Vessels of Mercy

"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15

The Bible seems to speak of forgiveness in at least two different ways. In an ultimate sense, forgiveness refers to God's eternal pardon of all our sins when we look to Christ as the only One who can make us right with God (John 5:14; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 1:7). No action on our part - I'm going to say that phrase again. "No action on our part" can make that happen. This is the mystery of grace - God's undeserved favor to sinful men (Ephesians 2:8-9). Theologians call this "justification." Fully forgiven, we enter into relationship with a holy God.

Another kind of forgiveness mentioned in the Bible is the ongoing cleansing we need in order to maintain daily intimacy with God (1John 1:9). It is this second kind of forgiveness that Jesus speaks of in the verses above. If we refuse to show mercy to those who have wronged us, we distance ourselves from God and will cease to experience and appreciate his wonderful love.

As you come to know God and receive mercy for daily wrongs, ask yourself, "Have I forgiven all those who have wronged me?" Remember, "Forgiveness begins at home."

Let us pray: Today, Lord remind me of the shocking way in which you cancelled my debt of sin, and let that undeserved mercy move me to treat others with similar mercy. Amen.

Stepping Over the Line

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37) The Bible calls us kings and priests (Rev. 1:6) and world overcomers (1 John 5:44). For many of us, those phrases are still becoming real in our lives. We’re still learning who we really are! If you’ll look in 1 Chronicles, Chapter 14, you’ll read that David had a similar problem. He’d been anointed king by the prophet Samuel when he was just a teenager. He’d known for years that someday he’d rule over Israel. Yet and still somehow, it hadn’t really sunk in. But look at what happens in verse 2: “And David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.” Ah-h! Finally, it dawned on him! David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king. I can just imagine David saying to himself, “I’m king. I’m actually king! I AM KING!” At that moment, being king ceased to be something David had only thought about. It became something he really was. He could actually see himself as king. What does that have to do with you and me? Much like David, you and I have been given a royal office. But it’d not until we believe it that we can exercise the power and authority that goes with that office. If you’re sick, you can yell, “By His stripes I’m healed,” 50 times a day. You can hope for healing. You can try to believe for healing till your hair turns gray or silver. But if you don’t see yourself as “the healed” instead of “the sick,” you won’t get any supernatural help. Yet once the realization hits you that you are, in fact, “the healed,” no one – not even the devil himself – will be able to keep you from getting well. Likewise, if you come into a marriage and cannot perceive yourself as “wife” or “husband,” – supernatural power and authority were given to you because God ordained marriage - you will not be able to stand when the world comes against the marriage. I challenge you to step over the line from trying to believe to actually knowing by dwelling in the Secret place of the most high (Psalm 91), and meditating on the Word until the reality of your royalty in Christ Jesus rises up in you! Scripture reading: Ephesians 1:3-23

Are You "Sin Stained" or "Blood Washed"?

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my Laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write; And their sins and iniquities will remember no more." (Hebrews 10:16-17) The Bible tells us that under Levitical Law, an animal had to be offered every year to "atone" for the sins of the people. That word "atone" means "to cover" and it's used continually throughout the Old Testament. But let me tell you something exciting!!! That word is never used in the New Testament. The Greek word used to describe what Jesus did for us on the Cross is different altogether. It is called "redemption." Redemption doesn't just mean to cover, it means to remit - to do away with altogether. Do you know what that means? It means there is no longer a sin problem? Jesus solved it! If you are saved, you made Jesus your Lord and Savior - the head of your life! When you made Him head of your life, He didn't just cover your sins, He put you into right standing with God the Father and recreated your Old Man (Old Spirit) by the Spirit of God - and made it as if sin had never existed. Many believers have never grasped this magnificent truth! You see, beloved, we have no problem believing that God is all powerful, all loving, and can do anything! The problem comes in our relationship with Him. What we have a problem believing is that God will use His power to save and bless us. We know we don't deserve it, so we can "God can, but God won't for me!" That's called being conscious of sin. It's also called being continuously under the domination of satan - rather than under the authority and Lordship of Jesus Christ. Now here's the question. Do you keep thinking of yourself as "sin stained" or "blood washed?" Well, you say, Pastor Wilson, "I'm just an old sinner saved by Grace." Well, I beg to differ with you - respectfully of course. I invite you to read the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17 "THEREFORE if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new." When the devil throws another guilt trip at you, quote the Word of God and say, "According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, I was an old sinner, but grace changed me into the righteousness of God. I am now His workmanship created in Christ Jesus. As far as I am concerned, my past life is forgotten. I died the death of the Cross. Now it is no longer I that lives, but Christ who lives in me." Now think about what you just said. Let it sink deep within your consciousness until you rise up boldly and receive the freedom that is rightfully yours in Christ Jesus! Until you are able to let this truth sink deep within your consciousness, you cannot be an effective witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ. You will shrink back every time you are challenged, and satan is satisfied with stopping your witness. His reasoning is that he may have lost you, but he can stop you from allowing God to use you to save and bring others into the Kingdom of God. I say to you, "Let Christ breathe on you anew and receive the boldness that only the Lamb of God can give to you." Hallelujah!!!

A Prayer of Protection from Psalm 91

Abba (Father), I praise You that I dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High and that I shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

 I will say of You, Lord, "The Lord is my refuge and my fortress, my God; on Him I shall lean and rely; and in Him I confidently put my trust."

For then You will deliver me from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.  You will cover me with Your pinions (feathers), and under Your wings shall I trust and find refuge.  Your truth and Your faithfulness are a shield and a buckler to me.

I shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked] that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

A thousand may fall at my side and ten thousand at my right hand, but it shall not come near me.  Only a spectator shall I be [inacessible in the secret place of the Most High] as I witness the reward of the wicked.

Because I have made You Lord, my refuge and the Most High my dwelling place, there shall no evil befall me; nor any plague or calamity come near my tent.  For You will give Your angels special charge over me; to accompany, defend and preserve me in all my ways of obedience and service.  Your angels shall bear me up on their hands, lest I dash my foot against a stone.

I shall tread upon the lion and the serpent shall I trample under my foot.  Because I have set my love upon You, therefore will You deliver me.  You will set me on high because I know and understand Your name.

I have a personal knowledge of Your mercy, love and kindness.  I trust and rely on You knowing You will never forsake me; no, never.  I shall call upon You and You will answer me.  You will be with me in trouble.  You will deliver me and honor me.  With long life will You satisfy me and show me Your salvation!

                                                                   [Interpretation taken from the  Amplified Bible]

Christmas' Basic Requirement

Scripture: "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Jesus saith unto him . . . Until seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22) Remember when . . .? That's a question we hear a lot this time of year - especially when we gather with family and friends. We browse through Christmases gone by enjoying the memories, until we inevitably stumble across the memories we would rather forget. Suddenly, the pain comes rushing back. The sting of a parent's criticism, the broken promise of a friend, the rejection, the disappointments, the heartaches, the betrayals . . . . What should we do with memories like that? Do we have to drag them along, like so much baggage, from year to year? As the years go by, they seem to get heavier and heavier. The answer is "no, we can leave them behind for good." In fact, we must leave them behind! And there's only one way to do it - through forgiveness. Forgiving someone sounds like a simple thing to do. Yet few of us actually do it. We treat forgiveness as if it were one of life's additional options, something we can take or leave alone. But its not. It's a basic requirement for every believer. In fact, as far as God is concerned, unforgiveness is wicked. In Matthew 18, Jesus tells us a parable that illustrates the terrible consequences of it. The parable involves a servant who owed his lord a debt equivalent to millions of dollars. When the debt came due, he pleaded with his master, "Lord have patience with me and I will pay thee all." His master was so moved that he cancelled the entire debt! Soon thereafter, that same servant sought out a man who owed him $15. Finding him unable to pay, he ignored the man's pleas for mercy and had him cast into prison. When his lord heard about what he had done, he was outraged! He called him a "wicked servant" and delivered him to the tormentors until he paid all that was due. Look again at the size of that unforgiven debt. Fifteen dollars! The man was not thrown into jail because of what he owed but because of the actions brought about by the unforgiveness he harbored in his heart. The little debts are the ones that most often trip us us. The petty resentments between husbands and wives, between brother and sister, between children and parents, between bosses and coworkers. Tiny bits of unforgiveness that seem too insignificant to bother with. BEWARE! Those are the kinds of debts Satan uses to torment you. After all, Jesus paid off a mountain of debts for you. You can afford to be generous about the nickel and dime debts of others. Spend time with the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to reveal the unforgiveness areas in you. (Yes, sometimes we know and sometimes we've forgotten the areas that need cleansing.) Whatever it is, repent and release it - really let go, which is your reasonable service. Make this Christmas more than a time to remember. Make it a time to forget. . . . Scripture reading: Matthew 18:21-35

Thanking God!

Gratitude builds a healthy relationship with God and is a safe haven where we can relax and recuperate from the tensions of everday life. Just as we need to hear positive things from God, He needs to hear positive things from us! Here are some suggestions. I hope you will add to them with thoughts of your own.... "Good Job while you walked amongst us here on earth! " "The Cross was a great idea!" "You are wonderful." "I don't feel complete without you." "I appreciate all the things you've done for me over the years." "Thank you for creating me." "Thank you for loving me." "You come first in my life before spouse, kids, career, friends, anything else." "Thank you for instructing me and teaching me in the way I should go." "Thank you for sustaining and rescuing me." "You're the best friend that I have." "If I had it to do all over again, I'd still come to you." "The smartest thing I ever did was turn to you." "I never have to miss you because you're always here." "I'm glad you're always on my mind." "It's nice to wake up with you." "I will always love you." "I trust you." "I can always count on you." "It's nice to go to sleep with you." "You make me feel confident." "I'm proud to be married to you." "You make me feel at peace." "I'm sorry when I make you sad." "I was wrong." "Tell me what is on your mind." "I want to listen to you." "You are so special." "I can no longer imagine life without you." "I wish I were a better child." "What can I do to help?" "Pray for me and I'll pray for you." "I cherish every moment we spend together." "Thank you for not giving up on me." "Thank you for accepting me just as I am." "Thank you for being my God." "Thank you for walking with me." "Thank you for strengthening me." "Thank you for upholding me with your righteous right hand." "Thank you for treating me justly and not forgetting me." "Thank you for making me your own." "You make every day worth living." by Rev. BrenGandy Wilson

Comments on Halloween

Festivals of Death? By Rod McNair What do Halloween, the Day of the Dead and All Souls Day have to do with Christianity? How should Christians view these days? Are they nothing more than occasions for festive celebration—or are they much, much more? Grotesque masks and costumes… terrifying images of movie monsters…sugar skulls and carved pumpkins…gravesite offerings for the dead. This year, millions of people around the world will observe Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls Day and the Day of the Dead. Will you? Most people today know that the modern Halloween festival has its roots in ancient traditions that pre-date Jesus Christ—yet they have no qualms about taking part in a day that draws heavily on morbid pre-Christian superstitions. Why is this? What should it mean to Christians today? What did ancient Halloween celebrations involve? “The two chief characteristics of ancient Hallowe’en were the lighting of bonfires and the belief that of all nights in the year this is the one during which ghosts and witches are most likely to wander abroad… Further, it was a Druidic belief that on the eve of this festival Saman, lord of death, called together the wicked souls that within the past twelve months had been condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals” (“Halloween,” Encyclopaedia Britannica., 11th ed., vol. 12, pp. 857–8). So how did professing Christians start following ancient Celtic practices? In 610ad, Pope Boniface IV established the Feast of All Holy Martyrs, held annually on May 13. In 835, Pope Gregory IV transferred the celebration to November 1, a date he designated as “All Saints Day” in honor of martyrs for their faith. What activities are associated with that day? Even today, in some Catholic countries, a popular folk tradition holds that people’s departed loved ones return to their former homes once a year, during this day, also known as the “Day of the Dead.” Mabuhay magazine described a colorful tradition of the Philippines, where families “troop to cemeteries to light candles and offer flowers… to departed relatives… on All Saints Day (November 1)” (“Halloween High Jinks,” November 1997, p. 34). The November 2 festival known as “All Souls Day” was established based on “the [Roman Catholic] doctrine that the souls of the faithful which at death have not been cleansed from venial sins, or have not atoned for past transgressions, cannot attain the Beatific Vision, and that they may be helped to do so by prayer and by the sacrifice of the mass” (“All Souls Day,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th ed. vol. 1, p. 709). This presumes a process by which those who are alive can perform ceremonies to somehow improve the condition of the deceased. In Mexico, “Dia de los Muertos,” or “Day of the Dead” is observed by adorning gravesites with candles, marigolds, and deceased family members’ favorite foods, as if to attempt to persuade the dead loved ones to return for a family reunion. Note this description of how some celebrants observe this festival: “Some wear wooden skull masks known as calacas. Many families build altars, called ofrendas, in their homes, using photos, candles, flowers, and food… Toys and food, including breads and candies, are created in the shape of symbols of death such as skulls and skeletons” (“Day of the Dead,” Encyclopaedia Britannica online). All these “festivals of the dead” are based on the same general theme—to commune with, appease, serve and even worship the dead. But are such practices based on the Bible? Should Christians observe them today? What does God say? Where Are the Dead Now? Many ancient religious traditions presume that the dead are somewhere other than in the grave. Many people assume that the departed dead are either in heaven, hell or some sort of intermediate conscious state. Yet the Bible clearly tells us where the dead are! Notice what the Apostle Peter said in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost: “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.… For David did not ascend into the heavens…” (Acts 2:29, 34). David did not go to heaven! The Apostle Peter, speaking centuries after David’s death, confirmed that David was still in his grave where he had been placed at death, and was still awaiting the resurrection! What a contrast Peter’s words are to the mistaken belief, so pervasive among professing Christians today, that the saints, right now, are looking down at us from heaven! Jesus Christ plainly explained, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven” (John 3:13). He indeed had come down from heaven, and did return to the throne of the Father in heaven (John 20:17). But, on His faithful testimony, no one else has done so! What, then, are the dead doing? The answer is neither mysterious nor spooky. The dead are simply “sleeping” in their graves, unconscious, waiting to be called to resurrection. What will happen when Christians are resurrected? The Apostle Paul explains: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–18). We can gain tremendous encouragement if we understand the truth about death, and resurrection, as taught in the Bible. We need not distress or confuse ourselves with the fearful superstitions fostered by the “festivals of death.” Can We Communicate With the Dead? If the dead are unconscious in the grave—not alert as disembodied spirits in heaven—can we communicate with them? On the “Day of the Dead” do deceased family members actually return to their living relatives, as some believe? What does the Bible say? Solomon explained: “For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). When righteous King David cried out to be saved from danger, he reminded God, “For in death there is no remembrance of You; in the grave who will give You thanks?” (Psalm 6:5). Solomon and David both understood that human beings cease from consciousness at death. The biblical account of King Saul’s séance sometimes confuses casual readers who wonder about spirits existing after death. At first glance, one might think that a medium had conjured up the spirit of Samuel, at King Saul’s request (1 Samuel 28:8–15). But did the medium really bring Samuel back? Scripture explains that Saul “perceived” it was Samuel (v. 14). The description was simply of “an old man… covered with a mantle”—apparently an unclean spirit appearing in a form much like Samuel’s. Scripture shows that lying spirits do go forth to deceive, as did this one seeking to deceive Saul (1 Kings 22:22–23). Yes, the Bible clearly shows that we cannot communicate with the dead. The dead are not aware of treats or offerings brought to their graves. They neither hear nor benefit from prayers made to them, or on their behalf. On the other hand, we do look forward to seeing our beloved friends and relatives in the resurrection! And it is certainly right to honor the memory of a deceased family member or friend at a funeral service, especially for the sake of the mourning relatives. We “honor the memory” of our deceased parents and grandparents not by leaving trinkets at their graves, or by hoping to welcome their spirits into our homes, but rather by following their edifying instruction and example, and by bringing honor to the good name they established while they lived. Just Good, Clean Fun? “I don’t believe in all that mumbo-jumbo,” some might say. “I just like to have fun on a festival day.” Is there, in fact, anything wrong with the Halloween customs we see in modern-day America? Could there be any problem with costume parties, scary stories and the gathering of tasty treats? Should we disapprove of plastic battery-operated “goblins” glaring down at passing shoppers in a department store? After all, nobody today takes all the “scary” stuff seriously, right? Perhaps that approach itself is part of the problem. The spirit world should be taken seriously. It is real, and it is dangerous to the unwary. Yet the dangers of the occult are often relegated to the status of a silly game, as if we could harmlessly play along if only we would “get into the spirit of it!” Certainly, millions try to do exactly that. Even home décor maven Martha Stewart offers advice on how to decorate your front lawn with flickering pumpkins to create a spooky environment for fun. She goes on to explain: “The excitement of All Hallow’s Eve is in the ether, the atmosphere charged by the sights and sounds and fears belonging to the night… What we’re after is to beat the holiday’s phosphorescent spirits at their own game, to dispel their threat using the same palette of darting amber and inky shadow they use to scare us” (Halloween: The Best of Martha Stewart Living, pp. 11–12). For those who are skilled with a carving knife, author Tom Nardone’s book, Extreme Pumpkins: Diabolical Do-It-Yourself Designs to Amuse Your Friends and Scare Your Neighbors, describes “designer pumpkins” you can create yourself. Nardone offers directions for creating designs such as: “Cannibal Pumpkin,” “My Head Is on Fire Pumpkin,” “Brain-Surgery Pumpkin,” “Electrocuted Pumpkin,” “Drowning-in-a-bag Pumpkin,” “Skull Pumpkin,” “Blood-filled Pumpkin,” and “Satanic Pumpkin.” These tips by Stewart and Nardone are all in jest and “tongue-in-cheek”—but should this be taken so lightly? God reveals that there is a real spirit being known as the Devil. This is not some bumbling fiend with a pitchfork; rather, the Devil is a powerful, hateful being who has deceived the whole world (Revelation 12:9), and who seduced and drew one-third of all the angels into rebellion against God (Revelation 12:4). Jesus Christ saw Lucifer cast down from heaven (Luke 10:18). The angry angels who followed Lucifer’s rebellion—who became demons—are described as foul spirits and unclean birds (Revelation 18:2). How does God tell us to regard Satan? He does not tell us to play silly, spooky games that mock interaction with the spirit world. He does not tell us to act out modern versions of ancient Druidic rituals. Rather, He says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7–8). God counsels us to be aware of the Devil’s schemes, so we can avoid his traps (2 Corinthians 2:11). Scripture reminds us that Christians are in a struggle against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). God’s Ways or Pagan Mischief? Halloween celebrates mischief. It is considered a time to “let all inhibitions loose” and “suspend all rules.” Author Hugo Slim reminds us, “Halloween still keeps many of the old pre-Christian games and rituals as part of its festivities. Games involving apples, dressing up and retribution are still enjoyed by children every Halloween” (Feast of Festivals, p. 176). He goes on to say, “The camouflage of fancy dress [costumes] and pumpkin lanterns also provided the perfect cover under which to get even with an enemy. Halloween therefore became an inevitable and acceptable time to settle old scores through the ancient custom of ‘trick or treat,’ a game which is extremely popular with many children today” (pp. 177–178). But does God approve of such festivities? The Apostle Peter explains that Christians should have given up lifestyles contrary to God’s way: “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3). Instead, we are to focus on whatever is “true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). The unclean and riotous roots of Halloween are not compatible with God’s instructions for Christians. Interestingly, some historians have suggested a link between ancient “Day of the Dead” practices and the destruction of Noah’s idolatrous and licentious generation. Noah’s Flood began in the “second month, the seventeenth day of the month” (Genesis 7:11). One year later, in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day, Noah exited the ark (Genesis 8:14–16). If we count the timing of Noah’s Flood according to the Jewish civil calendar, the seventeenth day of the second month would be somewhere from late October to early November. As author Frederick Filby has observed, “Thus the old world perished and a year later a new era commenced in the same month. Both of these facts are indelibly enshrined in the memory of the human race. To many people right round the world November brings the Day of the Dead. In a number of ancient and primitive calendars November also brings a New Year at a time which has neither solstice nor equinox nor astronomical event to justify it” (The Flood Reconsidered, pp. 106–107). Historian Alexander Hislop identified the voyage of Osiris as a corrupted version of God’s delivery of Noah, and places it at around the same time: “The time when Osiris was ‘shut up in his coffin,’ and when that coffin was set afloat on the waters, as stated by Plutarch, agrees exactly with the period when Noah entered the ark. That time was ‘the 17th day of the month Athyr, when the overflowing of the Nile had ceased, when the nights were growing long and the days decreasing’” (The Two Babylons, p. 136). However, if the timing of the Flood is counted according to the Jewish sacred calendar (which began in the spring), it would have occurred sometime in mid-to-late-May, near the date originally chosen for the “Feast of All Holy Martyrs.” As John Garnier wrote in Worship of the Dead, “In Rome… in more ancient times, the ‘festival of the spirits,’ believed to be the souls of deceased friends, was called ‘Lemuria,’ and was held on May 11. This also was the seventeenth day of the second month of the year at that time” (p. 6). Do “Day of the Dead” observances go back into antiquity further than we might assume—perhaps even to the destruction of a riotous and violent civilization? At the very least, there seems to be a tantalizing parallel, and perhaps there is even an outright connection. Reject Pagan Traditions When God was preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, He gave them specific and forceful instructions that they should not try to honor Him by practicing the “traditions” of the nations around them. They were not to absorb the observances of the Gentiles. They were to reject such practices, and instead faithfully follow God’s commands and instructions. Moses instructed the Israelites: “When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way” (Deuteronomy 12:29–31). God is calling Christians today to obey and worship Him in the way that He has chosen, not by following man-made false traditions. If Jesus Christ has called you to Himself, to understand His Truth, He is calling you out of the world. In the last hours of His life, Christ prayed that His disciples would not be of the world, even though they live in the world: “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:15–16). May God grant you the understanding and discernment to come out of the world, wholly follow Him, and reject the festivals of death!