There is a scripture in the 5th chapter of 2Corinthians that describes the Christian as an Ambassador for Christ. Many of you may be familiar with this passage, but the witness of the mainstream church does not portray this spiritual reality. There are some dynamics to serving as Ambassadors for Christ that, if we can truly plug into and wrap our faith around, we will be positioned by the Holy Spirit to be proponents and vessels of a Kingdom Revolution here in the earth.
One of the first things to understand about an Ambassador in the natural is that they are not responsible for covering their own expenses. The cost of housing, medical and dental insurance, transportation costs, food and other living expenses are not self-incurred. In other words, they don't have to pay for it. So if the Ambassador doesn't have to absorb the cost, who does? The Government. It's like serving in the Military. No soldier pays for their own lodging and uniforms and meals. The Government pays for it. Such is the way it works in the Kingdom (Government) of God. When you function as an Ambassador for Christ, The Government of God, The Kingdom, will take care of you. That's why Jesus said in the 6th chapter of the Gospel of Saint Matthew, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you". When you become an Ambassador of The Kingdom, not just a church worker, not just a minister of the Gospel, your every need will be Supernaturally provided for you.
The next thing that we want to recognize in regards to the role of an ambassador is that their place of residence does not represent the territory or the property for which they are located. In other words, if you have an ambassador from the country of China, and they come to America, even though the Chinese Embassy is located in the United States, it does not represent American property. The Embassy of a foreign ambassador is the sovereign property of their own nation. Such is the case in the Kingdom of God. When you serve as an Ambassador for Christ, the territory for which you serve is now Kingdom Property. This is significant to understand. For the believer in Christ, the earth is not our home (Hebrews 13). Too many Christians are too comfortable in the earth realm. We are strictly here On Assignment. We're not here to "place roots". This is the mind-set of an Ambassador. And what we're supposed to be doing is Representing the Interests of the Country for which we represent. How well are we Representing the Kingdom of God? Are we all walking in Miracles, Signs and Wonders? (Hebrews 6) Are we all walking in and being regulated by the Love of God? (John 13) If not then we need to work on being better Ambassadors. But saints, this is the Calling for all of us; to serve and to function as Ambassadors for Christ.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Chosen
As we continue to press into the Season of the Kingdom, we want to make sure we make the distinction between being Called and being Chosen. Jesus said that "many are Called, but few are Chosen" (Matthew 22). We are entering a Season where being Called will not be enough. Every born-again believer has a Calling. Every Christian has a Divine Assignment for which they've been anointed and appointed to fulfill. However, just because you're Called, and you may have even "answered" this call (like answering a Call to preach), doesn't mean that you are Chosen. In this Season of Kingdom Manifestation, those who will be used by God and those who will be on the front lines of this Movement will not be simply the Called, it will be the Chosen.
When we compare this concept to the Natural, we find that there are various areas where people have to be Chosen. Next week is the NFL (National Football League) Draft, where various college players will be selected by different professional teams. These players have to be Chosen. You cannot just randomly get to the NFL. You have to be Chosen to play by a particular organization. And in order for them to choose you, you have to be Qualified. This is one of the challenges for many Christians who are operating in a Calling but fail to make the distinction of being Chosen; they don't Qualify. I've said this before and I'll say it again; in many instances when it comes to being used by God in the Advancement of His Kingdom, the anointing is not enough. Your spiritual gifts represent the anointing of God. But in order to be Chosen, you have to have spiritual character and substance. You have to be Obedient (1Peter 1). You have to learn to Deny Your Self. You have to learn to Bear your Cross (Matthew 16). These are some of the qualifications of the Chosen of God. In order to make a team in the NFL, you have to pass a Physical. This determines whether or not you are physically fit to play the game at the level required. Are you fit to be a worker in the Kingdom of God? Spiritually, Mentally, Emotionally, Relationally and Physically? (1Thessalonians 5). Once again, in order to be Chosen, you have to Qualify.
Lastly saints, you have to Love Him. I know this sounds basic, and you would think that every believer in Christ, if nothing else, loves the Lord. But the longer I hang around the saints, the less I'm convinced of this general assessment. The scripture says, "this people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth...but their heart is far from me". (Matthew 15). People have learned what to say regarding their love for the Lord, but that doesn't necessarily mean that that's where their heart is. When you really love Jesus, your world revolves around Him. You want to spend time with Him. You want to Worship and Adore Him. You hang, literally, on His every Word. His wish is truly your Command. No sacrifice is too much, no mountain to steep, when it comes to pleasing the Master. A lot of us are busy in ministry and devoted to "working" for the Lord. But remember what Jesus told the church at Ephesus, "nevertheless I have somewhat against thee...thou hast left thy first love" (Revelation 2). Let's make sure, above anything else, that we are truly in love with Jesus. This will ensure that we are Chosen.
When we compare this concept to the Natural, we find that there are various areas where people have to be Chosen. Next week is the NFL (National Football League) Draft, where various college players will be selected by different professional teams. These players have to be Chosen. You cannot just randomly get to the NFL. You have to be Chosen to play by a particular organization. And in order for them to choose you, you have to be Qualified. This is one of the challenges for many Christians who are operating in a Calling but fail to make the distinction of being Chosen; they don't Qualify. I've said this before and I'll say it again; in many instances when it comes to being used by God in the Advancement of His Kingdom, the anointing is not enough. Your spiritual gifts represent the anointing of God. But in order to be Chosen, you have to have spiritual character and substance. You have to be Obedient (1Peter 1). You have to learn to Deny Your Self. You have to learn to Bear your Cross (Matthew 16). These are some of the qualifications of the Chosen of God. In order to make a team in the NFL, you have to pass a Physical. This determines whether or not you are physically fit to play the game at the level required. Are you fit to be a worker in the Kingdom of God? Spiritually, Mentally, Emotionally, Relationally and Physically? (1Thessalonians 5). Once again, in order to be Chosen, you have to Qualify.
Lastly saints, you have to Love Him. I know this sounds basic, and you would think that every believer in Christ, if nothing else, loves the Lord. But the longer I hang around the saints, the less I'm convinced of this general assessment. The scripture says, "this people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth...but their heart is far from me". (Matthew 15). People have learned what to say regarding their love for the Lord, but that doesn't necessarily mean that that's where their heart is. When you really love Jesus, your world revolves around Him. You want to spend time with Him. You want to Worship and Adore Him. You hang, literally, on His every Word. His wish is truly your Command. No sacrifice is too much, no mountain to steep, when it comes to pleasing the Master. A lot of us are busy in ministry and devoted to "working" for the Lord. But remember what Jesus told the church at Ephesus, "nevertheless I have somewhat against thee...thou hast left thy first love" (Revelation 2). Let's make sure, above anything else, that we are truly in love with Jesus. This will ensure that we are Chosen.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Why?
I suspect that there are more than a few believers that are going through various situations that are making them ask God the question, Why? It could be family related, financial matters, career decisions, even issues related to ministry. But the way things are falling out and going down are challenging you to ask the Lord, Why? Why Lord, did you let it happen this way? Why Lord, haven't you delivered me? Why Lord, am I still sick? Why Lord, am I still broke? Why Lord, didn't I get that promotion? Why? Asking the Lord Why about personal situations is not a problem. Some adhere to the school of thought that you shouldn't ask the Lord, Why; that you shouldn't "question" the Lord. With this I totally disagree. You should exercise the right and the prerogative to ask the Lord Why about what He's Sovereignly allowing to transpire in your life. Just make sure that when you ask Why, that you position yourself to receive God's Answer.
One of the reasons Why things could be going down the way they are is our own Spiritual Negligence. I'm learning more and more that a lot of Christians don't know how to "steward" the Prophetic Word. One thing we know about God is that He is Faithful (1Corinthians 1). He's never going to allow something to "creep up" on His children. It's just not going down like that. Therefore, we have to examine if there might have been a situation where God actually gave us the "heads up" and we just chose to ignore it. I recently received a prophetic word, and at the time I received it, I didn't think the word actually applied to where I was spiritually. I received the Word, but I didn't "steward" it properly from the standpoint of properly preparing for what the Lord was saying to me prophetically. However, in the days to come, I found my self right in the situation for which I had been prophetically warned. The Lord was gracious, but I believe some things could have been avoided if I had not been spiritually negligent regarding the Prophetic Word I had received.
Then there are some things that God is doing on our behalf that we simply don't know about and don't understand. When Job was going through his drama, he often asked the question, Why? Who would've thought that the hell that Job was going through was actually Divinely Sponsored (Job 1). It was Satanically administered, but it was Divinely Sponsored. Never forget that even the devil works for God. Satan can do nothing that God doesn't permit or allow (Job 1). So whatever's going on in your life, even though the devil may be doing it, God is allowing it. And guess what, God loves you! So no matter how painful it is, no matter how hard it is, no matter how rough it is, no matter how unfair it is, God is working it out for your Good (Romans 8). Do you believe that? No, it may not make the situation easier to deal with, but what it ought to give you is Hope. Hope that if God is in control, and He is, and if God only has my best interests at heart, and we know He does, then when you get through this thing, the Blessing you're going to receive is going to be Awesome! Job received a double portion when his testing period was over (Job 42). Endure saints. Your trial is only for a season. And when this season of testing has expired, God will Manifest for you the reason Why.
One of the reasons Why things could be going down the way they are is our own Spiritual Negligence. I'm learning more and more that a lot of Christians don't know how to "steward" the Prophetic Word. One thing we know about God is that He is Faithful (1Corinthians 1). He's never going to allow something to "creep up" on His children. It's just not going down like that. Therefore, we have to examine if there might have been a situation where God actually gave us the "heads up" and we just chose to ignore it. I recently received a prophetic word, and at the time I received it, I didn't think the word actually applied to where I was spiritually. I received the Word, but I didn't "steward" it properly from the standpoint of properly preparing for what the Lord was saying to me prophetically. However, in the days to come, I found my self right in the situation for which I had been prophetically warned. The Lord was gracious, but I believe some things could have been avoided if I had not been spiritually negligent regarding the Prophetic Word I had received.
Then there are some things that God is doing on our behalf that we simply don't know about and don't understand. When Job was going through his drama, he often asked the question, Why? Who would've thought that the hell that Job was going through was actually Divinely Sponsored (Job 1). It was Satanically administered, but it was Divinely Sponsored. Never forget that even the devil works for God. Satan can do nothing that God doesn't permit or allow (Job 1). So whatever's going on in your life, even though the devil may be doing it, God is allowing it. And guess what, God loves you! So no matter how painful it is, no matter how hard it is, no matter how rough it is, no matter how unfair it is, God is working it out for your Good (Romans 8). Do you believe that? No, it may not make the situation easier to deal with, but what it ought to give you is Hope. Hope that if God is in control, and He is, and if God only has my best interests at heart, and we know He does, then when you get through this thing, the Blessing you're going to receive is going to be Awesome! Job received a double portion when his testing period was over (Job 42). Endure saints. Your trial is only for a season. And when this season of testing has expired, God will Manifest for you the reason Why.
Monday, April 18, 2016
The Subtlety of Satan
We are entering a Season saints where it will be imperative that you pay attention to spiritual detail. For many of us, we are too generalized and open in regards to the application of our faith. As it relates to our relationship with God and our walk with Christ, we can no longer just "go with the flow". We cannot afford to respond and be regulated by "how we feel"; not in this upcoming season. No saints, it's time to raise our spiritual game and make sure that every "I" is dotted and that the spiritual "T's" are crossed. The reason why is because, if we're not careful, we will become victims of The Subtlety of Satan.
The scripture states very clearly that Satan walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1Peter 5). The Devil's roaming around seeking who he can destroy (John 10). The challenge with the Devil is that his attacks aren't out in the open. No sir. He's Subtle, he's Crafty, he's Sneaky. Things will be going along just fine and before you know it, Bam, Satan's gotcha. That's how it works. That's why the scripture also instructs us to be Sober and Vigilant (1Peter 5). We have to stay on guard for the Subtlety of Satan.
One of the ways to guard against the Subtlety of Satan is to monitor our spiritual status and position. The scripture says in Colossians 3 that we are dead, and that our life is hid with Christ in God. Some of us are too alive in Self instead of being dead in Christ (Romans 6). When you're wrapped up in Self you are a prime target for the Subtlety of Satan. Notice I didn't say wrapped up in Sin, I said wrapped up in Self. That's where many of us are deceived. We think because we're not "sinning" that we're ok. Wrong. The issue is not your transgressions, the issue is your Focus. You may not be in a position to fully engage in Self-Indulgence, but your focus isn't on Christ. It's during these times that Satan "conveniently" slips up on us. And we're not thinking anything of it because, for the moment "we're being good". Be not deceived. This is why you want to be Hidden In Christ. Get into the Word of God (1Peter 2). Spend time in Worship and Prayer (Psalm 100). Exercise the spiritual discipline of Fasting (Psalm 35). These are some of the things that will allow us to be Hidden In Christ and help protect us from The Subtlety of Satan.
As we prepare for the Passover Season, God has Great and Precious Promises in store for His people and those who have been faithful to Him. Don't let the Devil rob you of your Blessing. Don't let him sneak in and steal your Inheritance (Hebrews 12). Be Watchful, Stay Prayerful and let the Holy Spirit give you the necessary Discernment to guard against The Subtlety of Satan.
The scripture states very clearly that Satan walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1Peter 5). The Devil's roaming around seeking who he can destroy (John 10). The challenge with the Devil is that his attacks aren't out in the open. No sir. He's Subtle, he's Crafty, he's Sneaky. Things will be going along just fine and before you know it, Bam, Satan's gotcha. That's how it works. That's why the scripture also instructs us to be Sober and Vigilant (1Peter 5). We have to stay on guard for the Subtlety of Satan.
One of the ways to guard against the Subtlety of Satan is to monitor our spiritual status and position. The scripture says in Colossians 3 that we are dead, and that our life is hid with Christ in God. Some of us are too alive in Self instead of being dead in Christ (Romans 6). When you're wrapped up in Self you are a prime target for the Subtlety of Satan. Notice I didn't say wrapped up in Sin, I said wrapped up in Self. That's where many of us are deceived. We think because we're not "sinning" that we're ok. Wrong. The issue is not your transgressions, the issue is your Focus. You may not be in a position to fully engage in Self-Indulgence, but your focus isn't on Christ. It's during these times that Satan "conveniently" slips up on us. And we're not thinking anything of it because, for the moment "we're being good". Be not deceived. This is why you want to be Hidden In Christ. Get into the Word of God (1Peter 2). Spend time in Worship and Prayer (Psalm 100). Exercise the spiritual discipline of Fasting (Psalm 35). These are some of the things that will allow us to be Hidden In Christ and help protect us from The Subtlety of Satan.
As we prepare for the Passover Season, God has Great and Precious Promises in store for His people and those who have been faithful to Him. Don't let the Devil rob you of your Blessing. Don't let him sneak in and steal your Inheritance (Hebrews 12). Be Watchful, Stay Prayerful and let the Holy Spirit give you the necessary Discernment to guard against The Subtlety of Satan.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Friend of God
One of the things that we must always keep in mind is that Christianity is not a religion, it is a Relationship. With this in mind, one of the things that we understand, that I don't believe enough Christians are conscious of, is that God is looking for Friends. Yes, He's looking for worshippers (John 4). Yes, He's looking for servants. But He's also looking for Friends. A friend is someone that you have a close, intimate relationship with. In these times, there are people that we call our friends that really are not. They might be good associates and people that we genuinely like and care for; but that doesn't automatically constitute them as a friend. God is looking for Friends. And in order to be anyone's friend, particularly a Friend of God, there are certain standards you must meet and qualifications you must fulfill.
In order to be a Friend of God, the first thing we must be is Faithful. The only person that the scripture specifically identifies as the Friend of God was Abraham (James 2). One of the defining characteristics regarding Abraham was his Faithfulness. He is often recognized as the Father of Faith. Abraham believed God and did exactly what He said (Genesis 12, Hebrews 11). If we're going to be a Friend of God, we must walk by faith and be faithful unto God. The scripture says in Hebrews 11 that without faith it is impossible to please God. You can't be a Friend of God and walk in Unbelief. Reason being, unbelief and lack of faith does not facilitate closeness and intimacy with God.
The next area of qualification in order to be a Friend of God is Obedience. Jesus said in the 15th chapter of the Gospel of Saint John, "ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you". You can't be a Friend of God walking in a spirit of disobedience. This doesn't mean that you're going to do everything right. It doesn't mean that you're not going to make mistakes. But you can't have a stubborn spirit and a hard heart and refuse to do what God is telling and calling you to do. God has Grace for our sins, that's why Jesus died (1John 1). So He knows we're going to fall short of His Glory (Romans 3). But even in our shortcomings and trespasses, we are in agreement with God that His Will and His Word are correct (Romans 7). However, there are too many Christians that aren't even "struggling" with the performance and execution of God's Divine Will for their lives. They have grown content and complacent in their Disobedience. This is not the Will of God. Some people struggle with sin because of a lack of maturity and spiritual growth and development. But there are other Christians who have simply made up their mind that they're going to persist in a path that doesn't reflect the Divine Will of God for their lives. You can't be a Friend of God and operate in a spirit of disobedience.
Lastly, if we are to be a Friend of God, we must be willing to Sacrifice. This is where, I believe, many Christians fall short in terms of qualifying to be a Friend of God. The culture of our society has conditioned us to build our world around personal comfort and convenience. There's nothing inherently wrong with this, but this mind-set is not always conducive to being a Friend of God. Jesus calls us to Deny Ourselves and to Carry our Cross (Matthew 16). This means we have to be willing to Sacrifice, even when we don't want to, and even when it hurts. Going back to the Biblical Friend of God, when God called Abraham to sacrifice his only begotten son Isaac (Hebrews 11), he was Obedient. There's nothing recorded that he murmured or complained; he simply executed God's Divine Will for his life. This is what it means to be a Friend of God. It doesn't matter what it is, from the heart we are Obedient to whatever God tells us to do. There aren't many people that are willing to qualify for this spiritual status. Are you willing to make the Sacrifice? God was willing to make it for us (John 3). If we are, then we can become a Friend of God.
In order to be a Friend of God, the first thing we must be is Faithful. The only person that the scripture specifically identifies as the Friend of God was Abraham (James 2). One of the defining characteristics regarding Abraham was his Faithfulness. He is often recognized as the Father of Faith. Abraham believed God and did exactly what He said (Genesis 12, Hebrews 11). If we're going to be a Friend of God, we must walk by faith and be faithful unto God. The scripture says in Hebrews 11 that without faith it is impossible to please God. You can't be a Friend of God and walk in Unbelief. Reason being, unbelief and lack of faith does not facilitate closeness and intimacy with God.
The next area of qualification in order to be a Friend of God is Obedience. Jesus said in the 15th chapter of the Gospel of Saint John, "ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you". You can't be a Friend of God walking in a spirit of disobedience. This doesn't mean that you're going to do everything right. It doesn't mean that you're not going to make mistakes. But you can't have a stubborn spirit and a hard heart and refuse to do what God is telling and calling you to do. God has Grace for our sins, that's why Jesus died (1John 1). So He knows we're going to fall short of His Glory (Romans 3). But even in our shortcomings and trespasses, we are in agreement with God that His Will and His Word are correct (Romans 7). However, there are too many Christians that aren't even "struggling" with the performance and execution of God's Divine Will for their lives. They have grown content and complacent in their Disobedience. This is not the Will of God. Some people struggle with sin because of a lack of maturity and spiritual growth and development. But there are other Christians who have simply made up their mind that they're going to persist in a path that doesn't reflect the Divine Will of God for their lives. You can't be a Friend of God and operate in a spirit of disobedience.
Lastly, if we are to be a Friend of God, we must be willing to Sacrifice. This is where, I believe, many Christians fall short in terms of qualifying to be a Friend of God. The culture of our society has conditioned us to build our world around personal comfort and convenience. There's nothing inherently wrong with this, but this mind-set is not always conducive to being a Friend of God. Jesus calls us to Deny Ourselves and to Carry our Cross (Matthew 16). This means we have to be willing to Sacrifice, even when we don't want to, and even when it hurts. Going back to the Biblical Friend of God, when God called Abraham to sacrifice his only begotten son Isaac (Hebrews 11), he was Obedient. There's nothing recorded that he murmured or complained; he simply executed God's Divine Will for his life. This is what it means to be a Friend of God. It doesn't matter what it is, from the heart we are Obedient to whatever God tells us to do. There aren't many people that are willing to qualify for this spiritual status. Are you willing to make the Sacrifice? God was willing to make it for us (John 3). If we are, then we can become a Friend of God.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Spiritual Desperation
We are entering a Season where if your intent is to get to where God has Divinely Ordained you to be, then it is imperative that you develop what I'd like to describe as "Spiritual Desperation". One of the signs of the mainstream church that is extremely affecting our Christian witness is the amount of complacency with which we approach our faith. Jesus described it as being "lukewarm" (Revelation 3). The church can no longer afford to operate in a state of "lukewarm spirituality". We have to wake up, we must become sober; we must develop a sense of Spiritual Desperation.
Jesus said in the eleventh chapter of the Gospel of Saint Matthew, "the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force". Even though the meaning of this appears to be somewhat abstract, in essence what Jesus is saying is that you're not going to enter the Kingdom of God being "laid back". There has to be a level of aggressiveness and assertiveness towards receiving all that God has ordained for His children. What I'm beginning to see is that this spirit of "indifference" is something that is affecting not only the church but our entire nation. Excellence and achievement no longer seem to be the standard at which we as a society choose to operate. People just want to "go with the flow". People just want to "settle". This spirit is not of God, and it definitely has no place in regards to our pursuit in relationship with Him.
What are you reaching for in Christ? What are you reaching for in the Lord? What are your spiritual aspirations and goals? What is it that God is calling you to do and fulfill in the Kingdom of God? Who is it that God is calling you to be in His Son? What elements of your character and being is the Holy Spirit actively working out and working on in you? These are questions that you ask when you are experiencing Spiritual Desperation. When you're Spiritually Desperate there's an urgency to your relationship with God. There's something you're reaching for in Christ and reaching for "from" Christ that places a pressing on your soul and in your spirit. I can assure you saints, we will not be available, let alone equipped and prepared, to be vessels and witnesses of the Kingdom of God if at some point we don't mature into operating with Spiritual Desperation.
Jesus said in the eleventh chapter of the Gospel of Saint Matthew, "the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force". Even though the meaning of this appears to be somewhat abstract, in essence what Jesus is saying is that you're not going to enter the Kingdom of God being "laid back". There has to be a level of aggressiveness and assertiveness towards receiving all that God has ordained for His children. What I'm beginning to see is that this spirit of "indifference" is something that is affecting not only the church but our entire nation. Excellence and achievement no longer seem to be the standard at which we as a society choose to operate. People just want to "go with the flow". People just want to "settle". This spirit is not of God, and it definitely has no place in regards to our pursuit in relationship with Him.
What are you reaching for in Christ? What are you reaching for in the Lord? What are your spiritual aspirations and goals? What is it that God is calling you to do and fulfill in the Kingdom of God? Who is it that God is calling you to be in His Son? What elements of your character and being is the Holy Spirit actively working out and working on in you? These are questions that you ask when you are experiencing Spiritual Desperation. When you're Spiritually Desperate there's an urgency to your relationship with God. There's something you're reaching for in Christ and reaching for "from" Christ that places a pressing on your soul and in your spirit. I can assure you saints, we will not be available, let alone equipped and prepared, to be vessels and witnesses of the Kingdom of God if at some point we don't mature into operating with Spiritual Desperation.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
The Family of God
As we continue to address The Focus on the Family, we want to remember that the Family is instituted and ordained by God. Family is not a secular or human idea, it's a Divinely Ordained Institution from God. Therefore, Family is Sacred. What we fail to realize on many occasions is that, if the Family is going to be functional and productive, it cannot do so apart from God. Any Family that is going to be what God has Ordained the Family to be, needs God in order to sustain the family unit. Too often, we try to run our houses and relate to certain family members without God and outside of God's Divine Will for our lives. This is the main reason why so many of our family relationships are frustrated and faltering. We must keep in mind, The Family is of God.
We've had various representations of The Family shown to us by the media. You have the famous Cosby family, you have the Cleavers on Leave it to Beaver, you even have the Adams Family (not the best representation of course). But as much as we applauded the depiction of the Cosbys and the Cleavers and other seemingly wholesome and well-adjusted families on tv, the question I always raised was, Where was God? Maybe I missed some episodes, but I never saw the Cosbys praying together as a Family. I don't recall Mr. Cleaver telling Wally and Theodore (the Beaver) that in order to work out a particular problem they're going to need to call on Jesus. What the television did was give us positive family models without the Presence of God. Therefore, what we witnessed, and in many instances applauded, was a lie. You're not going to have Family Unity and peace in the home outside of the Presence of God. That's fictitious and wishful thinking at best. So if you think your family is going to be functional and whole outside of the Presence of Jesus and His Spirit ruling your house, you are Deceived.
God ordained the Family; and He did not create the Family to function apart from Him, He established the Family to operate in Communion with Him. For this reason, we must establish the Principle that our Families need to revolve around God and His Will for our families. Let me say it again: we need to establish the Principle that our families need to Revolve around God and His Will and Purpose for our families. Did you know that God has a Divine Purpose for your Family? We think God just has a Calling for the church or for certain ministers and preachers. No. God has a Calling for your Family. And it's up to the Father and the Mother to identify what that Calling is (which is supposed to be done before you get married) and then to communicate that Vision and Calling to the children. Is this not what God did with Abraham? The whole Calling for Abraham's life was about The Family (Genesis 12, Genesis 17). The reason why as Christians we are called "the children of God" is because we are a part of God's Family. The reason God is our "Heavenly Father" is because He's the Head of the Universal Family (Matthew 6). This thing is about Family folks. And no human family is going to be successful and healthy apart from the Divine Family of God. Let's make sure that as we nurture our human families that we are intricately connected and a part of The Family of God.
We've had various representations of The Family shown to us by the media. You have the famous Cosby family, you have the Cleavers on Leave it to Beaver, you even have the Adams Family (not the best representation of course). But as much as we applauded the depiction of the Cosbys and the Cleavers and other seemingly wholesome and well-adjusted families on tv, the question I always raised was, Where was God? Maybe I missed some episodes, but I never saw the Cosbys praying together as a Family. I don't recall Mr. Cleaver telling Wally and Theodore (the Beaver) that in order to work out a particular problem they're going to need to call on Jesus. What the television did was give us positive family models without the Presence of God. Therefore, what we witnessed, and in many instances applauded, was a lie. You're not going to have Family Unity and peace in the home outside of the Presence of God. That's fictitious and wishful thinking at best. So if you think your family is going to be functional and whole outside of the Presence of Jesus and His Spirit ruling your house, you are Deceived.
God ordained the Family; and He did not create the Family to function apart from Him, He established the Family to operate in Communion with Him. For this reason, we must establish the Principle that our Families need to revolve around God and His Will for our families. Let me say it again: we need to establish the Principle that our families need to Revolve around God and His Will and Purpose for our families. Did you know that God has a Divine Purpose for your Family? We think God just has a Calling for the church or for certain ministers and preachers. No. God has a Calling for your Family. And it's up to the Father and the Mother to identify what that Calling is (which is supposed to be done before you get married) and then to communicate that Vision and Calling to the children. Is this not what God did with Abraham? The whole Calling for Abraham's life was about The Family (Genesis 12, Genesis 17). The reason why as Christians we are called "the children of God" is because we are a part of God's Family. The reason God is our "Heavenly Father" is because He's the Head of the Universal Family (Matthew 6). This thing is about Family folks. And no human family is going to be successful and healthy apart from the Divine Family of God. Let's make sure that as we nurture our human families that we are intricately connected and a part of The Family of God.
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