In scuba diving, I learned not to wear shiny jewelry because a shark may mistake you for a small fish. Sharks don’t really want to bite into human beings. In fact, after they bite, they don’t like our taste. It’s mistaken identity that you are a fish.
It reminds me of the Matrix movie where Agent Smith in interrogating Morpheus and he says, "He cannot stand the smell of humans they are a disgusting smell." I guarantee you Satan finds that we are a disgusting smell to him as Christians because of our identity with Jesus Christ. We are the smell of death to him in destroying his kingdom on earth since he lost us.
To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? 2 Cor. 2:16
The problem is that many Christians don’t know their identity in Jesus because they are still babies. Sometimes attacks are a case of mistaken identity (our not realizing our standing in Jesus Christ.) I don't want to be identified with the world.
For if we are become identified with him in the likeness of his death, so also we shall be of his resurrection; Romans 6:5
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Philip 3:10
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
When I was stopped by those police officers once in July and once in December, I knew I was having my foot on the gas pedal too hard and not paying attention to how fast I was going. I prayed for God's grace and favor with the police officers and both times they only told me to slow down. I did not want to "get what I deserved." I wanted grace or God's undeserved favor. I'm not counting on my righteousness, but the righteousness of Jesus Christ who lived this life for me, since I mess up sometimes. When Joseph and Jesus had favor, they already had God's favor. I needed man's favor at that moment in time.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. 5:21
Sunday, a pastor shared with us when he was coming around a corner, a police officer had stopped a car and it was very dangerous and he rolled down his window to suggest that the police officer move so no one would crash into her and she "cussed him out like a sailor." The pastor said that he just smiled, blessed her and prayed and went on his way.
Back in the 60’s there was this slogan of “Put a tiger in your tank.” I believe it was Exxon gas stations and my brother-in-law was a mechanic and my sister wore a tiger costume to promote the gas station. This was back when gas station attendants would wash your windshields and pump gas for you. Only a few smaller town gas stations are not self-fill anymore. Some of the personal touch has changed as far as gas stations, drive-through restaurants, convenient markets, U-scan lanes at super markets, mega grocery stores which include pharmacies, clothes, auto and sporting goods and appliances instead of ma/pa stores, and now we have accommodated the general public with our convenient mega churches.
These are typically one-hour church services, which may have 2 or 3 worship songs and a short mini-sermon. I’m not against mega churches which I realize that we live in a city so we have the larger churches and they are working around people’s work schedules on weekends for having two services and a Saturday church. Larger churches are like larger universities and schools where they have more social activities, programs, children ministries and missionary outreaches. What I am against is that we are compromising for young Christians. Sometimes smaller universities have better quality of education. Are we sacrificing quality to crunch a bunch of people into a building? Are we making Jesus Christ the center of our lives or are we trying to squeeze him into our lives? What is loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? Maybe I had to go to an urban college to get my degree, but I want a quality education with God. It can come from a large university or mega church if the quality is not compromised. Where is quality control in the churches? Do we want a quality product?
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength. This is the first commandment. Mark 12:30
Marriage, work, and life is a series of compromises sometimes (i.e. like if your boss needs you to work overtime, no raise due to the economy one year, etc.) and if some people have the calling to compromise their walk with God to attend a church where they are spoon fed that is between that person and God. I forgot my Bible one day to a church I was visiting, and I was rather embarrassed, but then the pastor only gave a short message and one scripture and I found that I did not need my Bible anyway. I have found whenever I’m compromising my walk with God in life, especially getting something I need from Jesus through worship, it does not work well in my life as a whole.
I made a close single engineer guy friend after my husband passed away, and I spent many social activites with him for several months. He asked how my husband and I managed any intimate time for each other with raising six children and a grandson from age two years old. I told him that we improvised or made allowances for small children occasionally with “roll over minutes.” He thought that was horrid. He was a little older than me, he did not have any little children, and his only son was grown. He said, “When I get remarried, I want to take long time for intimacy with my woman.”
The mega churches are “feeder pond” churches and they are growing by leaps and bounds. They are taking in baby fish and they are giving them small doses of God’s word. It’s because the pastors are improvising or making allowances for the baby fish. I’ve raised seven children and now I have all the time in the world for a relationship. Like my single engineer friend, I can make more time for a husband, and I want more time for my worship and intimacy with God. I’m not willing to make allowances for babies. Besides, if I want to make disciples of myself do I really want to encourage someone to be a mediocre Christian who only gives God two or three worship songs a week? A salvation experience is better than no salvation, but why are we compromising?
So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16
The Lord laid on my heart that my roll over minutes with Him as far as my rolling over and going to church for 20 minutes of worship is not going to cut it in my life anymore. It's like I'm giving God "left overs of me." Worship is where we enter into the “sanctuary” of God. He has been annoying lately waking me up early and sometimes I wish He would quit bothering me, because the Lord knows “I like my sleep.” Waking me up at 4 am or 5 am to spend intimate time with Him, especially on my face in worshipping Him at home and that has been going on for three years now. It’s a communion with God before I go to work. My Heavenly Father knows if I spend time in the sanctuary than I’m trading my problems for his rest and peace like the song I posted below. I also become an intercessor for others.
I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30
During worship at church, I can’t get my mind on God if I am only singing two songs to a man’s scheduled program. So I’m going deeper. I’ve found good churches with 1-l/2 to two-hour services which are on my side of town. It works better in my life to get a full gas tank on Sunday rather than capping in with $5.00 or $10.00 of gas. $5.00 - $10.00 of gas is not enough in my gas tank to get me to work or through the week spiritually. Even when I spend time at home with the Lord in worship, it does not compare to being in the house of God with his people to worship. It says that God inhabits the praises of his people. I'm "Putting a tiger in my tank."
But thou [art] holy, [O thou] that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3
My husband and I reached an intimacy that God intended in marriage as a couple as far as our quality times goes and it became easier as our children became older. Many times like a pastor of a church catering to young babies, we did not have the quality time we needed because we were busy raising small children. Couples who develop an intimacy become more and more one soul/one flesh. It’s like they are sharing their nature with each other and some couples will start “looking like each other.”
That is how it is with God, He wants us to share His nature through communion with Him. I want to start looking like God inside. That is the intimate worship of God. As we enter into the bed chamber or inner sanctuary with God we will take more and more on the attributes that God has in our lives because we are in communion with God. This is an intimacy with God in taking on God’s heart. That was why David was a man “after God’s heart” because he had the communion with God and took on God’s heart. He fell away from the Lord for a season as far as that intimacy and quality time, but he humbled himself and came back to the Lord.
The Song of Solomon is not just talking about a love communion between a man and wife, but between the church (the Bride) and Jesus Christ (the groom). One way the church gets herself adorned and ready to meet Jesus is through praise.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
A concern is what are “feeder fish.” Those are fish you feed to bigger fish. It reminds me of the Star Wars movie where Qui-Gon Jinn says to the young Obi-Wan Kenobi, “There is always a bigger fish to swallow up a smaller fish.” What can happen is you have many baby fish unprepared for the trials and tribulations that will happen to them in the secular world. I’m already seeing the attacks. I know two people this month having major surgery for cancer. Christians are going to go through tribulation, Jesus warned about this. I don’t want my tribulation being a “mistaken identity that I’m shark bait.” When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den and the fiery furnace he was delivered. Daniel prayed on this knees three times a day. David said that the Lord was a “shield “ for him.
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10
LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. Psalm 3:1-6
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
When I think of all the battles that David fought, it makes me think of bloody movies like Gladiator, 300, or Troy and yet with all those bloody battles, when I read the Psalms it is amazing how David expressed and poured out his heart to God. And David was a man and yet he expressed his heart and feelings openly to God!
Many eastern religions practice Yoga or meditation, but when you empty yourself what is going to come back and fill the house? If you don’t know Jesus, I would be concerned about a meditation that does not focus on worshipping God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect--if that were possible. Mark 13:22
I believe this is just the “tip of the ice berg” as far as attacks on the Body of Christ. The enemy knows that his time is short and he will be pouring out his vengeance on Christians whomever he can take down. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. There is no sickness or disease in Jesus the vine.
The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. Luke 8:14
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
Seeking God in The Inner Sanctuary
When Jesus died on the cross the veil of the temple to the holy of holies was rent from top to bottom and now the holy of holies is in our hearts.
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Matthew 15:38
God no longer lives in temples made with hands, but we are the temple of God. We are the “living stones”
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. 1 Cor. 3:16-17
Before Jesus paid the price on the cross, God walked among men not in men's hearts.
will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. Leviticus 26:12
Non-Christians make fun of Christians worshipping God the creator of the universe, and yet we worship (honor) football, basketball or other sports in life and especially the Olympics. Jesus was quite the marathon runner in life for us. Don’t spend time in God’s presence, because the enemy knows that plugs into the power generator of God as a Christian. I can take my burdens to Jesus by washing his feet with my tears like the woman did to Jesus when he was alive. He is at the right hand of God interceding for me now and I take my burdens to Him now.
Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25
It’s entering into God’s sanctuary or the secret place of the most high. I don’t plan on failing to enter the bedchamber of God as far as giving my heavenly Father the quality time He likes in worshipping and seeking Him on my knees. As I enter the secret place of the most high I call upon my high priest Jesus who is interceding for me.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5
In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. Psalm 31:20
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah ..Psalm 32:7
We need to develop a strong prayer life on our knees before God in seeking His face.
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 if my people, who are called by my name, will 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. 2 Chron. 7:14
There are some people that are great at natural discipline. Getting up and go to work at 5 am, keeping bills paid on time, cleaning out their car and keeping things organized around the house. But then lousy when it comes to their spiritual walk with God. They don’t volunteer any service for God at their church or don’t volunteer in the community. They don’t read their Bible, pray or seek God for decisions of their life. It’s sometimes hard to find a person who is balanced in both their natural and spiritual walk of life.
Like Moses we take off our shoes, because the we are on holy ground. It’s coming to a maturity in God. God wants us to have a dynamic worship/prayer life. Jesus said that his disciples would fast. Fasting and prayer go together.
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, Hebrews 11:1
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 1 Cor. 2:6
Meanwhile, Jesus kept on growing wiser and more mature, and in favor with God and his fellow man. Luke 2:52
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philip 3:14
A mother eagle will carry her children on her wings for so long. There are certain attributes from my parents that I appreciated and want to have as my role models and then there were attributes of my parents that I do not want. I’m looking to put on attributes of God in my life and not carry bad attributes of my old sin nature through communion with my Heavenly Father.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. Ephesians 5:1
I believe touching the hem of Jesus garment is entering into God’s presence in the bed chamber through intimate worship of God. It is usually prayer at home and it can be on my knees, lying on my face before God, or looking up to Jesus and praying. It’s an intimacy in my spirit man as sharing in a communion with God. I enjoy worshipping the Lord in my car, but there is still the distraction of driving and having to pay attention to the road! When Jehoshaphat went into battle, they sent the worship team out front.
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever."
Let the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hands; Psalm 149:6
God is a Healer – Kurt Carr
Sometimes life will hurt you
But remember God heals, God is a healer
Sometimes weapons form against you
But they'll never prosper remember God is your shield
He is waiting for your call
Waiting to shield you from your fall
There's a place of rest and peace in the sanctuary
He sits waiting in the sanctuary
Yes, yes, yes
He sits waiting in the sanctuary
Yes, yes
(I feel you move, I feel a breakthrough)
Move, right now, move, in the sanctuary
I believe there's a miracle in the sanctuary
And it's waiting for me
God is a healer so thank God for the sanctuary
God is a healer so thank God for the sanctuary
Sometimes your bills can stress you
But remember God's peace, He's a peace giver
Sometimes your monies running low and you're worried
How you'll make it but God will supply your need
He sits waiting in the sanctuary
Yes, yes, yes
He sits waiting in the sanctuary
Yes, yes
But remember God heals, God is a healer
Sometimes weapons form against you
But they'll never prosper remember God is your shield
He is waiting for your call
Waiting to shield you from your fall
There's a place of rest and peace in the sanctuary
He sits waiting in the sanctuary
Yes, yes, yes
He sits waiting in the sanctuary
Yes, yes
(I feel you move, I feel a breakthrough)
Move, right now, move, in the sanctuary
I believe there's a miracle in the sanctuary
And it's waiting for me
God is a healer so thank God for the sanctuary
God is a healer so thank God for the sanctuary
Sometimes your bills can stress you
But remember God's peace, He's a peace giver
Sometimes your monies running low and you're worried
How you'll make it but God will supply your need
He sits waiting in the sanctuary
Yes, yes, yes
He sits waiting in the sanctuary
Yes, yes
Dive – Steven Curtis Chapman
The long awaited rains
Have fallen hard upon the thirst ground
And carved their way to where
The wild and rushing river can be found
And like the rains
I have been carried here to where the river flows, yeah
My heart is racing and my knees are weak
As I walk to the edge
I know there is not turning back
Once my feet have left the ledge
And in the rush I hear a voice
That’s telling me it’s time
to take the leap of faith
So here I go
I’m diving in, I’m going deep in over
my head, I want to be
Cought in the rush, lost in the flow,
in over my head, I want to go
The river’s deep, the river’s wide,
the river’s water is alive
So sink or swim, I’m diving in
There is a supernatural power
In this might river’s flow
It can bring the dead to life
And it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing
Worth living and worth dying for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power
Of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away
Into this holy flood
So if you’ll take my hand
We’ll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let’s go
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