Fight the Good Fight of Faith: Ready When Your Goliath Shows Up

Fight the Good Fight of Faith: Ready When Goliath Shows Up
1 Tim. 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses
2 Cor. 2:14, Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the fragrance of his knowledge by us in every place
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Sometimes you want to win because of who is watching. And this not because of selfish pride, but you want to win because that’s your purpose and others need you to win. That is the value of living in the light and letting people see your good works. 
We don't fight the good fight of faith to win. We fight the good fight because we have already won. That's why it is a GOOD fight! We fight a good fight because in Jesus Christ, WE WIN! 
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith

The Bread of Life: From "Gimme" to "Grow Me"

The Bread of Life: From "Gimme" to "Grow Me"
John 6:24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

Nature vs. Nurture: Living by Promise

Nature or Nurture? Living by Promise
Prov 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Prov. 1: 8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother
Gal. 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all...28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.
For all of my life I have heard the debate about Nature vs. Nurture.  It is the scientific, cultural, and philosophical debate about whether human potential behavior, and personality are caused primarily by nature or nurture. Nature is often defined in this debate as genetic or hormone-based behaviors, while nurture is most commonly defined as environment and experience.
Children need nurture. Nurture means: care, provide conditions for growth, feed, train, develop, cultivate, monitor environmental conditions.
As a person raised by loving parents and from positive experiences growing up, the answer seems obvious to me; Nurture. However, the weight of modern culture and those who wish to exclude God from life and human development insist it is mostly about Nature. This view also supports the theory of human evolution and provide covers for behaviors such as homosexuality, bisexuality, anger, Illness, and even husbands who cheat on their wives. Many want to believe that all human behavior is genetic in origin.
In 2001, something happened in the realm of science that set back the growing consensus that behavior is mostly genetic. An article published by NOVA of the Public Broadcasting System:
“The most shocking surprise that emerged from the full sequence of the human genome earlier this year is that we are the proud owners of a paltry 30,000 genes—barely twice the number of a fruit fly. 
After a decade of hype surrounding the Human Genome Project, punctuated at regular intervals by gaudy headlines proclaiming the discovery of genes for killer diseases and complex traits, this unexpected result led some journalists to a stunning conclusion. The seesaw struggle between our genes (nature) and the environment (nurture) had swung sharply in favor of nurture. "We simply do not have enough genes for this idea of biological determinism to be right," asserted Craig Venter, president of Celera Genomics, one of the two teams that cracked the human genome last February.”
 
I believe our text somewhat illustrates this dilemma to day. People are obviously born of “flesh,” but we are can also born of “promise” through Christ. 
Nurture is far more powerful in human development than nature. Of course we understand that the spiritual sin nature is a barrier to progress. My experience growing up in the inner city and around poverty was that my parents nurtured abilities in me that my environment would have allowed to languish. 
We should nurture children and not allow nature to become an excuse, because Jesus can change the nature... and that people can do much better even before their nature changes. This is what mothers and parents do.
People who promote the nature argument, a lot of behavior is excused. Worse, is that people give up on people who are viewed as genetically challenged or inferior...without actually saying the words.
I think people wrongly conclude that nature (i.e. born into the "right" family, neighborhood, going to “right” schools, etc) is the key to progress and excellence. This is basis for gated communities and private schools.
I still hear people attribute the things I do to "talent" or nature. I remind people that I'm an expert on me! What I do is mostly because of nurture, and much less because of a nature I possess that cannot be possessed by anyone else.
In other words, the dramatic difference is made by the nurture of others not by nature, over which we have no control. This is obvious to people like us, but I think it's less obvious to many believers.
What mother’s do (make your own list)
M aking sacrifices
O pening hearts and minds
T eaching about life
H eloping at all times
E mpowering & encouraging
R equiring your best
Children need nurture growing up. Nurture means: care, provide conditions for growth, feed, train, develop, cultivate, monitor environmental conditions.
Matthew 19:13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.
Keys to Birthing & Nurturing Your Purpose. We live by promise, not by our impulses and human nature
Gal 4: 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic 
Don’t “birth” things outside of God’s plan. Avoid actions not rooted in faith in God. 
If you have given birth to things that hinder you, ask God to help you separate from those things. “Cast out the bondwoman and her son.” 
Go for maximum freedom and blessings. Let God birth and nurture purpose in you: Gal 4:26, but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all...28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 
P.R.A.Y. Pray, Read, Act, Yield
We do not lack purpose in the heart in God. We were created in God's image and likeness. That statement carries the full creative purpose of God. Have you thought "Why was I born?" The better question to ask is "Why did God create me in His image and likeness." 
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” 4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
 

The Brightness of Your Rising

Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, Andy  deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.
Matthew 5:15-17New King James Version (NKJV) 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
When we arise and shine, people in darkness, people in trouble, and people who lack direction will come to our light, and to the brightness of your rising. This text describes the result of God’s people rising, shining, and allowing the light and glory of God to shine on us.

A Mantle Made for You

A Mantle Made for You
John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth....16, For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
In my early educational life I used to dread taking a test. In my later life I began to appreciate the importance of a test or exam. 
A test does at least three beneficial things:  
It gives us an incentive and reason to learn and prepare 
Taking and passing the test verifies that we have entered into a new level of knowledge and understanding. 
Greater empowerment follows a successful test and new opportunities follow 
The principle is this: You become what you learn and greater skill takes you to go to greater places. 
When the Bible talks about going from grace to grace, increasing in every way is part of what it means. God designed us to grow and to develop, and to bear fruit. Make no mistake, God designed you to be successful, but that success comes at the price of process. 
God cares so much for us because of the price Jesus paid to redeem us, or buy us back from this world and form our sinful nature.
1 Peter 1:18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot....21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Barclay: “The result of this rebirth is that the man who is reborn becomes the first fruits of a new creation (Jas. 1:18). It lifts him out of this world of space and time, of change and decay, of sin and defeat, and brings him here and now into touch with eternity and eternal life. 
Our new life and all the new things that come are because of Jesus’ resurrection. This is our LIVING HOPE!
 

Know Jesus. Know the Power of His Resurrection.

Phil. 3:7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
Jesus' resurrection is not only a past event, but a present power! That's why we say, "He IS risen," not he WAS risen. 
Rom 8:11, And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

When Your King Comes In

When Your King Comes In
Luke 19:28 When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet ,that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’”  32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”  34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” 35 Then they brougaht him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. 37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying:   “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”  40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
John 12:12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘ Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!”
Matthew 20:27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your servant— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Jesus is a king like no other. He is not a king who comes to conquer. He is not a king who arrives in opulence and demands servitude. He is a king who serves, saves and empowers his followers.
King Jesus rides on the faith of givers and worshippers.  When we want Jesus to enter our lives and  circumstances, we must be prepared to follow His instructions, demonstrate our faith, and worship from our heart and with our substance. Jesus looks for faith, since it is the environment of blessing and miracles. Jesus looks to see if people will honor father God, who is always looking for true worshippers who worship in Spirit and in Truth.
In that day and in many cultures today, people understand the principle of honor and the protocol of entering the presence of elders and kings. Today, there is a lack of understanding of the importance of honor and honoring people who are worthy of honor.
Kings and rulers had a reputation for being petulant (easily annoyed and complaining in a rude way like a child), cruel, overbearing and self-centered. Jesus can to not only save souls, but to restore the concept of servant-leadership.
God’s priests had lost sight of the principle of honor
Malachi 1:6, “A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence?
Matthew 10:40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."
When we honor God by honoring those He has send, and keep ourselves in alignment with divine purpose and keep our hearts clear of selfish ambition.
Worshippers and givers have a heart to honor and please God. From the text, look at the characteristics of people who worship and honor,
Obedience,   "Go into the village...."
Attention to detail,  "Find a colt tied..." (not "now what did Jesus say?")
Recognition of Jesus authority, "The Lord has need of it..."
Sacrificial giving by unnamed owner of donkey. Sacrificial giving  by the disciples and onlookers, "They spread their OWN clothes on the donkey...
A sacrifice is not something we do that we don’t want to do. A sacrifice is offering up something costly and precious.
Remembrance of blessing, "All the mighty works they had seen..."
Worship and praise, "Blessed is the King who comes..."
 We call this "Palm Sunday" because of the palm branches that were broken off and both waved and laid before Jesus (John 12:13). This was a genuine expression of honor for Jesus and father God at that time. However, the real sacrifice came from the man whose donkey was borrowed and those who laid their clothes on the donkey and on the ground before Jesus. Something noted in Luke's gospel.
The fact that we focus on the palm branches is an interesting commentary on the level of our faith and personal worship. Waving palms is an appropriate celebration, but being true worshipper requires much more.
Something the donkey owner may have known
There have been ancient laws that required citizens to render to any King any item or service he or one of his emissaries might require. The donkey owner clearly knew something about Jesus. I suggest to you that he loved Jesus and recognized His kingly authority. For all we know, this man or a family member may have been healed by Jesus.
What would we call "Palm Sunday" if we recognized the greater cost of faith and worship? What if we were required to give up our own cars, equipment (today's donkeys) and the clothes we are wearing today? Most people would rather rip down some palm branches and wave them around than do something truly valuable. If followed the example o the man who gave the most, we would call it “Donkey Sunday.”
The unknown person who allowed his donkey to be used started something. He is the most significant person in this story other than Jesus. Given our bent towards religious traditions, if the donkey owner had a name, people would have probably named a church after him long ago. We like stories with peoples and things that we can imagine and dramatize.
He also became a part of God's prophetic plan. Somehow, he sensed that Jesus was a King who brought life, provision and a high return on any investment.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9
If you had been there, would you have given your best coat or garment to Jesus? You say "Yes!" but would if the purpose was not for wearing, but to become a saddle on a donkey's back for Jesus to sit upon? Or what if your suit or dress were used to lay on the ground for Jesus and donkey to walk on?
It's time for us to prepare the way for Jesus through raising the level of our serving, giving, praising and starting something so powerful that even bystanders take notice.
Not even the Pharisees could dampen the reality of this worship and praise. Jesus said that if the people did not serve and praise Him, that the rocks would cry out! Everything in creation that is not under the control of the devil (like Pharisees and too many folks today) wants to praise God.
Remember: "Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation."
Now put that little palm branch down and go get something worth giving to our King and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!
 
 

The Empowerment of Persistence

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Persistence Definition: Firm continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. The quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people
We persist in three ways:
 Prayer: Communication with God, empowerment for people, influence over circumstances
Personal Power: Your ability to influence or change an outcome.
3. Purpose: Fulfilling your assignment(s)
Luke 11:1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins [& debts], For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.” 5 And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? 8 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. 
9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Relationship empowers persistence. Asking is the protocol for receiving
Asking, seeking, and knocking is the sequence and protocol for the empowerment of persistence. Your persistence open doors that remain open to you. This is the empowerment. 
Ask > Given  Immature Stage   =    No Power/Authority/Uncertainty
Seek > Find Growing Stage    =     Developing Power/Authority/Growing Confidence
Knock > Door Opened Mature Stage     =      Full Power/Authority/Full Confidence & Faith
 

Awaken the Giant Within

I John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.
Philemon1:4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
The giant within you is your new creation nature in Christ. He is the “greater” one who is greater and more powerful than the world! Realizing “every good thing” inside of you is a key to effective faith.
Paul knew he could count on Philemon. More than almost everything else, we want God and people to have confidence in us.
Philemon1:21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say
 Paul’s giant was awakened
Philippians 4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Faith in God depends first on God’s word and God’s integrity. Faith also depends on your disposition of heart and mind. 
Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The Great Exchange

The Empowerment of Encouragement
Pt. 2, The Great Exchange
 
 
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 
 
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 
 
Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
 
Experience the “Great Exchange” which is the basis of Salvation Through the Gospel of Christ
 
1 John 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
 
Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
 
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew [exchange] their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 
 
How can a command make a difference? High expectations triggers confidence and confidence triggers great capability, 
 
Exchange of Strength is a kingdom principle 
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” 
 
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 
 
Like overwriting a file on the computer. I erased a file and started looking it like I would find it. It was gone. The sooner I accepted, the sooner I could work on the replacement. Two two hours to render and export on a powerful computer. That would have taken a couple of days ten years ago.
 
Sources of encouragement (Which have your received. Which have you offered): 
Education 
Edification  
Employment 
Embrace (Story: “Guy Needs a hug”)
Exhortation
Empathy 
Entertainment (as a vehicle) 
 
You reap what you sow. You receive what you give 
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 
 
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid 
 
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Hellen Keller 
 
“If the wind will not serve, take to the oars. “ – Latin Proverb 
 
“If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you.You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down.“ – Mary Pickford