AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Archives
April 2024
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The Sacrifice2/20/2022 The Sacrifice
RELEASE — equipped to serve Terry R. Baughman “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends” (John 15:13 TPT). The greatest gift is self-sacrifice. When we are willing to do without or give up something that is valuable to us so that another may receive the benefit or the blessing, that is a true act of love and the picture of sacrifice. The ultimate depiction of love is to care enough to give of ourselves so that others may experience joy, blessing, and grace. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34 NIV). He reiterated the concept on numerous occasions. (See John 15:12, 17; 1 John 3:11, 4:7, 11–12.) He must have truly meant it, Love one another! When we love enough, we love enough to care and to give to others. The ministry of Jesus was an example to His followers. They learned to love like Christ. They saw His willingness to sacrifice comfort for other’s healing, rest for their recovery, and His very life for the salvation of the world. The road of discipleship is marked by ruts carved in the dirt by a heavy cross. The timbers chaff on the shoulder of the one bearing the load. But the words of the Savior ring clearly, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV). Yes, daily discipleship. Not just Sunday and Wednesday; not just special events, Easter, and Christmas … daily. The cross is our companion, our course corrector, and our constant reminder of the commitment to His purpose. We are being equipped for greater discipleship and to help us help others along the path. Our willingness to serve comes out in our many ways as we reflect the Spirit of Jesus in our conversation, our character, and our conduct. Some sacrifices are not difficult. It’s easy to cast off loneliness for connection and rejection for embrace. It may not be so easy to rid ourselves of carnality and lustful thoughts, but if we can see the value of the outcome we are much more willing to try. Whatever we give up we find a greater reward to take its place. The gift of Christ promises to bring, “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17 NIV). Jesus made it clear that the reward in the kingdom will far exceed the extent of the sacrifice. He said, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29 NIV). Even in the face of persecution or in the depravation of loss, Jesus said, “Rejoice!” “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven” (Luke 6:23 NIV). Walking with Jesus makes sacrifice a natural response as we learn to love others. It’s an endorsement of His calling imprinted on our hearts. It’s the seal of His Spirit living within. The proof and the preparation is revealed in our service. Paul said, “Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you” (2 Timothy 3:17 TPT). Theme passage: “Their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 TPT).
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The Gift2/13/2022 The Gift
RELEASE — equipped to serve Terry R. Baughman “The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone. For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price for the salvation of many” (Mark 10:44–45 TPT). The greatest gift was given by Jesus Christ. John said, “God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16). God gave Himself, and Jesus came to give. He came with purpose; not to be served, but to serve, not to receive, but to give His life as a ransom for sin and give us salvation instead of condemnation. The greatest gift is God’s gift of salvation. The provision of eternal life exceeds our greatest expectation. God has provided an avenue for change and the hope of new life in Christ. He has given us the gift of reconciliation and the promise of transformation. The good news He has provided is a path to renewal, radical regeneration from sin unto salvation. We have come to follow Christ and live by His example. However, we cannot provide salvation because Jesus has already done that, so what are we to do. Our approach is to show the power of Jesus in our lives becoming His disciples. As we live to serve, we live out the gospel. We become an illustration of the power of His salvation. We show His love and reveal His purpose. Mark said, “The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone” (Mark 10:44 TPT). To follow Christ’s example is to adopt the servant’s heart and look for ways to, “serve everyone.” The path to promotion is not a road to fame or fortune. The promotion that comes from above is measured quite differently. The greatest becomes a servant. The least likely finds advancement in the kingdom, as the humble is exalted and the slave takes the lead. While the one who does not seek promotion finds it traveling the backroads of availability, the one who drives the expressway of convenience on the paths of least resistance never finds the ultimate destination they desire. God’s ways are far above ours and His gifts are perfect. James said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17 NKJ). We are a gift to the world. This is not an arrogant statement of self-exaltation. Rather, it is a realization of God’s purpose in those who follow Him. As Christ-followers we are here to serve. Following the lead of our Lord we understand that God has a greater purpose for us than merely to learn of Him; we must serve like Him. We were not saved because of our goodness or our abilities, but solely by His grace. Our gift to the world is just an extension of that grace. Any good thing we can accomplish is only through the mercy of God. Talents and abilities may be used for God’s purpose as long as we continually recognize the source of those skills and the purpose for which we have received them. In the parable of the talents it was made clear that they are not to hide or save, but rather to invest in humanity and seek the incredible return on investment that God will bless. The reward came to those who wisely invested at the conclusion when the master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21 NKJ). When we seek to serve and give our best in service to God, we can expect the blessing of the Lord and hear His words of welcome. Theme passage: “Their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 TPT).
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The Calling2/6/2022 The Calling
RELEASE — equipped to serve Terry R. Baughman “You are to lead by a different model. If you want to be the greatest, then live as one called to serve others. The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone” (Mark 10:43–44 TPT). To those who receive a “calling” it sounds like a promotion. To some it appears to be a badge of honor, a source of pride, a distinguishing position of elevation. Whenever God touches a life and places His claim on a person it is an honor, but not in the way of worldly notoriety. God’s calling is the call to serve in His Kingdom. It is an invitation down the path of humility. While that description may sound less glamorous and even repulsive to our carnal nature, the biblical trajectory to success leads us in different paths. The greatest calling is the call to serve and then to prepare others to do the same. The commission mandate is not an invitation to prominence, but the invitation to greater service. On one occasion Jesus took a child in His arms when the disciples tried to keep the children away. He forbade them from restricting the children and welcomed them saying, “For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest” (Luke 9:48 NIV). In this statement He established a principle of the Kingdom. It is the principle of opposites: the least is the greatest; to go up, one must go down; the way to promotion is through humiliation; servitude will result in leadership. You won’t find these chapters in a leadership book. Conventional wisdom doesn’t match up with kingdom principles. However, it remains a truth of Scripture. Jesus is our greatest example of servant leadership. He was the Son of God who became the Son of man. Paul wrote, “He existed in the form of God, yet he gave no thought to seizing equality with God as his supreme prize. Instead he emptied himself of his outward glory by reducing himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human! He humbled himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient” (Philippians 2:6–8 TPT). He showed us how to live and lead. He showed us how to serve. This is the purpose and intent of the church. It is a place for discipleship to happen. A place for teaching and modeling Christ’s principles. The church is a place for fellowship in God’s community; a place to fulfill our greatest potential. The reward of servitude is exaltation. Promotion will come, but it will not be on our own terms and in our time. It will only occur in God’s timing. It is the end result of a life of faithful service. Jesus received the greatest accolades after His great example of obedience. Paul continued, “Because of that obedience, God exalted him and multiplied his greatness! He has now been given the greatest of all names!” (Philippians 2:9 TPT). This was the perfect pattern for a life of discipleship and our model for leadership. In Jesus’ words from the text above He said, “You are to lead by a different model. If you want to be the greatest, then live as one called to serve others” (Mark 10:43–44 TPT). That is our calling! Theme passage: “Their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 TPT).
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Preparation for Launch1/30/2022 Preparation for Launch
RELEASE — empowered to rise Terry R. Baughman “‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV). The moment comes when it is time to stop preparing and get to the business for which we have prepared. Great architecture is not built on the designer’s computer, but realized when dirt is removed, forms set, and foundations are poured. The planning ceases when the permits are approved and the construction begins. Someone said that a fisherman’s job is to fish, not to teach seminars on the most effective methods, write books on the subject, or spend their days at the cafe telling stories of great trips and the incredible catches of the past. A fisherman gets out on the water, sometimes in the early morning or late in the evening, and casts the line into the place where fish are most likely to be found. A fisherman fishes. We have been called to become “fishers of men.” Our job is to cast the line, make the connection, draw others close in friendship, and introduce them to the greatest story ever told. While we want to learn effective methods of evangelism and be inspired with other’s stories of great conversions, our greatest successes will come when we engage in the process of attraction, discipleship, and witness the power of the Gospel in spiritual conversions. We can’t just talk about it; we must get busy doing it. The hot air balloon (also called the envelope) is filling with air. The fires that warm the air provide the lift. The gondola (or basket) is stocked with supplies. The necessary equipment is secured in place. The tethers are holding the hot-air balloon to the ground as the tension increases. The moment is now. It’s time to launch. It’s time to go. All of the preparations were necessary, but once it is time to launch there is no more need for preparations. It is time to quit prepping and get started. The moment arrives to get onboard, load up and leave. Initiate the launch sequence. Loosen the ropes. Release the tethers. Allow the upward lift the freedom to expand. Turn up the fire and experience release from gravity. Upward, upward let your spirits climb with the rising vessel. This analogy illustrates where we are as a church and as a movement. We have implemented a lot of preparation, training, policy and procedures, but there comes a time to launch our mission. The time arrives when we need to put the training to the test. The preparation has equipped us to face any unknown challenge that may come. Arise. Seize the moment and embrace the task. The final requirement is trust. We must believe in the designer; be confident in the vessel and its ability to complete the mission. Others have launched before us. The message stood the test of time. The Gospel and the blood of Jesus is more than enough for every challenge. We must believe that God is able to keep those we have committed unto Him. This is our moment. This is our day. The pioneers of the past have delivered the commission intact. The plan is flawless. The purpose is clear. Embrace the calling. Step into your destiny and believe that God has made you for this. Now it is time for the launch. It is time for … RELEASE! Theme passage: “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).
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Ready the Crew1/23/2022 Ready the Crew
RELEASE — empowered to rise Terry R. Baughman “It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh” (Acts 2:17 NKJ). Most great feats were not accomplished alone. Many laborers working together create architectural wonders and magnificent monuments of artistry. Collaboration results in works of collective wisdom. The joint efforts of a multitude of people produce freeway systems, grand canals, or spanning bridges over great waters. United efforts have put astronauts on the moon and launched space exploration to distant planets. While some incredible things have been done by a single person, the cooperation between many produces exponentially more than anyone can do alone. Solomon wrote, “A triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT). He indicated the strength of unity and the value of being knit together in harmony. Jesus taught, “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you” (Matthew 18:19 NLT). God has respect for those who will join together in agreement for a greater cause. The power of unity was displayed in the Upper Room after the ascension of Jesus. Luke wrote, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1, 4 NKJ). Peter stood up “with the eleven” to address their questions and explain the phenomena (Acts 2:14). Even the ministry of Peter became more powerful when delivered in unity with the other apostles and the complement of the Holy Spirit. It was God’s desire and purpose that the church be unified, that all believers become one with the Father. Jesus’ prayer was that we all may be one, “Just as you and I are one” (John 17:21 NLT). The mission of the church was never intended to be limited to just a few outstanding Christians to lead the masses, but rather a self-replicating organism that embraces and empowers each one with the same potential to become filled with the purpose of God. In Christ every believer becomes a disciple who becomes a “discipler!” The commission was Jesus’ directive, “Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19 NLT). Jesus initiated the plan, “I will build my church,” but it was not birthed in isolation. The church emerged from an Upper Room in a crowd of 120, out into the public square where thousands embraced the Gospel, and thousands more were added within days. This massive multiplication is Christ’s pattern and plan for world expansion of His kingdom. The incredible end-time revival will not be limited to a single location or awarded to isolated individuals, but will burst forth with spontaneous generation in a million places. God is bringing us together. He would have us be one. God is calling true Christ-followers to unite, to set aside personal differences and embrace the mission of Jesus. It is time to get together for the cause of revival. Assemble the volunteers. Ready the crew. Prepare the believers. Everyone must be on the same page and united for a singular purpose. We are ready for a launch like we’ve never seen before. A holy passion stirs within our hearts and a united vision brings us together to be the church of latter day revival. At the appropriate time there will be a united release, a forward lurch into a glorious revelation of spiritual renewal. Get ready for the release! Theme passage: “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).
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Spiritual Preparation1/16/2022 Spiritual Preparation
RELEASE — empowered to rise Terry R. Baughman “If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives” (Galatians 5:25 TPT). Many books and training programs are designed to help people improve their lives. Most are built on motivational techniques, developing self-discipline, or holding ourselves accountable to someone else. An exhaustive self-help genre has emerged to categorize these materials. Podcasts and programs exist to coach individuals to become the person they desire to become. In some ways church attendance and religious materials may be viewed in much the same way as the self-help genre. However, the major distinction is that for the believer it is less about self-help and more about God-help! There are similarities: Preaching and teaching can qualify as motivational. The gifts of the Spirit equip us for self-control which may be seen as the same as self-discipline. Choosing accountability partners is encouraged to overcome sin and resist temptation. In these and other tools there are practices for improving our Christian living. Spiritual preparation is different than natural training techniques. It is, well, spiritual! Though the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and Bible reading are certainly aides for Spiritual preparation, some qualities only develop by spending time in God’s presence and learning the grace and practice of a Spirit-led life. How do we spend time in His presence? Certainly, we can be drawn into a spiritual place when we attend services, listen to worship music, or find ourselves engrossed in the Word of God. Seeking those special times can be rewarding experiences and help develop more sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit. Other times come in unexpected moments. Driving toward a sunset or walking in a park can usher you into a spiritual oasis. Just the right song, a recorded testimony, or a statement in passing can suddenly speak to your spirit in such a way as to awaken something deep inside. As we experience God’s Spirit in everyday life and in spiritual worship we are developing an ear to receive God’s instruction. Numerous times in Scripture we are challenged, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7 and more, NIV). One of the prophets identified His Spirit manifested as a “still small voice” or a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12 NKJ and NIV). Whether God speaks in quiet tones and gentle nudges or in bright lights and bold voices, we may receive insight and the direction of the Spirit. The first step to a Spirit-led life is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus has promised His Spirit to every believer, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8 NKJ). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a guide for life. Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13 NKJ). Revelation of His Word and the fulness of truth comes as we embrace the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we prepare for the year ahead and the special calling God has designed for our lives let us prepare ourselves in the Spirit to answer the call. Regardless of our growth and experiences we will never outgrow our dependence on the Holy Spirit. He leads and guides into marvelous paths of further experiences. He knows the future and He knows our abilities. Prepare for the unknown as we make Him known! Theme passage: “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).
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Fitness for Launch1/9/2022 Fitness for Launch
RELEASE — empowered to rise Terry R. Baughman “A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever. For that reason, I don’t run just for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under my control, so that after preaching the good news to others I myself won’t be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:25–27 TPT). There’s no time like the New Year when people are so avid about fitness and exercise. The resolutions may include weight loss, health and wellness, or preparing for a competition. The lines are long for joining the local health clubs and the fitness centers are packed with sweaty participants who workout with determination. It is usually less than a month when the fitness centers are much less crowded and many fall back into their normal habits of indulgence and neglect of intended disciplines. Discipline is required for any athlete who desires to win in a competition. Marathons are not run on a whim, but require many weeks, even months, of preparation. Core strength is developed. Endurance is built over time and other competitions develop skills to insure success. This must have been Paul’s analogy for developing spiritual stamina, enduring setbacks and discouragement, and continuing to train and compete for the greatest reward, the crown of life. Seeing others make meaningful resolutions and changes at the beginning of the new year challenges us to make commitments for greater spiritual disciplines. Annually we may start a new Bible reading plan, a devotional guide, or a prayer journal with full intention of this year being different and with the goal of ending the year with a victorious conclusion. Many times our resolutions fall by the way along with those who neglect their gym membership. The stakes are certainly higher with our goals than shedding a few pounds or building muscles; the crown of life is worth our greatest efforts. Paul spoke of those who began the spiritual race with fervor only to be defeated with a lack of self-control, and losing out after being a good example to unbelievers for a time. He challenged us to avoid being disqualified when we come before the reviewing stand to be judged. Where the prize is greater, so also is the responsibility to run well. We are representing the ultimate conflict, the battle of the ages between life and death, good and evil. The outcome is not in question. Righteousness prevails! However, our personal destiny hangs in the balance. Mark gave the assurance, “He who endures to the end shall be saved” (Mark 13:13 NKJ). Astronauts undergo rigorous training in preparation for space travel. Some train for many years studying engineering, living with strict dietary plans, and consistently engaged in physical training just for the opportunity to be considered for a space mission. Not all will complete the training. Others will be disqualified for deficiencies in any of the areas in which they are trained. As we navigate the launch of a New Year and prepare for our spiritual growth plan, take special notice to be physically prepared, mentally conditioned and prayerfully packed for the journey. Get ready for a release. Insure that the training manual has been followed, and spiritual preparations are in order. We have a task before us and an incredible opportunity awaits. Theme passage: “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).
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Challenge Accepted1/2/2022 Challenge Accepted RELEASE — empowered to rise Terry R. Baughman “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” (Luke 14:33 NLT). People do some dumb things! Social media has created a phenomenon where students are often challenged to do some irrational, dangerous, and even fatal things just for the fun of it. I remember a few years ago seeing the “ice water challenge.” A lot of videos popped up of normally rational people getting doused with ice water over their heads just because someone challenged them to do it. Other challenges are more serious as kids attempt daring jumps, diving into shallow waters, or performing tricks on skateboards or bicycles. Some have ended in serious injuries or even death. The challenge we are proposing are not dangerous, but beneficial, even positively empowering to believers in Christ. We are faced with a New Year and a fresh opportunity to go forward with great ambition to be better and do more for God in the coming months. Our challenge is to reach higher in a spiritual dimension, dig deeper in biblical studies, and leap forward in our Christian maturity. The gauntlet has been thrown down. Who will take it up and accept the challenge of the Spirit during this early season of a new year? A desire to change course or direction is first of all a mental decision. We don’t accidentally stumble into disciplines. We don’t wake up one day and automatically run a marathon. No one ever said, “I started dieting before I knew what was happening. I started craving all the right foods and felt repulsed by anything that was fattening or unhealthy!” It is very unlikely that you just happened to show up a church without some thought or plan to attend. Likewise Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, giving, and sharing your testimony are not usually things that just happen. Typically, there is a conscious decision to make reading the Bible a part of your weekly schedule. We purpose to pray, and sometimes have to set an alarm or schedule a reminder to keep that commitment. Church attendance is planned and our days are arranged to insure that we have no disruptions to prevent our participation. When we budget our expenses our tithing and offerings are planned as a part of our financial responsibility. Often we must actively look for those opportunities to share our witness with coworkers, friends, or relatives. Most people only develop positive lifestyles and adopt healthy habits after making some mental preparation to initiate change in life. There is a pivotal moment where we decide to make changes. Motivations vary, but for spiritual pursuits perhaps it was a message that was preached, a book or podcast, or maybe an inspirational post that was observed on social media. Whatever the motivation, there was a moment when the decision was made to initiate a new action. We are mentally prepared to make the desired changes as we make plans to act on our decisions. If we are to truly be committed to the cause of Jesus Christ, we must make the decision to forsake all to follow Him. We learn of His desire for us through the reading of His Word, praying for His guidance, and through the encouragement of other believers as we gather together for worship and to hear God’s messenger deliver the application of the Word of God from Scripture. Accept the challenge today! In this beginning of a New Year, or a renewed commitment, let us arise to the challenge of Christian commitment. We are assured of God’s help as His Spirit was given to empower us for service. Theme passage: “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).
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Celebrating God11/22/2020 Celebrating God Thanks Living Terry R. Baughman “Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Give to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!” (Psalm 96:7–9). Thanksgiving is a “God celebration!” It is an occasion to glorify the name of the Lord for everything that He is and all that He has provided. The passage from the Psalm above is just a portion of the song of praise exalting the one God of Heaven who created everything and brought us salvation. He has performed many wonderful works among us. Every praise we offer to God is deserved and appropriate; it is “the glory due His name!” So whether we gather with family and friends or just spend the time alone, during this season let us celebrate God! Often Thanksgiving is more about us. We ask for our favorite dishes or forbidden desserts. We eat too many calories and find ourselves on the couch in a food coma after an excessive meal. Many have a day free of work, or the entire weekend off, and make plans to celebrate with recreation, road trips, or go shopping to take advantage of Black Friday specials. For others it is football games, or other sports activities for entertainment. Among the myriad events and activities surrounding the annual celebration we often make it more about our desires: gluttony, self-gratification, and entertainment. We are all guilty of at least some of these things. During the holiday this year let us take some time to reevaluate how we celebrate. Let us make Thanksgiving a celebration of our great God who supplies such bounty and has blessed us with peace and prosperity that we do not deserve. When we put God first and bring glory to His name, He graciously responds with more blessing and allows us to participate in His celebration. In ancient Israel the feast days were celebrations around the tabernacle and occasions of great joy as the people gathered to honor God. The people brought appropriate offerings and the priest offered sacrifices. They offered the first fruits of grain and baked special loaves to offer to God in worship. Depending on the particular purpose of the sacrifice there were portions given to sustain the priesthood and provide their living. In some occasions there was a celebration and the bounty that was offered to God was in turn shared with the worshippers that had come to honor God. They were indeed feast days!” The principle extends to us today. While we are not required to bring the lamb or calf for sacrifice, we are encouraged to offer the sacrifice of praise! The psalmist wrote, “Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6), and, “I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good” (Psalm 54:6). In the New Testament the writer of Hebrews continues this theme of thanksgiving to God and the sacrifice of praise, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15–16). As we celebrate God, we can celebrate with one another and we can share with others in need. This brings the favor of God. He is “well pleased.” Theme passage: Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 NKJ).
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The Lord’s Portion11/15/2020 The Lord’s Portion Thanks Living Terry R. Baughman “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). From the early days of biblical history the practice of offering God the firstfruits of the harvest was observed. Under the Law, giving of the firstfruits was established. The priests and Levites were the recipients of the gifts that the people brought as an offering to the Lord. This was God’s provision to sustain those who dedicated themselves to His service. “All the best of the oil, all the best of the new wine and the grain, their firstfruits which they offer to the Lord, I have given them to you. Whatever first ripe fruit is in their land, which they bring to the Lord, shall be yours” (Numbers 18:12–13). The giving of the tithe (ten percent) was observed even before the Law was given to Moses. Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of battle to Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God. The writer of Hebrews recorded, “Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, …” (Hebrews 7:1–2). God blessed Abraham for his giving and the principle of tithing was established. The benefits are reciprocal. First the abundance of harvest provides for our needs and we offer gifts of thanksgiving to God, who in turn pours out more blessings on our lives. Blessings, both natural, financial and spiritual are returned to those who open up their hearts in giving. Tithing is a steadfast principle of Scripture, predating the Law and continuing to be observed after Christ came to the world. The prophet Malachi attached conditions and blessings to the obedience of the tithing principle. It may be the only provision of Scripture where the prophet was instructed to “try the Lord and see” the abundance of blessings that will be returned to the giver. (See the text above.) More than a return of provision, there was also a promise of protection established. The Lord said, “I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field” (Malachi 3:11). We are reminded of the Lord’s promise to Joshua based on the condition of his faithfulness to the Word of the Lord, “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7). Obedience to the Word of the Lord always results in the blessings of the Lord. The practice of tithing and giving is a consistent reminder of God’s provision. Weekly, monthly, our according to our increase we are reminded that everything we possess is a blessing from the Lord. We honor the Lord with His portion and we find ourselves being blessed again and again. Thanks living is thanksgiving! Theme passage: Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 NKJ). |