What is oppression? Oppression is imposed domination of another person or a group of people in order to control them mentally, physically, emotionally, and the worst of all, spiritually, in order to stifle their aspirations and limit their potential. To be oppressed is to be dominated or held down or suppressed in such a way as to cancel or to control or to limit your divinely ordained potential.
-Oppression in any form is against the will of God, no matter how legitimate is has been made to sound or appear.
-It involves restricting your God-given human potential to stop God's plan for your life.
-Oppression crushes a person's human spirit.
-Oppression can take place in many forms on many different levels, but all of it is wicked, evil, and demonic.
There many types of demonic oppression:
Political Oppression
This is in dictatorships or military governance where a particular dictator limits the power of others in the name of political order. For example in history, Russian communism, the Marxist way of life where literal walls were built to hold people in to stop them from being able to move.
Economic Oppression
The rich hold the poor down and keep them in classes so that they are not able to express themselves. They can't get free to develop their own entrepreneurial spirit. They are limited and stuck in ghettos because this is where the system has forced them to stay.
Racial Oppression
This is where people are held down because of the color of their skin. This form of demonic oppression has been and continues to have a dominant presence in the United States of America, as well as, in other countries. As racial oppession operates daily, the color of a person's skin prohibits them access to what the rest of society has free access to simply because of how they look.
Domestic Oppression
Typically a woman (but also this can be applicable to a man) is so controlled by a man through threats of violence. This woman lives in fear. The man is a dictator to oppress. Some husbands falsely use God's word of submission to physically oppress their wives. Equally as important, some men and husbands are domestically oppressed. This fact is not overlooked when a man comes for integrated healing and deliverance ministry.
Did you know, Beloved, that nobody is supposed to be able to control you, but God? That's why Paul said, I won't be controlled by any thing. You can be led by people or things, or even influenced by people or things, but nothing and no one should take over your life, including your mind. When this happens, the Bible calls this form of illegitimate control, idolatry. This means you've allowed someone or something to take God's place.
You have the authority in Jesus' Name to stop it. Take advantage of that and break the spirit of oppression upon your life.
Monday, October 30, 2017
The Big "O" (Part 4)
Exodus 2 and 3 inform us the children of Israel were being held in bondage. Please recognize with me that any type of bondage is illegitimate. Many of the words used in these two chapters of Exodus that denote oppression: imposed, compelled, bitter, task master, bondage, sighed, groaning, affliction, smiting, burdens, wrong, killed, feared, sorrows, and cry.
The Israelites were being bound, they were being forced, and they were being driven. Why was there oppression? The oppressor, Pharoah, did not want them to be free even after 430 years bondage. The oppressor says, "if I allow you to become free, you'll become to strong in the Lord and in your life. Pharoah illegitimately used the children of Israel to further his agenda. Now, let's draw a comparison. What does the devil and his demons do? They use you to further his agenda.
Many God-fearing Christians aren't aware that they cooperate with the enemy daily in two ways.
-The first way is because we as Christians are often spiritually blind in certain areas of our life. This is an open door for you to continue to be used to further the cause of Satan without even realizing it and even while you serve weekly in your local church.
-The second way is you don't use your authority and spiritual gifts daily and weekly against the enemy in your life. In other words, you're a passive Christian when it comes to spiritual warfare in your own life. God has destined you for freedom. God's gift to you is freedom.
Notice that the children of Israel had been under the oppressor for an extended period of time. It is very important to note in this scripture that it took a few days for the Israelites to cry out to God. Why? They got used to being oppressed while Pharoah was alive. They didn't like it, but they accepted it. The Israelites forgot about God and they forgot about they were in a covenant with Him. Let me ask you: Have you become so accustomed to your oppression that you do not exercise what is promised to you and what is available to you every day?
The Israelites were being bound, they were being forced, and they were being driven. Why was there oppression? The oppressor, Pharoah, did not want them to be free even after 430 years bondage. The oppressor says, "if I allow you to become free, you'll become to strong in the Lord and in your life. Pharoah illegitimately used the children of Israel to further his agenda. Now, let's draw a comparison. What does the devil and his demons do? They use you to further his agenda.
Many God-fearing Christians aren't aware that they cooperate with the enemy daily in two ways.
-The first way is because we as Christians are often spiritually blind in certain areas of our life. This is an open door for you to continue to be used to further the cause of Satan without even realizing it and even while you serve weekly in your local church.
-The second way is you don't use your authority and spiritual gifts daily and weekly against the enemy in your life. In other words, you're a passive Christian when it comes to spiritual warfare in your own life. God has destined you for freedom. God's gift to you is freedom.
Notice that the children of Israel had been under the oppressor for an extended period of time. It is very important to note in this scripture that it took a few days for the Israelites to cry out to God. Why? They got used to being oppressed while Pharoah was alive. They didn't like it, but they accepted it. The Israelites forgot about God and they forgot about they were in a covenant with Him. Let me ask you: Have you become so accustomed to your oppression that you do not exercise what is promised to you and what is available to you every day?
The Big "D" ( {Part 3)
Depression can have a spiritual source if we live in sin, harbor anger or resentment. We have to be willing to forgive and make the unnatural decision to let someone “off the hook." Even if they do not ask or deserve it, we forgive just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us. We forgive because we already have been forgiven, not to be forgiven as is the case in the Gospels.
Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Reading, studying, praying, and meditation on the Word requires use of the frontal lobe of the brain and emphasizes communion with God, thinking His thoughts, sensing His presence, and knowing His will. This is active worship and produces the type of brain waves in the frontal lobe that are very helpful for us all, including the depressed. Hypnosis and the trance-like state of Eastern religious meditation are very harmful; they produce the wrong type of brain waves and information bypasses the frontal lobe, leading to possible mind control.
Sometimes a believer is living for the Lord, serving and honoring Him in all parts of his/her life. Over the years, the Lord blesses that person and they are happy and enjoy good health. Certainly there is nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings of the Lord. But, it can all be taken in a moment, not because of spiritual problems, but because it may be that God is taking that person to the next level of maturity. It is perplexing and it hurts, but often growth requires loss or brokenness.
Paul said in Philippians 3:8:
“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things.”
Romans 12:2 says:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Transformed in Greek is "metamorphosis "and means "a change in form." It implies a struggle like when a chrysalis morphs into a butterfly. If we do not become changed from the inside-out we will be tempted to find external things to satisfy our needs. Transformation is not an instantaneous act of God, it is a life-long process. One does not get transformed by just praying, asking or believing; because there is no “microwave” way to spiritual maturity.
The Holy Spirit will do the transforming for us if we cooperate with Him and expect spiritual advancement. Your imperfections will be revealed by the Holy Spirit so that you may continue to grow and become more complete. Maturity versus infancy is the issue. God loves you just the way you are, but refuses to leave you that way; He wants you to be made conformable to Christ. Philippians 2:7, 8 reminds us:
" But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
His life reminds us of our spiritual growth which often imposes tough lessons. Sometimes they're so tough we shrink back from learning them. It seems we have to learn from actual experience that whatever we depend upon in this life, ends up controlling us. God allows and uses life’s events to teach us about misplaced dependencies, so that we finally grasp the concept that Christ is our one true sufficiency.
Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Reading, studying, praying, and meditation on the Word requires use of the frontal lobe of the brain and emphasizes communion with God, thinking His thoughts, sensing His presence, and knowing His will. This is active worship and produces the type of brain waves in the frontal lobe that are very helpful for us all, including the depressed. Hypnosis and the trance-like state of Eastern religious meditation are very harmful; they produce the wrong type of brain waves and information bypasses the frontal lobe, leading to possible mind control.
Sometimes a believer is living for the Lord, serving and honoring Him in all parts of his/her life. Over the years, the Lord blesses that person and they are happy and enjoy good health. Certainly there is nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings of the Lord. But, it can all be taken in a moment, not because of spiritual problems, but because it may be that God is taking that person to the next level of maturity. It is perplexing and it hurts, but often growth requires loss or brokenness.
Paul said in Philippians 3:8:
“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things.”
Romans 12:2 says:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Transformed in Greek is "metamorphosis "and means "a change in form." It implies a struggle like when a chrysalis morphs into a butterfly. If we do not become changed from the inside-out we will be tempted to find external things to satisfy our needs. Transformation is not an instantaneous act of God, it is a life-long process. One does not get transformed by just praying, asking or believing; because there is no “microwave” way to spiritual maturity.
The Holy Spirit will do the transforming for us if we cooperate with Him and expect spiritual advancement. Your imperfections will be revealed by the Holy Spirit so that you may continue to grow and become more complete. Maturity versus infancy is the issue. God loves you just the way you are, but refuses to leave you that way; He wants you to be made conformable to Christ. Philippians 2:7, 8 reminds us:
" But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
His life reminds us of our spiritual growth which often imposes tough lessons. Sometimes they're so tough we shrink back from learning them. It seems we have to learn from actual experience that whatever we depend upon in this life, ends up controlling us. God allows and uses life’s events to teach us about misplaced dependencies, so that we finally grasp the concept that Christ is our one true sufficiency.
The Big "D" (Part 2)
In the world of secular counseling there has been a shift away from psychoanalysis which was aimed at uncovering “unconscious” reasons for depression. Time was spent on how the individual was raised as a child, and other past events that may have shaped a person’s feelings and behavior. Going through the maze of a person’s past life was thought helpful to present-day healing or identifying causative agents. This therapy has proven less successful than desired. So, a shift has been made toward cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on the interpretation of life’s events.
This is mentioned because secular therapy has, over time, become more closely aligned with what Paul teaches about our thinking, that is:
(1) Erroneous interpretations of events and negative automatic thoughts may initiate or perpetuate the depressed mood.
(2) Our focus should not be on the past, which is about finding circumstances or others to blame, but on what one can do differently.
-Locate and identify the negative thoughts or misbelief in your self-talk. “I am no good because things are not like what I expect or want.”
-Argue against the negative thoughts. “I am not a failure just because I do not meet unrealistic expectations of myself or others.”
-Learn how to avoid rumination (the constant churning of thoughts in one’s mind) by immediately changing your thoughts.
-Replace the negative thoughts the very second they occur with the truth and with empowering positive thoughts and beliefs. “In spite of the sorrow, disappointments and feelings I experience the Lord will help me carry on.”
Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking that God has promised us perfect peace at all times; that will come to those in the Kingdom as some teach today. Problems will come and often in these last days.
Isaiah 26:1-3 "In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
But, the instruction and blessing of Philippians 4:6, 7 are applicable for today.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Always understand these verses in light of Paul, who had plenty of struggles and afflictions but God brought him through and kept his heart and mind in the process.
Finally, Philippians 3:13,14 says,
“…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul is using a runner’s analogy to put the past and future in their proper perspective. He says that runners in a race cannot look back to see where the other runners are, for if they do they may stumble or get out of their lane and be disqualified. A runner can only look ahead and stretch forward, making the focus the finish line, not what may be behind.
We are on a track, running life’s race. The most incredible thing is that each Christian is the only person on his/her track. One does not have to be all that fast, but steady. The only thing that is behind us on our track is our past, with its failures, abuses, hurts, regrets, accomplishments, or fame. If you have your eye on the prize the past cannot hurt or catch you. The past contains the thoughts that Paul says to forget about, certainly do not ruminate about them, if you do you will stumble (have mental problems). He implies a Christian’s greatest point of failure in running the race is letting the past keep him/her from running well. Look ahead, stretch forward toward a new day and thank God for all you have in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is mentioned because secular therapy has, over time, become more closely aligned with what Paul teaches about our thinking, that is:
(1) Erroneous interpretations of events and negative automatic thoughts may initiate or perpetuate the depressed mood.
(2) Our focus should not be on the past, which is about finding circumstances or others to blame, but on what one can do differently.
-Locate and identify the negative thoughts or misbelief in your self-talk. “I am no good because things are not like what I expect or want.”
-Argue against the negative thoughts. “I am not a failure just because I do not meet unrealistic expectations of myself or others.”
-Learn how to avoid rumination (the constant churning of thoughts in one’s mind) by immediately changing your thoughts.
-Replace the negative thoughts the very second they occur with the truth and with empowering positive thoughts and beliefs. “In spite of the sorrow, disappointments and feelings I experience the Lord will help me carry on.”
Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking that God has promised us perfect peace at all times; that will come to those in the Kingdom as some teach today. Problems will come and often in these last days.
Isaiah 26:1-3 "In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
But, the instruction and blessing of Philippians 4:6, 7 are applicable for today.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Always understand these verses in light of Paul, who had plenty of struggles and afflictions but God brought him through and kept his heart and mind in the process.
Finally, Philippians 3:13,14 says,
“…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul is using a runner’s analogy to put the past and future in their proper perspective. He says that runners in a race cannot look back to see where the other runners are, for if they do they may stumble or get out of their lane and be disqualified. A runner can only look ahead and stretch forward, making the focus the finish line, not what may be behind.
We are on a track, running life’s race. The most incredible thing is that each Christian is the only person on his/her track. One does not have to be all that fast, but steady. The only thing that is behind us on our track is our past, with its failures, abuses, hurts, regrets, accomplishments, or fame. If you have your eye on the prize the past cannot hurt or catch you. The past contains the thoughts that Paul says to forget about, certainly do not ruminate about them, if you do you will stumble (have mental problems). He implies a Christian’s greatest point of failure in running the race is letting the past keep him/her from running well. Look ahead, stretch forward toward a new day and thank God for all you have in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Big "D" (Part 1)
How we handle bad or disappointing news has a profound effect upon our mental well-being. As long as we believe we are victims, we are not able to achieve full mental health. Positive thinking is more important for overall health than almost anything else. Negative thinking, on the contrary, can destroy the good done by correct diet and lifestyle.
Many depressed people have a tendency to look at the down side of life. It has been said that it is a positive duty to resist melancholy and discontented thoughts as much as it is our duty to pray. Certainly there will always be things in this imperfect world that give us cause to complain. Often we are helpless to personally do anything about many of these negative things. However, we can focus our mind on the enjoyable and wonderful things of life; this is scriptural, uplifting and therapeutic.
In our minds we must replace the negative, compulsive thoughts with Philippians 4:8:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
That is the purpose of meditating on God’s Word. As soon as the conscious awareness of an unconstructive negative thought is realized, a positive thought must immediately replace it. This takes practice and preparation, but brings our thinking into captivity. The instruction of 2 Corinthians 10:5, 6 is: “
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
Applying these words to ourselves, we cannot allow ourselves to entertain negative thoughts, even if we have been wronged. Nor can we entertain compulsive thoughts that just keep running over and over again in our mind, even though they may not be negative in nature, that might lead us down a dark passageway.
Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Many depressed people have a tendency to look at the down side of life. It has been said that it is a positive duty to resist melancholy and discontented thoughts as much as it is our duty to pray. Certainly there will always be things in this imperfect world that give us cause to complain. Often we are helpless to personally do anything about many of these negative things. However, we can focus our mind on the enjoyable and wonderful things of life; this is scriptural, uplifting and therapeutic.
In our minds we must replace the negative, compulsive thoughts with Philippians 4:8:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
That is the purpose of meditating on God’s Word. As soon as the conscious awareness of an unconstructive negative thought is realized, a positive thought must immediately replace it. This takes practice and preparation, but brings our thinking into captivity. The instruction of 2 Corinthians 10:5, 6 is: “
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
Applying these words to ourselves, we cannot allow ourselves to entertain negative thoughts, even if we have been wronged. Nor can we entertain compulsive thoughts that just keep running over and over again in our mind, even though they may not be negative in nature, that might lead us down a dark passageway.
Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Can't Nobody (Part 4)
-JESUS HAD THE POWER TO TEACH WITH AUTHORITY:
Luke 4:32
Jesus has power to forgive sin:
"As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him."
John 17:2
-HE HAS POWER OVER DEATH:
"Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live'." John 11:25
"No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of
myself. I have power to lay it down, and
I have power to take it again..."
John 10:18
John 5:27
-HE HAS POWER OVER DEMONS:
-HE HAS POWER OVER ALL THE WORKS OF THE ENEMY:
The purpose for which Jesus came into the world was to destroy all the works of the Devil:
"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil."
1 John 3:8
He heals my body tells me to roll on,
He heals my body tells me to roll on;He heals my body tells me to roll on,
He's my friend!
The scribes based their authority on the Old
Testament scriptures. Jesus based His
authority on God Himself:
"And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He
taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." Mark 1:22
"And they were astonished at His doctrine: for His
word was with power." Luke 4:32
-HE HAS POWER OVER SIN:
Jesus has power to forgive sin:
"But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power
on earth to forgive sins."
Matthew 9:6
-HE HAS POWER OVER SICKNESS:Matthew 9:6
"When the even was come, they brought unto Him many
that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word...
and healed all that were sick." Matthew 8:16
-HE HAS POWER OVER NATURE:
"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto
the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."
Mark 4:39
Mark 4:39
-HE HAS POWER OVER ALL FLESH:
"As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him."
John 17:2
-HE HAS POWER OVER HIS ENEMIES:
"Then saith Pilate unto Him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify
thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou
couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from
above..."
John 19:10, 11
John 19:10, 11
-HE HAS POWER OVER DEATH:
"Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live'." John 11:25
Through His own death and resurrection,
Jesus...
"... having spoiled principalities and powers, He
made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:15
-HE HAD POWER OVER HIS OWN LIFE:
Jesus explained regarding His life:
John 10:18
-HE HAS POWER TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT:
God has given Jesus power to execute
judgment:
"And hath given Him authority to execute judgment
also, because He is the Son of Man." John 5:27
-HE HAS POWER OVER DEMONS:
Jesus has power and authority over demonic
forces:
"And they were all amazed, and spake among
themselves, saying, What a word is this!
for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they
come out."
Luke 4:36
Luke 4:36
"And they were all amazed, insomuch that they
questioned among themselves, saying, What
thing is this? what new doctrine
is this? for with authority commandeth
He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him."
Mark 1:27
Mark 1:27
"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy
Ghost and with power: who went about
doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil; for God was with
Him."
Acts 10:38
Acts 10:38
-HE HAS POWER OVER ALL THE WORKS OF THE ENEMY:
The purpose for which Jesus came into the world was to destroy all the works of the Devil:
"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil."
1 John 3:8
He heals my body tells me to roll on,
He heals my body tells me to roll on;He heals my body tells me to roll on,
He's my friend!
Can't Nobody (Part 3)
After His death and resurrection, Jesus returned to Heaven. There He continues to minister in power and authority at the right hand of God:
"Hereafter shall the Son of Man sit on the right hand of the power of God. "
Luke 22:69"And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God."
Acts 7:56
Jesus also continues to minister through the power delegated to believers. Before Jesus returned to Heaven, He delegated power and authority to His followers. They were to do the works He had done, and even greater works according to John 14:12.
Someday, Jesus will return to earth in great power and glory:
"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven: and then all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory."
Matthew 24:30
At that time all the powers of Heaven and earth will be delivered up to Jesus:
"Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power."
1 Corinthians 15:24
All the universe will acknowledge the power of God the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ:
"Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in Heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Revelation 5:12, 13
There is only one empty tomb-His body isn't there. He is coming to receive His own. Are you one of them? Can't nobody do me like the Lord!
There is only one empty tomb-His body isn't there. He is coming to receive His own. Are you one of them? Can't nobody do me like the Lord!
Can't Nobody (Part 2)
-HIS SOURCE OF POWER
Jesus did not exercise power independently of God the Father. Continually, throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus credited God as the source of His power:
Can't nobody do me like Jesus,
Can't nobody do me like the Lord;
Can't nobody do me like Jesus,
He's my friend!
God the Father was the source of Jesus' power
and authority. Jesus said:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath
anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight
to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
Luke 4:18, 19Jesus did not exercise power independently of God the Father. Continually, throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus credited God as the source of His power:
"Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed
you from my Father."
John 10:32
-UNLIMITED
POWER
There were no limits to Christ's power.
He was given all power in Heaven and earth:
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "All
power is given unto me in Heaven
and in earth'." Matthew 28:18
Jesus has power:
"Far above all principality, and power, and might,
and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in
that which is to come: And (God) hath
put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church."
Ephesians 1:21, 22
Jesus is the head of all other powers:
"And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all
principality and power."
Colossians
2:10Can't nobody do me like Jesus,
Can't nobody do me like the Lord;
Can't nobody do me like Jesus,
He's my friend!
Can't Nobody (Part 1)
Andre Crouch wrote about the unlimited power of Jesus when he penned the words to the song, "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus." The Lord impressed me to use that as my theme for the next few days because pardon the expression, "Ain't nobody like Him!"
Jesus Christ was the Son of the living God and part of the triune Godhead. He was...
Jesus Christ was the Son of the living God and part of the triune Godhead. He was...
-BORN
IN POWER
Jesus was born in the power of the Holy
Ghost:
"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy
Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow
thee: therefore also that holy thing
which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Luke 1:35
Jesus was the visible manifestation of God's
power:
"But unto them which are called... Christ the power
of God, and the wisdom of God."
1
Corinthians 1:24
-BAPTIZED
IN POWER
John recognized the power of Jesus. He said:
"There
cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not
worthy to stoop down and unloose. I
indeed have baptized you with water; but He shall baptize you with the Holy
Ghost."
Mark 1:7, 8
When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan
River, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove:
"And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit
descending from Heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him."
John 1:31
God had told John:
"Upon
whom thou shalt see the Spirit
descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy
Ghost."
John 1:33
This was confirmed when the Holy Ghost rested
on Jesus in the form of the dove. Jesus
was not only filled with Holy Ghost power, He was to baptize with power.
-A
PROVEN POWER
Immediately after His baptism, Jesus went
into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan:
"And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost, returned
from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness." Luke 4:1
Power is proven by testing. Each temptation
by Satan challenged the power and authority of Jesus. Jesus successfully
overcame each one and. . .
". . . returned in
the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him
through all the region round about."
Luke 4:14
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Old Wineskins (Part 4)
Old wineskins contain many unorthodox ingredients:
-Procrastination, or delaying things, waiting for a better time, for a better opportunity, putting things off until another day, etc.
-Making Excuses or justifying failure instead of correcting it.
-Laziness, lack of concern, or sloppy work.
You cannot be greedy or selfish. You must have a generous, giving spirit and instead of doing "your own thing" work together for the plan and purpose of God. New wineskins mean that you obey those in authority and adjust to change as needed. Just because something has been done the same way in the past does not mean it is presently effective in God's plan.
Mistakes are repeated when you do not evaluate and learn from experience. Remember, God's plan often involves many details. If these are not properly coordinated, the plan will fail. You are also called to serve others. If you forget this and become proud, plans will fail.
There will always be attitude problems towards planning. I've heard these comments many times while pastoring:
-"We have always done it that way."
-"We do not like to plan."
-"Planning is not Scriptural.”
-"This has worked all right for the last 40 years." -"Planning is not spiritual."
-"We move forward in faith; we do not need to plan." -"We do not have time to plan."
-"I do not see why we should change after all this time."
There are three things you need to implement the plans God has given you:
-Leadership.
-Funds.
-Workers.
However the failure to be honest in evaluating your situation often leads to a spiritual attack of the enemy! Satan will try to frustrate your purpose. He uses murmuring as the first stage whenever you begin a plan or a work for God.
For example, in the early Church:
-Acts l: God chose certain men.
-Acts 2: He gave those men a ministry.
-Acts 3: There was multiplication.
-Acts 4: The movement known as the church emerged.
-Acts 5: Murmuring arose from the people.
The same pattern is found in the book of Nehemiah:
-Nehemiah l: God chose a man.
-Nehemiah l-2: He gave the man a ministry.
-Nehemiah 2-3: The work force multiplied.
-Nehemiah 2-4: The plan was instituted.
-Nehemiah 5: Murmuring arose from the people.
When ministries and plans reach the murmuring stage, the problem must be dealt with or the plan can be seriously affected. Nehemiah dealt with the murmuring by prayer and better organization in Nehemiah 5.
The apostles dealt with the murmuring by prayer and better organization in Acts 6.
The murmuring of the Israelites was never totally resolved. Because of this, God's plan was delayed until a new generation was raised up. God, please help use us to become new wineskins for Your last day's blessing instead of old wineskins that will explode.
-Procrastination, or delaying things, waiting for a better time, for a better opportunity, putting things off until another day, etc.
-Making Excuses or justifying failure instead of correcting it.
-Laziness, lack of concern, or sloppy work.
You cannot be greedy or selfish. You must have a generous, giving spirit and instead of doing "your own thing" work together for the plan and purpose of God. New wineskins mean that you obey those in authority and adjust to change as needed. Just because something has been done the same way in the past does not mean it is presently effective in God's plan.
Mistakes are repeated when you do not evaluate and learn from experience. Remember, God's plan often involves many details. If these are not properly coordinated, the plan will fail. You are also called to serve others. If you forget this and become proud, plans will fail.
There will always be attitude problems towards planning. I've heard these comments many times while pastoring:
-"We have always done it that way."
-"We do not like to plan."
-"Planning is not Scriptural.”
-"This has worked all right for the last 40 years." -"Planning is not spiritual."
-"We move forward in faith; we do not need to plan." -"We do not have time to plan."
-"I do not see why we should change after all this time."
There are three things you need to implement the plans God has given you:
-Leadership.
-Funds.
-Workers.
However the failure to be honest in evaluating your situation often leads to a spiritual attack of the enemy! Satan will try to frustrate your purpose. He uses murmuring as the first stage whenever you begin a plan or a work for God.
For example, in the early Church:
-Acts l: God chose certain men.
-Acts 2: He gave those men a ministry.
-Acts 3: There was multiplication.
-Acts 4: The movement known as the church emerged.
-Acts 5: Murmuring arose from the people.
The same pattern is found in the book of Nehemiah:
-Nehemiah l: God chose a man.
-Nehemiah l-2: He gave the man a ministry.
-Nehemiah 2-3: The work force multiplied.
-Nehemiah 2-4: The plan was instituted.
-Nehemiah 5: Murmuring arose from the people.
When ministries and plans reach the murmuring stage, the problem must be dealt with or the plan can be seriously affected. Nehemiah dealt with the murmuring by prayer and better organization in Nehemiah 5.
The apostles dealt with the murmuring by prayer and better organization in Acts 6.
The murmuring of the Israelites was never totally resolved. Because of this, God's plan was delayed until a new generation was raised up. God, please help use us to become new wineskins for Your last day's blessing instead of old wineskins that will explode.
Old Wineskins (Part 3)
God's plans are always perfect, but because He works through imperfect instruments (You and I), plans sometimes fail. Failure is always because of our unwillingness to work in harmony with God. If it's hard to put new wine into old wineskins, then we must also realize it's hard to teach or train people who don't want to be taught.
God's plans fail for several different reasons
-People don't understand the purpose or vision of which His plan was birthed.
-People are not trained for the tasks they are asked to do as part of the plan. God always prepares people for the task they are to do. We should follow this example.
-People sometimes are misplaced in the plan. For example, if someone with the gift of evangelizing is trying to do the work of a pastor they might faced difficult problems.
-People and/or leadership don't commit the prayer, time, effort, and money necessary to fulfill the plan.
-Their plans was made without the guidance of the Lord.
-The objectives of God's plan were not stated properly in the beginning.
-Goals were not clearly communicated to those involved.
-No one checked to see how things were going, so when difficulties arose the plan fell apart. The completion date came and no one was ready. Because there was no evaluation, there was a failure to deal with problems.
-Fear of criticism, failure, or man.
-Doubt of the ability of God to work through you.
Jesus has the perfect plan if we will do our part and execute it. We need His direction, anointing, and power. Without it the new wine will never be experienced by this generation.
God's plans fail for several different reasons
-People don't understand the purpose or vision of which His plan was birthed.
-People are not trained for the tasks they are asked to do as part of the plan. God always prepares people for the task they are to do. We should follow this example.
-People sometimes are misplaced in the plan. For example, if someone with the gift of evangelizing is trying to do the work of a pastor they might faced difficult problems.
-People and/or leadership don't commit the prayer, time, effort, and money necessary to fulfill the plan.
-Their plans was made without the guidance of the Lord.
-The objectives of God's plan were not stated properly in the beginning.
-Goals were not clearly communicated to those involved.
-No one checked to see how things were going, so when difficulties arose the plan fell apart. The completion date came and no one was ready. Because there was no evaluation, there was a failure to deal with problems.
-Fear of criticism, failure, or man.
-Doubt of the ability of God to work through you.
Jesus has the perfect plan if we will do our part and execute it. We need His direction, anointing, and power. Without it the new wine will never be experienced by this generation.
Old Wineskins (Part 2)
Old wineskins don't like the term "evaluation." Most of the problems we deal with today come because we don't take stock in what we're doing for God and some people refuse to do so because it means they might have to change. Evaluation makes you accountable to God, to those with whom and to whom you minister, and to your own self.
From the beginning of time, God has held man accountable for fulfilling His plans. Adam and Eve had certain responsibilities in the Garden for which God held them accountable.
The Bible indicates you are to "think soberly,” to evaluate your own life and ministry.
Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
Paul said:
Philippians 1:10 "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ."
The fact that you are accountable to God for your ministry is illustrated by the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The Bible also teaches that you have responsibilities for those to whom you minister:
1 Peter 5:2, 3 "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."
The Bible also teaches that you are accountable to those with whom you minister. You work together just like the human body:
1 Corinthians 12:21 "And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you."
When you stand before God on judgment day, your work will be evaluated to determine its value:
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay stubble;
1 Corinthians 3:12, 13 "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."
God has perfect plans, but He works through imperfect people to accomplish His plans. Because you are imperfect, you must continually evaluate your ministry. Evaluation is important because it helps you determine if you are properly fulfilling God's plans and purpose. Evaluation permits you to learn from your successes and failures, revise existing plans, and make new plans. If you are really doing God's work, then it is worth doing with excellence.
From the beginning of time, God has held man accountable for fulfilling His plans. Adam and Eve had certain responsibilities in the Garden for which God held them accountable.
The Bible indicates you are to "think soberly,” to evaluate your own life and ministry.
Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
Paul said:
Philippians 1:10 "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ."
The fact that you are accountable to God for your ministry is illustrated by the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The Bible also teaches that you have responsibilities for those to whom you minister:
1 Peter 5:2, 3 "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."
The Bible also teaches that you are accountable to those with whom you minister. You work together just like the human body:
1 Corinthians 12:21 "And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you."
When you stand before God on judgment day, your work will be evaluated to determine its value:
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay stubble;
1 Corinthians 3:12, 13 "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."
God has perfect plans, but He works through imperfect people to accomplish His plans. Because you are imperfect, you must continually evaluate your ministry. Evaluation is important because it helps you determine if you are properly fulfilling God's plans and purpose. Evaluation permits you to learn from your successes and failures, revise existing plans, and make new plans. If you are really doing God's work, then it is worth doing with excellence.
Old Wineskins (Part 1)
When Jesus began His ministry, He met much opposition. Some people did not accept the new teachings even though they were based on Old Testament truths. Others did not accept the miracles He performed. When some men were called to discipleship, they refused to follow. Many of the religious leaders were bound by tradition and refused to change.
Satan always opposes God's purpose and plans. Whenever you implement a new plan of ministry in harmony with Gods purpose, you will face opposition. Jesus said:
Matthew 9:16, 17 "No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish; but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved."
Jesus indicated it is sometimes impossible for existing, traditional religious structures of men to accept new plans and revelations. Jesus found this true in His own ministry, as did the Apostle Paul. You will also find it true. You will experience opposition from both without and within existing religious organizations.
When you encounter such opposition, follow the patterns set by Jesus and Paul. They both worked within the existing religious structure as far as possible. They attended synagogue services regularly and ministered as they were permitted. They did not destroy the old religious structures. They let them continue to exist. But they did not let tradition or opposition, even from religious leaders, hinder the new things God was doing.
When rejected by the traditional structure, both Jesus and Paul took their ministry outside the synagogue. They raised up "new wineskins.” These new believers were eager to receive the new revelation and new organizational structures [the first Church]. They were able to contain the "new wine.” To put it another way, spiritually speaking, it is possible to "raise the dead.”..and God does do this on occasion. But it is far easier to bring a new child into the world!
Satan always opposes God's purpose and plans. Whenever you implement a new plan of ministry in harmony with Gods purpose, you will face opposition. Jesus said:
Matthew 9:16, 17 "No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish; but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved."
Jesus indicated it is sometimes impossible for existing, traditional religious structures of men to accept new plans and revelations. Jesus found this true in His own ministry, as did the Apostle Paul. You will also find it true. You will experience opposition from both without and within existing religious organizations.
When you encounter such opposition, follow the patterns set by Jesus and Paul. They both worked within the existing religious structure as far as possible. They attended synagogue services regularly and ministered as they were permitted. They did not destroy the old religious structures. They let them continue to exist. But they did not let tradition or opposition, even from religious leaders, hinder the new things God was doing.
When rejected by the traditional structure, both Jesus and Paul took their ministry outside the synagogue. They raised up "new wineskins.” These new believers were eager to receive the new revelation and new organizational structures [the first Church]. They were able to contain the "new wine.” To put it another way, spiritually speaking, it is possible to "raise the dead.”..and God does do this on occasion. But it is far easier to bring a new child into the world!
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
When There Is No Burning Bush (Part 5)
The Bible states regarding Abraham:
Hebrews 11:8 "By faith, Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."
Nothing can build faith in God better that walking a step at a time. Taking a step at a time as God reveals it means you cannot move too hastily. Moses moved too quickly and killed an Egyptian. Abraham moved ahead of God's plan and tried to substitute Ishmael for the chosen heir.
The book of Esther stresses the importance of waiting on God. The people of God were in danger of being destroyed by an evil man named Haaman. He had asked the King to destroy all Jews.
Queen Esther was aware of the plot. She knew it was not God's will for the Jewish people to be destroyed, but she did not act in haste. She waited until God gave her a plan and then she waited an extra day before talking to the King. During that waiting period an important thing happened. The King discovered that Mordeacai, a Jew, had saved his life from a plot to murder him.
When this was made known, then Esther revealed Haaman’s plot against the Jews. The king acted against Haaman's plan, the Jews were saved, and Haaman was punished for his evil, all because Esther waited one more day before acting.
In a spiritual sense, the bush still burns. God still guides us and desires to speak to us:
Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."
God wants to reveal His will and communicate His plans. He continues to guide and direct. God is a still God who speaks if you will only listen.
Hebrews 11:8 "By faith, Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."
Nothing can build faith in God better that walking a step at a time. Taking a step at a time as God reveals it means you cannot move too hastily. Moses moved too quickly and killed an Egyptian. Abraham moved ahead of God's plan and tried to substitute Ishmael for the chosen heir.
The book of Esther stresses the importance of waiting on God. The people of God were in danger of being destroyed by an evil man named Haaman. He had asked the King to destroy all Jews.
Queen Esther was aware of the plot. She knew it was not God's will for the Jewish people to be destroyed, but she did not act in haste. She waited until God gave her a plan and then she waited an extra day before talking to the King. During that waiting period an important thing happened. The King discovered that Mordeacai, a Jew, had saved his life from a plot to murder him.
When this was made known, then Esther revealed Haaman’s plot against the Jews. The king acted against Haaman's plan, the Jews were saved, and Haaman was punished for his evil, all because Esther waited one more day before acting.
In a spiritual sense, the bush still burns. God still guides us and desires to speak to us:
Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."
God wants to reveal His will and communicate His plans. He continues to guide and direct. God is a still God who speaks if you will only listen.
When There Is No Burning Bush (Part 3)
In the natural world, keys open doors. In the spiritual world, God has provided keys to open the door to His will. The keys are found in the book of Proverbs:
Proverbs 3:5, 6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
-Trust.
Do not fear what God may ask of you. Know that His plan for you is best. Certainly, men should be able to trust one who would give His only Son to die for them. Your trust must be in the Lord and not in man:
Jeremiah 17:5 "Thus saith the Lord, Cursed by be the man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord."
-Lean Not To Your Own Understanding.
Do not depend on your own human reasoning. This does not mean there is no place for intelligent judgment. The book of Proverbs is filled with commands to use understanding and common sense. God is not saying you should abandon sound judgment. He is simply saying do not depend solely on human reasoning when you are seeking the will of God.
2 Samuel 6:1-7 tells us that when David was returning the ark to Jerusalem, He did not ask God for direction. He leaned on his own understanding and started to move the ark in the most practical way possible.
But this was not God's way and judgment fell. It was God's will to bring the ark back to Jerusalem, but David had not aligned God's will with His way. This is an important principle of guidance.
-In All Thy Ways Acknowledge Him.
To acknowledge God in all ways is to honor Him in thought, word, and deed. Give Him first place in your life:
Colossians 1:8 "That in all things He might have the preeminence."
Joshua made a serious mistake when "he asked not counsel of the mouth of the Lord" concerning a treaty with the Gibeonites in Joshua 9. His decision resulted in an alliance with an ungodly nation, something which was forbidden by God.
These three keys open the door and He shall direct thy paths.
When There Is No Burning Bush? (Part 2)
Earnestly search God's written Word to determine if specific guidance is given for your situation. Determine if there are general Biblical principles or biographical examples which apply.
Searching the Scriptures does not mean letting the Bible fall open and taking the first verse your eyes fall on as your answer. Searching the Scriptures is a detailed examination of the Word and application of its principles to the decisions you must make. Every open door, every opportunity, every other leading you think might be from the Lord should first be tested by the written Word of God. Jesus used this principle when He was tempted by Satan to act apart from God's will. He answered repeatedly "It is written. . ." according to Matthew 4. He analyzed everything on the basis of God's written Word.
As you search the Scriptures, be sure to study the many promises for direction. As you study these passages it will increase your faith that God does speak and that you can know His voice.
Through prayer and study of the Scriptures, God speaks His will into your spirit by the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit knows the perfect will of God and will pray through you in harmony with that will:
Romans 8:27 "He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is in the mind of the spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. "
Remember that Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would "shew you things to come." This means He reveals God’s plan to you. He guides you according to the will of God.
Searching the Scriptures does not mean letting the Bible fall open and taking the first verse your eyes fall on as your answer. Searching the Scriptures is a detailed examination of the Word and application of its principles to the decisions you must make. Every open door, every opportunity, every other leading you think might be from the Lord should first be tested by the written Word of God. Jesus used this principle when He was tempted by Satan to act apart from God's will. He answered repeatedly "It is written. . ." according to Matthew 4. He analyzed everything on the basis of God's written Word.
As you search the Scriptures, be sure to study the many promises for direction. As you study these passages it will increase your faith that God does speak and that you can know His voice.
Through prayer and study of the Scriptures, God speaks His will into your spirit by the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit knows the perfect will of God and will pray through you in harmony with that will:
Romans 8:27 "He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is in the mind of the spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. "
Remember that Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would "shew you things to come." This means He reveals God’s plan to you. He guides you according to the will of God.
God also uses Christian counselors to assist believers in the decision making process. The Bible says in Proverbs:
11:14 "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is a safety."
12:15 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
It is important that believers seek counsel only from mature Christians. Never seek counsel from secular psychologists or psychiatrists. They will give worldly counsel. They are "blind leaders of the blind":
Psalms 1:1 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly."
Never seek counsel from new Christians, as they lack experience and spiritual maturity.
Some people only go to a counselor hoping to get them to agree with their own opinions. You will receive little benefit from counseling if this is your attitude. Some believers consult many counselors comparing the counsel they receive. They appear to be taking a poll as to how many are in favor of one course of action as opposed to another. This is not the purpose of counseling. Most important, always remember that all counsel of man must agree with the written Word of God.
Analyze the circumstances relating to the decision you need to make. These should be considered in relation to the guidance God gives through prayer, study of the Word, the inner voice of the Spirit, and Christian counsel.
Circumstances should not be used alone to determine God's will, but they do define the context of the decision which is to be made. Sometimes circumstances limit choices or provide opportunity for new direction in life.
11:14 "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is a safety."
12:15 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
It is important that believers seek counsel only from mature Christians. Never seek counsel from secular psychologists or psychiatrists. They will give worldly counsel. They are "blind leaders of the blind":
Psalms 1:1 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly."
Never seek counsel from new Christians, as they lack experience and spiritual maturity.
Some people only go to a counselor hoping to get them to agree with their own opinions. You will receive little benefit from counseling if this is your attitude. Some believers consult many counselors comparing the counsel they receive. They appear to be taking a poll as to how many are in favor of one course of action as opposed to another. This is not the purpose of counseling. Most important, always remember that all counsel of man must agree with the written Word of God.
Analyze the circumstances relating to the decision you need to make. These should be considered in relation to the guidance God gives through prayer, study of the Word, the inner voice of the Spirit, and Christian counsel.
Circumstances should not be used alone to determine God's will, but they do define the context of the decision which is to be made. Sometimes circumstances limit choices or provide opportunity for new direction in life.
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