Category: Faith Fix

Expose Darkness (ATP)

“Ephesians 5:8-14 speaks of walking in the light and finding out what is acceptable to God. It talks about having no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness but to expose them.  What exactly are unfruitful works of darkness? And if as it says in Ephesians 5:12, it’s shameful to even speak of them how do we expose them?”

It’s always good to read all scripture in context as much as we know how. Ephesians 5 is direction for us to live as “imitators of God.” Firstly, we are told to love like God, then to be pure and moral like God, and to keep our talk pure and fitting of saints, as to give thanks in our words and actions to the Lord. Particularly in this context, the correction for the Ephesian church was to make sure they weren’t following in the common practices of the culture, mainly perverse sexual sins. Ephesians were addicted to luxury and sexual vice. For example, a common practice was to use prostitutes as a form of worship to the goddess Artemis in a very elaborate temple there in Ephesus. As we read Ephesians 5 with this understanding, it makes a lot more sense.

Look at Ephesians 5:5, “For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” No idolator, meaning no worshiper of false gods is going to be saved. Ephesians 5:6-7, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.” Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus warning them of the dangers of falling on line with the culture of where they lived. That temple, once a wonder of the world, was invaded and destroyed roughly 200 years after these scriptures were written, never to be rebuilt.

Now all of that to get to this, the scriptures you inquired about, Ephesians 5:8-12, which read, “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.” Paul was saying, under unction of the Lord, you have been made different than those who surround you! You are of the light now, so walk in light, not in darkness. When the word says, it’s shameful to even speak of these deeds, it’s really expressing the filthiness and obscenity that was going on. It’s not even fitting for a Christian to discuss things so vulgar. That’s how awful these practices were.

To expose really could be said that, by conviction, we bring to light the deeds of darkness. Just a couple years after Ephesians was written, Paul penned this to Timothy, a pastor in Ephesus: 2 Timothy 4:2, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” The way to expose the deeds of darkness is through preaching the truth, in the midst of the darkness. The Word of God is what brings conviction. It is what exposes evil. It’s what keeps the light on in a dark place. Ephesians 5:13-14, “But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”

When we read the Bible, we have to understand that it was written in very different times of very different customs than we live today. It was also written to specific people and people groups. But, what’s important for us is to pull the principles from the scripture that the Lord had for us to understand. We likewise live in a dark time, with many perverse customs around us, and much temptation to be deceived and lured into things unfitting for those who’ve been washed by the blood of Christ. I love Romans 6:1-2 (NKJV), “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” We’ve been made clean, saved by grace, but for good works! As we see things going on around us that we know aren’t right, we need to preach truth. We need to live in line with truth. As we see in the Word, we’re the salt of the earth and the light of this world. If we lose our flavor, or hide our light under a basket, all hope is lost for this lost and dying world. (Matthew 5:13-14) Let’s stay bright and salty church!

Be Blessed,

Pastor Renée

Selected, Connected, Directed

Matthew 6:13 (NASB)

‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]

1 Thessalonians 5:25 (NASB)

Brethren, pray for us.

Todays Faith Fix is sponsored by the Holy Ghost in conjunction with the Father and also the Son. Folks, the time is short! What time am I talking about? The opportune time. Ephesians 5:15 exhorts us to make the most of the time because the days are evil, meaning that time can be against us if we are not careful. Distraction is a ploy of the devil to keep us from accomplishing what God has for us. Until the time of this writing, I never saw the connection in the above scriptures.

In fact, I never truly realized just how much the apostle Paul sought the church to pray for him. As I awoke this morning with these things on my heart I was astounded at the connections the Lord made for me and ultimately for you.

Leading us not into temptation was always a concept that confused me until God showed me some things that literally blew my mind. Why would I need to pray to God for such a thing? Is He tempted to lead me wrong if I don’t ask Him not to? Certainly not! We have to remember that we find the fullness of direction in the abundance of scripture. It can be a dangerous thing to cherry pick scriptures because we like the way they sound without balancing them with others. When you do that, and many people do, you can literally make the Bible say anything you want. Ever wonder why there are so many ideas about the same Book?

Consider for a moment a few scriptures. 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” Also, Hebrews 13:7, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Scripture is clear that God chooses over and over to use mankind to do His work. Though God leads us by His Holy Spirit, His method of doing so is often through another man or woman. This is true throughout the whole of scripture. We simply cannot be fully in God’s plan apart from the connections we have in the local church! When we pray to not be led into temptation or you could say trial or adversity, God is not talking about by His Spirit but by our leaders. This of course could be by governmental leaders but also by our spiritual ones, our pastors and the other ministry gifts.

I want to share another important scripture in this vein. 2 Corinthians 1:11 says, “You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.” Let’s break this down a bit. Paul was seeing great trial here, to the point of wanting to die. As a leader of  two churches for several years now, I have experienced this many times. There are times when the heat is really turned up and I have felt like I could have written these scriptures myself. This idea of thanks being given for the gift is speaking about people rejoicing because of the preaching of the Word that changes lives and the leading of God’s spirit through these ministers. Yes, Paul coveted the prayer support of people and even though my ministry is not nearly as far reaching as his, I covet these prayers also. Did you know that effective ministry is impossible without it? Jesus said to pray for leaders, Paul and Peter said to pray for leaders, and I’m telling you we need to pray!

It’s easy to complain about what we don’t like, especially when it comes from another human. I remember feeling just this way when God corrected me. I was mad about something my spiritual leadership was doing that I didn’t agree with. In my spirit I heard, “Instead of complaining about them you could pray for them!” It wasn’t a gentle nudge either! Did you know that each of us will be held accountable for whether we pray for them? Yes, the Bible warns about not becoming a teacher of people flippantly but to do so with great care because there is harsher judgement. That doesn’t mean however, that those being led will not be judged. We are all stewards of the gifts we are given, we will all answer for them!

So what should we pray? Ephesians 6:19 says, “and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness (one translation reads fearlessly) the mystery of the gospel.” Also Acts 4:29-30 says, “And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”  We need to pray that we be led into the place of exactly what God wants to see His church doing recognizing that He is going to do it through people. We also need to pray that we and our leaders are delivered from wicked and unreasonable men (2 Thessalonians 3:2).

I urge you, if you do not pray for your leaders, now is a great time to start. When we realize the need for leadership, and even more so good leadership, we should then recognize the need to uphold them in prayer. If our leaders do it wrong it’s as much our fault as it is theirs. Brothers and sisters I urge you a second time, pray for those God has connected you to. Help to fulfill His work through the hands and the mouths of the people God has placed in your life. Be delivered by the power and faithfulness of prayer!

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NASB)

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Jeff

I’m So Weak 😭 (ATP)

In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul speaks about God’s grace being sufficient enough. Sometimes I get confused when I read the Scriptures that say “I will boast of my weaknesses”. If you are in a Bible teaching church you are taught to be positive and speak positive, so why would you boast about your weaknesses?

The key to living like a Christian really comes down to one scripture, Mark 11:22, “And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.” The scripture in question is really another way of saying the same thing.

In context, Paul is talking about opposition He was dealing with, a thorn in the flesh. Now I have heard many debates of what Paul was dealing with specifically, but I think all that is a distraction from what the Word is trying to get us to see. Paul was a man of faith. He lived faith, he taught faith, and he sought faith. He quoted scripture many times saying, “The just shall live by faith.” Paul certainly was not living outside of his faith and we see this here.

The very fact that scripture tells us that he sought the Lord three times gives us this knowledge. Paul knew what it was to diligently seek God in faith and that’s what he was doing here. As he did, he got his answer and his answer should be our answer. We all may not specifically hear the voice of God for every situation, God also expects us to know His word.

God said, my grace is sufficient for you. This needs to be our focus, so let’s look at it. God’s grace is basically His ability that He places on us when we are not able to do something. That last part is important. God will not empower self sufficiency. If you are able to fix a situation but you don’t, don’t expect a miracle to overcome it. I have many examples of this in my own life.

Whether it was smoking or weight loss or a myriad of other things, FOR ME, God has made me crucify my own flesh as I seek change. I have known others whom God has just removed the trial. For some He will, some He won’t and His reasons generally have to do with many factors, not the least of which is how He desires to use each one. Many things in my life God has not just taken them away though I pleaded for Him to. Why, you may ask? God knows me, He knows you, and He knew Paul. He knows what we can overcome and what we can’t. Sometimes God’s knowing exceeds our knowing and in those times He says, my grace is sufficient. In other words, you will have to press through this because the end of this will result in empowerment. If you are going to do anything for God, you will need to be empowered!

See, we are a mix of a few things working together and that is by design. God has gifted everyone with some thing or things, and for what we are not gifted in He makes up the difference. God knows this, however He desires that we know this as well. He strengthens our weaknesses and hones our abilities and in times where this is happening, our flesh usually suffers. In this case, God was telling Paul, now I want you to rely solely on Me, in faith.

Remember, the essence of faith is trust. Being Christians, we all have some faith but God desires to grow this in us. Faith will only be grown when we continually step out into the realm of what we couldn’t possibly accomplish, knowing what God wants us to do, relying solely on His ability (grace in us). This is where faith is born and where it grows. When Paul says he will gladly boast in weakness he is not glorifying being broken!

What Paul was saying is, if God’s power and glory is magnified in me when I am weak then I rejoice when I am weak! Why? Because God’s power is magnified and glorified in me! When we do what we naturally can’t by God’s ability, God is glorified in our midst. This is exactly what God has called us to do. This glorification always results in our blessing.

I tell people often when I preach, it is a sign and wonder every time I get into the pulpit and finish a sermon. People have no idea the weakness of my flesh when it comes to these things but it is proof to me and others every time that God is awesome! Though hard on my flesh, each and every time God comes through only increases my faith and thus I trust Him even more! Each and every time, God comes through!

The take away is this, sometimes we will ask God to alleviate some trial and His response or implication will be, my grace is sufficient. This doesn’t mean we live defeated or depressed, it means we rejoice KNOWING God will do something amazing! That’s called living in faith and that is what pleases Him most! Trust God, do good, He hasn’t yet, and will never leave us powerless! Victory in Jesus, Amen!

Be Blessed,

Pastor Jeff

The Secret Access To God

What is the right way to grow in a relationship with God? How is this even possible?

Are you ready for a secret? I see so many advertisements based on this hook. Five secret steps to… whatever! People are always looking for the secret in, the answer to all, the way to get to. In our faith, it isn’t much different.

How do we gain access to God? Even as a pastor, I go through times when this very question haunts me, when it seems like God is a million miles away, across an impassable void. It grows discouraging and it can be overwhelming. When I am at my worst in this thought process God always reminds of one simple truth, go back to the basics, return to the purity of my faith. God is already here.

Ephesians 2:8 gives us a very important truth, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” I did nothing to earn the way to God, He did it all. If He did it all, considering the fact that the original way was paved completely free of any of my actions and also that I was completely lost and completely evil (Romans 5:8) and so completely undesirable within myself, and that God does not change (Malachi 3:6), then the way to Him AFTER I have been justified can’t be harder than the way before. In fact, it’s just the same, only now I know. Or at least I should.

The way to God is Jesus, which has already been accomplished by what He did and I have already received of that benefit through faith. There is no more coming to God, He is already present. See, knowing this truth changes my pursuit. I don’t have to look for God, I only have to access Him. When I understand that God has not left me (Hebrews 13:5), it isn’t a matter of finding Him, it’s a matter of drawing near to Him.

James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” Near as I can tell, this is written to those who are already believers. The path of the believer should not be in finding God, it should be in drawing near to Him. Even being Spirit led is not finding the Holy Spirit but learning to yield to Him. When we realize this and we let it be settled in us, we will approach everything differently. Reading His word, prayer, going to church, all these things are about drawing near to God. Drawing near to God is about knowing and having a relationship with Him. The byproduct of a relationship with the living God is living the life He has provided for you.

The devil would have us stressed about all these pursuits. He turns them (in our minds anyway) into works. We are saved for works (Ephesians 2:10) but not by works. The works are something that flow from our relationship not something that creates it. Did I pray enough, did I serve enough, did I read enough? You never approach eating that way. When you’re hungry you do what you know nourishes you, when you’re full you stop eating. If you’re tired, you know what to do, you sleep. It’s really that simple.

We live in a world built around distractions. This is why the Bible tells us not to live for the world. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enjoy this world, it means don’t live for it. Everything around us is vying for our attention. Do not think this strange in a world whose lord is the devil. Satan has ensnared God’s people by their own affections but this is nothing new. James 1:14 tells us, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” There are many options for sin, all based around your favorite flavor!

Recently, the Lord has really been stressing with me the need to press into godly things. Not so much because I don’t love godly things but so I won’t be drawn away by things that are not. The more we live aware of Him the more He can make us overcomers. The more we overcome, the more we will reach people who do not. The more we reach those people, the greater we grow His kingdom thus fulfilling His purpose in us. The more we do that the more pleased He is with us. That doesn’t sound bad.

In closing that is what diligently seeking Him (Hebrews 11:6) is all about. It isn’t about amounts of time in prayer or word or even church. It’s about living a life devoted to close living with Him. Therein lies the real answer to life and our purpose: Life that’s lived and drawn closely upon Him. We are His creation for His pleasure and in His pleasure we discover ours!

Be Blessed,

Pastor Jeff

Follow The Leader (ATP)

What if you have a hard time trusting the spiritual leading of your husband? What do you do if you’re being the spiritual leader to the Lord and things of God? How do you handle it following the Word?

Genesis 2:20 (NASB)

The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him.

So often people get so divided about the roles of man and woman that they don’t take time to understand them. In many situations, people simply just don’t act right. That being said, the Bible does tell us that God made man the head of the wife and Christ is the head of the man. This means that God established leadership roles. Now if you’re reading this and that angers you, hold on before you send this to the trash because there is more to it.

Everything needs a leader. Leader does not mean better, more equipped, more capable, more intelligent or the like. Leader does not exalt a person to godlike status and all others must bow before them. In fact, it is my experience that leaders are rarely anything better at all (though sometimes they think they are). A good leader will recognize that they have weaknesses but they will also recognize the importance of leading by example and in humility. Not every leader is a good leader but that does not change that they are the leader.

Conversely, not every follower is a good follower either. A good follower recognizes that though they may not be the leader, (even though they may be better suited), their role is equally important to the completion of whatever task. Their role is as much needed even though it is very different. Where problems arise is when people get so focused on the other positions, they forget their own. We recognize bad leaders because, well, they’re in the lead and it’s obvious. Rarely, however, do people consider that they may be a bad follower.

To understand leadership I like to think of driving a car. Most cars have one steering wheel. There can only be one driver. In the usual scenario, all passengers have agreed to go in the same direction and one is going to drive. It’s a very important task to drive well. The others, however capable of driving themselves, depend on it. If multiple people try to drive at the same time things will not work out well. They should be an encouragement and support to the driver if they want to arrive safely at their common destination, but ultimately the responsibility rests on the one behind the wheel.

God didn’t make man the head of the home because he was better, He did so because he was first. Speaking to this very thing 1 Timothy 2:13 says, “For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.” God assigned leadership roles to help us, to alleviate confusion. Then as God always does, He equipped them to be able to function best in their role. Again, not better in worth but better for each given assignment. However, mankind does not always do what they should, hence, we get to the scenario at hand.

What should a wife do when the husband doesn’t lead well or doesn’t lead at all? Well, these are really two different situations so let’s look at them both. If no one is driving but the destination has to be reached then someone else may have to drive. Many times in the church we see men refusing to be faithful and then the wives have to step up and say to the family, “we are going to church!” Men, if your family doesn’t follow God faithfully because of your example, shame on you! That should be an embarrassment to you and you need to make that right! Be a man, lead your family!! Wives, this does not mean that you should nag and degrade your husband, because we all know that gets you nowhere. If you have to lead because he won’t, then lead with love, respect, and encouragement. If he gets to the point where he realizes his error, then step aside gracefully and let him drive.

What if he is a terrible leader? This is where encouragement and love also come in. Notice in the scripture we started with the Bible tells us that God made woman a helper suitable. This means women have been created to ensure men can do what they’re called to do. What I know is this, whatever I am called to I need my wife to help me get there. If I am the car then she is the engine, transmission, drive shaft and wheels! If she doesn’t do her part, it is infinitely hard for me to do mine. I rely on her and that is by our very design.

The Bible teaches men and women to submit to each other and put each other first. The law of love teaches the same exact thing. It’s only when we focus on ourselves that things stop working right. God intends it to work the way He made it to work and that is the way that it works best. The individuals aren’t more important than each other; they are all important for the whole. The body of Christ is the same thing, scripture tells us that. The pastor is like the father of the church. The people are equally important but if the pastor doesn’t lead or the people don’t follow, things get out of order and become ineffective.

Wives, be an encouragement to your husband, and if he won’t lead or won’t do it right, pray for him. Ask God how you can help. If you won’t, it’s just as bad as if he doesn’t. Men, lead your home in humility, understanding God made woman because you were not able to be effective on your own, you were not enough! She completes you, she is the crown, she is often the grace you need. God didn’t design us differently because one was better. He designed us to need and to be indebted to each other. When we all recognize our role, then encourage and support each other, we reach the goal and we do so blessed!

Be Blessed,

Pastor Jeff

 Will You Miss Your Flight? (ATP)

Matthew 7:21- 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; LEAVE ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ This verse scares me. Can you explain more about who he is talking about? If people are doing these works in Jesus name surely they are believers but Jesus is rejecting them and telling them to depart because they never knew him. They must know enough of Him to do these works? How are they able to do these things in Jesus name with out a relationship with him? When he says depart from me does that mean they are going to Hell? 

When reading scripture and trying to understand it, one very important thing to keep in mind is the need of context. In this case, it is very important to remember who Jesus was talking to. Though all scripture is written for us, not all is written to us. What I mean is, there are many things written to many people that would not as a rule apply directly to us. In these instances we can draw out the principle.

One thing all believers must remember is that God’s word sets us free, it never creates bondage. If while reading scripture we find ourselves in fear we need to do a quick test. Fear of not being good enough is never God’s way of drawing people to Himself. It is said in Romans 2:4, “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” The truth of scripture teaches us no one can be good enough, this is why we needed a savior. The devil would love believers to be in fear because it will hinder them. Now, if you have fear because you know full well you are in complete disobedience, that is another story. Conviction and fear are not exactly the same thing however, so don’t be afraid.

In context Jesus is speaking to people who believed that because of their familial status (being descendants of Abraham), that they were good. It’s very similar to people in certain denominations, religions, or cults that believe that it is the only way or that they are good because they believe in the right religion. The Pharisees thought they were good because of this and because they followed the law, but Romans 3:20 tells us, “because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight…”

This part of chapter 7 is also part of a much greater body of scripture. It actually begins in chapter 5 and is known as the sermon on the mount. In this Jesus is laying out the right way to God. Among many things, He draws the distinction between people who think they are religious and those whose works speak of their relationship with God. Fast forward to chapter 7 vs 15 and He addresses His people to beware of false prophets and then goes on with the warning that your question brings up.

The truth is, you can absolutely know whether you’re going to Heaven and only the devil will tell you you’re not. But to be sure, ask some questions. Do you go to church? Do you read scripture and pray? Do you desire God’s plan for your life or are you only interested in your own? Are you correctible when you hear something from scripture that is opposite of what you do? None of these things gets anyone to heaven in of themselves, but they certainly can reveal things about your path. You don’t have to be perfect in any of these things either, but where is your heart? That’s what God really wants and that’s what all these scriptures really point us to.

Remember that the devil always tries to twist the word against us, he did it to Jesus. This is why being full of the word is so important. Reading scripture isn’t some rule that God demands, it’s the protection we have against the devil so He tells us to read. Going to church is not about spiritual brownie points, it’s about getting instruction for our help in time of need and preparing us for inevitable trial. Believers who separate themselves are the ones most susceptible to attack and that without victory.

I remind myself if this often, when religion gets complicated and works seem confusing, God keeps it simple. He gave us the easiest, most sure fire way back to Him. You want to go to Heaven but believe it or not, God wants you there more. He made the way before any of us was born and God’s way is such that a child can choose. Have faith. He made the way, He will keep it open for you.

In closing I will reiterate, it is faith pleases God. Yes faith produces works but the basis of faith is trust. Do you trust God? You should because before you knew Him, He knew you. In fact, you know Him because He chose to bring you in. If He brought you, He intends on keeping you. Trust this and trust Him. If you keep your heart pointed towards Him, nothing will separate you.

Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Jeff