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Disciplined But Not Forgotten

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

We live in a world where people seem to think they can do whatever they wish, even that which clearly violates God’s commands, and get away with it. Even many who say they believe in God fall prey to the line of thinking that God didn’t really mean what He said about sin and its consequences. He won’t discipline us. After all, they reason, He is a God of love and grace. If God disciplines us, then He must be a mean God, they reason, rather than a loving One.

Would a Loving God Really Discipline Us?

Absolutely! God explains it this way:

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. (Heb. 12:5-6) If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. (Heb. 12:8)

The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves and Doesn't Forget Them
God wants more than happy people. He wants holy people, those whose righteous character enables them to truly love Him and others (Matt. 22:37-40) and be at peace with themselves. And so we read, “… God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Heb. 12:10-11)

When we properly react to His discipline, we come out better. God restores us. That’s not the objective of a mean God, of a God who is simply out to get us by making us suffer consequences for sin. That’s the intent of a God who deeply cares and loves us beyond measure.

Example of Being Disciplined But Not Forgotten

Read through the Old Testament and you’ll find God’s people, Judah, constantly turning away from God to follow after the gods of the nations surrounding them. Yet, God had clearly commanded them that they should have no other gods before Him or make idolatrous images, worshiping them. He also stressed consequences of disobeying this command. (See Exodus 20:1-6.)

Judah suffered consequences for their sin but then God sent judges to lead them back to Himself. When a judge died, however, they reverted back to their sinful ways and so the cycle continued. God sent prophets to warn them but they persisted in their rebellion. They had to suffer more severe consequences, so God sent them into exile to Babylon for seventy years.

Read what God told them:

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jer. 29:10-14)

That’s a loving God!! He may discipline His people, but He doesn’t forget them. When we undergo hardships, let’s look at it from God’s perspective. If we fight against Him and the means He’s using to work in our lives, we could miss out on the good He desires to bring us. — “…do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (Prov. 3:11-12) “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Cor. 7:10)

About the Armor of God

Posted on August 21, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Put on the Full Armor of God
A previous post reminded us that while God uses the armor mentioned in Ephesians 6, He is the Source of power, protection, and deliverance. The armor represents aspects of Himself that we need to put on. Note that we “put on” the armor. We don’t have what it takes within ourselves. Only God is great enough to overcome the evil one (1 Jn. 4:4).

Satan’s Ploys Can’t Stand Against the Armor of God

The various pieces of armor of God help us stand against different aspects of Satan and his ploys.

belt of truth

Satan is the father of lies, with no truth in him (Jn. 8:44). When we stand with God’s truth securely holding us together, we’re set free (Jn. 8:32). We’re enabled to find the truth in situations and lovingly speak the truth (Eph. 4:15, 25-27).

breastplate of righteousness

Satan is the evil one (1 Jn. 5:18-19) trying to pull our hearts into sinful desires (1 Thess. 3:5). Remembering that the Lord’s righteousness has been imputed to us (2 Cor. 5:21), we stand shielded behind Him. We put on the new self (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10), created in Christ Jesus, knowing that it isn’t up to us to live righteously, but rather because of what He’s done for us.

feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace

Satan seeks to divide and destroy (2 Cor. 2:10-11; 1 Pet. 5:8). We have a message of peace and deliverance from sin, death, and the devil (Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 15:55-57; Heb. 2:14-15). The Gospel is the power of God that brings salvation” (Rom. 1:16).

shield of faith

Satan barrages us with darts meant to cause our hearts to doubt. We stand behind and put our confidence in the Overcomer, who is greater than all forces of evil (1 Jn. 4:4; 5:4).

helmet of salvation

Satan attacks our minds, trying to distort our view of God (2 Cor. 11:3). With divine weaponry, we’re able to take those thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:4-5), with the hope that one day we will see our Lord in the fullness of who He is (1 Thess. 5:8) and be rid of these distractions.

sword of the Spirit

Satan tries to get to us when we’re vulnerable, appealing to our flesh to meet our needs apart from God, like he did with Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11). We can stand offensively with the Word of God, as Jesus did, to ward off the schemes of the evil one. By regularly using God’s Word to navigate through this world, we’re able to discern between good and evil (Heb. 5:14).

Do you want victory over spiritual battles?

“Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Eph. 6:13). Acknowledge what He’s already done for you, being clad in His truth, righteousness, and gospel deliverance. Then you’ll be ready to take up that shield of faith and hold on to the hope from His helmet of salvation. You’ll grab hold of that sword of the Spirit, His Word, knowing that you need divine weaponry to resist and stand against Satan and his forces of evil.

Church leaders, be sure to check out: God’s Power for the Church: Spiritual Weaponry

Our Source of Strength for Spiritual Battles

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

According to Ephesians 6, we need to put on the armor of God to win spiritual battles. The strength, however, isn’t found in the armor but in God. The passage begins with an exhortation to, “be strong IN THE LORD and in HIS mighty power” (Eph. 6:10). The armor isn’t the hero of this passage. God is. He precedes and provides the armor. He displays His mighty power through that which the various pieces of armor represent — truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word.

About the Source of Strength in Spiritual Battles

Yes, “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11) and “so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Eph. 6:13). The armor holds an important place in securing victory but must always link back to it being the “armor OF GOD”. Remember these truths:

The armor is merely protective gear. — The Lord is the Protector. (Ps. 32:7; Jn. 17:11, 15; 2 Thess. 3:3)

The armor provides a means of accessing the power we need. — The Lord is the Power Source. (2 Cor. 10:4; 2 Pet. 1:3-4)

The armor doesn’t deliver us in the battle. — The Lord is the Deliverer. (Ps. 144:1; Prov. 21:31)

Spiritual warfare is real. We can’t fight spiritual battles on our own. The “victory belongs to the Lord” (Prov. 21:31). Put your trust in Him!

For More, Go To: Resources for the Christian’s Walk with God (look under the ‘Warfare’ tab)

The Focus of Church Ministry

Posted on July 31, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Visit a church and it doesn’t take too long to determine their primary focus. Observe, listen, ask questions, and you will learn what they view as important in church ministry.

Common Focuses in Church Ministry

While specifics may vary from church to church, some of the more common focuses could include:

providing quality ministry programs
using creative methodology and/or the latest technology
building attractive facilities
helping specific people groups or needs
having exceptional leaders

All of the above are not wrong in themselves. They can, however, become a problem . . .

when a church relies on them, thinking that is what makes the difference.

when a church becomes narrow-focused because they are looking at ministry only through that lens.

when a church compares or competes with others using what they do as the grid against which they measure others.

Adjusting Our Focus

The Focus of Church Ministry Must Be What Jesus Does, Not Us While the above may be useful in church ministry, it’s not what will truly make the difference. Remember that Jesus said, “apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). When the Corinthian church focused on the role of different leaders, the Apostle Paul gave this reminder: “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Cor. 3:5-7)

When visiting a church that primarily does ministry by purposefully and conscientiously lining up with God (His character, purposes, ways as depicted in His Word) by pulling on His grace and power, we might not be able to identify one particular way in which they do ministry. That is because . . .

if we rely on God rather than what we do, we tend to stay more fluid, not getting locked into any one way of doing ministry.

when we look at ministry through the lens of who God is, we understand that God can’t be boxed in with certain programs, methodology, technology, facilities, and the like.

in measuring what we do against God, we find little need to showcase ourselves because what we do is God’s idea, not our own.

Let’s make sure church ministry isn’t simply about going with the flow, following the latest church fad, or doing what we think is best. We need to focus on God, lining up with, and following Him, doing what He deems best.

Check Out: Ministry God’s Way Discipleship Tool

Praying for the Glory of His Name

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

When our lives match the words, “Not to us but to your name be the glory!” (Ps. 115:1), then it will be evidenced even in our prayers. When we ask God to do certain things for us, it will be for the sake of His name, not merely for our personal relief or benefit.

Examples of Prayers for the Glory of His Name

Here are some examples of the psalmist’s prayers:

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. (Ps. 31:3)

Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. (Ps. 79:9)

But you, O Sovereign LORD, deal well with me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. (Ps. 109:21)

For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. (Ps. 143:11)

Notice how the psalmist requested guidance for the sake of the Lord’s name, not merely to know what to do or where to go. He sought deliverance and forgiveness, not just to rid himself of guilt and make his own life better but for the sake of the Lord’s name. The psalmist prayed for God’s favor and preservation of his life, not so he would have a more comfortable existence but for the glory of God’s name.

Implications of Praying for Effects on the Lord’s Name

These kinds of prayers look at the bigger picture. When we’re concerned about the glory of His name, and thus pray for His name’s sake, we’re acknowledging that life isn’t just about me. We’re concerned about more than personal comfort, conveniences, and commodities. We care that what happens to us reflects the Lord’s sovereignty, goodness, righteousness, etc. And, so we proclaim, “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory” (Ps. 115:1).

We want our lives to be a testimony of His faithfulness when we pray for the sake of His name. Since the name of the Lord reflects the essence of who God is, answers to these kinds of prayers stay true to who He is. We thus open ourselves up before God to use us and our circumstances as a vessel through which He makes Himself known. We’re inviting Him to make His character and ways known through our lives.

By praying for the sake of the Lord’s name, we’re acknowledging His sovereignty and rights in our lives. We belong to Him. — “We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” (Ps. 100:3) “Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isa. 64:8).

We’re submitting to His goodness and righteousness, knowing our Almighty, All-Wise, and All-Knowing God will do what is best in accordance with who He is. We need Him to respond based on who He is, not who we are. Think about it: He is strong; we are weak. He is wise; we are foolish. He is faithful; we are faithless. He is worthy; we are undeserving.

More about Prayer: Resources for Prayer Ministry

More about the Name of the Lord: Theology Resources

Failing to Bring Glory to His Name

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Scripture abounds in reasons to glorify the name of the Lord and shows us numerous ways we bring glory to His name. The Word also shows us what failing to bring glory to His name might look like.

Ways we Might Fail to Bring Glory to His name.

We fail to bring glory to God’s name when we do the following. Many of the verses relate directly to Israel in Old Testament time so not everything in the verses will apply to us. We can, however, fail to bring glory to His name in these ways.

don’t revere His name

If you do not carefully follow all the words of this law, which are written in this book, and do not revere this glorious and awesome name – the Lord your God – the Lord will send fearful plagues on you and your descendants, harsh and prolonged disasters, and severe and lingering illnesses. (Deut. 28:58-59)

revile His name

How long will the enemy mock you, God? Will the foe revile your name forever? — Remember how the enemy has mocked you, Lord, how foolish people have reviled your name. (Ps. 74:10, 18)

profane His name

I myself will set my face against him and will cut him off from his people; for by sacrificing his children to Molek, he has defiled my sanctuary and profaned my holy name. (Lev. 20:3)

blaspheme His name

Say to the Israelites: ‘Anyone who curses their God will be held responsible; anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD is to be put to death. (Lev. 24:15-16)

misuse His name

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. (Ex. 20:7)

They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. (Ps. 139:20)

dishonor His name

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. (Prov. 30:9)

fail to call on His name

Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name. (Ps. 79:6)

We may not blatantly do the above but even subtly doing so affects the glory we bring to His name. Since His name represents God, failure to treat His name as holy is the same as disrespecting and dishonoring Him. It may not be the words we say but our actions that fail to glorify His name.

What Happens When We Fail to Bring Glory to His Name

God’s glory doesn’t lessen by what we do or don’t do. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Ps. 90:2; Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8; James 1:17). Failing to bring glory to His name by doing what was mentioned above, however, does have effects on us and those around us.

It puts us in an adversarial position with God. Even but a moment out of sync with our Creator God seems rather foolish.

Our lives won’t cause others to bring glory to His name. When we fail to glorify His name, others don’t see the full reflection of who He is in us (Matt. 5:14-16).

Though the Israelites of old repeatedly desecrated the glory of His name and did incur the consequences about which they were warned, God constantly offered restoration.

We have a faithful God. — If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (2 Tim. 2:13)

We have a forgiving God. — If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn. 1:9)