Trained to Handle God's Word

 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” - 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV).

 “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth” - 2 Timothy 2:15 (Amplified).

If Paul is encouraging Timothy to correctly handle the word of truth, then there must be incorrect ways to handle it as well. In fact, Paul mentions one wrong approach in verse 14 where he tells Timothy to warn believers against quarreling over words.

Sadly, many American believers are not even equipped with a “basic training” level when it comes to observing, interpreting and applying the word of truth. Few are genuinely familiar with Scripture. Instead, they settle to be spoon fed by leaders they follow. Rarely is there an emphasis on training disciples how to encounter God through the Word for themselves? Who wants to take the time to do that! It’s much easier to let someone else tell us what to believe, why, and how to apply it.

Of course, we have our favorite verses and our pet doctrines. We may even be quite skilled out spouting out verses that support our positions and refute “the opposition” (usually other denominations within His body). It doesn’t matter how these verses fit within their original context or the whole counsel of God. We just use them to argue against those “false teachers” we are convinced “do the devil’s works” and lead people astray. (Funny, that’s what Jesus was accused of doing in His day)!

The word of truth was never meant to be a weapon against other believers. It is only meant as a weapon against demonic forces – those powers that would have us believe and live contrary to God’s revealed truth. The Word must always be coupled with the Spirit which operates from pure motives and sincere love. It then confronts the true enemy of God’s people. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if we spent more time “battling in the heavenlies” instead of arguing or knit-picking with each other!

“But what about deception,” you might ask, “isn’t there a place to speak up”? Oh, absolutely. Bringing correction and even rebuking has its place, but it also has its methods, motivations and discernments!  We must have confidence that, although we are warned about many false teacher, false prophets, false shepherds, etc., God is extremely capable of keeping His own. Those who genuinely want to know truth will find it because they are seeking HIM with all their hearts! Therefore, when we do speak, let it be God ordained and backed with His power!

For believers, God’s word is a surgical instrument – piercing and cutting away “the flesh” that is yet to be submitted to His Lordship. It is a lamp, guiding us into his truth. It is a beacon, calling us into times of fellowship where we can learn of Him when our hearts are truly open to know Him more.

In closing, keep in mind that even the demonic realm is aware of God’s word. Satan is seen misquoting and twisting Scripture. Furthermore, the religious leaders in Jesus’ day “searched the Scriptures” but missed the Savior whom those very Scriptures discussed. It is my hopes that as disciples, we will begin to hunger for the word of God like never before in my generation.

I pray we will get trained to accurately handle the word of truth. I hope that we will grow from dependence on church leadership and learn to feed from God directly. May our leaders train us how to discover God through His Word, may it become foundational within our churches. 

NOTE: Coaching and training services offered through The Soul Care Center can help you grow in your ability to encounter God through Scripture study, prayer, journaling, service, etc. Our passion is to equip the Body of Christ!

Knowing Who You Are In Christ

Bold, Powerful “I Am” Statements from the Word of God

1. I am wonderfully and fearfully made by a Holy God. (Ps. 139:14; Is. 17:7)

2. I am God’s workmanship – His masterpiece. (Eph. 2:10)

3. I am made in the image of God Himself – Christ, the hope of glory, dwells in me. (Gen. 1:26; Gen. 9:6; Col. 1:27)

4. I am thoroughly and completely forgiven. I stand clean and innocent before my God. (Acts 10:42-43; 1 John 1:9; Is 43:25-26; Ps. 103:12)

5. I am redeemed by God – called by name (Eph. 1:5-8; Is. 43:1)

6. I am a new creation - the old life is gone! I am being renewed and becoming like my creator. (2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 3:10)

7. I am greatly loved by God. I am His child. (1 John 3:1-2; Rom. 8:14-15)

8. I am an heir of God and co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17; Gal. 3:29)

9. I am one of God’s people, a member of His family. (Eph. 2:19-20;       Eph. 3:15)

10. I am blessed in the heavenly realm with every spiritual blessing. I am chosen to be part of a royal priesthood, a holy nation set apart for God.     (1 Peter 2:9; Rev. 5:10; Eph. 1:3-4)

11. I am God’s - I belong to Him. I am committed to do good works (Rom. 1:6; Titus 2:11-14

12. I am His treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5-6; 2 Cor. 4:7)

13. I am chosen by God and sealed by His Spirit. (Eph. 1:11-14; 2 Thes. 2:13-14)

14. I am the apple of His eye – He delights in me! (Ps. 17:8; Deut. 32:10)

15. I am precious to God. I am being built into a spiritual house. (1 Peter 2:4-5; 2 Cor. 5:12)

16. I am a temple of the living God. (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16)

17. I am a participant of the divine nature – God lives in me. (2 Peter 1:3-4; 1 John 4:12)

18. I am full and complete - lacking nothing. (Col. 2:9-10; 2 Peter 1:3)

19. I am the righteousness of God. I am His ambassador. (2 Cor. 5:18-21; Heb. 11:7)

20. I am free. (Jn. 8:36; Gal. 5:1; Rom. 8:2)

21. I am healed, whole and sound. (1 Pet. 2:24; Mk. 10:52; Act 3:16)

22. I am more than a conqueror. I am led forth in victory. (Rom. 8:37; 1 Cor. 15:57)

23. I am a trained soldier, a warrior for Christ. (2 Tim. 2:3-4; 1 Cor. 9:7; Ps. 18:32-42)

24. I am the fragrance of Christ. (2 Cor. 2:14-15)

25. I am a member of His body. I am wanted and I am significant. (1 Cor. 12:27; Rom. 12:4-5)

26. I am a citizen of God’s Kingdom. (Heb. 12:28; Phil. 3:20)

27. I am sent by God. (Jn. 20:20-23; Rom. 10:15; Mt. 29:16-19)

28. I am light in the darkness. (Mt. 5:13-16; Eph. 5:8)

29. I am a friend of God, chosen by Him and appointed to bear good fruit that lasts. (Jn. 15:15-16)

30. I am His radiant bride. I am without spot or wrinkle. (Eph. 5:25-32;        2 Cor. 11:2)

Stop Selling Sex to My Children

Parents, what are we doing? Why do we sit back and silently watch our kids be bombarded with unhealthy images of sexuality? No place is safe.

It comes through the television, the internet and the movies. We couldn’t even take our kids to see “Courageous” without exposing them to previews with explicit sexual content.

Drive down the road and, unless you blindfold your children, they will encounter billboards and signs emphasizing sexuality. Whether in pictures or in words, advertisers try to persuade us (and our children) that we should covet a sexy appearance.

But perhaps the most irritating location for all this demonic garbage is the grocery checkout line!

This mom happens to have two daughters and a son. Now there is already a lot being said about young girls and body image. Girls flaunt their sexuality at a much younger age. Our culture sells them on the idea that their value depends on how much a man wants them. There is something very wrong with this picture.

Why would we ever want to encourage our daughter to “take pride” in being a sexual prize? Decades ago women with this type of focus would have received at least a measure of scorn and disapproval. Today, it’s not only acceptable, it’s glorified.

As a result, I have spent many a night telling my girls how important it is to remain modest in dress and appearance. I am all for a fit body and a desire to look nice. However, when it crosses the line of flaunting sexuality, it’s time to speak up.

Surprisingly, however, I am equally disgusted by the impact this exposure has on my son. When he was as young as five he would point at magazine covers and say it was wrong for the woman to be so – well, undressed.

Now that he is older, I worry about him glancing over and reading some of the article titles that cover a wide array of sexual content.

Perhaps the issue really hit home when he came to me stating his new favorite bible verse was  Ps 119:9 “How can a young man keep his way pure”. This boy is only eight. But the truth is, our whole culture is dead-set against our men keeping their way pure. We set them up for failure, and generations suffer the consequences.

As parents, we must take an active stand against the pollution that seeks to harm and ultimately destroy our children.

We may not be able to change industry trends, at least not overnight. But there are practical steps each one of us can take to begin to turn the tide against the promotion of impurity and immorality. Parents please, step up and do all you can to protect your children. We cannot afford to remain passive.

The Kids Are Gone - It's Time to Get Stuff Done!

I have this love/hate relationship with writing blogs. I truly enjoy writing, at least when it flows without much effort. But putting an expectation that I write on a regular basis – well, that just feels like plain work!

You see, as a mom, I have a very narrow window of time to sit down and put my thoughts “on paper”. Needless to say, the moment the kids are gone the first thing I find myself asking is “what do I need to do” or “what should I get done”? It is usually then that I tell myself to write. Talk about pressure.

Today, the Lord challenged me. He asked me what made me think that I was supposed to “do” anything. Maybe all He wanted was for me to sit still for a few moments and be with Him: undistracted; un-hurried; with no agenda but to love Him.

Well, wouldn’t you know that within moments my phone went off? Seems a dear sister was having a similar struggle. She wasn’t sure she could just be still. (Don’t you love confirmation?)

We often forget that our first ministry is TO Him. This is not to be confused with ministry FOR Him. God hungers for relationship with you. He doesn’t seek you so you will do stuff for Him. He seeks you so you will experience His love and pour it back to Him in humble adoration.

He longs to know you as you share your heart. He longs for you to know His.

How easy it is to get caught up in a flurry of activity? Yet if we have surrendered our lives to Him, this also means He gets to set the priority of how we spend our time.

This is not to say that there is never a time to “do” for the Lord, for our families, etc.

 But Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom”! This only happens when we set our hearts on a pilgrimage to meet with God.

Before you fill your schedule with “to do” lists; goals; and activities – determine if you are really surrendered to God’s will. Is it okay if He calls you to “be still” and just sit with Him instead?

His delight is already in you – you don’t need to perform. You don’t need to be anxious about what does or doesn’t get done.

You simply need to be with Him, and then walk in obedience. He is a capable leader!

One action that originates from abiding in His will is worth more than a million actions done from your own effort!

Satan's Secret Fear - Part Three

In the previous two blogs we discovered that Satan trembles when a believer has an undivided heart and radically pursues the Kingdom of God. We also examined how unity in the family creates an atmosphere where God’s Kingdom invades the earthly realm. Satan will stop at nothing to bring division in our own hearts and in our homes.

It stands to reason that he will also seek to tear down relationships built among the larger body of Christ. Just as he exploits areas of emotional and relational immaturity in a family, Satan will use the same tactics upon the Church at large. As we seek to move and mature in faith and love - Satan will seek to sow discord, strife, fear, and ultimately division.

He absolutely fears our unity. The book of Acts gives insight into the power of unity against the enemy. The Holy Spirit was poured out in power upon the united Body. There were healings, deliverances, and not one among the fellowship had unmet need.  They were recognized as Christ’s disciples by their love for one another... and the LORD added daily to their number.

While Church growth programs today focus on “adding to our number,” perhaps it would be better to focus on unity birthed by love. Maybe when we get that right the Lord will add daily to our number.

Yet this writer clearly recognizes unity is no easy task, especially in our American culture. It does not take much effort on Satan’s part to bring division and discord. Ours is a culture that idolizes independence; that emphasizes “rights” and being right; that disconnects when offended.

It takes commitment, faith, emotional health and relational skills to walk in the pure love that produces unity.

While we may join together in a ministry related task – it is rare that we work to form solid relationships that can withstand the testing of time and tribulation.

 I can’t help but wonder if maybe the early Church knew something we have long since lost. The simplicity of their fellowship – daily times of supping together, meeting for teaching, and most of all – prayer...could that have prepared their hearts for the unity that followed? Is that what brought them into “one accord” with one heart and mind – sharing the good news that Christ is alive and His Kingdom come?

Did those extended times of contact pave the way for an intimacy of hearts, solidarity in relationship, a security in knowing a whole community was committed to you? Will that not be how it is upon His return? He will rule and lead – we will follow as one.

Imagine, one army, standing united against the schemes and attacks of our foe.

Imagine, one army, moving together in love to enforce the victory of Calvary within our homes and communities.

Imagine, one army, serving our One Lord with joy, faith, love – unity!

Perhaps HE is waiting on us to “assemble” before He returns – just a thought!

Our enemy already knows the power, the blessing that will come when we mature to this level of Christ-like character. I am convinced our unity will be the sign of Satan’s imminent departure from the realm of earth.

Let us make it our goal to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to become the ONE that displays the full glory of our King.

Satan's Greatest Fear - Part Two

Satan greatly fears unity within the individual Believer, the family and the larger body of Christ. In the previous blog we examined his efforts to sow division in the heart of a believer. A double-minded, uncommitted believer is no threat to the demonic forces that shadow our land.

There can be little doubt that he also sows division and discord within the family unit. Keep in mind that the family was God’s first “institution” designed to occupy the land and spread His Kingdom on earth. It is here where we learn intimacy, unconditional love, acceptance, selflessness, and even boundaries. It is within the family setting that Believers are stretched to consistently display the full array of the love of Christ to its members. It is here where each member lives “naked” before others.

So how does the enemy worm his way into Christian homes in efforts to prevent unity?

One tactic is to exploit emotional immaturity. Emotional health is not emphasized in our culture – including the church. It takes conscious effort to be aware of what we are feeling and “why”. Self-awareness is not given value or priority. Therefore, many of us grow up building a major wall of self-protection. We desperately try to “keep out” anything and anyone that hurts us.

However, it is impossible to live in a family and not get wounded. It’s what we do with these hurts that matters the most. In an emotionally healthy marriage, such wounds can open the door to greater intimacy. But when one or both spouses lack emotional maturity, the door to isolation and division is opened.

Unforgiveness, resentment, distrust, bitterness, fear, discouragement, and indifference begin to set the tone for the environment. Such families strive to remain “functional” in appearance, while lacking the health needed to support true unity. The full measure of Godly love is neither experienced nor given. We live far below God’s intent.

Satan will also take advantage of our lack of relationship building skills. We are a culture that: fights to be heard, yet rarely listens; blames quickly, yet rarely takes personal responsibility; values our rights above our relationships; and, simply does not know how to enter another’s world without selfish intent. We look to others to fill our needs, find our security, and provide us with a sense of identity and worth.

Adding to the hurt and isolation is the fact that many families live at such a fast pace that deep, meaningful interactions rarely takes place. We live in the same house more or less as strangers.  At best we make small talk over trivial matters – trying to fix or connect on some minor issue. Relationships don’t go to a level of deep intimacy because we lack the commitment and skills need to really connect with another’s heart.

Satan deceives us into accepting this level of loneliness and disconnect as normal. While it is true that only Christ can meet all our needs, He has designed the family unit to provide intimacy and serve as the example of His desire for intimate fellowship with His creation.

In a family – each believer is confronted with his or her own inadequacy to live up to the standard of Christ. They are also exposed to glimpses of the fallen nature that still influence their spouse and children. What we do when faced with these realities will determine the success of satan’s tactics to divide.

Join us for part three to discover how satan stirs division among the larger Body of Christ.

Satan's Secret Fear - Part One

Satan, the enemy of our souls, has a horrible weak spot. Not since the book of Acts, has the Church effectively used this powerful weapon in efforts to wage war against our nemesis. In fact, it is such a powerful weapon that Satan has done, and continues to do, all within his power to stop it from being activated.

So what is this weapon of mass destruction against demonic powers and principalities? It is unity - the state of wholeness or oneness.

How does Satan thwart the body of Christ from moving in unity? He attacks and deceives in three key areas: the individual; the family; and the fellowship.

First, he attacks the individual believer. He convinces us there is nothing wrong with being divided in our own heart.  Half hearted Christianity is evidenced by the pursuit of worldly pleasure, comfort, status, approval, etc.  above “seeking first the Kingdom”.  Revelations refers to this as a “lukewarm” relationship with Christ.  

We are deceived into building our lives on an impure mixture of God’s Kingdom and the fallen world’s systems.   The goal is to control what “faith” will cost us personally. This is extremely dangerous territory for a Believer.

In his craftiness, Satan blinds us from grasping the severity of the exchange when we accepted Christ’s sacrifice. We are to be dead to self serving existence (which only leads to sin) and we are to be fully alive to Christ alone. This means that God is the center and leader of 100% of our life. It belongs to Him to be used for the purpose of His Kingdom. While He is good and worthy of that level of allegiance – few want to go there.

When we recognize that our identity, security and significance come only from our relationship with the King - our eyes become open to the division within our own heart and mind. In response to this revelation, we are invited to consistently choose to surrender our will and follow Him. “Cost” is no longer an issue – because the value of His presence and our faith far outweigh any level of personal sacrifice.

Not many who proclaim to be Believers are viable threats to the demonic forces that permeate our world.  It is only those who are endowed with an undivided heart and an unwavering commitment to the King. Because he or she dwells so completely in union with Christ – it is as if God Himself is visible to the world through that Believer.  No wonder Satan will do all he can to distract, distort and deceive us away from a pervasive intimacy with Christ.

A committed, undivided heart for God – do you have one? It will be reflected by what you pursue: what you do with your time; money and resources; how you invest in others, etc. 

If you know you are not as committed as you need to be, tell Him – be honest. Invite Him to form such a heart and mind within you – after all, such things really are His work; we simply yield to Him in the process.

But understand this – should you choose to really follow Him – you are waging war on the enemy. You will be a target because you will be a threat. 

Stop back Wednesday to learn how Satan attacks and neutralizes our effectiveness by bringing division to the family.