Words of a King – “Heavenly Authority”

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“Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”  And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” – Mark 1:23-25

I was listening to “The Screwtape Letters” a few weeks back.  If you haven’t listened, or read this book from C.S. Lewis, I highly recommend it.  Without giving away the story, it’s about the demonic spirits of this world that prey on human souls to win them over to Satan, and away from God.  It’s cleverly written from the perspective of Uncle Screwtape to his nephew, Wormwood, both of whom are demons of the evil one.  The book touches on many of the ploys, the schemes, the methods of demonic influence in our life in an attempt to make you aware of what is good and righteous and what is not.  The point is that there is a spiritual world around you.  Your likely oblivious of the work that is going on in this realm, but rest assured the spirit of this world is working diligently to convince you that you aren’t worthy of God’s Kingdom.

Yes, the spirit of this world.  Satan lurks in this world, banned from heaven; he looks to devour the souls of this world and drag each of us to Hell with him.  His demons live in the spiritual realm, and are constantly tempting, suggesting and attempting to lead us down a path of unrighteousness.  Some examples of areas where demons are at work: Divorce, Abortions, Homosexuality, Pride, Selfishness, Materialism, Lust, Adultery, Pornography, Murder, Rape, Cursing and Impure thoughts.  Do not believe just because you claim to be a Christian, signed a card and came forward in church to profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that they will all retreat.  They stop battling for your soul the moment you die, for at that point you are no longer able to choose your fate.

But, we are reassured in 1 John 4:4, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”  The Holy Spirit, living within each of us is fighting this battle on our behalf every single day, unbeknownst to most of us.  Jesus commanded that this demon be gone from this man in the Synagogue with authority only granted to Him from heaven above.  As the Son of God, He alone has the authority to cast out demons and they must listen to His word, for He is above all things, even those of the evil one.  Jesus walked amongst the unclean spiritual world here on earth and frequently battled Satan and his minions.  There was a brief moment when Satan believed he had won against the Son of God, and that is when Christ breathed His last breath upon the cross.  Satan and his demons celebrated their victory for 3 days, until our Savior rose from the grave and demonstrated His dominion over Satan once again.

Jesus assured us that we would not fight this battle alone after His departure.  In John 14:15-17, Jesus tells us, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”  The Holy Spirit is within you and is fully God, just as Jesus was fully God when He walked upon the earth.  We often times underestimate just what a blessing it is to be walking with God every single day, and having His authority abide in us through His Holy Spirit.  Though the evil one will continue to tempt and distract and convince you that the ways of this world are the right ways; your strength comes from One that is above all and is Holy, righteous and pure.  This is why it is critically important that you are in prayer, quiet time and in the Word as much as possible.  The more you know God, His Son and the Holy Spirit, the stronger you become to defend His righteousness in battle.  Call upon the Holy Spirit when you are weakened by this world, and be assured He will stand in your defense and rid the demons from your path.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Words of a King – “Follow Me”

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“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” – Matthew 4:18-19

I must admit that I am jealous of Peter and Andrew, John, Matthew and the others that were called by Jesus while He walked the earth.  What it must have been like to be standing on the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee and simply fishing for the days catch, trying to scrape by enough to cover the needs of the family and perhaps sell some in the market of Capernaum.  I picture them strong of mind, body and character.  Rough around the edges, having done manual labor their whole life.  The nets of that day would weigh hundreds of pounds and these men would swing them and cast them out into the water to drag in their catch.  The sun is beating down, the day was hot and the wind was strong coming from the open water.  Shade was hard to find as they looked up over the rocky terrain and saw a man fully robed coming in their direction.  A stranger in these parts, what would he want with two simple fishermen?

I find that a very interesting question to ask.  Why did Jesus call Peter and Andrew, rather than making his way to the Synagogue and asking for the most educated scribe to follow Him?  He chose two fishermen and then chose two more (James & John).  For years I thought it was because they had little to give up, making it easier for them to follow Him.  How naïve`.  These men gave up their businesses, they left their nets behind (an enormous investment), they gave up their only means of making a living and providing for their families.  They did not know this man, perhaps they had heard of His preaching in Nazareth or earlier in Capernaum, but by no means was he a friend or even an acquaintance.

Why should we question why He chose Peter and Andrew?  Why should it matter?  God is sovereign, He knows the hearts of man and He knows what drives each of us.  He knows you, He knows me, intimately, personally and better than we even know ourselves.  For you see, what we hide behind our fears and our worries, He seeks to utilize.  He is calling each of us, just like He called those gentlemen.  He is calling you for a purpose in today’s world, just as He called them as evangelists and founders of the church in their time.  Your purpose is no less important and critical, and will require no less of a sacrifice.  Following Christ’s call is not for the weak of stomach, or those who fear loss in today’s world.  We look at the disciples with envy and jealousy for their opportunity to walk with the Savior daily, yet are we actually willing to do that ourselves? 

What stands between you and the Son of God?  What prevents you from rising from your chair this morning and raising your hand, and boldly proclaiming – “Yes, Lord – I will follow You.”  Speaking for myself, my fears stand in the way.  My fear of not being able to provide for my family, and all that it implies.  Food, clothes, shelter, school, transportation, vacations and a comfortable lifestyle.  These are the material, worldly things that stand between me and the plan that I believe God has emblazoned on my heart.  I feel much more like the rich man to whom Jesus told – “sell everything and give it to the poor” (Mark 10:17-26)  I am in bondage to the world and it is separating me from fulfilling everything God has planned for my life.

Don’t get me wrong – I am serving God every day in every way possible that I can; within the convenience of the life I have chosen.  But, this is not what God has called us to do.  He has called us to participate in the life He has chosen for us, and His promise is that He will take care of our needs, and our desires.  Please pray for me in this area, that I might be able to break the chains that bind me to the desires of my self centeredness.  And, if you would like prayer for you to discover and be free to pursue God’s plan, please email me or leave a Comment on http://sondove.blogspot.com or on https://www.facebook.com/#!/rpalmer1.          

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Words of a King - "Repent"

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“From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17

Do you want to know how amazing God is?
Last week, I was struggling with the inability of today’s society to trust and follow the examples that Jesus Christ left us with.  In our life we are purposed to grow and learn and become more Christlike, in our actions, in our words and in our spiritual journey.  Becoming more Christlike requires that we study and better understand the Messiah.  It requires that we accept Him as Lord and Savior, and acknowledge that He is who He says He is – the Son of the Most High God.  We must recognize the Holy Bible as the Word of God, and accept that the words contained there-in as truth.  Last week I began looking at the words of Christ and what they meant to me.  On Sunday, Pastor Randy Harvey (www.thecrossing.cc) preached his sermon on Matthew 4:17, which just happen to be the next words from Christ following the temptations in the wilderness that I discussed last week.

Jesus Christ walked this earth for 33 years and yet His ministry upon this earth was less than 3.  He was human and God at the same time, in the same place and existence.  We know little of his life between 12 and 30, but it is mentioned that he was the son of the carpenter Joseph, and thereby a conclusion may be drawn that he followed in his handicraft as a carpenter through those years.  As any Jewish boy of that era, he would have spent significant time in the Synagogue with his father, learning and memorizing the scriptures from the scrolls. 

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the river Jordan, and then tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days (see last week’s posts).  He then went on to Nazareth, the home city of his parents; Joseph and Mary, where he proclaimed fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah.  This brought him rejection from those in Nazareth, and foretold the rejection he would receive from the nation of Israel in due time.  Jesus left Nazareth and went on to Capernaum where he spent a significant part of his life over the next 3 years.  In his first statements to the people of Capernaum he proclaims that the “Kingdom of God is at hand”. 

The Israelites had been 400 years without a prophet or a sign from God.  Living on their faith and strong beliefs passed on from generation to generation, these people in Capernaum on that day witnessed firsthand the unveiling of the Messiah, the King, the Anointed One.  By His authority, He proclaimed to the masses, what you have waited for has now begun.  In His words He preached repentance for the sins of mankind.  Turn from your wickedness and come from the darkness into the light.  Choose to seek the Kingdom first, rather than the ways of the world. 

The message to you and I has not changed.  Jesus has ushered in the Kingdom of God amongst mankind.  He has demonstrated the purity, the righteousness, the love and sacrifice of a life in the new Kingdom.  Just as the people of that day had longed for a King, a Messiah, to save them from the persecutions of this world, how much more are we the same.  We must repent, turn from our sinful ways, and follow His teaching, His words and His actions to become more Christ-like.  In doing so we become more aware of His Kingdom that is around us and what our part in that Kingdom is.  He is our one and only King, worthy of our praise, honor and glory.  We are His subjects, meant to serve and worship Him alone.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Words of a King – “Stand on Truth”

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“And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:21
He journeyed for days across the hills, valleys and along the river.  Dust covered his feet and soiled the bottom of his robe.  He traveled in the heat of the day as well as the cool of the night, for he was headed home; and realized well in advance what lie before him.  The darkness covered the small village as he approached, with exception of a few homes with lanterns hanging in the window.  Making his way through the streets, there were dogs barking, and wolves in the distant hills responding with a bone chilling howl toward the full moon.  A few men wandered in the streets, likely full of the wine and having a hard time making back to their respective homes in the darkness. 

Finally though, our traveler knocks upon the door of his childhood home and embraces his mother as she steps back to let him enter.  He found relief for his tired muscles as he sits to break bread with his family once again.  He is informed that he is expected at the services in the morning bright and early, and following a deep prayer to the Father, he finds rest for the first time in days.

As the morning dawn breaks, he joins the other men from the village as they make their way to the synagogue.  Upon entering, he is welcomed home and embraced by many, then the Rabbi informs him that he will be reading from the scrolls that day.  Jesus then begins reading from the scriptures of Isaiah 61:1, and upon closing the scrolls, he shares with the elders, the teachers and the Rabbi with these words, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Shock filled the room, as men murmured with each other as to his meaning.  Some might have been declaring blasphemy under their breath, while others sat in quiet contemplation that it might actually be true.  The room became an uproar and the men filed out one by one, pressing and pushing him along with the mob.  Angered by his comments that “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.”  followed by examples from the ministries of Elijah and Elisha helping others outside of their hometown rather than the widows and sick within the city walls.  The men pushed Jesus to the edge of the city hill with evil intent on his very life, for making such a claim.  In a manner that only the Son of God could do, Jesus walked right through them as if they didn’t even know he was there.  And so it began, the fact that many will hate him for the truth that he brought to bear upon that generation. 
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Jesus began His ministry in Nazareth, amidst those whom He knew would not accept Him.  In His wisdom of mankind and of things eternal, He knew that it was a necessary step in establishing His presence here on earth.  For what He revealed in Nazareth would certainly proceed Him in Jerusalem and elsewhere throughout Israel.  In 3 years time the day would come where His proclamation would come to be judged and a crucifixion would need to take place. 

God’s plans and actions are not simply for the immediate situation in our life.  He is often times using something today to establish an action that will take place years down the road.  What we might see as a hardship or a concern today, could very well be the catalyst of great things to come in the future.  As Jesus stepped to the podium that Sabbath morning in Nazareth, He knew that what He was about to do would be seen as blasphemy and sacrilegious in the synagogue.  Yet, He also knew that it was a necessity for His purpose on this earth; and He was capable of following the plan the God had laid out for Him, despite the potential consequences. 

Do not fear what the Lord has in store for you today, for you do not know how it might bless you tomorrow.  Remember, God is sovereign, and in His sovereignty all things work for His good.  Do not fear the rejection of mankind for standing firm on the word of God in your daily walk.  Let God be your protector and salvation against the evils of this world.
             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Words of a King – “Serve Him”

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“Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” – Matthew 4:10

In the early 1930’s the world watched as a man rose in Germany to become the leader of the Third Reich.  His name was Adolf Hitler and he demanded the respect and obedience of every individual in Germany at the time.  He was worshipped by millions as a Supreme Being above mortal man.  Many believed he had the power over life and death, that even the weather was within his control.  Their confidence in him as their leader was so strong that they believed they could never be defeated as long as he was alive.  With a mandatory salute of respect, “Heil Hitler”, the people worshipped him where ever he went, and whenever he was in the public eye. 

In China, Mao Zedung is described as the founding father of the People’s Republic of China.  He rose to power through revolutionary tactics, and ruled over China from the 1950’s through his death in 1976.  He is seen by many as the savior of China and people come from all over China each year to visit his mausoleum.  His photo hangs in many businesses, public areas and most homes across the large populous country still to this day.  He was a ruthless dictator that ruled China with a ferocious fist, but was loved and worshipped by the masses while doing so, “For the betterment of China”.

In America, Presidents are often held on high regard and worshipped in a manner which separates them from the general population.  George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and even our current President Obama have all been regarded men above the norm.  We line the streets, push and shove and do everything we can to actually see them in person as if they were worthy of our praise and worship.

In England, the world watches and people praise the new born Prince George.  Women are seen crying tears of joy at his first public appearance.  The people crowd the palace to see the one who might deliver them from their current state of life today, anticipating his future reign as a change for the better.

How are we any different today than the Philistines, the Amorites, the Persians and the Babylonians and other societies of the Old Testament who worshipped their King, their god rather than the One and only God.  In the 21^st century we are filled with desire and passion for things that stand between us and God Almighty.  Examples include: money, cars, celebrities, lust, religion, relationships, selfishness and pride.  We serve and worship things and people and minimize the single focal point of all things – God, the Father.

Is Baal alive and well in the 21^st century world.  Absolutely, but we are so blinded by our self- righteousness we don’t even see the connection to the ancient world.  We claim Christianity and a love of Jesus Christ, yet stand by while the world destroys the very name of the one we claim to serve.  We are more interested in how we are getting ahead in life and succeeding in the eyes of those around us than we are in the eyes of the Lord. 

Who do you serve?  Who do you worship?  What does it mean to you to become a worshiper of God alone?

These words of Jesus Christ to Satan are words that should be followed by every man, woman and child from here to eternity.  Yet, I fear that most of us have succumbed to the tempter by allowing our inner desire for personal gain to cloud our vision.  Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate exactly where you are going in this life and why.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Words of a King – “Faith”

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“Jesus said to him {Satan}, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’” – Matthew 4:7

As we continue looking at the words of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God, we discover more and more about our own faith.  The challenge of faith in the 21^st century is the time that has passed from the physical nature of Jesus Christ.  There are countless examples of people who have put God, the Father, to the test to prove that He is real.  Some, in their attempt, to solidify their own faith have demanded that God show up in their presence once again.  Others, have challenged God to solve a problem, or help with a miracle at a time of desperation.  Many requests have been left unfulfilled, while many have been completely delivered upon.

When are we crossing the line and “testing” God?  When is the request for “proof” considered faithless and when is it considered desperate?

In this verse, Satan is challenging the identity of Jesus Christ.  He is asking that Jesus prove that He is the Son of God.  First, as I read what Jesus told us, I understand it to mean the following:
   1) God is in authority and all things are under Him and He alone
   2) Faith in God is not something that requires proof, it is knowing without seeing
   3) I  am secure enough in my relationship with God, the Father, that I do not need to prove it

The early church had the opportunity to recall the facts, first hand, of Jesus Christ walk upon this earth.  The disciples preached the word from their personal walk with Christ for a period of 70 or 80 years after His death and resurrection.  Thousands upon thousands heard the word first from their testimony of a personal relationship with the Messiah.  These men began the church of Jesus Christ, and their testimonies and calling became the foundation for the Christian church.  In addition to the words of the disciples, the Holy Spirit was alive and working within mankind to strengthen them, guide them and minister to them as the love of Jesus Christ spread.  This is also true today.  The Holy Spirit is alive and with us today, just as it was in 100 AD, but we are less receptive to His presence because of the distractions of society.

In those days, they were seeking God, they were impatiently awaiting the Messiah to bring an end to their pain and suffering.  They were desperate and hungry for the Lord to be with them.  Are you hungry for the Lord?  Am I?  Is anyone in the 21^st century?  We have become complacent in our pursuit of God and in turn a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.  We choose daily what we will spend our time on and where we will invest our energy, and 9 times out of 10 it is likely going to be on something other than God.  People are demanding proof that there is a God and that Jesus Christ actually walked the earth, because they are not seeing His image reflected in the actions of those who claim they know Him.

You and I are the image of God to these people.  When they look at you, they are studying to see just what being a Christian is all about.  What does it look like, how does one speak, how does one act in certain situations and how does a Christian react when tempted?  Their frame of reference for a relationship with Jesus Christ is to see what it looks like in you.  You did not walk with Christ for 3 years like the disciples, and therefore how will you represent His image to those around you?  This is where you must continually strengthen your walk with daily study of His word, daily engagement with the Holy Spirit who will work through you, and has an intimate relationship with God, the Father; and Christ, His son.

People, in this world continue to challenge the reality of God, just as Satan did on that day in the Wilderness.  It’s going to hurt sometimes, it will press your emotional buttons and it will cause your anger and contempt for those people to rise.  You must learn to handle temptations, ridicule and the aggressive attempts of this world to disprove God in the same manner that Jesus handled Satan.  “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”  and stand firm on the faith that has been instilled in you by the Holy Spirit and the saints of old.  Through your actions, your love, your words and your presence; let the Holy Spirit work on those you come in contact with. 
             

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Words of a King – “Trust God”

It has been a few days since my last post.  I have been struggling with a message that I feel strongly should be told.  I have wrestled with the Holy Spirit on how to communicate it, and it took a few days to get my obstinate attitude out of the way. 

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“But He {Jesus} answered {devil} and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”” – Matthew 4:4

What if we actually lived by the instructions and words that came from Jesus while He was here on earth.  For the next several days we will look specifically at His instructions as they pertain to our modern day society.  Perhaps, if we were more attuned to His word, we could actually make a change for the better in the world in which we live.

We all make choices each and every day on a number of different topics from clothing to wear, what to eat, spending money, our daily plan at work or school and who we talk to throughout the day.  You and I make a choice as to how much time we are spending with God and His word, learning, educating and growing in our faith and relationship with Him.  It’s no different than any other choice you make, but the results are dramatically different in the end.  You might choose a different route to the office each day and save 5 minutes in the commute.  You might choose a more healthy lunch or you might choose to spend 30 minutes longer at the gym and shave off a few pounds.  You prioritize your spending, your calendar and your time throughout the day – where does God fit?

Jesus first recorded words after He was baptized are captured above in Matthew 4:4.  In responding to the temptation that Satan has placed before him, He is teaching you and I how we should respond in the face of temptation, but He is also telling us to strengthen our walk each day by spending time with the Lord.  It’s not about what the world can give you (bread) but rather what God wants from you and will give you in return. 

This is counter-intuitive to what the world is telling you. “Make more money” “Buy bigger and faster” “Each man for himself”  “Keep your religious beliefs to yourself”, our lives should not be focused on what we are getting from the world.  Our lives should be focused on what we are giving back to the Lord, God Almighty, each and every day.  I believe in my heart you are agreeing with me and that you are looking for that deeper relationship, that intimacy with God in your life.  Are you waking up each morning asking God what you can do for Him today, or are you praying over your struggles, calendar and concerns each day?  Perhaps it is time for a change in how we are communicating to God. 

The scripture tells us to concentrate and “focus on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  This requires you to know what God is saying.  Perhaps it’s not verbal voice, but the written word.  The Holy Bible is known as the Word of God, and when studied will bring you closer to an understanding of who God is and what does He say.  I’m saying study the Bible, not just read a passage or two, and consider your duty done for the day. 

If you are reading this, you have likely made a choice at some point and time to believe in Jesus Christ for eternal salvation.  That is the single most important decision you will make in this life.  But, it is also the single most dangerous decision you will make.  You see, choosing to believe in Jesus Christ is a requirement for your eternal destiny, but if you have not chosen to follow Him, and make Him the Lord of your life, you are simply convincing yourself that you are a Christian and walking in that lie.  God needs to be at the center of your life, period. 

It’s not a matter of saying the words, but a matter of changing your life and committing yourself to His purpose and His desire in your life.  It is not a light hearted raising of your hand on Sunday morning and then back to your “worldly life” on Monday morning.  Get into the word of God every day.  Study it.  Learn from it and Share it with others.  Take part in the greatest opportunity you have ever had in your life and trust that in doing so, you are becoming less like the world and more like the Christ that you have proclaimed as your King.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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