If you can't run with the Big Dogs, then stay on the Porch

Dec 27, 2015

Iron sharpens iron

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron,

So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].

Matthew Henry concise commentary

We are cautioned to take heed whom we converse with. And directed to have in view, in conversation, to make one another wiser and better.

Miyagi’s commentary

The reason why it is important to collaborate with other wise people is so that we can become wiser still.  One can learn nothing of value associating with a fool who is not interested in gaining wisdom.  Wise people are wise because they have spent a lifetime of gaining wisdom.  They make it a priority to get wisdom and understanding on all matters.  This is a discipline lifestyle.   Fools just live aimlessly, going where the masses go and doing only what pleases his flesh.  So to be associating with fools on a regular basis is not only unfruitful, but detrimental to one’s spirit.

Therefore, the saying goes:  
You will never fly with the eagles if you are busy running around with the turkeys.    

LISTEN AND SEE

December 21, 2015

Listen and See
Our Daily Devotions

Proverbs 20:12 KJV
12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
All our powers and faculties are from God and are to be employed for Him.

Miyagi’s commentary:
Since God created our eyes, ears, lips, hands and feet, we must use all these faculties to serve Him.  None of them belongs to us.  All of it belongs to Him.  He owns us.  Therefore, He can use us as He chooses.

A person who is observant and listens carefully is wise.  He is slow to speak.  James 1:19 tells us:

“Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];”

Thus, to listen carefully and to be observant is a good thing.  This is wisdom.   Beware. of the person who talks excessively and is unable to listen carefully

Notes taken from The Spiritual Man by Watchman Nee (156-157)
Carnal believers bear a common stamp-talkativeness. Few should be their words, they know, but they are goaded into endless discussion by their excited emotion. They lack self-control in speech; once their mouth is open. Their mind seems to lose all control. Words pour forth like an avalanche. Now the soulish Christian realizes he should not be long-winded, but somehow he is unable to withdraw once the conversation gains momentum. Then thoughts of all kinds swiftly invade the conversation, precipitating a continual shift in topic and an unfailing replenishment in words. And "when words are many, transgression is not lacking" says Proverbs 10.1.9. For the result will be either the loss of control through much speaking, the loss of peace through argument, or even the loss of love through criticism because secretly and hypocritically they will judge others who are loquacious and deem it most unbecoming in them. Fully aware that flippancy does not become the saint, the carnal person still loves to talk frivolously and bankers to speak and to hear coarse jests. Or he may go in for vivacious and gay conversations, which he simply cannot afford to miss, no matter what. Although at times he does abhor such impious or unprofitable talk, it is not for long; for when the emotion is stirred once again he automatically returns to his favorite old pastime.

Miyagi’s Summary conclusion:
We gain more understanding when we are observant and listen well.  It is difficult to learn when one talks excessively.  Too often, when a person is unable to stop talking, it reflects the true condition of his heart.  He may be in sin.   Therefore, the saying goes,

“It is better to be quiet and have people think you are a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubts.”

Miyagi

Work Cited

Nee, Watchman.  The Spiritual Man  Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc: New York 1977.

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on Proverbs 20:12

Miyagi’s commentary

The Relationship between sin and sickness

Nov 8, 2015

Mark 2:1-12 Amp
Jesus returned to Capernaum, and a few days later the news went out that He was at home. 2 So many people gathered together that there was no longer room [for them], not even near the door; and Jesus was discussing with them the word [of God]. 3 Then they came, bringing to Him a paralyzed man, who was being carried by four men. 4 When they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they [a]removed the roof above Jesus; and when they had dug out an opening, they let down the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their [active] faith [springing from confidence in Him], He said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 But some of the [b]scribes were sitting there debating in their hearts [the implication of what He had said], 7 “Why does this man talk that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins [remove guilt, nullify sin’s penalty, and assign righteousness] except God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus, being fully aware [of their hostility] and knowing in His spirit that they were thinking this, said to them, “Why are you debating and arguing about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your mat and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the [c]Son of Man has the authority and power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralyzed man, 11 “I say to you, get up, pick up your mat and go home.” 12 And he got up and immediately picked up the mat and went out before them all, so that they all were astonished and they glorified and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Commentary:
The Lord did not tell the paralytic “you are healed.”  The first thing that He told him was that “your sins are forgiven you.”  Then the second thing He said to the man was “get up, pick up your mat and go home.”  When Jesus forgave that paralytic, he was healed.   What this means is that it was this man’s sin that made him sick.

Our sickness is often times connected to our sin.  Sin causes sickness.  And many are sick because of sin. Our greatest sin is loving someone or something else more than Jesus. It can be a spouse, a children, a friend…..anyone that we give all of our affection, love and loyalty to.  And when our utmost devotion is towards this one person, we have replace our love for our God, Jesus Christ with an idol.

Proverbs 8:12-13
I, [godly] wisdom, reside with prudence [good judgment, moral courage and astute common sense],   And I find knowledge and discretion.
“The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the Lord includes the hatred of evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way,     And the perverted mouth, I hate.

The paralytic did not have the fear of the Lord.  Perhaps, he loved himself more than the Lord Jesus Christ.  He was in compromise to sin.


Psalm 25:1-5, 12-15  Amp
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in You I [have unwavering] trust [and I rely on You with steadfast confidence],
Do not let me be ashamed or my hope in You be disappointed;
Do not let my enemies triumph over me.

3 Indeed, none of those who [expectantly] wait for You will be ashamed;
Those who turn away from what is right and deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed (humiliated, embarrassed).

4 Let me know Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Guide me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You [and only You] I wait [expectantly] all the day long.

(vv.12-15)
Who is the man who fears the Lord [with awe-inspired reverence and worships Him with submissive wonder]?  He will teach him [through His word] in the way he should choose.
13 His soul will dwell in prosperity and goodness,
And his descendants will inherit the land.

14 The secret [of the wise counsel] of the Lord is for those who fear Him,
And He will let them know His covenant and reveal to them [through His word] its [deep, inner] meaning.
15 My eyes are continually toward the Lord,
For He will bring my feet out of the net.

Commentary:
To fear God is to walk in His righteous ways.  That is why the psalmist is saying to God to teach me your path, guide me in your truth….  If a person does not fear God, he will not walk in God’s path  nor want to be taught His ways.   If a person’s eyes are not focused on Jesus, it is focused on something else and that means that Jesus is not his God, something else or someone else is.

In the case of the paralytic man, if Jesus just healed him without forgiving him first, he would not know that his sickness is connected to his sin.  Jesus did it this way to show that his sin is what caused his ailment to begin with.  This is why when we are sick, we are to confess our sins that we may be forgiven and then healed.

James 5:13-18 confirms this.

13 Is anyone among you suffering? He must pray. Is anyone joyful? He is to sing praises [to God]. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He must call for the elders (spiritual leaders) of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with [a]oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours [with the same physical, mental, and spiritual limitations and shortcomings], and he prayed [b]intensely for it not to rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its crops [as usual].

Here, James is urging us to confess our sins to one another that we may be healed and restored.  For without the confession of our sins, we may never be healed and restored.
People who refused to confess their sin actually love their sin more than Jesus.  That is why they want to keep it.  If they really hate their sin, it would not be a problem to confess it and get rid of it.

(Matthew Henry concise commentary on Mark 2:1-12)
It was this man's misery that he needed to be so carried, and shows the suffering state of human life; it was kind of those who so carried him, and teaches the compassion that should be in men, toward their fellow-creatures in distress. True faith and strong faith may work in various ways; but it shall be accepted and approved by Jesus Christ. Sin is the cause of all our pains and sicknesses. The way to remove the effect, is to take away the cause. Pardon of sin strikes at the root of all diseases. Christ proved his power to forgive sin, by showing his power to cure the man sick of the palsy. And his curing diseases was a figure of his pardoning sin, for sin is the disease of the soul; when it is pardoned, it is healed. When we see what Christ does in healing souls, we must own that we never saw the like. Most men think themselves whole; they feel no need of a physician, therefore despise or neglect Christ and his gospel. But the convinced, humbled sinner, who despairs of all help, excepting from the Saviour, will show his faith by applying to him without delay.


"Mr.  Miyagi"

Justice and Mercy

March 21, 2015

Justice and mercy

Nahum 1:1-9 Amplified Bible (AMP)

1 The burden or oracle (the thing to be lifted up) concerning Nineveh [the capital of Assyria]. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh.

2 The Lord is a jealous God and avenging; the Lord avenges and He is full of wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries and reserves wrath for His enemies.

3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power and will by no means clear the guilty. The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.

4 He rebukes and threatens the sea and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan [on the east] and Mount Carmel [on the west] wither, and [in the north] the blossom of Lebanon fades.

5 The mountains tremble and quake before Him and the hills melt away, and the earth is upheaved at His presence—yes, the world and all that dwell in it.

6 Who can stand before His indignation? And who can stand up and endure the fierceness of His anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken asunder by Him.

7 The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him.

8 But with an [b]overrunning flood He will make a full end of [Nineveh’s very] site and pursue His enemies into darkness.

9 What do you devise and [how mad is your attempt to] plot against the Lord? He will make a full end [of Nineveh]; affliction [which My people shall suffer from Assyria] shall not rise up the second time.

Justice and Mercy combined  (Our Daily Bread, March 21, 2015)

When a defendant stands before a judge, he or she is at the mercy of the court. If the defendant is innocent, the court should be a refuge. But if the defendant is guilty, we expect the court to exact punishment.

In Nahum, we see God as both a refuge and a judge. It says, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble” (1:7 niv). But it also says, “He will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness” (v.8 niv). Over 100 years earlier, Nineveh had repented after Jonah preached God’s forgiveness, and the land was safe (Jonah 3:10). But during Nahum’s day, Nineveh was plotting “evil against the Lord” (Nah. 1:11). In chapter 3, Nahum details Nineveh’s destruction.

Many people know only one side of God’s dealings with the human race but not the other. They think that He is holy and wants only to punish us, or that He is merciful and wants only to show kindness. In truth, He is judge and refuge. Peter writes that Jesus “committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). As a result, He “bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness” (v.24). The whole truth about God is good news! He is judge, but because of Jesus, we can go to Him as our refuge.

Lord, never let us underestimate You by seeing only one side of Your role in our lives. Help us to enjoy Your love and kindness while recognizing how much You hate sin.

God’s justice and mercy intersect at the cross.

Commentary:

Nineveh was wicked and evil in the sight of God.  And God was about to destroy that land.  However, when Jonah came to them and gave the message that they will be destroyed because of their wickedness, they  took heed and repented.  They put on sackcloth and fasted.  As a result, God saw their change of heart and spared their lives.  

Our God is a just God who hates sin.  He will never compromise with  sin nor condone it.  He will always rebuke the  sinner and judge the sin.  But He is also a merciful God.  He will have mercy on those who have a repentant heart.  He is not a God who is ever ready to punish us the moment we sin.  He gives grace and allows time for repentance.  If a person refuses to repent, then judgement will come.  But if he repents, God would show mercy and forgiveness.   Just as the article in Our daily bread today stated, our God is both judge and refuge.

Trust that God is good.  He is a place of safety, and faithful to care for the believers.  Believe that God is willing and able to deliver us from any bondage.  He will stop any attacks upon us.  Hear and believe the good news that God can and will deliver our souls in Jesus Christ.

Romans 16:17-18  Amplified Bible (AMP)

17 I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them.

18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites and base desires, and by ingratiating and flattering speech, they beguile the hearts of the unsuspecting and simpleminded [people].

The brethren, the believers in Christ, make a note of those who cause division.  Avoid and separate from them.   For those who are such, they do not serve the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly by smooth words and flattering speech….deceiving the hearts of the simple-minded.  

There are people who profess to be believers, but their actions and behaviors do not match.  They are rebellious and self-righteous.  They are oppressed or connected to the spirit of anti-christ, where they have become like lucifer, who thinks that he can be just like God, or better.  Lucifer was God’s right hand angel.  And he said God in rebellion “I will just like you and better.”  These people are covetous, malicious, full of envy, strife, deceit.  They are back biters and they distort the perception of truth.

The fruit of their spirit is contention, jealousy, outburst, selfish ambitions, heresy, and hypocrisy.  You will see their fruit and their tree is not planted by the rivers of waters.  What comes out of their mouth is rubbish.  They have a reprobate mind, corrupted by the enemy of our soul.  The Lord hates pride.

Proverbs 6:16-19 points out the things that God hates.  

16 These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:

17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,

19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.

They cannot and will not acknowledge the anointing of God.  They are quick to make judgement without discernment.  Unable to be quiet and still, they are overly aggressive, with no self control.  They are like thieves that come to steal, kill and destroy.  They will undermine, circumvent, like a snake.  They will speak of high things, of big things.

The sheep who belong to Christ will hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.  But the thief will come through the backdoor with a different voice, a voice of temptation and false promise.  He will say things like “bow and submit to me and I will give you such and such….”  Beware of this voice of deceit.  

Summary conclusion / the big picture:

God is a just God because He hates sin.  He will punish sin and rebellion.  However, God is also a merciful God who will forgive those who have a repentant heart.  

Therefore, the wisdom is to stay close to Jesus, be separated from the world and darkness, and maintain a repentant heart.  So watch out and beware of the double-edge sword.  

Work cited

“Justice and Mercy Combine.”  Our Daily Bread (March 21, 2015).  www.odb.org

Spirit filled Life Bible NKJV, Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991.

Miyagi’s Commentary, The Body of Christ Jesus Fellowship, Makaha, HI 2002

Unwelcome Visitors

James 1:2-12 AMP

2 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.

5 If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of [a]the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.

6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.

7 For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord,

8 [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].

9 Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his elevation [as a Christian, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God],

10 And the rich [person ought to glory] in being humbled [by being shown his human frailty], because like the flower of the grass he will pass away.

11 For the sun comes up with a scorching heat and parches the grass; its flower falls off and its beauty fades away. Even so will the rich man wither and die in the midst of his pursuits.

12 Blessed (happy, [b]to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.

Unwelcome Visitors (Our Daily Bread, March 17, 2015)

Recently my wife, Marlene, and I received a panicky phone call from our son and his wife. The night before, they had found two bats in their house. I know bats are an important part of the ecosystem, but they are not my favorite among God’s creatures, especially when they are flying around inside.

Yet Marlene and I were thankful we could go over to our kids’ house and help. We helped them to plug the holes that might have been used by these unwelcome visitors to enter their house.

Another unwelcome visitor that often intrudes into our lives is suffering. When trials come, we can easily panic or lose heart. But these difficult circumstances can become the instruments our loving heavenly Father uses to make us more like Christ. That’s why James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work” (James 1:2-4).

We are not expected to enjoy trials or to celebrate suffering. But when these unwelcome visitors arrive, we can look for God’s hand in them and trust that He can use them to make us more like His Son.

Thank You, Father, that You give to us each day what You know is best. We’re thankful that we can trust Your heart, which is kind beyond all measure.

Trials may visit us, but our God is always with us.

Commentary:

Trials are never welcomed or sought after, but yet it is often a blessing in disguise.  This is so because trials teach us patience and perseverance.  It causes us to wait on God and to seek him.  Trials are used to draw us nearer to God.  So though it is not a very pleasant thing to endure, its after effects are beneficial.  Trials also keep us humble.  When all is well and carefree, one can become prideful and arrogant.  But when one goes through hard times, he will need to take time out to ponder on the situation, seek God’s word for wisdom and thereby grow in his walk with Christ.  Trials, like dental work, is never pleasant, but after it is over, we are always thankful for the results.   The only time that trials are bad for us is when we refuse to learn from them, but instead allow them to crush us.... by letting trials discourage us or make us negative.   May we use the trials in our lives to make us better and not let them break us.  (Miyagi)

James doesn’t say IF we face trials, but WHEN we face them.  He is saying that we will have trials and it is possible to profit from them.  We are not required to pretend to be happy when we face pain, but to have a positive outlook because of the results trials will bring.  James tells us to turn our hardships into times of learning.  Rough times can teach us patience. (Life application Bible)

We cannot really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. It is easy to be kind to others when all is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly?  God wants to make us mature and complete, not to keep us from all pain.  Instead of complaining about our struggles, we should see them as opportunity for growth.  Thank God for promising to be with you in tough times.  Ask him to help you solve your problems or give you the strength to endure them.  Then be patient.  God will not leave you alone with your problems.  He will stay close and help you grow.  (Life application Bible)  

What is the crown of life?  

The crown of life is eternal life, godly wisdom to live on earth and supernatural strength to endure tough times, so that we can witness and testify of the glory of God in our lives. (Miyagi)

In every situation that we face, if we ask God to help us to persevere, our faith will grow.  If we run from our trials and refuse to face them, we will never grow and the trials we are facing will end up crushing us.  The benefits of trials are patience, perseverance, humility and wisdom.   If we don’t go through them and learn from them, we will never reap the benefits.  (Miyagi)

In conclusion, welcome your trials because they are here to help.

Work Cited

Life application study bible, Wheaton: Tyndall house publishers. . 2004   

The King James study Bible, Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1988

“Unwelcome Visitors.”  Our Daily Bread.  RBC ministries, 2015

Miyagi’s commentary, The Body of Christ Jesus Fellowship, Makaha, HI USA  

Are you a Fool....like Balaam?

Feb 23, 2015

Are You a Fool, like Balaam?

Our devotion for today is taken from “Our daily bread,” dated Feb. 23, 2015.  

Numbers 22:21-31 King James Version (KJV) 21 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. 22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. 23 And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. 24 But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. 25 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. 26 And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 27 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. 28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? 29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. 30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay. 31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

Numbers 22:21-31 Amplified Bible (AMP) 21 And Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. 22 And God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the [a]Angel of the Lord stood in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 And the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way and His sword drawn in His hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey to turn her into the way. 24 But the Angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall on this side and a wall on that side. 25 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she thrust herself against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against it, and he struck her again. 26 And the Angel of the Lord went further and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right hand or to the left. 27 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam, and Balaam’s anger was kindled and he struck the donkey with his staff. 28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, What have I done to you that you should strike me these three times? 29 And Balaam said to the donkey, Because you have ridiculed and provoked me! I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you! 30 And the donkey said to Balaam, Am not I your donkey, upon which you have ridden all your life long until this day? Was I ever accustomed to do so to you? And he said, No. 31 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His sword drawn in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell on his face.

Commentary:

WE live in a world that we can see with our eyes.  But there is another world that we cannot see with our physical eye and that is the spiritual world.  In the spiritual world, there are two spirits: the Holy Spirit and the evil spirit (satan).  

The book of Ephesians tells us in Eph 6:12 that…

12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

AS believers, we are not fighting what we can see with our physical eye.  We are battling with evil spirits that we cannot see with the physical eye.  But for the individual who is operating in the Spirit, he will know when he is faced with the presence of the evil spirit just as he will know when he is in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Behind every word spoken and every action taken is a spirit.  So if a person is demonstrating violent, hurtful behavior towards others, it is highly likely that it is the evil spirit that is controlling him.  And if a person exhibits love, joy, peace, it is highly likely that he is under the control of the Holy Spirit, for those qualities are derived from the fruit of the Spirit.  

People sin when they are being control by the evil spirit.  And they are controlled by the evil spirit because they have not relinquished total control to Jesus Christ, our Lord.   You are either going to be under the control of Jesus Christ or satan.  There is no other entity.  If you are being controlled by Jesus, you will bear good fruit and your life will exhibit love, righteousness, peace, justice and the likeness of Christ.  If you are being controlled by satan ( the evil spirit), you will be manipulative, arrogant, hurtful, selfish, greedy, judgemental, sexually immoral and the likeness of satan.

In our reading today, Balaam went with the “princes of Moab.”  The princes of Moab represents the rulers of darkness.  And because Balaam followed the rulers of darkness, he was under the control of the evil spirit.  And that is why he could not see the angel of the Lord on the road.  God had to use the donkey to get his attention.  He was blind to it because he was in the flesh, not in the Spirit.  

We need to know the difference that not all restraint is from the devil.  God will often oppose those whose ways are reckless before Him.  

Proverbs 14 Amplified Bible (AMP)

1 Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

2 He who walks in uprightness reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, but he who is contrary and devious in his ways despises Him.

3 In the [a]fool’s own mouth is a rod [to shame] his pride, but the wise men’s lips preserve them.

4 Where no oxen are, the grain crib is empty, but much increase [of crops] comes by the strength of the ox.

5 A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness breathes out falsehoods.

6 A scoffer seeks Wisdom in vain [for his very attitude blinds and deafens him to it], but knowledge is easy to him who [being teachable] understands.

7 Go from the presence of a foolish and self-confident man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.

8 The Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of [self-confident] fools is to deceive.

9 Fools make a mock of sin and sin mocks the fools [who are its victims; a sin offering made by them only mocks them, bringing them disappointment and disfavor], but among the upright there is the favor of God.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown, but the tent of the upright shall flourish.

12 There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of mirth is heaviness and grief.

14 The backslider in heart [from God and from fearing God] shall be filled with [the fruit of] his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied with [the fruit of] his ways [with the holy thoughts and actions which his heart prompts and in which he delights].

15 The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looksand considers well where he is going.

16 A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, but the fool bears himself insolently and is [presumptuously] confident

17 He who foams up quickly and flies into a passion deals foolishly, and a man of wicked plots and plans is hated.

18 The simple acquire folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil men bow before the good, and the wicked [stand suppliantly] at the gates of the [uncompromisingly] righteous.

20 The poor is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends.

21 He who despises his neighbor sins [against God, his fellowman, and himself], but happy (blessed and fortunate) is he who is kind and merciful to the poor.

22 Do they not err who devise evil and wander from the way of life? But loving-kindness and mercy, loyalty and faithfulness, shall be to those who devise good.

23 In all labor there is profit, but idle talk leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth of Wisdom, but the foolishness of [self-confident] fools is [nothing but] folly.

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a deceitful witness speaks lies [and endangers lives].

26 In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge.

27 Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.

28 In a multitude of people is the king’s glory, but in a lack of people is the prince’s ruin.

29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is hasty of spirit exposes and exalts his folly.

30 A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.

31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches, mocks, and insults his Maker, but he who is kind and merciful to the needy honors Him.

32 The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing and calamity, but the [consistently] righteous has hope and confidence even in death.

33 Wisdom rests [silently] in the mind and heart of him who has understanding, but that which is in the inward part of [self-confident] fools is made known.

34 Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) elevate a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

35 The king’s favor is toward a wise and discreet servant, but his wrath is against him who does shamefully.

Footnotes: (taken from Biblegateway.com)

1. Proverbs 14:3 The word “fool” in the Old Testament seldom, if ever, is used to describe the feeble minded, imbecile, idiot, or moron. Rather, it always has within it the meaning of a rebel, especially against God and the laws of order, decency, and justice. Notice in Proverbs how many such characteristics of rebelliousness are listed against the fool, and see God’s attitude toward them.

AS you can see in Proverbs 14:9, the evil, controlling spirit was the spirit that was controlling Balaam.  The god of this age (satan) fools, blinds and deceives men like Balaam.  Sin makes many promises, but delivers none.  Therefore, the one who sins is a fool and the fool shall be mocked by his own sin.  

Fools make a mock of sin and sin mocks the fools [who are its victims; a sin offering made by them only mocks them, bringing them disappointment and disfavor], but among the upright there is the favor of God.  (Proverbs 14:9, AMP)

Balaam was a fool.  HE was the rebel against God.  God’s instruction to him was “If the men come to call you, rise up and go with them, but still only what I tell you may you do.” (Num 21:20)  But Balaam did not do that.  He did not wait.  He just woke up the next day and saddled up the donkey and decided to go.  He was in direct rebellion toward God’s instruction. That is why he is the “fool.”  AS per the footnote above, a fool “is a rebel, especially against God and the laws of order, decency and justice.”   God had to use the donkey to get his attention because he was reckless in his ways.  And finally, when God did open his eyes so that he could see the angel of the Lord, “he bow his head and fell on his face.” (verse 31).

Are we tuned in to the still small voice of the Lord?  DO we wait for God’s instructions before carrying out our actions?  Or are we like Balaam who decides to take matters into his own hands… who disregard God’s instructions?

When we make our daily decisions, no matter how great or small, do we ask God first what does he want us to do?  Or do we just make our own decisions and hope God will bless it?   

Balaam’s greed proved that his loyalty was to himself.  He was a well-known fortune teller.  He made a living casting spells, interpreting dreams and using trickery to predict the future.  He loved the wages and rewards of wickedness.  He solicited from many gods to build a reputation for himself.  So God used the humiliation to shame him by using the donkey to rebuke him and reduce him to the level of a wild beast. The unregenerate are like a wild beast who operates on the appetites of the flesh.  So God used the donkey, a wild beast of the field to communicate to Balaam, another wild beast of the field.    So if a person cannot see and hear God, he is like a wild beast of the field.  This is a wake up call to those who think that they are high and almighty in their position.  In actuality, they are poor, wretched and blind.  The prevailing dogma in denominational churches today is used by the devil to blind, control and deceive many.  We are warned to be careful of the leaven of the pharisee.  Keep yourself free to the spirit of Christ.  If need be, rededicate your soul and heart, and mind to Jesus Christ.

When God used a donkey to rebuke and speak to Balaam, it is to demonstrate that God is sovereign and almighty.  The leaders and powerful kings were willing to pay him great sums of money for his spiritual powers.  However, after the encounter with the angel, he humbled himself and bow down to the angel of the Lord.  He was put in his place. So now, God can use Balaam to bless God’s people.  In essences, he was telling Balak that “I will now go and speak what God said to speak.”

Balak questions Balaam, but Balaam speaks to Balak because of the encounter he had with the Angel of the Lord.  He now has become the mouthpiece of God. “The word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak.” (Num 22:38B)    He is not a fool anymore.   He was changed by the encounter with the angel of the Lord.  He humbled himself and repented.  

This spirit of Balaam: the false prophet, using divination for money, full of self interest and greed is the same spirit found in the false teachers and the false prophets.  It is alive and well today as one of the prevailing spirits that is hovering over the earth. So this spiritual war that we are encountering daily is against these principalities and power and spiritual rulers of wickedness in high places.  There is no time for country club living.  We must be vigilant daily because the Bible warns us that the devil is a roaring lion, roaming to and fro, seeking whom he may devour.   As Proverbs 14:9 states “Fools make a mockery of sin.  And sin mocks the fool, but among the upright is favor.”

How many today is still doomed and damned by the god of this age? How many are still consider fools because they rather submit to the stronghold of sin than to the lordship of Jesus Christ?

So commit your life to Jesus Christ today to ensure that your life is renewed and rededicated to the Lord for His services.  

Summary conclusion / the big picture:

Because we live in this spiritual world, also known as the unseen world, we will be control by either the Holy Spirit or the evil spirit (satan).  If you have not made Jesus your Lord and Savior, and is submitted to His control, then by default, you are under Satan’s control.  It is either one or the other….there is no neutral ground.  

So the question is….who is controlling you?

Work Cited

Our Daily Bread Ministries, RBC, Feb 23, 2015

Spirit Filled Life Bible New King James Version Ed. Jack W. Hayford Litt.D.  Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. 1991.  Print.  

Miyagi (Aldwin Naruse)
The Body of Christ Jesus Fellowship
Makaha, HI USA