Freedom and Fire Works

2 Corinthians 3:17 (KJV) Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

There is supernatural connection between the appreciation that Americans have FOR God and the freedom we enjoy FROM God. Although it is certainly not "politically correct" to acknowledge this fact, it is true nevertheless.

President George Washington stated it this way in a prayer he prayed for our great nation:

“Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the heads of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brother-affection and love for one another and for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large.

“And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion and with a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can ever hope to be a happy nation.

“Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”

De Tocqueville of France, well over a hundred years ago, visited America. Upon his return home he wrote: “I sought for the greatness of America in her harbors and rivers and fertile fields, and her mines and commerce. It was not there. Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because she is good; and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”

We need pulpits in our nation that still declare the whole counsel of God. We need churches that still seek the demonstration of God’s spirit, that sets men free from the carnal concepts that enslave individuals and even entire countries.

We need a new revelation of the freedom and the fire of the Holy Ghost. We all need to experience a fresh wave of God’s presence that renews our desire for holiness. We need more than just a form of godliness wedged into a busy holiday weekend. We need a great awakening in every sanctuary across our land.

Freedom and Fire Works! Find a church where the Holy Spirit is given free access to the hearts of men and women; Find a church where the desire for God is so intense, that the fire of the Holy Ghost transforms the lives of the entire congregation. Find a church like that and let your hunger and thirst for Jesus Christ awaken in you a whole new appreciation for life, liberty, and the pursuit of spiritual joy. Then you will discover the supernatural connection between our God and our land.

Luke 3:16 (KJV) John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:





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God and His Crazy Commands

1 Kings 17:8 - 9 (KJV) 8And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 9Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

What’s a girl to do? Her husband is dead. There is a severe drought in the land. Apparently there is not much food left to provide for her and her son. Perhaps this is what led the widow woman at Zaraphath to call on the Lord. We don’t know much about what she said to God, but we see clearly what God said to her: God commanded her to provide for the prophet.

Certainly God can be trusted, but who can fault the widow woman from doubting her answer from heaven? We don’t know how much time had passed; but from the time God spoke until the time the Prophet Elijah showed up at her house, she had reevaluated her options. No offence God, but I think I’m going to do it my way this time.

1 Kings 17:10 - 12 (KJV) 10So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. 11And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. 12And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

It is noteworthy that her solution outside of God’s command did not buy her much time. Even though God’s idea was outrageous, her own plans were incredibly limited under the circumstances. It is also significant to me that the prophet only asked her to follow through on the instructions she had already received from the Lord.

If you fast-forward to the end of the story you discover that God’s command was right on the mark (as usual). No matter how crazy it sounded, obeying God was the best option in spite of the circumstances.

Wow! Some things don’t change. Some people still balk at the crazy commands we find in God’s word. However, God doesn’t change. His ways still work regardless of the uncertainties we face in our generation.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 - 14 (KJV) 13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.


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Maturity Trumps Therapy

Ephesians 4:14 - 15 (KJV) 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Our generation seems intoxicated with psychobabble. Sometimes therapy is the key to healing and restoration. However, there are times when the honesty we need is exchanged for the excuse we prefer. Don’t help me BE good, just help me FEEL good! Somewhere, somehow, somebody needs to tell the truth.

In the early days after my children arrived on this planet I did not place much value on their maturity. In fact as they grew enough to make certain sounds, I would imitate their attempts at speech. I was trying to sound like them; all the while they were trying to sound like me. They would giggle and I would enjoy making them feel good.

As they have grown even a few years older (Abigail is 5, Harrison is 2), I have become less of a mimic and more of a mentor. Therefore they have discovered that “goo-goo gaga” doesn’t get them very far. Even Harrison is already using words that make it clear he knows what he wants (and he wants what he wants – exactly when he wants it).

Baby believers need healthy relationships with believers that are not babies! Someone needs to model maturity for the children of God that are new to the body of Christ. Someone needs to feel responsible (even accountable) for the spiritual growth of spiritual babies. We cannot copy the “conversation” of the newly converted while they are desperate to discover the lifestyle of true disciples.

Maturity is NOT the enemy. Putting away “childish things” definitely has its advantages. Thank God for the parents, pastors, and people that are passionate about helping others GROW. Babies are absolutely adorable; but there is nothing cute about an adult acting like a child.

Thank you Jesus for putting people in my life that have helped me mature. Not that I am everything I want to be (or even need to be), but thank God I am not what I have been. I urge you to honor the people that God has put in your life that help you grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

There are times when the admonition of those that love us might sting a little bit. “Goo-goo gaga” doesn’t provoke my children near as much as the clear sound of correction. However, maturity has its privileges. I appreciate the wonder of being born again. However, I yearn for more than new birth, I want new life. I want Christ to be formed in me. I long for maturity.

Galatians 4:19 (KJV) 19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,