“Exalted!!”
Blessings Folk!!
Allow me to share something that I observe increasing within the Body of Christ.
This is nothing new.
It is a “natural tendency”...a fruit of the flesh.
It is considered to be “normal”.
I believe it is detrimental to the true gospel of Christ.
I also believe that God continues to work in might and power in the midst of such.
What is “it”?
Man exalting himself.
I see it all the time.
Saw it last week in south Florida...a local church...I did some things with them through the years...big, “hip-hop-happen’n now” place...outside is a giant...some 15-20 feet tall… slick photo/banner exalting “the pastor.”
Today, I encountered locally the same…”So-n-so did it again last night”...then on goes the praise of the individual...and the great things done at a gathering.
Now, hear me carefully.
We are to encourage one another.
We are to exhort one another.
We are to give thanks for one another.
We are to honor one another.
Yet, so much of what is associated with “church”...especially those portions that receive so much attention...centers around a personality. Yes, they will refer to God. Often preach/teach truths, but so often there is an undercurrent of self-exaltation.
Hear what the Word of the Lord says…
Matt 23:10-12
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
KJV
Jesus said this...in the midst of a amazing dressing down of the religious rulers. “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees.” Take time to read the entire chapter.
This occurs often. Folk take on the name/title of “evangelist”, “pastor”, “pastor/teacher”, “bishop”, etc. etc.
2 Cor 11:17-20
17 What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.
18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also.
19 For you, being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly.
20 For you tolerate it if anyone enslaves you, anyone devours you, anyone takes advantage of you, anyone exalts himself, anyone hits you in the face.
NASU
So many portions not only tolerate the foolishness of exaltation that enslaves, devours and takes advantage, they seek it. They think it is the norm. They have someone to point to and admire.
They forget the Word of the Lord!
Ps 99:5
5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
KJV
Ps 99:9
9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.
KJV
Ps 107:32
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
KJV
We are to do two things.
- Exalt the Lord
- Humble ourselves
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
KJV
Let us humble ourselves.
Let us quit exalting ourselves, our programs, our “leaders”.
Let us exalt the Lord alone!!
He will exalt in the proper manner in due time.
Blessings!!
Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consist of pp. 625-631.
Pray especially for…
- Shelley’s family
- Diane
- Bethenia
- those on Prayerlist
If you are Twittering…you can find me here…
http://www.twitter.com/dalealanmoore
Twitter Prayerline is here…
http://www.twitter.com/prayerline
“You - The Extremist”
Blessings Folk!!
Since our last time together it has become official.
Most of us who read this are now officially “classified” as “extremists” (what a ridiculous word).
The federal government has officially declared that if one opposes abortion then close scrutiny is required.
You are dangerous.
Read if for yourself…
http://www.dalemoore.tv/page10/page10.html
As has been warned previously...we are to expect these types of things to occur...to increase.
Jesus told us so.
John 15:18-25
18 "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.
19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
20 "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
21 "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.
22 "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
23 "He who hates Me hates My Father also.
24 "If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well.
25 "But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, 'THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.'
NASU
Jesus warned that the world would hate us as it hated Him.
How do we handle this?
I believe that two important points are presented in the verses before and after the above…
John 15:17
17 "This I command you, that you love one another.
NASU
We are to love one another. The Body of Christ must function in love.
John 15:26-27
26 "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,
27 and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
NASU
The Lord has sent the Helper - the Holy Spirit.
We, as true believers, are empowered by the Most High God. The Holy Spirit reigns within us. Thereby, we love one another and we stand firm in the love of the Lord as the world attacks.
Any other way will fail.
In what do you trust?
In what strength do you stand?
Today’s reading from the “So That’s Why” Bible consists of pp 615-619. Press on!!
Pray especially for Bethenia…
Also, we are near completion of the recording project...have uploaded the “final” mix...changed name of praise group to “Victory Park” 
...check out all the songs here…
http://www.myspace.com/victoryparkmusic
Real CDs will be available in a few weeks…
Blessings!!