Learning From Joseph in Genesis 37-50

Joseph is one of my favorite persons in the Bible. He provides an amazing example of someone who trusted God amidst some very difficult circumstances. Most of all, we learn from him how an absolute conviction regarding the sovereignty of God is essential for coming out BETTER instead of BITTER when people mistreat us.

During my times with the Lord of late, I have been in Genesis 37-50. Again, I have been challenged and encouraged by the life of Joseph. I admire the following characteristics in him:


1. He resisted sexual temptation. When Joseph was tempted by Potiphar's wife in Gen. 39, he "fled and got out of the house" (v. 12). Many today will see how close to the edge they can get without sinning. Joseph, on the other hand, stayed as far from the edge as he could so as not to fall. "Put on the Lord Jesus and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lust" (Ro. 13:14). Are you resisting any and all sexual tempatation? Josh McDowell once said the number one reason Christians "tub it spiritually" is sexual sin. Don't forget, if you do sin forgiveness and healing is possible through the blood of Jesus.


2. He served God even when falsely accused. After Joseph is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and put in prison, he still served God by interpreting another prisoner's dream (Gen. 40). He could have become so upset with the Lord that he refused to be a vessel of God. Instead, Joseph faithfully served despite his unpleasant circumstances. When circumstances don't go your way, do you tend to blame God or remain obedient to Him despite what has happened to you? "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Cor. 15:58).

3. He kept a God-focus while in prison. In Gen. 40 Joseph interpret's the prisoner's dream, which gets this prisoner out of jail. Joseph asks the prisoner to assist his release, but the prisoner forgets about Joseph. The next thing we are told in Gen. 41 occurs two years later. In other words, two years go by before we hear any more from Joseph. In this incident, Pharaoh has a dream and calls upon Joseph. How do we know that Joseph maintained a God-focus during these two years in jail? Because when asked to interpret the dream, Joseph says, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer" (v. 16). This answer reveals a total dependence on the Lord to give Joseph the interpretation, and God did give Joseph the interpretation. Wow. I am so impressed that Joseph would have this humble attitude in the midst of all he had been through. When you go through difficult times, do you cling tightly to God?

4. He trusted in the sovereignty of God. Here lies the key to Joseph's success. He was totally convinced of God's sovereign control, even over the most unpleasant of situations. Gen. 50:20 reveals this when it says, "as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive." Joseph could have become angry at God, bitter toward his brothers, and resentful at life. Instead, he trusted in the sovereignty of God. God's sovereignty can be easily remembered by breaking down the word: sovereignty = God so very reigns. God is in control even when the worst of situations enter our lives. Bad circumstances do not indicate that God has taken a nap. We simply must wait and trust to see the full plan of God unveiled, even if this takes a long time. "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Ro. 8:28). Joseph had to wait almost 20 years before he saw the full plan of God come to fruition. He was 17 when sold into slavery; 30 when elevated in Pharaoh's court, and around 36 when he had a son and said, "God has made me forget all my hardship, and all my father's house ... God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction (Gen. 41:51-52). After Joseph spoke these words, it was probably another year before he was reconnected with his family and saw firsthand how his position was able to save their lives. This whole situation amazes me. How would we respond if we had to go throgh 20 years of ups and downs before seeing the full blessing of God? The only way we would do well is if we are convinced that God is totally sovereign over all the affairs of our life - the good as well as the bad ones.

5. He was honest with his emotions. In the latter chapters, there are so many references to Joseph weeping over his family. I cannot imagine what this must have been like for him: hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and then finally being reunited with his family. This was a very emotional ordeal, and the Bible does not hide his pain. Over and over the Bible says "Joseph wept" (42:24; 43:30; 45:1, 14-15; 50:17). Often he would remove himself from public settings in order to privately weep. When we experience difficulty, we need to give ourselves permission to grieve. Feeling sad and distressed is part of walking with God. It is in such times that we need to pour out our heart to God, have trusted friends to talk to, and at the end of the day hold fast to God. Express your pain to God and allow Him to be your comforter!

6. He forgave those who hurt him. As the book of Genesis comes to an end, Joseph's brothers are fearful that he will retaliate for all the wrong they did to him. However, Joseph forgives them because he was a godly man and trusted in the sovereign will of God. Because he forgave his brothers, God blessed Joseph even more. This is similar to the ending of Job's life. Because Job forgave his "friends" for falsely accusing him, God restored to Job all that he had lost. I believe this principle applies to us: if we forgive those who hurt us, we will live under the freedom and blessing of God. But if we withhold forgiveness and choose bitterness toward those who sin against us, we are playing God and will forfeit His blessing. Are you forgiving those who sin against you? Rememember, forgive "as Christ has forgiven you" (Eph. 4:32) It is only as we realize how much Christ has forgiven us that can we forgive others!

Because of Joseph's faithfulness to God, we benefit from his life today. May we live in such a way that others will benefit from our example!

When God Tests Us

Many people don’t think about God testing us, but He does. Many passages in God’s Word speak of God testing us. Consider the following passages:

“The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.” Dt. 13:3-4

“Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Jas 1:3-4

“Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.” Lu. 8:13

“We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” 1 Thess 2:4-5

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Jas 1:12

“Before the Word of the Lord came to pass, God tested Joseph” (Ps. 105:19)

When God tests us, He is putting us through an event to see if we will pass or fail. Just like tests in school, if we pass, we show we know the material. If we fail, we show we do not know the material and need to take the test again … after a further period of preparation.

In God’s Word, Joseph is an example of someone who passed a test, and David is an example of someone who failed a test. Joseph passed what I call the test of sovereignty: would he trust in God’s sovereignty despite many unpleasant circumstances? Joseph did pass his many severe tests that took place over a 13-year span. Because he passed the tests, he not only experienced closeness with God, but he also was used to save the lives of many. On the contrary, King David failed the test of purity when he committed adultery with Bathsheba. Though he was personally forgiven and restored to fellowship with God (see Ps. 51), a seed (no pun intended) of sexual immorality spread throughout his entire family. Failing a test resulted in forfeited fruit.

Are YOU being tested by the Lord right now? Perhaps your character is being tested by a difficult situation? Maybe you are being tempted in a moral area. A “hard to love” person may be testing whether or not you will love in a 1 Cor. 13 manner. Whatever test you may be going through, remember how much is at stake, namely your walk with God and your fruit for the kingdom.

In order to pass the tests that God gives you, I suggest the following:

1, Be in the Word.
2. Be vulnerable with at least one godly person for support,counsel, and prayer.
3. Pray for God to help you.
4. Don’t give in to your flesh, but abide in Christ.
5. Depend totally on the power of the Holy Spirit in all of the above suggestions.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this blog.

We Have Everything We Need

2 Peter 1:3 tells us that we have everything we need for life and godliness. Really? Yes, we already have everything we need. It doesn't say we will get everything we need if we try harder or obey perfectly. No. We have it now in Christ. At the moment of salvation we immediately received everything we need to live an abundant and godly life.

This being the case, what are some of the things we have that are essential for life and godliness?

1. The indwelling presence of Jesus Christ through the person of the Holy Spirit. You see, the Holy Spirit is the One who empowers us to live the Christian life. We cannot live this life in our own strength, and God doesn't even want us to try to do it on our own. He wants us to live in daily dependence on Him. And don't forget, Romans 8:18 tells us we have the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. Powerful stuff, indeed!

2. The many promises of God in His Word. 2 Peter 1 mentions how we have His "precious and magnificant promises." It is as we know and claim scripture that we can live an abundant and godly life. Here is how it works: we have a struggle or a need. Rather than get frustrated or try to overcome it on our own, we go to God's Word, find a promise related to our situation, pray it, and hold fast to that promise until it comes to play in our life. God loves for us to claim scripture for specific situations in our life. What need or struggle do you have that you need to go to God's Word and find some promises about?

3. The Body of Christ - the church. The minute we receive Christ, we become a part of the body of Christ. His body is filled with people that can help and support us in our walk. God does not want us to be "lone ranger" Christians. He made us to need others, and the wise Christian is the one who intentionally seeks to develop deep relationships with other Believers. The church is one of the most under-utilized resources in the believer's life.

4. A new identity in Christ. I am convinced that one of the things that keep so many from experiencing the abundant life is an unbiblical self-image. Satan is the accuser of the brethren, and he constantly feeds us lies about who we are. He tells us we are no good, ugly, unloved, and worthless. On the other hand, God says we are loved, valued and accepted unconditionally. Our identity is not based on what we do but who we are in Christ. Rev. 12 tells us we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. For more truth on this, read Neil Anderson's Victory Over the Darkness.

To conclude, be encouraged today that as a follower of Jesus you already have everything you need for life and godliness. I am sure you can think of more aspects of what we have in Christ that make up 2 Peter 1:3. If so, just add them to the comment section!

Don't Let Your Love Grow Cold

I really enjoy drinking coffee in the morning. There is something soothing about sipping on a hot cup of coffee as I spend time with the Lord. I must confess that I have a pet peeve when it comes to my coffee – I like it hot and I like it to stay hot. However, this seldom occurs. I am amazed how quickly my cup of coffee can get cold. Often I have to put it back into the microwave to reheat it … several times throughout the morning.

Unfortunately, our hearts can be like a cup of coffee – quickly digressing from hot to lukewarm to cold.

The ease of which our hearts can grow cold concerns me, especially when I read Mathew 24. Of all the signs of the end times, the one that challenges me the most is when Jesus said, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Mt. 24:12-13).

I am bothered that Jesus said “the love of most will grow cold.” This means a higher percentage of people will experience a decline in their spiritual temperature than will experience an increase in their spiritual temperature. Ouch. I don’t know about you, but I sure do not want to be one that Jesus finds with a cold heart when He returns.

On top of this, remember what the book of Revelation says will happen to those who are neither hot nor cold: He will spew them out of His mouth (Rev. 3:16)!

What kind of love is Jesus speaking of here? Since He said the most important commandments are to love the Lord with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves, it is safe to assume He is addressing our love for God and others.

So, if “the love of most will grow cold”, what are some contributing factors to this eternally tragic spiritual condition? I can think of at least six. You may come up with more. Here are my six:

1. Neglecting certain vital spiritual disciplines, such as time with God, meditating on the Word, prayer, fellowship with others, service, etc. If the liquid in a cup is not externally stimulated in some manner, it will get cold. Spiritual disciplines are one way of externally stimulating our heart.
2. Allowing a situational difficulty set our heart against the Lord. When we go through something challenging (i.e. health issue, divorce, loss of job, mistreatment by others, death of a loved one, etc.), we can either allow that difficulty to drive us to greater dependence on God or we can take up an offense toward God. The former will lead to growth, the latter will lead to stagnation.
3. Busyness in life. Here is the one most Americans are vulnerable to – getting so busy with life and demands that we simply neglect our relationship with God. Like any relationship, it takes effort for it to continue growing and deepening.
4. Materialism. Jesus said “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mt. 4:19). The question to ask with possessions is, “Do I own it or does it own me?” Perhaps the current recession in America is God’s way of weaning us from the grip of materialism?
5. The sins of the flesh and desire for pleasure. We are a pleasure-crazy culture. So much of what people focus on is pleasure, whether sexual, physical, emotional or relational. We spend a great deal of time, effort and money or what gives us pleasure. This can lead to a very self oriented life which will cause one’s heart to grow cold toward the Lord. Josh McDowell once said that sexual sin is the number one cause of people digressing spiritually.
6. Insulating ourselves from the pain of others. Many of us purposefully isolate ourselves from the hurt and pain of others. We don’t want to know what is really going on in other’s lives so that we can keep a safe distance – not having to show real care. However, Jesus wants our heart of compassion to stay hot by seeing real needs and responding to those needs where we are able.

Since these are some of the reasons people’s love will grow cold, what can we do to prevent this from occurring? Like my cup of coffee, I need to repeatedly put my heart in the microwave of the Spirit. How do I do this? I have six suggestions:

1. Hang around others with a hot heart. Fellowship with godly people is so important in our walk with God. Just like a campfire stays burning when the logs are together, so do we burn brighter when we are around other committed Christians.
2. Spend quality time with God. This goes without saying, but I must still say it. No other practice is more important than spending quality time with God every day in the Word and prayer.
3. Read biblically-accurate and Spirit-anointed books and articles. One reason I get David Wilkerson’s monthly mailings is because of how he always stirs my heart.
4. Intentionally expose yourself to needs. One must have balance here. You can become overwhelmed with needs and burn-out trying to meet all needs. Jesus did not respond to every need, but He spent enough time with hurting people to keep a compassionate heart and respond as the Father directed Him. I just learned of a ministry in my area to the homeless, and I am planning to check it out.
5. Deal with sins as they occur. Do not let sins build up. Dr. Bill Bright used to call this “keeping short accounts with God.” In other words, confess and repent of any and all sins as they occur in your life. This keeps your heart honest and tender.
6. Get surgery if you need it. When someone has a heart attack, they need surgery. Some Christians have grown so cold in their relationship with God that they need spiritual surgery from a trusted friend, counselor, or pastor.

We must do whatever it takes to insure that our love does not grow cold. This is more important than our retirement account, job, golf score, weekend source of entertainment, getting the best deal on something at the store, or next vacation. Just as we have to be intentional about staying in good physical condition, so do we have to be intentional about maintaining a vibrant relationship with God.

One final thing I must add that applies to all of the above: We cannot make our heart hot for God. This is not a matter of striving in our own flesh to be hot for God. Instead, it is relying on the supernatural power of the Spirit to keep our heart hot for God (see my blog on the “Exchanged Life” for more on this). God must do a divine work in our heart through the power of the Holy Spirit.

So, with all that I have said, perhaps the most important thing you can do for your heart is to honestly admit the condition you are in – whatever that is – and sincerely ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His presence. The Spirit “works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:1).

Let me know what you think!

Walking With God

“And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Gen. 5:22-24).

“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God” (Gen. 6:9).

What a simple but profound statement about two men: Enoch and Noah “walked with God.” As I read this in my quiet time this week, I began to meditate on what it means to walk with God. Here are my thoughts.

Walking with God means:
1. You have a relationship with God.
You don’t walk with someone unless you have some kind of relationship with that person. Walking with God involves, first of all, receiving Christ as the Forgiver and Leader of our life. Jesus said we must open the door of our life and welcome Him in, and then He will come in to dine with us (Rev. 3:20). Have you received Christ? If so, you have the amazing privilege of walking with God.

2. You converse with God along the way.
Walking with someone involves conversation. Seldom would you walk with another person and never say a word to each other. Walking with God involves spending time with Him, talking to Him in prayer, and listening to His voice through the Word and prayer. Are you spending time with God in the Word and prayer? Do you converse with God throughout the day?

3. You make progress.
When you go on a walk, you do not remain stagnant. You go somewhere. You make progress. Walking with God means we don’t remain complacent and stagnant in our relationship with Him. We are always seeking, growing, and becoming more mature. Like walks we take around a track, we may feel at times that we are going in circles, but even then we are making progress because we are still burning spiritual calories! Are you maturing in your walk with God? Are the fruits of the Spirit (see Gal. 5) more evident in your life this year than last year?

4. You go at His pace.
Walking with God involves what Gal. 5:25 says: “keep in step with the Spirit.” We are not to get ahead of the Lord out of impatience. Nor are we to get behind the Lord out of laziness and disobedience. Rather, we are to walk alongside of God allowing Him to set the pace and direct the course. Are you seeking to stay in step with the Spirit in your life? Are you allowing Him to call the shots?

5. You obey when He says it is time to go in a different direction.
Sometimes God tells us it is time for a change in direction. This may involve a career change, a relationship adjustment, or an area of sin we must deal with. I experienced a change of direction when God told me I was to leave a very fruitful and comfortable ministry in Wisconsin and move to Georgia. This has not been easy in the least, but I have no doubt it is what God told me to do. When Jesus is our Lord, He calls the shots. We are responsible to obey and follow Him. Are you following Him?

6. You stop and rest along the journey.
We all need rest at times – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. God knew this when He gave us the Sabbath. I believe the main reason God gave us the Sabbath principle is to remind us that He is in control and we are not ultimately necessary for the world to continue functioning. God understands pace. He is not a driver that requires His children to go 90 miles an hour. I love the phrase, “walk with God.” It does not say “run with God.” His will is “good, acceptable, and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). Right now I am in a season of rest from formal ministry, and it has been good for me. We all need to take time to rest, lest we burn out. Are you doing life at a sustainable pace? Is it your pace or God’s pace?

Walking with God – what a powerful phrase. What a privilege to walk with God. Are you walking with God? If so, how close are you walking with God? Do you allow Him to be part of every area of your life, or do you go off on your own at times? Are there some adjustments you need to make in your walk with God? Most of all, seek to enjoy walking with God! Let me know in the comments section what you have learned about walking with God.

What To Do When Discouraged

Discouragement is a common experience in our journey with God. We will all get discouraged from time to time. It may come and we aren’t even sure why (“why are you downcast oh my soul?” – Ps. 42:5); it may be due to very difficult circumstances (“I am greatly afflicted” – Ps. 116:10); sometimes other people attack us (“my enemies have increased” – Ps. 25:19); we may feel mistreated by others; fear and anxiety may hit us (“when I am afraid...” – Ps. 56:3); or other physical and emotional issues can cause us discouragement. We begin to loose heart and can even fall into depression. More than you know, I write this blog from my own experience.

I so admire the Apostle Paul. If anyone had it difficult, it was Paul. Just read 2 Cor. 11 to appreciate all the trials he faced. He writes, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Cor. 4:8-10).

Do you feel hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, or struck down? I want to suggest 8 biblical principles that may help. When you are discouraged be sure to:

1. Allow God to search your heart.
There may be sin or other issues in your life that God wants you to get in touch with. Your emotions just might be the vehicle He is using to get your attention. Therefore, beware of medicating your pain away, giving in to your fleshly desires, or wallowing in self pity. Instead, pray this passage and open your heart to God: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24).

2. Stand on the attributes of God.
Affirm to yourself some of God’s wonderful attributes such as: goodness, mercy (new every morning!), faithfulness, love, grace, forbearance, immutability, and omnipotence. When discouraged, we easily loose perspective, especially on God. It takes faith to believe in His goodness even when we don’t feel like it. Be sure to stay in the Word of God so as to be reminded of who He is.
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (Ps. 27:13; NASB).

3. By faith, praise and worship God.
Once you have done #2, the proper response is to praise and worship God for who He is. Many of the Psalms begin with pain and discouragement, but they almost always end in praise. I don’t think this is because the psalmist always felt like praising God. Instead, he chose to worship God for who He is in the midst of discouraging situations and emotions.
“Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter… I will praise You” (Ps. 71:20, 22).

4. Give thanks for everything you can think of.
When we are emotionally discouraged, everything can feel dark. We start seeing the cup as ½ empty even if it is ¾ full. Make a list of everything you can think of to give thanks for (i.e. your 5 senses, food on the table, transportation, free country, your Bible, friends, etc.). This may seem trivial, but it is very important and biblical to give thanks in all situations: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18). “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6).

5. Cover the spiritual warfare base.
We have an ultimate enemy, Satan. He is seeking whom he may devour. Sometimes discouragement is a demonic attack. Be sure to do James 4:7: submit to God and resist the Devil. Bind him in prayer and command him to flee from your presence. Praise and worship will also help to cleanse the spiritual atmosphere.

6. Share your burden with a godly friend (of the same gender) and ask for prayer.
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). We need each other, especially during times of despair. Even Moses needed someone to hold his arms up when he was tired. By the way, if you are on the receiving end of this call, be sure to listen, offer little advice (unless you have clear leading from the Lord), and pray for the person over the phone or in their presence.

7. Be on guard against your flesh and other temptations.
When discouraged, we are particularly vulnerable to our fleshly appetites. Temptation will likely increase when we are discouraged. Our flesh will whisper such things to us as: “You deserve to have your needs met, so go here to get what you need. God is not meeting your needs, so you are justified in sinning.” Remember how Jesus overcame temptation: by quoting Scripture!
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Rom. 13:14; NASB).

8. Hold fast to Romans 8:28.
God promises us that “all things work together for good.” All things mean all things. However, all things work together for good only to those who “love God and are called according to His purpose.” This means we must hold fast to God, remain in His will, and trust Him … or else all things will not work together for good.

This promise is not for those who do not love God or for those who get out of His will by sinning or resorting to the flesh. One more thing: what does it mean for all things to work together for good? Romans 8:29 tells us: being conformed to the image of Christ. God’s ultimate goal is to make us like Jesus. Often the process of becoming Christ-like is trusting God in the midst of hardship.

If you are discouraged, go through each of these steps. Hold fast to God. Don’t let go. Don’t resort to the flesh. Stay on the Word. Resist the Devil. Guard your heart with all diligence because from it flow the issues of life. Wait on God’s provision. He will bring you through! “Though weeping may last for a night, joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5).

If you do all of the above and the discouragement continues for a prolonged period, then consider seeing a professional counselor and/or medical doctor.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD” (Ps. 27:13-14; NASB).

Blind Spots

When driving a car, you know what a blind spot is, right? A blind spot is that area of the road where another car is right next to you, but you cannot see it from your rearview mirror. You have to turn your head and look carefully before you change lanes, or else you could have a serious accident. The only other way you can see that car in your blind spot is if another person in the car looks for you and warns you of impending danger.

Blind spots in our lives are very similar to blind spots on the road. They are there, but we don’t see them unless we take a second look or someone else shows us. Blind spots can be character flaws, hidden sins, the way we come across to others, or anything we are oblivious to that we actually need to see.

Becoming more like Jesus involves being willing to see and address our blind spots. Everyone has blind spots, but not everyone is willing to see and deal with them.

God’s Word addresses blind spots in a number of different ways:

"Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults." Ps. 19:12

We all have hidden faults. Hidden faults are blind spots.

"You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence." Ps. 90:8
Secret sins can be sins we try to hide or sins we are not aware of.

So, what does God use in our lives to reveal our blind spots, and what should our response be to these instruments of sanctification?

1. Prayer and the supernatural revelation of God; therefore, spend time with God and ask Him to reveal to you your blind spots. Ultimately we are dependant upon God showing us our blind spots. However, we have a responsibility to be humble, teachable and receptive to the work of His Spirit in us.

2. The Word of God; therefore, be in the Word and allow it to show you when you are operating out of your own flesh instead of by the Spirit of God.

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebr. 4:12

3. People speaking into our life; therefore, develop deep relationships where you invite people to show you your blind spots. I have said to my iron man group, “Feel free to share with me anything you see in my life that you think I need to see.” It has taken time for our group to get to this point, but it is a wonderful blessing to have people in your life who will speak the truth to you in love.

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ." Eph. 4:15

Today I met with a group of men who are involved in men’s ministry in this area of Georgia. I told one of the men afterwards, “Please feel free to come to me at any time if you see something in my life that concerns you.” I believe in being intentional about developing deep relationships.

4. Our negative emotions; therefore, when you experience anger, depression, anxiety or fear, allow God to reveal to you what is behind these feelings. For example, unrighteous anger is often due to an ungodly goal. You want something and are not getting it, and this is causing your anger. You need to yield that ungodly goal to God.

"In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. " Ps. 4:4

5. Dreams, visions, and prophecies; therefore, be open to this form of revelation. Sometimes God shows us something we were blinded to through a dream, vision or prophetic word.

"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." Acts 2:17

6. Our marriage partner; therefore, listen to him or her. I purposefully separated this point from the other one dealing with relationships, because the marriage relationship is the closest human relationship we have on earth. At least it should be. We should be so humble and teachable in our marriage that we would welcome our spouse speaking into our life. I know this is not easy to receive. It is quite humbling to have your spouse point out a blind spot to you. You naturally want to respond in defensiveness. But if you will listen, consider, and pray about what he/she says to you, you will likely find a pearl of truth that can help you become more like Jesus.

Once you become aware of a blind spot, then what? Here are some suggestions in dealing with your blind spot:
1. Confess it to God.
2. Yield it to God.
3. Ask God’s Spirit to supernaturally help you in this area.
4. Find a passage of Scripture that relates to your blind spot and pray it into your life.
5. Ask a trusted friend to help you.
6. Get professional help if you need it.

When driving, a blind spot can be fatal. In life, a blind spot can be fatal as well. Don’t let your blind spot(s) ruin your life or the lives of those around you. Allow God’s Spirit the freedom to search your heart and life. And when He shows you a blind spot, surrender it to Him!

God's Longing Heart

Have you ever longed for something that you did not receive? I am not talking about something ungodly or something you knew God did not want you to have. Instead, I am talking about longing for something pure and holy but not being able to have it, such as a loved one coming to Christ, a godly spouse, a more intimate marriage, a child fully following Jesus, a physical healing, a job to provide for your family, etc. It is very hard to want something that you know would please God but for some reason not be able to have it, or to have to wait for a long time for the desire to be fulfilled. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Prov. 13:12).

Have you ever stopped to consider how often God experiences unfulfilled longings? For example, His longing heart desires for people to walk close with Him, yet they refuse. He reaches out with His loving arms, only to have many turn Him away. He deeply desires to bless His people with good things, but they refuse to give Him the time of day. He longs to bring inner healing to many, but few allow Him into those painful areas of their heart.

Recently in my quiet time with God, I read Psalms 81 and noticed the longing heart of God. Read this passage and take special note of the words I have highlighted:

"Hear, O my people, and I will warn you--if you would but listen to me, O Israel!
9 You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not bow down to an alien god.
10 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. "But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me…13 "If my people would but listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, 14 how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! 15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe before Him, and their punishment would last forever. 16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." Psalms 81:8-10, 13-16

Consider also the words of Jesus in Mt. 23:36-38:

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing."

Do you sense the heart of God in these passages? Do you feel His intense longing for His people? Do you see how much He wants to give good things? Remember, He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebr. 11:6). Yet, time and time again His people refuse to listen to Him, submit to Him, and allow Him to feed them with the finest of wheat. How tragic! God has such good things for us, but we think our way is better.

This is the heart of God for YOU, my friend. God wants you to come to Him – fully come to Him – that He might bestow upon you the finest of wheat. Why would you hold back? Why would you not give Him your all? Why would you not seek Him with all your heart? Why would you not give Him your pain and abuse, so that He might heal you at the deepest level possible?

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28)!

The Exchanged Life

Are you tired of trying to be a good Christian? Have you found yourself saying, “Christianity is not working for me?” Are you striving and getting nowhere? Does your spiritual life feel like you take two steps forward only to go three steps backwards? Is the joy of following Jesus distant from your weekly experience?

If so, there is hope, so keep reading.

Two truths are sure in God’s Word:
1. Following Jesus is not easy. “In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33a).
2. Despite the difficulties, Jesus offers hope and joy. “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b).

So, how do we experience this joy in the midst of the hardships we will face? The answer is learning to live the “Exchanged Life.” The Exchanged Life is when we exchange our human attempts to live for Christ for His power and ability to live the abundant life. It is not a matter of us trying hard to be a good Christian. Instead, it is about Jesus living His life in and through us. It is about allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to work in us from the inside out.

Many Scriptures support the Exchanged Life. Consider these and make special note of the sections highlighted:

“For it is God who works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him.” Hebr. 13:20-21

“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant.” 2 Cor. 3:5-6

“To this John replied, 'A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.'” Jn. 3:27

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor. 3:18

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col. 1:27

If you think about it, the entire Christian life is an exchange: We exchange our sin for God’s forgiveness, our old self for a new nature, our weakness for His power, our slavery for His freedom, our flesh for His Spirit, our anxiety for His peace, etc., etc.

To summarize: The Christian life is not about trying hard to be a faithful and obedient Christ-follower, but rather exchanging our life for Christ’s – allowing Jesus to live His life in and through us. The exchanged life is what Paul spoke of in Gal.2:20: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God.”

The following are some practical suggestions for living the Exchanged Life:
1. Begin each day by admitting to God that “apart from Jesus you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5), and God to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

2. When you find yourself frustrated during the day, allow that emotion to remind you to pray something like this, “Lord, I am doing it on my own and I am sorry. Take control and live Your life through me right now.”

3. When you feel weak or inadequate in a situation, pray this: “Lord, I embrace this feeling of weakness and transfer it to dependence on You. May Your power be made perfect in my weakness in this situation.”

4. Invite the Spirit who indwells you to have His way in your life throughout the day.

The Gospel in a Plane Crash

This week we all witnessed the remarkable safe landing of a US Airways jet into the Hudson River. What a blessing that no one was seriously hurt. God’s protection was indeed on each of these persons.

As I reflect on this situation, I find the following parallels to life and the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

1. We are all on an uncertain journey each day.
As these passengers boarded this flight from New York to North Carolina, they had no idea what was about to occur. They expected a smooth and uneventful flight to their destination, where they would go about the other activities planned for that day. Obviously their day did not go as originally planned.

Many times our days, not to mention our lives, do not go as planned. We have to expect the unexpected. God’s Word encourages us to not be presumptuous about tomorrow: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (Jas. 4:13-14).

2. We never know when the end will come.
This could have been the last day on earth for every one of those passengers. Like them, we never know when our last day will come. We must be ready at all times to die. We should live each day as if it were our last. God wants us to be ready at all times to meet our Maker.
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Mt. 24:44).

3. Sin is serious; it will cause a crash landing.
The engine difficulties on this plane made it impossible to fly. Therefore, a crash landing was imminent.

Sin will cause crash landings in our lives, be it the sin of sexual immorality, greed, or gossip. More serious still is the separation from God that sin causes. This separation from God will last for all eternity if it is not forgiven and removed. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

4. We need the help of Another to be rescued.
Those on this plane could do nothing to save themselves. The plane was going down, and it was going down fast. When they realized this, they had to place themselves at the mercy of the pilot and flight attendants.

When we realize the seriousness of our sin, we must place ourselves at the mercy of Jesus Christ, the only One who can rescue us by His death and resurrection.
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” (Gal. 1:3-5).

5. Jesus is able to bring us to a safe landing.
Thankfully, the expert pilot of this plane was able to land the plane safely in the river, and all the passengers were saved. To a greater degree, Jesus Christ is able to save us from sin. His shed blood can save us from the penalty and the power of sin. It is only through Jesus that we can be reconciled to God and given eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (Jn. 3:16-17).

6. We must receive the help offered to us.
Even after the plane was safely landed into the river, those aboard still had to receive the help offered to them. Here they were in the river, but they were not yet fully “saved.” In order to get to land, they had to receive the help offered to them. They had to get up, get off the plane, and receive the gift of the boat ride to land. If they stayed on that sinking plane, they would die.

In the same way, Jesus has done everything necessary for us to be saved from our sins, but we still have to receive the gift before it is fully ours. We do this by repenting of our sins and receiving Jesus into our life as our Forgiver and Leader. At this moment we become a follower of Jesus and begin a relationship with God that will last forever.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it’” (Mt. 16:24-25).

7. Give praise to the One who rescues you.
Much praise has gone out to the pilot of this plane, and he deserves all that is given to him. More so does Jesus deserve our praise and eternal adoration for what He has done for us. As followers of Jesus, we are to live a life of praise and gratitude.
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever” (Rev. 5:13).

What an amazing event that took place this week on that US Airways jet. But what a more amazing truth that we can be eternally saved from our sins through Jesus Christ! Have you received the free gift of eternal life in Christ? Are you prepared to face Him today, should this be the day your plane goes down?

Way to go Tebow: A Bulldog Fan Praising a Gator

You will not find this on many blogs today: a Georgia Bulldog fan praising a Florida Gator. But this Gator deserves praise, not because he is a Gator (I had to get that in) but because he is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ … and a bold witness for Christ.

Throughout the season Tim Tebow, the 21-year old quarterback for Florida, has put “Phil. 4:13” under his darkened eye. He does this to witness of his faith in Christ as he plays football. Often the television camera reveals the “Phil. 4:13” as it shows a close up view of his face. In the national championship game against Oklahoma a few weeks ago, Tebow chose to put “John 3:16” under his eye. What was the result? Not only did he play an excellent game and win the national championship, but more importantly he had a powerful witness for Christ. How so? Well, an article in USA Today said, “for a time that evening, it was the most popularly searched item on Google.” To think that across this great nation, more people were googling “John 3:16” that anything else during part of that game, is an amazing reality.

This shows me two things. First of all, it surprisingly reveals how few people know what John 3:16 is. You would think everyone would know this is a Bible verse and what it says. This might have been true 20 years ago, but not any more. We live in an increasingly biblically illiterate culture.

Second, it shows how Tebow is having an impact through something as simple as this reference under this eye black. I would not be at all surprised to learn one day that some people became Christians through looking up John 3:16 that night. Remember, the Word of God will never return void! In the same way Tebow witnessed through such a simple act, we can have an impact through the simple things we do as followers of Christ. Let us endeavor to be intentional in our witness for Christ, each and every day.

And all of this from a Georgia fan. Take note!

The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce

About two years ago I read a book called “The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce.” The subtitle is “The 25 Year Landmark Study.” This book shares the results of the most comprehensive study on divorce ever conducted. They have been able to track the effects of divorce over a 25-year period, which allows us to see how the children of divorce are affected as adults. This is a not a Christian book, but the findings would support much of what the Bible says about divorce.

Before I share with you the results of this book, let me say very clearly that my intention is not to shame anyone who has been through or is going through a divorce. Life can be very painful. Marriage can become so difficult that one feels the only way out is a divorce. Forgiveness and healing is available to anyone who cries out to the Lord. I am so glad we serve a God who is willing to forgive sin and heal the human heart. “He heals the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18).

At the same time, God says He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and one of the main reasons is because He is “seeking Godly offspring” (Malachi 2:15). When we see how divorce affects the children, we can understand why His seeking Godly offspring is one of the main reasons God hates divorce.

My reason for sharing these findings is to enlighten us all concerning the many negative effects of divorce. It is so important that we count the cost before ever considering divorce. Perhaps this blog will help to save a marriage headed for divorce. Perhaps this blog is for you – to cause you to reconsider divorce. Perhaps this blog will help you in ministering to someone you know who is considering a divorce.

The bottom line is this: divorce brings many hardships on all involved, especially the children. Marriage is worth fighting for. Marriage is worth whatever it takes to stay together. Marriage is for the glory of God. Marriage is designed to be an earthly picture of Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:21-33).

I also hope that teenagers and singles will read this blog. Let this study of divorce cause you to be so prayerful and careful about marriage. Be sure you know it is God’s will for you to marry. Be sure you marry the person God wants you to marry. Take it slowly and carefully. I alwayts tell my kids, "You can never go wrong waiting, but you can go wrong rushing." Get the counsel of many Godly people before you even think about marrying someone.

Here are some of the major findings from this book. This 25 year study revealed that divorce often brings about:
1. Decline in the health of the couple.
2. Decrease in the financial stability of all involved.
3. Emotional pain and scars that may never go away.
4. Loss of respect from community, children, and family.
5. Children suffering in the following ways:
a. Tendency toward unhealthy relationships.
b. More prone to pre-marital sex, drug and alcohol use.
c. Tendency to run from conflict in their own life.
d. An unhealthy and excessive fear of marriage.
e. Anger at life, God, and their parents.
f. Faith in God shaken.
f. Increase in loneliness, fear, anxiety, and depression.
i. Loosing significant parts of their childhood because they are forced to grow up too quickly due to the increase in emotional stress and responsibility. One woman named Karen said, “The day my parents divorced is the day my childhood ended” (p. 296).

The authors of the book said their most surprising discover was this: the greatest manifestation of negative impact on the children of divorce does not come until those children are in their adulthood. We often think the greatest negative effect will come when they are children, and that it will get better when they become adults. However, the studies are showing that this is not the case. Here is a quote from the book: “The major contribution of this book has been to recognize, for the first time, that when children of divorce become adults, they are badly frightened that their relationships will fail, just like the most important relationship in their parents’ lives failed. They mature with a keen sense that their growing-up experiences did not prepare them for love, commitment, trust, marriage, or even for the nitty-gritty of handling and resolving conflict” (p. xiii).

So many people often say, “The kids will be better off if we divorce, because at least they don’t have to be in the middle of our fighting/unhappy marriage.” This book says this is not true. This study revealed that children in homes where the marriage is not very good, but where the parents stay together, are better off than those whose parents divorce, because by their parents staying together the kids learn that marriage can be hard but you stick it out.

Finally, the book shows that second marriages are even more likely to fail than first. “First marriages stand a 45% chance of breaking up and second marriages have a 60% chance of ending in divorce” (p. 295). I guess we are not learning from our mistakes.

Of course there are exceptions to all of the above. May we be the exceptions.

May God do such a work in our lives that our marriages would be a clear picture of Jesus and His bride, the church (see Ephesians 5:21-33).

Let me conclude by reminding us of some very important truths: God is able and willing to work a miracle in the most difficult of situations ... if we will yield to His will and cry out to Him; seeking the help of others is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of wisdom; and the blood of Jesus can forgive and cleanse of all unrighteousness. Call upon the Lord while He may be found!

Like a Weaned Child

“A song of ascents - Of David. My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” Psalm 131

Recently I have been greatly ministered to by the Lord in Psalm 131. The central message of this Psalm is that we can rest in God’s care and love and sovereignty, even when we don’t have the answers to the complex issues of life. Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), considered by many the “Prince of Preachers,” said that if the Psalms were a gem Psalm 131 would be a pearl.

In my ministry I constantly find people struggling with the “why” questions of life: “Why did my relative die in the car accident? Why did I get cancer? Why was my friend not healed? Why did this tragedy occur? Why do bad things happen to good people?” Perhaps you have some “why” questions. I know I do, especially at this period of my life. Perhaps your “why” questions are creating distance between you and God. If so, this is not what God would want. Psalm 131 provides some help!

This is a “song of ascents,” meaning that it was one of 15 psalms (Psalms 120-134) used as the people of God would go up to Jerusalem and “ascend” to the Temple. There is some historical data indicating the people of God would actually chant these psalms as they made their way to the Temple for worship. I think it is safe to say that for us this psalm gives us insight in how we might “ascend” to greater heights with God.

Ascending to greater heights is not easy. It will involve some barriers and hardships. Climbing a mountain is not easy. I have hiked with my father on the Appalachian Trail and know from experience that the climb is hard, but the view from the top is worth it. This is true in our relationship with God.

In climbing with God, we have to get past the questions that we may never have answers to. God tells us that we will encounter difficulty (John 16:33). God tells us that our lives will be filled with all kinds of trials (1 Peter 1). Jesus said that good things happen to good and bad people, and that bad things happen to good and bad people (Matthew 5:44). God’s Word assures us that all things can work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). However, this still does not fully answer the “why” questions that we ask.

We need to get to the point where we stop asking “why” and simply trust God’s character and goodness. When I have wrestled with God over unanswered questions, sometimes God has said to me, “David, you need to file that question in the 29:29 file.” The 29:29 file is based on Deuteronomy 29:29. It says, “The secret things belong to the Lord but the things revealed belong to man.” Some things God keeps secret from us, while other things He reveals to us. We must learn to be content with those things that He chooses not to reveal to us. In Psalm 131 David says, “I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me” (v. 1). He is choosing here to be OK with not knowing all the answers. He is letting God carry the answers to the questions. He realizes that he is not God and therefore has limitations. This is called humility.

The next step in the journey is the key. In v. 2 David puts his total trust in the Lord. He says, “But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me” (v. 2). Two times he mentions a weaned child. Why this reference to a weaned child? Because a weaned child does not come to its mom for milk. It has been weaned. Instead, it comes simply for strength, love, and comfort. The child is totally content to simply be in the presence of the mother.

Our soul will be quieted and still when we learn to come to God, not so much to get answers, but rather to just be in His presence and transformed into His image. This is what it means to “seek His face” and not His hands. We must seek Him for who He is and not so much to get something from Him. Someone once said that the highest level of faith is when we trust God when there is no apparent reason to do so, except that He is God. In other words, we trust Him just because of who He is, even if things do not go like we want them to. This seems to be why this short psalm ends with: “Put your hope in the Lord” (Psalm 131:3)!

Are you putting your hope in the Lord? Are you content to simply be in the presence of the Lord? What is that you need to bring to the foot of the cross? What do you need to file in the 29:29 file?

It is OK to ask questions and wrestle with God over things, as long as at the end of the day you crawl up in God’s lap and just be still and quiet in His presence. I encourage you to meditate on these 3 verses and see what additional insights God gives you. Let us be as a weaned child with God!

Wondering if God is Real? Take the 30 Day Challenge!

If you are struggling with believing in God or want to know Him better, I encourage you to take the 30 Day Challenge. Here is how it works: For the next 30 days, do 2 things each day:

1. Pray this prayer: “God, if You are real and if Jesus is the answer, I ask You to show Yourself to me in a way that I would recognize.”

2. Read one chapter out of the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible. Day one you would read John 1. Day two you would read John 2. You get the idea.

Do this for 30 days and see what happens. You have to do this with a truly open and sincere heart. If you do, I believe God will show Himself to you in some exciting ways. Here are some passages in the Bible to consider as you do this:

Acts 17:26-28
"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' "

Jer 29:11-14
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD."

As you do the 30 Day Challenge, please know me know how God reveals Himself to you. You can email Pastor David at davidholt08@gmail.com

Suggestions For Growth At Each Maturity Level

Two blogs back I wrote "How Mature Are You?" and promised to provide suggestions for growth at each level. Here are my suggestions for growth:

Spiritual Child ("I speak to you children because your sins are forgiven ... because you know the Father"):

• Focus on the beauty of grace that your sins have been forgiven.


• Get to know the fatherhood of God. I suggest the books: "Abba's Child" and "The God You Can Know."


• The more you can learn about the character of God, the more solid your foundation is very a solid Christian life. I view the character of God as the foundation of the house for a balanced Christian life. I suggest "Knowing God" by J.I. Packer.


• Begin to spend daily time in God's Word and prayer. Start with a book like the Gospel of John or the epistle of 1 John. Read a paragraph of two, stop to meditate on what you just read, and then pray the ACTS of prayer (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication).


• Learn who you are in Christ through a book like "Victory Over the Darkness" by Neil Anderson. Use the "Who I Am" sheet provided in that book.


• Begin to meet in some kind of small group or accountability relationship for encouragement.


• Enjoy the awesome privilege of a personal relationship with your creator God.

Young Man ("I write to you, young men, because you are strong, the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one"):

• Begin to exercise some of the spiritual disciplines such as consistent time alone with God, fasting, prayer, scripture memory, extended time with God, transparency in accountability relationships, rest, etc.


• Begin to have some kind of ministry or service in your areas of giftedness and passion. You must have outflow to be healthy.


• Seek to go into the meat of the Word through a tool like "Systematic Theology" by Dr. Wayne Grudem. Find someone with whom you can read and discuss a chapter every week from this book.


• With the help of a trusted friend or pastor, seek to resolve any past issues that might be holding you bakc. For many these include, but are not limited to, such issues as: poor relationship with father or other authority figures, childhood abuse or neglect, performance orientation to life, poor self-image, spiritual abuse, sexual abuse, bitterness and unforgiveness toward those who have hurt you, inability to receive love, etc.


• Biblical study the issue of spiritual warfare and how to overcome Satan through the victory of Christ and your authority in Him. I suggest "Victory Over the Darkness" and "The Bondage Breaker" by Neil Anderson.


• Continue to build on items established in the childhood stage such as daily time with God, identity in Christ, character of God. and fellowship.


• Expect big time opposition, temptation, and spiritual warfare and be ready to fight the fight of faith so as not to fall.


• If you fall, get right back up in the power of the Holy Spirit.


• Learn how to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Father ("I write to you fathers because you know Him who has been from the beginning"):

• Continue in all the areas listed above, especially time with God, filling of the Spirit, fellowship with others, ministry to others, knowing the nature of God, and holy living.


• Go deep into the character of God, especially developing a conviction about His sovereignty (that He is in total control and worthy of trust no matter what happens to us!). I suggest such books as "When God Doesn't Make Sense" and "Disappointment With God" as well as the section in "Systematic Theology" by Dr. Wayne Grudem dealing with the nature of God.


• Be in a very transparent small group or accountability relationship.


• Make a rock solid conviction to not compromise morally and sexually. Sexual sin is certain to ruin your testimony.


• Be involved in evangelism and discipleship. Remember, you are not a spiritual father until you have children (i.e. led someone to Christ) and involved in active parenting (i.e. discipling someone).


• Expect to go through the "dark night of the soul" and cling tightly to God until He brings you out of this severe trial. I suggest "Pain, Perplexity and Promotion" by Bob Sorge.


• Analyze your motives so that you are living for God for His glory and not for self promotion.


• Be sure you are living out of grace and not performance. Be content to just rest in the Lord and abide in Him.

I'm sure you can suggest other ways to grow at each level, and if so, please email me at davidholt08@gmail.com. I will continue to add to this blog as good suggestions come my way. What a privilege to know and grow in the Lord. Let's seek to become as mature and fruitful as God would will for us to be!

What Does It Mean to Have the Mind of Christ?

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him"- 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that He may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-16

1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us “we have the mind of Christ.” What does this mean? Let’s begin with what it does not mean? Having the mind of Christ certainly does not mean we always think pure thoughts. Therefore, the mind of Christ cannot refer to our natural brain or that which controls the thinking in our head. But isn’t this the only “mind” we have? Maybe not.

The context tells us exactly what it means to have the mind of Christ. First, notice how much the Holy Spirit and the human spirit are mentioned: “His Spirit” (v. 10); “The Spirit” (v. 10); “man’s spirit” (v. 11); “Spirit of God” (v. 11); “Spirit who is from God” (v. 12); “the Spirit” (v. 13); “the Spirit” (v. 14); “the Spirit of God” (v. 14); “spiritual man” (v. 15). Second, notice how many times Paul mentions spiritual discernment or the ability to know something that is of God: “revealed to us by His Spirit” (v. 10); “understand what God has freely given us” (v. 12); “spiritually discerned” (v. 14); “known the mind of the Lord” (v. 16).

Now, let’s put the two together. To have the mind is the supernatural ability, from the Holy Spirit, to know in our spirit the things of God.

In other words, when we receive Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit into our spirit. We are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at this moment and forever. An added bonus to receiving the Holy Spirit into our spirit involves our spirit receiving a “mind” of sorts. This spiritual mind allows us to know in our spirit the things of God. These things from God can include our identity in Christ, insights into Scripture, knowledge of God, discernment, direction, the love of God, or anything that is of God.

The verse that best summarizes what it means to have the mind of Christ is v. 12: “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” What a blessing to have the mind of Christ. All Christians have this spiritual ability to know and discern what is from God. Like most gifts, we have to exercise it in order for it to be strong.

So, how can we make sure we exercise the mind of Christ? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Whenever you read or study the Bible, don’t simply rely on your natural brain, but instead ask God to supernaturally help you to discern truths with your spiritual mind.
2. Concentrate your attention on two main areas: the character of God and your identity in Christ.
3. Whenever you don’t know what to do, ask the Holy Spirit to give you direction.
4. Take time in prayer to listen to God. Ask God to reveal to your spiritual mind whatever He wants to tell you. Be silent, wait on the Lord, and receive whatever He gives to you.
5. Give attention to those “impressions” you get from time to time. More often than not, these impressions are God speaking to you in this “mind of Christ” that you have.

What a great adventure to follow the Lord. Having the mind of Christ is another wonderful way to enjoy walking with God.

How Mature Are You?

“I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name. I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 Jn. 2:12-14).

This passage lays out three levels of Christian maturity: child, young man, and father. Which level are you at? Which level would you like to be at? Let’s examine the qualifications of each, so you can determine your level of maturity and what it will take to move to the next level.

By the way, this is a wonderful passage for churches to use in their discipleship ministry. Effective discipleship ministries will include providing the necessary vehicles, tools, and environments for Christians to advance to the next level of maturity.

The Child
The first level is the spiritual child. This is the brand new Christian – the person who has just received Christ. What he knows is that his sins are forgiven. He feels clean because he has moved from a sinner to a saint, and all by God’s grace. I have heard so many new Christians say something like, “It feels so good to be spiritually clean. I feel like a new person.”

This passage also describes the spiritual child as someone who knows the Father. He has entered a relationship with God, and as His child can cry, “Abba, Father” (Gal. 4:6). Oh, the wonderful simplicity of a new relationship with God as our loving and accepting Heavenly Daddy.

This is not the only passage describing a new Christian as a child. In other passages God’s Word describes a new Christian as a babe who longs for milk: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Pe. 2:2-3). Notice here another characteristic of a new Christian: a hunger to grow – longing for the milk of the Word. Unfortunately this hunger often dissipates as the person gets older in the Lord. How is your hunger for the Word these days?

Hebrews 5 speaks of how maturity involves going from milk to solid food: “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (v. 13-14). We expect a baby to drink milk, because their stomach cannot digest solid food, but as the person grows he should eat meat. In the same way, a spiritual babe feeds on the basics of the faith, but as he grows he eats the meat of the deeper truths of God’s Word.

So, are you a spiritual babe? If you have been a Christian for less than one year, this is exactly where you should be: knowing your sins are forgiven, experiencing the fatherhood of God, and drinking in the simple truths of the faith. However, if you have been a Christian for more than a year, you should be moving to the young man stage.

Young Man
The next level of maturity is the spiritual adolescent. The young man is described as strong, abiding in the Word, and overcoming the evil one. Let’s examine each of these three characteristics. Strength requires, exercise, endurance, and good eating habits. You cannot become strong in the Lord by just sitting around and remaining passive. Abiding in the Word involves consistently spending time reading and studying the Bible, even when you don’t fee like doing so. Abiding also involves obeying God’s Word when it isn’t easy. Finally, overcoming the evil one means you are now involved in intense spiritual warfare. Satan attacks the growing Christian with relentless intensity. If you are going to mature to this level, you will have to learn tactics of spiritual warfare and overcome Satan with the Word of God, faith, and the help of others.

I think the spiritual young man has to also overcome the three enemies of our walk with God: the world, the flesh, and the devil. The pulls of the world are what Jesus spoke of when He said “the worries of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things choke out the Word and render it unfruitful” (Mk. 4:19). In addition to the world, our own flesh will often want to do those things which are not pleasing to God. Even the Apostle Paul experienced this in Romans 7. And as stated above, temptations from Satan will seek to pull the young man out of his progress toward maturity.

So, are you a spiritual young man? Are you strong in the Lord? Are you abiding in the Word? Are you overcoming the evil one? Are you resisting the world, the flesh, and the Devil? I am not suggested the spiritual adolescent is perfect by any stretch of the imagination. Remember, even “young men stumble and fall” (Isaiah 43:21), but when they do, they get back up and keep running!

Father
The final level of maturity is the spiritual father. The text says two times that the father is the one who “knows Him who has been from the beginning.” This phrase is extremely significant. It means he knows and has experienced God at many junctures in his life. God has been faithful time and time again to this person. The spiritual father has been through many tough times, wilderness experiences, and even the dark night of the soul. But through each of these challenges, this person “knows Him who has been from the beginning.”

The spiritual father particularly trusts in the sovereignty of God. Trusting in God’s sovereignty involves the deep conviction that God is in control even when the most painful things enter your life. It is like Job, when loosing everything could still say, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21).

In addition, the spiritual father does not depend on feelings to keep going. His faith is rooted in the character of God and not in his circumstances. He is not driven and tossed by every wind of doctrine. He has convictions that determine his behavior.

Though not mentioned in this passage, another characteristic of a spiritual father is having children. A father by definition is one who has children and is actively parenting these children. Spiritual fathers have spiritual children through evangelism and discipleship.

So, are you a spiritual father? Do you know God in a deep and enduring manner? Do you follow Him more because of who He is than what He does for you? Have you fathered spiritual children and discipled others in their faith? If so, congratulations, you are a spiritual father.

In conclusion, God’s Word is clear: we are to mature in our relationship with God. God expects us to grow and develop. He predestined us to become conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

Maturity takes time. Maturity involves many storms. Others help us in the maturity process, so we need to surround ourselves with godly people. And maturity only occurs through the power of the Holy Spirit! “God works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

God desires for each of us to move from a child to a young man to a father. Regardless of where you are now, will you strive in the power of the Spirit to go to the next level? In a future blog, I may provide some suggestions and resources for each level of maturity. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:18).

For Men Only!

Sexual temptation is everywhere we turn, isn’t it? Unfortunately, our society is intoxicated with sex, be it on television, movies, magazines, music, or the internet. One cannot even go to the grocery store for milk without having provocatively dressed women either next to you in line or on the cover of the magazine as you wait to pay for your purchase.

Men, we have a choice: give in to the temptation or resist it in the power of the Holy Spirit. God assures us we can resist it with His help: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Sexual sin is not the new kid on the block. Throughout the Bible and modern history, many men have fallen to this fatal flaw. I personally know quite a few men who have fallen.

Even the Apostle Paul struggled with sexual temptation. After giving us a list of items he struggled with in his life (i.e. danger, persecution, sleeplessness, hunger, concern for churches, etc.), he says in 2 Corinthians 11:29, “Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” What does he mean by “inwardly burn?” This phrase is actually one word in the original Greek (puroo), and Paul uses this same word in 1 Corinthians 7:9 when he challenges a couple who is struggling with self-control in the sexual area. He tells them it is better to marry than to “burn with passion (puroo).” Therefore, this word can refer to burning with sexual passion – to be tempted to have sex with someone with whom you are not married.

Why is the sexual area such a struggle for so many men? The most obvious reason is that we are visually stimulated, and our culture bombards us each day with sexual images. Keeping a pure mind and body is one of the greatest challenges of our day. Jesus knew this when He said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away” (Matthew 5:27-29).

Deeper still is our desire to be affirmed and validated. The greatest need a man has is for significance. God made us this way. It goes all the way back to Adam being given the task of taking care of the Garden. This need for significance can be good, and it can be bad. It can be good if it motivates us to give our lives for what is eternally significant. It can be bad if we get our significance from our sex lives and look to that form of validation.

We can easily be lured into the trap of believing if a woman wants us sexually it means we are significant. A woman showing interest in us tends to affirm our worth, especially the older we get. It can communicate to a man, “I still have it. I am wanted. I am a real man.” Granted this is all a lie, but it is very easy to believe this lie.

The pull of pornography is also connected to this need for significance. We look at the beautiful picture and think, “She is inviting me to come to her. She really likes me. She is attracted to me.” You might read this and think, “That is ridiculous. No one really believes such things from a picture of a naked woman.” However, Satan will play with your mind and get you to believe such lies. Furthermore, pornography can easily lead to habitual masturbation. Once entrapped in pornography, masturbation, or a flirt with an affair, it can be very difficult to get out.

Another reason sex is an intense temptation is because sex is indeed “giving oneself to another.” In this act it can feel like we are totally loved and accepted for who we are. After all, we are totally unclothed and wanted. This can falsely feel like we are unconditionally loved. And unconditional love is a God-given need. Therefore, we are particularly vulnerable to this temptation.

Randy Alcorn is one of my favorite authors. I love his eternal perspective. His writings have inspired and challenged me on numerous occasions. In the Winter, 1988 issue of Leadership Journal, he wrote something I will never forget. I keep it in the front of my Bible at all times. It is called “Consequences of a Moral Tumble”:

“Whenever I feel particularly vulnerable to sexual temptation, I find it helpful to review what effects my action could have:

• Grieving the Lord who redeemed me.
  
• Dragging His sacred name into the mud.


• One day having to look Jesus, the Righteous Judge, in the face and give an account of my actions.


• Following in the footsteps of these people who immorality forfeited their ministries and cause me to shudder: (list names)


• Inflicting untold hurt on Nanci, my best friend and loyal wife.


• Losing Nanci’s respect and trust.


• Hurting my beloved daughters, Karina and Angie.


• Destroying my example and credibility with my children, and nullifying both present and future efforts to teach them to obey God (“Why listen to a man who betrayed Mom and us?”).


• If my blindness should continue or my wife be unable to forgive, perhaps losing my wife and my children forever.


• Causing shame to my family (“Why isn’t Daddy a pastor anymore?”).


• Losing self-respect.


• Creating a form of guilt awfully hard to shake. Even though God would forgive me, would I forgive myself?


• Forming memories and flashbacks that could plague future ministry with my wife.


• Wasting years of ministry training and experience for a long time, maybe permanently.


• Forfeiting the effect of years of witnessing to my father and reinforcing his distrust for ministers that has only begun to soften by my example but that would harden, perhaps permanently, because of my immorality.


• Undermining the faithful example and hard work of other Christians in our community.


• Bringing great pleasure to Satan, the enemy of God and all that is good.


• Heaping judgment and endless difficulty on the person with whom I committed adultery.


• Possibly bearing the physical consequences of such diseases as gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia, herpes, and AIDS; perhaps infecting Nanci or, in the case of AIDS, even causing her death.


• Possibly causing pregnancy, with the personal and financial implications, including a lifelong reminder of my sin.


• Bringing shame and hurt to these fellow pastors and elders: (list names).


• Causing shame and hurt to these friends, especially those I’ve led to Christ and discipled: (list names).


• Invoking shame and life-long embarrassment upon myself.”

Wow! If this list of consequences doesn’t make you think twice, I don’t know what will. It reminds me of Proverbs 6: “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? … But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself” (v. 27, 32).

If you sin in the sexual area, it will be like the “feather story.” Once upon a time a man was tempted to sin. The thrill of the sin far outweighed his perception of the consequences that would follow. So, his spiritual advisor wanted to help him understand the gravity of his offense and the many lives it would affect. The advisor told the man to visit a nearby chicken farm and collect a large bag of feathers. Once he completed this first assignment, he was instructed to wait for a very windy day. Once that day arrived, he was told to go up to a neighbor’s house, knock on the door, and confess his temptation. After doing so, he was to dump the bag of feathers on their doorstep, and watch them blow in multiple directions. Then his spiritual advisor wisely said to him, “Everywhere those feathers travel is like the far reaching effects of your sin. Not only will ‘your sin find you out’ (Numbers 32:23), but also your fire will burn down the houses of many others. Is the sin really worth the temporary pleasure it brings?”

The deceitfulness of sin is this: it never shows you what is on the other side of the offense. Temptation only wants you to see the immediate gratification. Let’s not beat around the bush: sin promises and delivers satisfaction. The problem with this satisfaction is that it is very temporary. “Moses chose to endure ill treatment with the people of God rather than enjoy the passing pleasure of sin” (Hebrews 11:25 NASB). Sin does give pleasure for a season, but once the pleasure passes, much garbage is left behind … for someone to clean up.

I counsel many men to “do a Joseph” in the sexual area. When Joseph was repeatedly tempted by Potiphar’s wife, even to the point of her begging him to “come to bed with me” (Genesis 39:7, 12), he “ran out of the house” (Genesis 39:12). Doing a Joseph involves running as fast as you can from temptation. “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regards to its lust” (Romans 13:14). Take whatever action is necessary to avoid sexual sin!

Let me suggest some ways to “do a Joseph”:

1. Immediately end any relationship that could lead to an affair.


2. Be sure you have a good filter against pornography on your computer.


3. Do away with any form of temptation (i.e. computer, television, movies, etc.) if you have to. Remember, Jesus said to take radical measures (i.e. gouge your eye out) if you have to.


4. Be accountable to at least one other man.


5. Avoid places that are tempting.


6. Read the books “When Good Men Are Tempted”, “Victory Over the Darkness” by Neil Anderson, and "Porn Again Christian" by Mark Driscoll. "Porn Again Christian" just came out, and it is very powerful. Every man should read it. You can google it to find it, and his ministry gives you permission to download and print it at no cost.


7. If married, do everything you can to keep a strong sexual relationship with your wife.


8. Saturate your mind with the Word of God because, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living it according to Your Word … I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalms 119:9,11).


9. If and when you fall in this area, be quick to confess and repent of your sin. Claim the forgiveness and cleansing offered through the blood of Jesus (see 1 John 1:9).


10. Resist the accusations of Satan and claim your identity in Christ.


11. Get professional help if you are entrapped in any form of this sin, be it visual or physical. I would recommend Dr. Mark Laaser’s ministry: http://www.faithfulandtrueministries.com/. He even has an intensive program for those who are addicted.


12. Never give up. Even if you fall, get back up in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, the movement of our culture is going to make this area of temptation greater and greater in the years ahead. We cannot expect things to get easier. Therefore, we must take radical measures to stay pure.

Let’s seek to be men who love God, are filled with the Spirit, and do everything we can to stay sexually pure. God will richly bless the man who seeks to live a holy life!