Live life to the Maximum in 2014

At the beginning of 2014 I challenged a group of people to daily, and thoughtfully read through the Proverbs with intend of living it out to the best of ones ability.  

One of the reasons for this is simply because, Proverbs are: brief popular sayings that give advice about how people should live their daily lives as godly examples.  They are maxims that are known phrases that express a general truth about life and/or a rule of behavior. 

As a member of clergy for many years now, I have watched many members of the body of Christ flail their arms in an attempt to stay alive in unpleasant conditions.  Some are extroverts with their flails and cries, so that everyone hears and often become boat rockers, stirring up chaos in others, while others put on a mask and decay from the inside never getting help. Neither of these should ever be the case.

As Christians we are to live the triumphant life, the overcoming life, the successful life of faith.  This doesn’t eliminate trials or test that every Christian will encounter.  But it does entail coming through those trials and test victorious, and to new levels. As Christians we should be moving from faith to faith, and glory to glory.

The word speaks to us of trials of our faith being precious.  But it also shares with us the truth of coming through all of them victorious. 

There are times when Christians will be knocked down in their stand, as Paul. He was knocked down, but he was not knocked out.  He was even left once in the street as dead, but the church gathered around him and prayed.  He recovered and continued in faith. Faith is the overcoming life, not one free of adversity or obstacles here in planet earth, but one with promises and good ends unto the day when there will be no adversities in our heavenly estate.

In this Challenge to obtain and retain the proverbs with application, my prayer is for the body of Christ to rise up to a new standard of living. One where wisdom becomes the principle thing in their faith lives again. And just for the record, I am not suggesting a life lived by works along, but on lived by faith that works; Faith that has been offered us through grace (grace that enables us to be free of sinful living and devoid of child play and deceitful lives). 

In the book of Acts there were needs within the local church body; needs for the people to be attended to properly, and for the ministers to have time to give themselves to the Word and prayer. So they quest went out to locate people not just full of the Holy Ghost, but full of the Holy Ghost and Wisdom as well as those of were of honest report.

The word honest report from this text in Acts chapter six means:

·      Those who have been a witness; they have seen, heard and or experienced something by divine revelation or inspiration.  It is those who live by and give honorable testimony to the truth. 

These were not just any people.  They were those who had witnessed the truth of the gospel in their own lives.  And in this filled with the Holy Spirit and Wisdom. 

Wisdom from this text defines as:

·      One to be broad and filled with intelligence, and having used knowledge in diverse matters in their lives. 

·      One commentary even says: varied knowledge of things human and divine, acquired by acuteness and experience, summed up in maxims and proverbs. 

These were men who were given to the science of learning; they were apt in dreams and interpretations and able to give good and godly advice to others.  They were men skilled in management abilities, who could offer Christian truth to 
those in need.

The people that were being sought out by the leaders were those who lived proverbial lives. The importance of this challenge of reading the Proverbs is not for a marathon read, nor is it a competition, but rather a personal assignment of life application unto Christian maturity.

·      As we read through the Proverbs we will find ourselves both rejoicing and pressed to new levels of life. 

·      We will find truth that will enable us to live happier and more successful.

·      Living the proverbial life will aid you, but it will also aid your family, friends, community, pastor and local church. 

I pray that you will make 2014 a year of spiritual growth unto natural victories by accepting this challenge.  

One chapter per day in a 31-day month will conclude your reading.  However, to go through these Proverbs each month will empower you even more this year. 

Faith without life application is dead.  As we read in the book of James, “Faith without works is dead.”   So let us live true faith lives, free of the deception of only hearing the word and not doing it.  Instead, Let us add to our faiths confessions this year legs, being doers of the Word … living our lives up to the Maxims!

Depression

In 1994 reports suggested that around 35 million Americans admitted to depression.  Today over 40 million have been reported as depressed.  

  

The Word speaks to us about depression and also how to overcome it.  Depression is a soulish action of the Adamic nature, and is the loss of God given expression.  It leaves people felling empty, alone, hopeless, helpless, misunderstood, lost, broken, unloved, unlovely, judged, confused, hurting in ways that they can't give words too.  

Psalms 40:1-5

I waited patiently for the Lord.
 He turned to me and heard my cry for help.

He pulled me out of a horrible pit,
 out of the mud and clay.
  He set my feet on a rock
 and made my steps secure.

He placed a new song in my mouth,
 a song of praise to our God.


Many will see this and worship.
 They will trust the Lord.

Blessed is the person
 who places his confidence in the Lord
 and does not rely on arrogant people
 or those who follow lies.

You have done many miraculous things, O Lord my God.
  You have made many wonderful plans for us.
  No one compares to you!


I will tell others about your miracles,
 which are more than I can count.

Here we find David penned words that came from experience.  He had entered a dark place, a horrible pit.  This is exactly how depression is often defined: as a dark, horrible pit! 

But God is always open eared to the cry of people.  And when David cried out to God, he was heard.  And notice how David, says, He gave him a new song and a praise.  Those are both things that depressed people are void of; a song in heart or praise on lips to God.  

The enemy of our soul longs to keep us in the same downcast state he is in, but we have a God who has assured us that through him we were more than conquerors.

We don't have to be a people left void of God expressions.  We could say void of life and love.

When Satan was cast out of the heavens.  He lost out of the life and abundance now promised to all of God's people.  

He was cast away from love.  Today, he has no greater joy than to keep people feeling unloved and lifeless.  However, as Christians we have been given power over all the power of the enemy through the Name of Jesus Christ.  

Psalms 42:1-5

As a deer longs for flowing streams,
    so my soul longs for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
 When may I come to see God’s face?

My tears are my food day and night.
 People ask me all day long, “Where is your God?”

I will remember these things as I pour out my soul:
  how I used to walk with the crowd
  and lead it in a procession to God’s house. I sang songs of joy and thanksgiving
 while crowds of people celebrated a festival.

Why are you discouraged, my soul?
  Why are you so restless?
   Put your hope in God,
 because I will still praise him.
 He is my savior and my God.

Again David at the pen, writes about how his soul (mind, will and emotions) are longing for God (for life, love, and completeness).  He was remembering the past when his life was full, and yet now empty. Thus, he pours out his mind, and emotions before the Lord.    

He ask questions: Why soul are you so discouraged?  in other words, "Why have you lost the courage to live and love?"  "Why are you so restless; why are you not content?"  

Then he tells his soul what it has to do:  "Put your hope in God; praise God."  

When the mind, will or emotions rise up in adversity to God, the inner man too begins to rise.  And when he does, you must learn to side with him.  He will be the one who leads you out of this deep dark place.  

Rise up and put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness and refuse to side with the enemy of your soul.  

God is still on the throne and he will turn things around as you side with Him.  

The enemy of your soul (Satan) is a deceiver.  He is a liar and the Father of all lies.  Therefore, he sits up a battle within your soul through the sense realm (sight, smell, touch, taste, sight, or hearing).  He gets a place in your mind and then gets you to side your will over to him.

Once this happens you are headed into a dark vortex; a spiral downward. Soon you find yourself in places you have not desired, these places vary with people.

For some they just simple go inward.  They become reclusive and withdraw from society and or reality.  

Some believe they don't matter anymore, or loss all idea of love existing within their sphere.  

Others may simple go into the darkness of negativity, where difficulties are magnified.  The enemy is an expert at illusions.  He enjoys making people feel small and helpless.  Sometimes feelings of jealousy, fear or hostility can occur or bouts of yelling or crying.   Some people even break out in a very strange laughter but there is no joy involved.  

Many times depress leaves people with a lack of concentration, their minds are all jumbled adding to their emotional hopelessness and frustrations and they find themselves without ambition.  

Depressed people have no motivation and thus they become more and more inactive.  Because of this they become physically ill as well as mentally distressed. 

Unfortunately a majority of people suffering from depression never admit it ... they ware mask and tell you they are fine, while inwardly they are in a battle for life.  

Doctor Lester Sumrall once spoke about facing the issue of depression and he said that it seemed to him that most depression follows traumatic experiences such as:

•   disappointments 

•   rejection

•   failure

•   loss of business, family, friend 

•   dead religion

•   traditional ideas of living 

•   social problems 

•   illness that comes from some chemical imbalance 

All the above may be realities in a portion of a persons live.  But it is not their life, and not one of them should be allowed to take their lives away from them.  

The first step to getting better is facing the issue.  But you can't face it alone.  

If you are already a Christian and the enemy has hook nosed you ... rise up to the help from within.  If you are not a Christian turn to the Lord today and be free.

Simply declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved. By believing you receive God’s approval, and by declaring your faith you are saved.

Once you receive Jesus you, receive power over all the power of the enemy. Now you have all you need to come up out of this dark place.  

No one can save them selves, but God can, and has made a way for salvation and offers us all help in our time of trouble. So once you are saved, know and believe in your Christian Dominion.

Eph. 3:20 says:

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.  

Then rise up and take your place.  Put a demand on the enemy to leave you and your surroundings.  Then simply begin to lift up your head and praise the Lord.  Sing songs of deliverance.  Live in the positive. 

Gal. 5:16 says:

If we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  

This is to refuse to side with the enemy who plays on your mind and emotions. 

Learn to take charge of thoughts and imaginations. And put your mind on good things.  [II Cor. 10:4-6 ; Phil. 4:8]

And learn to keep your heart with all diligence for out of it flows the issues of life.  Pro. 4:23

Jesus always asserted a Spirit of Dominion over the enemy and He was our example.  He also did not leave us alone, but sent us one just like himself to live in us and be with us, the person of the Holy Spirit.  And through Him we have been given authority.  

Jesus also understood that He and the Father was one, and the Father God is all-powerful. Today we must understand that Jesus and the Father are one, but when Jesus comes to abide in us ... we become one with them.  

Jesus was very aware of the Power that came to him through God the Father ... and he wanted his disciples to know that they to had this kind of power; Power that overcomes death, hell, and the grave.  And there is nothing darker than that!  

There is nothing to hard, nothing to difficult and nothing impossible for God and for those who believe.  Depression is simply a form of darkness that desires to lead a person to oppression and then on to possession and death.  But it has no place in the believers’ life.  Matter of Fact the believer needs to rise up and cast off this spirit and then move on out to help others who are held captive in such dark pits.  

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

If you have read this article to this point ... and are a believer I admonish you to get up right now and put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, and begin to think on things that are honest and lovely and of a good report.  Begin to call those things which are not as though they are, like your forefather Abraham.  

If you are not a believer, I challenge you to open your heart and your mouth and allow Jesus to come in to help you.  He is only a cry away.  

Once you do this ... you receive all the help you need to overcome this dark assault, and get your life back. Matter of fact, the life you receive in Christ is one of life and abundance. 

That is the life you are intended to live, 'a life of

        Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.'    

Fables, Wives Tales and Traditions of Men

 Many people live defeated lives for the occasional satisfaction and emotional fix of a fable or old wives tale. But if we are to live successful stable lives, we must learn to live by truth instead of myths, fables and old wives tales. 


The Bible speaks directly to us about these matters, and the Word is more than story lines ... it is life to all who find it!

I Timothy 1:4

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Fables are simply fictitious stories that have the intent of relaying morals.  And endless genealogies are family stories and/or experiences that have been passed down as truth (most are outside the realm of Gods truth).  And these things simply stir up questions instead of edifying (building up) people in faith, and godly living.

When this happens strife and confusion lives in the minds of the people. And where strife and confusion is, peace is vacant and faith does not abide. 

I Timothy 4:7

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Here we see exactly what we are to do with Old Wives' tales (fables) ... Refuse them! Do not give them a place in your ideas of faith's realities. Instead give yourself wholly to sound doctrine as to exhort and convince every gainsayer (people who speak things that oppose the truth).

In the last days many will be turned from truth.  

As darkness moves into the earth people will begin to become lovers of self, more than lovers of God and righteousness.  In this they will heap up teachers to themselves who will scratch itching ears; [People itching to have someone of position side with them]. 

When they don't  get what they want, they will look elsewhere until they find someone to side with them. 

*II Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

This in fact is self-deception; having heard the Word, they refuse it to seek after bobbing head teachers who want a following.

People like this go after the 'feel good' philosophy.  I call it the 'feel good' philosophy because it offers a quick emotional high, and requires no godly responsibility, but it feels good.  

The low side of this, is that it offers no solids instructions for life and it will leave a person as dead as the fable itself.  

Titus also speaks to us about living godly lives according to truth and sound doctrine.  He admonishes the church to turn away from unrighteous living and fables which turn people away from liberating, life giving truth.   (Titus 1:14)

And then we have Peter (a third witness) ... speaking to us of godly teaching that is void of cunning devised fables.  

II Peter 1:16

 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Peter is speaking truth to the people.  Things that had been taught him by the Lord Jesus Christ himself ... of which he had seen, heard, and beheld in all of His Glory.  

Here Peter calls them cunningly devised fables.  Cunning defines as: a wise deception of philosophers.  People who study ideas about life and truth.  

We find Paul had encounters with such cunning devised fables from Philosophers.  

Acts 17:

16-18

Paul had some days to wait at Athens for Silas and Timothy to arrive, and while he was there his soul was exasperated beyond endurance at the sight of a city so completely idolatrous. He felt compelled to discuss the matter with the Jews in the synagogue as well as the God-fearing Gentiles, and he even argued daily in the open market-place with the passers-by. While he was speaking there some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers came across him, and some of them remarked, “What is this cock-sparrow trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be trying to proclaim some more gods to us, and outlandish ones at that!”

18-21 

For Paul was actually proclaiming “Jesus” and “the resurrection”. So they got hold of him and conducted him to their council, the Areopagus. There they asked him, “May we know what this new teaching of yours really is? You talk of matters which sound strange to our ears, and we should like to know what they mean.” (For all Athenians, and even foreign visitors to Athens, had an obsession for any novelty and would spend their whole time talking about or listening to anything new.)


Many people are searching after some new philosophy, and others  can't leave the past idea of cultures and traditions in which they grew up.  


Colossians 2:8 tells us to Beware:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Today  I was scanning Facebook, and noticed idea after idea posted about Christian living; although many were bible based truth, there were just as many that were vain ideas, philosophies and stories that pulled on the soul of men.

When I say they pulled on the soul of men, I speak of the 'feel good' philosophies I had written of prior.  They reach to the unregenerate mind, the unstable will and emotions of men toward deception, merely tickling the ears.

I have also had people come to me with stories and ideas about spirituality that have been passed down through family members which are unbiblical.  They have no bible foundation.  There are even religious ideas men have picked up and passed from the pulpits that have not foundational truth, it is merely mens traditions. 

Some have to do with the way children should be trained, some have to do with spiritual gifts, while others have to do with marriage or other serious life matters such as health and longevity or  financial prosperity.

• People teaching their children fist fight instead of  living in peace and overcoming evil with good, (turning the other cheek) and trusting God to stay the hand of the enemy.
• Minsters encouraging divorce without bible bases.  
• And people thinking they can have spiritual gifts given to them by family members.
• People believing God intends for people to die young or glorify him through sickness.
• A big one has to do with resistance to prosperity and instead "being poor and holy."                                                                                                                                     

These are just a few.  And then there are those who live in the granny and pa days.  These are the ones who never let go of traditions of men to move on to realities of truth and revelations from God.  

Fables, Old wives tales, and traditions of men will never take a person over in life.  And yet there is an overcoming life.  A life of Faith which comes from the Word of God. A life where one can always triumphant ... therefore:

• Let us be challenged to the truth.  

• Let us be led by the Spirit.

• Let us do as Timothy admonishes us and "Refuse Fables and Old wives tables.  

Let us heed the Word to the Colossians and Beware lest any man spoil us through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.