A Spirituality That Kills Little by Little!

Oprah’s mantra “find your own spirit” has become the rally cry of many Americans. The media, our friends, family — and unfortunately, even some pulpits — challenge us to “find our inner strength.” These words might seem harmless to you, even encouraging and uplifting, but the truth is that these messages have their roots in the New Age Movement…a movement that is a very real danger to you and your family. It starts by not being able to recognize Satan’s deceptive strategy. Perhaps you envision him wearing a red cape and carrying a pitchfork…someone who really doesn’t affect your life. If so, he has you thinking exactly what he wants you to think! The devil is deceptive and charming — a wolf in sheep’s clothing. And one of his greatest disguises is in the New Age Movement. Yet, many don’t even realize it! Do you recognize Satan’s influence in your life? Are you drawn to television shows such as the WB’s Charmed, which depicts the lives of three sisters who happen to be spell-casting witches? Or do your children watch Disney’s That’s So Raven in which the teen heroine has visions? The popularity of the New Age Movement expressed in a cloak of spirituality is greater than ever…and it means you and I need to arm ourselves with God’s truth. We need to be able to recognize false spirituality — and teach our children about these dangers. For instance, what comes to mind when you think of New Age? Do you think of palm readers, crystal balls, journeys to Tibet to visit the Dalai Lama, Scientology? While all of these things are a part of New Age, this movement infiltrates our society in many other subtle and devious ways. The New Age is expressed in simple meditation…or self-help seminars…even in holistic medicine. These things seem harmless, yet they possess dangerous spiritual pitfalls that can snare even the most innocent people. What is the danger? New Age followers use all of these things as a means of channeling their inner energy and spirit to learn to rely on themselves, not on God. For many people, the appeal of the New Age Movement is that there are no moral absolutes. What is right for me might not be right for you, but that’s okay because we are really all the same — we all are gods. This belief system also gives people a false feeling of control over their own lives. Since Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel, man has struggled to gain control over himself and his world. The New Age Movement leads people to believe they have this control. So how do we communicate God’s truth in a society disillusioned by Satan’s lies? The Christian’s response must be threefold. 1. We must know what we believe about God and the tenets of our Christian faith. 2. We must communicate God’s truth…the Gospel…with conviction, yet love. We must practice God’s truth. God calls us to “walk the walk and talk the talk.” “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this...to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).

The Battle for the Next Generation!

A couple of years ago there was a movie made about a woman named Erin Brokovich. The movie centered around the town of Hinkley, which unknowingly had its water supply poisoned. You see, for over 40 years, the major employer of the residents…Pacific Gas and Electric…had knowingly dumped a poisonous, cancer-causing chemical called Chrom 6 into the ponds surrounding its plant in Hinkley. After time, the poison soaked into the ground water in Hinkley, to the point that people were washing their hands in it, bathing in it and even drinking it! They didn’t know they were being poisoned…and a large percentage of them eventually died of cancer as a result. Today, America is living in a cultural “Hinkley.” Day after day our hearts and minds are being poisoned by the insidious lies of our culture. Satan has so infiltrated our culture’s worldview that we now find ourselves engaged in a battle of epic proportions…a war for the hearts and minds of our children. If you doubt this, consider the many cultural battles we are fighting as a result of our culture’s worldview. From the normalization of abortion…to the embracing of the homosexual lifestyle…to the ever-decreasing importance placed on traditional marriage…to rampant sexualized content in media…our culture has succumbed to the lies of the Evil One. And the lives of our children and grandchildren…the next generation…are at stake. So how do we fight this battle? How do we arm ourselves? I believe there are two critical armaments. First, we must understand that this is a battle for our minds…our children’s minds. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 make this abundantly clear: For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every (C)lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (NASB) The battle you and I are fighting today is unseen. It is a battle for the mind. And you and I must arm ourselves and our children to think biblically…to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. How do you capture your every thought? How can you let Jesus rule over your mind when so many other forces want control over it? And how can you help your children in that same quest? Now be prepared, you may not like what I have to say because it’s not always easy to hear. But if you really do want the victory…if you really want a new life, a new joy, a new freedom, a new belief…you must memorize Scripture. And you need to help your children do the same. You must intentionally replace the poisonous mantras of our culture that seep into our minds and the minds of our children with the powerful truth of God’s Word. Memorizing Scripture is as simple as writing a verse on a card and reading it from time to time throughout your day…and meditating on its truth. This is something you can help your children do even at a young age. Each of us must recognize the garbage that has seeped into our minds from the waste dump of our culture. And each of us must combat the Evil One by putting the words of God in our minds and on our hearts.

Messages From Heaven: Are You Weakening Your Spiritual Immune System?

Messages From Heaven: Are You Weakening Your Spiritual Immune System?: Did you know your spiritual immune system needs “feeding” just as much as your physical immune system does? We have the same two choices in ...

Are You Weakening Your Spiritual Immune System?

Did you know your spiritual immune system needs “feeding” just as much as your physical immune system does? We have the same two choices in the spiritual realm as we do in the physical realm: we can live a constructive or destructive spiritual lifestyle. The way you handle the troubles life brings will depend almost entirely on how well-nourished your spiritual immune system is. Consider the apostle Paul. What made it possible for him to rebound so consistently when wave after wave of trouble came crashing in upon him? He was “hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed;...perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). His spiritual experience was the equivalent of a person walking through a laboratory of deadly pathogens, viruses, and bacteria with no protection — yet not succumbing to any of them. His spiritual immune system was so strong that, while he experienced the occasional fever, chills, headaches, and sniffles, he was never knocked out of action. His spiritual body was well-fed; his defenses were strong; his resources were well-stocked. If you are to survive physically in this world, your body’s immune system must be strong. But if you are to survive spiritually, your spiritual immune system must be stronger. Because, as many have proved and are currently demonstrating, your physical health can be taken away in the providence of God without destroying your spiritual health. Many Christians, confined to a bed or wheelchair, continue to exhibit a sweet fragrance and aroma of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their spiritual immune systems gave them victory over things which even their bodies could not withstand. So how do you keep your spiritual immune system in good shape? Let me begin by drawing five parallels between the physical and spiritual dimensions of our lives — both types of immune systems need the same basic things: 1. Immune systems need food. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are the staples of our physical diet, but the Word of God is the spiritual food we rely on. When the words and will of God become sweeter to you than honey, you will know your spiritual immune system is being fed properly (Psalm 119:103). 2. Immune systems need water. Ninety-two percent of our blood, and nearly 98 percent of our digestive juices, are comprised of water. We are literally surrounded by water, which is a beautiful picture of the way we ought to live spiritually — surrounded by the presence of the Holy Spirit. 3. Immune systems need exercise. The body’s lymphatic system — filled with disease-fighting white blood cells — circulates in the body as a result of physical motion; it is not circulated under pressure like blood is. And spiritual ministry provides the interaction you need with others that continually stimulates you to love and good deeds 4. Immune systems need rest. “It is useless...to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones” (Psalm 127:2, NLT). God can speak to your spirit even as you sleep, healing and refreshing your heart and mind. It is the quietness of the night-time hours which allows the Spirit complete access to your undistracted spirits. (Matthew 11:28-30) 5. Immune systems need pure thoughts. Proverbs 14:30 says that “a tranquil spirit revives the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” (NET). David said that when he kept silent about his sin, his bones wasted away (Psalm 32:3 NIV). When you live a healthy lifestyle, you don’t live in fear of germs; you rely on consistent investments in your immune system to defend yourself against sickness. And when you make equally consistent investments in your spiritual immune system, you don’t live in fear of what’s around every bend in life’s road. Healthy portions of the Word, the Spirit, service, spiritual rest, and a pure heart don’t guarantee that all troubles will stay away. But it does guarantee that when they come, they’ll succumb to you — not vice versa!

Let's Consult the Architect!

One of the most beautiful blueprints ever designed has been God’s plan for marriage. Established before there was any sin in the world, marriage illustrates God’s perfect design for relationships.

Let’s consult the architect for three ways to live in this wonderful establishment called marriage. We’ll use Proverbs 24:3-4 as our home base:

By wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
And by knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.

God’s pattern for marriage is simple: wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
“By wisdom a house is built....”

First, let’s lay the foundation. The word built comes from the Hebrew word that means “to restore.” It’s the same word God uses when He took the rib from Adam’s chest and rebuilt it into a woman. God says it takes wisdom to build this kind of house. Wisdom essentially means “seeing with discernment.” It’s the idea of seeing the broad picture of something. When you choose to look at the broad picture rather than the petty details, you build a strong foundation.

“By understanding a house is established....”

Established in Hebrew means to set in order something that is cluttered or to stand upright something that has fallen. If wisdom is seeing with discernment, then this second piece is responding to what you see with insight. How can you do that? With understanding.

In other words, an irritation I would normally take personally, I don’t take personally any longer. A conflict that cuts into my plan will not irritate me if I have wisdom and understanding. I will see it as God sees it, as good or necessary for me at this time.

“By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

Knowledge implies “perception” here. It carries with it a sympathy that comes with learning. As I grow in knowledge of my wife, I increase in my perception of her. I say with my actions: I am listening. I am learning. I am open. Knowledge, when it’s combined with wisdom and understanding, Proverbs says, fills your home with precious and pleasant riches. What does that mean? It means your relationship will be filled with the things that won’t burn up if a fire strikes.

Man has turned it the other way! So many are mesmerized into thinking, “All we need, Honey, are more things.” But misery just increases as our rooms remain empty of God’s riches. God says, “By wisdom it can be restored. By understanding it can be set right. By knowledge those rooms can have those qualities that’ll never burn up.”

Now, before you pass this article on to your spouse with the instructions, “Here, Honey, read how you should change,” remember the place to start remodeling your marriage is with you. I have found that someone can be fulfilled in the most difficult circumstances if he has wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, or is working toward that end. But I have also found individuals who have a built-in, perfect opportunity for a happy home but lack wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, and they’re miserable. It’s remarkable. Ask the Architect to build within you a heart of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for your mate.

It Takes Courage!

Deep within, we imagine ourselves as a mixture of Patrick Henry, Davy Crockett, John Wayne, and the prophet Daniel! But the truth of the matter is that most of us would do anything to keep from being different. We'd much rather blend into the woodwork. One of our greatest fears is being ostracized, rejected by "the group."
There are other fears — fear of being made to look foolish, fear of being talked about and misunderstood. Rather than rugged individualists, we are more like Gulliver of old, tied down and immobilized by tiny strands of fear, real or imagined. The result is both predictable and tragic: loss of courage.
It takes courage to think alone, to resist alone, to stand alone — especially when the crowd seems so safe, so right.
Let me suggest four thoughts to help bolster your courage:
1. "I am responsible." I said that to myself so many times in the Marine Corps that I got sick of hearing myself say it! Today I still repeat those three words.
2. "I must not forget." We must not forget the Lord our God and what He has done for us.
3. "I am accountable." I am accountable to God whether I am in Asia, at the tip of South America, or at the North Pole.
4. "I get my standard and security from God." Not from my friend, not from my business, not even from within myself. Christ is my surety.
Remember. Just because "everybody's doing it" doesn't mean it's either safe or right. You keep flying high above the crowd. Up there it doesn't just seem safe and right, it is safe and right.

The Carpenter's Hands: The Touch of Jesus!

They must have been rough, the hands of the village carpenter. In an age without gloves or skin creams, He shoved stones into place, absorbed splinters, hewed timber, and gripped lumber with bare-fisted fingers. In a day without sunscreen lotions, He labored under the blistering Middle Eastern sun. In an era without modern machinery, He raised houses, erected buildings, fashioned furniture, and repaired children’s toys. His hands must have developed a thick layer of protective hide that was obvious to those who shook His hand or felt His touch.
But, oh!—what gentle hands. Never squeezing too hard, touching too roughly, or overzealously slapping another’s back.
And what powerful hands! The trace of a single finger could restore sight to the blind, bring life to the dead, heal a leper’s skin, or lift a suffering soul from life’s dust.
And what wounded hands! They bore the scars that no lotion could heal and no oil could help. They were the hands of Jesus.
The Gospels use the words “hands,” “fingers,” and “touch” nearly two hundred times, and the words often refer to Jesus: “Jesus put out His hand and touched him . . . So He touched her hand . . . . He went in and took her by the hand . . . . Then He touched their eyes . . . .. Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand . . . Jesus came and touched them . . . . Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray . . .”^[1]
Our hands should convey love. In His parable of the prodigal son, Jesus described the reaction of the father to the homecoming of his wayward boy: “Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20, NLT). Many parents truly love their children, but don’t always convey this love in a way that makes their kids feel secure. Hugs, hair-tussling, pats on the back, even horseplay and rough-housing—all are ways we can communicate affection to our youngsters.
Jesus wasn’t afraid to touch others. Leprous skin didn’t repulse Him, nor did He hesitate to handle the filthy feet of His disciples in the Upper Room. Now He wants to use our hands to send the same message of love, humility, and acceptance.
Psalm 104:28 says that when God opens His hand, we’re filled with goodness; and Psalm 145:16 echoes the thought: “You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.”
Are your hands open? Generous toward a needy person whom God brings across your path? Toward His work that needs support? Toward those depending on your provision?
We must use our hands to help others. At the beginning of Christ’s ministry, we read in Luke 4:40: “When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.”
How can our hands become a blessing to others? Perhaps wiping the brow of a fevered child? Cooking a meal for a lonely single? Typing a note to one needing encouragement? Cutting flowers for a neighbor? Wiping the noses of infants in the church nursery? Handing out bulletins with a smile and a handshake on Sunday? Knocking on the door of someone needing the Lord? Your hands can do His work every day!
I can visualize our Lord’s rough-hewn hands resting in a posture of prayer, palms together, fingers pointed upward as the Carpenter of Nazareth took time to beseech God’s blessings on the work of His hands.
Oh, to be like Jesus. To have the same touch, the same grip on life, the same openhanded generosity, the same beautiful, beckoning hands as our Lord. Look down at your hands right now. May God take them and use them for His glory! Let’s pray with the hymnist:
Let my hands perform His bidding,
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let my eyes see Jesus only,