Shipwrecked by Pride!

Pr 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Pr 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn’t a technology problem like radar malfunction–or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.

Closer Walk, December, 1991.

My dad, a naval officer of 32 years used to say: ‘In life, course corrections can be brutal, but shipwrecks are worse!’

Remain teachable – none of us has ‘arrived’

Proverbs 8:(NKJV)

33 Hear instruction and be wise,

And do not disdain it.

Let’s pray:

‘Father God, where we have become legends in our own mind, in our own selfishness and pride, please help us to change course, before we are destroyed, and destroy others. Jesus, save us, have mercy, Amen!’

Christmas Love?

Merry Christmas

Read this satirical post from a friend of mine Dan Neufeld, and had to reshare.

If I speak in the tongues of Christmas materialism and greed but have not love, I am only a tinny Christmas song or an out-of-tune choir.

If I have the gift of knowing what Aunt Agatha will give me this year and can even understand last year’s present, and if I have the faith that I won’t get yet more socks and ties this year but have not love, I am nothing.

If I clear out the house and give everything to charity and my credit cards are snapped in half but have not love, what can I possibly gain?

Love is patient when the fourth store you’ve tried doesn’t have a bottle garden.

Love is kind and lets the couple with only a few items go in front of you and your bulging shopping cart.

Love does not envy your friend who gets mega-presents from everybody.

Love does not boast about the expensive bike, the PlayStation 3, the TV, Wii, and computer your dad gave you.

Love does not attempt to out-buy, out-wrap, and out-give the rest of the family just to impress.

Love doesn’t cut Aunt Flo off your Christmas card list because she forgot you last year.

Love is not self-seeking and leaves a copy of your Christmas list in every room of the house.

Love is not easily angered when the young girl at the checkout takes forever because she is just temporary staff.

Love doesn’t keep remembering how many times your mom forgets you don’t like Brussels sprouts.

Love does not delight in the commercial bandwagon but rejoices with the truth of a baby born in the stable.

Love always protects the family from Christmas hype.

Love always trusts that the hiding places for presents will remain secret for another year.

Love always hopes that this year more neighbors will drop in to your open house coffee morning.

Love always perseveres until the cards are written, the presents all bought, the shopping done, and the Christmas cake iced.

Toys may break, socks wear thin, but love never fails.

Where there is the feeling of the presents to guess their contents, and Mom going on about being good so Father Christmas will come, and searching through the cupboards to find your hidden presents, they will all stop.

For we think we know what we are getting, and we hope we know what we are getting, but when Christmas Day arrives, all will be revealed.

When I was a child, I talked with big wide-open eyes about Christmas, I thought that Christmas was all about me, I reasoned that Jesus should have been born more often. When I became an adult, I forgot the joy, wonder, and excitement of this special time.

Now we just hear about the angels, shepherds, and wise men; then we shall see them all the time. Now I know as much as the Bible says about the first Christmas; then I shall know just how many wise men there were and where they came from.

Now three things remain to be done:
– To have faith that the baby born in a stable is the Son of God.
– To hope that the true message of Christmas will not get discarded with the wrapping paper and unwanted gifts.
– And the most important, to have a love for others like the one that God has for us.

thanks sis

Let’s Pray:

‘Father in heaven, this CHRISTmas, may we truly honor and experience Jesus and His love. May we again find ourselves grateful, reverant, and in worship towards our King, Amen’

The Great!

The Great I?

Pr 20:6 ¶ Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

“Look what God did for ME. Look at what I did! I built that!”

The insidious voice of pride…

Lucifer was the chief worship leader in heaven, yet he became lifted up in pride…

God only gives grace to the humble..

What about Jesus? His grace, goodness, gifts given that made it all possible. What about the person next to you, can we get out of ourselves long enough to at least ask how they are doing, and pray for them, or help them, recognizing that Jesus loves them too? Just sayin….

Let’s pray:
‘Father, put a muzzle on my mouth where I am blowing my own horn, and turn my testimony into praise, honor and glory to you. Help me to be faithful to you Lord Jesus, Amen’

Shipwrecked by Pride!

Pr 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Pr 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn’t a technology problem like radar malfunction–or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.
Closer Walk, December, 1991.

My dad, a naval officer of 32 years used to say: ‘In life, course corrections can be brutal, but shipwrecks are worse!’

Remain teachable – none of us has ‘arrived’

Proverbs 8:(NKJV)
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
And do not disdain it.

Let’s pray:
‘Father God, where we have become legends in our own mind, in our own selfishness and pride, please help us to change course, before we are destroyed, and destroy others. Jesus, save us, have mercy, Amen!’

War and Peace…

War and Peace

Matt 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Pr 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Only with pride, comes contention. Hm, ever thought about that?

How humility and servanthood disarms strife and pride?

Kinda hard to fight with a guy that is determined to love and help you, the best he can.

Pr 29:23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Honour shall uphold?

Yep, God is honourable, and God Himself will uphold the humble man.

I remember my pastor saying, some years ago, “Chris, if you consistently humble yourself before God, God will never have to humble you before men!”

This has stuck with me all these years.

Pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick but the one who has it.
Source Unknown.

I need God’s help daily, in the complexity of the world in which I live. Only way to get it consistantly, is to remain humble, consistantly, teachable, and willing to learn.

James 4:6 (AKJV)

⁶ But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Let’s pray:
‘Father, you see my enemies, those that persecute, or cause me problems in this life. I am endeavouring to love them and to overcome their evil with good. Show me how to pray, and give me wisdom on any acts of humility I might perform that will disarm them, with your love, in your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

So you have a better idea than serving God?

As I was reading this mornings Bible reading, these verses stood out to me, in light of the recent US Supreme Court decision ‘legalizing’ same-sex marriage.

So you have a better idea, than to serve the Creator of Heaven and earth?

Romans 1:21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and rept…iles.

24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. 25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. 26 That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. 27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.

28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done

Even if you have taken 1000 steps away from God, it’s only one step back. Here’s how:

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/the-gospel-the-power-of-god/

Unmasking the spirit of pride

Unmasking the spirit of pride….

Being as God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble, and that the sin of pride, is what got satan thrown out of heaven, pride is something that we all must understand, and overcome, in order to live victorious lives of servant hood in Christ.

More and more, I am convinced that pride is simply, having a better idea than God on any particular subject.

As I look at contentions, and world wars, each of them are rooted in pride.

Pr 13:10 ONLY by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

No two people, walking in the love of God, listening to His voice, should ever need to be fighting each other.

Every divorce, war, business separation, heartbreak, is rooted in pride, or ignorance.

Last Sunday, at Sunday school, (We are taking the Growing Kids God’s Way course, http://www.gfi.org/ where Robert and Rebecca Shaeffer are leading here at Victory Christian center) I heard a lesson on parenting, describing the perils of giving our children too many choices.

That, if we were not careful, children would use choice, as an excuse for disobedience. The truth is, so do we.

The Ezzo’s gave an example, that really sticks with me.
A child was over at a friend’s house, and while they were playing, got wet. So, without asking she went in to the guests home, took a shower, and borrowed some dry clothes from her girlfriend, then marched into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator and proceeded to help herself to something to eat.

Now, all of that might have been okay in her house, but to do all of that in a friend’s house, without permission, is a stretch, don’t you think?

Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Let’s take the friend example apart a bit.

I believe that God has created good works for us to do: Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

I also believe that the earth is the Lords, and the fulness therof.

Can we become content with that portion that God gives us of the earth, or do we constantly covet more, and more?

Do we take things that legitimately belong to others, ‘assuming’ that it is okay with God?

When we do, we become ‘wise in our own eyes’.
Pr 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
One version says, ‘becomes wise in his own eyes.’

The earth is full of selfish, grasping people, whose decision making is often contrary to the Word and will of God.

Jas 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

God is a good God, who loves us dearly, and who wants only good things for us.

Yet, He wants to give them to us, His way, in His timing.

He will never be moved by desperation, or a screaming fit before Him, but when we ask Him in faith, then ask Him how to accomplish what we have asked for, He will do it!

I read this quote by David Wilkerson, and it struck me: To understand this message, I want to give you new definitions of pride and humility. Pride is independence – humility is dependence. Pride is an unwillingness to wait for God to act in His own time and in His own way. Pride rushes in to take matters into its own hands. One of the greatest temptations true Christians face is getting ahead of God. It is acting without a clear mandate from God. It is taking things into our own hands when it appears that God is not working fast enough. It is impatience..

Saul couldn’t wait to offer up the sacrifice. It cost him the kingdom.

David did wait, and little by little, God prepared and established him in his anointing and office, to become a man after God’s own heart.

Our promotion is not about us, anyway, but the people we are called to reach, to serve.

David Wilkerson goes on to give this definition of humility: Humility is total dependency on God. It is trusting God to do the right thing at the right time in the right way. It is trusting Him to use you in the right way at the right time. Humility is patiently waiting on the Lord in a spirit of expectant faith. Pride has no patience. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him, fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass… fret not thyself in any wise to do evil” (Psalm 37:7,8). This tells us, “Don’t get uptight by the apparent success of those who look like they are passing you up. They take shortcuts. They are blessed and prospered while here you sit, trusting God, praying.” God says “Just wait. They are on slippery ground. You won’t be sorry, if you do it My way. Patience is doing a work in you. You are becoming strong by waiting in faith. Let patience do its perfect work in you!”

I read a leadership article, written by an honest pastor that I liked:

Godly leaders will recognize pride.
Usually this third point is worded like this, “Godly leaders are humble”. For me this is just another slogan that doesn’t deal with one of the most pervasive problems in ministry, pride.

Pride left unchecked or unnoticed will destroy leadership and influence, not to mention dishonoring the transforming work of the Gospel.

The dictionary defines pride as: the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one’s importance.

Here are 5 quick way’s to know if your prideful:

1. Your sentences start with “I” or are surrounded around you.

2. You get convicted/mad when someone tries to correct/instruct you.

3. You have a critical and judgmental spirit.

4. Your closed to accountability.

5. Your getting mad right now as you read this.

I believe the hardest thing for a pastor to do, is to be self aware of pride. From my own testimony to others I know, we are most oblivious to the sin of pride. So how do we demonstrate the transforming power of the Gospel and cultivate the characteristic of humility in our lives and leadership?

So what is the answer?

Here is my solution, in my current state of limited understanding:

1. Establish a morning prayer and Bible reading time, first thing in the morning, before everything.

2. As you pray, and read the Word, keep a pen and paper with you. God will speak, and as He does, He expects you to do what He says. I write it down, because, in the business of the day, I have been known to forget. Going back to my journal throughout the day, helps keep me on track.

3. After I think I have the mind of God on a matter, I go do it. If I don’t know how, then it is back to prayer, “If you have so much business to attend to that you have no time to pray, depend upon it that you have more business on hand than God ever intended you should have.”
– Dwight L. Moody

4. I constantly monitor what words I am speaking. If at any point, what I am speaking, is not coming to pass, or I am not doing what I say, then I have moved ahead of God, and am moving in my own strength, not His. I am determined to be wholly Spirit led… I have always been sincere, in my pursuit of God and His calling upon my life, but as I have made decisions that proved to be wrong, I have also been sincerely wrong sometimes. When I am wrong, I fess up, where I mess up, laugh at myself, fix whatever is fixable, and then roll the care of the rest upon the Lord, and move on.

Like the famous Will Rogers quote; ‘You may be on the right road in life, but you will still get run over if you just sit there.’

5. Love is the goal, the requirement. How am I treating my wife, my children, street people, sales people, and abrasive folks? Am I good news, and an ambassador of Jesus, or equally as abrasive? How am I treating people?

The wonderful thing about the kingdom of God, is that we are part of the Body of Christ, and we are loved. This teaching is not designed to be complete, simply a reality check. I would love to hear your thoughts on this, what is Holy Spirit showing You?

Let’s Pray:
‘Father, we honestly want to do Your will, for the right reasons. Convict us of our pride, deception, and error of our own poor choices, and show us what to do, to fix the messes we have made. Teach us, lead us, deliver us, and show us Your perfect will for our lives, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

Prayer as Incense….

 

 Incense as a prayer….

One day in our yearly Bible reading, as I began to meditate upon my journey this year, as I have been studying diligently, the plight of the North American Indian tribes. I am convinced that this is the number one agenda upon the heart of Father God, our Creator, that will unlock the move of the Holy Spirit we all seek, in this land we call the United States of America.

Psalm 141
King James Version (KJV)
141 Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

I am called to somehow bring the love of Jesus, and the truth of God’s covenant to these precious people, after the traditional church, has radically failed, in many cases to do so.
The general history of Christian missions to the Indian tribes, is, at best horrendous, although I am sure that there have been myriads of good hearted Christians (like the Christian missionaries that walked the ‘trail of tears’ with the Cherokee and Choctaw), who honestly did not have the understanding we now have of the Word of God, and a better perspective, of the visitations of the Creator, the Great Spirit, who we call the Holy Spirit, among the Indian tribes, over the centuries.

It has been said of a true missionary, that their true job, is not to go make disciples of their version or interpretation of how they believe that people should serve God, rather, to go, and learn the language, customs, traditions, and culture of the people they are sent to, “TO DISCOVER THE WAYS THAT GOD HAS ALREADY VISITED THAT PEOPLE!’

Notice I have deliberately capitalized this thought, for the Scripture states that:

1 Peter 4:17
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Where the church has failed the indigenous peoples of North America, there has been judgment, and lost blessing, I am convinced, upon this nation.

Now, is the time to make wrongs right, and together with the red man, heal the land.

This is the amazing truth of American history: Not that the US has always done right, but in this land of the free and the brave, where we fight for freedom, liberty, and justice for all, that where America has done wrong, historically, they have always endeavoured to make wrongs, right. We have seen this in the cival war, to end slavery, and later under the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr in the cival rights movement, that where injustice or institutionalized evil is in place, there have always been champions of justice, to bring course correction to America, to keep her from the shipwrecks of God’s judgement.

The three battlegrounds to be championed in this generation are, in order of importance: The plight of the US Indian, Racisim again, and the elimination of abortion. May God raise up voices and champions of truth in each of these battlegrounds!

As a spiritual leader, with anointing and power with God (yet no earthly title or recognition as of yet), I actually believe that God has been visiting the Indian tribes, long before the white man came to this land.

Crazy Horse (Lakota: Thašųka Witko, literally “His-Horse-is-Crazy”)

“Crazy Horse’s vision foretold the darkness that descended on his people. He saw the coming of automobiles and airplanes and the tragic world wars of the modern era. He saw his people gradually awakening after the last war and beginning to dance again under the Sacred Tree. Then amazingly he saw that dancing along with his people were representatives of all races who had become brothers. Thus he foresaw that the world would be made whole again, not just by his own nation but by all peoples working together.” – Bette Stockbauer
http://bci.org/prophecy-fulfilled/ancient.htm

The Teton Sioux Chief Crazy Horse had a final vision in which “He saw his people being driven into spiritual darkness and poverty while the white people prospered in a material way all around them. But even in the darkest times, he saw that the eyes of a few of his people kept the light of dawn and the wisdom of the earth, which they passed on to some of their grandchildren. He saw the coming of automobiles and airplanes, and twice he saw the great darkness and heard the screams and explosions when millions of people died in two great world wars.

“But he saw, after the second great war passed, a time come when his people began to awaken, not all at once, but a few here and there, and then more and more, and he saw that they were dancing in a beautiful light of the Spirit World under the Sacred Tree even while still on Earth. Then he was amazed to see that dancing under the tree were representatives of all races who had become brothers, and he realized that the world would be made new again and in peace and harmony not just by his people, but by members of all races of mankind.” – Vinson Brown, Voices of Earth and Sky; 1974, Harrisburg, PA
http://www.rexresearch.com/usa/usaproph.htm#us10

Crazy Horse had a vision he shared with sitting bull during a pipe ceremony just days before he was murdered. He said, “Upon suffering beyond suffering, the red nation shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for the sick world. A world filed with broken promises, selfishness and separations. A world longing for light again. I see a time of seven generations, when all the colors of mankind will gather under the sacred tree of life and the whole earth will become one circle again. In that day, those among the Lakota who will carry knowledge and understanding of unity among all living things, and the young white ones will come, to those of my people to ask for wisdom. I salute the light within their eyes where the whole universe dwells, for when you are at the center within you and I am at the at place within me, we are as one.” – Crazy Horse from James Medicine Tree

http://www.heyokamagazine.com/HEYOKA.6.PIPE.JimMedicineTree.htm

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/02/06/and-the-young-white-ones-will-come/
This prophecy, uttered by chief Crazy Horse, in the presence of chief Sitting Bull (to my knowledge, the last free Indian chiefs), is widely accepted as being from God, by many, many Indian tribes and elders.
I too, believe it to be true.
It is now the time of the seventh generation, and I see myself as one of ‘the young white ones, with the light within their eyes where the whole universe dwells,’. That light in me, is Jesus, Christ in me, the hope of my glory!

Prayer as Incense:

 

Today, as I think of the Indian tradition called ‘smudging’, where cedar, or sage, tobacco, or sweet grass is burned as incense, or an offering to our Creator, I see a great similarity, between First Nations worship, and the worship prescribed by God to the Hebrews, in the temple, before the ark.

 

Here are some Scriptures, where God ordained the burning to incense to be offered up with prayer and worship:
Exodus 30:1
And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it.
Exodus 30:7
And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.
Exodus 30:8
And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.

Malachi 1:11
For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.
Luke 1:9
According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
Luke 1:10
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
Luke 1:11
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Here we see prayer in heaven being received by our Creator, offered before Him by angels, with incense!

Revelation 8:3
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Revelation 8:4
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.,

These verses speak of incense, being offered with prayer, as a sweet aroma before the throne of God.

Yet, traditional white missionaries, in many cases, at best, misinterpreted this traditional tribal

practice, seeing it as pagan, demonic, or at best merely traditional. Read this article from a Catholic brother, that I agree with: http://www.peace.mb.ca/00.Native/nlrnz06-sweetgrass.php
I quote:
“Holy Smoke –
Fragrant smoke is one of these sacramentals. It has been used by peoples all over the world for thousands of years. Sweet grass, sage, cedar, etc. are forms of incense found in many First Nations cultures. It is used as a way of honouring the Creator, as a sign of prayer rising to God, and of the sweetness of prayer. It is a sign of humility (the humbleness of plants) and purity (the purifying effect of fire). Also for Christians, smoke is a reminder of the shining cloud that veils the glory of God.”

Smoke Signals:

Yet, I believe the burning of sweetgrass, cedar, sage, as part of First Nations worship to be Biblical, spiritual, and one of the forms of worship God loves, as:
Revelation 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Revelation 7:9
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Again, as I have said before. Jesus did not come to destroy language, culture, and sacred traditions of elders and tribes, rather to redeem it, purify it, and bring it back to our Father, Creator, the Great One from whom all life flows.
May we learn to love one another, in purity of heart, and true holiness, seeking to honestly understand, in humility, the visitations of God in other cultures!
Let’s pray:
‘Father, again, I lift up a cry, for the North American Indian! Father, again, visit them, heal them, deliver and redeem them, and please, visit us, heal us, forgive and deliver us, redeem us, and open our eyes, to see You, in Your movements, traditions, and the worship of other people groups than ourselves. May we be instruments of reconciliation, peace, justice, and healing, revealing Your love, power, and redemption. Father, open our eyes to the ways we must change, hear, and walk, in order to heal this great land, we call, the United States of America. We ask, knowing we are heard, for we come only through the precious shed blood of Yeshua, Jesus, God the Son, risen from the dead, they we too might live in Him, Amen’

The Sin of Sodom

The Sin of Sodom
Ezekial 16:49 “‘Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.

I’m sure I could create a long devotion, on the sin of Sodom, their wickedness, and many have used the destruction of Sodom, as a text for preaching against homosexuality. I understand how the gay predators tried to rape the angelic strangers that visited Lot’s house, as the traditional interpretation of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Homosexuality is wrong, as is any sex outside of a marriage covenant in the eyes of God, but look at this verse, tucked away in the book of Ezekiel.

The real sins of Sodom mentioned here are:
1. Pride and arrogance.
2. Gluttony, and being overfed.
3. Unconcern for the help of the poor and the needy.

Let’s Look at these some:

Pride: Holman’s Bible dictionary has a long definition: http://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd/view.cgi?number=T5098

Yet, I have a very simply one: Pride is simply having a better idea than God, in any area of life.

2 Corinthians 10:5

casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Any time, any where, any person has thoughts opposed to the word of God, they are in pride. They may be sincere, yet in God’s eyes, they are sincerely wrong. Someone might not have their chest puffed up, or be walking in arrogance of way, yet be proud nonetheless, in that they are doing their own thing, not God’s.

This past couple of years has been interesting for me and my family, as we went from a comfortable income, able to go and eat whatever we wanted, to no income, having to eat at food banks, to finally turning my truck back into the bank, and then our house as we went through foreclosure.There has been a wonderful walk of discovery from what is truly a need or merely a want. Things that I had taken for granted, when removed, become prayer points, where I discover where my heart has really been at.
Learning to survive for weeks, without a dime in our pocket, no vehicle, eating at food banks, has quite honestly changed me, and made me a far better human being, far more accepting, willing to help, non-judgemental, and grateful for the little things in life. Now, I am able to simple see and listen to the poor of this nation, and learn many things, that I could never have heard before.

I remember hearing the story of Heidi Baker, after receiving her PHD from seminary, asking Jesus what He would have her do, and receiving the instruction to go to Mozambique with her husband, with nothing but faith in God, and to ‘sit with the poor and learn of my kingdom’
As I reach out internationally, to Christian brothers and sisters serving the Lord who honestly have to trust the Lord not only for their next meal, but in many cases, the meals of those orphans that have come to them for their daily sustenance, sacrificial living at a level that we here in America cannot comprehend, and as I cry out to God for our daily needs, I am acutely aware that the God I am praying to loves them, exactly as much as He loves me and my children. The nature of my prayers has radically changed. The old cliché’ is true: ‘You never truly discover that Jesus is all you need, until He is all that you have!’.
He can create a humble pathway of provision, that requires a radical, strict obedience, and I am convinced that He is doing exactly that in my life. I am a prosperity preacher! I honestly believe that one of the benefits of serving Jesus is financial prosperity:
3 John 1:2
King James Version (KJV)
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Yet, as I have walked this pathway of radical obedience, I have discovered that many, many things in my life were simply wants, soulical desires, that were often born in the world and this culture, not birthed in the fire of the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God.
Let’s talk about a couple of these:
Fitness: I love to stay in shape. My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and I like to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. To do this, used to live P90X, for those of you who know what that is. This involved 6-10 work-outs/week, a structured diet, many protein and body-building supplements, and of course high dollar multivitamins. These all cost money, usually around an extra $200-300/month, plus a gym membership fee. Money has been non-existant, and in many cases, so has food, any food, so work-outs have been in my make-shift gym in my back yard, 3-4 times/week, and then, and only then, when we actually have enough food in the house to justify it, because I have children to feed.

Coffee: I love me some good coffee. Yet, the days of exotic coffee’s have long gone, and I drink regular Folgers when we have been able. I can live with it, or without it.
Desserts: When we have ice-cream or some sweet for dessert or at a church function, I am simply grateful. I’m fighting for healthy meals for the family, simply putting decent calories on the table, with nutrition in them, sweets are low on the priority.
Pets: We have two dogs, a cat, a rabbit, and an aquarium. They eat well, but as I see orphans around the world starving, can I justify the expense of feeding pets, when I should be feeding people, starving children that honestly need food?
Entertainment: Used to hit the movies, and watch the latest and greatest flicks at the theater. Netflix, internet access, and movie nights have not been possible, which has led to family time together where we actually talk to each other, read the Bible, have tickle fights, and love on one another. A walk by the river, and building sandcastles is free, yet builds memories for a lifetime. We still hit movies at the dollar theater as we are able, but my appetites have changed. We enjoy the things of God far more now, because Jesus draws close to us there, as we have drawn close to Him.
Vehicle: For many years, we have had two vehicles. For over a year, we had none. We walked each day to the library for internet and home school, and viola, accomplish a fitness activity, and often skip and sing our way here, laughing as we go. I have believed God for another reliable vehicle, and He has surely heard and answered that prayer, but know this: I will be far more grateful to Him, and far more sensitive to driving others around, for I know intimately what it is like to walk by faith. (He has answered, providing for us a 1998 jeep Cherokee, for which I am very grateful)
Utilities: Never been without them before. Over the past year and a half, we have been without water, gas, and electric for several extended periods of time. Nothing like dark nights, cold showers, or hauling water to simple flush the toilet to make you appreciate services that up until now, I have simply taken for granted. After we moved from our home in November, we have lived with friends, learning that there are radically different ways to do family life than we knew, and we have learned much from each family home we have stayed in. As we travelled to Indian reservations, and spent time with natives, we discovered many have no heat, nor running water, in often extreme climates, yet they are a resilient people, with a deep joy and peace, that has been a great example to us.
The sin of Sodom was in my face, for I now see how I have not only committed all of these three sins, but have lived in them for many years.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

We cry out for revival, that we are willing to pay any price, yet the price God requires, is heart change.
There is financial prosperity in the kingdom of God,
2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Jesus died upon the cross for our poverty, our sin, and our sickness.
Yet, during this season of my financial poverty, I am changing, where human eyes cannot see. Deep in my soul, I am prospering, and in my due season, wealth and riches shall again be my portion in life. Gratefully, humbly, in wisdom, will I again walk in the wealth of this world.
Why? Because I believe, no longer blindly, but because Jesus has spoken to me personally about my finances. One morning, in fervent prayer, He reminded me of who He is, King of the Universe, and He said: ‘Son, you cannot seek me the way you have these past years, and come away diminished!’
True faith always has a good report!
James 2:5
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

This season too, shall pass, and Jesus, my faithful Lord, shall again honor His Word in my life, and cause me to prosper, increase, and walk in wealth, for I have believed.
Ecclesiastes 3
3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

How about you?

I think in my testimonies I have discussed how gluttony has died its horrible death in my life, but let me talk about concern for the poor.

I have honestly not been able to give anything to the poor, despite the thousands of requests we receive for financial aid from those who read this blog. Not one goes by, unnoticed any more. I honestly fervently pray with compassion for every need, trusting Jesus to do what I personally cannot.

I have faced many days of trouble, and I need the Lord to deliver me as the days have come. Jesus said the poor you will always have with you. Consider them, love them, do not oppress them, and help wherever you can to alleviate human suffering.
Let’s pray:
‘Father, in every season of life, there are lessons to be learned. Help us to recognize the season You have us in, and to be content and faithful in it. May we be quick to learn the lessons we must learn, now, deep within our soul, that in the season of our promotion and favor, we remain humble, grateful, and fully dependent upon You Lord Jesus, Amen’

Reigning through Humility!

Jesus has given us all things, as kings and priests, now, wash feet…

John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; Here we read of Jesus, about to go to the cross, and like Abraham, God has established His covenant with Him as a man, and He has now been given all things. And so God our Father, has done for you, and for me….

Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

We, who were lost, directionless, purposeless, sinners, have been redeemed, forgiven, adopted into His royal family, and granted position, power, prominence in heaven, in the kingdom.

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Now, we have been given authority over the earth, and its works of darkness…

Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Priests pray and offer sacrifice. Kings rule and reign. .

Now, we are the sacrifice, our lives laid down in love, a sweet aroma before the throne of God…

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Yet all of this comes only by faith, and this is a gift from God.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

So, we realize that faith is the currency of heaven, and we begin to allow the word to become flesh in us, and to develop our faith.

Suddenly, Abraham’s life becomes very interesting to us, because we discover that which God did, and promised Abraham, He, by covenant, is willing to do for us…

Gal 3:6 ¶ Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

And, after all this wonderful study, we find ourselves back in the life of Abraham, studying what promises God made to Him.

Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

Do you see this?

In this verse, we see the covenant of God operating through Abraham, where everything he had, he had pledged to God.

Yet, in this verse we see the total committment of God to His part of the covenant.

Here we see that God had given Abraham, all of Himself, making Abraham, God’s covenant man, possesor of heaven and earth!

John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands,

Suddenly we see it!

We are covenant people, and all things in heaven and in earth, have been given to us!

Gen 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Yet, as great as these truths are, there is one far greater: Jesus is Lord! Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

And so we go…into all the world, our families, our neighbourhoods, our workplaces, and to the nations of the world, bringing His love, truth, power, miracles, ambassadors of grace, mercy, GOOD NEWS!

Matt 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Kings and priests, yes we are so: John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

OBEY HIM!

Jesus only did the will of our heavenly Father, and even as He was in His generation, so are we called to do in ours. His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and His power, that is His grace, is only given to the humble.

1 Peter 5:5

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

As my pastor once said: ‘If you consistently humble yourself before God, then God will never have to humble you before men.

Let’s Pray: ‘Father, we are your children, sons and daughters of the most High! Thank you for redeeming us, restoring us, disciplining us, and sending us out into this world as kings and priests unto you, in Your power and authority. As we go, may we walk in complete obedience to You Holy Spirit, in humility, gentleness and wisdom before all men, seeking to serve, bless, love, and understand, even when we are mistreated, slandered, and misunderstood, that Your Kingdom might come, Your will might be done, in our lives and in the earth, that Jesus might receive the reward of His suffering, for the sake of His glory we go, Amen’

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

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Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!