Q & A to Matthew 1 1 : 1 2

This is a Question and Answer to the last article posted, "Matthew 11.12". One reader has asked the question: What was meant (in reference to David) by "spiritually inbred identity that produced vision unto victory"? That sounds like a good question so I'll answer it by posting and sharing it with everyone.
As we all know, we human beings have a spirit that can be trained and developed just as we have a physical body---the outer man. Our physical appearance, demeanor, and well-being (health) is basically constituted and represented by what we eat or fuel that body with and how we exercise it. So it is with our spiritual man---the inner man.

David, the youngest of eight brothers, was a shepherd. In other words, he tended his flocks / herds in the neighboring hills surrounding his homeland. Those days, alone, with God, were a great influence upon him (as evidenced by his actions and writings-how many young boys do you know that have single-handedly killed a lion and a bear?). No one can spend quality time, especially long, solitary hours with God, the most influential presence and all-encompassing, omniscient and omnipotent being in our world ( and universe), and not come away changed---profoundly affected. This is good breeding. Something had to have happened to David as a young man in those solitary hills to cause him to have the reaction (to Goliath) and subsequent actions that he did. David was offended that Goliath would rail against the army of the living God and not be dealt with. Something caused him not to fear but stand face to face with the giant. Why did he, basically a mere sheepherder and musician, see things in a totally different light, understanding, and perspective than all the others? What was in him, spiritually inbred in him, that enabled him to break free from and rise above the fear that gripped, paralyzed, and neutralized all the rest? And not just talk---but purposed, focused, single-minded, unrehearsed, straightforward, deliberate action. David had within him a disposition and capability enabled by an abiding presence greater than himself.....One that defined his very own identity.....An identity, more than his mere self, that produced a vision that others didn't have; one that saw the victory, without question, before it happened and produced corresponding actions that resulted in success---according to God's will and by His hand.

Good breeding doesn't necessarily have to happen when one is young. Look at Paul. Paul was not exactly in his budding youth (as David) when he met the Lord via a blinding light on the road to Damascus. He had already been higher-educated and was earning position and status in his society. However, he was arrested. Arrested for higher-breeding. After his initial conversion, Spirit baptism and introduction into a cautious (to accept him) Christian community, we see him disappear for about 12-14 years. When he emerged, after those silent years, he became a respected leader and voice wherever he went--to Gentile or Jew. Something had happened to him during those years. Something was bred into him that changed his nature, redefined his identity and prepared him for the historic and revolutionary apostolic mission that lay ahead.
It was something so deep and consuming that was a relative follow-up to his blinding light conversion that enabled him to impart revelations (the predominant contributor to the New Testament) as well as endure years of faithful service, hard travels, multiple confrontations, brutal persecutions, long unjust imprisonments and ultimately death.

Imprisonments. Joseph would never have become the second most powerful man in Egypt if it hadn't have been for his imprisonments. But only because he handled them right. Joseph was first thrown into a pit by his own brothers (first imprisonment) and then sold to the Ishmaelites (second imprisonment). He, then, became a slave to Potiphar (third imprisonment) where he responded favorably even though falsely accused and thrown into the king's prison (last imprisonment). Josephs' faith was made known in prison and he was ultimately exalted in due season. It was, however, those years of imprisonment and endurance that produced a man that would one day rule the powerful Egyptian nation. We know Joseph had Godly breeding (Jacob, his father). But his faith was tested and refined to produce an identity that was unknown in the alien land he was destined to govern. There are many people today who feel that they, too, have been imprisoned---held back or limited by circumstances or even God---unable to breakthrough, deferred to a menial or lesser role in God's kingdom. These same people must realize that we are in a season of change, a period of transition, a time of breeding, development, breakthrough and positioning.
We are speaking of God's positioning---not mans'; we are speaking of identity with God and the heart and purpose of God in this hour. Moses was a man who had a lofty position and identity in the family of Pharaoh as the adopted son of the kings' daughter. However, it took 40 years on the back side of the desert, the quiet years, after his opulent, favored upbringing, to produce a different identity and vision....One that would lead to a nation of people being set free from bondage by the miraculous hand of God after 400 years!

Lastly, Jesus, whom we know to have been bred both physically and spiritually by the Holy Spirit, was known to separate himself from others to be alone with and renewed by his Source of identity. He did this all the way to the garden of Gethsemane where he maintained the vision, and, as we all know, produced the greatest victory ever.

M a t t h e w 1 1 : 1 2

I would say point blank that the key word in this verse is violent. No word game here. This verse says "the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force." Actually , this whole sentence is key. Key for today. It almost sounds like an oxymoron...kingdom of heaven and violence.
Jesus' ministry began after he was baptized by John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit came upon him (as a dove). After that he was led into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil. We see that Jesus immediately was in warfare with the enemy. And so it is today. Who takes the kingdom of heaven?---the violent! How do they take it?---by force! Jesus said it! In my Bible, those words are in red. This doesn't sound like passive Christianity to me. There's a war going on and those that act and act boldly and aggressively will win this war. There is a war for power in and over this world and the souls of mankind everywhere are at stake. Who will ultimately win this war? Those who put their hand to the plow and do not let go or look back; those who watch, stand fast in the faith, are brave and strong; those who take the horns of the altar and refuse to let go.
Violence and force, to some, is antithetical to the popular, present-day conception of Christianity---such as being passive, long-suffering, meek, and one who turns the other cheek---and these traits are Christian. However, let's look at the words used in this verse closer. The Greek word used for force in this verse means 'to snatch or seize' ---doesn't sound passive to me---more like aggressively active. As for violent, my trusty dictionaries define it like this:
1-marked by extreme force or sudden intense activity
2-caused by or showing strong feeling
3-passionate, intense
4-emotionally agitated to the point of loss of self-control
5-caused by force : not natural

We see this boldness, this passion, this intensity throughout the Bible. I'm not talking about brassy bravado or flashy zeal. This is focused purpose. This is singleness of mind and heart. This is people who knew whom they have believed and that he is able. These are those who have had an encounter with the master of all life and creation and know him as an anchor of the soul and power of an endless life.
Paul had an encounter on the road to Damascus that caused his life to do a 180 degree about face never to turn back. Paul received his revelations First-Hand. He then, inspired by the 'living revelation', proceeded to establish the gospel to the Gentile world enduring great perils, travail, and finally loss of his own life.
David, who spent many solitary hours alone in the hills tending to his flocks, had a spiritually inbred identity that produced a vision unto victory that no one else could see or attain. When Goliath vaunted himself and taunted the armies of Israel, all others were intimidated and paralyzed with fear. But David, full of true righteous indignation, was compelled to say, "who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" Not only did he square off with the giant face to face, but he spoke back at him proclaiming that he would take his head and, then, ran to meet him and did exactly that---no turning the other cheek here.
Jacob, under threat of death from his brother for his deceptive birthright-blessing theft, wrestled till dawn with the Angel of God, and would not let go, even though injured, until he was blessed by God. He was blessed---with a new name and identity---because he prevailed with God and men.

In Mark 10, there is the story of a blind man (Bartimaeus) who sat by the roadside--how he wanted to see. One day he heard Jesus was coming by. As a crowd gathered and Jesus neared, he began to call for his attention. He yelled so loudly that people began to tell him to quiet down---but he wouldn't. He cried all the louder as he had an intense need. He wouldn't and didn't stop until Jesus, even amidst all that crowd, heard his cry and actually stood still asking that he be brought to him. Bartimaeus, upon hearing that he had been heard and summoned, actually threw his garment aside and went forward without it. Now, I have read that these 'garments' were important to blind people as this is how they were led around. This was their connection to the seeing world. This was their link to direction and guidance. This man received what he desparately needed because he knew where to get it and didn't give up even when confronted by others. He had great faith that things were about to change when he cast his garment aside even before he was actually healed. He, like Jacob, took advantage or 'snatched and seized' the situation and didn't let go until he received a response.

Paul had an intense passion and purpose as David had a clear focus and identity that could not be matched or overcome. Jacob and blind Bartimaeus had this same fervency and would not take no for an answer. All were charged beyond self control and looking beyond the natural to something greater. They were in control but propelled and motivated by a higher calling for something better---the kingdom of heaven here on earth............

The righteous are bold as a lion-Proverbs 28.1 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.-James 5.16

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The Duck That Might Have Been

Arthur Burt is a 90+ year old minister living in Wales. I read his autobiography, Around the World in 88 Years, a couple of years ago---one of the best books about a life lived by faith that I've ever read. Arthur has another book out titled Cock-A-Doodle-Doo. This book has been described as "light-hearted, but gut-wrenching..." It is a simply written book with Emma the Hen telling her tales but passing along foundational and growth-inspiring truths and thoughts at the same time. I would like to pass along one of them now:

I think my life as a tame old duck,
Dibbling 'round in the farmyard muck,
Fat and lazy with useless wings.
But sometimes when the northwind sings,
Oh...and the wild ducks hurtle overhead,
Something stirs that was lost and dead.
And he cocks a wary and puzzled eye,
Makes a feeble attempt to fly.
He's fairly content with the state he's in.
But he's not the duck he might have been.

This short simple poem is about a duck in the farmyard, who, for all intents and purposes, lives his life like a chicken. Oh, he has the wings to fly---but he doesn't use them. Now, he doesn't have a bad life---he's taken care of and fairly content with his life. But, every now and then, he looks up and sees other ducks on wing, using their wings for that which they were intended and going places.

The phrase "might have been" is almost haunting. Many of us have probably, at some point, looked back in our lives and wondered what might have been if certain circumstances had been different or if we had reacted differently to those circumstances. There may have been a point when we turned left instead of right or shouldn't have turned at all. However, with God, mistakes, misses and misfires are all recoverable---at any point in life. In other words, God can right our ship when it is blown off course, when it lists to one side, founders, or even shipwrecks. This is the merciful grace and power of God in our lives at work if we allow it. But, woe unto the ship that never sets sail...who never leaves the harbor...who never experiences the balmy, blue, breezy billows, never encounters the headwinds of stormy seas and never sets out for the purpose and destination it was intended.

I cannot think many things worse than to one day, at the end of my life, to look back and say,'I wonder what might have been'... what I might have been or had done if I had only allowed myself to chart my course by faith in the greatest navigator of life in the universe.
I want to fulfill my mission. I want to run the race. I want to finish the course. I want one day to hear "well done good and faithful servant."
Yep, I want to be a duck that flies.

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The Peter Principle : The Change

Luke 22.31-34: At the last supper Jesus had a conversation with Peter in which he used the phrase "when you are converted." Peter thought that he was ready to walk with Jesus, even unto death. Yet, in a very short period of time, it was revealed to him, by the reaction of his own nature to adverse circumstances, that he could not even speak His name.
Here was a man who had walked, travelled, eaten---literally lived with Jesus. He had witnessed the multiple healings and numerous miracles performed by the Lord as well as sat at Jesus' feet to hear His wisdom and teachings. He had, with James and John, been an inner circle of men closest to Jesus. Peter was well aware that by Jesus' name he, himself, could preach the kingdom, heal the sick, and cast out devils. Simply casting out devils was not the prime desire of Jesus for Peter(Luke 10.17-20). After all this time together, Jesus says to Peter, "when you are converted." Jesus knew that Peter had a greater need---Peter must be converted! Peter had to be changed. Even after all those years, Peter still had need for change. Why?

Luke 22.54-62: Only after Peter has sinned and stands before the Lord eye to eye in his sin does he come face to face with himself and realize his own unworthy nature. He was exposed, naked before the Lord with nowhere to hide and nothing to do but admit the truth. The man was made honest by the truth. He was made sober by the exposure of his own shortcoming and the revelation of his own spiritual poverty. Probably for the first time in his life, he wept for his sins and from that point on he is converted. After all these years with Jesus, they finally see eye to eye because Peter has realized the truth. Up until this point, Peter, himself, has not fully understood---in his heart---what the Lord is all about, except that he did great things and was good to listen to--He was different. He knew that Jesus was someone special but he did not really understand.

The importance of Peter's conversion to us is that we are the same. We must look into the face of Jesus and admit our own spiritual poverty. God desires us to be honest. We must tell the truth concerning ourselves. We must be of a broken and contrite heart before God because of our need of Him (Psalm 34.18). This is our starting point. Many people cannot get to or past that real starting gate. They enter in but go no further. They have some truth, some understanding, some commitment but not commitment unto death on the cross. Many people are simply entertained and soulishly appeased by the 'modern day Gospel'. Maybe they love to hear the truth, the things about and to do with God, but are not in love with God. In recent years, it has been popular practice to pay homage to God, but not to give God a home. Multitudes have come on board the boat, but have not set sail into the deeper waters of God's fulness by the direction of the wind of the Spirit; but, instead, are yet anchored in the harbor of this present day carnally-comfortable world. It is contrary to the present day move of the Spirit to continue to wear a religious cloak, to be a spiritual fake or farce who endeavors in his own strength to present himself with an outer facade of false spiritual health and happiness. Paul exhorted Timothy regarding the importance of a pure heart and unfeigned faith (I Tim. 1.15). It is not enough to walk the walk and talk the talk just because that is what the letter of the law demands. We must not cover our real selves with garments of good conduct and a righteousness by the law. It is good that God has delivered us from the carnal to the spiritual. However, God does not desire for us to live in Him mechanically, but naturally---by His Spirit. God wants to deliver us from spirituality and into the Spirit. The Word of God has been errantly presented to imply that we must devote our energy to rid ourselves of unrighteousness and then we are acceptable to God. For so long we have endeavored to be good by overcoming the bad. But, good is not the absence of bad. Good is a real fruit. It stands by itself. You do not try to light a room by catching the darkness and throwing it out. The very presence of light dispels darkness (John 1.5). How then does this become fluent in our lives?

As with Peter, we must come face to face before God as we really are---to the point that it causes us to become honest and broken. We must be broken of our own will and our own righteousness. Jacob wrestled with God and would not let go. He came face to face with the Lord and was left broken. He was also left with a new name and identity (Genesis 32.24-30). "So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel"(Face of God) "for I have seen God face to face..."
Jacob was converted---changed. This brokeness (honesty and humility) will cause us to yield ourselves to the Lord as a sacrifice for service and fellowship. As we continually yield to the Lord, we cease from our own works, will, selfish ambition and desires, etc. This will produce a rest which will allow fruit to develop. This is a process. It is in effect a weaning process (Psalm 131.1-2). Thank you Lord for not snatching our spiritual rubber duckies from us all at once. But, God is saying in this hour to put up the old toys and wait on Him---He will give us something new. He is weaning us from our old way of life. He is destroying the walls and foundation of the things of this world, renewing and reprogramming our thinking and transforming our lives
to something that is better, more stable and sure---particularly, with regard to the move of the Spirit in this hour. It is necessary for us to transfer our lives from being based on the law of the spirit of death to the law of the Spirit of life. This life we live requires energy day to day. The law of sin and death (natural, carnal life) consumes that energy, but the law of the Spirit of life in Jesus refuels that energy---a hidden source of life in the Spirit accessed by the unveilling of our heart before God and then the renewing of our heart by God (Psalm 51.6-10). We must be still and allow God to operate (Psalm 46.10). We must be weaned of the old things that fill up our daily lives and cost us the fellowship of God. You cannot wake up one morning and expect this to happen. You can only be willing and yield and Jeremiah 29.13.

...All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change comes.-Job 14.14

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J o n a h at 9 0 %

We live in a day and period of time when many people say they know the Lord and even give credit or gratitude to God for good things that happen in their lives. Athletes do it, movie and tv stars do it and even some politicians do it. But, how many really know His heart. Or better yet, how many really have given Him their full heart---100%.
What does it mean to be 100%? There is a vast difference between 90% and 100% in the realm of the spirit with God. Many devoted believers usually make it to 90% fairly quickly, easily and willingly (quickly and easily because of willingly). Yes, making it from 0 - 90% is probably easier than making it from 90 - 100%. It's that last 10% that seems to be the 'sticky point'. Holding a little back--for whatever reason, unknowingly or willingly, can have a tremendous effect on one's life. It can make a contrasting difference in the outcome, produce, value and harvest of one's years of life on earth. It is that last 10% that seems to be the hardest to accomplish---that 10% obstacle(s)...... that thing(s) that holds one back from being 'average good' to being 'Godly great'-as He desires. Richard Wurmbrand, the Romanian Jewish author (Tortured for Christ) who gave up atheism for Christianity in his youth and worked for years as a pastor in the secret underground church, posed this question : "Are you a good Christian or a great Christian?" Trick question? Not really, but one that should cause us to think and soul-search a little. One that you really can't win or answer satisfactorily unless you know yourself to be a great Christian which can only come by living 100% in and by the Spirit as Jesus did.
God desires 100% of a person. He will not overwhelm anyone and take it by force. He stands at the door and knocks. People need to realize that the reason God desires full control and influence in a person's life is for their own good and benefit. Ultimately, complete intimacy and closeness to God will only reap great reward for the individual and even those whom he is associated. It is God's desire to invest Himself, His divine nature, in His highest form of creation, us, so that we can have life and life more abundantly---but He will not force the issue. He must be invited and allowed.
Many people today believe that they are doing right in the eyes of God and their fellow man. Many believe they are doing good because of an absence of bad in their life. However, good is not the absence of bad. Drawing near to God is not accomplished solely by weeding out bad habits, influences and actions in your life. This is necessary, but there is more. Many Christians today believe they are doing their 'godly' service. They probably attend church, pay tithes, are raising their children morally, obey the laws of the land, practice responsible citizenship, even go the extra mile for a friend or neighbor and yes, even attempt to be a better person as their lives progress. All that is good. Most of them would probably consider themselves as doing the will of God in their life. Some have even come a long way and made great changes and progress. They are born again, baptized in the Holy Spirit, have overcome obstacles, and have even shown fruit. Most of these people would probably grade themself an 'A' for Christian living. However, beyond the initial call to new life, beyond the willing elimination of sinful (destructive/vain) practices, and beyond the comfort zone of 'clean living', there is a call to answer. It is the call of a Father's voice. It is the call to a higher ground and yet deeper relationship. It is the call of 100%. 100% into the presence of God. It is the call to learn the lesson of Jonah. Jonah at 90%.

Jonahs' name, to most people, probably carries somewhat of a negative connotation. Jonah is known for disobeying and running from God and ending up in the belly of a great big fish.
Jonah was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel. To paraphrase, Jonah was a minister to his people----Jonah was no novice! He knew God and the voice of God and feared God (see 1:9). God spoke to Jonah and told him to go to Nineveh, (the capital of Assyria) and preach to the city that their wickedness was well known and that He was not pleased. However, Jonah disobeyed and actually left by ship in the exact opposite direction. Now, we can conjecture as to why Jonah brazenly disobeyed God although it is not the point here. Most likely, Jonah hated the Ninevites as Assyria was regarded by Israel as a hostile nation and a threat due to their historical wickedness and brutality. Also, possibly, Jonah was afraid to go to such a wicked city fearing what may lay in store for him as a repercussion to his strong message. Also, possibly, Jonah simply decided, on his own, that it would be fruitless and do no good to speak to such an idolatrous people. Whatever the reason, the point is Jonah did disobey God even though he was 'hand-selected' for the job. Jonah was a man considered by God to be 'mature' enough for the job but yet, obviously, was one that didn't quite measure up to 100% expectations. Jonah was a good and respected man who failed at 90%---letting that one obstacle stop him. We know the rest of the story. Jonah was given another chance though he had to be convinced by almost certain death. Jonah went on to complete his mission-----he preached to Nineveh and a great conviction, repentance, salvation and change came to this city as a result.
We should take a lesson here. It seemingly takes 90% of most of our efforts, energy and lives to bring ourself to where we should be with God. However, let us not stop there and be satisfied. It is that last 10% that we attain that bears great fruit in the lives of others. Good people acknowledge and fear God and take care of themselves, great people know and love God and take care of others.

P u l l i n g W e e d s

No, it couldn't be! My beautiful bermuda grass coming up in my hand with a nasty clump of weeds. I laid the sod myself last year. The nerve of those weeds to attack my beautiful (once beautiful), pristine sod. However, that's what weeds do----infiltrate, invade, and infest the good stuff.

Most of us have weeds though. I'm not talking about just in our grass---but in our lives. Weeds of the spirit, emotions, and mind do the same things as those nasty gaggles of unwanted
greenery in our grass. Especially in the setting of our inner man, their presence is magnified as they cramp, choke, and congest the work the Holy Spirit seeks to do within us. The Holy Spirit, who took the form of a dove at the baptism of Jesus, non-aggressive and un-invading, will only do as much in our lives as we allow.

Now, I'm not saying pulling weeds is an art form, but, there is a way to do it and not to do it. If I just reached down, grabbed, and pulled, I would always end up with as much grass as weed and a big, ugly, bare spot. When we pull weeds ourselves, we usually end up treating symptons and not getting to the root of a problem. However, if I went down to the base of the cluster and pulled by the roots, the whole thing would come up with less grass leaving a smaller, sometimes almost unnoticeable bare spot. This is how the Holy Spirit seeks to work within us. The Spirit doesn't move in and try to clear house all at one 'wholesale whack' leaving us spiritually rumpled, razed and routed. Many people have misinterpreted growth with the excisement of bad habits, thoughts, and feelings and, on their own, tried to 'deliver' themself from their problems. This is focusing on the wrong thing. Although, many of these same people are well-intentioned, this negative approach is actually a characteristic of 'anti-Christ' and 'other-than Christ' religions, cults, and religious legalism. When one allows the focus to be on growth by the Holy Spirit, the negative traits will have to go as the Spirit takes precedence. This is growth. This is progress. This is the work of the Holy Spirit----the best weed-killer in the business----killing weeds at the roots and not just treating symptoms. God wants to eliminate the weed by the root, getting rid of the entire problem and not hurting the integrity of the surrounding area.

Most of us know what some of our own weeds are, but it takes the illuminating eye of the Holy Spirit to expose the darker corners that we cannot so easily detect. I noticed, as I was pulling weeds out of my grass, that there were several kinds of weeds. One kind was not so easily spotted. It was a low-lying, low-growing weed with spreading tentacle-like arms reaching out in all directions never growing up but low and out making it hard to see at first. However, once exposed, it actually pulled out easily. Many people do not take on the problem of weeding their own yard ( heart). Many people let the weeds exist with the grass trying to just keep it all 'mowed' down where its not too evident. That, obviously, doesn't take care of the problem and, moreover, can cause slow growth, if any at all, and possibly stagnancy. Stagnancy inevitably leads to disappointment, discouragement, and apathy. To truly help God help you, you must be willing to expose the weed (bring it to God) and be willing and yielded. This may not (and probably won't) happen overnight. The key is to stay attentive and diligent and keep the water and light of God's word shed abroad in the area. I noticed, in one area of my yard, that the whole reason I had to sod to begin with was because much of the old grass had died out and left nothing but these huge, mostly dirt patches. This was due to the fact that they were in almost continuous shade not receiving ample light to grow full, healthy grass. After cutting down some unnecessary trees and pruning others, I now have green grass and a yard that isn't a choking dust bowl nuisance when I mow it. Light is important. The word of God is a light unto our feet and a lamp unto our path.

It always happens. You probably have one too. I'm talking about that neighbor that always knows a little more than you do. Just before I ordered the sod, I told a neighbor I was thinking about putting down bermuda. "Yeah", he said, "it looks nice but its just so susceptible to weeds in this area." Well, it pays to take good advice---but that's another topic--maybe the parable of the sower?

A c t s 1:8

More than once, when speaking to groups, I have played a little game with the above referenced chapter and verse. The question (game) is simple---What is the most important word in Acts 1.8? Oddly enough, no one has got it right yet. Go ahead and read it. What do you think?

Before Jesus left the earth, he promised that he would not leave his disciples alone but would send help---a guide, a comforter, a teacher, and to endue them with power from on high. The promise of all this was encompassed and fulfilled by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the power from on high, was sent after he left to empower them to be his witnesses and continue the work that he had started. That's why he said in John 14.12 that "he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do..." and why John wrote "as He is, so are we in this world" (I Jn. 4.17). Jesus would not have made the statement he did if he didn't expect something from us. He expects us to bear fruit and as he said in Acts 1.8, "you shall be my witnesses..."(getting warmer?).
But, guess what? Jesus never intended for us to put on an act---that is, to act like he was when he was here. You can't do it anyway!---not by yourself. But, many try. Trying to be holy is frustrating and ill-fated. Acting righteous does not score any points with God either. God tells us to "be holy as I am holy." He would never have told us that if He didn't make it possible. However, at present, the church at large (what Paul called the body of Christ) is full of actors. I am not belittling anyone. However well-intended people may be, Christianity as an act is a burden! The Holy Spirit came to help us be something that we weren't before and cannot be on our own. He doesn't indwell us to make us good actors. He empowers us from the inside out. Many people, Christian or not, live their life as a reaction. They live their lives as a rebound to whatever circumstances are presented them and by whatever the finite nature of their self-composition and limitations allows them to be. Reaction? Limitations? Sound familiar? We've got to start thinking differently!

Jesus always acted fresh---offensively---real---from the inside out. Let me illustrate. Paul said in Galatians 4.4 that "when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son...". Not 1000 or 100 years before or after but at the right time, when the earth was ripe for his birth and ministry. Now get this. Try and follow closely and get this picture. Six months before Jesus was born, John the Baptist was born. John the Baptist was a blood relative of Jesus (some say cousin) as their mothers (Elizabeth and Mary) were related. We know that John grew to become very aware of his calling---to proclaim or introduce the ministry of Jesus---the redeemer. I have got to believe that these two (Jesus and John) had to be close, not just because of their family ties but because of their spiritual bond (John, still in Elizabeth's womb, leaped for joy when Elizabeth heard Mary's voice for the first time after Mary was blessed by divine conception).....and because of the fact of their assimilation into a focused mission by the Holy Spirit to initiate the greatest generational period of time and ministry known to man. Only these two! Only these two understood fully what the other and each other was about, the gravity of assignment, and universal responsibility that had been laid at their charge.
In Matthew 14, we find John in prison by the hand of Herod. Herod foolishly promises the head of John to the daughter of Herodias (whom Herod had unlawful union with---openly contested by John) at his birthday party after she (the daughter) danced for them. Herod reluctantly keeps his promise and has John the Baptist beheaded and the head presented to Herodias' daughter.
John's disciples inform Jesus of his death. The death of the one man on the whole earth who understood him best, who understood what his mission was, who was wholly dedicated and immersed with the revelation of the Christ, Immanuel---God with us. John the Baptist, suddenly and brutally taken. First, what did Jesus not do? He didn't respond in anger and take his disciples to Herod's party house and do them in. He didn't retaliate by calling legions of angels to obliterate them from the face of the earth. He didn't groan and sulk over this 'unfortunate turn of events.' Jesus did, however, separate from everyone to a deserted place by himself. Do you think he was shaken? Do you think he was moved? Do you think he cried? I do. But the people found out where he was and followed him.
Even then, he didn't tell them to get lost, I'm busy, I need some time alone. No, Jesus acted fresh---out of compassion--- and began to heal the sick and after that worked the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes. Even in his time of sorrow, Jesus struck an offensive blow against the works of the enemy and, by not imploding, acted from the inside out. Jesus, by the Spirit, acted instinctively and positively, not out of a do-the -right-thing compulsion, but out of a Godly compassion (power).

Religious compulsion. Religious service. Unfortunately, that is the way a lot of people live. Many Christians expend much energy by trying to chase down and drive out the bad things while trying to 'grunt' out a few good things---two of which are going to church and paying tithes. Anybody can do that! However, God has not called us to live by performance or by the letter of the law. He does not require fevered service and 'labors' of piety pumped out like some automated machine. "It is here important to recognise that Scripture is fundamentally a guide to principle, and in that sense is also an infallible guide to practice; but it is not a list of precedents which are to be mechanically and slavishly followed."(The Torch of the Testimony).

Some years ago, I think it was around the time of the 'abscam' scandal in Washington, DC, some state politicians here in South Carolina were also caught in a sting. Of course, it was all over the news, especially with an election year coming up. I'll never forget driving down the road and seeing a sign for someone running for office. It said, "Vote For Me---I'll Be Good!" The thought immediately occurred to me, especially in light of the stings, accusations, convictions, and wrongdoings, that what he was really saying was that he would not be bad---as some of his predecessors had been. However, not being bad does not mean you are good. In other words, good is not the absence of bad! Good is something. It has its' own entity. It has its' own works and essence in and by itself, just as light is more than the absence of darkness ( although darkness is the absence of light). You must have an offense---a produce---fruit---to be good. What good is a football team if all they have is a good defense and no offense? They would never score. If they never scored, they would never win. Right?(ok, ok, just for some of you football purists--I know the defense could score--but, you know what I mean). Jesus was never on the defensive. He was always on the offensive. He was always producing, never defending, never caught off guard. Jesus never tried to be, he was!--just as the God of the Old Testament said I AM THAT I AM. Jesus didn't try to be Jesus no more than a tree tries to be a tree, or the sky tries to be blue, or water tries to be wet. Jesus could be successful because he lived by the Spirit within---and so can you "if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you. He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you"(Romans 8.11). So, how do you let the Spirit empower you? A good start is to be yourself and be honest.

Well, did you guess the right word? You should have. I only used it 20 times since I first asked the question.

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