ABBA

In the Aramaic language, which was used frequently by Jesus Christ in daily discourse, the word “Abba” simply means “father.”  It was a term that was highly valued and introduced to us by Jesus, e.g. Mark 14:36.  “And he [Jesus] said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee…” 

The Early Church was also familiar with (and accepting of) this affectionate relational title, “Abba.”  According to the Apostle Paul, we “have not received the spirit of bondage…but [we] have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby [we] cry, Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)  Paul further identified us as “sons” of Almighty God, who “sent forth the Spirit of his Son into [our] hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:6)  We are supremely favored because “HE (Abba, Father) hath chosen us in him (Jesus Christ, The Son) before the foundation of the world” and we have been “accepted in the beloved (The Son).” (Ephesians 1:4,6)

So the scriptural evidence is remarkably clear: ALMIGHTY GOD is ABBA.  As such, He structures and sustains a covenantal connection with every ‘son’ and every ‘daughter’ in His Kingdom through Christ, His Son.  Although Almighty God is indisputably both ‘King’ and ‘Master,’ our intimate association with Him is not described (best) as a king-subject relationship or a master-servant relationship.  Jesus Christ declares, “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you.” (John 15:15)  Indeed, Jesus Christ functions as our kinsmen-redeemer and elder brother who introduces us to the matchless grace and goodness of Abba, our Father.  Through our tangible Christ-connection, we become legally and spiritually adopted children of The Father, i.e. “the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.” (Psalm 95:7) 

Jesus carefully instructed ‘The Twelve’ on what we now call “The Lord’s Prayer,” but could be more accurately labeled as “The Disciple’s Prayer.”  This model of heavenly petitions commences with two simple, yet highly significant, words: “Our Father.”  This affectionate phrase is so potent and important that it is repeated 160 times in scripture, in one form or another.  But the scripture verse I love best is duplicated in six scripture verses for special emphasis: “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God Our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 1:3 – Galatians 1:3 – Ephesians 1:2 – Philippians 1:2 – II Thessalonians 1:2 – Philemon 1:3)

The only way we can effectively approach Abba, The Father, the only way we can become legal recipients of his grace and mercy is through the compassionate and open door of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and High Priest. (I Timothy 2:5 and Hebrews 4:15)  In the memorable words of Jesus, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9)  “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

Have you prayed lately to Abba, The Father, in order to alleviate your personal challenges?  Always remember: HE embodies everlasting compassion and HE deploys unlimited resources to ably address each life-situation.  Sisters and brothers, You have been authorized to approach the throne of grace with boldness, but you always arrive with a keen awareness that He is “Our Father.” (Hebrews 4:16 and Luke 11:2)  In other words, your personal communion with Abba, The Father only takes place in the presence of peace and harmony with your spiritual siblings.  In the words of our revered Elder Brother, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has ought against you; leave there your gift before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-25)

In closing, we must always approach Abba, The Father, via the authority and name of Jesus, The Son.  For this reason, I typically begin personal prayer time with a simple introductory phrase: “Father, in the name of Jesus...”  HE is my Eternal Source, “my light and my salvation.” (Psalm 27:1)  I love Him so…and no matter ‘what’ comes or ‘who’ goes, He will always be “ABBA” to me.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!

THE ONE AND ONLY RIGHTEOUS JUDGE

Last Friday, I read a disturbing posting on Facebook, which literally grieved my spirit.  The posting was follow-up commentary on an ‘article’ written by a scandalous website whose apparent mission is to systematically smear churches and leaders.  The Facebook writer was prophetically pontificating, pursuant to the report of a midwest pastor’s death near the end of his Sunday worship service.

The writer clearly implied that this deceased Pastor was one of a number whom he “prophesied” about, i.e. that “God was going to start taking preachers right out of the church!”  The writer went on to say, “This is the 10th one this year!  All of them died right in the church!  The WRATH of God is made manifest!”  He concluded with a tersely worded statement:  “You still think it’s PLAY-TIME leaders?  Still wanna hide behind the Clergy Collar, and do your dirt?  HMMMMM?  You might just be next in line!”  One respondent, a prophetic-tag-along,  immediately joined the chorus: “I received a word that was very similar.  I have heard of pastors dropping dead in the pulpit.  God is not playing when He says…judgment starts at the house of the Lord.”

From my perspective, this condemnatory discourse was absolutely inappropriate and totally out-of-line with the Word of God.

Scripture certainly instructs us to “despise not prophesyings.” (I Thessalonians 5:20)  So be assured: that is not what I am doing here.  I am a firm believer in the validity of prophetic utterances that comport harmoniously with the Word of God.  Ultimately, there are at least two litmus tests that we must apply to any prophecy: 1) Is it an accurate reflection of God’s will as revealed in scripture; and, 2) If it is a foretelling (as opposed to a forth-telling), did the prophecy come to pass?

I communicated (both publicly and privately) with the writer shortly after he issued his implicit and public condemnation of the deceased pastor.  He informed me that he is not personally acquainted with the pastor, i.e. he has never met him and knows nothing at all about him.  Wow!  Jesus Christ said “by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:20)  If you “know” nothing about this man’s life or ministry, how could you possibly feel comfortable posting a public judgment about his life and death, especially since you eventually admit that your ‘prophecy’ was not necessarily about him, but about “nine other pastors, three of which died out of the will of God, [and] this [midwest pastor’s death] ended up happening…the same way.”

Only GOD is qualified to make such statements.  The writer’s actions represent the height of recklessness and insensitivity, especially since his statements were made in a public venue (indeed a global venue) and might even be read by the deceased pastor’s immediate family, church members and friends.

Here is a portion of my response to the accusatory clergyman: 1) The Word of God clearly instructs us: “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” (I Timothy 5:19)  Have you followed that mandate?  2) You indicated in an inbox message to me that you do not even know the St. Louis pastor.  Therefore, even if God gave you a specific word about “evil leaders in the pulpit,” it is utterly insensitive and rash for you to post this on the notice of this pastor's death. After all, he has family and members who love him and would be hurt by such cold commentary.  3) The source of the above article is obnoxioustv.wordpress.com.  Seriously?!?!?  The name and reputation of that site should provide (at a minimum) a marginal degree of skepticism about the value and integrity of 'whatever' they have to say.  4) Finally, I make no judgments on your gift of prophecy, but you should fervently pray about and utilize the WISDOM OF GOD while using this or any other spiritual gift.  If I am offensive, please forgive and overlook me.  But enough is enough when it comes down to divisiveness and division within the Body of Christ!

The Apostle Paul referred to the Lord Jesus Christ as “the righteous judge.” (II Timothy 4:8)  In the words of “the righteous judge,” believers should “judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1)  Dr. Luke also records Christ’s clear admonition: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)  I reference two additional scriptures (below) for your prayerful consideration:

I Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

James 4:11

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Almighty God is the one and only righteous judge!  The tone of today’s devotional is somewhat atypical since I hold an intense sense of conviction that the Body of Christ must operate in unity and in harmony, more so now than ever before.  We cannot exhaust our time and energies on trivial pursuits, especially on nonsense that plays into the enemy’s agenda of nullifying our witness and our ability to build the Kingdom of God.  If you disagree with what I have said, just pray for me.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!

VISIBLE FAITH

There must always be a dynamic and visible component to our faith.  According to the Apostle James, “Faith, if it hath not works is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17)  In other words, it is impossible to truthfully proclaim the presence of faith in the absence of an active and appropriate response.  Faith moves us, which in turn, moves God!  Just as the Word of God is “alive and active,” faith, too, is a living and breathing reality that ushers us into the very presence and power of Almighty God. (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)  In this sense, we can conclude that Faith is the ‘first cousin’ of The Word, i.e. it releases the awesome effects of The Word within our daily realities and responsibilities.

Kingdom Principle Number One: Faith is voice-activated.  Unquestionably, faith is received and initiated “by hearing…the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)  Therefore, when we fail to read and meditate on the Word, we automatically consign ourselves to situational frustration and failure.  On the other hand, whenever we embrace and honor the Word, (which is tantamount to embracing honoring The Living Word, Jesus Christ), we position ourselves for the unqualified victories that emerge from released faith. (St. John 1:1 and I John 5:4)  As mandated by Almighty God in Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”  Take note that there is a requirement to both reflect upon the Word and to speak the Word in order to engage our divine purpose and destiny.

Kingdom Principle Number Two: Faith is action-activated.  For scriptural confirmation, let’s look in on a miracle wrought by our ultimate example, Jesus Christ.

Mark 2:1-4

¹ And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

² And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

³ And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

⁴ And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

One might argue that this sick man would never have been healed if his companions had chosen the route of apathy and indifference.  The mere fact that they dared do something bold and radical caught the attention of The Great Physician and provoked a commensurate healing response.

Kingdom Principle Number Three: Faith motivates a Word from the Lord that infinitely expands possibilities.  The man stricken of palsy might have envisioned a life of absolute restrictions and limitations.  However, the faith of his friends moving in tandem with his personal faith, (for it took great faith to allow others to lift him and his bed to the rooftop), provoked not only a physical healing, but A Spiritual Word that forever changed his circumstances.  Bystanders were motivated to testify: “We never saw it on this fashion.” 

Mark 2:5,10-12

⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

¹⁰ But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

¹¹ I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

¹² And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

What the multitude “saw” was the unlimited power of God focused and flowing freely through the powerful prism of personal faith.  Indeed, faith is visible.  So what are you doing…today…right now…to demonstrate and display faith to The Object of our faith?  Think about it.  Almighty God is watching, waiting and willing to work miraculously on your behalf.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!

BLESS THE LORD!

Our God is s-o-o-o-o good…that all I can say today is “Bless the Lord!” 

The Psalmist David speaks the sentiments of my heart:

Psalm 103

¹ Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

² Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

³ Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

⁴ Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

⁵ Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Sisters and brother…be continually blessed!