Discerning the Father's love.

When the Father is alone in me, He reveals such truths that manifest in spontaneous awakenings; such like the petals fall from a lingering rose, the scales drop from my eyes.

His awesomeness becomes transparent when we truly discover that His words are justly written upon our hearts, as He states in His promise to us.

Seeking the Father’s face is much different than the Father seeking you! He reveals to us His divine purpose when we truly move into the fullness of relationship with Him.

Much like we often set ourselves to please those around us, when we are in the fullness of relationship with the Lord, when we’ve experienced that within us His word is justly and righteously written upon our hearts, it is then that we move into a deeper and richer level of glory - that we are born into seeking only that which pleases the Father in all facets of our life. This is when we are truly “born again.”

Recently I had an opportunity to fellowship with a woman who like myself, has been a single person for a very long time. As she explained the plight of her emptiness in her longings for a marital relationship, I was reminded of what I experienced for about two years after my divorce. Never remarrying, I’ve remained single for 26 years and so it was quite a stroll down memory lane for me. I smiled to myself, although not wanting to minimize her pain as I know it is as real as mine has been. I also know the level of glory the Lord has in store for her future if she will take the time to truly seek His word within and to answer His call as He is seeking her.

Forgiving the doctrines of men, I know it is not intentional that those who claim to “be of God” or are otherwise known as “godly people,” alienate certain believers with false teachings that have cultural foundations rooted in the traditions of our society based upon the understanding of men. These teachings assert that somehow it is more “godly” to be “married” (which is merely a legal status given to us by our governing authority – MEN, to create a tax structure for supporting the same government) than it is to seek the Father through relationship with Christ Jesus.

We are all called to love the Lord thy God with ALL our mind, heart, body, and spirit. Although it is the FIRST commandment, somehow “godly” people don’t seem to trust in the Father’s principles for relationships. In the Kingdom of God, we neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Mat 22:30, Mark 12:25, Luke 20:35) to one another. Christ is our “husband” and we are his bride – this is the biblical marriage. These same people who claim to hear from god alienate single people often forcing them into unbiblical unions or forcing them through guilt to stay in unbiblical unions because it is taught that marriage and “family” is the foundation of our society. They are right; it is the foundation of this society - it is NOT however, God’s foundation. It is the understanding of men taught through tradition based upon cultures. Because of this alienation through false teachings, these same “godly” people often turn those whom the Father is truly seeking away from Him in favor of living up to the expectations of the church, society, or culture and traditions.

You have to recognize these tactics, they are the same used by the enemy to take our attention away from the Father and they are taught in churches. The enemy is alive and well, flourishing through alienation of those whom God is truly calling and taught within the churches. Do not be surprised over these doctrines. Jesus reveals the plight of the churches in the letters to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. Do you question or doubt God’s word? This also is a tactic used by the enemy, doubt! We miss the warnings that are written in the life blood of Christ in favor of church doctrine rooted in tradition and cultures, based upon the understanding of men. But then too, Jesus proclaimed repeatedly that many would miss “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Mat 11:15, Mark 4:9 , Luke 14:35, Rev 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 3:6, 3:22, 13:9).

Those whose lives do not appear to be “normal” based upon church doctrine, society and culture are often those who are chosen by God. They are part of the ecclesia, the “called out.” They are called out from even the church where traditions, cultures, and understanding of men flourish. This was demonstrated through the life of Christ as well as the lives of the apostles. They were often misunderstood (and remain misunderstood by some) by those who claim to be “godly.” The Holy Spirit pursues people who are “broken,” the broken hearted, down trodden, lowly in spirit, as he is our comforter, healer, and our teacher. Like Jesus, the Holy Spirit does only what the Father does. God seeks the broken heart and contrite spirit, these are His people, and these are His Israel! It is through the contrite and lowly spirits that he can truly be magnified in all of His glory. And the teachings of men, cultures and traditions, continually seek to minimize God’s opportunity to shine in His magnificence and glory – by alienating those who do not fit into the culture of the church (not the culture of God – who has NO culture, He is all that is real). Those who are chosen or truly called know who they are but often doubt the call because they measure their godly worth based upon heresy within the church. They miss this call because they are too busy looking where the church tells them to look for God.

We must forgive the people of the church and the church as we are called to love one another in Jesus’ second commandment. Men are fail-able and thus, the church is fail-able. This is actually part of God’s divine plan. Let the tares grow with the wheat until the harvest. The issue of ungodly principles and their teachers is described in the bible as the separation of goats from the sheep. God knows who are His and when we seek Him first, He reveals these truths to those who have an ear to hear. When we seek to do ONLY what is pleasing to God: “study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 TI 2:15). “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts” (1Th 2:4).

A word of encouragement to those people who remain steadfast and true believers in the sovereignty of God:

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
and to revive the heart of the contrite”
(Isa 57:15 ESV).

Getting God’s best out of stress.

God’s exit strategy.“No temptation has overtaken us but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1Cor 10:13).

Be of strong courage.
God’s remedy for the natural response to run or to hide (fight or flight-giving in to the flesh): “Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is on account of these things that the wrath of God will come, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices”(Col 3:5-9). See also Gal 5:16-21.

Wear God’s love on your sleeve.
“And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teach and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father”(Col 3:12-17). See also Gal 5:22-23.

Bind your mind to the mind of Christ.
“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” (Phl 4:8).
“If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col 3:1-2).

Trials and tribulation expose our strengths and weaknesses.

Through the strife of stressful conditions, the Lord reveals our strengths and weaknesses in our spiritual walk. We have two choices: allow our natural tendencies (Col 3:5-9) to play out OR apply Biblical responses (Col 3:12-17). The Lord reveals our tendencies to us when we engage biblical truths to help us righteously respond to stress. To condition your responses based on biblical truths FIRST study the profile of biblical characters to identify their tendencies (study the ways of the Father and Jesus closely); then look at your natural conditioned responses with the scales removed, an open mind, and a softened heart; ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your heart to you; and in prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit, ask for forgiveness for your previous carnal ways and ask for the wisdom and divine council to learn how to align your responses with those of biblical characters and truths.

Study guide: what we can do.

1. The preaching of John the Baptist (Luke 3:10-14).

2. “Our hearts ache, but at the same time we have the joy of the Lord. We are poor, but we give rich spiritual gifts to others. We own nothing, and yet we enjoy everything” (2Cor. 6:10; LB).

3. “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power” (Phil. 4:11-13; LB).

4. “Do you want to be truly rich? You already are if you are happy and good. After all, we didn’t bring any money with us when we came into the world, and we can’t carry away a single penny when we die. So we should be well satisfied without money if we have enough food and clothing. But people who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of wrong things to get money, things that hurt them and make them evil-minded and finally send them to hell itself. For the love of money is the first step towards all kinds of sin. Some people have even turned away from God because of their love for it, and as a result have pierced themselves with many sorrows” (ITim 6:6-10; LB).

5. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Ja 1:2-4).

6. God also says to rejoice in your tribulations and reap the spiritual benefits that tribulations bring. “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope” (Ro 5:3-4).

7. Repent your carnal ways, strengthen your faith through wisdom. Solomon understood: Ecc 12:11-12 – “The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.

8. Learn how to discern God’s way and the world’s way in order that you will “be careful how we walk, not as unwise men, but as wise” (Eph 5:15). Be sure that your walk is made “in a manner worthy of the Lord, (…) pleasing Him in all respects” (Col 1:10).

9. Stand on the truths. God understands our weaknesses and knows exactly what we are going through: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (Jhn 16:33). Refer also to 1Jo 2:13-14.
  a. “(…) we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are” (He 4:15).
  b. His grace is sufficient to overcome; His power is perfected in our lives when we rely upon his grace (2Cor 12:9). “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2Cor 12:9).
  c. Reach out for help: “Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. . . Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:1-2).
  d. God can use us no matter condition we are in: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Eph 2:10).
  e. The edge of the sword or trespass appears dull and inconsequential when we remember: “but as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive” (Gen 50:20).

Spiritual Discernment: Blessing Blockers / Stress Reducers

Why we stress.
Stress is a common blessing blocker. With a short-sighted natural view, we block the flow of faith in the will of the Father. Drifting amidst frozen faith our trust wavers in an ocean of inquisition of biblical truths and promises. Faith and trust impairment paralyzes us leading to a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. We move away from biblical perseverance and steadfast faith through prayer and thus lose our divine altitude. His presence appears to be a fallacy creating canyons of strife. Without the bridge of faith and trust, continued focus in the natural world furthers our spiritual impairment. The motion of the spiral continues into destitution, anxiety, panic, and depression.

In bondage of the natural world (carnal circumstances) we are often not aware of the cycle that robs us of our resistance to the enemy. Through denial we spend a good share of time trying to convince ourselves and others that we are walking in faith. Who we truly are is masked by our pride and often fears: fears that we won’t live up to the expectations of our loved ones, the church and its membership, or other “spiritual” brothers and sisters.

Carnally we measure our success as a follower by how important we FEEL. We believe that we demonstrate and measure our faith-walk by how busy we are at church or by how much we do for others convinced that we are doing God’s work. We resist working for God, our true calling, rooting anxiety and harvesting panic. We grieve the Holy Spirit when we believe or “buy into” the lies, both carnal and spiritual, which spirals into a depression and thus, a lack of zeal and fervency for the Lord. Left unacknowledged, this can actually infiltrate our homes, our work, and the church, and frustrate the faith-walk of others. While interrupting the flow of the spirit into unbelievers out of our own disbelief, we begin to use the name of the Lord in vain. (Using the Lord’s name in vain actually refers to giving a false witness of the Lord (“so saith the Lord”) demonstrated by an exhortation rooted in your own understanding rather than hearing from the Lord and being led by the spirit. Vain refers to distorting the truth and misrepresenting God in any way.) Since the Lord’s word does not return void, carnally minded “believers” do not recognize this casual and detrimental exchange within the body of Christ or within themselves.

We experience stress because our faith is blocked and we are wavering in our trust in the Lord. Rarely do we attempt to inquire into what may be lacking in our own relationship or walk in the Lord. We look to others with blame and shame rather than through the eyes of God – that are loving and kind. (God’s love cannot be confused with the carnal understanding and application of love. Knowing the difference will save your relationship with the Lord and root other relationships in God’s will and purpose – anything less is carnal.)

When we are engaged in God’s work, we experience joy, peace, and cheerfulness. We feel God’s love flowing through us rather than seeking approval or acceptance from our natural or spiritual family and the church. We see God’s love and work in others and we join God in His work for His greater glory. We are commanded to love the Lord thy God with all thy mind, heart, and soul and to seek first the kingdom. Ironically these two commands are the quickest remedies for stress.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).

Anxiety breaker of Philippians:
1. Be anxious for nothing;
2. By prayer and supplication;
3. With thanksgiving;
4. Let your requests be known to God;
5. Receive the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension
a. Which will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

Discerning a Biblical Fool

Becoming a Fool
TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. - Proverbs 1:7

Marvin Wilson, author of Our Father Abraham, has written incisively about the various meanings for our word "fool":

In Biblical wisdom literature, the pupils of the sages and mentors are the unwise, often termed "fools" (Prov. 1:7) or "simple one" (1:22). In wisdom literature, the different levels of fools - both young and old - are the raw material on which the sages had to work, and they represent the varying degrees of rawness. Perhaps as much as anything else, the term fool is descriptive of an attitude, bent of mind, or direction in life, which needs correcting. The various Hebrew words for fool occur more than a hundred times in the book of Proverbs. [Marvin Wilson, Our Father Abraham (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1989), 284-286.]

The reference to someone being a fool was not necessarily a negative term. A simple fool, or peti, was a person who made mistakes, but quickly righted them and was restored to fellowship with God and with others. King David was a simple fool, one who made mistakes, but kept a repentant heart toward God. This is why God did not turn away from him for his many sins.

The hardened fool, kesil and ewil, makes mistakes, but never learns from them and will not listen to others. Such people can expect God's reproof to continue and will eat the fruit of their own way (see Prov. 1:31-32). The hardened fool "returns to his own vomit." King Saul was a hardened fool, one who made mistakes and continued in them even after realizing he was wrong. We're going to err in our ways. The question is, once we know we have made a mistake before God, do we make the necessary adjustments that will allow Him to intervene on our behalf? And will we avoid the same course of action in the future? God says that if we do, He will pour out His Spirit on us (see Prov. 1:23). He will make known His words to us.

The third level of fool mentioned in Proverbs is the mocking fool or letz. The mocking fool mocks the things of God. This word means "scoffer" or "scorner." When you encounter cynical people who disregard the things of God, you know these people are "mocking fools."

The fourth level of fool is the God-denying fool or nabal. This term relates to the morally wicked person who ignores the disgrace he brings on his family and who despises holiness (see Prov. 17:21). This person says, "There is no God." By failing to acknowledge God for who He is, the nabal declares himself to be a "God-denying" fool.

I have found that it is helpful to try to understand if people are teachable. Are they simple fools, those who make mistakes but seek to learn from them? I can work with those people. But if I sense I am working with a hardened fool, I know I should not spend much time on that person. Jesus did not spend much time trying to convince the rich young ruler. He presented truth, and let him make his decision. Some people must get broken before they can become simple fools. Sometimes it is simply better to let satan chew on people until the ground is fertile enough to present truth to them.

"Reprinted by permission from the author. Os Hillman is an international speaker and author of more than 8 books on workplace calling. To learn more, visit http://www.MarketplaceLeaders.org"

Being foolish and being a fool are very different. Some people live in folly. The bible is laced with reference to fools and the book of Proverbs reflects the true nature of the afflictions of a fool defining his character, behavior, and his misery. “Solomon said that proverbs are designed ‘to give prudence to the simple’” (Pro 1:4) (Jackson, 2002).

The Hebrew word for “simple” in Proverbs 7:7 refers to “simplicity, folly, one easily persuaded and enticed (Pro 22:3; 27:12; Psalm 116:6); specifically, a credulous person (Pro 14:15; unskillful (Psa 19:8)”. This same word is used in Proverbs 9:6 “Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.” As Proverbs 7:7 continues, this person is void of understanding. A simple one (Hebrew word, phethaim) is a teachable fool. The term phethaim means to be open and while open-minded is often an admirable trait, one can also be naïve, gullible, and too trusting, unable to discern that which can bring great harm; lacking sense. The simple one is easily persuaded by outside influences and easily controlled by more dominating personalities. However the simple one can be taught wisdom if he will listen and can thus be instructed in skillful living.

A hardened fool cannot be persuaded by reason or collective wisdom. Proverbs 10:23 reflects “doing wrong is like a joke to a fool”. This character has been “developed by a series of decisions – a life of folly” (Jackson, 2002), despising wisdom and instruction treating virtues as worthless and contemptible (Ross, 1991). Unable to change, the hardened fool continues in foolishness and can be quite difficult. This fool hates instruction, is contentious, explosive, quick tempered, and often the center of controversy with loose lips. He often associates with evil (Pro 1:22; 18:6; 19:1; 17:12; 20:3, 10:18, 13:19). Proverbs 17:10 shares “a rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool” and Proverbs 27:22 continues, “Crush a fool in mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his folly will not depart from him”. These hardened hearts are immune to instruction.

A wicked fool (Hebrew term nabal) referenced in Psa 14:1 “the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God”. These are corrupt individuals doing abominable works issuing a moral insensibility to God reflecting a mind closed to reason. “We don’t want to be this kind of person, and we do not need wicked, fool-like companionships (1Cor 15:33)” (Jackson, 2002).

An arrogant fool (Hebrew letz); “scoffer’ is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride” (Pro 21:24) are hecklers who rejoice in the malicious disruptions of meetings. “Scoffers set a city aflame but the wise turn away wrath” (Prov 29:8). Solomon advises that you “drive out a scoffer, and strife will go, and quarreling and abuse will cease” (Pro 22:10). This fool delights in ruining others and is never content in going his own way.

Recently I had the opportunity to listen to Jan Silvious author of Foolproofing Your Life. Jan shared the characteristics of fools while offering hope for individuals who are faced with fools. Jan lists chronic characteristics of fools explaining that these individuals are habitually this way; it is not a passing moment or temporary meltdown: Fools are always right; will not listen to advice; find no pleasure in understanding; can’t be reasoned with; trust in their own heart; act out repeatedly; continually live in folly; are often big on gifts and can talk nice as well – but are inconsistent, unreliable, and unstable in all ways. She continues that fools hold you hostage through their anger, manipulation, and silent treatment. They simply must have things their own way (Silvious, 2007).

Suggestions Jan offers in dealing with fools is to recognize that you cannot have a relationship with a fool; you have an arrangement defined by the fool and this fool can and will redefine the relationship without warning or consent. She suggests that we emotionally detach from these difficult people and protect our hearts. Establish a safe place retreat (the secret place of the Most High) where you can find fellowship and safety with the Holy Spirit and the love of others and she encourages us to seek alternative relationships that can meet our emotional needs. Recognize that you do not have to engage these individuals or be partakers of their emotionally destructive behaviors. Do not allow emotional entanglement and avoid getting caught up in their anger.

Biblical references to fools
O LORD, how great are your works! and your thoughts are very deep. A brutish man does not know; neither does a fool understand this. Psalms 92:5-6
Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Psalms 107:17
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. Proverbs 1:32
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a fool who idly chatters shall fall. Proverbs 10:8
He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool. Proverbs 10:18
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise. Proverbs 12:15
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. Proverbs 14:3
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. Proverbs 14:8
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor. Proverbs 14:9
A wise man fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident. Proverbs 14:16
A reproof enters more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. Proverbs 17:10
The foolishness of man perverts his way: and his heart frets against the LORD. Proverbs 19:3
Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of your words. Proverbs 23:9
The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. Proverbs 24:9
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not seemly for a fool. Proverbs 26:1
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. Proverbs 26:4-5
As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. Proverbs 26:11
He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered. Proverbs 28:26
Why we have fools.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:17-31
But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
References
Gaebelien, F. (Ed.). Ross, A. (Writer). (1991). Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Proverbs Vol. 5). Zondervan.

Hillman, O (2007, Feb. 11). Becoming a Fool. Prime Time With God, Retrieved Feb. 16, 2007, from ChurchGrowth.org.

Jackson, Jason (2002). Some Fools in Proverbs. ChristianCourier.com, Retrieved Feb. 16, 2007, from http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/read/some_fools_in_proverbs

Silvious, Jan (Writer). (2007, Feb. 13). Foolproofing your life [Radio series episode]. In Mid-day Connection. Moody Broadcasting.