Often God speaks through synchronistic events. What is synchronicity? I'll define it as two or more "random" events that happen in close sequence and produce a tangible meaning. The Lord is outside of time, and often brings events together in the same moment in order to tell us something. These "coincidences" happen for a reason, in order to direct our thoughts or actions towards our God. In this post, I'll discuss two areas where synchronistic events can help us.
Synchronicity as a Personal Sign
"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength." Isaiah 58:11
As we walk in God's will, He places events onto our path so that we can know and stay in the truth. Sometimes He provides so many confirmations that it gets overwhelming. Being wrapped up in God's faithful care is a good problem to have! God often moves these things into place just after they've been on our mind. How often have you been thinking and praying about something, only for God to answer with a series of uncanny events just after? These events are not random, nor just coincidence. They are the act of an all-powerful God who is Lord of both big things and small. They are navigational commands designed for us personally, by the One who created us. God cares about all aspects of us, no matter how insignificant they may seem to others.
In the Word we are instructed to not worry about "...what you will eat or drink". Instead of worrying, we ought to seek God! The command to "not worry" implies that God has a better way. The antidote for worry is trust and insight. Personally, God has instructed me through big things and small. I say this not to brag, but to show the intimacy and Love of God. He gives us clear instructions to erase our worldly burdens, not add to them. He's given me clear direction in so many areas, including the following:
-How to pray
-When to talk, and when not to
-How long I should sleep
-What to eat
-When to say, "yes" to an opportunity, and when not to. For example, what Church to attend
...And many more. And these navigational commands are usually synchronistic. For example, if I've been asking God about prayer, He'll direct me to the Lord's prayer in scripture, I'll talk to a member of Church group about the connection between faith and prayer, and I'll get a devotional email about the importance of prayer in a believer's life. If God's been speaking to me about the importance of worshiping through music, I'll hear my favorite Godly song, then get on Facebook and see an athletic add called, "Singing all the way to Victory". Prophetic Words are very often confirmed by future synchronistic events. I've taken to calling these events confirmations or signs, because they confirm God's Word or His promptings.
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you the sign..." Isaiah 7:14
Synchronicity Through Others
When in community with other believers, God aligns hearts and minds to bring up similar topics. He uses synchronicity to uplift the body of believers. He brings the thoughts of many together to highlight a particular message. The early Christians worshiped God with "...one mind together..." They shared all these things, even their simple gratitude for food, by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is just the same today if we can stay in step with what God's doing.
I'll give an example of this, too. This kind of synchronicity usually involves bringing the same thoughts to remembrance, amid different individuals, at the same time. These thoughts can be spiritual or mundane, but their repetition is often by God's design. Today I was thinking about the humbling experiences the Lord has brought me through. He's taught me meekness and humility in ways that haven't always been pleasant. For one, I realized that for my whole life, I've had a strong dislike for people reading things I write. I've enjoyed writing, but the thought of others reading it used to leave me embarrassed and uneasy. I have not had much interest in getting attention for the things I write.
So I realized God has allowed this, so that my motives now, with this blog, can stay pure. After all, I can't afford to write this blog for myself. I want to please God with this, and I don't want my rewards to be burnt up. So I can see that God intended for me to have this attitude towards public writing, so that I wouldn't become prideful through it in the future. Anyways, I was thinking about this while doing some yardwork today..and pondered the pride that some Christians develop through their use by God. Afterwards, I was talking with my wife and she said that she was thinking about my humility yesterday morning. She knew that God had done the internal work for this, and recognized the harm that pride would do to our relationships with God and with each other.
I've seen more impressive synchronistic events happen via aligned thoughts, but this instance is one of the more recent ones I could think of. More on synchronicity to come in future posts.
"...then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and one of mind." Phillippians 2:2
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Snapshot: Rowboat
This is from yesterday, 11/4:
Yesterday the Lord gave me a vision of a rowboat rowing through rough water. This boat had four oars. (Details are important when interpreting visions, as every vision God gives is perfect).
I felt there were several messages there. These messages were for my wife and I, but I believe other Christians can also benefit from them.
Encouragement: We are laboring for the Lord (rowing)
Encouragement: We are set above stormy seas of doubt and chaos
Encouragement: We have been set in motion on a course
Encouragement: Four oars, working in unison towards an open door
Instruction: Sometimes God lets us go through rough waters. Do not pray against God's will.
When I get a vision, the first thing I do is look in the Word for confirmations. In the few minutes after seeing the rowboat, the Lord gave me several. These verses confirmed the first impressions I'd had and added new depth, too.
Confirmed:
"James". James 1:6: "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." Our boat was given be God to separate us from such things.
Isaiah 51:15:"For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar. My name is the Lord of Heaven's armies." Sometimes God causes the seas to be stormy. Sometimes setbacks are from Him. He gives us challenges, so that we can remain restful in Him right through hard times.
So, God preserves us from doubt and anxiety through His WORD. We must stay in His will (the boat) in order to stay sheltered. It is He who sets into motion, now we need to keep working for Him. When in spiritual warfare, we need to align with His will, no matter how turbulent it may seem be. Not every minor disturbance is from the enemy! By persistence and boldness we will reach the open door He has already set before us.
Yesterday the Lord gave me a vision of a rowboat rowing through rough water. This boat had four oars. (Details are important when interpreting visions, as every vision God gives is perfect).
I felt there were several messages there. These messages were for my wife and I, but I believe other Christians can also benefit from them.
Encouragement: We are laboring for the Lord (rowing)
Encouragement: We are set above stormy seas of doubt and chaos
Encouragement: We have been set in motion on a course
Encouragement: Four oars, working in unison towards an open door
Instruction: Sometimes God lets us go through rough waters. Do not pray against God's will.
When I get a vision, the first thing I do is look in the Word for confirmations. In the few minutes after seeing the rowboat, the Lord gave me several. These verses confirmed the first impressions I'd had and added new depth, too.
Confirmed:
"James". James 1:6: "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." Our boat was given be God to separate us from such things.
Isaiah 51:15:"For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar. My name is the Lord of Heaven's armies." Sometimes God causes the seas to be stormy. Sometimes setbacks are from Him. He gives us challenges, so that we can remain restful in Him right through hard times.
So, God preserves us from doubt and anxiety through His WORD. We must stay in His will (the boat) in order to stay sheltered. It is He who sets into motion, now we need to keep working for Him. When in spiritual warfare, we need to align with His will, no matter how turbulent it may seem be. Not every minor disturbance is from the enemy! By persistence and boldness we will reach the open door He has already set before us.
Snapshot: "Your Sons Hasten Back"
This is from yesterday morning, November 4th:
I heard, "Isaiah. Your sons hasten back"
I believed this was a Word from the Lord, so I turned my Bible to Ezekiel. The first thing I saw was, "your sons hasten back"! God is so faithful to confirm His voice. So I kept reading this passage.
"Your sons hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you. Lift up your eyes and look around; all your sons gather and come to you." Isaiah 49:17-18
To me, this passage spoke so strongly about freedom from oppression. Look up; you've been set free! Wow. I felt so thankful to get a confirmation like that. God gives us peace. Thanks to His Word, I was able to enjoy His rest yesterday, in a way that I don't always. There has been a lot about peace recently.
Confirmed: At Wal-Mart yesterday, one song played over and over nearly the entire time we were there. It went, "peace to the world..."
I heard, "Isaiah. Your sons hasten back"
I believed this was a Word from the Lord, so I turned my Bible to Ezekiel. The first thing I saw was, "your sons hasten back"! God is so faithful to confirm His voice. So I kept reading this passage.
"Your sons hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you. Lift up your eyes and look around; all your sons gather and come to you." Isaiah 49:17-18
To me, this passage spoke so strongly about freedom from oppression. Look up; you've been set free! Wow. I felt so thankful to get a confirmation like that. God gives us peace. Thanks to His Word, I was able to enjoy His rest yesterday, in a way that I don't always. There has been a lot about peace recently.
Confirmed: At Wal-Mart yesterday, one song played over and over nearly the entire time we were there. It went, "peace to the world..."
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Dream: Spirit of Doubt
About a week ago, I had some bad dreams. In these dreams, I discovered I had cancer in my brain. The tumor was the left side of my forehead. In the dream, I was confused about why God allowed me to get cancer. I felt let down and didn't understand why this has happened to me. This was particularly sad for me because I've really trusted God for my health in the past.
I woke up from the dream a few times, with a throbbing headache on the top left corner of my forehead. Right where this imagined cancer had been...after waking up a few times, I finally realized what was happening. Everything began the night before, when there was a lot of talk about people who had cancer, holistic cures for cancer, etc. These ideas manifested in my cancer dream, and a tangible headache!
In thinking so much about cancer, I opened myself up to a false manifestation of it. I find that physical symptoms follow spiritual battle. The tangible, physical patterns we observe are usually only effects of an unseen spiritual battle. In this case, the ideas I'd let in prior developed into tangible pain.
So I began to pray. Often just thinking, "Jesus", is enough to have Him heal me. I did this twice, and the pain eased, then came back, twice. So, I said the same thing out loud. This seems to be more effective. The Lord can discern our thoughts, but adversarial forces cannot. So I believe it benefits us to have the enemy hear us call upon the Lord.
I fell asleep again, free from pain. Praise God! However, bad dreams resumed and when I woke up for good, the headache was back. I got anxious and began praying pretty blindly. The Lord halted me, and told me to what to say. He told me to command a "spirit of doubt" to leave. I did so verbally, and the pain left for good. I instantly felt a force lift off me. I was opened up to God's love! Truly, the burden Jesus gives us is light.
In hindsight, doubt is a very dangerous thing. I went wrong in fearing the power and prevalence of cancer today. By thinking of things like this, my faith was hurt and I began to doubt the unconditional promises of God. His WORD is greater than cancer. His name is the name above all names, and when I began to doubt this I got into trouble. Praise God that the blood of His Son keeps us free from oppression! Sometimes, though, we need to pray against the enemy as God directs us. We also need to stay transformed, with renewed minds. Seeds of doubt and fear can be sown even through ordinary conversations. This is why God wants us to guard our speech and stay sanctified. Let's be pure, just as He is pure!
I woke up from the dream a few times, with a throbbing headache on the top left corner of my forehead. Right where this imagined cancer had been...after waking up a few times, I finally realized what was happening. Everything began the night before, when there was a lot of talk about people who had cancer, holistic cures for cancer, etc. These ideas manifested in my cancer dream, and a tangible headache!
In thinking so much about cancer, I opened myself up to a false manifestation of it. I find that physical symptoms follow spiritual battle. The tangible, physical patterns we observe are usually only effects of an unseen spiritual battle. In this case, the ideas I'd let in prior developed into tangible pain.
So I began to pray. Often just thinking, "Jesus", is enough to have Him heal me. I did this twice, and the pain eased, then came back, twice. So, I said the same thing out loud. This seems to be more effective. The Lord can discern our thoughts, but adversarial forces cannot. So I believe it benefits us to have the enemy hear us call upon the Lord.
I fell asleep again, free from pain. Praise God! However, bad dreams resumed and when I woke up for good, the headache was back. I got anxious and began praying pretty blindly. The Lord halted me, and told me to what to say. He told me to command a "spirit of doubt" to leave. I did so verbally, and the pain left for good. I instantly felt a force lift off me. I was opened up to God's love! Truly, the burden Jesus gives us is light.
In hindsight, doubt is a very dangerous thing. I went wrong in fearing the power and prevalence of cancer today. By thinking of things like this, my faith was hurt and I began to doubt the unconditional promises of God. His WORD is greater than cancer. His name is the name above all names, and when I began to doubt this I got into trouble. Praise God that the blood of His Son keeps us free from oppression! Sometimes, though, we need to pray against the enemy as God directs us. We also need to stay transformed, with renewed minds. Seeds of doubt and fear can be sown even through ordinary conversations. This is why God wants us to guard our speech and stay sanctified. Let's be pure, just as He is pure!
Monday, November 3, 2014
Dream: Galaxy at War
This summer God gave me an interesting dream. I was prompted to share it here, by an advertisement on my Kindle called "Galaxy at War". The Lord speaks to me through random things quite often. Kindle advertisements included...
Anyways, in the dream I was on top of a wall in a populated area. I was fleeing something, when a series of chaotic events was set off. The ground shook and this wall I was walking on began to twist and shake. I heard thunder and the sky seemed to turn red. Everything felt very apocalyptic. I instinctively knew that I would not be staying on earth much longer.
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:7-8
I felt scared and thought, 'God save me!' After I said this, a light blue, transparent triangular object burst out of the sky. It was spinning as it flew downwards. Instinctively I knew that it was a galaxy. Three huge tubes were conjoined by complex geometric shapes. Like I said, I just knew it was a galaxy. Sometimes in dreams you just know. I've read it's the same for people caught up to heaven.
This galaxy came crashing into the earth and caused an enormous explosion. Just before the fireball from this collision consumed me, I was lifted up to a heavenly place. Everything was still and quiet--quite a change from the calamity on earth. I knew I had been rescued.
So, I realize that this new place is very still and very dark. I felt there was a giant expanse below me. Alone and vulnerable, I curled into the fetal position and waited. This got kind of scary, too! I was so out of control.
Soon, though, this beautiful music began playing. I can't quite describe it; the sound was on a very different wavelength than anything I'd heard on earth. I felt like I was being transported to Heaven, and my mind was at rest. As I traveled up, the darkness faded. I was approaching these angels who were singing this song. As I got closer, the music overwhelmed me. I felt God's presence surround me....and then I woke up.
What a creative God we have. I find that if we keep ourselves pure while awake, He gives us Godly dreams when we ask. And of course He surprises us, too, by giving even when we don't ask!
Confirming scripture:
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and it's works will be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10
"He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds." Job 33:15
"And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps." Revelation 14:2
Anyways, in the dream I was on top of a wall in a populated area. I was fleeing something, when a series of chaotic events was set off. The ground shook and this wall I was walking on began to twist and shake. I heard thunder and the sky seemed to turn red. Everything felt very apocalyptic. I instinctively knew that I would not be staying on earth much longer.
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:7-8
I felt scared and thought, 'God save me!' After I said this, a light blue, transparent triangular object burst out of the sky. It was spinning as it flew downwards. Instinctively I knew that it was a galaxy. Three huge tubes were conjoined by complex geometric shapes. Like I said, I just knew it was a galaxy. Sometimes in dreams you just know. I've read it's the same for people caught up to heaven.
This galaxy came crashing into the earth and caused an enormous explosion. Just before the fireball from this collision consumed me, I was lifted up to a heavenly place. Everything was still and quiet--quite a change from the calamity on earth. I knew I had been rescued.
So, I realize that this new place is very still and very dark. I felt there was a giant expanse below me. Alone and vulnerable, I curled into the fetal position and waited. This got kind of scary, too! I was so out of control.
Soon, though, this beautiful music began playing. I can't quite describe it; the sound was on a very different wavelength than anything I'd heard on earth. I felt like I was being transported to Heaven, and my mind was at rest. As I traveled up, the darkness faded. I was approaching these angels who were singing this song. As I got closer, the music overwhelmed me. I felt God's presence surround me....and then I woke up.
What a creative God we have. I find that if we keep ourselves pure while awake, He gives us Godly dreams when we ask. And of course He surprises us, too, by giving even when we don't ask!
Confirming scripture:
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and it's works will be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10
"He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds." Job 33:15
"And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps." Revelation 14:2
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Snapshot: God's Discipline
In Church today the Lord gave me a vision of my legs being torn ripped, from the top down, into two pieces. I was surprised, but over time I've been taught to trust the things the Lord shows me. I felt the tearing in this case was a good thing...I knew I was being humbled and softened so that I could be a vessel of God. I knew that the sword of the Spirit was sharpening me.
"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-week sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" Hebrews 4:12
Confirmed: while still in Church later on, man was sharing a testimony. He described how God delivered him and kept him out of sin...he was talking about how God "broke his legs"--figuratively--as a means of discipline.
Confirmed: Also in church, there was a bible study mentioning that "the veil had been torn, from top to bottom". In the vision, my legs had been torn from top to bottom.
We need to let the Lord break us. Often His WORD tears us from things which would distract us from God. The sword of the Spirit is meant to keep us safe from evil! If we touch any "unclean thing", the Lord will ensure that the Spirit redirects us. This is the price to pay for following Him. The veil has been torn and we can enter into the most Holy place, but there is a sacrifice to provide. Let's allow the sword to separate us from things that are displeasing to God. Let's invite in the discipline of God, and let Him purify our hearts.
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." Revelation 3:19
"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-week sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" Hebrews 4:12
Confirmed: while still in Church later on, man was sharing a testimony. He described how God delivered him and kept him out of sin...he was talking about how God "broke his legs"--figuratively--as a means of discipline.
Confirmed: Also in church, there was a bible study mentioning that "the veil had been torn, from top to bottom". In the vision, my legs had been torn from top to bottom.
We need to let the Lord break us. Often His WORD tears us from things which would distract us from God. The sword of the Spirit is meant to keep us safe from evil! If we touch any "unclean thing", the Lord will ensure that the Spirit redirects us. This is the price to pay for following Him. The veil has been torn and we can enter into the most Holy place, but there is a sacrifice to provide. Let's allow the sword to separate us from things that are displeasing to God. Let's invite in the discipline of God, and let Him purify our hearts.
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." Revelation 3:19
Snapshot: Worship as Warfare
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
Here are some clear instructions for us. When we become distracted and take our focus off of God, it allows the enemy to choke out the Word that the Lord has spoken. We need to delight in His law with all our hearts. How do we stay in love with Him? Worship is a great way to keep our passion for God. Worship is a way to stay protected. Worship is very effective in Spiritual warfare.
When Jesus was tempted in the desert, He replied to the devil with the WORD.
"Jesus answered, 'It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'" Luke 4:8
This is how we resist the devil. This is how Jesus turned from temptation, and we should do the same. Worship is a way to stay delivered from evil. Worship equips us with the armor of God, and breathes new life into the things of God. We worship God because of His goodness. Nonetheless, He blesses us when we worship because He wants to encourage us to stay near to Him.
"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits..." Psalm 103:2
Worshipping God reminds us of His character. Staying uplifted in praise brings us understanding of God's name nature and the gifts He gives.
When we do forget the promises of God, we become exposed to attacks of the enemy. The solution is worship! I feel that drawing near to God is more important than trying to run from the enemy. I say this because our God is the more powerful one! He sets us in high places, and worshipping Him is a way that we can stay there. Confirmed 11/3: Facebook advertisement: "...Singing all the way to victory"
Here are some clear instructions for us. When we become distracted and take our focus off of God, it allows the enemy to choke out the Word that the Lord has spoken. We need to delight in His law with all our hearts. How do we stay in love with Him? Worship is a great way to keep our passion for God. Worship is a way to stay protected. Worship is very effective in Spiritual warfare.
When Jesus was tempted in the desert, He replied to the devil with the WORD.
"Jesus answered, 'It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'" Luke 4:8
This is how we resist the devil. This is how Jesus turned from temptation, and we should do the same. Worship is a way to stay delivered from evil. Worship equips us with the armor of God, and breathes new life into the things of God. We worship God because of His goodness. Nonetheless, He blesses us when we worship because He wants to encourage us to stay near to Him.
"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits..." Psalm 103:2
Worshipping God reminds us of His character. Staying uplifted in praise brings us understanding of God's name nature and the gifts He gives.
When we do forget the promises of God, we become exposed to attacks of the enemy. The solution is worship! I feel that drawing near to God is more important than trying to run from the enemy. I say this because our God is the more powerful one! He sets us in high places, and worshipping Him is a way that we can stay there. Confirmed 11/3: Facebook advertisement: "...Singing all the way to victory"
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Snapshot: Jesus is Willing
What a wonderful mediator we have! You will find that He is always ready to redeem you. He redeems us, and recommends us to the Father. Through His sacrifice we can be set in high places with Him!
When we are uplifted like this, we open ourselves up to God's heart. Revelation comes and "the hope of Glory" opens our hearts to a new thing. Jesus is always willing to show us a new thing, in hopes that we take after Him. He can and often does use whatever means possible to communicate to us.
"For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
The Spirit allows us to see pure things in a pure light. All things are for Him, so that we may hear from God and draw close to Him. Jesus is willing to connect the dots and demonstrate His love for us by using all things! The Lord speaks through His WORD, and confirms it in good and perfect ways. (For more on hearing from God, see this post). Let's pray for God's creativity to unlock ourselves to the fullness of His WORD and His voice.
Confirmed: 'Jesus is Willing' devotional title Confirmed: '...to connect the dots' from next page in devo Confirmed: From another Christian book: 'The Lord suddenly connected all the dots'
Our Lord is so willing to confirm Himself to us. All these confirmations were gotten in under an hour!
When we are uplifted like this, we open ourselves up to God's heart. Revelation comes and "the hope of Glory" opens our hearts to a new thing. Jesus is always willing to show us a new thing, in hopes that we take after Him. He can and often does use whatever means possible to communicate to us.
"For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
The Spirit allows us to see pure things in a pure light. All things are for Him, so that we may hear from God and draw close to Him. Jesus is willing to connect the dots and demonstrate His love for us by using all things! The Lord speaks through His WORD, and confirms it in good and perfect ways. (For more on hearing from God, see this post). Let's pray for God's creativity to unlock ourselves to the fullness of His WORD and His voice.
Confirmed: 'Jesus is Willing' devotional title Confirmed: '...to connect the dots' from next page in devo Confirmed: From another Christian book: 'The Lord suddenly connected all the dots'
Our Lord is so willing to confirm Himself to us. All these confirmations were gotten in under an hour!
Snapshot: His Perspective
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:2
This verse has been in my head for a while now. Let's take pleasure in God's promises and His salvation. He grants us good gifts! He gives us good things! Just as "we love because He first loved us", we need to give thanks as He is thankful for us. Let's look at the life we live and the calling He's called us to, and be transformed until we can say, "how beautiful". Let's ask the Lord for His perspective, let's ask Him to give us eyes to see. Let's rejoice continually as we look at current events from His perspective.
This verse has been in my head for a while now. Let's take pleasure in God's promises and His salvation. He grants us good gifts! He gives us good things! Just as "we love because He first loved us", we need to give thanks as He is thankful for us. Let's look at the life we live and the calling He's called us to, and be transformed until we can say, "how beautiful". Let's ask the Lord for His perspective, let's ask Him to give us eyes to see. Let's rejoice continually as we look at current events from His perspective.
Food and Faith
This is post three of three on food. In this article I'll describe how I feel about food, faith, and trusting God. I'd like to provide a biblical view on how we should approach the links between food, disease and health in light of the promises God has given us.
Flaws in Our Food System
Like I mentioned in the previous two posts on food, today's food system is contaminated with all sorts of toxic substances. So many of the additives and preservatives in our foods have been linked to cancer, hyperactivity, etc. Even fruits and vegetables are not safe (from a worldly point of view)! So what are we as Christians to do? Well, I am definitely not against buying organic and unprocessed foods. In fact, I think that is usually a good idea. But many people don't have money to do this. Even if they did, I believe there are better ways to spend your money.
Respect Conviction
I don't want to get too generalized here. One of the amazing things about God is that He knows our quirks and differences. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, God's commands to one person regarding food may be different than the next person's. If God convicts someone that they need to be eating organic food, who am I to argue? I do not want to be so prideful as to undermine someone else's convictions. Paul talks about this concept at length in the book of Romans.
"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God." Romans 14:1-6
Convictions from the Holy Spirit are more important than my opinions about food. But we need to separate our own feelings from the Word of God. Remember, "we have not been given a spirit of fear". Instead, we have been given a Spirit of self-discipline that always holds fast to the Word! So trust your convictions, only if they come into agreement from God!
Faith is Greater than Food
A permanent solution to our physical health is not found in food. Eating organic, taking natural vitamins, and other things are good but not critical. They should definitely not be the focus. Food does not make us clean or unclean. Jesus said this!
"It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth." Matthew 15:11
"I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean." Romans 14:14
We see that Paul had enough faith to accept the unconditional nature of the promises of God. He knew that God could and would keep his health regardless of his diet. However, Paul also operated out of love enough to respect the convictions of less mature believers. This is important! We need to act lovingly, and not with harsh judgement. You see, sometimes God limits Himself for us as to not overwhelm us. His Spirit seeks to build our faith, not turn us away. Paul knew this an respected others accordingly.
"If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died." Romans 14:20
So mature Christians need to know the supernatural power of God to keep us. This power is greater than food. But they also need to respect the work (or work in progress) that the Lord has done in other believers. Who are we to judge their spiritual progress?
Now I want to show you a better way. One more time, though, some things are not worth bringing to others if they become a stumbling block. Faith is greater than food, but Love is greater than faith.
"The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves." Romans 14:22
Instructions to Mature Believers
The solution, then, is to eat "whatever is set before us" out of faith. If you do not buy organic produce, glory to God! Let's rejoice all the more, as His "power is made perfect in weakness". Let's look to the Word to see where faith in God can take us. Keep in mind that faith is not a license to do anything.
"Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial"
With that being said, though, often faith can be built through hard situations. As long as we behold Jesus, and not the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, our faith can be built. Anyways, here are two examples:
We can drink HCFS-laden soda: "...they will drink deadly poison, and it will not hurt them at all."
We can eat poptarts: "I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself."
Faith in the fullness of the promises of God allow us to eat without fear. Eating in pure faith will never result in sickness or disease. In faith we can eat to the Glory of God, and testify to His healing power and not the benefits of this or that food!
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
Trust Him, Don't Test Him
Keep in mind, though, that "not everything is beneficial". We cannot abuse God's word by making it a license to gratify the flesh. God's grace is not to be tested; "God cannot be mocked".
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" Romans 6:2
The Holy Spirit will never lead us to test God, so let's walk in the Spirit. This way, we will not be tempted to "gratify the desires of the flesh" It takes discernment to know when our eating is acceptable, or when it is turning into fear or food idolatry. Food is not of critical importance, this is a matter of the heart! We can eat wrongly eat salad if we idolize it, and we can be justified and honor the Lord while eating ice cream.
"...Whatever is not of faith is sin" Romans 14:23
There comes a time when our eating may no longer glorify God's gift of faith to us. I don't know that anybody advocates purposely eating lead or washing their hands with acid. Obviously that's very extreme, but for many people, even a little junk food is a stumbling block for their faith. Everybody needs to draw a line somewhere, not according to the wisdom of the world or their own fear, but according to the measure of faith given them. And if we want more faith, let's ask for more, and receive it, so that God may be glorified!
"For the kingdom of God does not consist of food and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" Romans 14:17
Flaws in Our Food System
Like I mentioned in the previous two posts on food, today's food system is contaminated with all sorts of toxic substances. So many of the additives and preservatives in our foods have been linked to cancer, hyperactivity, etc. Even fruits and vegetables are not safe (from a worldly point of view)! So what are we as Christians to do? Well, I am definitely not against buying organic and unprocessed foods. In fact, I think that is usually a good idea. But many people don't have money to do this. Even if they did, I believe there are better ways to spend your money.
Respect Conviction
I don't want to get too generalized here. One of the amazing things about God is that He knows our quirks and differences. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, God's commands to one person regarding food may be different than the next person's. If God convicts someone that they need to be eating organic food, who am I to argue? I do not want to be so prideful as to undermine someone else's convictions. Paul talks about this concept at length in the book of Romans.
"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God." Romans 14:1-6
Convictions from the Holy Spirit are more important than my opinions about food. But we need to separate our own feelings from the Word of God. Remember, "we have not been given a spirit of fear". Instead, we have been given a Spirit of self-discipline that always holds fast to the Word! So trust your convictions, only if they come into agreement from God!
Faith is Greater than Food
A permanent solution to our physical health is not found in food. Eating organic, taking natural vitamins, and other things are good but not critical. They should definitely not be the focus. Food does not make us clean or unclean. Jesus said this!
"It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth." Matthew 15:11
"I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean." Romans 14:14
We see that Paul had enough faith to accept the unconditional nature of the promises of God. He knew that God could and would keep his health regardless of his diet. However, Paul also operated out of love enough to respect the convictions of less mature believers. This is important! We need to act lovingly, and not with harsh judgement. You see, sometimes God limits Himself for us as to not overwhelm us. His Spirit seeks to build our faith, not turn us away. Paul knew this an respected others accordingly.
"If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died." Romans 14:20
So mature Christians need to know the supernatural power of God to keep us. This power is greater than food. But they also need to respect the work (or work in progress) that the Lord has done in other believers. Who are we to judge their spiritual progress?
Now I want to show you a better way. One more time, though, some things are not worth bringing to others if they become a stumbling block. Faith is greater than food, but Love is greater than faith.
"The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves." Romans 14:22
Instructions to Mature Believers
The solution, then, is to eat "whatever is set before us" out of faith. If you do not buy organic produce, glory to God! Let's rejoice all the more, as His "power is made perfect in weakness". Let's look to the Word to see where faith in God can take us. Keep in mind that faith is not a license to do anything.
"Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial"
With that being said, though, often faith can be built through hard situations. As long as we behold Jesus, and not the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, our faith can be built. Anyways, here are two examples:
We can drink HCFS-laden soda: "...they will drink deadly poison, and it will not hurt them at all."
We can eat poptarts: "I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself."
Faith in the fullness of the promises of God allow us to eat without fear. Eating in pure faith will never result in sickness or disease. In faith we can eat to the Glory of God, and testify to His healing power and not the benefits of this or that food!
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
Trust Him, Don't Test Him
Keep in mind, though, that "not everything is beneficial". We cannot abuse God's word by making it a license to gratify the flesh. God's grace is not to be tested; "God cannot be mocked".
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" Romans 6:2
The Holy Spirit will never lead us to test God, so let's walk in the Spirit. This way, we will not be tempted to "gratify the desires of the flesh" It takes discernment to know when our eating is acceptable, or when it is turning into fear or food idolatry. Food is not of critical importance, this is a matter of the heart! We can eat wrongly eat salad if we idolize it, and we can be justified and honor the Lord while eating ice cream.
"...Whatever is not of faith is sin" Romans 14:23
There comes a time when our eating may no longer glorify God's gift of faith to us. I don't know that anybody advocates purposely eating lead or washing their hands with acid. Obviously that's very extreme, but for many people, even a little junk food is a stumbling block for their faith. Everybody needs to draw a line somewhere, not according to the wisdom of the world or their own fear, but according to the measure of faith given them. And if we want more faith, let's ask for more, and receive it, so that God may be glorified!
"For the kingdom of God does not consist of food and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" Romans 14:17
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