THE MODERN CHURCH

On By glendarouseIn Devotional, Uncategorized1 Comment

IS JESUS LORD? IS CHRIST KING? DEVOTIONAL II

Have you noticed the headlines, lately? The world has always been wild and crazy! However, I believe it was King Solomon who said, “Nothing is new under the sun.”

Please examine yourself as you read the messages to the Church in Revelation 2. The message to the Ephesian Church in Revelations 2 emphasizes God’s requirement of passion and love for Christ, the passion that makes God first in all things. 

Many Churches today, like the Church of Ephesus, individually and collectively, have all the boxes checked, except the main box of maintaining and growing an intimate relationship with Christ. How about you are all your boxes checked, also?

Even the phrase, “Christ is King” has been made a controversy by worldly standards. Are you able to maintain your peace amid all the lies, false narratives and, “Christian” persecution?

The attacks of the enemy are never his first rodeo. His tactics are the same. As you read the scripture try to find yourself and the church today. Do you see yourself? Do you see the modern church crisis’? The word of God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.

Read Revelations 2:8-10

9 I know how much you suffer and how poor you are, but you are rich. I also know the cruel things being said about you by people who”Claim to be God’s people.” But they are not really God’s people. They are a group that belongs to Satan.

10 Don’t worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life. (Gk. crown of life)

11 If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Whoever wins the victory will not be hurt by the second death.

Context & Cultural Background:

The Smyrna culture was deeply committed to idolatry and worship of the Roman Emperor. (Government) The evidence of their worship was political allegiance and civic pride. (Socialism) They were required to burn incense and say “Caesar is Lord” to receive a certificate that they had performed their religious duty. They could then go away and worship as they pleased.

However, the true-to-faith Christians determined they would give no man the name “Lord” because that name is reserved for “Jesus Christ” alone. The faithful refused to conform to the culture.

Are you conforming to the pressures of the culture today? Is Christ King? Is Christ Lord?

As a result of not conforming the True Christians of Smyrna knew poverty because they were robbed and fired from jobs in persecution for the gospel. This kind of economic persecution was one important reason why Christians were poor. Even today across the globe it’s happening! Find yourself yet?

The Blessing to Christians who remain True to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Are you rich?

Rich in spirituals; rich in faith; rich in grace; rich in good works; rich in bonds and deeds; of gifts;: rich in hope: rich in reversion;

When God’s people are impoverished for the sake of Christ and a good conscience, God makes all up to them in spiritual riches, which are much more satisfying and enduring, eternally.

Gospel of Jesus Christ vs Gospel of Satan?

Those Christians in name only were really the synagogue/church of Satan. (Rev. 2:9)

15 Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. (Matthew 7:15)

They were doing the bidding and work of Satan, then and now. Have you seen anything in churches that look less like Christ and more like Satan, lately? As Christ has a church in the world, “The Body of Christ”, so Satan has his church. Those assemblies which are set up in opposition to the truths of the gospel. They promote and publicize fake gospel news.

Their gospel is set up in opposition to the purity and spirituality of gospel worship according to the scriptures, They promote and multiply the narcissistic inspiration of men and their rites, rituals, and ceremonies that never entered into the thoughts of God.

Have you seen any Satan Churches disguised as Christian Churches, lately?

Synagogues/Churches of Satan carrying on, where Satan presides over them, he works in them, and his interests are served by them. God is greatly dishonored when his name is made use of to promote and patronize the interests of Satan. He will take revenge on those who persist in it.

Sadly, many followers don’t know the truth, because the pure word of God is not spoken. It just feels good and right to them. An emotional rollercoaster! Religious modification and no transformation!

(Rev. 2:10) Don’t worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days.

Question: Why couldn’t the Christians stop the attack? Rebuke the Devil, Right?

Answer: God had a purpose in their suffering, so he allowed it. In their suffering, God proved the true riches of the church.

God has a Promise:
(Rev. 2:10b) …But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life. (Gk. crown of life)

What is in your treasure chest of Riches? Does your faith journey align with the Smyrna Church?

Action Steps: Study the scriptures to ensure your faith aligns with the gospel of Jesus Christ and not Satan’s gospel. God’s Church and not Satan’s church. Are you attending a church where Jesus Christ is the main attraction? Check yourself daily!

THE MODERN CHURCH

On By glendarouseIn Devotional, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I WANT YOU BACK”

A SEVEN (7) PART SERIES DEVOTIONAL

What is the Church? Who is the Church? Has the definition and expectations of the church changed since its inception?!!!

Many authors and theologians compare the church to a hospital for the spirit, soul, and body, caring for those wounded by life.

What about you and your church assembly affiliation? Do you agree with the theologians’ comparison? Examine yourself and your church assembly. Is quality care, provided for the whole person, with evidence of visible growth and spiritual development?

Seemingly, the words “Church” and “Christian” mean different things to people in this modern world. The terms are used very loosely, today. The world’s view of “church” and “Christian” is quite different from God’s view, according to the Bible, which is God’s written view.

The best answer to questions and frustrations about the church’s past, present or future is to go to the source, The Bible, as it is written.

(I Corinthians 12:12) Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

(I Corinthians 12:27) Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

This is a scriptural reminder that in the Bible the church never refers to a building, it always refers to people, as followers of Jesus Christ. What is God saying to the modern church? First, remember the church lies within each individual who follows Christ.” The church is the body of Christ, with many members.

Why is there so much frustration with the modern church today? You probably know someone who has totally stepped away from it. Largely, due to misconception and frustration. Because, many churches today have fallen for the influential cultural schemes of the world’s view, better known as “Church Hyper-Activity Disorder!

“What is God saying to the church today?

In Revelation Chapter 2, we will examine each message to the Church. “He that has an ear to hear, let him hear. This is an individual and collective indictment. Churches are made up of individuals and it is individuals who determine the spiritual life of the assembly. So, as we ponder God’s word apply it personally and examine your heart.

The Ephesian Church:

God”s Commendations: (which ones fit you)

  1. Hardworking
  2. Perservering in the works of the church
  3. No tolerance of evil wicked people
  4. Test those who claimed to be apostles but are false apostles
  5. Endure hardship for my namesake.
  6. You hate the Nicoliatans (Those who compromise with worldly practices in the church)

God’s Rebuke: Reflection: (Is this your (1) only rebuke, too or do you have more) Write them down!

  1. You have forsaken the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4-5)

God’s Remedy: Reflection (God’s plan + Your obedience)

  • You must consider how far you have fallen. (Check your list)
  • You must repent
  • You must return to doing the things you did at first.

Personal Alert! Consequences for Disobedience: Reflection (Your light will no longer shine but be destroyed) You will Stumble in darkness!

(Revelation 2:4-5) Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.  Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Self Reflection: Are you able to find yourself in the Ephesian Church? Remember. Churches are people, and human nature has not changed so much from earlier centuries, unfortunately!

Over the next couple of weeks, contemplate, which Church mirrors your heart and actions? Next week we will dive into the church in Smynar! Another mirror reflection!

Next Steps: (Read Revelation: 2: 8-11)

Conclusion: God rebuked them because they abandoned the love they had at first. First love always involves passion. There was no passionate pursuit of an intimate relationship with Christ. They merely followed a program. Duty had replaced devotion. They had correct doctrine, but not a correct heart. Question: What is the condition of your heart?

First, is the keyword, not love. They had stellar leadership. How easy it is for a church to become proud and forget that pastors and teachers are God’s gifts which may be taken away at any time. Be cautioned to worship the Lord and not the pastors and teachers! Question: Are you a man/person pleaser or a God pleaser?

All those good qualities were not motivated by a love for Christ. What we do is important. However, so is why we do it! Labor is not a substitute for love; neither is purity a substitute for passion.

Take Action: (This is not optional for God!)

  1. Repent
  2. Confess your sins to the Lord
  3. Restore your original fellowship through (Prayer, Bible Reading, Meditation, Obedient Service and Worship), consistently.

Self Reflection: What will you do about your areas of rebuke discovered this week? Disobedience? or Obedience?

Take Action: Related Reading: The Book of Ephesians

  • Humbly rejoice in your commendations from God!

Pray: Lord, I confess that I have some areas of rebuke. Thank you for the reminder to prioritize my relationship with you before all other things, including service. Search me Lord I repent of anything that has offended you, known and unknown. I thank you for forgiving me. Now, help me to keep the main thing the main thing. You are number 1 in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Share this devotional lesson with others, especially those who may be questioning what’s happening in the church, and need to see God’s rescue plan, one follower at a time. Praying that the readers will be encouraged to make life changes and persevere in the Kingdom of God. I would love to hear your church experience and thoughts.

SPIRITUAL WINDOW SHOPPING

On By glendarouseIn Uncategorized2 Comments

COUNT UP THE COST!

Window shopping or browsing is examining goods or services through the window and not intending to purchase anything.

Growing up in small-town Arkansas, during the Baby-Boomer Era, we received the Sears Robuck Catalog. One of my favorite things to do was perusing the catalog. We called it the “Wish Book”, The Christmas edition would get worn out by the end of December. This was our only form of wide-variety window shopping. My siblings and I would circle everything we wanted and hand it to my parents. We were too young to understand that the “Wish Book” was not a promise book.

Window shopping continues to be a favorite time for many. You may be thinking, “What does window shopping have to do with Access to the promises of God?” Check out the relevance.

Spiritual Window Shopping:

Many Christians spend time weekly, spiritual window shopping. However, the largest spiritual shopping day is Sunday morning when millions worship in the House of the Lord. The word of God is spoken and many in the seats, hear and see the word, but fail to access and experience the promises due to the obedience factor. They browse the Bible or the screen picking and choosing the word they like, or will follow, leaving on the podium or screen the cutting, life-changing word they will not follow.

Spiritual window shoppers only view the promises of God. Embracing God’s promises requires a “Tag/Marking”. Yes, there are tags on God’s promises, and the “Tag or Marking” identifies the cost and it’s not a dollar value. It is a “Faith value”.

Count up the Cost!

The Watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:1) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ” (John 10:27)

How does it make you feel that Jesus knows and calls you by name?

“My sheep!” says Christ describing his people, those who have come to Him or those who will become His; Redeemed by His power, willingly and cheerfully surrendered themselves to Him! His own peculiar property.

Christ is the proprietor of the sheep. If that describes you, then you are positioned to access His promises.

When there are so many flocks of sheep, it is necessary to mark them. Our savior marks us. There are two tags or marks on Christ’s sheep, not found on any other sheep. (1) mark on the ear, “they hear my voice. (2) the mark on the foot, ” I know them, and they follow me.”

His sheep hear spiritually. They listen to or give heed, they obey His call. Their spiritual ear listens to God. They hear not just with the outward organ, but with the inward heart. They hear His voice, His counsel, His command.

Christ tagged or marked his sheep on their feet as well as ears. They follow Him. They are gently led, not harshly driven. The sheep of Christ follow Him as their example.

ACCESS TO THE PROMISES OF GOD:

Self Examination/ Introspection:

Do you have the earmark/tag? Do you have the footmark/tag? Are you His sheep or just a window shopper, browsing the things of God? Are you accessing the promises of God?

Obediently following Jesus opens the flow of God’s promises into the life of Christ-followers.

If you have not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, invite Him into your heart, to govern your life. Salvation is much more than life after death. Embrace the earmark and the footmark God has given you that will take you through this earthly life.

No more browsing and window shopping through life. Access everything God has for you, now! Listen/obey His voice and follow Jesus!

Related Reading: John 101-18; Psalm 23; Isaiah 9:6; Ezekiel 34:25-31; Revelation 2:17.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

You are my Savior and Lord. I am not perfect and I thank you that you don’t require perfection, but holiness. From this day forward I strive to be more and more like you, embracing all of your promises. You are my Shepherd and I am your sheep. Amen!

PRAYERS FOR THE NATIONS

On By glendarouseIn Monthly Prayer Focus, National Day of Prayer, Uncategorized1 Comment

“NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER“

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (II Chron. 7:14)

Heavenly Father,

The Nations’ Trust:

I come in prayer for the nations. All nations need your help for we are living in a time of crisis, one after another. You said in your word that in the last days, perilous times shall come. Father, the times in which we live are perilous times, but you are still the same God yesterday, today, and forever more. Just as your hand of grace and mercy has protected and guarded this United States of America in past times, I confess that You are still the same God that is able to guard, protect, and bless our nation today.

As a nation, we look not unto the government, the military power, the intelligence community, National Security, nor to any other source for our help. We lift our eyes to you for help. We place our trust in the creator of heaven and earth.

Government:

Lord, we specifically ask for wisdom and insight to be given to the president of the nation., to his cabinet and assistants, the governors, mayors, and our federal, state, and local intelligence agencies, all authorities, civic leaders across the nation and military leaders at home and abroad. Give the president divine wisdom and insight in every adverse situation we face, as a nation. Direct the leaders of this nation by your Spirit. Guide them with your eyes, and lead them as they lead the nation. Override anything that is not your will.

Breath Godly inspired wisdom into their cities, municipalities, and other areas of authority and operations, both foreign and domestic. Unite America as a unified nation “One nation under God, that is indivisible, who trust in You, serve you and follow you.

Military:

Lord, watch over and protect our soldiers who are at home and abroad in other countries. Give them victory against every opposing force. May you keep them safe from all hurt, harm, and danger. Protect them from every terrorist, attack against them, by day and by night.

The People of the Nation:

Now, Father, I commit this nation and the safety of the people of this great nation into your hands. You said in your words that you are able to keep the things that we commit to you against any evil day. Therefore, I have prayed your word. I stand in faith in your ability, and I confess that you are able to sustain, guard, protect, and keep this nation and its people in all ways.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

CALL TO ACTION! URGENT PRAYER!

Share this prayer along with your prayers for the nation with others. Continue to pray for each category daily. Our nation needs your prayer, as much as ever, and every prayer does matter! Prayer is always the first course of action for healing that which ails!

WHO TURNED ON THE LIGHT?

On By glendarouseIn Monday, UncategorizedLeave a comment

LIGHT AND DARKNESS

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Only a few weeks ago on April 8, 2024, people were excited and planning for the 2024 Solar Eclipse. People were thrilled and stirred over the predictable appearance of the earth, moon, and sun alignment, better known as the eclipse. The 2024 eclipse inspired awe, created opportunities for Science, and compelled eclipse chasers generating upward of 1 billion dollars in revenue.

The thrill of the eclipse was watching the gradual procession of the moon, like an on-scheduled parade march toward alignment between earth-view and the sun. For a brief period, sunlight turned off in the areas of total eclipse. It was a convincing and amazing experience when the light turned off and darkness ushered in.

And God said, “Let there be light.” and there was light.” God said, The light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:3)

The power of light in the beginning proved to be dominant and commanding, dispelling the darkness of the deep.

“I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (Jn. 8:12)

This month was not only historical it was also a great teachable moment. Millions of people observed God at work in His life laboratory of natural and spiritual phenomena. Only God can cause a celestial body to move in alignment with another, obscuring the illumination of the source of light.

This world is in the dark. Many things are obscurring the light of Life these days. In a real sense, there is darkness within each of us, and definitely there is darkness all around us. But there is someone who is able to turn on the lights, for those who are engulfed in the darkness of sin, light is available even when darkness seems overwhelming. But you may be surprised about where Jesus says this rescue light is found. Matthew 5:14 says, “YOU are the light of the world.”

  • Light expels darkness.
  • Light exposes things that are hidden in darkness.
  • Light reveals that which is otherwise hidden by darkness.
  • Wherever you go the things done in darkness are exposed.
  • Light helps you stay on the path.

HOW TO BECOME EFFECTIVE LIGHT!

  1. Gird yourself with the word and let your lights burn.
  2. When you are girded with the Word, your light is bright.
  3. God’s Word will enlighten you to the wisdom of God, to the mind and direction of the Spirit of God. The Word is the fuel supply for the light.
  4. Are you a light among your family and acquaintances? Are you a light at work and at the gym? Are you a light in your culture and in your community?
  5. Are you clothed in Son Blocker or Son Light?

When you enter a dark room, you have no idea what might be lurking in that room. A Story was told of a group on mission staying in a condo in Hawaii and had been preparing their meals and sandwiches on the bread-board, but one dark evening when they went into the kitchen and turned on the light, it was like the sink was in motion as the cock roaches scurried to get back into their dark recesses.

Immediately, the group changed their food preparation process. and set traps all over the kitchen. The light revealed what was in the darkness, and all were quite uncomfortable with what was exposed.

TURN THE LIGHT ON!

Be the light God has chosen you to be! You are important to God. Though darkness is all around today, God has made provisions for you so you won’t have to walk in darkness.

The same God who commanded light to shine out of darkness in the beginning want to turn the light on inside you. First, He wants to enlighten your darkness within. Say yes Lord! Share this encouraging message with others as an immediate action toward turning your light in the darkness.

Reflective questions: Who or what is blocking your SonLight? It may be you or someone else! What is your Son Blocker?

Prayer: Father, I want your light to shine in and through me, dispelling all darkness in my path. May your wisdom and discernment be my light sensor and motion detector of darkness. Let your light shine in me so that all the world will know you better because of the Light of your Son shining in and through me. Amen!

Related Readings:

John 14:16-17; Job 18:56; Proverbs 13:9