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When Promises Are Broken

Dr. I. David Byrd July 1, 2019

 

“If a man makes a promise to the LORD or says he will do something special, he must keep his promise. He must do what he said”

Numbers 30:2(NCV)

We have spent the first six months of 2019 unpacking the many promises of God. We’ve seen the grace and mercy He provides to us day by day. We’ve seen that we can depend on His promises. We’ve search scripture to confirm His promises. Yet, doubt, disappointment or disillusion creep in when we think He has not fulfilled His promise to us. This month we pause, turn the spotlight, flip the script, reframe the focus to explore the promises we have made to God and ask, “Can He depend on the promises we have made to Him?”

When you give your word, you’re putting your honor on the line. You’re implying that others can trust you because you have integrity. Have you ever considered how God hears the fulfillment of your promises to Him –

I’m willing to offer a belief in you generally, but without specifics attached to it. If what you are asking is too hard for me to do, you’ll understand if I avoid it. I will sacrifice for others as long as it does not affect my own self-interest as I face life’s daily events. I studied your Word and used my intellect to discern all that was right and wrong with it. Besides, it was written by imperfect men. I ignore the parts that don’t make sense or make me uncomfortable. I’ll proclaim my allegiance to you by judging people on the parts that don’t inconvenience me. I’m willing to love those who are like me but as your Word says, I’m required to love my neighbor not those others. I’m not a minister so, at my own discretion, I will tell others about the Good News. I asked you to alleviate that situation and you told me “your grace is sufficient”; I know you understand that’s not quite going to cut it. 

 

Sound crazy? Before you too quickly dismiss this and while you may not audibly say these things to God, have you not conveyed these words to Him by your words and actions? God expects all true believers to be His emissaries. One day we will all have to stand before the Creator and answer the question, did we take Him at His Word and keep our promise?

 

The most basic promise of most believers is to serve Him. Serving is the obligation to love Him. John 14:15 defines loving Him as keeping His commandments. There is a direct link between His commandments and His promises. They are our reward for a life of faith, belief, and devotion. When we prioritize, pick or choose which commandment to focus on, we open the door for the enemy to get into our heads. My friend says, “If the enemy can cause us to doubt one promise from God to us, then over time that will cascade into uncountable other questions creeping into our heads and causing more doubt.”

Today I pose a set of questions that will allow you to unpack how well you have kept your promises to Him. Grab a cup of coffee, tea or your favorite beverage. Find a quiet space to work through them. You can choose how honest to be with yourself in your answers. This is between you and God. These questions are not designed to challenge you from my own perspective. It is the Word of God, the Word that Christ committed to His Church, and the Word that we are commissioned to defend and proclaim. The Word that can keep the Church strong and pure if we believe it and obey it. We convey our promises to Him by our actions and our deeds. Our actions should seek to please God, not have God please us. Special thanks to Chuck Bengochea and Tim Donoho for allowing me to integrate some of their questions with my own:

 

1. What real sacrifices have you made for Christ? The operative word is sacrifices. Not what have you done for Christ, but what have you truly sacrificed. Webster defines sacrifice as, “forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim”

 

2. What pain have you suffered for God? List 3 examples

 

3. List three significant gifts that you have given to God that forced you to change your lifestyle for at least three months.

 

4. If you knew you were going to die soon, what legacy would you leave behind that would benefit the body of Christ?

 

5. Have you ever been so hungry for the Word of God that you couldn’t sleep until you had meditated on it for a while?

 

6. What does it look like to “Seek God with all of your heart”? What changes would you have to make?

 

7. Do you know God well enough that He could brag on you if He wanted to? What would He say?

 

8. Learning to fully surrender to God is a journey; being willing to release your families, your financial future, and your health can be very difficult. Where are you on that journey? What do you still hold onto tightly and why? What do you think would be the outcome if you fully released that part of your life to God?

These are brutal questions for some. For others, these will be the most difficult questions that we have to answer in demonstrating your promise to God. Some of you simply won’t attempt to answer because the spaces for answers might be blank. I pray your first response will be to drop to your knees and join me in asking God to forgive us for not offering him our best.

Processing your answers will set you on a journey. You will find or awaken a depth of faith that wasn’t previously present. It is not too late to fulfill your promise to God; start today working on doing what His Word asks you to do and watch the blessings of the Lord come. E-mail me the challenges, roadblocks, and detours you experience on this journey so that I may pray with you and encourage you as you engage, discern and make conscious choices as you walk out your destiny.

 

Father God,

 Forgive me for not always holding up my side of this covenant relationship. Use me as Your tool, not for my own purpose, but for Yours. Inspire me each day to seek out how I might truly be a worthy servant to You. Give me the opportunity to share my faith in You with others in both my words and actions. And give me the courage to do it boldly, without fear of what the results might be, knowing that it is solely under Your providence what the outcome will be.

 In Jesus name we pray, Amen

 

 

 

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God Will Give You Wisdom and Understanding

 

Dr. I. David Byrd. June 2019

 

The Netflix series What / If demonstrates how one seemingly innocent decision can have a major effect on oneself and those around you. It’s called the Butterfly Effect, first stated in 1963 by mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz, a pioneer in chaos theory. In essence, the flap of the butterfly’s wing is part of the initial conditions that can lead to a chain of events leading to a large-scale chain of events. So what does this mean for us? It means that every decision we make matters and effects more than just ourselves. Have you ever thought about what informs your decision-making process? Some say we make decisions based on logic; the research says decisions are based on emotions. The decisions you make are a selection from a series of choices. The real answer to what informs your decision-making process should be based on your “Why”. When you know your why, you establish clear priorities. And making the “right” choices becomes a lot easier. I heard a story from Dale Powell that highlights how understanding your “why” will help you make better choices and decisions:

 

“Shortly after I was released from the hospital, I met a lady who saw that I was walking with a walker and inquired what was wrong with me. I told her that I had just had my knee replaced. She said she hoped mine did not turn out like hers. Dr. So and So had really messed her up and she had been on a walker for three years. I engaged in the conversation for a while and then said I was off to physical therapy. She replied  “Oh, I don’t put any faith in that. I went one time and I thought they were going to kill me. I wouldn’t waste my time.” I thought how can she blame a doctor for botching her knee if she doesn’t follow up with his advice and do therapy? If I don’t follow the doctor’s advice, he cannot control the outcome. One session of physical therapy and expecting to get well is like doing one workout and expecting to be a fitness champion. It isn’t going to happen.”

 

She clearly didn’t understand that consistently going to physical therapy (the decision) was to restore functionality and prevent disability (the why). Can you relate? We sometimes make bad decisions because we don’t want to make the sacrifice that will lead to a better outcome. Even when we have evaluated our options – Self wants to do what self wants to do. And because we have the free will of choice, we are also the recipients of the free consequences of those choices. I’m glad God is more invested in accomplishing His good works through us. God’s plan is not defeated by our bad decisions. God intervenes to protect the promises He has made to us. Philippians 1:6 gives us the confidence that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”.

 

As believers, we can put our faith in Jesus Christ and allow Him to guide our every decision. Why? He will help us maneuver the traps, distractions and challenges this life presents. Our savior has promised to provide us wisdom for right living and understanding that informs our decision-making process. It’s been said that our destiny is a compilation of the decisions we make over our lifetime. Webster defines destiny as both a predefined course of events; and as the power or agency that determines the course of events. Our goal throughout our life is to use our agency to make proper choices and decisions that keep us from delaying or derailing our destiny. How we exercise our agency is enhanced by the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember last months topic – He will be with you always.

 

Jesus provides us wisdom and knowledge through the gift of discernment. The gift of discernment is the ability to make the best choice when confronted with a number of options. Moreover, if the researchers are correct in stating that we make decisions based on emotions, then our emotions should be informed by the Holy Spirit. In our relationship with Christ, we have a noise cancellation system. When we study and apply God’s Word to our lives; when we passionately pursue Jesus daily, the noise of the world is quieted and we can hear Him clearly. Sure, we will still know the noise is out there, but the level of the roar is reduced. However, when we ignore these basic disciplines, the noise of the world increases and can become deafening – and our lives (and possibly others) suffer because we no longer hear God’s word. We then make emotion-based decisions rather than faith-based decisions. That’s why scripture teaches us,

 

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.       (Romans 12:2)

 

Jesus didn’t intend to remove us completely from the noise of the world with its temptations, hurts, injustices and evil. Rather He intends to protect us in the midst of these dangers, effectively canceling the world’s noise to a point where we can hear and respond to God’s Word and our lives can be lived joyfully and effectively for Him.

 

With this knowledge, we can be sure of His promise to give us wisdom and knowledge: to discern; to evaluate what we are thinking against the Word of God; to make good choices and to give us a door of escape. He knows our end before our beginning but in the middle, he gives us free will to make our own choices. Our choices determine the path to our destiny – quick or long, hard or easy.

 

Let me encourage you to, “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path”.

 

So, who’s informing your decision-making process?

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

 

Decisions are not easy. I make over 3,500 decisions per day; some small some large. I know you leave each decision up to me, even when you show me the path of escape from those choices that may not be best for me. Help me to first evaluate all my decisions through the lens of scripture. You promised wisdom and understanding, but I can be hard headed sometimes. Help me to listen and act on your guidance; to trust that you shall open, and none shall shut, and you shall shut, and none shall open. Let all the glory and credit go to you in everything I do.  

 

In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

 

Thank you for allowing me to speak into your life. Hey, spend a few moments of quiet time discovering your personal application of what you just read by clicking this link  myTime with God

 

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Resolutions

Rev. Dr. I. David Byrd. January, 2019

Each year brings about fresh new hopes and expectations. In the transition, we stop and take stock of our lives setting out to make the current year better than the last. We make physical, emotional, and intellectual resolutions as a method of restarting ourselves. Mr. Webster defines a resolution as,

“A firm decision to do or not to do something; Finding an answer or solution to a conflict or problem.”

While it’s not a bad idea to take a look at our lives, these resolutions are usually very self-centered and we assume that on our own we can accomplish what we set forth. Year after year, when February rolls around, those resolutions are often left by the wayside or don’t quite turn out as we had planned.

I believe the challenge we face when it comes to keeping New Year’s resolutions is that we chose the wrong definition on which to base these resolutions. I prefer Webster’s alternative definition of a resolution:

“The process or capability of making distinguishable an object or source of light.”

In other words, it’s coming to an understanding of who is our source of light. God is more concerned with who we are becoming than the secular achievements we seek. Throughout the Bible, God has revealed his promises to us. These are his firm decisions to solve the problem or conflict we face daily. Therefore, our resolutions should focus on preparing ourselves to participate in the favor associated with His promises. The favor of God is not about our good plans or ideas. Here are a few of those promises that should transform our resolutions into lifestyle choices. He promised:

  • To save and protect you
  • To lead and direct your steps
  • To fight for you
  • To make a way for you
  • To answer your prayers
  • To give you wisdom and understanding
  • To fill you with hope
  • To strengthen you with power
  • To bless you with good things
  • To be faithful to the end.

This year we can escape the traps we usually fall into by following the Bible’s instruction to examine our lives regularly and to seek God’s help to become better persons every day. The Bible says, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord”(Lamentations 3:40). The Bible also tells us how to examine ourselves by, “Setting your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Brothers, setting our mind to see through God’s eternal perspective, will help us discern what is most important.

Our resolutions will then be guided by God’s will that we, as 1 Peter 1:12 – 19 instructs, walk in holiness:

13 So prepare your minds for service and have self-control. All your hope should be for the gift of grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ is shown to you. 14 Now that you are obedient children of God do not live as you did in the past. You did not understand, so you did the evil things you wanted. 15 But be holy in all you do, just as God, the One who called you, is holy. 16 It is written in the Scriptures: “You must be holy, because I am holy.”[a] 17 You pray to God and call him Father, and he judges each person’s work equally. So while you are here on earth, you should live with respect for God. 18 You know that in the past you were living in a worthless way, a way passed down from the people who lived before you. But you were saved from that useless life. You were bought, not with something that ruins like gold or silver, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, who was like a pure and perfect lamb.

In other words, if we seek first the Kingdom of God everything else will fall into its place. Then your emotional, physical and intellectual resolutions will be grounded in His promises. The Holy Spirit will guide us to “pursue [resolutions of] righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Paul understood this principle and confidently said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:3). It was because of the goals set and accomplished by the Old Testament witness of Moses, David, Solomon, Esther, Ruth and the New Testament witness of Jesus Christ Himself. They all got after their goals by pursuing holiness with God’s strength and wisdom.

God’s hasn’t promised us victory without a battle, but the promises are true and the trials of the earth will seem light and momentary in comparison to the great glory that is to come. Moses was to guide the Israelites to the promised land. He trusted in God to provide him the confidence and provision to make it happen. David was able to slay the giant and establish Jerusalem as the capital because he was a man after God’s own heart. Solomon was successful because he prayed to God for wisdom in his decision-making. Esther selflessly fulfilled God’s law to bear one another’s burden by giving herself for the sake of her people. Ruth, who chose to become a faithful part of the community of God’s people, demonstrated that Gentiles were a part of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus, who accomplished the ultimate resolution, was crucified for our iniquities and by His stripes we are set free from the bondage of sin.

Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice

Jesus had enjoyed all the splendor of heaven as God (Phili. 2: 7, 8). Jesus set aside his standing with his father to intercede on our behalf. Jesus offered himself as a sin offering for all the sins of man (Heb. 10: 1-10, 12, 14). Jesus said, “For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26: 28, cp. Acts 2: 38). He became the sacrificial “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” (Jn. 1: 29).

Jesus accomplished grace and salvation for humankind

Grace is defined as the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it. Grace came by Jesus (Jn. 1: 17). Jesus came “that man might have life and have it more abundantly”(Jn. 10: 10). However, my brothers, this eternal life is not unconditional. If eternal life or salvation were unconditional, as some teach, all men would be saved. Scripture teaches, only a relatively few will be saved (Matt. 7: 13, 14). You must believe, repent, confess Christ’s deity, and be baptized for the remission of sins to appropriate God’s grace (Jn. 8: 24, Acts 17: 30, 31, Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 2: 38).

Allow the spirit of God inside of you to realize what really matters, to keep you on track and to bring every area of your life under the control of Jesus Christ with this Year’s resolutions. Very simply, it is coming to the place where you think, judge, and react biblically to every situation. When it is the rule and not the exception for you to apply the Bible to your life; when you place every area of your life under the lordship of Jesus Christ; when you can say in everything, “Here I am, Lord. What do You want me to do?” then you are focusing on resolutions that please Jesus Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father, at times we are unsure of what holiness looks like, so allow your spirit to fall upon us to teach us what holiness is. Our spirits are willing but the flesh is weak, so grant us the strength to walk in holiness. We thank you for your Word, which provides us examples of those you have used to accomplish your will. We invite you into our hearts to purge the former lusts so that we can be the person that you have called us to be, a person that walks in your holiness. We trust you, as your ways are higher than our own. Our resolutions may fail but you are unfailing. As you have been faithful in the past, be faithful again.

 In Jesus name we pray. Amen.