The Earth Is Full of God's Glory, Part 3

The Earth Is Full of God's Glory, Part 3 (En Español) I Was Always Beholding the Lord David revealed a profound truth concerning his relationship with the Lord. He said, "I saw the Lord before me {continually}, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken" (Acts 2:25 LEB). There was something in David's heart -- call it a spiritual radar -- that caused him to continually perceive the Lord. This inner awareness caused the king to see the Lord outwardly in all phases of life. In spite of conflicts, death threats, betrayal and fear, David was always beholding the Lord. At another time, perhaps while he was watching a sunset with brilliant rays of light exploding from behind clouds, David had a revelation: The sky wasn't just a canopy of light and color covering the earth. It was, in fact, a declaration of the very glory of God (Ps. 19:1). Yet too often we do not fill our minds with the glorious things of God; instead, our minds are filled with anxious thoughts and desires. Sometimes we just need to stop, pause, and look at the wonders of God's creation. There are times when I will lie on the lawn on a cloudless night and let my worship of God soar into the awareness of the moon and stars. Surrounding us are billions of stars and galaxies, all designed and created by our God. He is utterly amazing! The earth, the surrounding skies -- the very mystery and miracle of life itself -- all bear witness to a Creator so unlimited in His abilities that men, regardless of their cultural or religious background, have no excuse to not honor Him. Our world is a kaleidoscope of wonders and divinely engineered realities, fitly joined together that showcase the greatness of God. Recall also Paul's words, that the invisible attributes of God -- His eternal power and divine nature -- are "clearly seen, being understood through what has been made" (Rom. 1:20). God's nature and power are "clearly seen . . . through what has been made." So, have you seen today the glory of God? Jesus and Nature To possess the mind and nature of Christ means many things to us, but do we include in our definition of Christlikeness the love of creation? Christ loved Planet Earth. He often spent nights praying, and then ultimately sleeping, beneath the stars. Indeed, He spent forty days in the wilderness, even among "wild animals" (Mark 1:13 LEB). As night fell, He didn't return to a campground. Rather, He lay gazing upon the bejeweled, celestial sky. Indeed, Jesus frequently drew revelation about the Father from the observable world around Him. He told His disciples to "consider the lilies" (Luke 12:27) and spoke of God's love and care, even for the sparrows (v. 6). He saw miracles of life contained within the power of a simple seed, and He made this revelation a centerpiece of His teaching (Matt. 13). Indeed, many of the Lord's greatest sermons were presented, not in the temple or behind the pulpit of a local synagogue, but at lakesides or on hilltops. And we think of Gethsemane as the place where Jesus sweat blood in prayer, but Gethsemane was a garden, and the Bible tells us that Jesus "often met there with His disciples"(John 18:2). I love the fact that the Lord routinely found joy among flowers and landscaping, and that He brought His disciples there to teach them. Yet not only was the setting of a garden a familiar place for Jesus while He was alive, but even in death His tomb was set in the midst of a garden (John 19:41). In fact, when He rose from the dead, a distressed Mary thought Him to be the gardener (John 20:15). Jesus obviously saw the creation as an echo of the Father's heart. He found in nature a place, a quiet place, to seek and find communion with God. Finally, it is of a great truth that mankind was born in a garden. "And Yahweh God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed" (Gen 2:8 LEB). This is the wonder of a world filled with wonders: God Himself planted a garden. He planted trees and flowers, plants and grasses. I think, in my opinion, He likely put His hands in the soil and spoke to the seeds and "caused to grow every tree that was pleasing to the sight and good for food. And the tree of life was in the midst of the garden" (v. 9). Beloved, today many are wearied from battle and wasted from warfare. Yes, we should find solace in God alone, but may we also seek God surrounded by His creation? If you don't have a garden, plant one. Create a sanctuary in your yard or go to a local park. A God-seeker carries in his heart an appreciation for the world our Father has given us. Our planet is spectacularly beautiful. Remember: the living God is "clearly seen . . . through what has been made." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The preceding excerpt was taken from Pastor Frangipane's book And I Will Be Found by You. A few months ago a new version was published by Passio, a division of Charisma Media. To make way for this new edition, we are offering the original version for just $5.67 (a 58% discount). Limited quantities so act soon, especially if you want bulk quantities. Clearance - Save 58% Book - $5.67 (Retail $13.50) Read the Amazon reviews for this book Visit our bookstore to order ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ If you are financially unable to purchase a product by Pastor Frangipane, he would love to give you your choice of any one of his ebooks for free, or for whatever you can afford. One free eBook per household please. (Visit our FAQ page for more information.) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Please feel free to forward this message to others; acknowledging our website (and publisher) would be kindly appreciated. To send this message to a friend or print this message, use our Printer-friendly version. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Sign up to follow Francis Facebook page What did you think about this message? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter   A service of Frangipane Ministries, Inc. Copyright (c) 2014 All rights reserved. Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.

When Kings Go Out to Battle

When Kings Go Out to Battle
(En Español)

Beware of a Passive Spirit
Scripture contains many examples of David's valor. As a young man, for instance, while others trembled, David was ready and eager to face Goliath. David is an example of one whom God chose, whose passions for God sustained him for most of his life.

Yet David also provides for us an example of what can happen even to good people when we surrender to a passive spirit. For there was an occasion when David did not pursue his enemies, and the consequences were grave. It happened because he allowed a passive spirit to subdue his will.

"Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem" (2 Sam.11:1).

During a time of war, the king allowed a passive spirit into his soul. Soon we find this great warrior king almost helpless to resist the unfolding spiritual attack.

"Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance" (2 Sam. 11:2).

The woman was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. From the moment David accepted the influence of that passive spirit, his resistance was weakened. A paralysis of conscience occurred. Scripture says that "when evening came David arose from his bed." Perhaps it was customary to rest in the afternoon, but it strikes me as inconsistent for David to nap while his men fought. It is possible that this nap was not a response to a bodily need, but an expression of the slumber that gripped his soul. He was in bed until "evening."

This heaviness of soul resting on David was actually part of a larger, synchronized spiritual attack. The other part of that battle was the quiet, inner prompting that stirred Bathsheba to bathe in a place where David could see her. Finally, David, unable to resist and in defiance of his noble qualities, "sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her" (2 Sam. 11:4).

Dear friend, remember: This terrible moral failure was not driven by David's lust or flagrant rebellion to God. A passive spirit introduced David to his sin! The problem was simply that, in a time when the kings went forth to war, David stayed at home.

He Is Raising a War Cry
We ourselves are in a time of war. The Spirit of God is calling us to fight for our souls as well as our families, churches and cities. Indeed, God's Word reveals that "The LORD will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies" (Isa. 42:13).

Is that holy fight in you? Is there a war cry in your spirit? If you are born again, that cry is within you, even if it has been muted by lethargy.

We will never succeed as overcomers without carrying in our spirits the war cry of God. We must stop resisting the call to prayer; we must embrace the reality of spiritual warfare; and we must fight with the weapons of warfare that God has given us, both for our own progress and also on behalf of those we love.

Conversely, the moment you surrender your will to a passive spirit, you should anticipate that a temptation appropriate to your weakness will soon follow. It may not be Bathsheba; it may be pornography on the Internet. Or it may be a coworker who begins to look attractive at a time when you and your spouse are struggling. Whatever the area of weakness in your life, Satan will seek to exploit that area. Remember, the enemy's first line of attack likely will not be bold and obvious. He will first work to disarm you with a passive spirit. If the enemy succeeds in his assault, you will find yourself wrapped up in something that can devastate you and your loved ones.

One may argue, "I'm walking with God. I'm a bond-servant of the Lord. I'm not vulnerable." Remember what the Lord warned the church in Thyatira: "I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality" (Rev. 2:20) .

Jesus was concerned, not only for the corrupting influence of Jezebel in the world; He was concerned that the leaders of the church had grown tolerant. More, her seductions not only targeted the wayward or new believers, but she led God's bond-servants astray.

In the Book of Proverbs, King Solomon also exposes this spirit. He does not use the name Jezebel, but instead, describes her as "the woman of folly" (Prov. 8:13). He says she calls out "to those who pass by, who are making their paths straight: Whoever is naive, let him turn in here" (v.16).

Who is this spirit after? It seeks to corrupt those who are trying to make their paths straight. Do not think that such corruption could not happen to you should you turn lukewarm. Indeed, the very man who exposed this spirit in the Bible, King Solomon, later fell into both idolatry and immorality, two primary manifestations of the Jezebel spirit (Rev. 2:20).

Beloved, it is springtime here in the northern hemisphere. It is that time of the year when seduction begins to call out "to those who pass by." Let us not become passive in a time of war. Rather, let us fight for our nation, our cities, our families and, especially, our own souls.

It is time for kings to go to war.

Now What? First S-T-E-P for New Christians

By Kenny Luck

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You’ve done it. Stepped over the line and accepted God’s free gift of love and salvation, deciding to become a follower of Jesus Christ. You may feel different, forgiven and ready to start a new life. Or you may feel pretty much the same, but with a whole lot of new questions that come with a decision to do life God’s way.
Either way, the next question is…
Now what?
For new Christians, walking from their “decision” on wobbly spiritual legs, the next few moments, hours, and days can seem bewildering. There’s new vocabulary confusion, or “Christian-ese” that’s easier for theologians to understand than those who have just begun their journey spiritually. And it may seem like every Christian veteran has unsolicited advice for you.
So Every Man Ministries wants to provide some “crawl” steps on your way to what we pray will be a strong walk with God.
S – Start developing your relationship with God.
The entire “Christian” conversation, and the most distinctive part of our faith, is focused on God’s desire to have a relationship with us. He wants to be your friend and heavenly father. He wants you to know him, which is a deeply personal connection. At first, God may seem like a distant being, but He’s not. He’s very available. The more you know him, the more you will love Him and many, many other benefits will come. To know God you need to be with God.
The first, best way to know God is to read, and/or listen to the Bible, which is also referred to as God’s “Word” or “Scripture.” We have created a special series just for this purpose called Digging Deep, which will help you interact, engage, and apply God’s word. Consider God’s word daily bread you can’t live without.

• Beginner’s Tip: New Christians may want to get a Bible designed for “new believers” that offer how the Bible is organized, how to find certain passages, provide interpretation, and additional sections to answer some of the more common questions we all wrestle with. Also, don’t get bogged down trying to read the Bible cover to cover, and save books like “Deuteronomy” and “Numbers” for later on, because these are historical oriented and demonstrate the validity of the context. Instead, start with the New Testament, learning about the life and teachings of Jesus.

T – Talk to God about everything.
The words “pray” and “talk” are used interchangeably. Prayer is just talking to God, and it doesn’t have to be poetic, master-minded or perfectly worded. Just authentic. Share your concerns, hopes, dreams. Ask Him for what you need and want. He promises to hear your prayers, and answer them. But the answer may not always be the answer you’re hoping for. If you are at a loss of how to pray, don’t feel alone. Even Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach him how to pray. Read Matthew 6:8-14.

• Beginner’s Tip: You may want to start a “Journal” to record certain prayers, requests, thoughts etc. Over time, you will begin to see that God is answering your prayers in marvelous ways.

E – Experience God with others.
You are now a part of God’s family, which means a spiritual connection with God and other people. Find a church that studies the Bible. Join a men’s group where you can get insight and encouragement from other men (unless you’re a woman). You will find there is strength in numbers, and a community that cares.

• Beginner’s Tip: Test any advice you receive by comparing it with what the Bible says, and ask God to help you understand whatever “teaching” you receive. We developed this site, and filled the Media Vault with tons of material, organized by topic for you. You may want to invite one other man to tap into this resource, and discuss it together from time to time.

P – Prioritize your faith.
Developing a relationship with your maker needs to become a top priority. Soon, you will see why. His love, protection, provision, wisdom, comfort and joy are just a few examples of how He will justify being your new priority in life. This paradigm shift may not happen overnight, so you will need to take time from your day to sit and seek him. Take time from your week to meet with other Christian men, go to church. Find answers to your questions about God, creation, heaven and hell, the spiritual battle going on, your purpose, and yes, even God’s perspective on money.

• Beginner’s Tip: Start your day by talking to God, reading the Bible and reflecting on your day. You may need to set aside a quiet space, and a few moments, but it’s a small step that will leap your forward in your faith. We have created a special series called “Face Time” to help you see both the value and priority of putting God first in all things.

You’ve entered a new life, a new lifestyle, with a new life pursuit that has eternal significance.  Give it all to God, and you will be glad you did.
photo credit: ezioman

3 Simple Ways to Keep Your Marriage Strong

By Rick Warren

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I received a letter once from a lady who was struggling in her marriage. She wrote,

Dear Pastor Rick, When I first fell in love with my husband I was sure, absolutely sure that he was the right person for me. But over the years as we’ve lived together through a lot of messy situations, I’ve seen many sides of my husband that I don’t like. My feelings toward him have turned from respect and attraction to disappointment and sometimes even disgust. I now feel like maybe I married the wrong person. Why do I feel this way and what can I do about it? Something has to change.”

Because you’re in ministry, you know that this story is all too common. But having mentored and trained thousands of pastors, I can also say that it’s all to common among ministry marriages. And one of the reasons why we read about so many moral failures among ministry leaders today is that we’ve failed to keep our marriages strong and to make them the priority over ministry. Success at home is way more important than success in professional or ministry leadership.
The Bible has a couple of things to say about that that are very important. Proverbs 24:3 says, “Homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and understanding.” Paul prays in Philippians 1:9, “I pray that your love will keep on growing because of your knowledge and insight.” It takes wisdom and understanding to keep your marriage growing, along with knowledge and insight. Marriages do not automatically grow – not even ministry marriages.
One dangerous assumptions among ministry leaders is that being in ministry insulates and vaccinates you from the problems that most marriages face. In fact, the opposite is true. You have a target on your back, as does your family, and being intentional matters. Here are three practices for keeping your marriage strong.

Pay Attention to Your Spouse

Attention means love. It’s one of the most loving things you do when you give somebody your attention. When you’re paying attention to somebody you’re saying to them, “I value you. You matter to me. You’re worth listening to.” When you give somebody your attention you’re actually giving them your life. Your time is your life and you’re never going to get that time back. The truth is, that’s how you fell in love. You fell in love because you began to pay attention to somebody and somebody began to pay attention to you.
Do you remember how much attention you used to give to your husband or your wife before you got married? You bought flowers, wrote notes, made phone calls and talked for hours. You spent a lot of time together. In many, many ways during dating and engagement you said, You have my undivided attention. In fact, you thought about them all the time when you weren’t with them.
Over time we tend to pay less attention to our spouse rather than more attention. We start paying attention to things like bills and babies and budgets and ministry and work and hobby and sports and all kinds of other things. When that happens the marriage begins to deteriorate.
I show I care by staying aware.  If your marriage is going to keep on growing you’ve got to figure out a way to keep on paying attention to each other.  If you don’t do that, your marriage is going to start to crumble.  You’ve got to keep on paying attention.

Show Affection For Your Spouse

The Bible tells us in Romans 12 to, “Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.” I’m sure you would all agree that it’s easier to fall in love than it is to stay in love. How do you rekindle lost love when the feelings aren’t there? How do you rekindle the affection you felt for each other at the beginning of your marriage?
You do what Jesus told a church to do. In the book of Revelation, Jesus told some Christians at the church of Ephesus, you guys have lost your first love for Me. Here’s how you get your first love for Me back. And He tells them four things to do. I’ve found that these are the same four things you need to do if you’ve lost the romantic feelings of affection for your husband or your wife.
The Bible says in Revelation 2, “Jesus said ‘The love you had at first is gone.  Remember how far you have fallen.  Return to Me.  Change the way you think and act and do what you did at first.” He says here four things: remember, return, repent, repeat.

Give Affirmation to Your Spouse

One reason that you fell in love with your mate is they affirmed you. You fall in love with people who express the fact that they love you. Your mate desperately needs affirmation from you. One of your God given roles as a husband/as a wife is to be your husband/wife’s greatest fan. It’s desperately needed in a world where there are a lot of critics. So one of the most important things that you do is you lift up your husband, your wife by affirmation.
How often are we suppose to do this? The Bible says in Hebrews 3:13, “Encourage each other every day while it is today.” It’s a daily habit, something we do everyday.
What do you affirm? Three things you can affirm in your spouse:
1.  Affirm their value. You can raise someone else in value as you appreciate them. As you appreciate them you raise their value and you raise the value of your marriage. Proverbs 12:25 says, “A word of encouragement does wonders.” 
2.  You can also affirm each other’s strengths. You build each other up. The power of praise of seeing someone’s strength and praising that strength is amazing. All of us blossom with affirmation. That’s how our lives are strengthened. We become what other people see in us. As you affirm those strengths you help someone to grow.
3.  You can also affirm each other’s ministry. Affirm what you’re doing for God’s sake in the world today. Romans 1:12 says, “I want us to help each other with the faith that we have. Your faith will help me and my faith will help you.”
The most important thing you must do in order to keep your marriage growing is to keep on following Jesus. He is the glue. He is what holds you together when ministry gets hard and the demands get high. Pray with and for each other. James 5:16 says, “Make this your common practice. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.” 

THE TRUE PATTERN

The True Pattern
(En Español)

It is one thing to be able to discern what is false, but it is of much greater value to know the pattern of the true. Thus the apostle Paul uses chapter 3 of Philippians to reveal his attitude of heart. In so doing, he gives us the pattern of what we should look for in a leader.

After presenting his remarkable pedigree in versus 5 and 6 -- an Israelite by birth; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness defined in the Law, found blameless -- Paul then renounces the very things he attained, saying: "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ" (v. 7). For the mature man or woman, no position or esteem among men can replace the "surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus [our] Lord." Even the most amazing of achievements are reduced to "rubbish in order that [we] may gain Christ" (v. 8).

Paul separates himself further from the Mosaic Law, revealing that his quest is to "be found in [Christ], not having a righteousness of [his] own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ" (v. 9). Having been saved from the consequences of the Law, and having received a new source of "righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith," Paul is liberated to pursue his true destiny: Christlikeness!

We began this study last week with Paul's admonition to "observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us" (v. 17). In verses 10-11 the Lord reveals the divine template for the new creation man: Christlikeness. With this vision in his mind, Paul continues demonstrating the true pattern as a quest for intimacy and conforming to Christ. He wrote:

"That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."

There is a difference between knowing a collection of religious truths and actually knowing Christ. Truth is in Jesus; He Himself in the way, the truth and the life. To know Him is eternal life, and to live in fellowship with Him is to partake of the nectar of Heaven.

Yet knowing Christ also means knowing the fellowship of His sufferings as we lay down our lives for the redemption of others. For those suffering for Jesus, remember: participation in His sufferings is part of knowing Him.

Paul did not embrace death as an entity by itself; he embraced Christ's death, which is not only the death of self but also the triumph of love. It is this surrender to "death for Jesus' sake" that allows "the life of Jesus [to] be manifested in our mortal flesh" (2 Cor. 4:11).

Paul continued in Philippians, "Not that I have already . . . become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:12). Again we are looking at the pattern God seeks for each of us. A mature Christian is one who lives in pursuit of God!

Paul continues, saying "One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (vv.13–14).

What specifically did Paul choose to "forget"? He let go of the wounds, forgave the offenses, and released to God the disappointments of yesterday. Nothing in Paul's past would be larger than Christ in his future. He pressed toward the prize of possessing Christ.

Many teachers will come and go throughout your life. They will have different styles and unique gifts and graces. But you are looking for the attitudes Paul described in this chapter. Look for those who are pressing toward the prize of Christlikeness. As for the others, pray for them, stand with them and, as you are led by the Lord, encourage them in love and prayer. But remember: Paul set the pattern for us. In these times of deception, accusation and false discernment, let us observe those who walk after the pattern of Paul. Let us discern the influence of Jesus in those who lead us. As we clearly see the Lord, let us follow those who follow Christ

I DO NOT REMEMBER

"I Do Not Remember"
(En Español)

How little we understand of eternal redemption! How many times will God forgive you? If you have truly set your heart to follow Him, He will cancel your sins as often as you ask. Will He forgive you of the worst sin you can think of? Yes! You may have to live with the consequences of your misdeed, but God can use your repentance and newly found humility to inspire others. As for the sin itself, if you sincerely repent of it, not only will God forgive you, He will blot it out of His memory.

Let me share an experience. A certain man of God had been gifted with revelatory insight into people's lives. During an evening service he ministered to a Presbyterian pastor and his wife. By the gift of the Spirit, he revealed the couple's past, uncovered their present situation, and then disclosed to them what was to come. This work of God greatly impressed the couple, and as the prophecies were fulfilled, one month later the Presbyterian minister brought two other pastors, each with their wives, to another service for personal ministry.

The word of knowledge was exceptionally sure that night, and the second minister and his wife marveled at the accuracy and truth in the prophetic word. The third couple stepped forward for ministry, and again the word of knowledge was present. The prophet spoke to the husband, revealing his past, present, and insight into his future. Then the man of God turned to this third minister's wife. As he began to speak of her past, suddenly he paused, then said, "There was a very serious sin in your past," he said. The woman, with her worst fear upon her, turned pale and closed her eyes. The congregation hushed and moved to the edge of their seats.

The prophet continued, "And I asked the Lord, 'What was this sin that she committed?' And the Lord answered, 'I do not remember!'"

The Lord had been faithful to His covenant promise: "I will not remember your sins" (Isa. 43:25). Although many times this minister's wife had asked for cleansing, still she could not believe the depth of God's forgiveness. Christ had placed her sin in the sea of His forgetfulness. He removed it "as far as the east is from the west" (Ps. 103:12). From everywhere but the prison of her own mind, her sin had been paid for and removed. And now, in His great mercy, He removed it from there as well!

Oh, what burdens we carry, what guilt and limitations surround us because we do not accept God's total and perfect forgiveness. In Isaiah we read, "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins" (Isa. 43:25).

How great is the God we serve. How wonderful is His love toward us. He is our Redeemer, our Savior! If you are willing to forgive others and will but ask Him to forgive you, He will pardon your debts as often as you contritely turn to Him. He promises He will remember your sins no more.

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The preceding teaching was adapted from a chapter in Pastor Frangipane's book, Holiness Truth and the Presence of God. This book is currently on sale and can be ordered from Arrow Publications at www.arrowbookstore.com.

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Identified with Sinners

Identified with Sinners
(En Español)

Throughout His life, Jesus reached to people who were rejected by others. He loved all people, but especially those who were despised, scorned, and excluded. However, His practice of dining with known evildoers offended the Pharisees, and they confronted Jesus' disciples with this question: "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?" (Matt. 9:11). When Jesus heard the question, He answered,

"It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matt. 9:12-13).

Jesus told the Pharisees to "go and learn" what God meant when He said, "I desire compassion [mercy], and not sacrifice." A religion without love is an abomination to God. The church needs to learn: God desires love and compassion, not merely an adherence to ritual and sacrifice.

A House of Prayer
True prayer is born of love and comes in the midst of sin and need. It comes not to condemn but to cover. All nations sin. All cultures have seasons of moral decline and spiritual malaise. Yet these periods can become turning points if, in times of distress, intercessors cry to God for mercy. Thus, Christlike prayer brings redemption out of disaster.

You see, the church is created not to fulfill God's wrath but to complete His mercy. Thus He calls us to be a "house of prayer for all…nations." Consider passionately this phrase: "prayer for." Jesus taught His disciples to "pray for" those who would persecute or mistreat them (Matt. 5:44). When Job "prayed for his friends," God fully restored him (Job 42:10). We are to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Ps. 122:6), and "pray for" each other so that we may be healed (James 5:16). Paul wrote that God desires all men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). Therefore, he urged "that entreaties and prayers…be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority" (vv. 1-2).

Yet the disciples were emerging from the Old Testament dispensation. So when they actually sought to call fire upon their enemies, as appropriate as this seemed to them, Jesus corrected them. He said He did not come to destroy His enemies, but "to save them" (Luke 9:56).

"But," you argue, "God needs to judge sinners for what they are doing." That may be so. Perhaps the world needs a good dose of the wrath of God to wake it up. However, only One person in Heaven and Earth is worthy to initiate God's wrath: the Lamb who was slain, who stands in intercession before God's throne (Rev. 5:6-14).

Jesus is the Lamb, the sacrifice for sin. Because He paid the highest price for redemption, we can be confident that He will not release divine fury until He fully exhausts divine mercy. I do not mean to imply that the world will continue on without reproof or difficulties. No, the Lord will use disasters and financial instability to draw men to Himself. And even then, when His judgments finally come, they will be guided by His mercy, giving time for sinners to repent.

As for us, until Christ breaks the seals that lead to wrath, we must stand in intercession before God as ambassadors of the Lamb. We are not minimizing sin when we maximize Christ's mercy. There is a difference between whitewashing sin and bloodwashing it.

The reality that compels God's heart, which is an underlying principle of our own redemption, is this: "mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13). To live a life of mercy corresponds perfectly with God's heart. Mercy precisely fulfills the divine purpose: to transform man into the Redeemer's image.

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The preceding teaching was adapted from a chapter in Pastor Frangipane's book, The Power of One Christlike Life. This book is currently on sale and can be ordered from Arrow Publications at www.arrowbookstore.com.

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