Playing To Win (The Game of Living in the Wisdom of God-3) (11/8/14)

You have learned the rules and taken a step off start. Now is when the game really gets fun. Are you extremely competitive? Not too many people play a game without wanting to win. Competition can bring out both the best and the worst in us. As we continue to play games as we grow up, we hopefully become better sports.  As a child, I hated being sent back to start because someone else landed on my spot. I was sure I would lose the game.  As an adult, I see it as merely a setback.

As we walk through life, testing and trials can bring either the best or the worst out of us. “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, or out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45 ESV)

The longer we walk with Christ and see God’s faithfulness, the more we will develop faith and trust that he will bring us through.  We learn that setbacks do not determine our outcomes.  Our attitudes should improve, and our hope and trust soar.

To be successful in any game you must know your opponent. Football teams watch video of games played by their upcoming opponent. They study strength and weakness, and they proceed from there. Chess players study the moves of other players, both to sharpen their own skill and defeat their opponents. Whether it be a board game, card game, sport or any competition, watching the opponent to see his or her tendencies can be very valuable. But even more than knowing your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, it is important to develop your own strength. This is done by daily walking in the Word.

So, in life, who is our opponent? “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter five: 8 ESV) So often we think we are fighting against other people. This simply is not true. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 ESV)  Our enemy is the same enemy that tripped up Adam and Eve.  He is the same enemy Jesus faced and defeated.  The devil is the enemy of God and we belong to God.  Therefore, he is our enemy.

Our enemy, the devil, knows the Bible and will taunt us with it. This was evidenced by his attempts to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. (Luke 4) He repeatedly quoted Scripture to Jesus. He knew what the Word said, but did not allow the Holy Spirit to show the true meaning. He twisted the word to tempt Jesus, and he will do the same to us. It may come as a thought or a misunderstanding of something said by another. The intent is always the same. He will either try to deceive us and cause us to sin, or to doubt the direction God is leading us.

We are called to fight with faith. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12 ESV) We are to keep advancing around the game board. Though the enemy will try to make us retreat, we seek the will of God, trust the word and advance.

We are not in this game alone. This is a game played with partners. These partners are your brothers and sisters in Christ. People who play games or sports with the same partner for a long period of time get to know, trust and rely on those partners. They can often tell exactly what moves that partner will make. Then they can adapt themselves to those moves. We also can get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can operate together to advance the kingdom of God. “Two are better than one, because they have a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor;” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 AMP) We are all in this together.

And our greatest partner of all is Jesus! He walks beside us, every move we make. “For he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b ESV) We can trust that He will be with us until the end. The final words of the Matthew’s gospel states, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16b ESV) We are never alone on this journey.

Our opponent has already been defeated. “And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” (Rev 12:10 ESV) So move forward in the power of God. Many are watching and cheering for you. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

So, follow the directions you have received. Play the game to win.  Your ultimate victory is guaranteed! 

Playing By the Rules (The Game of Living in the Wisdom of God-2) (11/6/13)

Once you have set up the game board and placed your piece on start, the next step to successfully play any game is to learn the rules.  You accomplish this by reading the directions.  For a successful walk with God, the directions come from His Word.  Fear of the Lord, our starting point, respects the fact that His plan is the best.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”  (Isaiah 55:9) We must acknowledge that He has the perfect plan for our life.  Then we must invest time and energy to find that plan. 

Learning the Word of God is the key to playing the game successfully.  The Bible is our rule book and our playbook.  Reading, studying and memorizing it provides the directions for our daily life. It guards against sin. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 ESV) It provides direction “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

Once we learn the rules, we must agree to abide by them.  Many board games and card games have a series of “house rules” that people have added over the years.  To speed up monopoly, my family dealt out three properties to each player at the start of the game.  I remember a friend coming over and being both confused and upset with my brother for doing this.  There are certain card games that my husband and I always clarify the rules before playing.  I don’t think either one of us knows what the original rule book actually states.  We just know how we’ve played in the past. 

For a game this practice may be fine, but not with the Word of God.  We must not only learn the rules and directions set forth by the Bible, we must also follow them.  We cannot alter His directions to make things more convenient or to our liking. Throughout generations, these alternate interpretations and additions to the Word of God have led to divisions between believers.  On an individual level, one can try to make God’s Word support a preconceived idea or desire.  The only successful way to operate your life is to take His Word and keep listening until we are following His original directions for you. 

Obedience is the key.  We learn His Word and do what it says. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James1:22 ESV) To avoid deception, we must obey what we hear.  We must do what the Word instructs us to and not do what we think it says.  King Saul learned this the hard way when He did some of what God commanded, but did not follow through with the whole plan. God’s response was not what he expected.   “And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22) God is not pleased when we make up our own rules by adapting what the Bible teaches.  Our good works apart from His leading are not pleasing to Him. 

With these tips in mind, it’s time to get in the game.  Study the Bible, your rule book.  Listen to God’s direction for you.  His voice is so much better than rolling the dice or spinning a wheel. Then start your journey around the board of your “Game of Living in the Wisdom of God.”

Stuck on Start (The Game of Living in the Wisdom of God-1) (11/4/13)

Does anyone set up a board game and then stop on the space marked Start?  Do you open up your computer and click the Start icon, but never chose a program to open?  Do athletes bolt out of the Starting block, only to stop after the first step or two?  Although these statements seem a bit absurd, sometimes Christians do just this in their walks with God.  Some have come into a relationship with Jesus Christ and even taken a move or two in building that relationship.  But then they seem to just stare out at the game board (a deep walk - full of the wisdom of God).  They watch their fellow players (other believers) move around the board without continuing on very far.  Start is the beginning.  Its only purpose is to set something in motion. 

Proverbs 1 defines the origin of wisdom. “The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7 AMP) Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the starting point and essence of wisdom.  We must come to that place of reverence, of respect, admiration and honor for God.  We must truly acknowledge and remind ourselves of His greatness. Without a vision of just how awesome He is, we will never have a true trust that leads to wisdom.  

For years, I would quote this and I well knew that I must respectfully worship God to gain wisdom.  I often found myself asking for wisdom.  I would acknowledge that all true wisdom comes only from Him. I sometimes even reminded Him that He promises to give His children what they ask for in prayer. “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”.  (John 15:7 ESV) However I checked off my list of ‘All I know to do’, I could not seem to receive and continue to walk in God’s wisdom.

 I have received His guidance in many areas of my life.  But I have recently discovered the reason why there has been an inconsistency.  I have realized that the wisdom did not generally arrive as I sat in times of contemplating the greatness of God.  It did not come when I simply spent time in worship or as I voiced my gratefulness. It did not even come simply because I requested it in prayer. There was another key to moving off start and actually moving in wisdom.  In the last year, I have come to realize the other aspect of my life that was this key.

Directions for how to develop and live in the wisdom of God are found in Psalms. “The reverent fear and worship of the Lord is the beginning of [a]Wisdom and skill [the preceding and the first essential, the prerequisite and the alphabet]; a good understanding, wisdom, and meaning have all those who do [the will of the Lord]. Their praise of Him endures forever.)”  (Psalm 111:10 AMP) We have already established in Proverbs that the starting spot of the game of Wisdom is reverence and respect.  To get off start and move through life with wisdom, we must do something.  This wisdom is given to all who do His will.

Obedience was that missing key.  We must listen to and do the will of God.  As we walk in obedience to each direction He gives us, we will obtain the wisdom for the next step.  We often want it the other way around.  We want the entire game plan before we start to move.  But God tells us to move and He will supply the direction as we go.  He leads from in front, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 ESV) As we walk, He also leads from behind.  “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21ESV) He has also given us the rule/play book; the Word of God.  So, we must walk in obedience, trusting that wisdom will be given, even when we begin to misstep. 

We start by learning who God really is.  This is not just titles, but truly encountering His nature.  We stand in amazement of and acknowledge Him.  Then we walk in what we know, being led step by step.  One move at a time we will advance around the game board of this life.

 So, get off start.  Make your move of obedience and get it the game.  It will be great!

Are You Dressed for Success? (Armor of God 8) (1/22/14)

For the job that I currently have, I wear a company issued uniform.  It consists of a white blouse and black blazer that have logos on them.  There are also black pants, a name tag and my ID badge.  All are require to be clean and worn when I arrive at my desk each morning.  The uniform is not complete unless it contains all the pieces that were issued to me. 

I have completed the last seven posts on the individual pieces of the armor of God and the garment of praise. I did not feel this could be complete without putting it all together.  Just as my uniform is not complete without all the items included, neither is our spiritual armor complete without all the items listed.  We are told to put on the full armor of God. "Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," (Ephesians 6:13-17 ESV) All of the items are important and meant to be worn together. 

The gait belt of truth provides stability and balance.  The bullet proof breastplate of righteousness provides protection for our hearts.  The running shoes of the gospel of peace have us surefooted and ready to run the race God has set before us.  The wall of faith is the great first line of defense for our entire body.  And the protective helmet of salvation guards our mind. All of these pieces of armor, worn together, protect us from falling when times of trial and testing come.  We may waver, but we will stand strong in the end.

Although my ID badge is least visible, it is actually the most important piece of my uniform.  Whereas the other four items I wear deal solely with outward appearance, my ID badge is also a critical tool of my job.  It confirms that I belong here.  It grants me access to the building and any locations I require to go to perform my duties properly.  And connected to the badge are the two small keys to the file drawers where all my paperwork and supplies are kept.  Without this critical part of my uniform, I would not be able to perform my duties.

 The only item on the Ephesians 6 list, described to be offensive, is the sword or sharp blade of the Word of God.  We are to fight spiritual battles with the God-breathed, Spirit-led, resurrection-power filled scripture.  Interestingly, we put on each of the other pieces by renewing our minds to this living word. ^“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,” (Romans 12:2a ESV) We are transformed from ordinary to extraordinary in God.  Weaklings become warriors with His Word on our tongues.  We can perform any task He calls us to.

Would I dare show up to work with only part of my uniform on?  No, I would be sent home.  Yet we go through our daily lives wearing only pieces of our armor.  This should not be true.  My uniform identifies me.  I have both the company logo and my nametag.  It tells both who I work for and who I am.  It associates me with others who wear the same uniform.  It provides what I require to perform my task.  I come to work ready.

Don’t show up for your day without your spiritual uniform, the armor of God.  You will be identified as a child of God Almighty.  Your name will be recognized by all and feared by your foe.  A united front will be formed with other believers, and you will have all that you require to face the joys and trials of each day.  Face each day dressed for success in the Lord.

The Under Garment of Praise (Armor of God 7) (1/20/14)

Have you ever had that itchy sweater that you loved, but it drove you nuts to wear?  I currently have a green one like that.  It’s warm and the sleeves are plenty long, but wherever it touches my skin, it itches.  I have found myself not wearing it as much as I would like.  I just cannot find the right shirt to wear underneath it.  Some of the shirts I have tried leave too much uncovered skin.  Others show around the collar and just make the sweater look wrong.  Unless I want to wear a turtleneck that matches, I seldom wear the sweater at all.

Do you feel that your armor is like that itchy sweater?  Quoting the truths of the word of God may not be natural unless you are already seeing them at work in your life.  Believing who you are in Christ may be very difficult, when all you see is your past or current mess-ups.  Desiring to take the message of God’s peace to others may be far from your thoughts, when you are clinging to pieces of it yourself.  Dreaming about all God has planned for you may seem futile when getting through today takes all the energy you have.  Having the energy to pick up the shield of faith or sword of the Spirit seems nowhere in sight.  I’ve been there.  I get it.

So what is the perfect undergarment for this heavy armor? Praise! “Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)” (Psalm 150:6 AMP) That includes all of us. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “… To grant to those who mourn in Zion – to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3 ESV) God has given us this garment. Praise replaces a tired, ready to give up, spirit.  He will make us strong like an oak tree.

Praise, according to Webster’s dictionary, is “to express thanks to our love and respect for (God).”  Synonyms for praise include admire, appreciate, celebrate, command, honor, bless, magnify and proclaim. This is far from a complete list, but gives us a sense of the meaning of the word. Praise is a verbal expression of how we feel about the greatness of God. We can best do this by proclaiming to ourselves and to others just who God truly is.

There are many verses in the Bible that we can speak out loud to remind ourselves just how big and powerful the God we serve is.  Prophets of old like Nehemiah and Jeremiah express their acknowledgment of God’s greatness. “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.” (Nehemiah 9:6 ESV) “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17 ESV) They can be examples, as we make these expressions our own. Throughout the Psalms you read proclamations of how great God is.  ^“For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.” (Psalm 135:5 ESV) “the Lord is righteous in his ways and kind in all his works.” (Psalm 145:17 ESV) We can go on through the Scripture finding examples of how others praised God. In Revelation, the angels cry, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8b ESV)

Besides the examples from the Word, we have many modern-day examples of praise. There are great worship songs continually being written. Many of these touch our hearts as we sing along. Songwriters are expressing their praise of our heavenly Father. I also find myself encouraged when I put on worship CD. Something inside me cries, “I feel the same way. You are great, God! I love you!”

These examples from the scripture and from music are great ways to begin to praise.  Then go on and tell God what you feel.  Acknowledge how great He is.  Express you love to Him.  Before you put on the armor of God, take out your Bible or some good music and focus on who God is. Allow yourself to be amazed by his character and power. Let your heart and mouth cry out praises to our great and mighty God. And then the task at hand and the weight of each piece of armor will be lightened. When you start by putting on the garment of praise, that uncomfortable feel, like my itchy sweater, will no longer be there. Just as I enjoy the warmth of my sweater, you will begin to enjoy the feeling of protection your armor provides. And you will be ready for whatever battles may come in the day ahead.

Skillful Cuts by a Sharp Blade. (Armor of God 6) (1/17/14)

As I began working in restaurants, I quickly found that one of the most dangerous tools in a kitchen is a dull knife.  Because it does not perform properly, the user is more likely to ignore safety precautions and in turn be cut.  Also, the movement required to make proper cuts become awkward and require extra force.  This can not only cause injury to the user, but often results in poor cuts and damaged foods. 

A surgeon also requires the sharpest of instruments to perform delicate surgeries.  He would never dream of using a chipped or dull scalpel.  The results to the patient would be disastrous, and possibly cost a life. 

Likewise, a soldier does not enter a battle with a weapon that he is not sure is in top working order.  Whether a gun, blade, grenade or any other weapon, it must be in peak operating condition.  Knowing that the weapon will perform as needed enables the soldier to enter the battle with confidence.  This can be the difference between life and death. 

Like these tools of the trade, we are to utilize the Word of God.  “And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:16 AMP) We do battle with the spiritual forces of darkness by brandishing the Word of God to counter all lies.  The Word is powerful and sharp. “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 AMP)  

All of our craftsmen, chef, doctor and soldier, train extensively to become proficient with the tool or weapon they will use in their craft.  They must not only choose a quality tool, they must learn to use it skillfully.  They also use their skills regularly and refresh themselves on technique. 

 We must do the same with the Word of God.  The Word is readily available.  Many people own several translations.  And now with computers and other electronics, bible apps can be downloaded for free.  In English (or another predominant language) speaking countries, having access to our ‘sword’ is not as much the question as being able to use it properly. We are told to, “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP)     

Our Ephesians verse states that it is “the sword that the Spirit wields.”  The definition of wield is to “govern, possess, or have control over.”  We learn the Word of God, but allow the Holy Spirit to give us understanding and bring it to mind as needed. He alone must govern and control our use of scripture.   Jesus encouraged His followers, ^“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12 ESV) The Holy Spirit is faithful to bring the Word to our remembrance.  

A skilled chef takes great pride in preserving his knives.  He cleans and stores them with great care.  Medical facilities have stringent standards for keeping all surgical tools both clean and at peak operating status.  A soldier also cares meticulously for his weapon.  His gun is cleaned regularly, not just after it has been fired.  Bayonets or other blades are kept sharp. 

Likewise, we must care for our weapon.  Our Bible is not a book or an app on our computer or phone.  It is the all-powerful Word of God.  We must care for it by studying and keeping it in our hearts and minds.  It will cut through all the noise in our lives and fight off the lies we too often believe. 

The book of Revelation gives us a picture of Jesus, the living Word of God, wielding the sword.   “and from His mouth there came forth a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full power at midday.” (Revelation 1:16b ESV) Like this image of Jesus we are to face all situations in our lives with scripture on our tongue.  As we fight, it will cut down the enemy’s assault.  As we encourage, it will bring healing to the hurting.  As we praise, it will bring both beauty and a sweet flavor to our world.  This flavor will be enjoyed both by us and those we encounter.

Put On Your Helmet and Enjoy a Full Life! (Armor of God 5) (1/15/14)

As my son was growing up, we taught him to wear a helmet when participating in activities that could involve serious falls.  Recreation often presents the necessity of making this wise choice.  Bicycling, roller-blading and snowmobiling all come to mind as sports that should involve a well-constructed helmet.  The body can endure scrapes, cuts and even broken bones that may result from an accident.  A brain injury can be far more serious, even life threatening. The head should be guarded with the utmost care. 

We are told to guard our minds and “take the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17a ESV) Salvation has been provided for us by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We receive it as gift when asking Jesus to be Lord of our lives.   So how can we take what we already have?  Salvation encompasses our entire life, so why is it a helmet that only protects the head?  And, how can we put it on? 

Webster’s dictionary provided three primary definitions for the word, salvation. (1: deliverance from the power and effects of sin. 2: liberation from ignorance or illusion. 3: preservation from destruction or failure.)  All three combined provide a picture of what Biblical salvation is.  In Jesus, we have received the power that delivers us from sin and death.” For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:2 AMP) Knowledge of that salvation will liberate us. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;” (Hosea 4:6a AMP) And, we are preserved by acceptance of this gift of salvation.  “But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name” (John 1:12 AMP) 

Salvation brings us eternal life.  Eternal refers not only to the unending quality that promises heaven after this life on earth.  Eternal also refers to a quality of life. Jesus said, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”  (John 10:10 AMP) This life (Greek word, sozo) encompasses fullness here on earth as well as a full life after our bodies die.   It includes this truth, “the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 AMP) We have access to God given righteousness, peace and joy in every part of our life, both here and in heaven. 

A helmet is placed on the head to protect it.  The helmet of salvation will protect our mind from the enemy’s lies.  We must learn from God, all He has provided for us in the salvation Jesus paid for by His death.  By studying and asking God for His revelation we can gain greater understanding of the fullness He has provided.  “Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long.” (Psalm 25:5 AMP) He will guide us when we rely on Him and acknowledge our need.  Only God’s salvation is profitable to us. “Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!” (Psalm 62:11 AMP) We can trust, learn from and enjoy the great salvation He has given us. 

 Activities that involve potential danger do not have to be avoided.  Many recreational activities are quite enjoyable.  With the simple precaution of wearing your helmet, you can be truly free to enjoy life to its fullest.  As you live out your spiritual walk, you will encounter both times of battle and of refreshment.  Be careful to keep that helmet of salvation on tightly.  It will guard you from the attacks you face as well as unexpected mishaps as you walk in the fullness of the eternal life Jesus died to provide for you. 

With your helmet placed tightly over your head go out at enjoy your life, everyday.  Whether in the heat of battle or the peak of fun, you can experience that abundant (sozo) life.  Experience and enjoy your life today!