SETTING THINGS INTO MOTION

Some of the most puzzling and frightening verses in the Scriptures are found in the Book of Matthew. I do not know about you my friend, but these verses give me pause to how I am doing things for God. Remember it is not what we do for God that counts in the end, but how we do things. Do we do things for Him with the right heart condition and with the right motives and intentions? When we stand before God (saints and sinners alike) and are judged we will be judged not according to what we have done, but how we have done things. It is our motives and intentions that construct the framework for us to do things for God in. Even God’s will is not according to what we do, oh no. God’s framework of doing things within His will is based on our motives, our intentions, and even our attitudes. And if our attitudes, motives, and intentions are wrong so will the things we do for God. This is how the Christians in Matthew 7:21-23 did many wonderful works for God, but in the end God professed unto them, “I never knew you.” I do not know about you my friend, but these verses down right scare me. Jesus shares these words, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23) Please notice from the start the requirement for entering into the kingdom of heaven (not the kingdom of God which is a different kingdom) is doing the will of the Father, not singing in the choir, paying our tithes, serving as head deacon, or any of the hundreds of other religious church activities we saddle people with. Doing the Father’s will has nothing to do with doing things, but meeting the heart condition God requires of us. In the garden of Gethsemane which means; where oil is pressed, Jesus our example and pattern to model after said, “not my will, but thy will be done.” Jesus was not talking about going to the cross, but submitting in His heart to what the Father wanted for His life. God’s will is always about heart submission. This is why many Christians miss God’s will and run from person to person and conference to conference searching for the answer to God’s will for their lives. Sadly, they are looking for something to do, but God wants us to become something (not do something) in Him. Jesus was given all power in heaven and on earth by the Father, so going to the cross would not have really been difficult for Him if God had not first pressed His life out of Him in Gethsemane like a bushel of olives. If you really look at it critically our salvation was done in Gethsemane and Jesus endured the cross in obedience to the Father to fulfill scripture, “without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22). This group of Christians who, “have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” did do these things, but these things are not requirements for entering the kingdom of heaven. But please notice these Christians did them any how and the Father replied, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:23) The things done here for God was not done in an evil or malicious ways, but they were done in “iniquity” or in lawlessness, out side the laws, rules, regulations, or framework God has established things to be done. These Christians served God outside the framework He has established and so He did not know them. Unless we operate within God’s framework His will and intention cannot be done. They were not operating within God’s divine arrangements. Now some things were done and God even was glorified, but all that God desired in a given situation can never come to completion as He has planned because we have done them outside His framework of expectation. What loss have we incurred for ourselves and God by not operating within God’s framework? I shutter to think of the times I moved in my self-strength, in my will. Even then God was glorified and many people were saved and healed, but not all was done. Often when we pray we expect God to say yes or no to our prayers, but there is a third answer and it is not wait it is I have a better idea.

We know this understanding of the word “iniquity” is talking about a framework, because Jesus continues in Chapter seven of Matthew and starts talking about building, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27) In verses 24-27 Jesus is not talking about building a physical house, but is talking about building our spiritual tabernacle upon a rock; upon the correct cornerstone and framework. When the rains descended and the floods came, and the winds blew the builder who did not build on a rock, but on sand, “and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Again Jesus was not talking about a house, Jesus was talking about the builder having a great fall. My friend unless we build our lives and the things God wants to do through us well within the framework of God’s arrangements we to will experience a great fall (as the Christians in Matthew 7:23) “and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Our fall will be great not small, but great. It is one thing to miss it in God and fall, but how bad it is to miss it in God to where He would say, “and great was the fall of it” Sin is sin, but the higher we climb in God and if not careful the further we will fall. This is why it is best to stay in a low and humble place. You cannot get to hurt falling from your knees. The way is really down.

But now here is my main point in all of this. The Christians who did all of these wonderful things for God set some things into motion outside the framework of God and God even blessed them. The point is not God blessing something He did not originate, but the Christians set some things into motion. This thought really captivates my attention. We can set things into motion outside God’s will and intention and He will not stop us. Oh my God what a dangerous place to be in, setting things into motion outside God’s framework and arrangements. This area or place in God is called presumption or presuming to know what God wants, but in reality what we think God wants is wrong. I wish God would stop us when we get over in these areas, but God does not He allows us to continue to run at break-neck speed 500 miles down the road before He not so gently pulls back on the reins. The Christians here presumed they were doing what God wanted them to do, they even presumed they had a relationship and knew Him, but in reality they were wrong. I think it was not they did not know of God after all, they used His name to cast out demons, “and in thy name have cast out devils?” They knew of His power and His miracles, but they did not know Him. Presumption always gets us over into areas of good works, but always prevents us from knowing God the key to our relationship with Him. This is why the church does not really know God, oh they know of His power and ability, but there is no knowledge of Him nor is there a consistent message of knowing God taught from the pulpits. Common (which is the opposite of holiness) today the 15-20 minute message of love, grace, and God blessing us, right after a 40-45 minute sing-a-long, is heard every Sunday morning. Seldom on a Sunday night anymore is there preaching other activities fill the agenda, any how it is just too late for the kids who have school the next day. Well, in the Book of Acts Paul preached all night and look at the power they demonstrated to the world. Maybe now we see why the church of today is not impacting the world. Oh we are feeding and clothing millions (and feeling good about it), but we are not impacting their spiritual needs. I guess today’s denominational wisdom is; it is okay to let a man got to hell as long as they are dressed and have a full belly. This thinking is all presumption. We must move always from this type of thinking if we are going to be the salt and light of the world. Presumption always move in a direction that contrary to God’s framework and plans. Presumption always wants to go in an upward direction. But the Bible says Jesus is meek and lowly. Presumption wants to make a video or DVD touting its accomplishments telling the world how wonderful they are and how hard they are working for God. But God is not after all that grand showmanship. God’s greatest stars names are not up in lights or on a DVD. Presumption always goes up in one’s self-strength and ability. “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 2And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.” (Joshua 7:1-5) Please notice they were already in sin and kept going up away from where God is down. And please notice where they were going up to Bethaven. Bethaven is two names in the Hebrew text: “beth” or “house of” (Strong’s #1004) and “aven” or “wickedness” (Strong’s 205). Vanity is also tucked into the meaning. In the meaning of “Bethaven” there is always wickedness involved; rebellion and a walking contrary to the revelation of God in the vanity of one’s own mind. Whatever actions and causes are in the picture, physical or spiritual, it is leaving; one is on the way out. Bethaven is the door through which we leave. The children of Israel were over in great presumption and prime for a great fall like the many major denominations of today. They too set some things into motion outside the framework of God and God did not bless them this time. For this they paid dearly with loss of life. So too in our lives if we set things into motion and get over into presumption we will pay. Like with the children of Israel God may exact a heavy toll for our disobedience.

My friend let us not set things into motion with out really knowing God is behind them. Let us not get over into presumption and grandstanding what we have done for God. The way up is down. Take heed church of America we are heading for a “great fall.” It is not about us, but all about Him. The safe place in God is to keep our mouth in the dust, just like being on our knees when falling dust in our mouth will keep us quiet but filled. Written by David Stahl

I'LL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOU PRAY FOR ME

Recently I have had the unpleasant misfortune of blasting an acquaintance over a few things and at the end of the conversation I heard the old familiar Christian parting shot, “I’ll pray for you.” Actually she said, “I’ll pray for you and you pray for me” before she slammed the phone down. I usually interpret this to mean:

1. I hope God will show you the error of your way.
2. I hope God will smite you.
3. I hope God will vindicate me because you hurt my feelings and besides you are wrong. Blah Blah Blah

Folks we have got to grow up! Saying, “I’ll pray for you” as a parting shot because your feathers have been ruffled is a sure sign of immaturity. And I do not care how old you are, how much you have traveled, preached, or gave for the Gospel. You are immature and you have not allowed God’s dealings and judgment to invade your heart and life. Besides, if you really wanted to pray for me couldn’t you pray without informing me? Of course, but then you would not be able to get the pound of flesh or self-centered recognition you are looking for. Prayer is serious business. Prayer is communion with God. God desires we commune with Him as we communicate from our spirit that is true prayer, not using prayer as a tool to manipulate someone. Prayer certainly is not whining to God because we got our feelings miffed or something to throw at people as a half-hearted gesture of self-righteousness. Oddly enough (but not surprising) knowing the fake Christian’s veneer, I have had this said to me more than once by older women who think they are more spiritual, but should have known better. As you can probably tell I am not impressed, nor am I intimidated by these ladies, and not sorry for what I have said to them that ruffled their “I am so holy” feathers. Friends, prayer is very very important. Let us not be flippant about it. Let us grow up and do some real praying so that we can commune with the Father. We must get over getting offended when we do not get our way or when someone we think is junior to us in God does not treat us as we think we should be treated. Life is too short. Written by Karen Stahl.

ME ME ME ME ME

One of the major lessons we all need to learn as Christians is: it is not about us, but it is about Jesus. I viewed a DVD recently about someone’s ministry and it was a real good plug for them and their ministry, but not much of a plug for Jesus. Friends, please it is not about where we go, what we have done, or the healings wrought by our hands. It is about Jesus! We need to get over our selves -- big time! It is not about doing, it is about becoming. It is about becoming the image and character of Jesus Christ who it is all about. It is not about “hey look what I did through my travels.” Now I will admit most times I did not want to travel, but Dave insisted and I was glad he did because time and time again we met true humble Christian men and woman who puts us Americans to shame. If we were one half as humble and contrite as these folks where indeed the kingdom of Heaven would be here on earth. If someone is sick, point them to Jesus. Marital problems? The answer is Jesus. Need a job? Jesus. Let us keep our focus it is about Jesus, not us. Who really cares what was done through “your ministry.” If you do care you are in ministry for the wrong reason. Jesus did not get a lot of “atta boys” and pats on the back during His ministry. He did not have a pot to pee in never mind a fancy house, 401K, or a stock portfolio. He ended up being crucified. If we really follow Him guess where we are going? To the cross not the “I am such a great Christian club.” Is not your ministry supposed to be about Jesus? I cannot believe all of the people that tag on the word “ministry” after their name. How vain and presumptive. We are so full of ourselves we probably make the almighty want to puke! How arrogant and pompous we are, “oh look what God has done through me,” it makes me sick. Friends (if I have any left) it is about Jesus. Let us keep it that way. Written by Karen Stahl.

SIN IS TO HAVE NO DOMINION

In the 6th Chapter of the Book of Romans Paul shares what I believe to be the most important run of verses, if we desire to really know God and His ways. We thank God for salvation verses such as John 3:16 and we can walk the Roman road, but if we really desire to be used of God and know Him and His ways we must put this sin issue behind us. Please understand we all from the start are lost and undone. We all, as sheep have gone astray, we all have sinned, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23) Now this is all true Christ died for us, but my friend there is so much more we must believe to receive our salvation (which is much more than having our sins forgiven) and the life of God He so desperately desires to give us. Jesus said, “The thief (not the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus did not come to take us all to heaven, make us popular, rich, or good looking, oh no my friend Jesus came so that we will be able to receive the life of God and it (God’s life) more abundantly. Without accepting Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord, we will never be able to receive the life of God and without the life of God we will have no power or authority to do the things God needs us to do. I do not know why so many Christians want to fly away to heaven. I for one am not ready to stand before a holy God this thought still gives me pause. Anyway, what will God do on earth if all the Christians fly away in the sweet bye and bye? There are still too many people on earth that need to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ for the church to begin to smell the barn. I do not know about you, but I am not into heaven, I am into Him. Where ever the Lord is, tis heaven to me, “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.” (Psalm 139:8) there is only earth between. Yes it is true Jesus died for our sins, but now we must move beyond the cross into the next things God has for us. We must never forget the cross, but we must move beyond the cross to be able to receive those things we will need to be able to withstand in life and those things that will empower us to be His witnesses. In Acts we read, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) This verse is often written in church bulletins and the like, but if the church really understood what Dr. Luke was talking about they would skip this verse. The word “witnesses” here means martyr. Plug and play martyr in and you get a different feel (but the truth) for this verse. Who wants to die for Christ? Steven? All of the folks in Foxes Book of Martyrs? Now there is a great book to read if you dare. Did you know in the last 30 years more people have been martyred for Christ than in the last 150 years? If we do not move away from the cross we will not be able to receive the power to be able to give our life (as a martyr) for Christ. As wonderful as the salvation message is there is much more God has for us and for us to be successful in Him we must receive it. Sadly most denominations keep their folks near the cross and not near God, “we all have sinned and come short” where this sin issue keeps them yoked and babes in God.

Paul’s chief message was not salvation, but he encouraged the church, “to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18) I believe Peter got this message from Paul. Paul’s heart was to teach the Christians those things they needed to learn to be able to develop and become (a process in God) mature in God, to grow and be developed (not needing to be delivered) into a mature person in God. For us to be able to grow and come to maturity in God we must have the right understanding of what salvation really is thus putting this sin issue behind us. Believe it or not God’s intention for us is for sin not to have dominion over us. When we read these verses we think we can not live this life, well if God did not believe we could do it He would not have said it and set the standard of Jesus Christ to pattern after. In Romans Chapter 6:3, we pick up, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” (Romans 6:3-5) When we are water baptized we are often told we will walk, when raised from the water, in newness of life and that is true, but Paul here is not talking about water baptism. Paul here is talking about being baptized (identifying or becoming the same example) into the death of Christ not His life. Who wants to die like Christ? No one wants to die like Christ, but if we are not baptized (we die to our selfishness, selfcenterness, and become the example of Christ) our mortality will not be able to put on immortality. How much of our brother’s sin can we swallow up? This is the measure of us being baptized into the death of Christ? Not getting dunked in a pool. And if we are not baptized into His death we shall not have the strength in God to be resurrected by Him.

Now here is where things really get hard for me to understand. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.” (Romans 6:6-9) Wow, Paul said, “that henceforth (this second forward) we should not serve sin.” The old man, our fleshly desires and motives have been put to death (crucified with Christ) and now we should not serve sin. In other words God intends for sin not to have power over us. Please let me stop and let that sink in. Sin is not to have power over us. I do not know about you, but sin at times has power over me. I see it is not God’s intentions, but yet sin rules me at times, oh my God! Who can deliver me from his body of death! If we read on we will find not only sin, but death is not to have dominion over us. ”For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:10-11) Oh death where is thy sting? The sting of death is sin. How much death have we allowed in the lives of our brothers and sisters? Who can deliver me from his body of death! They say we are not really ready to live in God until we are ready to die. Well, there is no life in God without death in God. When we die God can now live through us. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24) But who wants to fall into the ground and die? Only those who really want the life of God and really want to live?

Lastly Paul ends this thought, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:12-14) Grace Grace God’s Grace (God’s favor extended to us) wonderful grace by faith are we saved and kept by our obedience. We are not to yield ourselves to sin or unrighteousness (both) this is our reasonable service, then “sin shall not have dominion over you.” The word “dominion” (Strong’s #2962) here means: to be lord of, to rule over things and forces, to exercise influence upon, to have power over. Friend it is God’s intention and is Paul’s message of the New Testament for “SIN SHALL NOT HAVE DOMINION” over us. The “shall” is the strongest imperative in the Bible to convey a thought. God intends for sin not to rule and exercise influence over us. But, we read and hear these words from Paul, yet we sin. We know and desire not to sin, yet we do. Even Paul saw this in him, “Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Romans 7:17-18) and “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Roman 7:22-25) It is only Jesus Christ our Lord who can develop us through this body of death.

When God speaks to us it is His very words that cause fear, loss, and failure to come alive in us whereby we stumble and fall out for way. So too the law or I should say the keeping of the law makes sin come alive in us. And the more we try to keep the law (the touch not, taste not, handle not in Colossians 2:21) the more sin comes alive in us. “But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came (church activities, traditions, and doctrines), sin revived, and I died. 10And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.” (Romans 7:8-11) It is in the keeping of all of the religious church activities (and often duties) the traditions and doctrines of men that revives sin in us. The more religious, zealous, and devout we are the less we are like Jesus. And the less like Jesus the more we shall keep the law. Just go to a church service next Sunday and you will see what I am talking about. We keep the traditions that are “ordained to life,” but in the end we find it revives sin in us and is death. Oddly it is the very thing we think will slay sin in us (religious service), but in reality it revives sin in us. Paul said, “the commandment deceived” him and then “slew” him. When was the last time you heard this message preached in church? Why not? What Pastor would tell the people their religious service is causing them to sin? There will be no one to take care of the church or give money to pay the bills. But the truth is still the truth. We must turn from the religious traditions, rituals, and doctrines of men that drive the major denominations of the church of America. Oh yes, the denominations do a good job in feeding, clothing, and providing for people through programs and sing-a-longs, but can never touch the sin issue. My friend, this wondrous walk with the Lord is not about feeding, clothing and providing, but knowing in our heart, “sin shall not to have dominion over you.” Written by David Stahl

SPIRITUAL WOMEN

I am ever amazed at the rebellion of some women who think they are doing “the Lord’s work” because they “feel” they should be doing something for God. Wake up and smell the brimstone sister. If you are married, your husband and family is your ministry. Some of these rebellious women run all over the world dragging their husbands along while exalting themselves spiritually over them. I can quickly think of four such relationships. While other rebellious women blatantly just abandon their families thinking God has called them to something greater than serving their husband and children. These so called “spiritual” women are in open rebellion to their husband and to God, by taking the “spiritual” lead thus emasculating their husbands. Oh they may submit in some areas feeling good about themselves and manipulating their husbands, but not in their heart. To help us understand this point let us look at two women in the Bible. The first is the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31 and Jezebel. When we think of Jezebel we think of a painted face of seduction, but the Bible portrays Jezebel in a different light. “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” (Revelation 2:20) Men received her as a teacher, showing she was apart of the structured church ministry to the members. Any woman who defies the Scripture’s prohibition against women teachers in the church collectively is following in the grave tradition of Jezebel. If you go back and read 1 Kings to see what the Bible says about Jezebel you will see she was more spiritual and religiously devoted than her husband. We see this today when the wife becomes the Senior Pastor of a church and takes the spiritual lead over her husband. The next thing you notice Ahab was emotionally unstable. When a woman takes the lead in marriage by assuming of the masculine role it makes a weak man weaker, even to the point of sending him to bed as did Jezebel to Ahab. In every case I know of where the wife (became a Pastor) or a woman took the spiritual lead in a church or ministry it miserably failed. It could not stand in God for it was not birthed by the Sprit, but by the flesh. God takes a strong view at this relationship. We also notice she used his emotional stress to endear herself to him, a strange way of lording over her husband. If you read the story you will see how Jezebel manipulated and accused an innocent man then had the man murdered so that Ahab could obtain his vineyard. Today if women are willing to play their husband’s role in directing the family, their husband will lose his natural drive to bear responsibility. He like Ahab will turn his face to the wall. Lastly we notice Ahab was easily manipulated by Jezebel to suit her purpose. She stirred his passive spirit, provoking him to react in anger. When a woman steps outside her divinely ordained nature and assumes the dominant role, in a home or church ministry, she will soon become emotionally and physically exhausted, and very dangerous to her self and the local body of Believers. Her foundation and authority is not the word of God, but a self-exalting projection to possess something in God that has not been ordained for her by God. It is a projection of the flesh and a self-seeking desire to possess things God strictly forbids. We see this same spirit in Eve in the garden. And times have not changed. Here is a good side-by-side picture of the two women:

Jezebel Profile
1. Prophetess

2. Teacher
3. One who pities
4. Religious
5. Controller

Virtuous Woman Profile

1. Help Meet

2. Silent

3. Encourager

4. Prudent Worker

5. Submissive

Another woman we must look at is Deborah. Now Deborah was a judge and used by God, but if you actually read the story in Judges you will know the text makes much of the fact that the men were ashamed by allowing a woman to take the place of prominence. There is no question Deborah performed well, that she saved Israel, and that God used her, but that is just the point. When men allow women to take their role and assume their responsibility it results in shame to the nation and to God. Even Deborah knew this to be true. Women can do as good a job as men, maybe even better in some areas, but God’s direction for women not to take the lead in spiritual matters is not an indictment about women being inferior or not capable as men, but it is a command by God whereby a woman’s authority and nature must never take the leadership over a man; to teach them or to gain a place of prominence among them. Women are capable and qualified to teach and teach well, but it is not a question of qualification, it is a question of authorization and yes obedience. Women may be qualified, but they are not authorized by God. And if they do move in spiritual authority over men they will be in direct rebellion and disobedience to God and His word.

Ladies if your husband is at level seven you should be at level five. If your husband is at level five you should be at level three. Your strength can become your husbands weakness. We must always be in a place of submission to our husband’s authority and God will speak to Him regarding things going on in the family. The course that your family is set on is to be charted by your husband as God leads him. If God is not leading your husband it is not your job to lead. We must submit even further by shutting up and being quiet while NOT taking the lead. By taking the spiritual lead in our family we are in direct rebellion to our husband’s authority. Twist or spiritualize it any way you want, but it is still the truth. Whenever I see a “strong spiritual” woman not too far off I know is an emasculated husband. Not exactly a crown of glory for the husband. What folly and foolishness. Let us submit ourselves under our husband’s rule and God will deal with them, as we are poured out from vessel to vessel by serving our husbands and family. Let us do the real spiritual and humble thing submit. Written by Karen Stahl

KICKING AT GOD'S GOAD

In our walk with the Lord, He will allow and even bring things into our lives that will drive us in the direction we must go to be near Him. Man’s will of choosing God’s free gift of salvation is limited to a choice, but God is God and we are not, He gets to orchestrate our lives leading us in many ways to the place of choosing. God is good at bringing situations, circumstances, even people our way that leave within us a sense of lack and desire for something that only God can supply. Usually they are small little things that have a big profound significance in our spirit. Such was the case in the life of Saul who later became Paul who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. In the Book of Acts we read of Saul’s conversion to Christ. We think his conversion from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light happened in one second, but my friend, like us, Saul’s conversion took many years and many vivid reminders of his need for Christ. On the day of his conversion we read, “And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” (Acts 9:3-5) Suddenly a light, the glory of God, in the person of Jesus Christ shone around him and Saul fell to the ground (real worship in God) as Jesus revealed Himself to Saul. What a terrifying experience for Saul to hear and see the risen Christ who he has openly rejected and the leader of the 1000s of Christians he has imprisoned and probably put to death. My friend God has ways of putting us on our knees and in the dark. But then Jesus tells Saul something very strange to us, “it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” but, to Saul it was not strange at all Saul knew exactly what Jesus was talking about. You see God brought some pricks or goads into Saul’s life that forced him to evaluate truth and the reality to what he was doing. It is during these times the Holy Spirit can work in us, even convicting us of our sins opening up to us a greater revelation for our need to know God in a greater way. Can you image the imagines and pictures Saul played again and again in his mind after Steven was stoned? “And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:58-60) With each stone that crushed the life out of Steven Saul heard Steven say, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” What a goad to get his attention. The word “prick” or goad (Strong’s #2759) here means: a sting, as that of bees, scorpions, locusts or an iron prod for urging on oxen, horses and other beasts of burden. God used the event and images of the death of Steven to began this goading process that ended on the road to Damascus, because Saul submitted to God’s drawing, in the birth of Paul. Please let us never resist the goading of God or the prick of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Many denominations believe once saved always saved, well I do not see that in the Bible. There are examples after examples of people in the Bible that started walking with the Lord and over time fall away from Him never to be mentioned again. Is their salvation lost? I do not know only God makes that call, but to say once saved always saved is a very dangerous claim and can really set up people for a rude awaking when they stand before God.

When we pray and ask God to touch people and change lives take heed to your words because God may use you as the tool to goad and chip away at hard hearts and years of stony resentment, hidden shame, open wrath, and loss in the lives you are praying for. God brought this article to life in us through a personal and very painful ongoing family situation. For 10 or more years my family has turned a blind eye to the things God calls an abomination; such things as homosexuality and lesbianism. And things that are abnormal and just plain wrong in God’s sight; such things as abnormal relationships, mental (and hopefully not physical) abuse, rebellion, undermining marriages (out from these wrong relationships), taking advantage of my Dad and Mom for personal gain, greed, envy, strife, and sadly the list goes on. “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:14-18) The Bible commands us to honor our parents, well honoring is not appearing to care for their physical needs while taking advantage of them. Honoring is not done in word or deed, but becoming what our parents have tried to teach us over the years. My Mom’s mind is slowing slipping, but her spirit is still strong. In some ways I am glad she does not understand what is really going on with the family and the children she gave life, it would rip her soft heart out. While my Mom’s approach over these 10 or more years was to just love and pray for them, which is very important and we must do, but Paul goes a little further and tells us we must also speak the truth in love. “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:15) We must love them enough to tell them the truth so that they can “repent” from ways and thoughts that will separate them from God and some of their family for ever. God used these ungodly examples, each time we got together, to goad my heart in a greater compassion (even though my family does not see it) to break my years of silence (for my parents sake whom I love every much) and wrong thinking for the sake of peace and unity within the family. Please know if you stand for the truth of the word of God, as Karen and I did, your family will probably respond the way our family did. Jesus told the truth and the crowd physically killed Him and if you tell the truth please know your family will probably assassinate your character, make up lies about you and your family, and try to exile you from the family, but that is okay. The word of God is true and we must always represent it no matter the cost. Jesus the Prince of peace said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” (Matthew 10:34-35) Standing for the things of God will cut you coming, going, and out of things in this world, including your family. Now please understand, we must place my words in the framework of all my brothers and sisters were raised in the church and at one time or the other professed some level of commitment to Jesus Christ. With the loss of our praying Mom standing in the gap for our family I believe our ancestral home is under siege by the demonic spirits of homosexuality, lesbianism, and all of their little minions that tag along. For two weeks God prepared Karen and I for this confrontation. In my spirit I knew there was going to be a greater division in our family. Our family was already divided; those who still follow Christ and those who have turned their backs on Christ. One was in Bible School studying to be a preacher and another was a youth leader in a huge Pentecostal church, but now they both walk in darkness. When we come together we smile and try to put on a happy face for Mom’s sake, but we deceive ourselves there is no real communion and fellowship together, light cannot fellowship with darkness. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) I did not want to go to Fayetteville for Mother’s Day and my Mom’s Birthday, but I knew I had to go and speak the truth in love. My words were sharp, cutting (like the word of God), and maybe some love was lost at times, but at all times I spoke the truth. Do I want to see my family come back to God oh yes by all means, but this is a choice they will have to make. My prayer is this article and my words will serve as a goad God will use to bring them (and me too) to a greater place where we can see our need for Him.

I have bared my personal feelings and aired our dirty family laundry (like most families) before the world to share our experience for prayer and to show you how God has used us to be goads to our family like Steven was to Saul. Make no mistake my friend God will do whatsoever we allow Him to get our attention to draw us to where He is. Many Christians think God is only a loving God, well He is, but He is also a God that does not play around. Stakes are high words are not cheap. The Gospel message cost Jesus Christ His life and God will do anything and everything we allow Him to goad us to prick us into the realization of how much we need to give our lives over to His Lordship and rule as Saul literally saw and then began in time to become Paul. “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou calmest, hath sent me, that thou mightiest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:17-20) God’s goal in His goading in our lives is to bring us to a greater revelation of Him as He convicts us of our sins. My friend let us never reject or turn away from God’s goading in our lives for us to do so we reject God Himself. Written by David Stahl

DOING THINGS GOD'S WAY

As I look back over my last four articles I see why God selected this article to be last and now. God’s way is always the best way, even if we cannot see clear; time always bears out we must do things God’s way. Recently there has been a great stirring and excitement in many churches in America. I wish I could report it is from a great move of the Holy Spirit convicting us (that includes me) more and more of our sin, but sadly it is not. I wish I could report this great stir and excitement is from a great desire to send people to the nations as Jesus commanded us, but I cannot. Sadly America continues to slip further and further down the line from the top slot (in the 1950s) of sending missionaries to nations to now 16th place. I wish I could report there has been a great move of prayer and hearing the word of God drawing the church in America closer to Him stopping our drifting away from Him and His ways, but there is still a great famine in the hearing of the word of God in America. Not the preaching of the word of God, churches are on almost every corner, but of the hearing (understanding and acting) the word of God. No my friends sadly none of these things have caught the heart of the church in America, but what has caught the heart of the churches in America is the presidential and local elections all for the grand and coveted prize of winning political power so that a political system or party can do things the way they want to do things. And as a reward for those denominations who play along will have special influence and favor in seeing their views and belief’s enacted as law. But my friend God does not operate by the vote of man, but by His sovereign will and plan for a people and for a nation. When will the church of America realize this? Every election year the church corporately sells the Gospel message out for political gain and influence. We have made up organizations like: The Moral Majority, The Center for Moral Clarity, The American Center for Law and Justice, Focus on the Family, and others that squabble and in some cases fight over the letter of the law, for the churches’ rights, while neglecting the Spirit of the law. My friends, the law killeth, but the Spirit giveth life! When will we learn we must do things God’s way?

Yesterday in North Carolina was election day. I could not believe the excitement and clamor of the many Christians who wanted to vote and to have their political voice heard. Yesterday before and after church the topic of discussion was the winners and losers from the election. There is a spiritual truth that says, out of our mouths speaks our heart. If I want to know what you think is important I will allow you to talk and you will speak of those things in your heart that are important to you. How much of the message last night was received with our thoughts still on the election? The church in America is so caught up in earthly politics and why not the church is the biggest voting block in America, no wonder candidates will do and say anything to be able to speak at local churches and denominational conventions. The power and influence some denominations have is really scary. When will we learn to do things God’s way?

Paul too talks about an election but this is not about politics, but it does have to do with choosing, “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) The word “election” here means: to choose or pick something out, to gather or join together for a purpose. When we hear the word “election” we think it is something we do, (we are so self-centered and selfish) but in reality the choosing and gathering together is a mutual joining together. God has elected us because He loves us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) The word “commendeth” here means to elect or gathered us to Him. And because we see our need for God and His love for us we commend or elect ourselves towards Him. It is a wonderful picture of mutual commitment. Sadly the world does not see this picture of commitment, to many times the church has dabbled in power and influence pedaling, perverting what God was after, to reach a political end. When will the church in America learn to do things God’s way?

I will be honest I do not vote, why should I? Does not God know what He is doing? My friend, in Christ, we have moral high ground, we have the truth God’s precious Son, Jesus Christ. When we willfully remove ourselves from this moral high ground of the truth in God by wallowing in politics and campaigning we lose the high ground of truth. Before the election many Pastors encouraged their folks to get out and vote, well whether a Pastor’s should tell their folks to vote is between them and God, but if I was a Pastor I would NOT encourage my folks to vote, but to pray. It is far better, to discern God’s will, for my folks to enter into their secret prayer closet instead of into the secrecy of the voting booth.

So what is the answer? In the Books of Acts, Luke gives us the model for how the church (not only in America) is to handle political and social issues. Please let me set the stage; James the brother of John had already been put to death by the sword and Peter has been taken captive, placed in prison, and guarded by four squads of soldiers. (Acts 12:1-4) Verse five is where we will start, “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:5) Now the Bible does not say it, but maybe the church was counting on another means maybe politics to release James. I am sure they were quite surprised when James was put to the sword, well now they have our beloved brother Peter. Here in verse five we read, “but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” Here is the beginning of the template; prayer. The church was not out there protesting, picketing, trying to get the people to rise up and storm the prison to free Peter, or trying to see how many people they can get to boycott businesses, but they were on their face before a holy God. What happens when we get serious with God? “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.” (Acts 12:7) God shows up and begins to do things His way. His ways are never our ways. Our logic is to mass an army and attack or riot and loot, but God’s logic is to be quiet and when the guards are asleep mysteriously hide us in front of the enemies eyes as we walk through the prison. After God makes a way of escape He always provides a place of protection, “And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.” (Acts 12:12-15) Please notice what the people were doing at Mary the mother of John’s home, “where many were gathered together praying.” The end result of doing things the way God does things. ”But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.” (Act 12:16) God’s ways are always though an open door and always astonishing. My friend the beginning and ending of God’s way is always through prayer. There is no other way.

Ever since the early 1960s American began changing. I am sure before then there was a slipping from her godly moorings, but in the early 1960s with the open rebellion of her youth towards authorities, a free love no commitment towards the family, the woman’s liberation movement, the civil rights movement, and all of the other anti-God movements, America really began to change for the worst and as the people more and more bought into this new enlightened world philosophy sadly so to their relationship with God changed. No longer was America a humble country that looked for guidance and leadership from the God of her fore fathers. No longer did the people of America believe the Bible was the inspired and holy word of God. No longer did the people do things God’s way, but like sheep strayed from God’s commandments and divine spiritual principles, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;” (Isaiah 53:6) What have we gone astray from? From the pathway back to the heart of the Father and please notice, “we have turned every one to his own way” not God’s way. My friend this will never do. For America to become well and strong again we cannot count on our government to make it happen. The only one who can heal our land is God and God will heal our land only when we get before Him in prayer, His way of doing things. The words the Lord spoke to Solomon is as much true and from God today for America as it was for the folks in 2 Chronicles, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) But you know what? I do not believe the church of America believes this verse. I believe the church in America is trying “to heal their land” through politics and pleasure seeking, prayer is too tough and too time consuming, politics is quicker, easier, and our flesh can get stroked and applauded. We can build great big sanctuaries and arenas and fill them with people in the name of doing God’s will. Yeah, we can make money and control people. But, prayer requires us to take the humble and low place like Jesus and give so that others may receive.

Please mark my words well my friends. God gives leaders to a nation after the hearts of the people and then raises us these leaders to fashion the nation as a vessel for honor or dishonor. America was fashioned for honor by God to spread not liberty and democracy to the world, but the wondrous Gospel message. Liberty and freedom are a by-product of the Gospel message. Unless America humbles herself, prays (God’s way of doing things), seeks His (God’s) face, and turns from her wicked ways back towards God, I believe God will continue to raise up America, but this time America will be raised up as a vessel of dishonor for all the world to see. “Fear not my little children,” thus sayeth the Lord. “I will always have a remnant to establish my heart and ways in the land of the living. Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you, then and only then can I deposit my life into you,” thus sayeth the Lord. Written by David Stahl

THE MYSTERIES OF GOD

Our wondrous walk with the Lord is a mystery. God taught me this truth as He opened up the mystery of prayer the first time I went to India. After a week of high temperatures, diarrhea, and stomach upset I was extremely weak in my flesh not a bad place to see God do a miracle. It was around 10:00 at night. Earlier that day I ministered the word for 1 1/2 hours three times then prayed for the sick three times. I was hungry, drained, and just dead when Pastor S.J. Peter said Pastor Dave can you please pray for this little girl who had not walked in over two months? I turned and looked up standing in front of me was the little girl and her father. I thought, he must be kidding, does he know what time it is? Knowing I had my supper of bland chicken, curry, and rice (helping to calm my stomach down) waiting for me I said, I would. Well I just reached up and grabbed her little feet with the little strength I had in myself and simply asked God to touch this little girl. I do not remember the words but it was something like this, God please touch this little girl. There was no lightning or thunder just a simple beseeching to the Father from one with no ability or strength to make it happen. After I said Amen I turned back towards my food and out of the corner of my eye I saw the father put the little girl down on the ground and like a streak of lightning was off and running. To this day she is probably still running, well I never got to my dinner that night a line quickly formed and we had church. Prayer is a mystery of God that I cannot figure out and I like that. Who wants to serve a God you can figure out? I mean if you can figure Him out you will know what He knows, but God keeps this all a mystery from us to keep us in the dark so that He can give us His treasures. Isaiah tells us, “And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” (Isaiah 45:3) Where do you think these treasures of darkness and riches of secret places are hidden? My friend they are hidden in the mysteries of the person of God and His ways like prayer.

You know I read and hear many people say we are on a “spiritual journey” with the Lord, well this is nonsense. We are not on a journey this is worldly thinking and some cool buzz words that have invaded the church. Oh no my friend we are learning how God operates as we head back to the heart of the Father where we all came from. Isaiah also tells us, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) Where did we stray and turned everyone to his own way? From the path way back to the heart of God. Many of the Christian writers as well as many Pastors of today have sold out the truth using cool terms and expressions to be hip, well God is not cool or hip He is holy, righteous, and expects His children to be the same. Recently I have noticed the many references from popular writers and authors in most sermons. It seems the cooler the writer or author the more spiritual the sermon is. But a word from God, a message, stands alone it needs no cool or witty words. A quote from our favorite author or writer is not needed when God has birthed a word from Him in us. The disciples needed no help from other writers or authors, they just spoke out of an established heart and from a life of personal experience. It is no wonder many churches today lack the power and authority to be a witness of God to our families, neighborhoods, and to the world. They are filled with so many worldly practices that do not produce an established heart during troubled times and authority; the hallmark of God’s approval in our lives.

There are three other mysteries (I will be honest) I do not understand. No matter how long I ponder and pray for wisdom and understanding they slip through my fingers like a puff of air. The first of the three mysteries is the mystery of the God head. Now not knowing this one does not bother me that much since Paul to had a hard time getting his arms around it. Of the 22 references in the KJV for the word “mystery” Paul has uses the word (17 times) more than anyone; John four times in the Book of Revelation, and Jesus only once in Matthews when He was talking about the mystery of the kingdom of God. In Colossians Paul takes up this mystery, “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3In whom (Jesus Christ) are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3) I think our Pastor Jim Kelley comes the closest to capturing this Biblical concept when he refers to the Godhead as Neapolitan ice cream, one ice cream in three flavors. All and in all I do not understand, but that is okay I like serving a God I cannot figure out, I like serving a God who is a wondrous mystery especially knowing, “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Paul sums up and answers man’s quest to understand the Godhead when he said, “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.” (Acts 17:29) But knowing, “In whom (Jesus Christ) are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” and knowing Him ought to be enough for us and the rest of the mystery of the Godhead will unfold as we get to know His Father and His ways in all of eternity.

The second mystery I do not understand (I am sure you may have a different list) is why does a loving and all knowing God allow people to go to hell. This is beyond me. Knowing how horrible hell is (after all God made it) how could He stand-by and allow people to chose not to accept His free gift of salvation, from hell, in the person of His precious Son Jesus Christ? Why Jesus Himself said, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) God sent His Son Jesus Christ to come and die for the sin of mankind so that man would not have to spend an eternal separation from God, yet inspite of Jesus’ precious sacrifice mankind is still lost and it appears God the Father is casually standing by allowing us to make this critical choice on our own. Well my friend God is. God loves us so much He desires we choose Him and His ways over our own. Now if I was God I would force mankind to accept His free gift, but He does not do this. He is longsuffering and daily patiently extends mercy and grace to us. His ways differently are not our ways. What an example of being a God. In the face of suffering sure loss God allows mankind to choose. All and all I do not understand why God takes a chance in losing something He loves very much. This is beyond me, but you know I like serving a God that gives us a choice. Life and death is nothing more than choosing correctly. The Solomon tells us, “In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” (Proverbs 12:28) and in the fifth Book of Moses, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” (Deuteronomy 30:19) God has set (gives us a choice) life and death before us and wants us to choose life, but it is up to us to choose. Strange how He sets death before us too? But this is nothing new for God He has done this from the beginning. In the garden God told Adam, “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17) Every tree “thou mayest freely eat.” Now we know the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life was in the garden (see verse 2:9) Alas, Adam choose the wrong tree, or did he? Was God tempting Adam, no God was giving Adam a choice to choose life as He gives us a choice today. You know God has never sent someone to hell. If one finds them self in hell (I hope and pray not) they will not be surprised, their choices ended them there. Let us choose life.

And the last mystery is rather strong and I have a hard time articulating it. But it revolves around an unwillingness to come to some level of spiritual maturity in God pitted against the unending grace and forgiveness message that empowers Believers not to be accountable for their words and actions. God’s intention is for His children to, “therefore grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18) I see a great desire for the grace, but not much of a desire for the knowledge. Now please do not misunderstand me, I need grace and forgiveness as much as the next man, who does not want God’s and our fellow man’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness? We all do, but it seems the message of God wanting us to be righteous, full of integrity, to do the right thing (the first time), and consequences for our actions seems to be lost in our desire to be forgiven time and time again. It is not God’s intention to keep forgiving us again and again. If He has to He will for His grace is unending, but God’s intention is to forgive us once when we miss the mark and for us to learn from our mistakes. But what we find is learning and seldom or never learning from our mistakes. Spiritual growth and maturity is just as much a central theme as grace is in the New Testament yet we find this topic rarely discussed and almost never preached from the pulpit. We again and again keep counting on God’s and our fellow man’s grace and forgiveness to get us over our immaturity and lack of spiritual development. It is a mystery to me why God allows this to go on in the Body of Christ. For us to grow in God we will need to be chastened and disciplined as a father corrects and disciplines his son. Now this we all (especially me) do not like, but for growth and maturity to develop in the son he must endure the father’s correction and chastisement. Remember we are saved by grace, but kept by our obedience to God. Our obedience to God we often think is seen when we do what He wants us to do, true to a degree, but God can get a donkey to be obedient. God is looking for us to endure His correction and to learn from it. No correction no maturity. Paul sets this truth before us, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” (Hebrews 12:11-13) We do not want to be chastened and disciplined, “the present seemeth to be joyous” but in the end “grievous” because of no chastening of the Lord. Yet after the chastening, “the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” is produced in us. Righteousness is not produced in us by grace that is a free gift of God less any should boast. Righteousness is worked in us when we see our wrongness out from God’s dealings and judgments in our lives. Only those exercised by the chastening of the Lord will produce the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Oh my friend we side step God’s work in our lives by counting on His grace time and time again. Why should I grow up the bottle tastes good. Why should I be accountable for my actions and words, God will forgive me. Maybe true, but this thinking and preaching always keeps us a baby not able to handle the weighty things of God. God does not need babies, oh no God needs men and woman of full age mature to handle things on earth as they are handled in heaven.

Well I am sure you can probably come up with your own list of mysteries. But in time as I walk with the Lord and keep these mysteries before Him maybe 10, 20, or 40 years He will be able to open up these mysteries and more. Time, faithfulness, and obedience are the keys to the mysteries and hidden treasures of God. And He opens them only to those children He can trust, only those children that have been approved and have qualified through correction, discipline, and yes chastisement.