The spirit of Korah

Important note: **This isn't written as a rebuke but out of love and concern for what the Lord has shown me in His Word**

Over the past few weeks,  I've seen several posts on Facebook that have me concerned for the souls of those posting.  People are posting against pastors without any fear of God or reverence for the office of the man of God. Not only are they posting against the pastors, but they are also trying to rile others up against the pastors as well.   One person went so far as to boast that they had called that pastor's District Superintendant in the attempt of getting that pastor's ministerial license pulled.  Then proceeded to gloat about it on FB in an attempt to rile others up against this man as well, and then these others proceeded to angrily share this person's post. 

This is a dangerous spirit! 

Whether the gripe is real or perceived, it is unbiblical and a dangerous spirit to give ear to. 

It reminds me of Korah (Numbers 16).  Korah rebelled against Moses' authority.  He didn't feel Moses was leading or doing things correctly.  He felt he could do a much better job.  But rather than taking his gripe to Moses privately, he went around airing his gripe to others (a.k.a. gossiping and backbiting) and stirred up the hearts of the people against Moses and Aaron.  (Someone who is offended about something never wants to be offended alone.  They want to feel supported in their feelings and desire for others to agree with their actions).

The spirit of Korah (rebellion) did not just affect him alone; it cost most of the people of Israel their lives. Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the 250+ leaders in Israel provoked the LORD (Num 16:30) by stirring up the people against the man God had placed as leader over His people. It would have cost the entire nation of Israel their lives if Moses and Aaron hadn't interceded for them (twice).   Sowing discord amongst the brethren is an abomination unto the LORD (Prov 6:16-19) because it doesn't stop with just one or two...it spreads and eats like a cancer.   

The Bible warns,
"Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."
(Psalm 105:15)

Some will try to excuse this admonition away and say, "we're all God's anointed."

Korah said the same thing, "ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them:..." (Num 16:3) but read about his end.  God was not pleased with what he did.  It was a very serious matter.  It ended with the earth swallowing up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram's tents and households alive.  The 250+ leaders in Israel were consumed by fire.  And over 14,000 people died from plague.  All this because one man stirred up the hearts of the people against the man of God.

David was anointed King over Israel, was fleeing for his life from a man (Saul, also the King of Israel) who wanted to kill him without just cause, YET David felt convicted just for cutting off a small piece of the King's robe.  (1 Sam 24:4-5)   It is said the Rabbi's teach that any act of disrespect shown to one of the teachers and guides of Israel, even by injuring the clothes they wore, God would punish this person sooner or later.  David felt convicted because he wanted to be right before God and man.

There are some serious lessons to be learned in the Bible. 

Many focus on the love and mercy of God but there's another side of God that we must not overlook. There are so many Scriptures concerning and admonishing us to fear God.  We need to get a healthy fear of God in our hears for it is by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. (Prov 16:6)

Perhaps that is why the Apostles admonish many times throughout the New Testament to rebuke, withdraw, to mark and even avoid those who walk disorderly (1 Tim 5:20, 6:3-5, Rom 16:17-18, 2 Thess 3:6). 

Bad attitudes are contagious.

Let the words of my mouth (what I say)
and the meditation of my heart (what I think about)
be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my Strength and my Redeemer.
Ps 19:14

James 1:26

James 1:26

If any man among you 

seem to be religious, 

and bridleth not his tongue, 

but deceiveth his own heart, 

this man's religion is vain.

In our flesh, we want to justify our actions, our words, or our deeds.  We find someone to air our gripes to and try to gain support by convincing that person as to why you feel the way you do and why they should feel the same way. 

However, it doesn't matter if you're justified in the eyes of man.  It matters if you're justified in the eyes of God. 

James 3:8

But the tongue can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.

Wrong words (words of gossip, backbiting, hateful words, etc) are a deadly poison.  It poisons the heart of the one you're backbiting/gossiping to about the one you're backbiting/gossiping about. 

Proverbs 6:16-19 mentions there are 7 things that are an ABOMINATION unto God...

....he that soweth discord among brethren is the last one. 

Backbiting and gossip, talking bad about someone to another and trying to convince that person as to why they shouldn't like the person being talked about is sowing discord amongst the brethren. It's an abomination.  

Pretty strong and pretty serious to think about.  

James 1:26 admonishes if you or I can't control what comes out of your or my mouth, your and my religion is in vain.  

Jesus help us to speak right words....to filter every conversation through the Holy Ghost. 

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth, (what i say)

and the meditation of my heart, (what i think about) 

be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

I want my words to be pleasing to Jesus.  Don't you?

Bible Study Resources for Youth

Have you heard of the new youth Bible studies put out by P7 (Project 7)?  I highly recommend them whether your an adult teaching a group of teens or a teenager wanting to be involved in teaching Bible studies.  They are written by various Pentecostal authors and are FREE to download and use.  :)

Just click on the link below then click on "resources" which will take you to the page that contains 3 volumes of Bible studies.  What a blessing to have these resources so freely available!

http://p7online.com/

Joy Cometh in the Morning

...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

     Sometimes the night seems endless.  Some days it feels your sorrow or trial will never end.  You've held on tightly to hope but wonder when morning will come.  You try to smile but it never feels quite genuine.  Keep hanging in there, my friend!  Joy will return, and the sun will shine again.  

Weeping may endure for a night....

     In life, you will go through things at times that literally knocks the breath out of you.  You wonder if you will survive or if things will ever get better.  They will.  It may not feel like it at the moment but your trial, your sorrow, the darkness of night will only endure but for a little while.  It can't last forever.  Just as the night turns into day and the sun always rises in the morning, your joy will return.

JOY cometh in the morning....

     God promised that ALL things work together for good to them that love God....(Romans 8:28). You love God. He loves you.  He will work this out for your good.  You didn't plan for life to go this way.  What has happened is not by your choosing. He will turn this situation around.  What the devil meant to destroy you, God will use to bring Him glory.  You are called and He will work everything out according to HIS purpose.   Morning is coming and with it, joy!   

PROVERBS 18:10

Prov 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

There is no name that is greater than the name of Jesus!
It is the only name that can save, deliver, and heal.
We can call upon that Name in the time of trouble.

The Scripture says His name is a STRONG tower.
It is immovable, impenetrable, and impassable.
It is a fortress, protecting you round about on EVERY side...it circles you, and is over and under you.
NOTHING can get to you while you are within it's walls!
You are inaccessible to outside forces!

The storms may rage outside.
The enemy will may taunt and sneer, telling you that he's, "going to take you down! You're going to lose!"
Do not listen!
They are only threats...he can NOT harm you unless God allows.
And if God allows, it is for a purpose and He will work all things for your good.

Trust in Him!
Rest upon His promises for No weapon formed against you shall prosper! (Romans 8:28)

(Posted on Facebook 09/18/14)

SPEAK LIFE

....The lips of the righteous feed many. (Prov10:21)
The tongue of the just is as choice silver.... (Prov 10:20)
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom... (Prov 10:31)
The lips of the righteous knoweth what is acceptable.... (Prov 10:32)

Speak things that encourage, comfort, bring hope, and are good.
Speak things that build up and not tear down.
Speak truth in love but also know when to hold your peace (ie refrain from speaking).
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.
Speak life into someone else today!

You have no idea what they may be going through -what you say and how you say it could make a difference.

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. (Prov 12:25)

(Posted on Facebook 09/14/14)

Broken For A Purpose

A cracked pot sat upon the floor in the back corner of a store.  It wept as people walked past, looked at it with disdain, then walked away.  The cracked pot could overhear their conversations about how useless it was and needed to just be thrown away.  Dejectedly, the cracked pot had to concede they were right as it trembled daily, waiting for the owner to cast it out with the garbage. 

Finally, the day it feared came as the store owner walked slowly toward the cracked pot, eyeing it sadly.  He carefully picked it up, but rather than tossing it out the back door, he lovingly set it on a table.  The vessel had once been a piece of great beauty, destined for great things until it was mishandled and abused in the hands of careless people.  

 

The store owner began to speak comforting, reassuring words to the cracked pot, “I have great plans in store for you.”  The cracked pot wanted to believe his words but wondered how it could ever serve any purpose.  It was broken with pieces missing.  It felt so useless! 

Fear and despair returned as the cracked pot watched the store owner return with a chisel and hammer.  The cracked pot closed its eyes as it waited for the hammer to fall.  But rather than being smashed, the owner began to gently and carefully chisel away certain parts.  Still, it hurt, and the cracked pot winced, wondering why the owner was subjecting it to more pain.  “When will the pain stop? I don’t think I can take anymore!” the cracked pot agonized.    

Eventually, the owner stopped.   “How could he break me more than I already was?  I was useless before.  I’m even more useless now!” the cracked pot lamented, not knowing the thoughts and plans the store owner had in mind.  The cracked pot felt confused as it watched the owner work on it day after day then carry it outside and continue working.

The day finally arrived when the owner was finished.  People began to gather around and admire his work of art. He had transformed that cracked pot into a beautiful vessel with flowers pouring out of it.  The cracked pot beamed proudly as it heard the owner explain, “This vessel was broken for a purpose so that what was inside would be poured out for all that pass by to see.”  

Some of you may feel like that cracked pot…broken, useless, feeling like you’ve been cast into a corner and forgotten.  You’re not useless!  You still have purpose!  The Master is not finished with you yet!  You may still have some more ‘breaking’ to go through as He allows what is within you to be poured out so that all who pass by will be blessed by it.  Take comfort and know, you’ve been broken for a purpose!

CHANGING SEASONS

I love the sunshine!  I love spring, and I love summer seasons.  If it could be spring and summer year round, I would be content.  At least I think I would.  

I complained as I sat looking at the rain come down so forcefully the other day while at work.  It was so gloomy outside.  Yesterday another light shower fell, but this time I could see the sun and white clouds in the distance.  We NEED the rain.  Without it, everything would whither up and die.  It is the same way in the seasons of life.  We need those ‘storms’ that blow into our life.  It may seem like we’re going to be blown away by the force of the wind as the pelting rain stings our skin, but it is causing us to dig our roots deeper into Christ.  It is in those times we find our shelter under the shadow of His wings and learn to trust in Him more fully.   At other times, He sends a light shower that refreshes our soul as we see light and hope peeking up beyond the rain clouds. 

We also need the autumn seasons when things are changing.  Old things are dying off, but then the cold begins to come as winter moves in.  It feels like everything is dead and barren.  The icy sting of the bitter cold cuts straight through to the bone as snow begins to cover the ground.   Everything becomes ice covered, and at times we can’t feel anything because the cold has caused us to become numb.  The longer winter seems to linger, the more we wonder if we’ll survive.  We feel forsaken, desolate, and alone at times.

We need that season of dying off to self, to old ways, things that shouldn’t be in our life.  It’s in that time that we realize we are hopeless without Christ.  It’s in that season that we realize how much we need HIM.  Don’t give up in that season, spring is coming.  Just when you think everything within you is dead, hope and life will begin to bud and spring forth as God creates a NEW thing in you.   

God gave us each season for a reason.  Each season does have a purpose.  Just as changing seasons are necessary in life, so are they necessary to keep balance, health, and well-being in our spiritual life.   I’m not ready for fall, because I know winter will soon follow.   I’d prefer the warmth of sunshine and to see the flowers continue to bloom, but I know I also need the season for things to die off that shouldn’t be in my life.  It’s painful, sometimes brutal, but what follows makes it all worth it as we once again begin to see the things God is cultivating within us bloom and blossom as spring returns.

No matter what season you may be in right now, hold on and endure with patience.   A new season is coming!  God is working in you, and when He is finished you will trade beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that you may be called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord!  (Isaiah 61:3)
 

**Published in the Feb 2015 issue of the Pentecostal Herald – pg 41
https://issuu.com/pentecostalherald/docs/februaryherald_for_web

THE POTTER and THE WHEEL

Jeremiah 18:1-6

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 

Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 

Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: 

So he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 

O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. 

Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

How many times have we said,

         "Use me, Lord!"

                 "I'll do whatever You ask!"

                          And "Whatever it takes for my will to break, that's what I'll be willing to do."

Yet when the trials and opposition come, and things get harder and tougher,

we begin to struggle and fight against it seeking for it to end or a way out. 

God is trying to form us.  When we fight against the storms, whose will are we really seeking?

            God's will? 

                    Or our own?

He knows what's best for us and will not put on us more than we can bear

(although sometimes we think and feel it is).

When we come through these trials, we'll be refined like silver and tried like gold.

Trials will either make you....

            Bitter or Better

                     

You can either become....

            A Victim or A Victor 

Through trials you gain:

            Experience
            Knowledge
            Endurance 

            Patience

            Understanding

            Compassion

            Love 

            Faith

God has each of us on the Potter's Wheel, but sometimes we resist the way He's forming us.  

He's trying to shape us one way, but we're pulling in another.

If we have our way, we will be deformed.  

But if we let God have His way, we'll  be transformed into a Vessel of Honor....

something we both will be proud of. 

It hurts!  Oh, how it hurts at time....but stay yielded!

***Note:  This was something God gave me on March 3, 2011....2 months before my husband passed.  I had written it in a journal.  Just came across it again and felt led to share.

THROUGH FIRE AND THROUGH WATER

"...We went through fire and through water: but Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place."

Psalm 66:12

Let's face it, life is tough!  There are things we all go through and face which feels so overwhelming at times.  Sometimes you may even wonder if you'll make it through especially when things look so hopeless and bleak.

At times you may feel you're going through FIRE 

       Fire is the trials and situations which you feel like are going to destroy you
            But remember the 3 Hebrew children!  (Daniel 3)
                 He's with you in the midst of the fiery trials and will not allow it to destroy you!

Other times you'll go through WATER 

       Water is the trials or things in life you feel are going to drown you

             But did you know the LORD is sitting upon the flood?  

"The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever."
Psalm 29:10

Everything that comes at you to try to drown you...He's sitting right on top of it!  NOTHING can drown or overtake you because God is in control of it all!  He may let those storms rage and those waves crash around you for a while, but don't lose heart!  Have faith, because He's going to come walking on the waters and say, "It's enough!  Peace, be still!"  (Psalm 107:29)

God has given us assurance in Isaiah 43:2-3 that...

"When thou passest through the water, I (the LORD) will be with you!

and through the rivers, they shall NOT overflow you!

When you walk through the fire, you shall NOT be burned,

Neither shall the flame kindle upon you!"

For I AM the LORD thy God...!"

The I AM has promised!  He'll walk with you through every situation you go through!  He will be with you!  You are not alone!  

He is your protector IN the fire...remember the 3 Hebrew boys had to go into the fire but God brought them out UNHARMED! 

He's your shelter IN the storm!  You are going to have to go through storms sometimes.  You can't go around it.  Jesus actually sent His disciples out in a boat knowing a storm was in their path.  (Matthew 14:22-33) They had to go INTO the storm but He kept His eye on them the whole time and brought them THROUGH it safely!

I love the promise at the end of Psalm 66:12, "...Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place."

Hold on, He's going to bring you out and you will be blessed! 

Forgiveness

Mat 18:21-22 

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.



Have you ever had someone hurt you so deeply that you had trouble forgiving them?
     You've tried.
          You think you have the victory over it.
Then something brings all the hurt and resentment flooding back into your mind.  

My mind began to ponder on this...
Why do we have so much trouble forgiving others...letting go of hurts...and bitterness?

When someone does us wrong, it's easy to see the 'twig' sticking of their eye (the wrong they've done), but we don't notice the huge beam protruding from our own (the wrongs we've done).

If you can, picture this: 
One person has a small stick that they are swinging around and out of their carelessness (and sometimes deliberate jabs) they occasionally hit and cause injury to others.
Another person is walking around with a huge beam which they are carrying on their shoulder.  This protruding beam can injure others as they turn and move if the other person doesn't see it coming giving them opportunity to duck and get out of it's way.

Who's piece of wood (sin) do you think will do more damage?
That 'beam' may be a grudge, or bitterness, or gossip just to name a few.
While the 'stick' could be unkind words.
That 'beam' can cause far more damage than their little 'stick'.


God has forgiven our every sin...many, many sins...sins that nailed Him to the cross.  Some are worse than others but all are sin.  If God is willing to forgive us of every sin, we need to be willing to forgive others even if they haven't asked.

They may not realize they've done wrong.
They may be so bound by sin they can't do anything else but follow what has control of them.
     They are slaves to sin. (Romans 6:16-20) 
They may feel justified in their actions.
They may not realize they are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit.

That's why the Bible says to 'pray for those who spitefully use you' and to 'love your enemies', 'do good', 'bless and curse not.'   Your prayers can make a difference...if not in their life, it will in you.

If someone does us wrong, we need to release it to God, forgive, and love them.
Anger, bitterness, and hurt will only fester in our heart and mind making us (and others around us) miserable.
It will block us from hearing God's voice. (Psalm 66:18)
If not let go of, it can even cost us our soul.
Unforgiveness affects more than self - it festers and agitates causing the person to spread gossip and slander as well as a bad attitude.  (Attitudes ARE contagious...but that's another thought for another day) 

Forgiveness releases not just the offender but it also releases you.
Forgiveness displays the heart of God ~ mercy and love.
Forgiveness makes you more Christ-like!  (Luke 23:34)

I HATE SPIDERS!

    Yesterday, was a hot day so I decided to take my son to the water park.  I'd forgotten towels so we stopped at Target to pick one up.  We quickly made our purchase then headed back to the van.  I started to open the front door then thought it better to just put the sack directly into the back (rather than passing it between the seats in the front).  So, I closed the front door and opened the slider.  To my horror, there was a big, fuzzy black spider with white dots skittering around under my seat. I HATE SPIDERS!!! 

      How was I going to get this furtive thing that can scurry into dark, obscure spaces and be gone quicker than I could move to catch it (as if that thought wasn't bad enough) out of the van???   I was trying to figure out what to do until I saw it climb onto a book.   I gently pulled the book out (all the while praying the thing would not climb on me - ugh!) and dropped it quickly onto the ground causing the spider to fall off.  Later, I found out it was merely (merely? ha!) a jumping spider which is supposed to be harmless for the most part.  Harmless or not, it could have caused an accident had it crawled out from under my seat and onto my feet...or bitten me...or my children.  I can only speculate as to what could have happened, but one thing I do know, God was protecting us!   Love those little nudges that turn out to be God!

BRIDLE THE TONGUE

Have you ever had one of those “bite your tongue” days?  I definitely have, and I’m sure you have to.   What I would have said may have been truth, but it would not have been kind.

The Bible says to “speak the Truth IN LOVE” (Eph 4:15). Some words may be truth, but if they’re not spoken in love they should not be spoken at all.   The wisest man who ever lived wrote, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov 15:1).  You can either place wood or water on the fire.  Wood feeds the flame and makes it burn higher and hotter while water helps to douse and put out the flame of anger.  If you choose to put wood (harsh words) on the fire (an argument), you may find yourself getting burnt.

The Bible tells us, “…he who restrains his lips is wise.”  (Prov 10:19) and “…a man of understanding holds his peace.”  (Prov 11:12) “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”  (Prov 13:3).  Your words can get you in more trouble than the things you’ve done.   

“He that will love life, and see good days, 
let him refrain his tongue from evil (speaking injurious words), 
and his lips that they speak no guile (deceitful words):”   
1Peter 3:10  

When I choose to bridle my tongue, I will not have regrets today for what I said yesterday.  

  

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, 

be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, 

my strength, and my redeemer.”   

Psalm 19:14  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Isaiah 9:6     For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called....

      Wonderful, 

           Counselor, 

                The mighty God, 

                    The everlasting Father, 

                          The Prince of Peace.
 

Matthew 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

1Timothy 3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

Just as Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19), we also need to ponder on the things of God and keep them in our heart....not just at Christmas but throughout the coming year.

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING

I’m a little late on posting a Thanksgiving blog but better late than never.  After all, we are to give thanks year round. 

Do you know when the first Thanksgiving was celebrated?  

If you’re like most, you will think back to the pilgrims and their celebration in autumn of 1621. But did you realize there was a Thanksgiving celebration that occurred earlier than that?  A Thanksgiving celebration that took place even before Christ was born?

1 Chronicles 16 details the first corporate Thanksgiving celebration which took place in Jerusalem after the Ark was returned to Israel.  All the people gathered as the Ark was set once again in the midst of the Tabernacle.  David delivered a Psalm of Thanksgiving into the hand of Asaph and his brethren which they read before all the people.  The Psalm of Thanksgiving concludes with all the people saying, “Amen!” and praising the Lord (verses 7-36).

 I’m sure you’re sitting there thinking, “Ok, so they gave thanks to God together.   How can that be considered the first Thanksgiving? ”  

  

Thanksgiving   is a time when we gather together with family and friends, share our long list of things we’re thankful for, but most of all it’s known for FOOD…turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, corn, and so much food you come away from the table more stuffed than the bird was.   

David and all of Israel also celebrated this Thanksgiving with food….

1Chronicles 16:2-3 

2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

3  And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.

Flagon comes from the Hebrew word אשׁישׁה    ash-ee-shaw' meaning: something closely pressed together, that is, a cake of raisins or other comfits (see Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance H809).    

At the first Thanksgiving, David gave each person a loaf of bread, some meat, and.....a fruit cake?  Hmmmm, sounds like the first fruit cake was really given at Thanksgiving rather than Christmas.