December 12
Amos 7:1-9:15 | PS 131:1-3 | Prov 29:23 | Rev 3:7-22
Oswald Chambers said in reference to Matthew 16:24, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.", "We hinder our spiritual growth more than any other way by continually asserting our own individuality. God wants to bring you into union with Himself, but unless you are willing to give up your right to yourself, He cannot. "...let him deny himself...". Then the real life-the spiritual life-is allowed the opportunity to grow." Consider Jesus' words, and consider just how far we are in terms of rearing others for this life. Everything, and I mean everything, in this world is to elevate the individual. We train children to stand out from others, not because of their relationship with God, but due to their own accomplishments: academically, athletically, musically, etc. Then once they have achieved what they are trained in, having excelled, we teach them false humility. People know that bragging is frowned upon, so they know that they are good, want others to notice, but are told to hide it. The whole thing is a bit odd when we step back and think about it. Do we serve ourselves or do we serve Him? Do we want recognition, or do we want to reflect Jesus, and have Him recognized? Do we want others to praise us, or praise Him? This is why being "born-again", going through a "conversion experience", is so important. We all have to remove so much of what has been stuffed into us, if we are going to allow Him to move through us.
In Revelation 2-3, Jesus has words for seven literal churches, which also represent prophetically seven movements or ages through church history, and also have direct, personal application. Most of these churches have some commendations and some criticisms, two have only commendations (Smyrna and Philadelphia), and one has only criticism. We read His words to the criticized church, the church at Laodicea, in Revelation 3:15-17, "“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— ". Isn't this the picture of today? Everyone can congratulate one another, as we live in perhaps the most prosperous nation of all time. We have every modern convenience. Even the poorest in our nation really are not lacking. We have accomplished total self-fulfillment, and in the process have completely lost God and worse than that really see no need for Him. Despite this rebuke, Jesus offers the solution in 3:18-20, "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
We read in Proverbs 29:23, "A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor." Are we open? Are we willing to rid ourselves of years of indoctrination and comfort? For God is calling us to so much more than this world has to offer. He will not force Himself on us. He stands at the door and knocks. Will we empty ourselves of self and let Him into our lives? He is both willing and able to help us rid us of these things. But this will take fresh eyes and fresh ears. Please open that door today, if you have not done so already. If you have placed your children on the wrong hamster wheel, take them off and set them in the direction of that narrow road which leads to heaven.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: