A huge enemy army was on its way to crush Judah. When King Jehoshaphat became aware of the impending invasion, the enemy was just days away from Jerusalem. This was long before the invention of any kind of rapid communication, so unless someone came and told you what was coming, it would be upon you before you had any knowledge. In many ways it’s still the same today, as problems often arrive suddenly with little or no prior knowledge.
King Jehoshaphat was alarmed and overwhelmed by the impending attack, so he prayed and called for a nationwide time of fasting (2 Chronicles 20:3). This is a very rich chapter and I can only touch on part of it in this article. We will visit here again in the near future.
Jehoshaphat led his nation in prayer and together they cried out to God for help (vv. 6-12). The heart of that prayer is, “We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (v. 12, NKJV).
The answer to this prayer came through one of the Levitical worship team members who began to prophesy and brought the Word of the Lord to the nation. The essence of the word was, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s . . . . You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you . . . . Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” (20:15-17, NKJV).
Jehoshaphat’s response to this powerful word was instantaneous and important. The king immediately bowed before the Lord as an act of submission and acceptance of the Word of the Lord and in worship. The whole nation followed his lead and they too bowed and worshipped.
The next day the people of Judah did as they were instructed and went out and positioned themselves to fight with the Word of the Lord still ringing in their ears, “The battle is not yours, but God’s.”
What happens next is truly enlightening. Jehoshaphat appointed a group of worshippers to go out in front of the army to “sing to the Lord . . . praise the beauty of holiness . . . they went out before the army and were saying: ‘Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever’” (20:21).
What a powerful truth we are given: Worship leads on the road to victory! Will we ever learn?
As the people of God were worshipping and praising, miraculous things began to happen. “The Lord set ambushes against the enemy” (v. 22). The Lord had some surprises in store for the enemy and suddenly the invading armies began to fight among themselves. When one army had destroyed the other, the warriors of the victorious army began to fight among themselves. Worship brings confusion and discord into the ranks of our enemy. Worship leads the way on the road to victory! Will we ever learn?
The Lord made these truths real to me during my months of treatment for cancer. There were many nights when sleep was impossible; wherever sleep was, it wasn’t in my neighborhood. I am most susceptible to anxiety and fear when I am alone and it is quiet, and most often this is at night. When I am tired and not feeling well, the combination of all components provides an open door for fear to take hold. I learned when this began to happen that I needed to begin to worship and praise Him. As I entered into worship, many times I would sense the presence of the Lord but even if I didn’t I found that as I worshipped, the fear that was trying to get a grip on me would be overwhelmed by the worship. Worship led me and kept me on the road to victory.
How do you worship when all hell is breaking loose around you and things seem impossible? It’s my experience that you just begin by thanking and praising Him for your salvation, for the Holy Spirit, for the Word, for the privilege of prayer, for the many blessings that He has given. The more you worship and magnify Him, the more things will come to mind, and the more you praise, the more His presence will manifest itself (Psalm 22).
Now that I am on the other side of the cancer treatment, there are still many nights that I am awake, so I get up and go to the den or into my office and spend time worshipping Him. Why? Because He loves me, I love Him, and I want to stay on the road to victory!
But doesn’t 1 John 5:4 (NKJV) say, “And this is the victory that has overcomes the world—our faith”? Yes, it does—and what is worship but an act and expression of faith? The people of Judah acted in faith when they were obedient to the direction of God’s Word and they acted in faith by letting worship lead them into battle and on to victory.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
IN THE ARK OF SAFETY
At times it is difficult to process all the voices trying to talk to us, trying to get our attention:
• The secular media are on us all day, every day, trying to catch our attention, trying to put their agenda across, trying to get us to listen. The political agendas of America have found their voices in sound bytes picked up by the secular media and pushed at us as news.
• Our friends, and some not-so-friendlies, are constantly “talking” to us by cell phone, e-mail and the newest phenom of Facebook, Twitter and other social network sites. The volume here has turned up considerably in the last couple of years.
• Our families are in touch, thankfully, some almost every day—and these are welcome voices.
• God is talking! Can we hear Him over the noise of the life going on around us?
The voices are constant and at times, for our own sanity, we need to shut the door and listen to the One Who really has the answers.
I found this to be especially true a couple of weeks ago when David Wilkerson published his message “An Urgent Word.” Carol and I read the printed message when it came out on Saturday, March 7, and I admit that while I was not surprised, I was a bit stunned as I read it. The very next day, to my total surprise, a summation of David’s article appeared on The Drudge Report (which gets up to 26 million hits a day) and then the voices really started chattering about the prophetic announcement.
From the local newspaper in Tyler, Texas, to a mention in The Wall Street Journal by columnist Peggy Noonan, to countless references on blog sites and Web sites across the globe, the voices began talking about David’s prophetic insight. Joining the fray, of course, are the so-called “protectors of the truth” like Hank Hanagraff, who takes every opportunity he can to knock down everyone who doesn’t believe as he does. (Note to Hank: You are probably not going to be happy with your neighbors in heaven!) One of the articles I read was written by noted Baptist pastor John Piper who did a very credible job of exegeting 1 Thessalonians 5:20 but then blew it all when he said that he felt David’s suggestion about laying in store a 30-day supply of non-perishable foods was “extra-biblical.” (Note to John: Your prejudice is showing and this made you look petty and silly.)
Finally I stopped reading the articles; I closed the door and listened for what the Lord was trying to say to me about all of this. God didn’t talk to me about the article right away; He went to other issues first. First, the Lord reminded me that I have known David Wilkerson as a friend for over forty years. I know he is a man of prayer and I know that God talks to him. I trust David Wilkerson; he is a man of integrity and he is a man of the Word. Also, he is a man with a proven track record of faithful ministry. David is also a man of courage who has been willing to speak out even when others didn’t like it, and that’s more than I can say for a lot of other pastors and leaders who give voice only to popular things, things the crowds want to hear.
The next thing the Lord had me do was go to Genesis and read again the story of Noah and the flood. I read about how God spoke to Noah and when he shared what he had heard, nobody believed him; they thought he was crazy. I realized the flood was a type of the judgment of God on the sin of the world. God had Noah prepare an ark to house his family and a remnant of all living creatures. The ark, I realized, was more than a physical structure. It was the result of Noah’s faith and obedience and these, too, are where our deliverance and safety lies.
(Genesis 7:17-18 NIV).“For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and as the waters increased they lifted the ark high above the earth. The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water”
Noah and his family were safe because Noah listened to God, stepped out in faith and followed His instructions to the letter.
Our ark of safety in the coming storm is constructed by our faith and obedience. Our ark will ride on the surface of the waters just as Noah’s did!
“Don’t ask God to guide your steps if you are not willing to move your feet” (author unknown).
• The secular media are on us all day, every day, trying to catch our attention, trying to put their agenda across, trying to get us to listen. The political agendas of America have found their voices in sound bytes picked up by the secular media and pushed at us as news.
• Our friends, and some not-so-friendlies, are constantly “talking” to us by cell phone, e-mail and the newest phenom of Facebook, Twitter and other social network sites. The volume here has turned up considerably in the last couple of years.
• Our families are in touch, thankfully, some almost every day—and these are welcome voices.
• God is talking! Can we hear Him over the noise of the life going on around us?
The voices are constant and at times, for our own sanity, we need to shut the door and listen to the One Who really has the answers.
I found this to be especially true a couple of weeks ago when David Wilkerson published his message “An Urgent Word.” Carol and I read the printed message when it came out on Saturday, March 7, and I admit that while I was not surprised, I was a bit stunned as I read it. The very next day, to my total surprise, a summation of David’s article appeared on The Drudge Report (which gets up to 26 million hits a day) and then the voices really started chattering about the prophetic announcement.
From the local newspaper in Tyler, Texas, to a mention in The Wall Street Journal by columnist Peggy Noonan, to countless references on blog sites and Web sites across the globe, the voices began talking about David’s prophetic insight. Joining the fray, of course, are the so-called “protectors of the truth” like Hank Hanagraff, who takes every opportunity he can to knock down everyone who doesn’t believe as he does. (Note to Hank: You are probably not going to be happy with your neighbors in heaven!) One of the articles I read was written by noted Baptist pastor John Piper who did a very credible job of exegeting 1 Thessalonians 5:20 but then blew it all when he said that he felt David’s suggestion about laying in store a 30-day supply of non-perishable foods was “extra-biblical.” (Note to John: Your prejudice is showing and this made you look petty and silly.)
Finally I stopped reading the articles; I closed the door and listened for what the Lord was trying to say to me about all of this. God didn’t talk to me about the article right away; He went to other issues first. First, the Lord reminded me that I have known David Wilkerson as a friend for over forty years. I know he is a man of prayer and I know that God talks to him. I trust David Wilkerson; he is a man of integrity and he is a man of the Word. Also, he is a man with a proven track record of faithful ministry. David is also a man of courage who has been willing to speak out even when others didn’t like it, and that’s more than I can say for a lot of other pastors and leaders who give voice only to popular things, things the crowds want to hear.
The next thing the Lord had me do was go to Genesis and read again the story of Noah and the flood. I read about how God spoke to Noah and when he shared what he had heard, nobody believed him; they thought he was crazy. I realized the flood was a type of the judgment of God on the sin of the world. God had Noah prepare an ark to house his family and a remnant of all living creatures. The ark, I realized, was more than a physical structure. It was the result of Noah’s faith and obedience and these, too, are where our deliverance and safety lies.
(Genesis 7:17-18 NIV).“For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and as the waters increased they lifted the ark high above the earth. The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water”
Noah and his family were safe because Noah listened to God, stepped out in faith and followed His instructions to the letter.
Our ark of safety in the coming storm is constructed by our faith and obedience. Our ark will ride on the surface of the waters just as Noah’s did!
“Don’t ask God to guide your steps if you are not willing to move your feet” (author unknown).
Sunday, October 16, 2011
THE TRAGEDY AT LAODICEA
Just as I was preparing to write this post, “The Tragedy at Laodicea,” Carol forwarded to me an article by a respected prophecy teacher referring to “the time of the Laodicean church” being now! Again, I was struck by the timeliness of the Holy Spirit’s leading. I trust that through this article I can show you something the Holy Spirit has been making real to me in just the last few days about the times in which we live, the Laodicean church, and the tragedy that happened there.
We are first introduced to the Laodicean church in Colossians 2:1. Neither the Colossian nor the Laodicean church were actually begun by Paul but he loved and ministered to them as a friend and an apostle. It is very likely that the church in Laodicea was begun by one of the converts from the Colossian church, which was just ten miles away.
Laodicea was a prosperous city, well known for its production of quality wool for clothing and also for its beautiful and luxurious carpets. As was the custom of this day, the church of Laodicea met in a private home (Colossians 4:15). As Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians, he instructs the brethren to make certain that the letter is also read to the church at Laodicea and that the letter he wrote to Laodicea be read to the Colossian church (4:16). The letter to the Laodiceans is no longer in existence.
When Jesus speaks of the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3, He uses very strong and descriptive words to describe what is happening: “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. . . . You say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked—” (Revelation 3:14-17).
What could have happened to the church of Laodicea and why do I speak of this as a tragedy?
We get some insight into what happened through a warning Paul issued to both churches in Colossians 2, that false teachers would come with a message of bondage that would try to lead them away from the centrality of Christ.
In Colossians 2:8, Paul specifically warns that the false teachers would try and introduce contemporary pagan philosophy into the church in the guise of “new and progressive” Christianity. Through their teaching, Paul warned, the false teachers would bring “basic principles of the world,” indicating that the false teaching primarily would be concerned with visible and perishable things that would replace the centrality of Christ (also see also Galatians 4:3).
So what is the tragedy at Laodicea? The scope of the tragedy begins to unfold in the words of Christ Himself in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
The tragedy is that Jesus is no longer in this once thriving church—He is no longer central to the church. Jesus is on the outside, knocking and calling out to His bride, who has gone whoring after others. This church, birthed in a move of God’s Spirit, has totally lost its way; it has lost its focus; it has lost Christ as the center of its being. Jesus Christ is no longer the head of this church. He has become a fond memory, a piece of stained glass, an icon hanging on the wall—but He is no longer the living, vibrant center/head. Christ is not worshipped in this church but has been largely replaced by a preoccupation with self and its needs.
This is a tragedy of unspeakable magnitude! It is a description of large segments of the church in America where wealth, success, acceptance and political correctness are celebrated and Jesus is rarely mentioned or worshipped. Thankfully, the Laodicean spirit has not gripped the whole church. There is still a bride who loves and cherishes the Bridegroom. Her garments are white, her praise is loud and clear, she refuses to be seduced or compromised by the beggarly elements of the world, and her eyes are fixed upon her Beloved. This is the overcoming church who will sit with Christ on His throne (3:21).
The tragedy of Laodicia did not have to happen—but it did! And the tragedy will be compounded if we do not learn from this.
We are first introduced to the Laodicean church in Colossians 2:1. Neither the Colossian nor the Laodicean church were actually begun by Paul but he loved and ministered to them as a friend and an apostle. It is very likely that the church in Laodicea was begun by one of the converts from the Colossian church, which was just ten miles away.
Laodicea was a prosperous city, well known for its production of quality wool for clothing and also for its beautiful and luxurious carpets. As was the custom of this day, the church of Laodicea met in a private home (Colossians 4:15). As Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians, he instructs the brethren to make certain that the letter is also read to the church at Laodicea and that the letter he wrote to Laodicea be read to the Colossian church (4:16). The letter to the Laodiceans is no longer in existence.
When Jesus speaks of the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3, He uses very strong and descriptive words to describe what is happening: “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. . . . You say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked—” (Revelation 3:14-17).
What could have happened to the church of Laodicea and why do I speak of this as a tragedy?
We get some insight into what happened through a warning Paul issued to both churches in Colossians 2, that false teachers would come with a message of bondage that would try to lead them away from the centrality of Christ.
In Colossians 2:8, Paul specifically warns that the false teachers would try and introduce contemporary pagan philosophy into the church in the guise of “new and progressive” Christianity. Through their teaching, Paul warned, the false teachers would bring “basic principles of the world,” indicating that the false teaching primarily would be concerned with visible and perishable things that would replace the centrality of Christ (also see also Galatians 4:3).
So what is the tragedy at Laodicea? The scope of the tragedy begins to unfold in the words of Christ Himself in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
The tragedy is that Jesus is no longer in this once thriving church—He is no longer central to the church. Jesus is on the outside, knocking and calling out to His bride, who has gone whoring after others. This church, birthed in a move of God’s Spirit, has totally lost its way; it has lost its focus; it has lost Christ as the center of its being. Jesus Christ is no longer the head of this church. He has become a fond memory, a piece of stained glass, an icon hanging on the wall—but He is no longer the living, vibrant center/head. Christ is not worshipped in this church but has been largely replaced by a preoccupation with self and its needs.
This is a tragedy of unspeakable magnitude! It is a description of large segments of the church in America where wealth, success, acceptance and political correctness are celebrated and Jesus is rarely mentioned or worshipped. Thankfully, the Laodicean spirit has not gripped the whole church. There is still a bride who loves and cherishes the Bridegroom. Her garments are white, her praise is loud and clear, she refuses to be seduced or compromised by the beggarly elements of the world, and her eyes are fixed upon her Beloved. This is the overcoming church who will sit with Christ on His throne (3:21).
The tragedy of Laodicia did not have to happen—but it did! And the tragedy will be compounded if we do not learn from this.
Friday, March 11, 2011
THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SAYS.....
It was more than difficult to sit in the medical office listening to the treatment plan and being advised of the difficulties and pain of the weeks ahead. To have medical professionals describe the cancerous tumor on my neck as difficult to deal with because of its location was not greatly encouraging. All in all, it was a painful and discouraging hour.
About seven or eight weeks ago I discovered a swelling on the left side of my neck right along the jaw in the lymph gland area. After a couple of trips to the doctor, treatment by antibiotics, a CT Scan and a needle biopsy, my doctor called to tell me that the growth was cancerous. That set off a whole string of other doctors getting involved. Suddenly I had a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, an ear-nose-throat surgeon, and I had more scans and additional biopsies taken from my throat and tongue. I can heartily recommend that you not have your tonsils removed at my age! That procedure opened up a door of pain and discomfort that I have not experienced before.
Before Carol and I sat down with the radiation oncologist’s staff to hear them lay out for us the treatment plan and fully explain what would be involved, we prepared ourselves both spiritually and medically for what was to come.
Spiritually we have taken our stand for healing. We both believe that God heals the sick and our foundational healing Scriptures are Isaiah 53:4-5 and Psalm 91:1-3. We had the elders of our church anoint me with oil and pray for healing; we have enlisted an army of family and friends to stand with us in prayer and faith; and every day I cry out to God for healing. I know that the Lord has not given this infirmity to me and I also know that He has not, at this time, taken it from me. I understand that right now this is the “deep water” I am to walk through and I am at peace.
On the medical side the Lord has supernaturally led us to some of the very best cancer specialists in this area. The doors have opened for almost immediate appointments and the care has been incredible.
All through the process I knew the doctors were not telling us everything about the level of difficulty and the side effects of the treatment. I can tell when someone is holding something back but eventually most of that came out. The radiation nurse told us, “I wish I could tell you different but the last couple of weeks of treatment are going to be hellish. The pain and soreness in the neck and throat is going to build up until you won’t want to eat or drink anything because it will just be too painful.”
It was a sober drive home and in the SUV Carol reminded me of a passage of Scripture that I had shared with our daughter Leslie the day before. I had printed out a copy of Isaiah 43 and it was sitting on my desk when I got home. The passage reads like God participated in the conversation in the doctor’s office and He was now having the final word.
“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you….he who formed you…. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you…you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God…you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you…do not be afraid, for I am with you… (Isaiah 43:1-5 NIV).
I am not writing this blog post to elicit pity or sympathy…frankly I don’t want either. I have prepared this because some of you, like me, are going through your own deep waters, your own fires of tribulation, and a few of you are about ready to give up. His promise to you is the same as it is to me: “You are mine…you are precious and honored in my sight…I love you…do not be afraid!”
We do go through treacherous experiences but He will be with us to protect and keep us. We will pass through rivers of trouble and pain that will threaten to overwhelm us but He will not allow that to happen—His hand will restrain the destruction. We will go through fires of temptation and affliction; we’ll feel the heat but we will not be burned nor will we be destroyed.
I love God more today than I ever have in my life. I trust Him and because I am passing through deep waters doesn’t mean that somehow I have failed Him or that I am lacking in faith. It means I am passing through deep waters and He will show Himself strong on my behalf.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (Jesus to the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:9).
“For when I am weak, then I am strong” (Paul’s declaration, 2 Corinthians 12:10).
About seven or eight weeks ago I discovered a swelling on the left side of my neck right along the jaw in the lymph gland area. After a couple of trips to the doctor, treatment by antibiotics, a CT Scan and a needle biopsy, my doctor called to tell me that the growth was cancerous. That set off a whole string of other doctors getting involved. Suddenly I had a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, an ear-nose-throat surgeon, and I had more scans and additional biopsies taken from my throat and tongue. I can heartily recommend that you not have your tonsils removed at my age! That procedure opened up a door of pain and discomfort that I have not experienced before.
Before Carol and I sat down with the radiation oncologist’s staff to hear them lay out for us the treatment plan and fully explain what would be involved, we prepared ourselves both spiritually and medically for what was to come.
Spiritually we have taken our stand for healing. We both believe that God heals the sick and our foundational healing Scriptures are Isaiah 53:4-5 and Psalm 91:1-3. We had the elders of our church anoint me with oil and pray for healing; we have enlisted an army of family and friends to stand with us in prayer and faith; and every day I cry out to God for healing. I know that the Lord has not given this infirmity to me and I also know that He has not, at this time, taken it from me. I understand that right now this is the “deep water” I am to walk through and I am at peace.
On the medical side the Lord has supernaturally led us to some of the very best cancer specialists in this area. The doors have opened for almost immediate appointments and the care has been incredible.
All through the process I knew the doctors were not telling us everything about the level of difficulty and the side effects of the treatment. I can tell when someone is holding something back but eventually most of that came out. The radiation nurse told us, “I wish I could tell you different but the last couple of weeks of treatment are going to be hellish. The pain and soreness in the neck and throat is going to build up until you won’t want to eat or drink anything because it will just be too painful.”
It was a sober drive home and in the SUV Carol reminded me of a passage of Scripture that I had shared with our daughter Leslie the day before. I had printed out a copy of Isaiah 43 and it was sitting on my desk when I got home. The passage reads like God participated in the conversation in the doctor’s office and He was now having the final word.
“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you….he who formed you…. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you…you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God…you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you…do not be afraid, for I am with you… (Isaiah 43:1-5 NIV).
I am not writing this blog post to elicit pity or sympathy…frankly I don’t want either. I have prepared this because some of you, like me, are going through your own deep waters, your own fires of tribulation, and a few of you are about ready to give up. His promise to you is the same as it is to me: “You are mine…you are precious and honored in my sight…I love you…do not be afraid!”
We do go through treacherous experiences but He will be with us to protect and keep us. We will pass through rivers of trouble and pain that will threaten to overwhelm us but He will not allow that to happen—His hand will restrain the destruction. We will go through fires of temptation and affliction; we’ll feel the heat but we will not be burned nor will we be destroyed.
I love God more today than I ever have in my life. I trust Him and because I am passing through deep waters doesn’t mean that somehow I have failed Him or that I am lacking in faith. It means I am passing through deep waters and He will show Himself strong on my behalf.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (Jesus to the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:9).
“For when I am weak, then I am strong” (Paul’s declaration, 2 Corinthians 12:10).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)