Thermometers or Thermostats?

Today's post is what I wrote for our life group discussion this coming Sunday.  I thought my readers might enjoy a bit of a different format, and do a Bible study with me.  We all use thermometers from time to time, and have thermostats in our homes.  I recently read an interesting observation by Corrie ten Boom that we believers are to be thermostats, not just thermometers, and that inspired this Bible study. :o) 

Thermometers or Thermostats?

The Scoop

Mouth thermometers are used to take a sick person’s temperature; mechanical thermometers measure heat or cold indoors and out.  Cooking thermometers are used to check meat for doneness, or make candy.

Anyone can be a thermometer, metaphorically-speaking.  When we read the newspaper, watch TV news, or listen to radio talk shows, and say “that’s terrible,” or “that’s wonderful,” we are nothing more than a thermometer.  Anyone can see society’s condition, pontificate on the problem, point out failure, pound the fist, and point the finger at people and the decay all around us.

But a thermostat can change a situation.  It responds to our touch to heat or cool a room.  In the same way, we believers were meant to respond to the Holy Spirit’s touch in our heart and burn with holy zeal to accomplish God’s purposes in the earth.  God has given us power and authority to do just that.  A thermostat has a built-in thermometer, and at a set point, the power kicks in and effects a change in climate.

The Mission

Christmas is more than gaily wrapped gifts, sparkling decorations, lots of baked goodies and family get-togethers.  With the Advent season upon us, consider the reason Jesus came to earth in the first place.  I John 3:8 says “. . .the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

Read Matthew 28:19 – 20  Notes:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read Mark 16: 15 – 18  Notes: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read Isaiah 58:6-11  Notes:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Question:  How can we “loose the chains of injustice, untie the cords of the yoke, and set the oppressed free” around us and still represent Christ’s love?  How do we defeat the devil and impact our world with the Kingdom of Heaven?  How can we personally stand against godless forms of oppressive government all around the world?   

The Action

1.  Do a heart check.  I Peter 5: 6 ____________________________________________

2.  Identify the enemy: Ephesians 6:12 ________________________________________

3.  Arm yourself for battle.  Ephesians 6:10 ___________________________________

4.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  James 4:7.  Remember Jesus’ battle with Satan in the wilderness. Matthew 4: 4, 7, and 10. ________________________________________________________________________

What does it mean to resist the devil?  It’s more than saying “No” to temptation.  It’s more than asking God to rebuke the devil.  It’s more than saying “Devil, get out, and never come back!”

We must act like thermostats and use the sword of the Word of God as we contend for what is right.  When we encounter evil, we say, “I’m against this!” and take action to oppose wickedness in every form.  How?  Overcome evil with good.  Example:  when Herod had John the Baptist beheaded, (Matthew 14), we see what Jesus did in response to this evil deed.  Note verses 13 – 23: Jesus assaulted Satan’s evil kingdom!

5.  Learn how to pray for, and how to pray against. 

• Pray against the demonic powers of evil
• Pray for the righteous to be built up through our prayers
• Thank God for those in positions of authority over us
• Pray against Satan’s work in their lives
• Pray for eyes and ears to be opened and for hearts to turn to what is right

Read pages 152 – 153 in Brother Andrew’s book, And God Changed His Mind.

6.  Have courage to speak out against systems of thought that are not in line with God’s Word.  Have holy indignation, but don’t get in the flesh; pray and speak with a tearful heart for the people enslaved by Satan’s devices and control.  Speak the truth in love.

7.  Be a true disciple of Jesus.  Know how He thinks by reading His Book.

8.  Oppose Satan’s power by using your God-given authority over him.  Luke 10:19

9.  Pray in the Spirit: Ephesians 6:18

10. Remember who you are!  You are a thermostat: be engaged in true climate change!

Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy

 

       

Contentment: The Fruit of Thanksgiving

The wonderful aroma of roasting turkey fills my home, and the remaining preparations are underway as I anticipate the arrival of our family for a mid-afternoon celebration of Thanksgiving Day!  A day set aside by the founders of our nation to give thanks to God for His providence and blessing on the young nation.  So today too, we have much for which to be thankful; we are the richest nation on earth because of the Lord's goodness.

Last night as I lay in my warm bed with flannel sheets covering my body, I thought of my house that was clean, the table that was set for today, the turkey waiting in the fridge and the abundance of food.  I thought of my family that was coming to share Thanksgiving Day with us.  Joy and thankfulness rose in my heart to God for all His blessings, but then a feeling of guilt wanted to crowd in as I thought of those who are homeless or without food.  I felt like my thankfulness to God was snatched away by thoughts of guilt and condemnation, as though I shouldn't have those things.

But as I thought about it, I realized that feeling guilty would not feed or house those less fortunate.  I truly prayed for them and asked God to send help to them, and indeed, we have helped those in need many times.  Guilt can truly be a contentment-snatcher.  It pleased God that I was filled with thanksgiving toward Him for all His blessings, and it was right I should enjoy that warm, cozy feeling of gratitude.

Because we're entering the holiday season of Christmas, I think of another joy-snatcher called discontentment.  No doubt you've heard of community contests where the house with the most lavish decorations is declared the winner.  It's tempting to want to "keep up with the Jones's."  All the commercial advertising on TV and radio for the "latest and greatest" Christmas gift, new car, household appliances and gadgets, electronic games and toys can sow seeds of discontent and a feeling of "I must have that."  Indeed, the goal of advertisers is to convince you why you must have it.

There's a lot of talk about "Black Friday," sales reports of various companies, threats of strikes by union workers, and a hope that a boost in sales will indicate an improvement in our economy.  Speaking of "Black Friday," images come to mind of people camping out in front of stores all night so they are the first ones inside the door to grab the latest gadget for huge savings.  Images of people trampled and injured in the mad rush when the doors open at 7:00 a.m.  Images of women fighting over a the last Cabbage Patch doll; fists and angry voices raised as other fights break out.  Images of anger and ill-will: just the opposite of what they supposedly celebrated the day before!

I think of the Scripture in James 4:*1 that says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you?  Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?  You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want.  You quarrel and fight.  You do not have, because you do not ask God.  When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

We believers always need to order our lives by the Word of God for us and our families, and not let our eyes glaze over because of glamorous and glitzy commercials.  If we live and act the same as those without Jesus Christ, how can we hope to hold out answers to them?  I want to encourage you in the Lord today to "hold out the Word of Life," and not compare yourself to others, or measure your worth by the world's standards.

Philippians 4:11-13* says, ". . . for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength."  That doesn't mean we never want to improve ourselves or have goals to accomplish.  I like the Amplified Bible translation of verse 11: ". . .for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am."

Let's look at I Timothy 6:6-10*: "But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.  Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

The Lord Jesus, through the apostle Paul, in subsequent verses of Scripture, continues to tell us that we must turn away from greed and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  We are to fight the good fight of faith.  We have to resist the temptation to pursue wealth, and prestige.  That doesn't mean that those who are wealthy are in sin.

I Timothy 6:17-18* continues, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."

Finally, let's rest in Hebrews 13:5*:  "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'  So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?'"

A heart filled with thanksgiving will produce a life of contentment.  Dear Reader, I bless you in Jesus' Name; may your life be one filled to overflowing with God's goodness, grace, and peace!

*New International Version

Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy

Thoughts and Words Matter

Today I want to pick up on a phrase I wrote in my post yesterday: "Our words matter in the earth, and carry the power of life or death over people and circumstances."  Our words carry unseen, spiritual power, and the words we speak come from the thoughts we think.  Therefore, we must guard our thoughts, our heart.

The Lord tells us in Philippians 4:4-7 to always rejoice in the Lord no matter what's going on around us, to let our gentleness show, and not be anxious about anything.  Instead, we are to give thanks and by prayer and petition ask God for what we need.  Such action will produce the peace of God in our hearts and  minds through Christ Jesus.

Verse 8 has powerful and much-needed advice for the times in which we live.  The Lord instructs us to think about the following things:

• Whatever is true -- remember, gossip has destroyed more than one person's reputation
• Whatever is noble -- honor those with outstanding uprightness of character
• Whatever is right -- base all opinions and beliefs on God's Word and relationship with Him
• Whatever is pure -- don't pollute grace with law-keeping; be established in righteousness
• Whatever is lovely -- enjoy the beauty of God's creation and the beauty of His people
• Whatever is of good report -- think and tell about the good things people do, not the bad
• Whatever is virtuous -- don't watch lewd movies or listen to sexually explicit songs or dirty jokes
• Whatever is praiseworthy -- think about all the goodness of the Lord, Who is worthy of all praise

James 3 is another powerful Scripture about the tongue.  Our tongue steers our life just as a rudder turns a large ship.  Our tongue, if set on fire from hell's thoughts, corrupts the whole person and destroys the lives of others just like a match sets a forest ablaze.  God says our un-tamed tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  Only God can tame our tongue if we ask Him.  We need to renew our minds, like Romans 12:2 instructs us to do.

Verses 9 - 10 of the same chapter say, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be."  

Titus 3:1 (NIV) says, "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."

Because I write for home and family, let's consider your home and family life as the ship you're steering.  What are you saying about your house?  Do you complain and feel bitter because you can't keep up with the "Jones's?"  What do you say over your children?  Over your spouse?  Extended family?  Little ears pick up heart attitudes quickly by what they hear you say to them and about others.  For that matter, what are you saying over yourself?  Do you call yourself derogatory names and put yourself down?  How can you love your neighbor as yourself the way God intends if you don't even love yourself?  You are also a person made in God's image, and God wants you to say good things over yourself, too!

Let's train ourselves to think like Philippians 4:8 tells us to.  Let's be aware that our thoughts and words matter, for ourselves, our families, the Body of Christ, and our government.  "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."  Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy

Attitude of Gratitude

Our circumstances always provide plenty of opportunities to be ungrateful, down in the dumps, negative, and even downright nasty.  I've thought about it, and I believe the antidote for the poison of unholy anger is the giving of thanks.  The Word of God has much to say about giving thanks; the Psalms are full of praise and thanks to the Lord.  

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Colossians 2:7 instructs us to overflow with thankfulness; in other words, let your heart be so full of thanksgiving that it runs over for all to see!  You'll be pleasant company!

In Colossians 3:15, the Lord Jesus tells us "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

We see in Hebrews 12:28 that the way to worship God with reverence and awe is to be thankful.

There's something about thankfulness on our part toward God that frees His hand to work in our circumstances and answer our prayers.  I don't know what it is, but I know it's true by the Spirit of God in me.

Let me share a poignant testimony with you.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012, was a dark day for me.  A day of strong emotions that ripped at the fabric of my soul.  The presidential election that announced Obama the winner left me stunned and incredulous. I felt deep anger, hurt, grief, and burdened.  I felt betrayed by the three million who refused to vote because they didn't like the other candidate's religion.  Couldn't they see we weren't voting for a church pastor?  Apparently not.  I wondered if our nation had sunk so low as to deserve a president who openly approves of and wants laws passed encouraging homosexuality, abortion, and the trashing of our Constitution.  A president whose current governing ideas I find highly offensive and destructive to our nation, homes, and families.

I thought of Scriptures like Psalm 55:11, "Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets."  And Psalm 12:8, "The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men."

I thought of my pastor's recent comment in a sermon: "Christians massage the Word of God to mold it to fit their personal preferences or beliefs," and I felt betrayed by fellow believers in the Lord Jesus.  Where are the disciples of the Lord Jesus?  The thought came to me that the Church has failed in the mandate from our Commander in Chief, the Lord Jesus, to make disciples of all nations -- not just converts.

All that day I felt torn and tearful; but I knew I could not stay there.  Instead, as a sacrifice of praise, I chose to turn my focus on the loveliness of Jesus instead of all the filth and disappointment in the world.  I asked the Holy Spirit to help me praise Him in all circumstances.

On November 12, I decided to read I Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV): "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

I wondered, "How can I give thanks to God for Obama?  For a leader who stands for all I am against?"

I thought of Paul and his letter to Timothy; I imagined the Christians living in that day had a hard time giving thanks to God for Caesar, too.  Yet the Lord Jesus asked them to do it.  I struggled for a moment as I wondered how I could thank God for Obama and not betray my strongly-held convictions that were based on God's Word.

But I took a deep breath and thanked God for President Obama.  I chose to do it in obedience to my Commander in Chief in Heaven, not because I felt like it, but because I loved the One Who forgave me my sins, gave me eternal life and declared me righteous and holy.

God did not say I had to thank Him Obama was re-elected, or for how he governs, for what he says, or for his beliefs.  I needed to thank God for Obama as a person made in the image of God, and respect the office of the presidency set up to govern our nation.  God instituted levels of authority in government so we'd have an orderly society.

I thanked God that He can turn our President's heart to what is right.  I prayed for his salvation and that of his family, and for his advisers.  For each member of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Supreme Court, and on down to the state and local levels.  As Scripture says in Proverbs 21:1 that "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases."  And I stand in faith on that Scripture.

The very next day, we read a prophecy from someone we trust, that the Lord Jesus was grieved by our lack of prayer for Obama and the words spoken by the Church against him over the last four years.  In essence, we, the church, had tied His hands.  The Lord could not do what He desired in our President.  Our words matter in the earth, and carry the power of life or death over people and circumstances.

The prophecy contained the same thing the Lord had shown me and my husband the night before, which is this: we need to believe God to give Barak Obama a new heart, new priorities, new vision, sanctified by the God of Heaven!  We need to believe God to turn him into a godly president.  I believe God will give President Obama dreams or visions in the night, and he will hear a voice say, "This is the way; walk in it."  We need to obey God and give thanks for all those in authority over us.  We need to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in all areas of life.  God can still give us a new President!

I can testify that my husband and I have a new joy and purpose in our souls, knowing we have obeyed the Lord's command.  I am no longer grieving, but I pray about everything and everybody now, convinced God can change circumstances and the lives of people as we bless them with prayer.

This applies not just to our President; it applies to those in our families, neighborhood, that person on facebook , or someone who said or did something to hurt you.  We are to give thanks for all people, because God wants everyone to be saved, and He wants us to live a quiet and peaceable life.

Yes, I'll say it again: giving thanks to God will kill anger.  We overcome evil with good.

I want to end this post with I Peter 3:9-12 (NIV).  "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you might inherit a blessing.  For, 'whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.  He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.'"

Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy

Relationships and Holidays

Thanksgiving Day.  The last family members had left after farewells and hugs were exchanged.  Caroline tucked her hair behind her right ear and wiped a stray tear from her cheek as she put the last plate into the dishwasher.  She added the detergent, clicked the door shut and pushed the start button.   A persistent lump rose in her throat as she thought about past Thanksgiving Days.  Why couldn't Clark just agree to disagree with Paul and Theresa?  Why did they always end up in an argument?  Last year, Paul and Theresa left without saying "goodbye," and this year they had refused to come.  If Clark would only call and apologize to them. . .   If only Paul and Theresa wouldn't be so touchy and easily offended. . .

Do you look forward to Thanksgiving Day with your relatives?  Or do you dread the thought of being under the scrutiny of Aunt Susie once again?  Do you look for an excuse to avoid the family get-together?  Maybe you haven't spoken to your brother for a long time because he hurt your feelings.  Or perhaps you feel a parent has wronged you, and you don't plan to ever go home again for Thanksgiving.  Christmas either, for that matter.  Brother, sister, mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, cousin, aunt, uncle: does it matter who it is?

Grudges and ill will exist and thrive in many families.  And that's a shame, because the family unit should be pleasant: a place of warmth and acceptance, love and forgiveness, peace and unity.  Not pain, hatred, heated arguments or strained silence.  God knows there is enough pain out there in the world without getting a dose of it from your own family. So you stay away.  Yet your heart aches a bit more with each passing holiday as the chasm of separation widens.  

I think of the Scripture in James 4:1 "What causes fights and quarrels among you?  Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"  Every one of us is prone to self-interest and self-preservation.

Good relationships take work and sometimes lots of prayer.  Friendship and unity have to be preserved, or they deteriorate.  It takes soul-searching honesty and humility of heart to reach out in a strained relationship to bring restoration.

Is God speaking to your heart about a difficult person in your family?  Ask God what you can do to reach out to someone in your family and help restore peace and unity.  Whether you were the one offended, or whether you offended someone, peace has to start with you.  Don't wait for the other person.  The most spiritual person goes first, you know.

• Begin to thank God for each person in your family -- even the difficult ones.
• Ask God to pour out His Spirit in his/her life.
• Ask God to give them wisdom and revelation for their life.
• Pray for their salvation if they are not born again.
• Ask God for a fresh baptism of love in your own heart for them.
• Ask yourself, "Have I contributed negatively to this strained relationship?"
• Ask God to show you what you can do to change that and reach out to them.
• Believe God is working in that person right now.
• Believe God is at work in you too!

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."  Matthew 5:9
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live in unity!"  Psalm 133:1

May this Thanksgiving Day on November 22 be the best yet!  May you have a truly Blessed Thanksgiving!

Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy