Kingdom building: Who you building for?

Serving and wanting to serve God is a good thing, right?  Overall the answer is yes, however, it is an area where we are all ripe to be tempted and deceived.  It is real easy to get caught up in our own kingdom in the name of serving God. 

Ways we can get caught up in seeking after own kingdom. We can desire God, desire to serve God, desire to reach out to others, but we can let ourselves corrupt matters. Each of us can easily seek to serve God through means of the lust of flesh, lust of eyes, or pride of life. We can easily move from service to and for God, to meeting our own needs for love, significance, and security. There is even a very popular church program around being “purpose-driven” which definitely can move in the direction of self oriented and direct service. 

Now if you look at scripture, what God want most from each of us is surrender. Take a look at Romans 12: 1-2 (NIV): “1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 

We are called to daily surrender. We are called not to conform to the pattern of this world.  What is the pattern of this world? Seeking self-satisfaction or engaging in need satisfaction. We are called to change our thinking not to ourselves and satisfactions of our wants and needs but focus on God and the Gospel through the Word of God.

There are several ways seeking our own wants, needs and engage in building our own kingdom occur.  One particular way we can shift to building our own kingdom for God is becoming obsessed over a being used in a particular way. Some people may in fact approach God and ask “make me a prophet,” “or make me a healer,” or “make me a revivalist.” God can certainly meet those prayers. But it can turn into an obsession of a particular gifting of God with loss of site of other gifts.  And if God hasn’t called or chosen the person for the particular gifting then it clearly can be something that moves into satisfying own selfish desires or needs.  For example, think of a really bad singer or dancer on any audition for popular reality television shows, the ones that have no talent but are convinced they have talent, sometimes we can be just like them. We can be so enamored with ways we want to be used that we lose site of what God really wants to do in our lives. 

The Bible states in Romans 12:3-9 (NIV): 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

            The passage clearly indicates that God gives gifts as He will.  We are each created differently and He chooses to give us different gifts. Rather then asking God for a particular gift, it is better to ask God to gift use as He will. If there is a desire on the heart, bring it before God in submission and ask Him to reveal to you what His will and gifts are.  Accept the ways God has gifted you and learn to walk in those gifts in surrender. 

            It is important not to forget 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 (NIV): 12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

            We all have roles within the body. We are all a cell in the body of Christ. However, God made us a particular cell and each cell serves a distinct purpose.  The cell doesn’t determine it’s role, it is determined by the creator. Science has even shown this with the discovery of stem cells, which do not take on their function until given the instructions. Per the passage, we receive entrance into the body through the Holy Spirit, and as such it is when we receive our instructions and placement in the body.  True we have gifts and natural skills at birth again given by God, and God takes those things into account in placing us within our place in the body of Christ. God as made us and arranged us as He wants, it is not about what we want. 

            In the passage it is clear another way we each can lose focus, which is to get jealous or envious of another persons gifting or place in the body. We can easily focus on people who God gifts to heal, or God uses to raise someone from the dead, or God uses to harvest many souls into the Kingdom of God.   And according to the above passage, the parts of the body with “dishonor” are given greater honor with God. Yet, we often look at the “attention” getting gifts or the ones that demonstrate power or knowledge.  So think of whomever in the body of Christ that draws no honor, perhaps a handicapped person who simply prays and worships God because of no capacity to anything else. In God’s kingdom and perspective, such a person has a higher honor.  We at times envy and desire things that externally look exciting or note worthy, yet with God it is what happens that goes unnoticed that has the higher honor, yet we don’t envy or desire such gifts.

            When we lose focus on serving God’s kingdom, and view from our own perspective another way to easily get wrapped up in serving self is when it does become about building our own Kingdom’s literally. It becomes about wanting to be a leader or gain power and influence in the church.  Often times it can start out well meaning, wanting to reach others with the Gospel, build a church or ministry that will impact others. However, power is enticing and corrupting.  Once you have a vision of serving God suddenly amassing more power and influence becomes the priority.  The bible says some pretty specific things about leadership.

For example: James 3:1 (NIV):  1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. This passage clearly indicates that teaching and leadership results in greater judgment. It is not to be entered into lightly, for there is greater responsibility. As a leader a person is not just responsible for them selves but those that serve under them.

Also look at   Luke 14:7-14(NIV): 7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 ”When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  The passage clearly demonstrates that we need to not seek honor, not seek to be someone considered important, but rather to humbly serve.  

We also need to consider what Jesus said “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35b NKJV) Jesus demonstrated this consistently. He demonstrated in the washing of the feet. He ultimately demonstrated this at the Cross.

            Now it is possible for us to not be seeking after power or leadership but rather get caught up in looking for external evidence of building the Kingdom of God. Looking for this external evidence can be a snare.  We can look for numbers or external manifestations and look to depend on them or rely on them and get caught up in building our own kingdom in the name of building God’s kingdom.  Things like attendance numbers, numbers of people coming forward at an alter call, numbers of small groups, numbers of programs, and so on. 

            We can get caught up in the numbers game because in our mind the numbers are what shows whether or not there is fruit.  However, numbers are simply numbers and God looks at things differently.  1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NKJV):11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.  This passage clear shows that what stand as good work and good fruit in the end is what passes through the fire.  What we do building our own kingdoms will burn and doesn’t count. So we really cannot get to excited about external appearances.

            Another good verse is 2 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV):12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. This passage clearly shows that there are limits to pay attention to, that seeing the good that God does certainly can be commended, but when we start comparing to ourselves or others we lose focus and become unwise.  Numbers and externals are really about what makes us feel better. It makes us feel like something is accomplished, but often what God really accomplishes is unseen and unnumbered.

            Another easy way to get caught up in building our own kingdom versus the Kingdom of God is when we get caught up in a particular plan or program. It is real easy to get caught in the method, versus the Kingdom.  There are ways and tools and programs that God has used in varied locations. However, it is a mistake to think that any plan or program or formula will work in all cases with all people.  In the American church, the focus on programs as even gone to the point where there are prepackaged sermons and sermon series.  Now, I can see the value in passing on particular series of messages that God has used. But we make a mistake if we think that God interacts and works with all people in that same manner. 

Jesus himself did not always work in the same way or manner.  He met individuals at there need, at their level of faith.  He met them where they were at and always challenged them to go beyond and enter the Kingdom of God.

            We can have the most thought out plans and programs and God may not be in it.  Plans and programs are not bad, it is all a matter of what God is doing and how he is acting. For example, Paul had an excellent plan and spoke with all wisdom to the Greeks, yet it went no where. God’s wisdom and plans running contrary to human wisdom is evident in 1 Corinthians 1:17-21(NIV):17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

            Building the Kingdom of God always comes down to what God is doing. He may not make sense to human eyes and human wisdom, but God’s path is clear.  Again programs and plans can work, or the may be works that burn in the fire.  The important thing for each of is to attend to what God is doing.  We need to get beyond ourselves and consider each individual as Jesus did in the Gospels.  A passage clearly outlining this principle is found in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV):19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

            Paul indicated that we have to meet people where they are at, and share the Gospel at a level they understand.  We also can get so caught up not only in programs or plans but our own ideas and agendas about God as well. We each have experience with God, God shows us different things and we can often apply broad brush applications of our experience and demand the same of all, forgetting that God made us each unique.  The Bible is filled with both God and Jesus working in different ways in people’s lives. However, we can instead of continually learning and testing all things, become convinced of an aspect of God and expect all to understand the same way and all that vary are wrong.  We forget the admonition of Romans 12:3(NIV):For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Instead we get grand thoughts that every one needs to understand as we do. We can fail to listen and instead speak at and judge others. 

            However, the fact that we operate often from our own understanding and ideas doesn’t eliminate the fact that truth about God has been revealed through the Word of God.  However we understand God it needs to be based on the scripture.   As it says in 1 Corinthians 13:12(NIV): 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  The passage clearly show that our understanding is limited, partial.  Yet God has revealed Himself and His truth through the Word of God. It is by studying the Word of God that in this life we can know more in full.  We need to follow Proverbs 3:5:6:  5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. and not be like the watchmen of Israel described in Isaiah 56:11(NIV): 11 They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain.

            When we don’t understand something about God we need to seek him and seek the truth in the Word of God.  The Word of God is the foundation as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17(NIV): 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.   

            God does promises that He will give understanding for example in Proverbs 2:1-51 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, 3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. As well as in James 1:5 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  We need to ask God and seek the truth.  Our understanding is in part but God will give us greater understand as we ask and as we set aside our own understanding.

            Now I could identify several other ways the church commonly seeks to build kingdoms in the name of Jesus but not truly building the Kingdom of God.  Building the Kingdom of God is about surrender to the King of Kings.  The bible does give some clear guidelines for building the Kingdom of God. Clear ways to walk in.  1 Corinthians 13 is a good start point. Evidence of building the Kingdom of God is rooted in love. But not only is the kingdom rooted and driven in love. It is the driving factor. It is for love of others that we seek to draw others into the Kingdom of God as shown in 2 Corinthians 5: 12-15(NIV): 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. How that kind of love looks is further expanded in other scripture as in Romans 12: 9-21(NIV): 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Now of course it would be worthwhile to examine each particular aspect of what sincere love looks like in practice but for now will leave the Word of God speak for itself.

            The central point of this article is that we easily, each of us, can get caught up in building kingdoms that are not the Kingdom of God and do so in the name of building the Kingdom of God.  Building the Kingdom of God  starts with surrender and is driven by love.  We each need to examine ourselves and our actions and our theology and our programs and whatever we do in the name of Jesus and see if there is anything that is of self, anything that is not about surrender and not driven by love.  Again much more can be written on this topic and will write other articles fleshing out varied aspects of building the Kingdom of God but it is time for me to draw this article to a close.  I will close this article with another set of lyrics from Daniel Amos that I think makes an appropriate point.  I also recommend reading a parable at http://www.sheeptrax.com/articles/main.html that also makes and appropriate point.  So now until my next article enjoy the lyrics to I Didn’t Build it for Me.

 

I Didn’t Build it for Me

from the album “Doppelgänger”

Words and Music by Terry Taylor and Jerry Chamberlain
©1983 Twitchen Vibes/ Paragon Music Corp. ASCAP

You think I built this for me?
You think I built this for me?
This isn’t mine- it’s yours, it’s really for you
I didn’t build it for me

I don’t have the time to enjoy it
I’m asked why I don’t use the facilities
I don’t have the slightest inclination
I won’t consider it, I didn’t build it for me…

There’s a plaque in the hall
My name’s on the wall
And a statue of my family
It wasn’t my decision
It was all in a vision
I didn’t build it, I never would have built it
I really didn’t build it for me…

One man stood alone
One man did succeed
I’m the man, I’m the one
I didn’t build it for me
One man stood alone
Numero uno
I’m the man, I’m the one
I’m the man of the hour!…

I used to say, “Why doesn’t somebody do something about this?”
I cried, “Oh, what about this need?”
Then a voice said, “You do something about it”
I said, “Oh woooow you mean me?”…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie Commentary: The Dark Knight

 

The Dark Knight has opened to record setting box office. The film is one that has caught the interest of the American public.  Many have grown up devouring the Batman stories from the early serials, the television show, the cartoons, and the comic books.  Most Americans are very familiar with Batman. It is an essential American morality tale.

                The newest incarnation of the Caped Crusader doesn’t disappointment.  As already been largely publicized Heath Ledger steals the show. There is a thing about artists and performers. There are technical performers and performances, and there are those who transcend mere technical proficiency.  Heath Ledger’s Joker performance rises well beyond a technically solid performance to one that will long be remembered and is what makes the movie special.  The other actors in the film play their roles in a technically efficient manner but there is a noted difference when the Joker is on screen. 

                A prime example of the difference is the performance of Aaron Eckhart as Harvey “Two-face” Dent. He performs the character technically okay, he displays the tension and conflict, but you really never get a deep sense of the struggle and of the rage that pushes him over the edge. In comparison, whenever the Joker is on the screen, it is enthralling. Probably the only actor that comes close to matching Heath Ledgers performance is Gary Oldman playing soon to be Commissioner Jim Gordon. While not the engaging and enthralling performance of the Joker, Gary plays Jim Gordon adeptly and was more then technically proficient.

                Now I have seen folks complain elsewhere that the movie shouldn’t have included Harvey “Two-face” Dent. Perhaps, it was the mere technical performance of the actor that leads to the sentiment. Perhaps it was the engaging performance of Heath Ledger as the Joker, but regardless Harvey “Two-face” Dent was an integral part of the story the writers and director were telling. The story clearly took the current events of the “war on terror” and incorporated thoughts into the morality play told in this film. So lets examine some of the elements of the story being told. At this point if any reader doesn’t want to know any details of the elements of the story they should stop reading until after viewing the film.

The writers of the film and story clearly drew strongly from the concepts of knights and chivalry. There is lots of references of both the White Knight Harvey “Two-face” Dent and that of Batman living by following a code of honor so to speak. Harvey Dent represents the code of law and the person people need in order to be rid of societal problems and crime.  Batman is the antithesis. He lives by personal morals, his own code of honor, which includes not killing. He desperately wants the hero of the law to replace him, so he can live his own life (with Rachel.)  However, both stretch the limits of the code and the story seems to indicate that such a code actually results in allowing evil to continue.

                 There was also some dichotomy related to the villains. You have the standard class of crooks who are into advancing their territory and money.  These crooks even reach high levels of corporate corruption.  However, they each are shown to be in it for themselves, even when trying to work together.  The other level of villain is the type that “wants to watch the world burn.” They are not into kingdom building but into messing with others, just because they can.  The Joker represents the embodiment of that type of villain. He messed with everybody and anything.  The Joker in movie himself stated he “turns plans upside down.”  You even have the Joker playing fast and loose with the origins of his scare, telling differing stories to those he is about to carve up. 

                So you have layers of good, layers of evil. But ultimately the story is centered on the layers of order versus chaos.  The Joker references during his sad final scene that he and Batman are in for an eternal struggle, since neither will kill the other.  Batman represents the epitome of order, the Joker the epitome of chaos.  Batman ultimately out to protect the citizens of Gotham and the Joker just out to mess with everyone.

                The movie portrays that the Joker ultimately believes that everyone is out for themselves and their own plans.  In engaging in his evil deeds, he constantly sets out ethical and moral dilemmas.  He sets up people to make a choice for the greater good or for their own personal plans. There are people who clearly choose the perceived greater good. You have Batman choosing the “White Knight” over the standard chivalrous expectation of saving the damsel in distress. You have corrupt cops choosing corruption to protect their kingdoms.  Then there is the setting up two groups of citizens against each other with the added complexity of one set of citizens being mostly crooks.  In both cases, ultimately the choices are made for the greater good.

                Yet, not all choices are choices made for the good. Harvey Dent becomes wrapped in bitterness and rage and seeks revenge on those who he believes made the wrong choice and ultimately cost him his family in the death of Rachel.  The essential selfishness of people is reflected and challenged. The writers gave Harvey Dent the line “Either die a hero, or live long enough to be a villain.”  The line suggests an awareness that eventually those operating in the heroic will be brought down, because of their own very choices.  And Harvey in fact played that out, being overcome with rage and seeking revenge. The “White Knight” tarnished.

                There also were the constant challenges to Batman to live by his code or cross a line.  He does manage to refrain from killing yet walks across another line. The line he crossed was that of amassing great power through surveillance in order to catch the villain.  He did what needed to be done, but still kept it within a limit for the just cause; in essence, an example of ‘the ends justify the means’ as long as it doesn’t cross the line and is only temporary.  

                 Another theme is that of sacrifice and the importance of symbols.  Batman had become a symbol to the city that others were emulating and impersonating him, while not even living by his code. You have Jim Gordon appearing to sacrifice self to save the mayor.   You have Harvey Dent proclaiming self to be Batman. And at the end you have Batman taking the heat to protect the image of the “White Knight” a symbol of law and order.  It looks like the essential point that the symbols of hope are needed and society needs someone to look up to, and if it is Batman, then lives are put at risk.

                Another essential point though is that deception is a necessary tool.  Batman needs to deceive to be able to operate.  Jim Gordon needed to deceive to stay alive.  Alfred needed to deceive in order to protect Batman.  And the city needs to deceive the citizens in order to protect the symbol of the White Knight and protect lives and order.  The end result even of the use of deception is that Batman is portrayed as not just a hero, but a special guardian that does what is necessary, even to the point of being falsely accused. 

                The movie doesn’t an excellent job of protraying the need for choices made for the greater good. The movie does suggest that there are limits to power any one man can manage. The movie does frequently suggest that we are all capable of great evil, and of operating selfishly and not operating toward the greater good, the benefits of society.

    The movie does show people of all sorts seeking after personal kingdom, ultimately looking for own good. Kingdom building is seen in citizens, it is seen in crooks and is contrasted by people making choices looking for the greater good, that being the well being of society as a whole.  The story also indicates that those who live by a code of honor, in fighting evil, have to push the limits of the code. In contrast,  The Bible indicates that we are all selfish and ultimately will all fail to live by any code. The Bible indicates that the greater good is only found in Yeshua the Messiah. The greater good is recognizing our selfishness and surrendering to the Kingdom of God.  It is not about what is “best” for society as a whole, but what God wants and desires, which is not just following a code of honor or sacrificing for the greater good.

                Codes of honor are found everywhere; Hinduism, Buddhism, Druidism, Occultism, Islam, and so on.  Every fails even at the most flawed codes of honor.  The Bible has high standards and we all falter, yet provides an answer for our faltering. Yeshua paid the penalty for our sins. He didn’t just take the blame, but he took the penalty for all violations of code of honor.  And only by accepting that gift and turning from are own kingdom building, can there be any freedom. 

                Also biblically, it is clear that the ends do not justify the means.  Each choice has consequences.  The story Dark Knight did show that there are consequences to choices, but suggested that some choices are okay and it is the results that matter.  In the Bible it is the state of the heart, it is the need of surrender to the Kingdom of God through accepting the gift of Jesus taking all penalties.

                For truth and good to triumph, there is no need for deception. Deception is a tool of selfishness and self-protection There will always be choices to make regarding following are own way or surrendering to God’s way. There is no eternal struggle between order and chaos. Evil has its limits and the time of evil and chaos will come to an end. 

                So, in thinking about the movie and the morality tale, I prefer the path of Yeshua over that of the morality portrayed in the film, which ultimately depends on a transcended, troubled human that relies on a self-built kingdom and has strength in technology. My strength is in Yeshua, the only true Guardian and Savoir of humanity.  I would love to hear any comments you have on this commentary. Did I miss any important elements? How does the morality of the film stack up to your beliefs and morality?  How does it stack up to the Bible?

Ministry Spotlight: No Longer Music & Steiger International

I wanted to let some people know about a evangalistic outreach ministry that reaches out to people and youth in some very dark places. The ministry is Steiger International and the main outreach tool is a band called No Longer Music fronted by David Pierce. I first became aware of David Pierce and a montly men’s prayer breakfast at the local church I attend. I was impressed with David’s heart for God and heart for the lost. He is someone who God has used to build the Kingdom of God. They currently are in the midst of a tour in Europe and Middle East. They recently finished an outreach during the SLOT music festival in Poland. They are headed to Lebanon and Turkey. Here is there planned stops for this outreach tour:
Steiger International: No Longer Music
2008 Evangelistic Church Planting Tour

Poland July 12 (SLOT Art Festival)

Lebanon July 24, 25, 26, 27

Turkey July 31, August 1, 2, 3

Croatia August 7, 8, 9, 10

Finland August 15, 16, 17, 18

Iceland August 22, 23, 24, 25

USA August 26-31 (Life Light Festival)

 They certainly can use both prayer and finacial support. I have a link to their tour blog under my blogroll. If you want to support this ministry with prayer or in other ways please check out to this website: http://timetoact.steiger.org/A_Time_To_Act.html.

In terms of better understanding this band and their ministry I will post some of their promotional videos. 

These four videos gives you a good idea of the ministry. If you want to see more about the band and ministry search on You Tube under No Longer Music or David Pierce. There is at least one segement of David Pierce teaching.  Also check out their main website www.steiger.org. I will leave this post with a music video.

Citizenship…

Well, today 7/16/8 is an important day for my family. In particular, it is a very important day for my wife. Today, she became a citizen of the United States of America. She is “proud to be an American” even if sometimes she finds what Americans say and do to be stupid sometimes. During her swearing in ceremony today there were 464 other new Americans taking the oath of citizenship, each person having a different story and journey to this road. There were people from many, many prior nations. It is an amazing thing about this country of immigrants constantly blending. My wife’s story is not one of struggle, but of hard work and answered prayers. Others have struggles of financial difficulties, assorted hardships, and some needed asylum. For each person the day was special, each in relation to their own stories.
So this being said, my guess is if you have followed my blog, you may be anticipating my turning attention to some spiritual lesson or use this to talk about Christianity. If so you would be right. A central tenet of Christianity is that we are citizens of heaven. Philippians 3:20(NIV) : “20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” The ultimate allegiance to all Christian believers is to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. A person agrees to enter the Kingdom of Heaven when they accept the gift provided in Yeshua the Messiah and turn from our previous allegiance to our own kingdom. The picture of immigration is a good metaphor what happens when someone becomes a Christian and becomes a citizen of heaven.
In hearing the oath of citizenship, I was reminded of three essential principles every citizen needs to follow. Submit to authorities, defend the country, and be willing to serve as required. I believe the same is true for the Citizens of Heaven. We are above all to submit to Jesus. We are to follow what Jesus commands. The essential core of the commands of the kingdom are to love God with the entirety of our being and to love our neighbors are our self. These two commands sum up all the Torah and Prophets. It is following the Word of God. Letting it shine the light before us on the correct ways to walk and as such, wherever a citizen of heaven resides, they are to submit to those in authority over them, even if they act in ways unbefitting said submission, with the exception of being asked to violate the Word of God. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego all exemplified that very principle. We are to follow their examples.
We are also to defend the Kingdom of Heaven. Such defense is not a matter of worldly warfare with swords and guns and revolution. The defense of the kingdom of even resides in prayer, in speaking truth and confronting lies, and in loving others. The truth that we speak and use is that of the Word of God. Our defense is our position as a citizen in heaven and all the benefits and responsibilities that entails. So we each have responsibilities in the spiritual war against evil and for the souls of mankind. Each citizen of heaven has a role to play. Some are in support, some are on the front lines, it all varies per the gifts and positions we were given in the Kingdom of Heaven.
We are also to serve the Kingdom of Heaven as required. If God says go, we need to go. We have to be willing to do anything and go anywhere. We are to serve other citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. We are not to sit by and collect the benefits of the Kingdom of Heaven and not serve as requested.
These are simple things, yet there are some out there that have a different concept of being citizens of the heaven and see it as our responsibility to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. No while we are to enlarge the kingdom though making disciples as we are going and following our directions in service to the King of Kings . It is not about establishing political power. It is not about restoring all that is evil to good. Jesus will do that when he returns. Rather we are to submit, defend, and serve.
In tying things all together, each citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven does have a different story. No story or picture of how we became citizens will be alike. The process is generally the same, but plays out differently in each life and story. We all have different roles in the kingdom of heaven which follows the essential responsibilities of submission, defense, and service. As always if anyone has anything to say or thinks I am off on any point, or has any questions, please leave a comment. Also another trend is I sometimes will just simply leave some Christian lyrics for thought as I close the commentary. This time I will leave you with Petra’s Not of This World.

Petra Not Of This World lyrics
Words and music by Bob Hartman
Based on 2 Peter 2:11, John 15:18-19, John 16:33, Matthew 16:18, John 14:3
We are pilgrims in a strange land
We are so far from our homeland
With each passing day it seems so clear
This world will never want us here
We’re not welcome in this world of wrong
We are foreigners who don’t belong
(Chorus)
We are strangers, we are aliens
We are not of this world
We are envoys, we must tarry
With this message we must carry
There’s so much to do before we leave
With so many more who may believe
Our mission here can never fail
And the gates of hell will not prevail
Jesus told us men would hate us
But we must be of good cheer
He has overcome this world of darkness
And soon we will depart from here
Petra Not Of This World lyrics

Josh Hamilton dream a reality!

Well, I wasn’t supposed to be home during the home run derby. I had an appointment who ended up rescheduling. I was able to watch the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby and see Josh Hamilton’s impressive performance. True, Justin Morneau ended up “winning” the contest due to the rules. I am happy about that as a Minnesota Twins fan, but the real story is Josh Hamilton.
Josh hit 28 home runs in the first round of the Derby, breaking the previous record of 24. He hit 3 homeruns over 500 yards. The performance is what people will be talking about. Prior to the homerun derby Josh indicated that he previously had a dream. A dream that he would have his voice elevated related to the home run derby to speak what is on his heart. What is on his heart is Jesus the Messiah, his Lord and Savior.
Josh had been out of baseball for three years. He hadn’t made it to the major leagues previously, his highest level being AA baseball. He is a man who took is draft signing bonus and turned to drugs. Heroin and Cocaine were the drugs of choice. He became free from his addiction by turning his life over to Jesus the Messiah in surrender. Josh will be the story people talk about, only in Minnesota will any attention be paid to his ‘winning.’
There are important lessons to be learned here from Josh’s story. God can and does use us as He will. Josh was touched by God and set free from addiction. He still is cautious and knows full well the lure of temptation, but he has been set free. He was on a primetime stage and performed memorably. He performed so memorably his story will be remebered and told. Sure, some people will give glory to Josh’s natural abilitles. However, Josh has turned the attention directly to Jesus the Messiah. Praise God.
I want to point out that God dealt with Josh Hamilton, not at some big healing revival, but in the still, small quiet moments. God is still at work and moving in peoples lives and you don’t have to travel to Lakeland, to Jerusalem, to Timbuktu, or to the South Pole to meet with God or see God work. God meets you where you are, no need to go chasing some external manifestation. Another thing noteworthy, Josh has deep regrets over tatoos he got while using drugs. (Interesting to compare that with a certain revivalist who got tatoos after being saved and then lies about it. )
An interesting side note, the winner Justin Morneau barely was invited to the contest. He was the last person people expected to win. He clearly brings home the last shall be first principle.

Random musings

Well sometimes I am just going to randomly talk about stuff that is on my mind without a whole lot of detailed analysis. I may comment on television, aspects of my life, things in Christianity, other cultural events. This kind of post is one that doesn’t require much though and gets new content on the site. I also may tend to present such a post when I have some more in depth articles I am working on and not yet finished with it, resulting is some fresh content. So sit back enjoy, as always appreciate comments back.

I hate assembling things. I especially do so when I make mistakes. I can assemble stuff, I put together models as a kid and model airplanes. Somewhere a long the line it just becomes a major chore. Assembling things is time consuming, directions don’t always make sense, and some times things are a lot more complicated then described. This definitely is something I struggle with pride and do a bit of mumbling and complaining. I am grateful that while God leaves and gives us directions, I don’t have to put things together. When I make mistakes, God forgives and sends me to the right path.

I tend to enjoy reality televison. They are excellent ways to observed human behavior and varied psychological dynamics. It also often shows people at their worst. Me and the wife watched a recent episode of Wife Swap. I don’t watch this show often, but enjoyed spending time with the wife, regardless. The episode consisted of two “christian” familys in the minds of the producer. It follows the ongoin pattern of showing professing christians who dishonor the name of Jesus the Messiah. One family were very liberal and the husband had a new age, tolerate everyone perspectivem the other family the husband was rigid and controlling abd admitted to indoctrinating his children. They families were both engraned in buidling their own kingdoms after there own mindsets. The show really is all about trying to show that everyone’s kingdoms are okay and we all need to understand, tolerate, and learn from others. The overall message of the show is far from truth, is more about tolerance and really promotes moral relativism. The plus side is folks do re-evaluate and we can learn from others if we listen. The recent espidoe to me also clearly showed the effects of both families life styles and both far from truth. A man professing to love the Word of God but twisting it’s meaning consistently was disturbing. Also disturbingwas a man so lock in his own fears that his children may go another path that he engaged in super controlling behavior to the point of heavy indoctrination. The show displayed to me the depths of deceptions, darkness, and self-understanding that exists in our culture.

Another reality television show just started, Big Brother 10. It is a type of show built around greed and really shows some of the worst about human nature, and the darkness that exists out there. The current cast looks to be interesting and a step beyond the empty and vapid group from before. Watching big brother, and people generally being themselves, you get a good sense of the lostness and darkness that exists in this country. Some predictable things happened in the first episode. Folks were told to vote someone unknown for the “head of household” part of the game. They picked the oldest player, a 75 year old man. This season also includes other interesting characters. The son of a former pentecostal preacher, a woman with OCD and varied others with varied personalities and quirks. I have not enjoyed at all the “christians” they have put on the shows and the “mocking” that has gone on in the editing. However, it is also sad the professing believers evident behavior no different then there own and often go about asking God to bless how they are engaging in building their own kingdom. Big Brother 9 sadly had several folks reading the Bible yet grasping and understanding not, it became simple amusement. And it is sad.

Shifting off of culture. I have a good friend who has a mother dying of cancer. He and is wife are spending time with them and will go through a difficult time of grief. But there is a time for grief, and for them this is it. I pray God uses this to draw them closer to Him and heal hurts and wounds in their life. An important note is that this friend is adopted. It is his adoptive mother. His biological mother gave him up for adoption because he was a product of a gang rape. His partent’s and mother were far from perfect, but my friend was blessed to have them choose him as their child. Please all remember them in their grief.

My mother is going to have an eye surgery in a couple weeks. She had cataracts and had lens implants put in, but now scar tissue has formed and needs to have laser surgery to get it removed. It strikes me that it is often the same in our lives, even when we have healed or let go of varied pains, or when we have turned from varies sins, we need sometimes work to do to remove scarring or need to attend to ways we can slip into old patterns.

My dad and his wife were serving some family in there church by watching kids for the weekend. It is important to serve. We were over there on Saturday. Share a meal, had a bonfire, socialized. It was fun. It was particularlly fun watching my dad chasing kids with a water hose. It brought back memories of water fights with my brother, and ones with me, my brother and my dad or mom. Even saying this, while we didn’t sing songs, pray, or do any real spiritual conversation, the evening was uplifting, and doing a service “entertaining” and caring for the children. I think that with times like these, God too is pleased.

One last note, is that after having Nightline report on Mr. Bentley and the Lakeland Outpouring, Mr. Bentley is now taking a break. Whether he returns or not, it is important to pray for those impacted and deceived by the event. It is important to also be aware that Mr. Bentley has his event was just a taste, a fore-runner of what is ahead. It is very grieving to have occured but do not any one get complacement. And above all pray for the american church to wake up, and wake up to the truth of God’s word. There is a lot of deception out there, and a lot in the church. Mr. Bentley and Lakeland are but a tip. We all have lots of avenues to pray regarding this event, not just those you know who may have been impacted or influenced. There are many a family and church at odds over the events at Lakeland.

Well I am getting sleepy now, so time to bring these random comments to a close. If I can some up, it is a dark world out there with people caught in the darkness, even those walking in light can be caught up in the dark. Walking in the light is simple, yet difficult. Difficult because it involves giving up of ourselves. But when we follow in obedience we are truely blessed. I could probably think of more stuff to say but again I am tired.

Two Rivers

Two Rivers
by Timothy G. Blake

Curtain rises
On knees beseech
Take me to thy River
Flowing from the fountain
In your temple
Thy will be done
Father gifts assent
Vision unfolds

Mighty City
On a Center Hill
Holy
Majestic
River flowing
Ever widening
Flowing Swift
Sure

Around the bend
Widest Point
Large Crowd
Venders
Lights
Sign post
Take drink
Imbibe
Enter in
Soak
One by one
Water swarmed
The water sweet
Aloe to the soul
Water soothes
Cleanses
Pleasure beyond depth

Euphoria Explodes
Laughing
Singing
Dancing
Playing
The crowd chants
Everyone needs to get some
More! More!

River retrace
To the source
Outside the gates
One of great stature
Crowned with Little Horns

Through his bull horn speaks
Gives command
The Time has come
All loyalty require
Brand them

Creature of Lights
Many Men of Renown
Do his biding
Line of Humanity
One by one
Branded
Herded
Commanded

Yet there are others
Already branded
My sheep
Bullhorn speaks
Herd them all
Threshing floor

Lambs slaughtered
Blood flows
The Slain Lamb weeps
and wounds grow deep

The ever present servants of the Lamb
Attend to the lamb
Gathering tears till cups overflow
Then wash the killing field
With the cup of tears
Blood of the slain
Tears of the lamb
Gather together
Mighty river is formed

Flashback
Wide River berth
Laughter
Signing
Dancing
Mirth
Many caught unguarded
Strong undertow
Drags under
Dashed
Many lose bearing
Swept away to the rivers end
Where vultures gather

Yet some awake
and flee
Sounding Alarm

Vision fades
Mourn
Confusion
Dismay
Lion Roars
“FEAR NOT!”

Vision Unfolds
Center of city
Eyes beheld strange sight
Spigotted rock
And a pile of scrolls
The voice of the Lamb spoke
Remove thy shoes
This is Holy Ground

Fear and Amazement
Drop to bended knee
Take drink from the rock
Spigot turned
The Living water flowed
A Simple Chalice filled
Blood red
Mouth Alive
All taste at once
Suddenly
Peace and Joy
within
Newness
Life
No more thirst
Bubbling to overflow
From the pores flowed blood red
Anointed Bathed, Cleansed

The voice of the lamb spoke
Take eat a scroll
The word consumed
Bitter sweet
Transforming
Truth known in deepest parts
And a sudden glow, light within
The Lamb spoke
Go and Forget not!

Walking temples
Fountains within
Living water
Blood red flowing
Touching
Giving life

The Word firmly planted
Lighting the way
In the darkness
Of realms outside
Where snakes in darkness wait
Snares and traps
But no matter where the temples walk
Living water flows,
Blood red
And each step
The Light of the word shines
Seeding darkness with seeds of truth
Each walking temple a stream

Vision fades
Questions remain
Voice of the Lamb speaks
My son, two rivers you have seen.
The River of judgment
The River of Life.

We all need to get ready!

My first blog post talked about how I finally got to the point of doing something God has been asking of me for some time.  Exposure to Lakeland and the subsequent discernment of it’s falsehood played on role. In terms of my waking up and reprioritizing my focus to move in surrender to Jesus, there was another aspect that really encouraged me to refocus. 

During searching out truth and researching Mr. Bentley I ran across some post and threads detailing varied prophecies, in particular about the United States. I had reasons to distrust what I read but really had no real discernment regarding what is true and what is false.  Mainly because to be assured of false prophecy, what they prophesy doesn’t come to pass. 

            Well, I read a lot of stuff prophesying impending disaster in the United States, including an old prophecy in the 1950’s from a old woman in the Netherlands. Granted, I have a tendency to be curious and a sin pattern of “wanting to know.” So I read varied accounts out there.  I noted that while some varied prediction’s were consistent, it was not consistently consistent. There were always things the same and things different.  However, if anything those prophecies said were true, times can be getting difficult. It is a sobering thought to even consider what would happen if the world as we know it changed. If as several suggested,  sudden collapse and catastrophe came to the whole nation.  Very sobering thoughts.

I prayed about this information I had come across and essentially God directed me to “Get ready, and be prepared.” We need to be treating each day and season if it be the last.  We need to stay sober and alert and seek God. An important Biblical passage regarding this is Matthew 24:32-51 which describes how things will be on the Lords return and the importance of keeping watch and being ready. The central verse of this passage for me is Matthew 24:42 (NIV) “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” 

Getting ready and keeping watch has nothing to do with the veracity of professed prophecies, but more to do with the state we should be in continually.  I need to be continually seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, versus my own.  I needed to be surrendered to him and not just trying to keep self entertained and simply surviving. 

            Does this mean I go seeking after “knowledge” or “prophesies?” By no means!  I believe anytime we seek after anything other then surrender to Christ we are opening ourselves up to deception. End time prophecies and predictions have come and gone.  Words once spoken are reinterpreted.  Always though, God’s Word stand. We all understand in part. We are all to do as says in Proverbs 3:5, 6(NIV): “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  This again involves submission, setting ourselves aside. 

            We are to treat any prophecy seriously and soberly.  As it states in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22(NIV): “19 Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil.”  This passage essentially directs us to test everything, keep to what is good, avoid all evil.  So we need to listen, watch, observe and above all test.  Keep the good, throw out the bad. This should be our attitude and actions. 

            So regarding the times we are in and what happens.  We need to be ready, be on the watch.  Look for what the Lord of Lords is doing but above all seek to trust in the Lord with all our hearts.  Whether calamity or judgment comes tomorrow, ten years from now, or a hundred years from now, we need to be alert.  We need to keep to the steps God directs all the while watching, praying, and attending to the direction God leads, all the time testing to be assured we are following His path and His kingdom and not our own or that of another.  So the question is are you ready?  I think the Larry Norman lyric’s are a good way to close this post.  Feel free to make any comments, ask questions, or challenge anything I say. 

I Wish We’d All Been Ready

By Larry Norman

 

Life was filled with guns and war,

And everyone got trampled on the floor,

I wish we’d all been ready

Children died, the days grew cold,

A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold,

I wish we’d all been ready,

There’s no time to change your mind,

The Son has come and you’ve been left behind.

 

A man and wife asleep in bed,

She hears a noise and turns her head, he’s gone,

I wish we’d all be ready,

Two men walking up a hill,

One disappears and one’s left standing still,

I wish we’d all been ready,

There’s no time to change your mind,

The Son has come and you’ve been left behind.

 

Life was filled with guns and war,

And everyone got trampled on the floor,

I wish we’d all been ready,

Children died, the days grew cold,

A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold,

I wish we’d all been ready,

There’s no time to change your mind,

How could you have been so blind,

The Father spoke, the demons dined,

The Son has come and you’ve been left behind.

More Lakeland Evaluation: The Commissioning

After my initial post on testing the fruits of Lakeland based on the categories of sin in 1 John 2:16, I have grown even more concerned. I of course ran into some Lakeland defenders who minimized and denied any of the sin categories could be operating because they were seeking after the power of God.  However, it is very Biblical that people can be tempted to sin seeking after God or God’s promises.  Two prime examples are Abraham who took matters into his own hand and sired Ishmael, the consequences of which we still see to this day.  We also have Jacob/Israel engaging in deception to gain the “birthright” from Isaac over Esau.  Again, this has long lasting consequences.  It comes down to a matter and test of faith and what kingdom we actually are pursuing , our own in the name of God, or God’s kingdom. 

            A stronger example is clearly found in Jesus forty day wilderness experience. First lets look at the text:

Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)

 4:1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 

4:2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 

4:3The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 

4:4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 

4:5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 

4:6″If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 

4:7Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 

4:8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 

4:9″All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 

4:10Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 

4:11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

 

Jesus was tempted in three ways. I have had described to me before in a sermon by one pastor or another that Jesus was tempted in each of the sin categories in 1 John 2:16.  The temptations, while within the “common temptations” of man, were specific to Jesus the Messiah. They ultimately were about temptations to establish his Messiah-ship by means of sin.  The temptation to turn stones into bread was a temptation to move in “power” and meet the “lust of the flesh” In other words; he was tempted to put his flesh over surrender to the will of the Father.

            The second area of temptation was to cast himself off a high point   It clearly falls to temptation in the “lust of the eyes.” It was really a temptation about moving in power and bringing about bold miracle related to saving himself.   It was a temptation to “prove” that he was the Messiah and would feed the desire to be believed and to show off his great “power.” 

            The third area of temptation clearly falls into the pride of life.  Jesus was offered all power, to be head of all kingdoms, if only to submit to the will of Satan over the will of the Father.  Jesus readily pointed out the biblical defense for each temptation.   

            So having pointed this out, what is the point related to Lakeland.  Well, on June 23^rd Mr. Bentley was commissioned by the Revival Alliance Network, led by C. Peter Wagner. Most of the said individuals are involved in what is known as the New Apostolic Reformation, the Third Wave, The River, or the Latter Rain movements.  It comes down to establishing a kingdom of the church that will never fail.  More details about the foundations of this movement can be found at http://www.deceptionbytes.com/StrongDelusion-theNAR and I encourage you to prayerfully read the article. So, Mr. Bentley was given a ceremony commissioning and ordaining him to a role in the government of the New Apostolic Church.  To me this comes off as a way members professing to be in the church have been tempted in the pride of life.  However, If I explain all my thinking on that matter I will detract from my main point. 

            The point is bringing this up, is I want to examine what C. Peter Wagner declared over Mr. Bentley. C. Peter Wagner said to Bentley on the platform: “This commissioning represents a powerful spiritual transaction taking place in the invisible world. With this in mind, I take the apostolic authority that God has given me and I decree to Todd Bentley, your power will increase, your authority will increase, your favor will increase, your influence will increase, your revelation will increase.”…“I also decree that a new supernatural strength will flow through this ministry. A new life force will penetrate this move of God. Government will be established to set things in their proper order. God will pour out a higher level of discernment to distinguish truth from error. New relationships will surface to open the gates to the future.”

Pray over these statements. Can you spot the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life?  If not yet, pray and read it again. 

            Well, let me point out what I see.  First of all the lust of the flesh, the promise of new supernatural strength and new life force are certainly promises that appeal to the flesh.  Also promised of increased power, authority, and revelation are flesh appealing to the flesh as well. And actually both promises also appeal to the lust of the eyes. The proclamation clearly includes promises of increase and more, that what as been exhibited so far has not been enough, more is needed.  

The pride of life is very clear and prominent in what was proclaimed over Mr. Bentley. The very mention of government being established, setting things in proper order, pouring out a higher level of discernment, and new relationships open gates to the future all speak to Mr. Bentley being commissioned as someone “special.” And if you even begin to have an understanding of foundational beliefs and doctrines at the center, it is even clearer. However, looking at the plain straight sentences the core of pride of life is very hard to ignore. If you doubt it, check out this blog article on George Barnov’s declarations over Mr. Bentley: http://kimolsen.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/george-banovs-blasphemous-prophecy-at-todd-bentleys-ordination/.

 

Now the reader may sit there and scoff and state, the declarations were from a man given authority by God, and if it is of God, then it is not sin.  Well, if in your heart that is how you read the declaration I ask you to stop and read it again and ask yourself what is missing and to humbly pray and ask God to show you what is missing. If you have done so once and still don’t have an awareness of what is missing, please pray and read it again. 

What I don’t see in the declaration is any mention what so ever of the Gospel.  No mention whatsoever about Jesus.  No fear of God. No humility. No service.  No surrender to Jesus.  Just a straight forward elevating of Mr. Bentley with promises of being strengthened and improved, being given more, and being elevated to a higher position. (Barnov later promises him Eastern Europe.) It is sad to see this happen. It is a serious matter facing the church as a whole.

And while serious, what is more important is to examine ourselves and see where we might be engaging in the lust of flesh, lust of eyes, or pride of life.  Even if you are aware of the deceptions at Lakeland and the Revival Alliance Network backing what is going on in Lakeland, still pride may not be far from the door. The enemy has simple objective which is to kill, steal, and destroy.

How do we battle the enemy? Above all we need to humbly submit before God. We each need to ask and pray for God to reveal where there is deception in our lives, be it from ourselves or others.  Then as sin is reveal in our lives and deception is exposed we need to repent.  We need to spend time daily seeking God in his word, not just reading favorite teachers.  We need to seek not our own kingdom or any multiple false kingdoms we can be tempted with, but seek first the Kingdom of God.  Seeking first the kingdom of God is about losing our life.  It at the very core comes down via the commands to love God with the entirety of our being (not what God can do to, for, or through us), and love our neighbor as ourselves.  And when total loving of God is evident, the Gospel will be center stage.

Daniel Amos The “¡Alarma!”Chronicles prophetic?

I just want to recommend to any and all that have ever listened to Daniel Amos 4 CD collection  The “¡Alarma!”Chronicles to dust them off and relisten.  In particular the first album, “¡Alarma!” seems to be very appropriate in addressing current events down in Lakeland, Florida.  Granted, I have read that Terry Scott Taylor wrote the first two albums with the “Name it and claim it” type of pastors in mind.  Given those pastors are roots of Word of Faith which is part of the roots of Lakeland, the words clearly still fit.

I am going to post the lyrics to four songs from the album. If you want to read over the rest of the lyrics I would recommend going over to www.danielamos.com where the entire catalog’s lyrics are available.  I also would enjoy thoughts about anyone else seeing or sensing anything prophetic in the The “¡Alarma!”Chronicles.  I certainly intened to reread the Novella produce along with it.  I believe the 4 installments are also available on the Daniel Amos website.  Do yourself a favor and check it out. 

Here are some songs lyrics in think are appropriate to Lakeland and other matters:

¡Alarma!from the album “¡Alarma!”

Words and Music by Terry Taylor
©1981 Paragon Music Corp./ASCAP

It’s a brain drain laid down on the reel to reel
The warning of the after life the after birth
And telling how we feel

Alarma, somebody’s crying
Alarma, somebody’s dying
Alarma, somebody’s turning away

Sugar cane in cellophane is playing at the radio station
Laughs out in the gallery believing that it’s all elation

Alarma, somebody’s pleading
Alarma, somebody’s bleeding
Alarma, somebody’s turning away

A wise guy in the sky invites you to a guilty party
Won’t charge you at the door
But sure knows how to get your money

Alarma, he’s pointing a finger
Alarma, he’s such a dead ringer
Alarma, somebody’s turning away
Somebody’s turning away, somebody’s turning away
Alarma, somebody’s turning away
Alarma, somebody’s turning away
Alarma, somebody’s turning away

 

Big Time / Big Deal from the album “¡Alarma!”

Words and Music by Terry Taylor
©1981 Paragon Music Corp./ASCAP

Beam it on the satellite, send it through the T.V.
Get it on the play list, preach it to the masses

I want the big time, it’s not for everyone
I want the long line, to tell them what I’ve done
Give me a bullhorn, I’ll help Your kingdom come
I get all this, and heaven when I’m done

Why stop with the little things, wires cross the continents
The moment of conversion, on the cover of my album

I want the big time, it’s not for everyone
I want the long line, to tell them what I’ve done
Give me a bullhorn, I’ll help Your kingdom come
I get all this, and heaven when I’m done

Heard some talk about the big big big big big deal
Can’t wait, moving on, can’t wait, moving on
Lawyers talking ’bout the long long long long
long long long long contract
Five years, how long?, sign here, moving on

Send a tape to Carson, got a date in Vegas
Start a church in LA., billboard off the freeway

I want the big time, it’s not for everyone
I want the long line, to tell them what I’ve done
Give me a bullhorn, I’ll help Your kingdom come
I get all this, and heaven when I’m done
I want the big time, I want the long line
Give me a bullhorn, I get all this, and heaven when I’m done

 

 Cloak and Dagger from the album “¡Alarma!”

Words and Music by Terry Taylor and Jerry Chamberlain
©1981 Paragon Music Corp./ASCAP

 Disguising shadows are concealers
Of traitors spies and double dealers
In the street somebody staggers
Killed again with cloak and dagger

If somebody tells you that their love is true
Don’t believe it if they hold a gun to you
There’s cold war tactics hidden in a smiling face
A pretty kind of poison that will leave no trace

Disguising shadows are concealers
Of traitors spies and double dealers
In the street somebody staggers
Killed again with cloak and dagger

If somebody tells you ’bout the master plan
Don’t believe it if they got the bloody hands
Secret agents masked in plastic moulded smiles
Wolves that stalk the innocent and trusting child

Disguising shadows are concealers
Of traitors spies and double dealers
In the street somebody staggers
Killed again with cloak and dagger

 

 Endless Summer from the album “¡Alarma!”

Words and Music by Terry Taylor and Jerry Chamberlain
©1981 Paragon Music Corp./ASCAP

Surfer boys, surfer girls
And all those hoping to catch that ultimate wave
We were looking for an endless summer
We’re still looking for an endless summer
It’s no surprise will be looking endlessly

Surf and sand, eternal tan
We’ve paid the price in looking twice our age
We were looking for an endless summer
We’re still looking for an endless summer
It’s no surprise will be looking endlessly
And we had to get to surf city
But we’ll tell you man it’s just drag city
We won’t come back from dead man’s curve

 

Angels Tuck You In

from the album “Doppelgänger”

Words and Music by Terry Taylor
©1983 Twitchen Vibes/ Paragon Music Corp. ASCAP

You hold an image, it provides a common thread
No sense of menace, no feeling of dread
You never worry your pretty little head and
Angels tuck you in tonight
Angels tuck you in tonight
Angels tuck you in and greet you in the morning light

This cartoon world you’ve created, it’s like Disneyland
Get out you golden ticket
The one they give you when you’re born again
A guardian personage is watching over you
Nothing uncomfortable can ever get through
There is no suffering for the chosen few…

You’ve been a wide-eyed innocent
Come to the garden, come to the hill
Come to the tree, come to the kill
Won’t break your bones, but it can break your will
You’re too afraid of hurting
Been playing cover-up
Expose yourself to dying
And in this real world, it is your calling

You hold an image, it provides a common thread
No sense of menace, no feeling of dread
You never worry your pretty little head and
Angels tuck you in tonight
Angels tuck you in tonight
Angels tuck you in and greet you in the morning light

 

And this is what is really important. We need to attend to the true central theme:

Central Theme from the album “¡Alarma!”

Words and Music by Terry Taylor

©1981 Paragon Music Corp./ASCAP

 Central theme, the most important thing

Central theme, the tie that binds together

Central theme, every line is breathing

Central theme, another heart receiving

 

Shining in the center, my Lord in the center

Jesus in the center, revolving around Him

Always revolving around Him

 Solar screams, I am nothing

Vibrations under the rings, how great you are

Moon like a gong, how great you are

 

Central theme, the object of affection

Central theme, the core of our perfection

Central theme, moving upward in direction

Central theme, changing musical conceptions

Shining in the center, my Lord in the center

Jesus in the center, revolving around Him

Always revolving around Him

 

Infinite space, I am nothing

Infant moves in the womb, how great you are

Wind and sea, I am nothing

Ghost of the heart, how great you are

 

Solar screams, I am nothing

Vibrations under the rings, how great you are

Moon like a gong, how great you are

 

Who is on the throne you find, the King of Kings

He’s the one I have in mind, the central theme

Lord of Lords, Lord of lords, Lord of Lords…