Prov 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

“Man lifts car to rescue child trapped beneath it.”

“Young woman injured while pushing old lady from the path of a bus.”

“Soldier throws himself over live grenade to preserve the lives of many surrounding comrades.”

“House wife shows the love of God to needy family and leads them to eternal life in Christ.”

For the person who has really come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, there is an incredible awareness that He is who and what He said He is- the way, the truth, and the life, that no one can come to the Father but by Him, and there is salvation in no other. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) To know this salvation personally, however, is to become increasingly aware that those without Him aren’t just missing out on a good option, they are without life at all and are destined for eternal damnation.

In this understanding there is an adjustment of life’s priorities, where actions that produce salvation are moved above selfish pursuits. Being made right in Him begins to produce His fruit in a life that is transformed from selfish motives to love ones, where personal concerns are lost in the passion for saving another. This fruit is evidenced in the amazing examples given where people gain incredible selfless strength and courage to save someone else who is in peril. Lost in this love is not only the concern about personal needs, but there is also complete disregard of how saving actions might offend the one being saved. The greater the peril, the greater is the focus fixed on securing life, no matter what minor injuries might be incurred.

At the moment of emergency, though, it isn’t just an awareness of another’s danger that makes a difference, but the action taken to rescue them. It’s not just enough to become well versed in the magnitude of the impending doom, but there must be an immediate action taken in order to deliver the endangered one. Understanding alone produces no life, and attempting tolerance with sensitivity to the ‘feelings’ of the imperiled produces no life whatsoever. It is only the action of selfless love that makes use of whatever means necessary and available to save.

The world around us in on a path to certain destruction. It is evidenced in wars, the economy, addictions, moral degradation and natural disasters. Many are consumed with attempting to ‘care’ for those in the path of this peril, but, while natural and physical needs are emphasized with a focus on personal choice, there is a great deal of reticence to directly deal with the greatest peril of all. Concern for personal reputation and not wanting to ‘offend’ the imperiled cause many to compromise the only means of true salvation- the gospel of Jesus Christ. The very action that is necessary to sweep them from the path of the speeding train, lift the crushing load, and cover the explosions of life is letting them know that there is salvation in none other than Jesus. No matter what their political, religious, philosophical, or personal beliefs, they will perish if they refuse to accept the offer of life in Him. While this message can certainly be given with love and understanding, if it is compromised in the least, they will perish. To really believe this message of salvation and to really live it is to know that it can’t be kept as a private, personal persuasion. There is no personal salvation, because as soon as it becomes personal, it becomes the means by which another can also know eternal life. It must be told and its fruit will produce the wisdom of life.

James 5:19 My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

Judges 7:7 BBE  And the Lord said to Gideon, By those three hundred who were drinking with their tongues I will give you salvation and give the Midianites into your hands; let the rest of the people go away, every man to his place.

Here was a man who, a short time ago couldn’t be persuaded to leave his place of hiding on the threshing floor. Full of questions and doubts, He needed to know that this being that was calling him a mighty man of valor was really from God. Once Gideon’s eyes were shifted from his own inabilities to the invincibility of God, there was a commitment made that brought with it a tenacious vision that would not be dissuaded by stacked odds. He must have been incredibly encouraged when his call to arms rendered a gathering of some 32,000 men, and his eyes surely began to shift back to their own ability to make this happen and defeat the Midianites by their own numbers and strength. Possibly he considered the gathering of the men as God’s involvement and that He would give them the strength to fight. Now, though, everything that had seemed to be God up to this point was being removed by God with an explanation that it was too much. Obviously Gideon’s perception needed to be shifted back to God as the source and the finisher of this victory.

This was when, once again, Gideon asked for confirmation that this was indeed God’s will and His plan. This question confirmed, though, there was again renewed in Gideon an unwavering willingness to complete whatever it was that God might ask, however improbable it might seem. And, with the commitment, God continued to confirm His will with faith instilling demonstration that He was at work in the Midian camp to prepare their ensuing defeat. Every faith commitment to the promise of God enabled the anointing and the power of God to His work through the willing and committed vessel.

A call has gone out to each of us from the Word for bravery and a departure from fear- for a commitment to something that God has promised to do through us. Though it will seem impossible and though the odds will be insurmountable, this will actually be confirmation that God is with us, that it will be His power, His direction and His moving that accomplish the impossibly and bring incredible victory to what might appear to be certain defeat. All He is needing from us is the commitment, the decision to present ourselves willingly to whatever task He places before us. From the point of commitment, God is ready to anoint and empower, to demonstrate His supernatural ability in the areas that seem most naturally impossible. From time to time, like Gideon, it may be tempting to shift the eyes back to what may appear to be the provision of God and allow dependence to be on the apparent natural success. At these very times it may be necessary that it isn’t the volume of numbers or the increase in finances themselves that God requires. In fact, the natural abundance itself may become a detriment to God’s working if it diverts focus from the One who doesn’t depend on number or abundance of resources. His greatest resource is commitment, and He will take the smallest and use it for the greatest demonstration of His power through the one who has made the decision to obey with unswerving diligence every detailed task He sets before him/her.

It will require the continually shifted gaze back to His presence and His power all along the way, and His Word will ever be a source for this shifted gaze and renewed commitment. With every choice made to look to Him as the Author and the Finisher, however, there will be the touch of His anointing and further revelation that this is, indeed, the path He has chosen and He is continually preparing for an ensuing victory that will have only one explanation- it was God. All He’s looking for is that faith commitment.

Joshua 21:1-3 KJV(1)  Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;(2)  And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.(3)  And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of saying something. I wonder how long it took for these guys before they decided to do more than just fret and stew over things not getting done according to the way they were promised. They saw everyone else getting whole portions of land for their inheritance and although a promise had been made, there was nothing forthcoming- definitely the time for some justified whining.  After all, wasn’t it they who made it possible for all of the rest of the tribes to occupy any of the lands? If it wasn’t for the temple and the glory of God to which they attended, there would be no occupying anything. Obviously this was a pretty major oversight, something that was most disqualifying of the leadership. Actually, it could have been enough to just say, hey, we’re out of here.

Or maybe there just wasn’t any of this. Could it really be that maybe it was simply handled in a mature and loving way? It actually does look like this is was happened, because what could have turned into an ugly situation was simply and quickly resolved with all the tribes immediately agreeing to provide the Levites with enough cities to meet all their needs and that of their cattle. Though there was a possible ‘unfairness’ going on and though it was reason for contention, by simply bringing it to light without emotional frustration there was a resolution that was positive for both the Levites and their brother tribes.

Promises have been made and quite often it may appear that there is an ‘unfairness’ going on, that everyone else is getting theirs and someone’s getting left out. Rather than a potential rift and division resulting and instead of irritation and moaning and groaning going on, maybe it’s just that something needs to be said, apart from any volatility or angry accusation. Possibly a simple presentation to the leadership will bring about a resolution that will be positive for everyone. There is great potential in the moment, both for bad and for good. The difference will completely ride on the choice for mature and loving presentation of the situation or internalized festering of a very healable wound.

May this day be filled with things being said to the One who has the answer, the One who actually made the promise in the first place. And, as His ear is filled with our peace driven presentation, may there be a boldness to bring exposition to other relationships in like manner, completely averting conflicts through the wisdom of the Spirit. There are cities to be lived in and life to be enjoyed far removed from the potential ‘tribal wars’ that are easily averted.

2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV(20)  For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV(1)  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Hebrews 6:11-12 KJV(11)  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:(12)  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

2 Peter 1:3-4 KJV(3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:(4)  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Matthew 11:11 MSG
(11)  “Let me tell you what’s going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him.

Several years ago, while travelling with a ministry, I was presented with an opportunity to become involved in a company dealing with insurance and securities. Although I had very little knowledge or experience in these areas, I took the necessary courses to become officially licensed to sell them. For the normal entry level person there was a position that allowed for producing sales and generating some income, but to really make the higher commissions with the greater incentives you needed to get to the position of ‘vice-president’. This was something that usually took an extended period of time as the position was supposed to be earned through hard work and proven ability to help build the company. For some reason, though, in an effort to hopefully propel me in my new business adventure, the company leadership chose to bestow the position of ‘vice-president’ upon me before I had even made a single sale. While given something of great significance and potential, I didn’t fully appreciate the value that had been placed in my lap. It would really have taken an extended time of growing into my title before I could have actually lived, walked and acted like a vice-president. I had been instantly elevated, with an importance that I couldn’t fully appreciate until I put to practice the power and influence that was freely mine. It wasn’t enough to just have the title or position, I would have to develop the ability to utilize the full potential it carried or it would be of little significance or value to my life.

According to what Jesus was saying about us, no matter how low we might consider ourselves to be, in the kingdom we’ve been given a title and position that exceeds even that of the great John the Baptist. In Christ we’ve been made to be ‘vice-president’ before we’ve won a single soul or cast out a single devil. From the moment we entered the kingdom through faith in Him, our position has been secured. Now, we’re just in great need of realizing the full potential of this position. Although we’ve been given the complete power and authority of the name of Jesus, there will be no success and no living in the fullness of this identity until it is put to use and applied to every area of life.

For some reason there is this natural tendency to see people on levels that are attained through performance and achievement. In Christ, however, there has been a reversal of this process. Though some have developed a greater understanding of what it means to be in Christ and are operating more fully in their authority, their position is no higher than the one who has just committed to a life of faith in Christ. The free gift of life in Him comes with all that is needed for the best, the brightest and greatest potential. No amount of achievement or failure for that matter will adjust this position either up or down. The greatest scholar and the lowest elementary student share the same title and the same rights and privileges. Unrestricted in access to the full resources of heaven by any limitations of title or position, the only restraint is that of understanding, perception and experience. To just know that this is so will make it possible to begin seeing the reality of identity and then experience the joys and fulfillment of what it really means to be an executive in the company.

More than just unproductive titles holders, may there today be a moving towards the life that place in Him provides and may there be an enjoyment of the blessings that are inevitable for the one that takes their place at His side.

Revelation 5:10 KJV
(10)  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Joshua 17:17-18 KJV
(17)  And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:
(18)  But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.

The number of the people of Joseph was large and they were contending that they needed more than one section of land. This was the reason for the addition of the mountain, but I love how it is stated here in the King James Version, because it speaks of mountain ownership. Once something is owned it can pretty much be dealt with at will. Whatever you want to do with it, it’s up to you. In this case it also had something to do with their dominance over their enemies. Which mountains can be spoken to so that they are moved into the sea?- The ones that are owned.

Now, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the existing difficulty the mountain presents has to be an ongoing possession, but there is a right and a position in ownership of it to cut down, ship off and reduce or produce from the mountain in whatever way that you might deem necessary. In sports part of the ‘trash’ talk that goes on in the sparring of words is, ‘I own you’. In every opponent is a form of mountain, an obstacle and a threat that needs to be dominated and overcome. As this declaration of ownership is proclaimed, so is the confidence and self image of the boaster raised to see themselves not only defeating their foe, but taking the strength that opponent once possessed and adding it to their resume, their record of success. With every mountain is either an insurmountable obstacle or a victory trophy- just depends on who takes ownership- who owns who.

It doesn’t really matter whether or not you’re a born ‘talker’, someone who boasts greatly and dominates those around them. There is an inheritance that is ours in Christ that includes the mountain. As it rises before us, so does the resource for the greatness that will bring glory to the One that enables and empowers us, utilizing the very things that would threaten to inhibit and destroy us. Rather than letting any difficulty bring a cloud of discouragement, there is an opportunity for the light of encouragement and strength to dominate as the reality of ownership is realized. In all things we are made to be more than overcomers in Christ. (Romans 8:37) All it takes is a word from the heart of the mountain ‘owner’ and it will be moved into the sea. (Mark 11:23) Though those enemies have ‘iron chariots’ and though they be strong’, they will be driven out by the one who has taken possession. The mountain is ours and to God be the glory of its dominance.

John 4:9-10 KJV
(9)  Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
(10)  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

There are so many reasons for a breakdown of communication. Based upon status, career choice, family name, race, sports team affiliation, religion, or which side of town you live on, there can be a distaste for dealing with someone of a differing orientation. It’s like there is a continual categorization of people we encounter based upon their appearance and a preconceived stereotype we’ve developed by life’s influences. Having not even met someone of a certain group, there can be a specific reaction towards them based upon a specific bias. A child’s parent will refuse to even acknowledge the parent of a child from an opposing team, while the devotee to one political candidate will end a friendship with someone favoring the opposing candidate. Getting past these barriers can be most difficult even when there is an incredibly great potential for the relationship.
Our experience with the Father can be plagued with a similar challenge as our perception of Him can be negatively influenced by what has taken place in another’s life or just our own life’s circumstances. As He approaches with a request for us to give to Him out of our life’s resource, there can be a reticence to make this sacrifice until there is a revelation of just who this really is to whom we’re speaking. In worship there is an opportunity for this to take place as a song, a scripture and a prayer make way for Him to be magnified in our sights and experienced as the faithful good God that He has been and will always be. If it can only be known what He wants to pour into our life, our reticence will be transformed into prayers of faith for the living water that will come from Him in a time of communion free of distorted barriers or misperceptions. There is a way today past the wall to the water.

Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV
(5) … he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
(6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV
(8) And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

This was a completely new concept for her, the thought that someone would actually be there for her even after discovering something in her that was sure to be unacceptable. Not that this wasn’t something she had hoped for all her life, it’s just that time after time, after committing herself in relationships, she had found herself alone, abandoned once again for some undisclosed reason. It would have even been a little more bearable if they would have at least given a reason, something for her to work on in the future, but it was like she hadn’t earned even enough honor from them to get their perceptions of her needed improvements before their departure. She had just been left, time after time, alone and without explanation. How wonderful it would have been to have someone actually stay through her inconsistencies, finding something in her for which to stick around. To wonder then whether God Himself could put up with whatever had driven the others away was certainly natural and would require considerable adjustment. This promise would be her heart’s greatest comfort and her soul’s delight and inspired hope, if only she could learn to embrace it instead of the old dismay and discouragement. He would never take off and leave her even when she herself might feel unacceptable. Because of this she could have great confidence and boldness to press beyond the fear of rejection that had held her back for so long. Though anyone might leave her for whatever reason and at any time, the very God of creation would remain close by her side, ever lifting her up and supporting her through the rest of her life.

Though maybe not to this extreme, there will ever be a need for adjustment and growth in this awareness- that our God goes before us and will never forsake us even in our failures, from the greatest to the smallest. If there is ever a sense of abandonment, this is just a misperception based upon what we’ve experienced in other relationships. God is ever present to encourage and strengthen the one who will but acknowledge His presence. His promise to be near isn’t just a frivolous gesture with no intention of fulfillment. Though this may have been our experience with those we’ve contacted in this world, there is a completely new experience with God that will nurture the confidence and boldness to be victorious in every situation. He is an ever present help in time of trouble (Psalms 46:1) and this presence doesn’t require a completed list of endless contingencies. His love and mercy will cover a multitude of sins and He faithfully stands with open arms – an embrace that will lift and propel us beyond the greatest of difficulties. So what will it matter what anyone might ever say about us, or even fail to say at all on their one way trip out the door, God Himself is right here right now with friendship, counsel, wisdom, understanding, compassion, mercy, forgiveness and motivation that is always ours for the taking in His presence. All He’s needing is an open door Himself to a heart that’s continually saying, ‘yes’.

1 Samuel 17:45 MKJV And David said to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Jehovah will deliver you into my hand today, and I will strike you and take your head from you and give the bodies of the army of the Philistines to the birds of the air today, and to the wild beasts of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this multitude shall know that Jehovah does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is Jehovah’s, and He will give you into our hands.

I drove through the gate and up the driveway of a customer’s house the other day where I had an order to do a roofing estimate. I removed the ladder from the top of my car and started towards the house when I noticed a black Labrador retriever running from the back of the house, circling behind my vehicle and bounding towards me. I had happy thoughts of Buck, a Lab that had been my buddy from several years ago, and thought how nice this was to be greeted by this fella that looked a bit like him. As he approached, however, I soon discovered that greeting me was not his intention. He began to let me know with a very harsh tone that where I was and what I was attempting to do was not allowed. Barring his teeth and lunging towards me, he made the hair on the back of my neck stand up and adrenaline run through my body as it appeared that he would definitely like to remove a piece of my leg to emphasize his point. Luckily I still held the ladder which I could use to fend him off, but I was in a difficult position, needing to complete my work, but not wanting to let go of my ladder for fear of this ferocious creature. I fearfully let him know a bit loudly myself that he was out of line and needed to back off, but it seemed that he wasn’t too impressed. After this bantering had gone on for a little while with me poking my ladder at him and him lunging back, my fear began to be replaced by anger. I had a job to do and here was this dog ungratefully treating me like some kind of bandit. I determined that I would put an end to this silliness by taking the battle to him, charging at him and yelling for all I was worth. Just as I started towards him, though, and after my first loud commands were uttered, the dog’s owner finally came out of the house to silence him. Grateful that I had not been caught totally humiliating that proud animal, I was still quite embarrassed and tried to somehow explain my situation to this customer I was meeting for the first time. Though glad that the dog was subdued, there was a little part of me, and I must say a very little part, that was a bit disappointed he hadn’t been subdued by me.

So many times we have something before us that is ours to do, ours to accomplish, and just as we’re approaching it there is a ferocious resistance that just won’t back off. Tempted to just get in the car and drive off, this might actually be the most chosen option. Just leave it for another day or file it with the undoables. There is within us, though, a response that will most certainly send that ferocious creature running with its tail between its legs, or, as in David’s case, headless. It would have been so much easier for David to have just dropped off the lunches for his brothers, heard Goliath’s barking, and went back home. He saw, though, that there was an unfinished job that was more than doable. Sitting back and wishing or hoping would not be enough, though. If this aggravating resistance was going to be removed the battle would have to be taken to the giant, and not without determination and not without a shouting declaration of impending victory. Any potential fear was replaced by a Godly anger and vision of exactly was going to take place by the power of his God. It wasn’t his own ability or his own strength that emboldened him, but it was the power of the Spirit in him that had already been proven faithful against the lion and the bear. This unworthy being before him was no match for David’s God, and he confidently committed to a response that would demonstrate this beyond a shadow of a doubt.

For every creature that would stand in the way of our purpose in Christ for this day, there is a response of boldness that can replace any former responses or retreats. Much better than an unfinished job or unfulfilled dream, there is a defeated foe and completed task awaiting our faith-filled charge towards that powerless barking.

James 4: 7 MKJV Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.