SEED POWER - Part IV

SEED POWER - Part IV

We will conclude our series today.  Let’s take another look at the scripture text:

Matthew 13:24-30 (NKJV)
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’

Isn’t it comforting to know that GOD can handle Satan…with ease?  After all, Almighty God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere present).  On the other hand, Satan only has ‘three tricks’ up his sleeve.  The Apostle John identified them for us:

I John 2:16

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

In the power and authority of our risen Lord, we have the capacity to vanquish all three!  We, the disciples of Jesus Christ, we, the born-again believers in His Word – we are victorious overcomers!  So how do we walk in this victory?  We do so by discovering, developing and deploying our SEED POWER.  That is, WE sow the seed of faith (without hesitation, without fear, without doubt) into every situation and into every circumstance that we encounter in this life.

I John 5:4

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

By doing so, we recognize the fact that true victory resides in The Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, none other than JESUS CHRIST. (I Peter 2:25)  With this awareness, we appropriate the power of His atoning blood, simply by believing and speaking His unfailing Word.

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…

Listen up sisters and brothers!  Aren’t you sick and tired…of being sick and tired?  Why do you pace the floor and obsess over pains, pressures and problems?  Why do you lay awake at night, mentally and emotionally dissecting life’s issues?  Hear me!  Go to sleep and get your much-needed rest.  Why can you do that?  Because GOD IS UP while you are asleep – and “He is able” to handle any and all of your Mission Impossible! (Philippians 1:6)  I love how the psalmist, David, captures this truth:

Psalm 121 

¹ I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

² My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

³ He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

⁴ Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

⁶ The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

⁸ The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Listen up!  Don’t increase your problem by immersing and involving your SELF in the problem!  In Jesus’ parable, the laborers thought they had a practical solution for the problem of tares in the field.  They queried the farm owner, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’ (verse 28)  The sage response of the farmer was quite simple: ‘Leave it alone.  Let it go.’  That’s a Rhema Word for someone who is reading this devotional.  The issue you are now struggling with is far too big for you to handle.  Without GOD, you will likely make matters worse.  So…LET GO…and LET GOD!  (Ephesians 3:20)

After all is said and done, this is a faith journey.  “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (II Corinthians 5:7)  So utilize your SEED POWER!  Plant your seed of faith today.  Thereafter, continually cultivate and water it with the unfailing Word, with fervent prayer, with constant communion with fellow believers and with a consistent commitment to establishing the Kingdom of God.

I Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WE REMEMBER

WE REMEMBER

On this holiday, in the USA, we commemorate MEMORIAL DAY.  We pause in sobriety to remember family members, friends, along with the courageous military personnel who have served our nation via the ultimate sacrifice.  In the immediacy of the passing of loved ones (especially in the near-term), our focus rests almost exclusively on the details of their demise.  We reflect on the medical emergencies, the hospital admissions, the tragic accidents, the painful notifications of young lives lost prematurely, the seniors whose death (while anticipated) was no less painful, and all the other factors that led to the eternal transition of people we love.

Some losses are so sudden, so tragic, so monumental, that they shake us to our very core, for instance a parent’s loss of a child.  Nevertheless, with the passage of time, profound grief morphs into joyful memories of sunnier days and shared life experiences.

Today, as you reflect on the legacy of loved ones, remember life’s tiny and unanticipated moments of joy: those mutual smiles broadly shared when good news knocked at your door, those modest, unplanned, non-holiday gifts – treasured so much since they sprang spontaneously from the heart, those shared occasions of merriment and full-throated laughter that were stirred by familiar anecdotes or family successes.

So remember with joy those intimate hours of fellowship and the breaking of bread together, the powerful togetherness of shared worship experiences, and yes, even those worn-out-yet-comfortable 'house clothes' you did not necessarily like yet s/he seemed to cling to and dearly love, those unforgettable milestones that make up every life: the pure joy of traveling through time together, family holidays, trips and vacations, the occasional tears and ever-present triumphs, the weddings, the births, the funerals, the vast array of good days or bad, along with the discussions, disagreements and decisions that make our time on earth a rich and rounded experience.

It all adds up to something significantly special and simply miraculous: this marvelous and mysterious adventure that we call LIFE.  And it is so much greater, grander and glorious since you have shared it with people that you truly love.  So remember to treasure every single moment of it with joy and with a smile. 

On this Memorial Day, we pause to think of loved ones who have gone before.  And every believer will also reflect with joy on the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, without whom families and friendships would not be possible.  Jesus Christ, we remember You, and we recognize that You are able to totally transform every memory of things or people (lost and found) into ultimate and eternal joy. 

Thank You…

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

SEED POWER - Part III

SEED POWER - Part III

Our series text follows:

Matthew 13:24-30(NKJV)

²⁴ Another parable He put forth to them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; ²⁵ but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. ²⁶ But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. ²⁷ So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ ²⁸ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ ²⁹ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’

The single facet that I find most disturbing about this parable is set forth in verses 27-28.  The farm workers questioned the landowner about the presence of tares in the field (even though good seed had been planted).  His response was immediate and alarming: “An enemy has done this.”  Wow!  It’s one thing to have caused major issues to spring up in your own life, i.e. to shoot yourself in the foot so to speak; it’s quite another to become victimized by the ill will and chicanery of others!

However, a mature perspective includes the simple realization that no individual has total control over every situation or occurrence that springs up in or around his/her life.  No one has complete control over others; neither do YOU.

Does this fact suggest that we are to assume a fatalistic and passive view of life, that is, to throw up our hands in surrender and shout “Que sera, sera!” [What will be, will be].  Absolutely not.  Nevertheless, there is an important lesson in the very next part of the parable.  When queried about his intended response to the presence of counterfeit wheat, the landowner said something surprising.  Instead of allowing his workers to excise the tares, potentially causing damage to his intended crop, he insisted “Let both grow together until the harvest.”

The farmer’s decision to avoid a knee-jerk reaction to trouble is directly tied to the principle of sowing and reaping. (Genesis 8:22)  In truth, “whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)  Even when we have been wronged, and even if we can identify a human source behind our troubles, we are yet accountable to God for our reactions and responses.  One fruit of the Spirit is temperance or self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)  Remember this.  How we respond to challenges reveals our character, our connection to Christ, as well as the degree to which we REALLY believe in God’s Word.  Think about it.

Case in point: After David was terribly wronged by King Saul, he had ample opportunity to avenge himself.  Instead of taking Saul’s life as indeed he could have, David graciously spared him and brought about spiritual conviction (at least for the time being) to the conscience of the king.  Saul’s grateful response to David?  “For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him get away safely?  Therefore may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.” (I Samuel 24:19)  Saul’s prayer was prophetic since David eventually assumed his throne and inherited all his possessions.  After all is said and done, GOD is in control!

So stop trying to pay people back for what they have done or said to you and yours.  After all, GOD says “Vengeance, I will repay.” (Romans 12:19)

Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

SEED POWER - Part II

SEED POWER - Part II

As we continue, let’s reprise our series text, based on one of the Kingdom parables of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 13:24-30(NKJV)

²⁴ Another parable He put forth to them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; ²⁵ but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. ²⁶ But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. ²⁷ So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ ²⁸ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ ²⁹ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’

On the surface, this is a simple story of a farmer sowing seeds.  Let’s start with what we know.  We know that the seed was good.  We know that it was sown in the farmer’s field.  We know that while the farm workers slept, enemies came by night and sowed tares (noxious weeds or false wheat) along with the good wheat that had been meticulously sown.

Ultimately, when the seeds sprouted, two results emerged.  One result was expected.  One was totally unanticipated and problematic.  Perhaps, the most noteworthy lesson in this parable is the timing of the appearance of tares.  Consider this:  1) Haven’t you discovered (by this point in life) that it is only prudent to expect the unexpected?  2) Isn’t it apparent by now that not every person in and around your life will celebrate your potential or welcome your success?  3) Life happens, right?

That’s why you will never catch me concentrating my energy on so-called ‘haters.’  From where I sit, that is a tragic waste of time and energy.  However, let me share a nugget of truth with those who are tempted to do so.  Now hear this!  Your roadblocks and detours are actually signs of alternative pathways to success.  Isn’t that good?!?  One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:28 (NIV), which says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Lesson learned.  So discipline yourself sufficiently so you will internalize ONLY what GOD says…and so you will stop focusing on the foolishness and negativity of any other person on the planet!

Jesus’ parable suggests one salient point about Satan’s strategies.  Some situations are planted in and around your life at one point which the enemy intends to bring to fruition in a future time frame.  For example, you might have considered yourself to be fully healed from being mistreated or molested as a child.  But when you finally have children of your own, subconscious fears from your youth somehow seep into your conscious mind; and you find yourself constantly obsessing about the safety and security of your children.  As a loving parent, should you be concerned about your children?  Absolutely!  But should you be constantly tormented by unfounded apprehension and fear?  NO!

Bottom-line: The tares that the enemy tries so desperately to sow in and around your life are specifically designed: 1) to distract you from your divine purpose, i.e. to delay its full manifestation and development; 2) to nullify your witness to struggling and lost souls since you could be tempted to expend more time and energy on the tares than on the harvesting of the wheat, and finally 3) to cause you to move into FEAR, which according to the Word, “involves torment.” (I John 4:18)

Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

SEED POWER - Part I

SEED POWER - Part I

As we commence this series, let us prayerfully consider one of the dynamic Kingdom parables of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 13:24-30(NKJV)

²⁴ Another parable He put forth to them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; ²⁵ but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. ²⁶ But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. ²⁷ So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ ²⁸ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ ²⁹ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’

This is one of many gospel parables that Jesus utilized to illustrate spiritual truths in a powerful, practical and memorable manner.  So, what is a parable?  It is a natural illustration of supernatural truth.  It is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.  Indeed, it is revelation made simple.

Why did Jesus employ parables in His teaching?  Because there are some things about the character, purposes and activities of God that are so complex and awesome that they defy human understanding.  By sharing truth through simplistic parables, commonplace situations that were universally known and understood, Jesus reduced eternal truth down to its lowest common denominator, thus multiplying comprehension and retention of the gospel message.

In a word, Kingdom truths are so indispensable to the survival and well-being of disciples that Jesus needed to present them in clear, colorful and memorable ways.  Those who listened to the teachings of Jesus were certainly familiar with the law; they had definitely been exposed to the teachings of priests and prophets.  But they had not yet been exposed to the life-changing principles that lie at the heart of the Kingdom of God.

Prior to the start of Jesus’ public ministry, John the Baptist (his forerunner and cousin) proclaimed a foundational message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)  Once Jesus arrived on the scene, he echoed this mission critical message: “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

Thus, Jesus Christ taught the fundamentals of the Kingdom through basic parables, which actually are metaphors, likenesses, examples, comparisons and illustrations.

Matthew, chapter 13, contains many of these Kingdom parables.  Jesus taught: “the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed,” (verse 31) or “the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field,”(verse 44), or “the kingdom of heaven is like a pearl of great price,” (verses 4-46), or “the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet,” (verse 47), and on and on in other passages of the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Simply put, Jesus used these easily understood teaching illustrations so that open-hearted hearers might be exposed to and enlightened by divine truth.  However, there is another dimension to Christ’s teaching methodology.  While parables are an illuminating light to those who would receive the teachings of Christ, at the same time they are an obscuring darkness (a coded and unknowable truth) to those who would oppose Christ and His Kingdom.  Consider this:

Matthew 13:10-13

¹⁰ And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” ¹¹ He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.¹² For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.¹³ Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 

So quite ironically, parables have a two-fold intent: 1) to bring light and revelation to those who would receive Jesus, and 2) to veil and obscure truth from would be enemies of the cross of Christ.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

PEACE: THE BELIEVER'S ENTITLEMENT AND HERITAGE

PEACE: THE BELIEVER’S ENTITLEMENT AND HERITAGE

The Prince of Peace bequeaths and blesses us with continual, abundant, supernatural peace.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Isaiah 26:3 

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Psalm 119:165

Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.

So why do we sometimes succumb to the temptation to be worried, fretful, fearful or stressed?  The Word suggests a viable alternative for our attitudes and actions when we are confronted with challenges.

Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Prayerfully ponder the admonishment and assurances of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:25-34

²⁵ “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

²⁸ “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; ²⁹ and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

So don’t pray and worry.  In fact, don’t worry at all.  Instead, meditate on the sure promises of God and be at peace.

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!