Author: jma47

Root Out And Plant Part Two

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At my old house I had weeds with tap roots. It seemed impossible to get to the root. I could have removed what was visible to make the garden bed more acceptable, but that was only a futile cover up.
 
Do you have any stubborn behaviors that you have tried to get rid of and have not been successful? The good news is that the Holy Spirit is able! Progressive sanctification is getting at the tap root.
 
Hunters have blinds they hide behind. They can watch, but the prey doesn’t detect them. Deception is a blind that blocks and hides us from the truth that will set us free.
 
I have an ebook on Amazon called: Emotionally Indifferent: pretending you are not affected. Emotional detachment is a tap root. It is rooted in self-deception. A deceived person does not recognize they are deceived.
 
James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Jeremiah 1:10 says that we are to uproot and then plant. Allowing negative behavior to control our lives is manifest as the fruit of emotional detachment.
 
It is good to ask this question: What lies have I believed that are bearing the negative fruit of anger, bitterness, resentment, doubt, fear, unbelief, or unforgiveness? Everyone of these unresolved issues is addressed in God’s word.
 
We are to be doers of the word. 1 John 1:6 says, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
 
1 John 2:3-4 says, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, I know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
 
Renounce means to disown. 2 Corinthians 4:2 says, “But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Root Out and Plant

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Jeremiah 1:10 says, “See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.”
This wording is used multiple times in Jeremiah. It is in reference to the words that God put in his mouth. Jeremiah was the spokesman, but God was the orchestrator and initiator.
That is essential to remember in our own progressive sanctification. We follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, because He knows what to uproot.
Roots are hidden in the soil of our hearts. We know they are there because of the fruit. 2 Kings 19:30 says, “…take root downward, and bear fruit upward.”
Years ago I was going to change a flower bed. The flowers were straggly, and wanted something more dynamic. As I began to uproot the first plant, I discovered a whole network of roots. They were not visible on the surface, but the bed was a massive interlocking of roots. I finally had to shovel out the dirt with the roots and start over entirely.
The visible fruit is the evidence of the hidden root. Let’s take bitterness. Hebrews 12:15 says, “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”
Peter told Simon in Acts 8:23 that he was poisoned by bitterness and bound in iniquity. Verse 22 said to repent of his wickedness, “…if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.”
Our thoughts come from the roots in our heart. Therefore in order to get rid of bitterness, we have to go to the root. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Unresolved issues are the seed bed for the roots of bitterness to spread out.
Colossians 2:6-7 says, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

You Are Chosen

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John 15:16 says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
 
This morning I began reading the book of Jeremiah. Verse 5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
 
It is absolutely amazing to think about how the Lord formed us in the womb. Everything needed to fulfill His purpose through us was encapsulated in the seed of our conception.
 
The Lord set Jeremiah apart and ordained or appointed him as a prophet to His people Israel. Jeremiah immediately said that he couldn’t speak and that he was not qualified.
 
I love how the Lord said: do not say. Verse 7 says, “…whatever I command you, you shall speak.” Then He assured Jeremiah that He would be with him. Verse 8 says, “Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.”
 
The Lord has chosen you, set you apart, and appointed you to bear fruit that will glorify Him. Have you ever said, ‘I can’t’ to His command?
 
Here is a new song that the Lord gave me. After that song He began to open my eyes to recognize the natural qualities that He had placed in me when He formed me in my mother’s womb. May it encourage you, as this word is for you also.
 
Celebrate Your Uniqueness
 
My hands have made you and fashioned you in My image. There is no one else like you. Don’t try to copy others. Influence them through who you are. Be you in the design of My making.
 
Creativity is freedom from sameness. It all begins in your thoughts. Be free to explore and develop the passions I’ve given you. Thoughts can box you in or free your spirit. Accepting who you are will cause you to thrive in every aspect of your life.
 
All things work together for good to those who are called according to My purpose. Nothing is in vain. I will redeem it all. The things you have been through have given you eyes to see and ears to hear and compassion to minister to others. I want you to celebrate you as I celebrate you. You are created for My glory.
 
 

Paul The Prisoner

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The book of the Acts ended with Paul in prison in Rome. Acts 28:16 says that he was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
 
He called the leaders of the Jews, and explained why he was there. Verse 20 says, “For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
 
They went to hear him. Note: whatever he said to them, the soldier also heard. Verse 30 says that he dwelt in the rented house for two whole years.
 
Verse 31 says, “Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus with all confidence, no one forbidding him.”
 
Though Paul was a prisoner, he freely spoke of the Lord at every opportunity. 2 Timothy 2:9 says regarding the gospel, “For which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.”
 
Remember, Paul encouraged us to imitate him. Though we are not in prison, the whole world is reeling with the impact of COVID19. Ephesians 4:1 says, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”
 
We are, in a sense, prisoners as we are sheltering in, but the word IN us in not chained. Let us look for every opportunity to speak of the Lord to others. If you have unsaved family or friends, now is an opportune time to write to them or call, or get on Voom for face to face conversation. Let them know that you are praying for them. Show care and compassion for their lives.

Shipwrecked Opportunities

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There is so much in the story of the ship that carried Paul to Rome. It seems prophetic for our times in this pandemic. The world has been caught up in a tempestuous storm.
 
Paul had just told everyone what the angel had said to him. Then in Acts 27:26 he said, “However, we must run aground on a certain island.”
 
In verse 30 some of the sailors were seeking to escape. Paul told the centurion that unless the men stayed on the ship they wouldn’t be saved.
 
Verses 39-44 is the account of the shipwreck. Verse 44 says that they all escaped safely to the land, which was called Malta.
 
Acts 28:1-10 is the account of their time on the island. Paul had many shipwreck opportunities to bear witness of the Lord. First, the natives welcomed them. It was raining and cold so they kindled a fire. Verse 3 says, “But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.”
 
Verse 5 says, “But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.” What a testimony! The natives were expecting him to suddenly fall down dead.
 
The leading man of the Island entertained the shipwrecked men for three days. His father was sick. Verse 8-9 says, “…Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.”
 
Paul used the shipwreck to declare the Lord before those around him. Nothing daunted him. He moved forward in the power and confidence of the Lord. He demonstrated his faith at every opportunity.
 
Paul shook off the deadly viper. What an example for us. We must shake off the fear that seeks to fasten onto us through this virus, just as Paul shook off the viper. Those around us are watching to see how we react. May our confidence be in the Lord. May He be glorified through our words and actions.

Undeterred Part Two

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Yesterday I was working on my Emotional Freedom paperback. That was written in 2016, but the words were about Jesus not being deterred. I love God’s timing.
*Jesus is our ongoing example. Luke 9:51 says, “Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before His face.”
*Nothing deterred Jesus from His set course. He did not shrink back. He knew that when He died on the cross, it would pave the way for you and me to have an intimate relationship with Him.
*Hebrews 12:2 told how He endured. His focus was on the joy that was set before Him. The verse also reminds us to keep our focus on Him. It says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Paul was undeterred as he stood before the council. He wisely spoke words that would disrupt the council. The Sadducees and the Pharisees were divided in what they believed. Such a great dissension took place that the commander brought him into the barracks to protect him.
Acts 23:11 says, “But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
Paul remained undeterred when there was a plot against him. Forty men made a great oath to not eat or drink until they had killed Paul. The Lord intervened. Paul was moved in the night and sent to the governor Felix. By the way, the Bible never said another word about the forty.
Paul stood before Felix, and King Agrippa as he recounted his journey and salvation on the road to Damascus. He appealed to Caesar, and thus his journey to Rome via a ship was procured.
The ship was caught in a tumultuous tempest and everyone feared for their lives. Paul remained undeterred. Acts 27:2 he told the men that an angel of God had stood by him. Verse 24 says, “…Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.”

3 FREE EBOOKS

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Today and Saturday on Amazon, I have 3 FREE ebooks (this is the last until the remaining 4 of 35 are formulated and published)
 
Controlled Thinking: girding truth around your heart
 
Demolishing Strongholds: cultivating fallow ground
 
Observing Your Life: secured steadfast and anchored in Jesus

Undeterred

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Remember that Paul said to imitate him as he imitated Christ. Jesus set His face like a flint. He was undeterred. Paul imitated Him.
 
Acts 20:22-23 says, “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.”
 
Verses 24-38 was his last admonition to them. Verse 37-38 says, “Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more.” Emotional scene.
 
In Acts 21:11 a prophet named Agabus said, “…So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.” In verse 12 they pleaded with him not to go.
 
Verse 13 Paul said, “…What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
 
It was because Paul was undeterred that we have his prison epistles. He wrote words in his crucible-trials that we live by. He gave us doctrinal foundational verses. His letters to the churches have timeless words. The prayers he prayed for them are prayers of strength and hope for us.
 
Colossians 1:9-11 are his heart-worded prayers. One’s that we can pray for ourselves and for others. “…that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.”
 
Time after time Paul had folks begging him not to do something. Yet the Lord set his course and he remained undeterred to the end. 2 Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” May we imitate him and he imitated Christ.
 

The Blessing In Obedience Part Two

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I came to a part in Bruce Olson’s autobiography last night where he told about running from what God wanted him to do. He had gone to South America to take the gospel to the Motilone tribe.

He first encountered the Yukos. He stayed with them for awhile but left because he was tired of them, and they were tired of him. He longed for a coke and a hamburger. (It reminded me of the children of Israel when they longed for the food of Egypt). He tried to leave twice. Each time his donkey dumped him and he had to go back. He concluded that it was better to obey God. God had sent him. He would help him get to the right tribe.

What happened when Jonah ran from God? I remember the chorus we used to sing: God told Jonah to go down to Nineveh, that old wicked town,  but Jonah didn’t want to go where he was sent…. It doesn’t pay to disobey that’s all there’s to it. Like old Jonah you’ll find out the hard, hard way.

I often read Acts 16:6-10  when my way is blocked. Paul and his team headed out but the Holy Spirit forbid them. They turned to go another direction and it says that He did not permit them. What would you do in their case?

The Lord had a specific area where He wanted them to go and preach the gospel. It was revealed in a vision to Paul. When they started that way, everything opened up easily.

Years ago the Lord gave me a definition for frustration: God intercepting my way to redirect me into His way. Psalm 18:30 says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.”

At one point in Bruce’s account he got really sick with hepatitis. He knew he had to get out of the jungle. He prayed, “You brought me here to work with the Motilone Indians, help me.” The Lord intervened. He persevered in what the Lord had called him to do.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” In the beginning of Bruce’s call, he tried to do things in his own strength and failed. When he simply obeyed the Lord, and relied totally on Him, he was blessed immeasurably. So it is with us. The path of obedience is strewn with grace and blessings.

3 (THREE) FREE EBOOKS

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Today and Thursday I have three free ebooks on Amazon
 
Exposing Self-Deception: overthrowing the lies you have believed
 
Emotionally Indifferent: pretending you are unaffected
 
Spiritual Roots to Disease: healing wounded hearts