second test just to rule out cancer”, or when you lose a job, or face foreclosure, that belief of protection may not be the one you operate on.  A misperception about God may take over and shake you whether you say it or not. You may operate on the belief that God is really allowing you to suffer to develop something in your character, or He’s disciplining you for something.  

These heart beliefs may come from anywhere like a negative experience with a boss, a parent, or even a church leader.  Those heart beliefs are usually not entirely wrong but twisted just enough to create a barrier to approaching God as He really is.  

Here are some perceptions that we often have of God.

• Enforcer - Always watching to see if I’m obeying, When I mess up He’s going to be angry, disappointed in me or going to punish me

• Strong, silent type - God is powerful and good but He usually lets things just happen and I really don’t expect much interaction from Him.

• High and lofty one - God is Creator, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  I love and revere Him but I don’t expect to become intimate or familiar with Him. (we talked about that last week when we said that it may be hard to imagine man in a friend-to-friend relationship with God)

• Amorphous force - God is a spirit, vague and nebulous.  He’s really a cosmic force but not really a person but I have to try to align with Him

• Never satisfied - No matter what I do He’s never satisfied.  He's always wanting something more form me, or needs me to do to make Him happy.  His primary means of motivating me is guilt.

• Indulgent - Because He’s concerned with my happiness He won’t allow much difficulty in my life.  He’ll give me the desires or my heart and will spare me from any consequences if and when I get in trouble.

• Busy with big issues - He’ really too busy with big things like wars, disasters, a world population of 6.7 billion people.  He doesn’t bother with my everyday concerns so I’ll go to Him for the big stuff but I’ll handle the small stuff myself.

• Lessons to teach - Everything that happens to me is to teach me a lesson.  God allows me to experience a lot of pain and hardship just to train me in godly character. This will continue until I get the message of what He’s trying to teach me.

• Mission control - God’s primary concern is that I’m busy carrying out His ministry.  He relies on me to evangelize, love the poor, meet the needs of others, service my church, and always be available

If your perception of God is that He’s an enforcer, or the strong silent type, of just wants to teach you a lesson, you may not tell anybody that’s what you think about God, you may not want to say it to yourself, because you know what the Bible says about God being love, and never leaving you alone, your relationship is based on His grace and not your performance.  But you still somehow have this heart belief. Your relationship will be affected by these views of God so when you pray and have your conversations with God they become more stuffy and formal rather than real and open. Sometimes you may not talk to Him at all.

If you thought of God as a friend you would be more open about how you really feel.  I finally admitted that I was worried and that I was viewing what was going on as a lesson, and that God was never satisfied with me, and He was an enforcer and angry because I wasn’t more trusting and aware of His faithfulness and love for me.

We need to change that heart belief to a head belief, something that we say we believe.  
Here are some characteristics that are true about God and that enable us to talk freely and openly with Him.  Truths which we should want to regularly experience as you pray.
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​Truths

• Delights in and takes pleasure in me. - Psalm 147:11 (HCSB)11  The LORD values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love.;  Zephaniah 3:17 (HCSB)17  Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring ⌊you⌋ quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy.”
•  Cares about even the smallest details of my life - Matthew 6:31-32 (HCSB)31  So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’32  For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.;   Luke 12:6-7 (HCSB)6  Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight.7  Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!    
• Pities (has compassion on) me when I’m hurting - Psalm 72:12-14 (HCSB)12  For he will rescue the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.13  He will have pity on the poor and helpless and save the lives of the poor.14  He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious in his sight.; Isaiah 63:9 (HCSB)9  In all their suffering, He suffered, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. He redeemed them because of His love and compassion; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of the past.;  2 Corinthians 13:3-4 (HCSB)3  since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me. He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you.4  In fact, He was crucified in weakness, but He lives by God’s power. For we also are weak in Him, yet toward you we will live with Him by God’s power.
• Is patient with and understanding of my weaknesses and failures - Psalm 103:12-14 (HCSB)12  As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.13  As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.14  For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.;  Hebrews 4:15-16 (HCSB)15  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.16  Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.  
• Wants to help me out of the messes I get myself into - Psalm 40:1-3 (HCSB)1 I waited patiently for the LORD, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help.2  He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure.3  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.; Isaiah 61:7 (HCSB)7  Because your shame was double, and they cried out, “Disgrace is their portion,” therefore, they will possess double in their land, and eternal joy will be theirs. (The double glory or blessing of (a) membership in God's family, (b) possession of Christ himself as their indwelling Lord and Companion. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.)
•  Enjoys sharing His heart with me - Psalm 25:14 (HCSB)14  The secret counsel of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His covenant to them.;  Matthew 11:25-26 (HCSB)25  At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to infants.26  Yes, Father, because this was Your good pleasure.  
• Likes to hear what I think and feel - Psalm 62:8 (HCSB)8  Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.Selah; 1 Peter 5:7 (HCSB)7  casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.
•  Is always happy to see me, even when I’ve sinned against Him - Luke 15:1-2, 11-24 (HCSB)1  All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to Him.2  And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!” 11  He also said: “A man had two sons.12  The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them.13  Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living.14  After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing.15  Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.16  He longed to eat his fill from the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any.17  When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger!18  I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.19  I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands.’20  So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.21  The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’22  “But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.23  Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast,24  because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.  
• Always has time for me - Deuteronomy 31:6 (HCSB)6  Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. (Pastors song);  Psalm 139:7-10 (HCSB)7  Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?8  If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.9  If I live at the eastern horizon ⌊or⌋ settle at the western limits,10  even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me.; Hebrews 13:5 (HCSB)5  Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.
•  Wants to rescue me when I’m in trouble - Psalm 91:14-15 (HCSB)14  Because he is lovingly devoted to Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows My name.15  When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor.; 2 Timothy 4:18 (HCSB)18  The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.; 2 Peter 2:9 (HCSB)9  ⌊then⌋ the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

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God doesn’t give us an option in praying for our leaders.  He doesn’t say only pray for the leaders you agree with and like.   He says pray for all leaders.  The Bible commands us to pray for leaders, because all authority has been established by God to accomplish His purpose which is to establish His kingdom which will endure forever..

Romans 13:1-5 (NLT)1  Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.2  So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3  For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.4  The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.5  So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

The Bible contains many commands to pray for our leaders—national and local, secular and religious.  The Bible makes special mention of praying for those in positions of authority. Those people include government officials (international, national, and local), and church leaders.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NLT)1  I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.2  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.3  This is good and pleases God our Savior,4  who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.  

1 Peter 2:17 (NLT)17  Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.

Titus 3:1-2 (NLT)1  Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.2  They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.  
Hebrews 13:7 (NLT)7  Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

Praying For Our Leaders Makes Practical Sense

Yes we are commanded to pray for our leaders, but  it also makes practical sense to pray for them.  They can affect the conditions we live under, and have an impact on our families, our churches, our workplaces, our cities, and our countries. When our leaders obey the will of God, it is easier to “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”. When evil leaders are in authority, our prayers for them are just as needed.

Proverbs 29:2 (NLT)2  When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

You may be the only person praying for them. We need to show the love of God to them too because if we don’t nobody will.  Through prayer for we plead to God on their behalf because they can’t do it themselves.   Let’s face it as much as we don’t want to accept it Jesus died for them too.
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Leadership Can Be A Grueling Task

James 3:1 (NLT)  Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Leaders carry a degree of responsibility to all those under their authority whether they agree with them or not.   Leaders the targets of criticism especially by those of us who disagree with them.  The “buck stops with them”, and that’s an awesome responsibility.  We should pray for them simply because we recognize the greatness of their task and although we disagree with them at least they were willing to lead. We should pray for our leaders and ask Him to have His way in their hearts, to support those around them, and to use their leadership to benefit those they lead whether they agree or disagree with them..

That’s All Well And Good For Good Leaders But What About Bad, Corrupt, Ungodly, Leaders

Most of my friends know how I personally feel about the current leadership of this country not only in the White House but the US House of Representatives and Senate..  I disagree with nearly all of their plans, policies, and proposals (This is not a political statement. I wasn’t crazy about the President’s opponent in the last election election either.  Read on and you will get my point).  However they are our current governmental leaders in the United States, and the Bible commands that I pray for them, even though I don’t agree with them.  How do I do that?  

To be perfectly honest I have struggled with praying for the current President, and I know that most of my friends have the same problem.  That’s why I started writing this blog post so that I could maybe get some answers.  I read some articles written by men and women who were trying to pray for the then Presidents who were on the opposite end of the political spectrum from them.  The articles didn’t cause me to change my opinion of our current leadership or their plans, policies, or proposals, and this post will probably not change yours either, but that’s not the object of the post.  The point is that we are still commanded to pray for our leaders.  Here are some good ways to do that, no matter where you are on the political spectrum, Republican, Democrat, Independent,  liberal, moderate, conservative, or anywhere in between.

• We should pray for their health and safety. 

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Ezra 6:9-10 (NLT)9  “Give the priests in Jerusalem whatever is needed in the way of young bulls, rams, and male lambs for the burnt offerings presented to the God of heaven. And without fail, provide them with as much wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil as they need each day.10  Then they will be able to offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the welfare of the king and his sons.  (Bold mine)

• We should pray that they would execute justice.

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​Honoring and protecting those who live decently and productively and punishing those who do wrong are the fundamental duties of the state    We should ask the Lord that those in authority would fulfill them well.

1 Peter 2:13-14 (NLT)13  For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state,14  or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. (Bold mine)

• We should pray that they would follow the Lord's ways and repent if they don't.

When evil leaders are in authority, our prayers for them are just as needed. Manasseh, one of Judea's king was described in scripture and doing evil.  His reign over Judah resulted in his capture and exile to Babylon.  His fate was reversed when he repented. This shows that when evil leaders sincerely repent they can be used by God to restore what they have ruined.

2 Chronicles 33:1-3, 11-13 (NLT)1  Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years.2  He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.3  He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father, Hezekiah, had broken down. He constructed altars for the images of Baal and set up Asherah poles. He also bowed before all the powers of the heavens and worshiped them11  So the LORD sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon.12  But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the LORD his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors.13  And when he prayed, the LORD listened to him and was moved by his request. So the LORD brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the LORD alone is God!

• Pray that they would govern, with wisdom, for the of those they lead, not for personal gain or for the advantage of a favored few.

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​Their concern must be for everyone's well-being.

Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT)  And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

• Pray that God would accomplish His purposes through them regardless of their willingness to be used by Him.  

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We can petition the God to work through even those who are resisting Him to fulfill His purposes.

Proverbs 21:1 (NLT)  The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.

If we don’t agree with the policies of our leaders we shouldn’t ask God to replace them because He allowed them to be there anyway.  Eventually every leader must step down, so it’s important that while they are in authority, we be willing to submit to God’s will for their lives—and ours— by asking God to guide them and praying for their salvation, their protection and their ability to guide us and make wise decisions.
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Yes, we are commanded to pray for our leaders no matter how much we disagree with them, their policies, or their proposals.  We are commanded to pray for them no matter how much we dislike their moral character.  Let God take care of that we can’t.  We pray because we want to be able to continue to worship in peace and to pray for restoration of the nation despite the leadership.  

Here’s God’s Guarantee

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)  Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
 

Are you a selfish Christian?  That's a strange question to ask a Christian because we know that we are to love because God is love.

1 John 4:7-12 (NLT)7  Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.8  But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.9  God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.10  This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.11  Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.12  No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.

Love was so important to Jesus that he asked Peter if he loved Him three times, and this after Peter denied that he even knew Jesus.

John 21:15-17 (NLT)15  After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.16  Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.17  A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. (Bold mine)

We are commanded to love God above any and everything.

Matthew 22:36-38 (NLT)36  “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”37  Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’38  This is the first and greatest commandment.

“In other words, you shall love God with everything you have and everything your are.  Everything.  Every longing, every endowment, each of your intellectual gifts, any athletic talent or computer skill, all capacity for delight, every good thing that has your fingerprints on it - take all this, says Jesus and refer it to God.  Take your longing, and long for God,  take your creaturely riches, and endow God’ take your eye for beauty and appreciate God.  With our heart and soul and mind, with all your needs and splendors, make a full turn toward God. - Philip Yancey Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference

In Paul’s wonderful and detailed description he writes that one of the things that love is not is selfish.

1 Corinthians 13:5-7 New Century Version (NCV) 5 Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. 6 Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. 7 Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures. (Bold mine)

Selfishness is being concerned with your own interests above those of others. The Bible commands  us to be more concerned for others than ourselves.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)3  Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.4  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

That begs the the question that’s the title of this post "Are You A Selfish Christian”?. Do you love Jesus just for what you can get from him.?

Dr. Charles Stanley wrote a very provoking devotion on selfish Christianity.  The kind of Christianity that looks to self more than to Jesus.   This is the kind of Christianity that Jesus talked about when He said  , “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs” (John 6:26).​

When tragedy strikes – a serious illness, the loss of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or a job loss leading to financial hardship – it's natural to ask, "Why?" Like Job's friends of old, many Christians might suggest that God is punishing you for some perceived wrongdoing.

However, as we see in the opening chapters of Job, the difficulties he faced weren't directly inflicted by God as a punishment. Scripture reveals that Satan was the agent behind Job's financial ruin, the death of his children, and his eventual illness. God allowed these trials, but He did not cause them. Job himself questioned God relentlessly about the "why," and God, in His wisdom, never provided a direct answer. Yet, in the end, Job's integrity was rewarded with a restoration of double what he had lost.

The crucial takeaway is this: while the specific reasons behind our suffering often remain a mystery, two truths stand firm. First, nothing touches our lives that hasn't passed through our loving Father's hands. Second, if God permits hard times, He is always, without exception, working them for our ultimate good.

Romans 8:28 assures us: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Consider the implications. If we proclaim God as love, merciful, faithful, compassionate, and forgiving, how contradictory is it to then suggest He orchestrates personal tragedies or natural disasters merely to punish or teach us a lesson?

My understanding of Scripture has long led me to believe that God's judgment occurs at His appointed time, and what we often perceive as punishment in our lives is actually discipline, rooted in His love for us.

This doesn't grant us a free pass to live contrary to God's will without consequence. Just as loving parents discipline their children to guide them and help them learn, God, in His love for those saved by grace, disciplines us to help us grow from our mistakes.

Hebrews 12:5-11NIV And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, 'My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.' As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Discipline aims to bring about positive change and growth, while punishment simply delivers justice. Punishment focuses on past wrongs; discipline focuses on future potential. Punishment often stems from anger; discipline is always motivated by love, as Rick Warren wisely noted.
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God Wants the Best for Us

In moments of tragedy and hardship, the question "Where's God?" often arises. This question can stem from the assumption that God was either unaware or unable to prevent our suffering, or that His love for us must be absent if He allows such pain.
But the truth is unwavering: God knows, God is powerful, and God loves us deeply.

Blameless, Upright, and Broken

Our natural inclination when facing difficulty is to assign blame – either to the devil or to God. However, the reality is often that the devil initiates, and God permits.

Think again of Job, a man described as "blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil"  Yet, God allowed Satan to "strike everything Job has" , stopping short of harming Job himself. God permitted Job's immense suffering for reasons known fully only to Him.

Job 1:1, 9-11 NLT [1] There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. 
[9] Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. [10] You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! [11] But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!”

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Throughout Job's trials, God never abandoned him. He was intimately aware of Job's pain, and our sovereign God was overseeing this process of refinement.

The encouraging truth for us in our brokenness is that our sovereign God is also overseeing our refining. He sees the beginning and the end, holds a good future for us, and promises an eternal home in heaven. Our brokenness is not the final chapter but a passage to a new beginning.

Yes, God knows. God is powerful. And God loves.

God Always Acts Out of Love

Love is the driving force behind everything God does and allows in our lives. He doesn't break us out of anger or wrath. Instead, His love compels Him to intervene when our sin, lukewarmness, or unfulfilled potential hinder His purposes for us. His actions are meant to bring about change, growth, and spiritual maturity.

Chastisement Versus Punishment

God's love leads to chastisement, His method of discipline, aimed at helping us confront and change the habits, attitudes, and beliefs that prevent us from fully reflecting Christ.

Punishment, on the other hand, is reserved for unbelievers, an expression of God's righteous wrath against those who reject the saving grace offered through Christ. Our holy God cannot tolerate sin and must ultimately eradicate it. Unbelievers stand exposed to this divine wrath.

Punishment flows from wrath; chastisement flows from love. God's deep love for us compels Him to refine us, removing the impurities that prevent us from embodying Christ on earth.

God Does Not Want to Break Our Spirits

God's intention is not to crush our spirits but to break the stubbornness of our wills for our own good, enabling His will to be done in our lives.

Just as a loving parent addresses a child's stubbornness to foster growth into a responsible and loving adult, God addresses our pride and disobedience to shape us into more loving and Christlike individuals.

God Does Not Delight in Causing Us Pain

It is not God's desire to inflict pain upon us. Our sovereign Father has a purpose in allowing difficult times, a purpose that extends beyond our individual lives to impact those we influence.

If we truly believe Romans 8:28, we must apply it to every circumstance.

Romans 8:28 NLT And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 

​Whatever our experience and however broken we may feel, God has a good end in mind for us. We must never underestimate His ability to redeem even the most painful situations for our benefit and His glory.

Regardless of the source of our pain, we must trust that God knows, God is powerful, God loves, and God is at work. While we may not be responsible for what happens to us, we are responsible for our response. We must ask, "How can I navigate this pain? How can I grow spiritually through this?"

God's Design

Where is God in your suffering? He was there at the first pang of pain, He has been with you in the darkness, He remains with you now, and He will continue to be with you as He refines you through this experience.
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Ask God to reveal His work in your life – what He desires to do for you, in you, and through you as a result of your brokenness. Ask Him to help you see your pain within the context of His grand design for your life.

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Revelation 3:1-2 (HCSB)1  “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: “The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.2  Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God.  

In His message to the church at Sardis 
Jesus said that He knew of their reputation.  They were seen, by means of their reputation, as a church really alive for Christ.  But He really knew them, and knew that they were not alive.  They were dead.   Then He said “be alert”, in other words “Wake Up!”

Revelation 3:2 (NLT)2  Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.

The Problem

Most people who know me, know me by reputation.  They haven’t spent enough time with me to really know who I am.  They don’t know what I do when I’m not preaching, or teaching Bible Study.  Those people would probably tell you that I’m a pretty good guy who loves the Lord.  

Then there are those who really know me.  They see me when I slip up and say things that those other folk would be surprised to hear come from my mouth.  They see me when I get frustrated even angry sometimes, they see the not so good guy.  They really know who I am,  I may even be able to hide some things from them, but I can’t hide anything from Jesus because He really, really knows who I am.  He knows who you really are too.  

Psalm 139:1 (NLT) O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. (read the entire Psalm and you will see how He really does know you).

We've all said that we're not perfect, We've asked God to deliver us.  We've all said He’s still working on us.   Then a few days, sometimes just a few minutes, later we would do the very thing that we asked to be delivered from.  Then we say “why didn’t you deliver me Lord?  You know I can’t do this on my own”.  

Here's what it says in Scripture.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)7  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

We've all heard that scripture countless times but really dwell on the last two words self-discipline”.  Wow!

Yes we should pray for deliverance, but according to this scripture, God has already given us the tool, “self-discipline”, and all we have to do is use it.

I know that we all  really do want to be the persons of our reputation and I know that most of us are not, We're not as effective as God wants us to be.  We're hindered in our effectiveness because we are always hiding something.  We are not free to be the witness that we are called to be.  We are always dealing with things that we know are not what God wants for or from us.  We don't want to be exposed.  That means we are not operating in faith, and according to Scripture that’s sin.

Romans 14:23 (NKJV)23  But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
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The Solution

First we have to admit that our reputations, and who we really are don’t match.  

2 Corinthians 13:5 (HCSB)5  Test yourselves ⌊to see⌋ if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test.  

Then we we have to confess that we are not what our reputations say we are, and when we confess God forgives us.  

1 John 1:9 (HCSB)9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Then we can be confident that we are not condemned.  

Romans 8:1-4 (HCSB)1  Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, 2  because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.3  What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain, and as a sin offering,4  in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  

Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II, once said, “God takes our sins—the past, present, and future, and dumps them in the sea and puts up a sign that says NO FISHING ALLOWED.”

Finally Charles Stanley said in one of his “From The Pastor’s Heart” letters

“The Lord wants us to live in the freedom and joy He’s provided for us in Christ Jesus. As we begin to act on the basis of truth rather than feelings, we’ll be set free from the oppressive cloud of condemnation. And best of all, we’ll be able to experience the love of God, which further assures our hearts of His forgiveness and gives us confidence before Him.”

It is only when you examine ourselves, confess your sins, recognize that God has forgiven you, and use the tool of self-discipline, that the person you really are matches your reputation.

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Whenever the word Idol is mentioned, we automatically think of an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed. While some do worship an image or other material objects today the more prevalent idols for us fall into the category of fallacies and fantasies. These are idols that we often begin to worship unknowingly or things we believe we can control, and before we know it we have fallen into full blown idolatry. They are insidious so be careful and guard your heart.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

20 Disastrous Idol To Avoid

The human heart by its very design is prone to worship, God designed it that way for His glory. But sometimes we fill that vacuum with the wrong things and remove God from first place in our life...resulting in unhealthy attachments, which become idols.

Personal Success

Personal success and gain can keep us from fully entering the Kingdom of God. This was true in the case of the young rich man, when he sadly refused Jesus' offer to follow Him.

Matthew 19:16-22 (NLT)16 Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”18 “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely.19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’”20 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”22 But when the young man heard this, he went away very sad, for he had many possessions.

People Pleasing

The story of Mary and Martha teaches us that, serving others is a great thing, but not if it gets in the way of us sitting quietly at the feet of Jesus.

Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home.39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Religious Figures

Give honor where honor is due but be mindful not to give your pastor or other religious figures more honor than you give the Lord.

Romans 13:7 (ASV)7 Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
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Mark 12:29-30 (NLT)29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD.30 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.

Comfort

Convenience can keep us from being generous at a time when the Lord asks us to give. Let us always be quick to follow His lead, even if He asks us to sacrifice our comfort.

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Past Mistakes

The past can be a hindrance to the present and a roadblock to the future. Receive forgiveness and grace and allow God the freedom to transform your life.

Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Family

Family is one of the most important things in our life and one of our highest responsibilities on earth. Even so this can be harmful for the spiritual benefit of everyone, if we idolize this unit and don't keep Christ as the center of authority.

Matthew 12:48-50 (NLT)48 Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers.50 Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

Luke 9:57-62 (NLT)57 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”59 He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”60 But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

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Materialism

Wealth and material gain is empty and full of spiritual destruction-- if this is our main life priority. The Bible carefully reminds us instead, to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and He will add all these things to our lives.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NLT)9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Power

The lust for power makes a terrible ruler and always destroys relationships and the blessing of God on our life. Power, when it becomes an idol is fueled by pride and is always followed by a fall to humble us.

Proverbs 29:23 (NLT)23 Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.

Political Ideology

Around election time, our loyalty to our political party can potentially usurp our loyalty to the authoritative Word of God. We must always align our heart's allegiance to a King and Kingdom. That King is Jesus, and that Kingdom is the Kingdom of God.

Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)8 The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Revelation 19:11, 16 (NLT)11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Church

Church is necessary to the life of a believer, but when it's your idol, it causes you to live a cosmetic Christian life. Cultivating the right heart before the Lord and being the church should be more important than showing up and going through the motions.

Psalm 51:16-17 (NLT)16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering.17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Isaiah 1:11-17 (NLT)11 “What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.12 When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony?13 Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting— they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings.14 I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them!15 When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims.16 Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways.17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

Money

This idol, known as greed, opens the door for all kinds of evil because you'll do anything to gain more and it's impossible to satisfy. It is much safer to trust in the Lord's provision.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NLT)9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Celebrities 

The glamour, the beauty and lush lifestyle of celebrities can cause us to revere them to the point where we try to model our lives after them. Worldly gain, without Christ leads to spiritual decay.

Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 (NLT)31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God.33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. (emphasis mine)

Pleasure

Chasing pleasure can lead us down the wrong path and cause us to hurt the ones we love most.

Matthew 16:26 (NLT)26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

Experience

Don't give your life experiences more power and authority than the will and Word of God. Our understanding when submitted to God becomes wisdom to help us navigate life.

1 Corinthians 1:25 (NLT)25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

Psalm 119:105 (NLT) Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Knowledge

Education and information are tools, not masters. Let the Holy Spirit sanctify this area of your life with God's truth.

Galatians 5:22-25 (NLT)22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love,joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Spiritual Gifts

The Bible tells us to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but if we do this without the love of God in our hearts, spiritual gifts become dead works. Idolizing spiritual gifts can create terrible damage in the church. Prioritize God's love and leading to guide you in the gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:31 - 13:3 (NLT)31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all. 1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

Reputation

A good reputation is better to have than riches. Sometimes God may challenge us in this area for a higher purpose. Here is where we see if we are idolizing the approval of man above God's approval.

Romans 12:3 (NLT)3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Galatians 1:10 (NLT) Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Angels

Angels are God's messengers and act on His behalf. Throughout the Bible angels are reverent of God. They would not have us to worship them but will always turn the glory back to the God.

Hebrews 1:7, 14 NIV speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Revelation 22:8-9 (NLT)8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me.9 But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”

Drugs and Alcohol

Excessive drinking and use of legal as well as illegal drugs leads to making poor choices. Over time this idol will destroy the user's life and impact those closest to them. It is more beneficial to be sober and spiritually vigilant.

Ephesians 5:15-20 (NLT)15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Significant Other

God values relationships. However, idolizing a significant other cultivates codependency and makes you deeply vulnerable emotionally. A relationship that glorifies God is one that puts Him first and allows Him to reign.

Proverbs 3:6 (TLB) In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

Mark 10:7-9 (NLT)7 ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife,8 and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one,9 let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

Remember guard your heart.

​Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

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​Have you ever stopped to consider the details of Jesus's resurrection morning? We know the tomb was empty, but the how is just as fascinating.

Matthew 28:2 (NLT) Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 

​This verse often sparks a "Hmmmmm..." moment. Why an angel? Couldn't Jesus, with all His divine power, have simply walked through the stone? Absolutely! But I read an adaptation from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, and I got a profound understanding which offered a logical and deeply meaningful answer, even for the skeptic.

Think about the times that angels showed up during  Jesus's earthly ministry. Angels were there at His birth, announcing the arrival of the Messiah. They ministered to Him in the wilderness after His temptation. They strengthened Him in the agonizing prayer of the Garden of Gethsemane. Yet, strikingly, on the cross, there is no mention of angelic intervention. When His Father forsook Him, it seems the heavenly host withdrew, but the resurrection is a different story. 

While Jesus undoubtedly possessed the power to roll the stone away Himself, the Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests this act was symbolic. It signified that Jesus, having fully satisfied the debt of our sin, did not break free from the tomb as a prisoner escaping. Instead, He received a "fair and legal discharge, obtained from heaven." The angel acted as an official sent to open the prison door, a clear indication that divine justice had been served. This wouldn't have happened if the payment for our sins wasn't complete.

This fits perfectly with the truth that "[Jesus] was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:25 KJV). He died to pay our debt, and He rose again to secure our acquittal. Like the heavy stone used to seal a debt of guilt, the 'stone of our sins' symbolically covered Jesus's tomb, highlighting the weight of our transgressions He carried.

1 Samuel 14:33 KJV Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day. 

​The angel's action of rolling back the literal stone was a powerful demonstration that divine justice was satisfied, and Heaven itself consented to Christ's release.

It's important to note that the angel didn't raise Jesus from the dead. The power of resurrection belonged to God alone. But the angel's action proclaimed Heaven's joy and agreement in this monumental event, just as those who removed the stone from Lazarus's tomb didn't raise him, but facilitated his emergence.

The enemies of Christ may have sealed the stone, believing they had secured their victory. But they were operating under the temporary sway of darkness. Ultimately, all power over death belongs to the God of light and life. An angel,  who has super power from heaven, could effortlessly break the seal and move the massive stone. This act demonstrated that even the mightiest earthly efforts could not contain the power of God. The captives of sin and death were being set free!

Finally, the image of the angel sitting upon the stone is incredibly significant. It speaks of a secure and definitive triumph over all obstacles to Christ's resurrection. There the angel sat, in a posture of authority, defying any attempt by the forces of hell to reimprison the Savior. The angel acted as a guard, having dispersed the human guards, and waited to deliver the glorious news of Jesus's resurrection to the women who would soon arrive.

This perspective from Matthew Henry's commentary offers a rich and logical understanding of why an angel rolled away the stone. It wasn't just a display of power, but a symbolic act signifying divine justice, heavenly approval, and the secure triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ over sin and death. It truly makes you go "Hmmmmm..." in the best possible way, leading to deeper appreciation and stronger faith.
  

On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel Memphis, TN. Today on the 51th anniversary of his murder I am posting 15 of his inspiring quotes from A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings And Speeches Of Martin Luther King, Jr. Although gone from us he is now with the Lord and we will forever remember and honor his legacy. He was a man of love who was leader of a civil rights movement in the United States that made a difference not only in this country but throughout the world. He was truly a man who loved Christ and is still a source of inspiration.
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Love

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”

“I have decided to stick to love…Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

Christ and the Christian life

“Evil may so shape events that Caesar will occupy a palace and Christ a cross, but one day that same Christ will rise up and split history into A.D. and B.C., so that even the life of Caesar must be dated by his name.”

“Always be sure that you struggle with Christian methods and Christian weapons. Never succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter. As you press on for justice, be sure to move with dignity and discipline, using only the weapon of love.”

“I still believe that standing up for the truth of God is the greatest thing in the world. This is the end of life. The end of life is not to be happy. The end of life is not to achieve pleasure and avoid pain. The end of life is to do the will of God, come what may.”

Doing What is Right

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

“It may well be that we will have to repent in this generation. Not merely for the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence and indifference of the good people who sit around and say, “Wait on time.”

“There is little hope for us until we become tough minded enough to break loose from the shackles of prejudice, half-truths, and downright ignorance. The shape of the world today does not permit us the luxury of soft mindedness. A nation or a civilization that continues to produce soft minded men purchases its own spiritual death on an installment plan.”

Justice

“In your struggle for justice, let your oppressor know that you are not attempting to defeat or humiliate him, or even to pay him back for injustices that he has heaped upon you. Let him know that you are merely seeking justice for him as well as yourself.”

“Segregation is a blatant denial of the unity which we all have in Christ Jesus.”

“The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

Hope

“Even in the inevitable moments when all seems hopeless, men know that without hope they cannot really live, and in agonizing desperation they cry for the bread of hope.”

“When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.”

“In the midst of outer dangers I have felt an inner calm and known resources of strength that only God could give. In many instances I have felt the power of God transforming the fatigue of despair into the buoyancy of hope.”