Psalm  1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2]  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. [3]  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. [4]  The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Lately, I find myself besieged with modern thought bombs – deceptive counsel – exploding and leaving debris of doubts threatening to darken understanding.  There are three examples of increasingly accepted “counsel” that cause me to pause, think and consider.

• It is the method in the modern emerging church that is changing and not the message. Most modernists believe that the message Christ – the salvation of God is not changing but rather it is the method that needs change. The TRUTH is that if you listen to early preachers e.g. Tozer or Spurgeon who taught the word over 50yrs ago and compare to messages from the network menu…you must conclude (you can find a few classics on sermon audio) that the message is radically different…It is NOT the music and style – described as “the method” that is changing today. It is the fundamental message of salvation only in Christ Jesus and what this truly means – that is being repackaged.  Modern style/music/atmosphere etc are anaesthesia to dull perception during a radical surgery.

• Imperative for radical spiritual warfare has ceased …we need not war (fast and pray) like saints of old …because social issues are now better addressed, basic needs are met and people are coming to the Lord in their billions.  Let’s focus on more constructive engagements. The TRUTH is that the war is more fierce and intelligent. It is fought not on sea and land but on the digital and print media, in education, in our minds and thoughts and on cultural fields. The new weapons are amazingly effective.  Instead of feeding Christian to the lions, Christians are now fed with strange meats… how many “Daniels” decline the sumptuous fare?

• The Church (or the old time religion as we used to know it) is becoming irrelevant, threatened to extinction and will soon collapse under the weight of overriding cultural pressures…unless it accepts extra-biblical revisions.   The TRUTH is that the Church is Christ’s treasured and adored Bride – and is very safe.  She does not require any adornment that has not been provided by Christ in His word. The scriptures assure us that nothing will prevail against the Church.  It will be what it is meant to be when Christ returns i.e. without spot or wrinkle…ready for the master. The only garment she needs is Christ. Many over the ages have seen her troubles and afflictions and did not understand that in her weakness she is at her strongest. Though God requires human vessels, the Church is increased and sustained primarily by divine help and not by well meaning efforts or marketing.

What has this got to do with finances or other practical matters? We are asked to reflect and meditate on the word of God – day and night, to delight in it … and we will prosper like the Palm tree…even through the toughest storms. 

The Palm tree is known for resilience, stamina and uncommon ability to withstand extreme vagaries of weather including long periods of cessation of rain and adverse situations. You and indeed your business, marriage or ministry can be like stately palm trees or chaff easily blown away.  You decide which.  

Be assured that you have given your life to Jesus Christ. You can do so  – even now.

Have a blessed day. Amen.

Bode

We can learn from the example of Isaac on how to respond to some of the challenges and come out even stronger in tough periods.  There  was a famine which was the closest thing to a meltdown in Bible times…a time of agricultural disaster.  What can we learn from Isaac? Read the entire chapter of Genesis 26.  Some excerpts follow:

Genesis 26 [12]  Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. [13]  And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: [14]  For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. [15]  For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth. [16]  And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we. [17]  And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.

1. Do not go down to Egypt – trust in the Lord of the covenant.  Egypt symbolizes willingness to get wealth by any means, in other words the ways of the world. We are greatlytempted to abandon righteousness and do whatever we think is necessary to survive – a great mistake made by many Christians today.  If we are willing to listen to God, who is acutely aware of our condition, He will direct us just as He directed Isaac to “ dwell where I tell you to dwell” ( verse 3).  God’s admonitions against depending on Egypt echoes through scripture to His chosen people Israel. 

Isaiah 30[1]Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: [2]  That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! [3]  Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

2. Do not be afraid to sow in the famine.  This is a tough act of faith that perhaps is the only way to establish to God that you truly believe the rains are in His hands and He is your source and has riches in glory to bless you. Many imagine they have no choice but to consume their seed in famine – but this only guarantees a future destruction.  Others mock the scriptures on sowing as only a deception to rob the already disadvantaged.  But this was Isaac’s main lever in the land of famine … and soon we are told he waxed great. Pray concerning your seed and always look to God for harvest and no man.

3. Do not underestimate God’s ability and grace over you. Isaac, out of fear, resorted to deception (Gen 26 :6-10) because he was afraid that his wife’s beauty would make him a target of the envious.  Trust God and work hard, and do not be fearful of success making you a target.  Base your actions on the fear of God alone and not the fear of man. Beware of being tempted to resort to deception… and if you have done this, go to God and repent. God was merciful to Isaac. Many err in this area. Do not lean on your own understanding.  God can take care of you.

4. Do not strive with men, even if your success makes you a  target for strife as it typically can in times of general difficulty.  This is perhaps one of the most difficult things to learn.  if  you truly trust God, you will know that prosperity is determined by Him. Isaac was forced to move because of His prosperity.  He would dig wells and others will show up to claim the fruit of His hardwork.  Amazingly instead of fighting  them, he simply moved on and started again elsewhere.  Eventually, his enemies could not resist his success and they came to make peace with him because God’s favour on his life was evident to all.  Instead of obsessing about those (real and imagined) who are out to stop your progress, concentrate on serving God and obeying his voice. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood”.  Learn to release issues and matters and not get locked in strife i.e. by moving on knowing God knows best.  This is not cowardice but often requires greater courage. Do not defend yourself or attempt to prove yourself…this can be a subtle idolatory.  Let God prove you and advertise your innocence – though this often takes a very much longer process.

5. Do not use your success to settle scores.  Isaac could have repaid the people of Gerar in kind for their bad behaviour towards him.  Instead he accepted their peace offer and even hosted them to a feast.  Alas, during hardship, some people you trusted may wrong you or disappoint you.  Do not respond in kind when you are now successful and thriving, even if they do not see or acknowledge their fault.  Paul said “do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good” and “render to no man evil for evil”.

Most of us have not done as well as Isaac.  It is well … still go to God even if like a prodigal son.  Remember, it is not by our power nor is it by might but by His Spirit so let His Holy Spirit have His way.  Walking in your own strength is a sure recipe to fall – eventually…and remember to give all glory to God.

Bode