He Who Has an Ear, Let Him Hear...

Revelation 2:7 - "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."

In my last blog I mentioned words that are hard to hear...especially God's words about certain things. I have spent nearly a week pondering what thoughts were racing through my head. I thought of seven churches that God spoke to the Apostle John about. Each church describes those we have today. Some of the churches overlap in their type of unfaithfulness toward God. The words to six of these churches were difficult ones. 

There was one church that lost their first love. It was a backslidden church. Today it is a hard-working church, persevering in doing good deeds in the name of the Lord. They do not tolerate wicked men, false prophets or those who have committed distainful practices, yet they left their first love, Jesus. They have forgotten where they came from, perhaps have become a bit proud in their "religious" accomplishments. They no longer give God the credit.

The persecuted church is one which we might see in the mission field. They are financially poor but rich in the Lord. However, they have become somewhat weak and fearful because of their suffering.

The third church I believe is becoming a prominent one today...the church of compromise. They are true to the name of Jesus and the faith; however, they are allowing world view to enter in: idolatry, sexual immorality, a worldly type of doctrine. I see a watered down version of the Gospel in this church in order to bring in and hold on to people in their congregation.

Then there's another version of a worldly church. It is a church of love, faith and service to God. They persevere in their work, even more than before, but they have allowed a Jezebel spirit to enter into their church. They believe a false doctrine. Jezebel worshiped the false god, Baal, who was the god of prosperity and harvests as well as fertility and sex. They have in some ways turned from truth to lies. This church would teach a prosperity gospel, one that says we should not let anything get in the way of what we want. This is a false doctrine.

The dead church has stopped "doing" for God. The spirit is gone. There are no longer any redeeming qualities. They have worked for their own fame and fortune and have not given God the credit for what He has done all along.

The lukewarm church has no strengths at all to speak of. Societal attitudes have infiltrated the church. The worldly influence has caused them to become blinded because of their wealth...and they have become spiritually poor and blind, with materialism at the forefront.

The only church with redeeming qualities was the church of brotherly love. This church keeps God's word and never denies Him. They do not compromise the truth. All trials are endured. Because of their love for God they are strong.

The Church is beginning to take on the characteristics of most of these churches, although there will continue to be a remnant, which I choose to believe I am part of, that will not receive these ideas. That remnant will stand up against what is called the emerging church, which is mainly a liberal view of God, one that says that all religions lead to the same god/God, relaxing God's standards, changing His Words to suit the lifestyles of congregants or being seeker friendly for the sake of larger numbers. Some say there is no heaven and hell, that tolerance and political correctness is what should be the practice in this world. They are allowing the ideas of the world enter into a holy place only to try to destroy what God has built up. Thankfully, we have a God who is stronger than any of these things and although He may allow it to happen, it will be to show Himself as victor in the end.

We were told these days would come. They are here. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables, 2Timothy 3:3-4 tells us. We've also been told there will be scoffers in these last days. God is watching and He will judge.

Sometimes the truth is a hard word. It may be one reason why people are turning from God or not wanting to go there...because God has told us something we don't want to hear and to some it seems offensive. It goes against their thinking that if God is a loving God, how could He tell us difficult things or allow us to go through trials. God set up certain commandments a very long time ago and had they not been broken we would not be faced with these problems in our society. 

Even in Acts 17 we are shown the criticism that Paul went through when he said, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ." (vs 3). Some believed him, some chose to stir things up (the Jews). Paul and his followers were there, according to these opposers, to "turn the world upside down." Why? Because it went against their thinking. These were hard words others did not want to hear. Paul was saying there was another king...Jesus (vs. 7). There are many today who want to believe what they want to believe. 

John MacArthur, a seventh generation preacher, states: "We can't change the message; that message isn't ours--it belongs to God." The Bible states in Deuteronomy 4:2 that we should not add to or take away from the word that God has commanded us. And some of those commands will be hard to hear. Jesus was was not politically correct. He only spoke the truth, the words that God, His Father, had Him speak. This includes hard subjects such as abortion, homosexuality, idol worship, lying, stealing, cheating, adultery. All hard words for some and even identified in 1Timothy 1:10: immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching.

I want a church that follows only God's direction. Will some good churches allow bits and pieces of the world enter in? Is that why we are told to seek God ourselves, so that we might know Him in our own hearts... Isn't this whole relationship with God a personal journey after all? It starts within each of us. Then we are called to gather with like-minded individuals. I'll tell you, there is quite a struggle going on within my spirit. Only God can provide the guidance here. If He has taken me to a place of discomfort, He will continue to move me until I absolutely recognize what truth is...and demand, if necessary, that wrongs be made right.

2Timothy 1:13 - Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

Selective Hearing

Luke 18:22 - So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him [rich young ruler], "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

We all know what selective hearing is. We've all done it. If we don't agree with someone on a certain point we shut our minds off, especially when we might know that it's the truth, and sometimes truth is hard to hear.

Oswald Chambers tells us in his August 17 My Utmost for His Highest devotion "Jesus Christ says a great deal that we listen to, but do not hear; when we do hear, His words are amazingly hard." The world has painted a picture that tells us having things is good. Having more things is satisfying. The more you have the happier you are. Now having things is okay, but when we are taking in more than we really need, we are seeking some "thing" to satisfy. Things don't do that and never will. We just don't always realize that letting go of something can be freeing. 

Jesus would say give those things up and follow Him because He has the water that will cause one to never thirst again. He is the living Bread. He has everything we could ever want if we choose Him over those things that rust and perish.

Jesus encountered people who listened but would not hear. People today do that same. He spoke the truth all the time. He had no choice, He was Truth. He is God and God does not lie. There were those who gladly gave up all they had to follow Jesus. Perhaps some had little to begin with and what Jesus offered was far greater than their expectations. Some definitely followed because Jesus healed them in some way and that secured their devotion to Him.

But what about those who had all the things they thought they needed in their lives, like this rich young ruler in the scripture above? It was hard to let go of his wealth. He sought the way to eternal life, but was reluctant to give up the things he loved. It tells us that after Jesus made the comment above, this man became sorrowful and discouraged. Is this why so many people don't want to put their entire lives in His hands? Are the words just too hard to bear that we might have to change our lifestyles? That we will have to set ourselves apart from others, including family and friends? We will have to look, act, think differently? Well, "having to" is not quite right; it comes with the territory and isn't that difficult to bear!

I should add here that God doesn't always take away all we have. He isn't asking us to give up our jobs, sell all our possessions or give everything to the poor and become destitute. He's trying to show us how to be thankful for just what we need and no more. 

If someone has nowhere else to look for comfort or healing and they earnestly reach out to God, they will find Him. It is then they choose to hear Jesus speak. So often it's in a weak moment we are willing to hear. Other things, other people have failed so what's left? Hmmm, maybe this Jesus thing will work, we might think. Maybe I've been too harsh in my thinking. Maybe I should listen, or try it and find out. Could it be in our weakest moments when we really do need an answer we have finally turned off our selective hearing and are finally open to listening and hearing?

Again, I bring up the country and world situation. I'm convinced that, like Glenn Beck says, we need to get God back into our lives. Our country has always been known for its wealth. How's that working today? Are those things we hold so dear going to keep us from recession? What happens if it does? I'm certain that if things continue as they are, we will get to a place where more people will be looking to God for their provision. Ears will hear. Without God we will falter; I'm convinced of that. 

I know believing that Jesus is the only answer is one of those very hard words that will be ignored. Jesus has told us I am the Way, the Truth and the Life... In Christ there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). In Christ I am no longer condemned (Romans 8:1). In Christ I am redeemed (Romans 3:24). In Christ I am no longer separated from the love of God (Romans 8:39). In Christ I have eternal life (Romans 6:23). There are many other examples of who we can be in Christ. The words of Christ go against the thinking of this world. That's why His words are hard to hear.

I have recently begun to think about things I could give up if I had to. Yes, it would probably feel like they were being pulled out of my life but once gone I'd move on just fine. I think God does this for me so when it happens, it's not a surprise! I praise Him for that! Nothing we can physically hold on to lasts forever. Ask those who have had a house burn down or lost a loved one. It hurts but they move on. In the case of giving up all for Jesus, however, the more you lose the more you gain. Philippians 1:21 says For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Trusting in Christ is life and when you die to yourself and the things you think you must have, you live...in Christ.

Do I want to live my life with all the things the world can offer and miss out on the One who has everything of importance to give? No. Do I want what rust and moth can destroy and lose out on an eternal life that is secure in the Lord? No. I pray I will heed the hard words that Jesus speaks in His Word as well as what He whispers in my ear.

The Word of God is filled with hard words. They are there for us to learn from. We must be willing to first pick up that Book and read it. Then we must be willing to hear what the words are that are spoken. From the Old Testament through the New we are shown how we are to live and what is important in this world...no, Who is important. Do we want to miss that because it's a hard word? 

Hebrews 2:1-3 - Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him...

Sold Out?

Philippians 3:7-8 - But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ...

I was mowing the lawn yesterday when the words "sold out?" hit me like pieces of mulch being kicked up by the mower! Good thing I had my sunglasses on or they might have got me in the eyes.

What does it mean to be sold out for Jesus? Read the scriptures above again. I'll be the first to admit that in my own mind I think I'm sold out. But I probably am not fully there. Oh, I may be able to write like I am, but what about verbally? I can preach to the choir, but what about when I'm in a crowd where the name of Jesus does not enter into conversation? Am I able to interject something that at least hints at what's on my mind? Do my unbelieving friends really know who I am? Do they know what consumes my thoughts...but doesn't exit out of my mouth? For shame. I'm thankful, however, the God is never finished with us.

Again, I bring up Peter (oh, the array of thoughts that have been so interconnected lately that I've not been able to put together...until now). Here's a man who on one hand is sold out for his Jesus, yet he later denies him, three times before the rooster crows. After he denied his Savior that third time, scripture says, And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So Peter went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62) This makes me weep! I'm imagining the look Jesus gave Peter was not one of disappointment or anger, but one of unconditional love...one that would bring a person to tears. I'm so thankful that Jesus never gives up on us, like He did not give up on Peter. Peter is a great example of one sold out, yet flawed for a time.

Jesus lived His life knowing He would be sold out (literally with 30 pieces of silver); how can we not be sold out for Him?

I've been told people know I'm different and perhaps that's why I don't fit too well in many social situations. For me, unfortunately, I find there are times I have little in common with others and find it difficult to enter into conversations. Sometimes it seems as if the others are talking another language altogether. They might feel the same way if I brought Jesus up. 

I guess there comes a time when I have to let go. Glenn Beck talks about pivotal points in a person's life. Could it be I am heading in that direction? Will the things I've been doing eventually be replaced with things God would have me do? How will this affect my life and my home life? That scares the daylights out of me, to be honest with you. Is that what it means to be sold out for Jesus? Perhaps not. Or maybe God is just getting me prepared first in my heart to get to that place of letting go. There are things in my life I have, I enjoy, I enjoy doing and having. If these things were taken away or I chose to let them go, how would I feel? This is all part of how I'm thinking God is preparing me.

Maybe the preparation is because something will force these things to be "recalled" from my life. Could be health or finances that might bring this about (which could easily be as a result of a faulty government). It might just plain be a call from God in my life to move on. Any one of these situations will be hard...and yet not. I believe if the Lord asked me point blank to quit something, I could do it. The first reaction is to become unsettled. But then you come to the realization that anything the Lord takes away He fills with something so much more extraordinary. 

I keep recalling a dream I had twenty years ago or so. I had the dream twice. It took me to a small clearing in the woods with a stream running by. It was quiet and peaceful. There was a very small cabin. The second dream allowed me to see inside the cabin, where it was one room with a bath. The thing I noticed the most about the cabin was the wall that was one huge bookcase, floor to ceiling, full of books. I seemed very content to be in that little place with very few conveniences...or should I say distractions.

Sold out. Letting go of all the things this world has to offer and rejoicing and relishing in the things of God only. Practicing the presence of God (Brother Lawrence's claim to fame). This is all He requires of us...that we be in right, close, personal relationship with Him. Forget the world. A relationship with Jesus should be the first and foremost thing. All other things will fall into place very nicely.

I'm not saying He wants us to remove ourselves from the world. His Word tells us we are to be in the world but not of it. I guess part of me is a little weak in that area because I want to fit in...and yet I often don't. Is that my fault or is it the Lord's doing? A good question to mull over and ask Him. 

I keep thinking there is a day coming when "the other shoe will drop" somehow in my life. It will either be God's shoe--or sandal--or something in the world that will cause all the turmoil that I'm experiencing in my spirit to be explained...and then gone through. The answer to my inner upheaval will be clear as day. I can only hope that I will rejoice at this.

Sold out. That's about keeping our focus on Jesus. We have many, many examples in the Bible of people who were sold out. In Hebrews 11, known as the faith chapter, there is a list of the most noted people in the Bible whose faith in God was beyond compare. I want so badly to be counted among those of this day whose faith and focus on Jesus has be completely sold out. I want to be able to say with confidence that the things of this world are nothing in comparison to my knowledge of Jesus Christ. So, perhaps that's the other shoe that's ready to drop. Perhaps I will realize without a shadow of a doubt that nothing in this world means anything apart from Jesus Christ and His gift to me of salvation. 

Hebrews 12:1-2 - Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.