FALSELY QUOTING GOD

“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!” - Ezekiel 13:1-3

I don't like to be quoted for saying something I didn't say. You don't either. It is time for well-meaning Christians to quit quoting God for saying things He didn't say. Ezekiel was commanded to speak to the false prophets of his day. He was commanded to say, “Thus said the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!”

I hear too many Christians saying, “The Lord told me...” If you are saying that the Lord told you something, it had better come from the Bible. Adrian Rogers once said that once you allow extra-Biblical revelation, the next step is anti-Biblical revelation. We have arrived at this point in America.

There are many who call themselves prophets, but their “prophecies” are often vague and nebulous. Their “prophecies” are so vague that just about anything would be considered a fulfillment of “prophecy.” In the Bible, prophecies were specific. If a prophecy was proven to be false, the prophet was considered false and was subject to execution. You see, God doesn't like to be quoted for something He didn't say.

Many claim that the strict standard for prophets were only for Old Testament times. But why should we think that God is okay with people quoting Him today when He didn't speak?

We have a sure word of prophecy. It is called the Bible. The Bible is sufficient for life and godliness. Too many are looking for mystical experiences instead of reading, believing and obeying the Bible they have.

If you want a genuine experience with God, then take Him at His Word and obey Him explicitly. If we spent our time our time reading and obeying our Bibles, we wouldn't have time or need to look elsewhere for an “experience.”

God holds us responsible for the Word He has already revealed to us. How are you doing with His Word? We should treat God's Word with fear and trembling. Most Christians do not have a proper fear of God. A healthy fear of God would cause us to respect the Word He has already given and be cautious of extra-biblical revelation.

The Lord has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. His message has been captured clearly in the Bible. If you say, “the Lord told me...” it needs to come from the Bible. It isn't your dream or vision that others need to know. They need the clear message for the Bible. The devil can easily influence your dreams and visions. He can easily persuade you that an emotional feeling is the voice of God. I certainly don't trust my feelings or dreams and you shouldn't either --- but I do trust the Bible.

Read the Bible. Believe the Bible. Obey the Bible. Spread the message of the Bible. The Bible is the clear, concise Word of God. Don't settle for anything else.

CIVILITY

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” - Matthew 7:12

What has ever happened to civility in our land? Common sense is no longer common. Anger, hostility and lawlessness prevail throughout our land. Even in our government, we are witnessing despicable actions by those who should be leading us. Sadly, even Christians are guilty of acting in such disgraceful ways, treating each other with scorn and ridicule when they disagree of minor issues.

I think it is time for all Americans, from the White House down to every house, to get back to practicing the Golden Rule. Jesus said, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” When I was growing up, school teachers rephrased this as, "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you." We need to get back to living by the Golden Rule.

I think this includes several basic things:

1. TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT

We may disagree on politics, but we can agree to respect each other. Christians may have differing views on non-essential points of doctrine, but we should still treat each other with respect. I was brought up to respect my parents, peers and those in authority. I was taught to respect the flag and what it represents. I grew up respecting the church and the spiritual beliefs of others. These days, showing respect is seen as a weakness. However, if you wish for others to respect you, then you should respect them. I know there are things I don't respect. I don't respect those who are dishonest. I don't respect those who are wicked. I don't respect those who harm others. However, there are many people I can respect. If we practice the Golden Rule, we will treat others with respect.

2. TREAT OTHERS WITH KINDNESS

It doesn't cost any extra to be kind to someone. The late Country artist Glen Campbell had a hit in the 1970's called, "Try A Little Kindness." Many need to practice the message of that song today. We can be kind to others, even if we disagree with them. We want others to be kind to us, don't we? Name-calling, verbal abuse and other forms of personal attacks are childish. It is time that people grow up and act like adults. In football, a player (or coach) is harshly penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Quite honestly, I still like to see a player lend a helping help to an opponent on the football field. Why don't we do this in real life? When we practice the Golden Rule, we treat others with kindness.

3. TREAT OTHERS FAIRLY

It is rare to find those who treat others fairly. These days, the distinction between right or wrong is based upon civil law rather than a code of ethics. A person can be unethical and yet remain within the boundaries of the law. God expects better of us than merely staying within the limits of the law. He wants us to live honesty. He expects us to treat others right. "Victory at all costs," has become the motto of modern day politics, but it is a deadly concept that is infecting our entire nation. You don't like to be mistreated, do you? Then treat others fairly yourself.

4. TREAT OTHERS MERCIFULLY

People will do you wrong and even hurt you from time to time. Sometimes the offense is innocent and at other times it is deliberate. At such times, it is easy to get angry and seek revenge. There are professing Christians who refuse to forgive others. It is amazing that we want God to be merciful and forgiving to us, yet we want Him to be harsh and condemning to others. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He stated that His forgiveness of our offenses is contingent upon our forgiveness of others. Paul wrote that we should forgive others just like Christ has forgiven us. That is a difficult thing to do, but God has forgiven us of sins that were far greater than any offense we've received. We want God and others to treat us mercifully, thus we should treat others mercifully.

There's much more that could be said about this subject. There was a time that civility was the norm in our country. It is time we return to it again.

MAJORING ON THE MINORS

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:33

Some things are more important than others. It is easy to talk about priorities, it is another thing to regularly maintain proper priorities. One of the main problems facing the American church is this issue of priorities. We are majoring on minor issues. We are emphasizing good things at the neglect of vital things. We have forsaken the basic aspects of our faith while stressing lesser issues ... some issues we shouldn't address in the first place.

Jesus said, "... seek ye first the kingdom of God..." Many in the American church seem to be seeking their own kingdom or the kingdom of their local church rather than the kingdom of God. Shouldn't we be pursuing the things God has commanded us to pursue? Shouldn't we be emphasizing the issues that God emphasizes.

We are majoring on minor things. Here are a few examples:

1. WE'VE EMPHASIZED PLEASURE OVER PRAYER

Americans have overemphasized pleasure. Our culture is a hedonistic culture. Think about how the average American spends his “free time”: Television, social media, music and going to the theater. We are a pleasure-seeking society. Local churches are not much different. A church typically draws its largest crowds for a potluck dinner, a concert or sports. The smallest crowd for a church is typically the weekly prayer meeting. Most Christians get excited about a special speaker or a concert, but he will not show up to pray. Yet prayer is needed more than ever. The church is not commanded to play, but she is commanded to pray. When prayer not a major event for a church, we are majoring on minor things.

2. WE'VE EMPHASIZED ESCHATOLOGY OVER EVANGELISM

Another observation I've made is that many are interested in Bible prophecy. They will show up to hear an exposition on the book of Revelation or go to Bible prophecy conferences. I'm not saying that it is wrong to study prophecy. We should study prophetic Scripture. I just fear that many have a mystical excitement about the subject and nothing more. At the same time, Bible prophecy should give us a great incentive to spread the Gospel. Knowing that time is running out, we should be actively sharing the Gospel with an unbelieving world. We are commanded to spread the Gospel. A lack of evangelism is a sure sign that we are majoring on minor things.

3. WE'VE EMPHASIZED RELEVANCE OVER REPENTANCE

I am amazed at the number of pastors who think that their main job is to be “hip” or “cool.” They want their church and ministry to be “relevant.” God has not called us to be “cool,” but obedient. He has not called us to be socially relevant, but Biblically faithful. When pastors and churches emphasize relevance, they usually do so while undervaluing repentance. You usually don't hear one of those “cool” preachers give a stirring sermon on repentance. Repentance is not a “cool” subject. Yet it is a needed subject. Jesus preached about repentance. John the Baptist preached about repentance. The Apostle Peter, on the day of Pentecost, commanded the people to repent. The Apostle Paul challenged his listeners to repent. Real life-change only occurs when a person repents. A person can repeat a “sinner's prayer” without repenting. He can join a church without repenting. He can be baptized without repenting. But a man will never go to heaven without repenting. Rather than trying to be cool and relevant, let's get busy preaching the Gospel. The Gospel is not always popular, but it is always relevant. It isn't important that we be “cool,” “hip” or popular. It is vital that we are right in our living and preaching. When we deliberately omit repentance from our message, we are majoring on minor things.

4. WE'VE EMPHASIZED POLITICS OVER PREACHING

Sadly, the American Church today is known more for its political action than anything else. Sometimes Christians are known more for what we're against than what we are for. We are emphasizing politics too much these days. Political change is not the answer for America, Christ is. It is time for preachers to get back in the pulpit and preach again. Let me be clear. We need God-called, God-led, God-anointed preachers who will stand and boldly proclaim the Word of God. The Bible does not say that heaven rejoices over one who changes political parties. The Bible DOES say that there is rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents. A thousand years from now, all that will matter is where a person is spending eternity. Preach the Word, not politics. When we emphasize politics, we are majoring on minor things.

5. WE'VE EMPHASIZED PREFERENCES OVER PEOPLE

Often we are guilty of emphasizing preferences instead of people. We can talk at long lengths about doctrinal preferences (like a defense or opposition to Calvinism). We can talk excitedly about our musical preferences or even Bible translation preferences. Yet we won't open our mouth to talk to anyone about Jesus. When we overemphasize preferences, we are majoring on minor things.

6. WE'VE EMPHASIZED STRATEGIES OVER SANCTIFICATION

We are also guilty of programming our churches and ministries, just like a person would program a TV or radio station. Some pastors approach their ministry like a CEO does a corporation. The problem is that the church is not a corporation. Rather than plotting a strategy, let us implement the strategy God has already given us in His Word. God wants a pure church, untainted from the world. Rather than focusing on strategy, we need to emphasize sanctification once more. Our members need to grow in holiness. When holiness is neglected, we are majoring on minor things.

7. WE'VE EMPHASIZED WEALTH OVER WORSHIP

Finally, we are guilty overemphasizing wealth. Just like the church of Laodicea, the American church is a wealthy church. We think it is more important to have great looking sanctuary than to have a Biblically-driven church. We can spend an enormous amount of money on the image of our church, but very little worshiping the God who birthed the church. True worship is really missing from churches these days. We like to stress professionally sounding music, trendy programs and self-help messages. At the end of the day, our focus is on ourselves rather than God. We are majoring on minor things.

It is time we get back to majoring on major things. Love God. Love others. Spread the Gospel. Help those in need. Read our Bibles. Spend quality time in the prayer closet. Worship God regularly. Invest in God's Kingdom.

We need to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we do, we'll be majoring on major things.

STORMS OF LIFE

“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.” - Mark 4:37

Here in the eastern part of the United States, our attention has been on a hurricane all week. There has been much speculation as to the track of the storm and the impact it will have. The impending storm created concern for millions as people scrambled to prepare for its arrival.

The arrival of Hurricane Florence is a reminder that life itself has storms that we must face. Storms are part of life. They are unavoidable.

It is comforting to know that Jesus knows what it is like to be in a storm. In Mark chapter 4, He and His disciples were in a ship when they faced a storm. When the storm came, Jesus was actually asleep on the boat. The wind became fierce and the boat took on water. The disciples went into panic mode.

Although His disciples were panicking, Jesus remained asleep. He was not worried about the storm. He was not fretting the outcome.

Here are a few things we need to consider when we face storms in life.

1. STORMS COME TO EVERYONE

First of all, storms come to us all. Although it seems like certain people face more storms than others, but all of us will face them from time to time. Storms may be small or large. They could be life threatening or just annoying. God has not promised us a life free of storms. Storms will come.

2. STORMS COME TO THE GODLY

Being a Christian doesn't make you immune from storms. Keep in mind that Jesus Himself was on the boat when the disciples went through the storm. If Jesus had to endure a storm, so will we. Even though Jesus is on the boat with you, storms will come your way.

3. STORMS ARE UNNERVING

The disciples' boat took on water. They thought they were facing imminent danger. We must face the facts. Danger may come during storms. When a boat takes on water, it will quickly sink. There are times in life when we feel like our boat is taking on water. Don't ignore the signs of danger.

4. JESUS IS THE SHELTER FROM THE STORMS

Although their boat seemed to be in peril, the disciples were actually in a safe place because Jesus was on board with them. Unbelievers will face storms, but they don't have the comfort or assurance that we have. The Lord is on board with us. He is our Captain.

5. JESUS IS LORD OF THE STORMS

Jesus was not a victim of the storm. He is Lord of all … including the storms. When He was awakened by His disciples, He rebuked the storm and it immediately ceased. I can't control the weather. Meteorologists have a hard time predicting the weather and certainly can't control it. Jesus, however, can speak and the storm comes to an end. Psalm 107:29 states, “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” That leads us to our final lesson.

6. STORMS ARE TEMPORARY

Storms may seem endless at times, but the fact is that they are temporary. Storms of life may wreck your comfortable life, but the storm itself will soon cease. Storms may seem like a strong breeze. At other times, a storm can feel like a powerful hurricane, churning and churning through a seemingly endless night. Regardless, the storms we face are not permanent.

Isn't it good to know that there will be no storms in heaven? The One who rebuked the storm will not permit storms to overshadow or endanger His home.

Singer and songwriter Squire Parsons said it best when he wrote:

“When He reaches out His hand,

Billows cease at His command,

Winds and waves obey His will

When He says to them 'Be Still;”

What man is this they all did say,

That the winds and seas obey,

He's the One who sails with me,

He's the Master of the Sea.”

(c) 1975 Kingsmen Publishing Company

We can trust our lives and our future to the One who controls everything.

WHAT WE NEED MOST

“O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years.” - Habakkuk 3:2

Our nation is in a mess. Tensions are running high. Anger and violence are common these days. We lack civility when sharing opinions, especially political opinions. There is public shaming of people who have differing views. Those who are vocal about bullying are often guilty of it themselves. Then there are accusations of racism, corruption and hatred that are freely vocalized.

What is the answer for all these problems? How can this mess get cleaned up?

Some would argue that political change is needed … even radical change. Others would say that common sense needs to return to our country. I'm certainly not opposed to common sense, in fact, it really isn't common these days.

What we need most in our country is a mighty move of God. We need to see massive changes that only God can provide.

While many are passionate about their preferred political party, I think it is time for Christians to return to the prayer closet and seek God. I am not naive about our situation. Republicans can't solve our nation's woes. Democrats aren't the answer either. Our nation needs the Lord.

Let me share two things that we need most in America:

1. REVIVAL IN OUR CHURCHES

First of all, we need revival in our churches. It is time for Christians to come together and pray for a mighty move of the Spirit in our churches. Sadly, some professing Christians are more passionate about filling a ballot box than filling the church pews. We seem to be more fired up about our political agendas rather than the advancement of the Kingdom of God. We need believers to start acting like believers. We need Christians who will storm the gates of heaven in prayer. We need to live the truth, speak the truth and share the truth. We need to see a revival of holiness among professing believers. We need to see evangelistic zeal return to our churches. We need to be desperate in prayer.

2. A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING IN OUR NATION

Secondly, we need a spiritual awakening in America. Let me be specific. I'm not referring to a generic spiritual awakening that includes every religious brand out there. Instead, I am referring to a Christ-centered, God-honoring, sin-hating, devil-bashing, church-edifying, soul-winning spiritual awakening. We need the Spirit of God to stir people, awaken hearts and radically change lives. We need a move of God that sweeps across this land, bringing civility to our nation, peace among Americans, and decency to everyday life. We need to see such a mighty move of God that completely changes the tone of our land. We need to see personal, as well as widespread repentance. From the highest levels of government to every home in America, we need a return to the basic elements of a healthy society. Our nation needs to turn to God.

Some would argue that this is not the direction our country needs. Think about it. If you want God's blessings on our country, you shouldn't expect His blessings when we deliberately embrace the things He strongly condemns. Since our nation has opened the door to allow wickedness to seep into every fiber of society, our country has quickly fallen apart. We don't need to continue this route any longer.

We need revival in our churches and a spiritual awakening in our country. These things can't be planned or produced by us. Only God can provide them. However, you and I can seek God for these things. One thing is true: He won't answer the prayers we don't pray. As Christians, we must seek God in prayer. Keep praying until God answers.

America's woes won't be reversed at a ballot box, but they may get reversed in the prayer closet.

A FIRE IN MY BONES

“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” - Jeremiah 20:9

Have you ever been tempted to quit? If most ministers were honest, they'd tell you that they've been tempted to quit many times. Ministry can be a very discouraging work. People disappoint you. Results don't measure up to expectations. Circumstances arise that seem to thwart any good work. Satanic resistance is real and powerful.

Jeremiah had a difficult job. As a prophet, he was called to speak an unpopular message to an unfriendly audience. Their response to the message was to imprison the messenger. It is easy to see why Jeremiah got discouraged. His discouragement reached the point where he decided to quit. He basically turned in his resignation to the Lord. Thankfully, God refused to accept it.

Have you ever felt like quitting? Discouragement and depression comes so easily when you try to do God's will. The devil is a dirty fighter. The devil will kick you when you're down. He is merciless.

Instead of resigning, Jeremiah got fired up. Jeremiah said, "But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones." The Word of God is alive and powerful. God's Word was like a fire that turned in a mighty blaze in the prophet's life. To Jeremiah, it felt like a fire in his bones. The inner flame of God's Word had rejuvenated the man of God. He was fired up!

Do you need that inner fire? It won't come by watching a sitcom or reading a novel. God's Word is the fire that revives. Take time to get away with your Bible and let God set your soul aflame.

Jeremiah went from pit to the pulpit. There was a fire in his bones. The devil probably thought he had gotten rid of the loud-mouthed prophet, but Jeremiah came back with greater intensity.

The devil may think that he has stopped you, but God is not finished yet. This is not a time to quit. This is not a time to pout. This is the time to rise up and be counted for God. Get back into God's Word. The Bible is fuel for the soul. When that fuel touches a dying ember, a flame comes to life.

The most effective days of your life may be yet ahead. Like Jeremiah, let God's Word come alive in you and get busy for God!

ICHABOD

“And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.” - 1 Samuel 4:21-22

I am amazed at the names given to babies these days. It seems like parents want to give their children unique names --- as if the child receives extra credit for having an unusual name. I don't think parents really think about the fact that the child has to grow up using that name. I once knew a grown woman who hated her first name because it was so unique.

In Biblical times, often the name of a child had a meaning that was prophetic of his life. Also, it wasn't unusual for a child's name to reflect an event at his or her birth. Such was the case with Ichabod.

Eli was priest of Israel. On the surface, it didn't seem like Eli was a bad man, but he refused to exercise discipline over his sons. His sons grew up to be very wicked men. Eli's sons abused the priesthood, using the position for manipulation, selfish gain and immorality. Eli refused to step in and stop the wickedness. As a result, Eli and his sons died the same day. Israel lost a hard fought battle. During the battle, Eli's sons died and the ark of the covenant was captured by the enemy. When word reached Eli about his sons and the ark, he fell, broke his neck and died.

The wife of one of Eli's sons was giving birth at the time word got back about the battle. The mother died in child birth. When the child was born, he was named, Ichabod, because the glory had departed from Israel. The name, Ichabod, literally means, "the glory has departed."

Sadly, it appears that the glory has departed in our day.

1. THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED FROM OUR CHURCHES

I can't help but think that we could accurately relabel most of our churches with the name, Ichabod. The glory has departed from most churches. On one hand, some churches encourage excesses that cannot be supported by Scripture. On the other hand, some churches are spiritually dead, showing no sign of any life. Whether it is strange fire or no fire, the cause is the same: the glory has departed.

What has happened to protracted revivals? What has happened to mass baptisms? What has happened to shouting in churches? I know the answer: the glory has departed. In some circles, it seems as though people are trying to manufacture the glory by having lighting shows and emotional entertainment. I guess their thinking is that if the Spirit doesn't move people, maybe a bass guitar will. Regardless, the glory has departed.

2. THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED FROM OUR COUNTRY

A politician recently made the remark that America has never been great. While some of us may disagree with his belief, I think we all can admit that America is not as great as she used to be. The glory has departed. The temptation is to blame everything on politicians. Certainly, they are responsible, to some degree, for America's woes, but when we dig deeper we realize that the real problem is sin. Our nation has embraced sin. Our country has celebrated sin, claiming that we've advanced as a civilization. Corruption, dishonesty, immorality, abortion, homosexuality and transgender rights are among the issues that our nation has tolerated and accepted. If we truly seek God's blessing on our country, we can't be silent or tolerant about issues that He has clearly condemned in His Word. The glory has departed.

3. THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED FROM OUR CITIZENS

While our nation has openly embraced wickedness, the glory has departed from families and individuals. Divorce is a common occurrence in America, even among professing Christians. Cohabitation is considered proper behavior. Drug use is out of control. Suicides are increasing. Racism and hatred is spreading like wildfire. Sexual and physical abuse is a regular headline in our news.

Like Eli's day, the glory has departed from America. Let's learn some lessons from Eli. Why did the glory depart from Israel during the days of Eli? Here are just a few reasons. First of all, there was unholy leadership. The priesthood was contaminated with sin. Eli's sons had desecrated the priesthood with their wicked ways. It is sad to hear about sexual abuse and sexual misconduct among those in leadership. Furthermore, it is shameful to hear of dishonesty, cover-ups and corruption among those in leadership. John Maxwell once said, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." Basically, the people follow the example of their leaders. Ron Dunn once said that the spiritual level of a church will never rise above the spiritual level of its pastor. Unholy leadership is a mark of God's judgment upon the people. Where there is unholy leadership, the glory quickly departs.

Secondly, there was idolatry among the people. The people were treating the Ark of the Covenant like a good-luck charm. They had abandoned God for the worship of the Ark. Today our idol may not be an Ark, but we worship sports, sex and success. In religious circles, we worship the church instead of Christ. Others worship music styles or denominational distinctives instead of the Lord. America is an idolatrous land. The glory has departed.

Finally, there was spiritual apathy in Israel. They were no longer passionate about God. They had gotten away from the things of the Lord. Here in America, we conveniently leave God at the church house until we need Him. Most Americans are religious. Some are even spiritual. Few are actively worshiping the Lord and obeying His Word. We have a nation of religious pagans. As a result, the glory has departed.

It is easy to point out the problems, but what is the solution? What can we do if the glory has departed? We need to recognize that God is sovereign. We cannot manipulate Him into doing what we want. There is no magical formula for this. Most preachers give a three, four or five step process to receive something from the Lord --- as if spiritual renewal is a recipe to follow. The fact is that God gives His blessings as He wishes and He can remove the glory any time He wishes.

While there is no formula for experiencing the glory once more, there are a few things that may make us candidates for a season of refreshing. First of all, we need to get desperate. We shouldn't be casual about the present situation. The glory has departed. Time is running out and the need is great. Secondly, we need to humble ourselves. We need to run to God in prayer. Don't be content with an Ichabod life. Don't deceive yourself into thinking that America is too great to fall. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up." Finally, we need to repent. Turn to God and passionately seek Him.

When we turn from God, His glory departs. I would hate to have the name “Ichabod” describe my life, wouldn't you?