Power and Priorities

"When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she rose and destroyed all the royal offspring. But Jehosheba...took Joash the son of Ahaziah...They hid him from Athaliah, and he was not put to death." - 2 Kings 11:1-2 

Athaliah was addicted to power. Her grandfather was Omri, one of Israel's more evil kings. Her parents, Ahab and Jezebel, were even more notorious. In fact, Jezebel perhaps was the most evil queen in Israel's history, refusing to relinquish power long after Ahab died. She was defiant, even in her death.

As part of a political alliance, Athaliah was given in marriage to Jehoram, Judah's future king. Her son, Ahaziah, became king at Jehoram's death.

But, following her mother's example, Athaliah would not give up power when Ahaziah died. She was so ruthless that she had her own grandchildren killed. Joash (her grandson) was spared only because he was hidden and protected by the priest, Jehoiada.

Athaliah could have had a positive influence, but instead, she dedicated her life to gaining and keeping power. In the end, she left a legacy of selfishness and fear. She died alone, unloved, and the people "rejoiced" at her death.

Over time, many have followed her example-self-centered leaders of nations, businesses, and families, who are addicted to power and control.

The story of Athaliah reminds us of Jesus' teaching that "whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

If we really want God's blessings, we must be servants. We need to deny ourselves and take up our cross each day and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24-25). We need to be ready and willing to train and disciple others.

Don't waste your life relentlessly holding on to power or building a personal kingdom. Seek to serve Jesus. Seek the things that will last, and be a blessing to others.

FOUR WIVES

 

There was a rich merchant who had 4 wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies.  He took great care of her and gave her nothing but the best.  He also loved the 3rd wife very much.  He's very proud of her and always wanted to show her off to his friends.  However, the merchant is always in great fear that she might run away with some other men. He too, loved his 2nd wife.  She is a very considerate person, always patient and in fact is the merchant's confidante. Whenever the merchant faced some problems, he always turned to his 2nd wife and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times.  Now, the merchant's 1st wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household.  However, the merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.

 

One day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to die soon.  He thought of his luxurious life and told himself, "Now I have 4 wives with me.  But when I die, I'll be alone. How lonely I'll be!  Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you.  Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"  "No way!" replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word. The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the merchant's heart.

 

The sad merchant then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you so much for all my life.  Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"  "No!" replied the 3rd wife.  "Life is so good over here! I'm going to remarry when you die!"  The merchant's heart sank and turned cold.

 

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I always turned to you for help and you've always helped me out.  Now I need your help again.  When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"  "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife.  "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave."  The answer came like a bolt of thunder and the merchant was devastated. 

 

Then a voice called out : "I'll leave with you.  I'll follow you no matter where you go."  The merchant looked up and there was his first wife.  She was so skinny, almost like she suffered from malnutrition.  Greatly grieved, the merchant said, "I should have taken much better care of you while I could have!"

 

Actually, we all have 4 wives in our lives.  The 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it'll leave us when we die.  Our 3rd wife?  Our possessions, status and wealth.  When we die, they all go to others.  The 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how close they had been there for us when we're alive, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.  The 1st wife is in fact our soul, often neglected in our pursuit of material wealth and sensual pleasure.  Guess what?  It is actually the only thing that follows us wherever we go.  Perhaps it's a good idea to cultivate and strengthen it now rather than to wait until we're on our deathbed to lament.

Power and Priorities

"When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she rose and destroyed all the royal offspring. But Jehosheba...took Joash the son of Ahaziah...They hid him from Athaliah, and he was not put to death." - 2 Kings 11:1-2 

Athaliah was addicted to power. Her grandfather was Omri, one of Israel's more evil kings. Her parents, Ahab and Jezebel, were even more notorious. In fact, Jezebel perhaps was the most evil queen in Israel's history, refusing to relinquish power long after Ahab died. She was defiant, even in her death.

As part of a political alliance, Athaliah was given in marriage to Jehoram, Judah's future king. Her son, Ahaziah, became king at Jehoram's death.

But, following her mother's example, Athaliah would not give up power when Ahaziah died. She was so ruthless that she had her own grandchildren killed. Joash (her grandson) was spared only because he was hidden and protected by the priest, Jehoiada.

Athaliah could have had a positive influence, but instead, she dedicated her life to gaining and keeping power. In the end, she left a legacy of selfishness and fear. She died alone, unloved, and the people "rejoiced" at her death.

Over time, many have followed her example-self-centered leaders of nations, businesses, and families, who are addicted to power and control.

The story of Athaliah reminds us of Jesus' teaching that "whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

If we really want God's blessings, we must be servants. We need to deny ourselves and take up our cross each day and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24-25). We need to be ready and willing to train and disciple others.
Don't waste your life relentlessly holding on to power or building a personal kingdom. Seek to serve Jesus. Seek the things that will last, and be a blessing to others.

Testing the Spirits

Testing the Spirits

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." - 1 John 4:1  

Millions of people today live in spiritual confusion. Fostered by an intense media barrage, society is overwhelmed with messages about the occult, psychic experiences, and related phenomena. As a result, more than two-thirds of Americans believe in the paranormal.

But according to a recent study, interest in the paranormal is particularly high among people "with more liberal views of the Bible" and those who are interested in religion but don't regularly attend church. These people are particularly vulnerable to deception. Why? Because they are not solidly grounded in God's truth.

In contrast, there's a major difference with people who regularly attend church and believe the Bible is the literal Word of God. These people are more likely to know the truth and be on the alert for deception.

The Bible warns clearly that deceptive spirits are at work in the world. This is why we need discernment. It's why we must know the Bible and live according to Biblical standards.
We are warned not to "believe every spirit." Instead, we are to test the spirits, and only the spirit that "confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh" is from God. We also are warned about a "spirit of antichrist." This spirit opposes the person and work of Jesus (vs. 2-3).

In contrast to these deceptive spirits, Jesus said the Holy Spirit would "testify about Me" (John 15:26). This is why we need to be led by the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and guided by the Spirit.

Today, be sure that you are alert. Don't allow yourself to be deceived. Declare that Jesus is your Lord. Fill your mind and heart with the Bible, and make it the basis of your beliefs. "Test the spirits," and be sure that you are being led by the Spirit of God.

Testing the Spirits

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." - 1 John 4:1  

Millions of people today live in spiritual confusion. Fostered by an intense media barrage, society is overwhelmed with messages about the occult, psychic experiences, and related phenomena. As a result, more than two-thirds of Americans believe in the paranormal.

But according to a recent study, interest in the paranormal is particularly high among people "with more liberal views of the Bible" and those who are interested in religion but don't regularly attend church. These people are particularly vulnerable to deception. Why? Because they are not solidly grounded in God's truth.

In contrast, there's a major difference with people who regularly attend church and believe the Bible is the literal Word of God. These people are more likely to know the truth and be on the alert for deception.

The Bible warns clearly that deceptive spirits are at work in the world. This is why we need discernment. It's why we must know the Bible and live according to Biblical standards.
We are warned not to "believe every spirit." Instead, we are to test the spirits, and only the spirit that "confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh" is from God. We also are warned about a "spirit of antichrist." This spirit opposes the person and work of Jesus (vs. 2-3).

In contrast to these deceptive spirits, Jesus said the Holy Spirit would "testify about Me" (John 15:26). This is why we need to be led by the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and guided by the Spirit.

Today, be sure that you are alert. Don't allow yourself to be deceived. Declare that Jesus is your Lord. Fill your mind and heart with the Bible, and make it the basis of your beliefs. "Test the spirits," and be sure that you are being led by the Spirit of God.

PSALMS 34:19

Six mistakes of the past and present

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Preaching the Gospel to the Poor

"He opened the book and found the place where it was written, 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor...'" 
- Luke 4:17-18 

Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth, a place surrounded by His friends and acquaintances. This was His hometown, and it was a place He visited often.
      But this was to be a special visit. This day, Jesus was handed the scroll of the book of Isaiah. After reading a passage from what we know as chapter 61, Jesus proclaimed, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
      At this critical moment, near the beginning days of His earthly ministry, Jesus said that the Spirit was upon Him because God had specific things He was sent to do. And the first objective was "to preach the Gospel to the poor."
      "The poor" were the powerless, those with severe financial needs, those who suffered from poverty. But Jesus also was called to rescue people with spiritual poverty, whose needs were so great that they were like beggars.
      Today, this objective still is important for all followers of Jesus. We, too, should have compassion on the poor-those who don't have enough food or who struggle to pay their bills. Yet God also wants us to realize that the world is full of people who are spiritually poor and need to know about Jesus. We share the same responsibility to "preach the Good News to the poor."
      Right now, there are people all around you who are like spiritual beggars. Be obedient to God to share the truth of the Gospel with them. Give them the spiritual riches found in Christ. And pray for God to bless the efforts of Inspiration Ministries as we use media to bring the Gospel to the spiritually poor around the world.

Creation Calls -- are you listening? Music by Brian Doerksen

Selfless Service

"The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave." - Matthew 20:25-27 NASB

Mao Zedong stood before China's Politburo in what turned out to be his last appearance before this body (which ruled China's Communist Party). It was May 1975, and Mao was 82 years old. He was in failing health, weak from battling Lou Gehrig's disease. For all practical purposes, he was blind, and his words barely could be understood.

Before the Politburo, Mao admitted that mistakes had been made. Yet he remained committed to maintaining control, never officially appointing a successor.

This was part of a lifelong pattern. As a student in 1918, Mao wrote that "people like me only have a duty to ourselves: we have no duty to other people." Sadly, his self-centered attitude never changed, and he seemed unapologetic that he had caused the deaths of more than 70 million Chinese. As his death approached, he continued to plot against those he considered to be rivals.

Many people in business or politics are like Mao-dedicated to power and control, seeking to build a kingdom for themselves. In sharp contrast, Jesus taught that the key to greatness was being a slave. When His disciples argued about power, He instructed them to focus on serving.

These revolutionary principles should be our cornerstone. People in the world may act like Mao, determined to seek power and build their own kingdoms, wanting to control their own destiny. But Believers are to seek first God's Kingdom (Matthew 6:33), making Jesus our Lord and having the heart of a servant toward others.

Today, humble yourself before God. Make Jesus the Lord of every part of your life.

Selfless Service

"The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave." - Matthew 20:25-27 NASB

Mao Zedong stood before China's Politburo in what turned out to be his last appearance before this body (which ruled China's Communist Party). It was May 1975, and Mao was 82 years old. He was in failing health, weak from battling Lou Gehrig's disease. For all practical purposes, he was blind, and his words barely could be understood.

Before the Politburo, Mao admitted that mistakes had been made. Yet he remained committed to maintaining control, never officially appointing a successor.

This was part of a lifelong pattern. As a student in 1918, Mao wrote that "people like me only have a duty to ourselves: we have no duty to other people." Sadly, his self-centered attitude never changed, and he seemed unapologetic that he had caused the deaths of more than 70 million Chinese. As his death approached, he continued to plot against those he considered to be rivals.

Many people in business or politics are like Mao-dedicated to power and control, seeking to build a kingdom for themselves. In sharp contrast, Jesus taught that the key to greatness was being a slave. When His disciples argued about power, He instructed them to focus on serving.

These revolutionary principles should be our cornerstone. People in the world may act like Mao, determined to seek power and build their own kingdoms, wanting to control their own destiny. But Believers are to seek first God's Kingdom (Matthew 6:33), making Jesus our Lord and having the heart of a servant toward others.

Today, humble yourself before God. Make Jesus the Lord of every part of your life.

Watch and Be Ready

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." - Matthew 25:13 NKJV

Military historian John Keegan tells the story of Allied military psychiatrists in World War II. After studying the cases of thousands of soldiers, they learned "that the very first hours of combat disable ten per cent of a fighting force."

Facing battle was such an overwhelming experience that many were broken by the "intensification of the strains." Once the battle had begun, it was too late to prepare, and many panicked, gave up, or were unable to fight.

Preparation also is imperative for our spiritual lives. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells of ten virgins who "went out to meet the bridegroom." Five were wise and took "oil in their vessels with their lamps." Even though the bridegroom was delayed, they were ready for him.

But the other five were foolish, and had no oil for their lamps. So, when the bridegroom arrived, the door was shut, and they could not enter. When they asked the bridegroom to open the door, he said, "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you." They weren't ready.

Jesus told this story because He wants us to be ready for His return, now and always. We must remember that this world is passing away and that our focus should be on His Kingdom. We need to be ready to give a testimony, to pray for those with needs, and to commit our time and resources to God and His work.

Are you ready for Jesus to come back and take you home? Have you done everything He wants you to do? Is serving Him your top priority?

Don't delay, and don't wait. Don't leave anything undone that God has called you to do. Make sure that you have been faithful to fulfill His call on your life. Make sure that you are right with God...prepared to serve Him and ready for Jesus' return!

Why We Need the Spirit

"'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' And they said to him, 'No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.'...And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying." - Acts 19:2-6 NASB


These men from Ephesus considered themselves Believers, but something was missing from their lives: the Holy Spirit. In fact, they had never even heard about the Spirit. But Paul knew that the power of the Spirit was critical to living a victorious Christian life. He had learned to depend on the Spirit, and he wanted to make sure these Ephesians were also filled with the Spirit.
      Why is the Holy Spirit so important? The Bible tells us that He is our Comforter (John 14:16), guiding us into all truth (John 16:13). He provides God's anointing (Luke 4:18) and gives us the right words to say (Luke 12:12). He speaks to us and guides us (Acts 16:6). He helps us pray (Romans 8:26-27) and gives us righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17). The Spirit gives us power to perform signs and wonders (Romans 15:19). He searches our hearts and teaches us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).
      The Holy Spirit also seeks to maintain our unity (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). He gives us His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) and allows us to reap life everlasting (Galatians 6:8). He gives us the power to defeat our enemies (Ephesians 6:17) and tells us about things to come (1 Timothy 4:1).
      Jesus told the disciples that it was to their "advantage" that He went away. Why? Because then He would send the "Helper," the Holy Spirit (John 16:7).
      Many Christians don't realize that the Spirit isn't a mystical force or abstract concept. He is a Person, the dynamic presence of God Himself.
      Today, seek to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He is with you...to guide and lead you, to warn you, to teach you, to equip you, and to empower you.

DEAR ALL,

DEAR ALL,

A man's daughter had asked the parish priest to come and pray with her father. When the priest arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed. The priest assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit.

"I guess you were expecting me," he said."No, who are you?" said the father.The priest told him his name and then remarked, "I see the empty chair; I figured you knew I was going to show up.""Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?"Puzzled, the priest shut the door.

"I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. " But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head.

I abandoned any attempt at prayer, until one day about four years ago my best friend said to me, `Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest.' Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised; `I'll be with you always.' Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now."

So I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.

The priest was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the priest that her daddy had died that afternoon."Did he die in peace?" he asked.

"Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head in the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?"

The priest wiped a tear from his eye and said,"I wish we could all go like that."