Pressing On

The Lord recently took me to the story of the call of Elisha in I Kings 19:19-21. Elisha is just doing his job, plowing his field, when at God's command Elijah comes by and throws his mantle on Elisha. Elisha kills the oxen he was using to plow, then burns his plow, his source of livelihood, sacrifices the oxen and follows Elijah. 

I Kings 19:21 concludes, "Then he arose and followed Elijah and became his servant." Elisha gives everything up to follow the will of God, and the will of God was that he would first become the servant of Elijah. The call of God is not the same for all but the pursuit is all-encompassing. The call may not be an abandonment of vocation but of self. The call of God is not passive but requires an active response. Elijah arose and followed Elijah. The call of God begins with servanthood. “And Jesus sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." (Mark 9:35-36)  

As you fallow the story of Elisha following Elijah in 2 Kings 2:1-18, Elisha is tempted to stop at Gilgal, the place of meeting or fellowship, then to stop at Bethel, the house of God, and then at Jericho, the place of victory. However, at each place he refuses to stop in his pursuit of God through his service to Elijah. Finally, the last test was Jordan, the place of death.While the rest of the prophets stopped at Jordan, Elisha pursues God and his service to Elisha, even through the place of death and comes into the double anointing that God had for Him.

We oftentimes compartmentalize our service to God as spiritual activities that we may do in church, or with brothers and sisters in Christ, or the privacy of our home. Being a disciple of Christ is not a part-time job, it is 24/7 no matter what your vocation. It means serving those around us, whether believer or not, as you would serve Christ. It is a single-hearted pursuit of God and the manifestation of His love, grace and power through our lives to the world in which we live and operate. This pursuit of God, as with Elisha, requires a death to self that the life of Christ may be seen in us.

The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

I would encourage you today not to give up, be discouraged, or become complacent, but keep pressing on to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of you. The plans God has for you “are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Andy Clark

Delight Yourself in the Lord

Jeremiah 9:23-24

"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. for in these I delight," says the LORD.”

As I read through the book of Jeremiah, I see many parallels to our nation today. Israel in their prosperity had become self-sufficient and self-centered. Even though many still worshiped God, their hearts were far from Him, and they placed their confidence in what they created with their hands. So God was about to strip them of everything they had and send them into captivity.

In the above portion God exhorts them to make a shift in their confidence from their wisdom, might, and riches to the place that they would understand and know Him. Notice the word “that.” The ability and capacity to understand and know God can only come as we abandon our confidence in our wisdom, might, and riches. In doing so we begin to delight in what the Lord delights in, and that is lovingkindness or unfailing love and devotion to Him and to those who are around us. God is not “turned on” by our wisdom, might and riches. God is “turned on” to unfailing love, justice, and righteousness (right standing or right relationship) with Him and others.  

A shift in our confidence is demonstrated by a shift in our speech. Malachi 3:16-18 says, “Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

We are going to see a growing distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. The distinction will begin in our speech. What do we talk about when we are with family, friends, and co-workers? God actually keeps a book of remembrance when we talk about things that delight Him, that turn Him on and make His day. “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” (Psalms 37:4-6)

Andy Clark

Knowing Christ

Philippians 3:8-9

“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ “

Paul opens this chapter in Philippians by giving his resume. Paul was great and successful in both the secular Roman world and the religious Jewish world before he ever met Christ. He was born into an important family, had the best education, had risen to the top of his field, and was successful in everything he did. Paul was zealous for God and his church. He was at the top of his game. But Paul considered all that rubbish in comparison to knowing Christ.

Knowing Christ is not the key to greatness and success, nor is greatness and success evidence of knowing Christ. Knowing Christ is greatness and success. In Africa they have a proverb that says, “It is not important who you are but who you know.” In the world and the church we idolize fame, greatness, and success. Our bookstores are filled with books on how to be successful. We parade it on TV and reward it with our time and money. We often gain our sense of identity by what we do and what we possess. However, the things we put such importance and on which we spend so much time and money may bring us some fulfillment and pleasures in this world. But they are rubbish in God’s world compared to knowing Christ.

In Luke 10 and John 12 we see two stories of Jesus visit to the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. In both stories Martha is busy serving, and Mary is at Jesus feet in worship. In the story in John, Lazarus was seated at the table fellowshipping with Jesus. In Luke, Martha complains to Jesus that Mary is not doing her part in helping serve. Jesus response is very revealing of the heart of God. “And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."  (Luke 10:41-42)

All three elements of fellowship, service, and worship are important in our walk with the Lord. But Jesus identifies that what Mary was doing as most important and would not be taken away from her. Everything we do that is of eternal value stems out of our relationship with Christ. The proof of our relationship with  Christ is not in our accomplishments but our character as evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit will come forth in our lives in the good times and the bad times. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Andy Clark

Nation Building

Psalms 127:1

“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

I was recently part of a fairly extensive political survey. One of the questions asked was, “What is more important to you, moral values or the economy?” They then asked, “How important are moral values to you: not very important, somewhat important, important or very important?”

In the midst of all the political hype and bickering with which we are bombarded by the media in the run up to the US elections, we must be careful that we do not lose sight of what is most important. It is often hard to judge who is telling the truth. What are the real facts, and what is conjecture and political spin? In the midst of all the political ideology, expert opinions and media hype, there is one thing that remains consistent and true, and that is God and His Word.

America is great because it was founded on Biblical values. The moral decay of our nation is the primary cause of the decay of family, education, government, economy, and every aspect of the social and political fabric of our nation. The economy is not the major issue of this election. Biblical and moral values are the major issue of this election. What does God say in His word about marriage, family, the sanctity of life, education, immigration, money, and the relationship of religion and politics? That is where we need to stand and vote for the candidate who most closely aligns with Biblical views. Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

As I read through the prophets in my daily Bible reading, I am reminded that God is the one who raises up and takes down nations. God is a nation builder. No nation, no matter how great and powerful, can stand without God. When we abandon God, we abandon the source of life. This is not only true on a personal level, but also on a national level. Christianity is not just a private relationship with God but should permeate every aspect of our lives. Jesus’ entire life revolved around His relationship with the Father. It was not a relationship He practiced just in private but one that influenced every decision and impacted everyone He met.

We are in a crucial time. It is time for the church to stand up and be the church. It is not a time to retreat but to be salt and light in our world. It is time to pray, to speak boldly the unchanging truths of God’s Word in the confusion and darkness of our day. We cannot get caught up in the political vortex, nor can we stick our heads in the sand. We must pray, vote, and take a strong Biblical stand for the salvation of our nation.

Andy Clark

Enlarge Your Tent

Isaiah 54:2-3

"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited.”

This wonderful promise begins with a command from God to “enlarge the place of your tent.” In order for God to fulfill His plans and purposes for our lives, we need to make room or create the environment for God to work. Many times we pray for things, but we do not see the fulfillment of our prayers because our lives are so cluttered or bound by our limitations that God cannot work.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith.” (Jude 20) He also says that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God,” (Romans 10:17) and that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) There are steps we have to take by faith to create the environment for God to work. We have to diligently seek Him, and in doing so, we come to know Him, recognize His voice, and know His ways.

Once you have enlarged your place, you can now lengthen your cords. You begin to stretch yourself and reach out beyond the borders of your limitations. Begin to do things that you have not done before. Isaiah says, “do not spare.” The NIV says, “do not hold back.” Don’t hesitate! Go for it! 

But as you reach out in faith into the unknown of God’s promises, you must “strengthen your stakes.” Jesus told us in order to survive the flood, we need to “dig deep and lay the foundation on the rock,” by coming to Him and “hearing His sayings and doing them.” (Luke 6:48) As you expand into Satan’s territory it is essential that you take time to dig deep into Christ and drive the unshakable stakes deep into Him.

Once you have enlarged your place, lengthened your cord, and strengthened your stakes, a wonderful thing happens. You can now stretch out the curtains of your dwellings. Curtains are the cloth or skins that make up the tent covering, providing security and safety, not only for yourself, but also for your household and those under your authority.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.” Today, believe that God has great things for you and prepare yourself for them because “your Father who is in heaven gives good things to those who ask.”(Luke 11:11)

Andy Clark

God Sees Darkness as Light

Psalms 139:12

“Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

As I was praying over the Middle East and North Africa, the Lord spoke to me from Psalms 139:12 and said, “I do not despair with darkness because darkness is as light to Me.” During some of the darkest days in Israel under the wicked rule of Ahab and Jezebel, who were killing all of God’s prophets, the great prophet Elijah finds himself in a cave full of despair at the condition of his nation and in fear of his very life. God is not even fazed by Elijah’s complaint, but declaires, “I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (I Kings 19:18)

As we watch the growing wickedness and darkness spread over our world, our nation and sometimes over our lives, we can lose our God’s perspective. God is not fazed by the darkness but rejoices in the light. We need to put on our night goggles of God’s Word and God’s perspective of current events. God paid no attention to Elijah’s despair and complaint, but simply tells Elijah to get up and go anoint the next king of Syria and of Israel and Elisha the next national prophet of Israel.

In Isaiah chapter eight God speaks judgment over Israel, but in Isaiah 9:1-2 God declares, “Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever….The people who walk in darkness will see a great light — a light that will shine on all who live in the land where death casts its shadow.” God who is light and sees darkness as light, speaks light into darkness. In Genesis one, darkness covered the earth, and God spoke light into the midst of this total deep darkness, and there was light.

We are not people of the darkness but of the light. Our perspective and response to what is going on around us should be diametrically different than the world that walks in darkness. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit.” Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18)

As you pray over our world, ask God to open your eyes to see what He sees and pray that those who walk in darkness will see a great light. If you are in a dark place, know that darkness and despair will not go on forever and rejoice that the darkness is as light to God, and God speaks light into darkness.

Andy Clark

All Authority

In Matthew 8:6-13 a Roman centurion came to Jesus to heal his servant who was paralyzed. When Jesus said he would come, the centurion gave an astounding response.

"Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

You notice the centurion did not say that I am a man of authority but “a man under authority.” The centurion touches on the first key to authority. That authority is derived from submission to a greater authority. Jesus marvels at the centurion’s response and turns to the crowd and declares; “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” Why does Jesus associate this concept of authority to “great faith”?  It comes from the second key to authority, and that is God’s authority is absolute. The centurion said, when I tell, “my servant ‘Do this,’ he does it.” There is no discussion, negotiations, delay, maybe or an excuse of any kind. When he gave a command, it was as good as done.

In our world today, we have lost our sense of authority, both in submission to authority and operating in authority. When God spoke, the worlds came into existence at the authority of His word. Great people of faith are people who respond to and operate in the authority of God. When God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, the Bible says he got up the next morning and set off to do it. When God told Moses to stretch forth his rod over the Red Sea, he acted immediately.

 In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Our authority to carry out the ministry God has called us to is derived out of our relationship with Jesus who has “ALL AUTHORITY” and the degree of authority we give Him in our lives. The people in Jesus day said that “He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:29

The world is looking today for a people who walk under and in God’s authority. By His Spirit He has given you authority to carry out all that He has called you to do and the authority to overcome any challenge or obstacle the enemy may bring against you.

Andy Clark