Steve Curington's Blog » Holy Spirit

The number one way to prove we are exercising His faith, rather than ours, is during difficult times. Our first weapon would be prayer, our second is pause and our third and final weapon is . . . PATIENCE!

Steven Curington — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:50:26 +0000

Good Morning! ACT; REACT; ACT; REACT!!!! It seems to be the story of my life. Either I am IN Christ and I am acting and reacting properly or I am IN me and acting and reacting improperly. It true for me, I’m either IN or I’ve SINNED!

But I can always tell (usually AFTER my mistakes) why I am acting or reacting improperly. It is a lack of His faith. We know that James taught us that faith on trial through various temptations will produce patience. Thus, it is understandable to a loving and patience Father that we will often lack patience. But it is safe to assume if it takes successful trials to develop patience that we will not have an acceptable level of patience until we have learned to yield to His acceptable measure of faith for any given situation.

I seem to lose my cool every day. Sometimes this heated moment remains within and few, if any, realize it. Some think that’s not so bad. But to be honest, that attitude produces pride. “As long as no one knows I “got hot” under the collar, they assume I have great patience”. No, great patience is formed from successful trials and trials are ONLY successful when IN MY HEART I have yielded to His faith in my difficulties not mine own faith, my own doubt, or heaven forbid, mine own unbelief!

If I exercise mine own faith, it is me that is doing the work. I may be able to keep my temper composed, but it will not exercise His faith, so He won’t be glorified. He is never glorified by my self righteous acts of the soul. I will look good, but He will not be lifted up.

If I exercise my own doubt, then not only will He not look good, but neither will I. Though my self righteous faith will keep my temper in, unrighteous doubt will always let it out! I won’t be able to maintain my composer for long if I doubt the TRUTH which say’s everything “going wrong” is actually “going right”. For if all things work together for good . . . then I should never struggle with doubt. My “bouts with doubt” will make their way out. When they get out then my reputation is criticized and Christ’s is minimalized.

Finally, if I respond in my own unbelief, I will be of all men, most miserable. There will be no patience, for there will be no peace. The Spirit knows what I need when He leads me into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. If I reject those divine circumstances and deem them “unnecessary”, my rejection will produce a reflection of my circumstances. A “reflection of rejection” manifests itself in negative, pessimistic, critical thinking. It is at this stage my unrighteous acts of unbelief will cause me to look bad and literally hinder the work of the Lord.

My only recourse is to refuse to ACT; REACT! Rather, I must REST/RELAX! I must rest in the fact that Christ will manifest Himself to me if I would but relax in my stressful situations and wait for Him. That is what patience is. It is not as much enduring as it is waiting. We must endure as we wait, but how hard is it to endure when we have faith the endurance is bringing about things that work together for good? That’s not hard at all. If I understand through His faith that I must endure these situations that seem bad but work together for good, then I will find the necessary calm to rest IN Him as I relax and wait ON Him.

That willingness to relax and wait on the Lord is the patience He is looking for in tumultuous times. For it is that patience that is produced by trials of temptation. It is those trials of temptation that prove we are yielding to His faith and it is yielding to His faith that glorifies God and lifts up Christ that others might be drawn unto Him.

I guess we need to get serious about all this stuff and just lighten up! Sound like an oxymoron? No, rather, it’s much simpler than that. He is my proxy or I am mine own moron!

The number one way to prove we are exercising His faith, rather than ours, is during difficult times. Our first weapon would be prayer, our second is pause and our third and final weapon is . . . PATIENCE!

Steven Curington — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:50:19 +0000

I guess we need to get serious about all this stuff and just lighten up! Sound like an oxymoron? No, rather, it’s much simpler than that. He is my proxy or I am mine own moron!

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Steven Curington

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My problem is not that I don’t know how to live. My problem is that I don’t know how to die!

Steven Curington — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:50:24 +0000

Good Morning. The book of John records an equation that answers the question on what it takes for us, or for anyone else for that matter to SEE JESUS.

I don’t know about you, but I need to see Jesus more often than I allow myself that privilege. In John 12 we see that some Greeks came to worship Jesus and enquired of Philip that he might gain them the necessary access to “see Him”. When it was requested of Jesus, he agreed the timing was right for Him to “be seen”. But not in the way they were requesting. Not just an answered prayer or a healed sickness. But in a way in which they would make a great sacrifice in order to “see Jesus” and from that point forward Jesus would also be seen IN them!

That is what we all need. Not only to “see Jesus”, but for Jesus to be seen in us as a result of that sighting. NO matter how short that sighting may seem, others should benefit from our “sighting of the Savior”.

Remember when Moses saw the image of the Lord in the burning bush? His countenance was unbearable to behold for it shone “so bright from His light”. He needed a veil to cover the Shikinah Glory of God!

That image of the Lord is available for us to see. But, herein is the equation for the “Savior Sighting and our subsequent lighting”: “The same came therefore to Philip . . . and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus . . . And Jesus answered them, saying, the hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.”

Jesus was telling Andrew, on Phillip’s behalf, that the timing was perfect for “a Savior Sighting”. So here is what Jesus required of those looking for a “peek at His Perfection”

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone”. There will be no “Savior Sighting” without a willingness on our part to die. But not to die that we may never enjoy our life. But to die that we may experience His life.

Most of us struggle to remember, if even to recognize that what Christ considers life, many of us consider some sort of death. When in reality, what we often consider to be life is not even worth dying for! It’s meaningless. A corn of wheat will never be useful unless it gives up its desire to remain but a kernel! It has far more value than its measly existence is realizing. It can grow into a living organism that will feed many from its fruit, if it will but die. As a matter of fact Jesus even said “but IF it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

The equation then defines it’s actual calculations in order to experience this death that brings forth much fruit and a subsequent “Savior Sighting”. “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”

We don’t have to give up life. Life is something we will receive; not lose! What we have to be willing to give up is THIS life. This life is OUR life IN THIS WORLD!

When we tell ourselves we need God to adapt to this world and our many needs therein, we will see our “Savior Sightings” will be at a minimum. But when “our life in this world” is detested, we will see our Savior in a different light. We will see Him as our true Savior from our miserable life and the giver of His new life. But this exchanged life does not have to wait till our entrance into Glory. For His glory has been revealed and is now. We can have the Christ life right now! The equation continues as it tells us how to die to this life and to experience the life that IS Christ.

“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor (promote).

At the time that Jesus said this to Andrew, he became troubled and asked God to save him from this approaching hour (of His crucifixion). Jesus then asked that God to be glorified in all He was willing to do on God’s behalf and a voice boomed from heaven and said “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

Jesus calmly replied. “This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

Herein lies the equation: Jesus sightings are available for those who die (sacrifice) to the “desires created by this word” that He may plant our dead bodies, water them with His Spirit that they may come alive. Then the “Son can be seen” and that Savior Sighting will shine upon our new life as we break through the darkness of our death. And then, as we approach a position where we may be considered a small growing resource for Him, He will painfully prune us that we might be plucked up as fruit for OTHERS!

He said “if any man will serve me, let him follow me?” “OK, I will follow. Where you headed?” is my curious response to His request. “Over there, to die” was his reply! What we say next determines whether or not we will experience a “Savior Sighting” and see Jesus.

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Steven Curington

If teachers do no ‘fessin in their lessons, they will be an “actor without factor” losing the respect and perpetrating neglect on the elect.

Steven Curington — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:50:01 +0000

I have the privilege and opportunity in the ministry to be a teacher to many people that are not really “my sheep”. I do not take this lightly, as I am accountable to God for what I teach, as well as my actions that are representations of my teachings. This is a very difficult position in which to live and is not easy to do, absent of God’s powerful grace. I have to rely upon the Holy Spirit to help me in the areas live in the way in which I teach. As well, when I teach on a specific area in which the Lord is directing me, it seems the devil always shows up, testing me in that area. The current subject God has allowed me to teach as well as be tested is in “loving others in an Agape way.” Sad to be regressing, but often, when I encounter a testing, I often find myself wresting, usually having to do engage in some confessing before I receive any blessing on what I’m addressing!

Allow me to use the Reformers Unanimous dissect and define method for explanation. Luke 6:42 says, “Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote (the problem that is a hindrance to another’s life) that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not (take no heed to) the beam (the overwhelming problem that is a hindrance for your own clarity) that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite (actor), cast out first the beam (remove the hindrance) out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly (be able to discern) to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.”

Dissected and defined, it is saying, “How dare we tell someone who is following our example that there is a problem in their life that is hindering them when we have the same problem to a much greater degree that we need to remove first? We are acting as if we are okay—that’s a performance! Some teachers qualify for a weekly Academy Award! However, if we transparently reveal that we not only see our own hindrance, but that we are seeking to remove our beam in the same way we are teaching them to do likewise, we will be granted more liberty to help others. I mean, c’mon! Sheep may be stupid, but they’re not blind! I know that Johnny Depp is NOT really Jack Sparrow, the notorious pirate of the Caribbean—he’s just acting like he is. It is likely that many observers can sense, if not clearly see, when an impersonation is being perpetrated in a spirit of self righteous indignation.

It is imperative teachers be above reproach, or transparently honest (either or, preferably both); one who practices what he preaches; is a trainee of what he teaches. However, this does not give the followers license to criticize, reject or rebuke their teachers in areas where they may sense personal struggle. A follower should instead pray earnestly for God to work in their lives and in the lives of their leadership to bring about His resurrection perfection.

Hebrews 13:17-18 says, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.”

The author of the book of Hebrews entreated his followers, “Pray for us.” Why? Because they knew that all teachers and leaders have character flaws, weakness and propensity for sin and certain sins. But flaws are not excuse for frauds, for Christ works through those who are living honestly before others.

My friend, if you knew me like I knew me, you wouldn’t even bother reading my blogs! But, at the same time, if I knew you like you knew you, I wouldn’t even bother sending them to you! Though, I know in my personal followship of those in authority over me it is much easier to embrace their teachings if they exemplify it in their own lives. I want those following me to know that God’s work in me is evident in lifestyle consistencies and my life’s transparency. I want people to respect me not only for what I do obey, but what I am willing to confess is a struggle to obey—to live humbly with a clear conscience.

My friend, don’t be a stony phony full of baloney. Who needs a Broadway Tony from his cronies?! Instead, be a teacher whose main feature is a picture of a preacher chasing creatures.

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Steven Curington

Water logs on your spiritual fire……

Steven Curington — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:48:08 +0000

[podcast format="video"]http://stevecurington.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Sequence%201-desktop.m4v[/podcast]

Just because you have been sanctified (which means to be set apart for sacred use) does not mean you are being used sacredly. Well, are you?!

Steven Curington — Tue, 25 May 2010 10:50:39 +0000

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:19-22)

Many an individual has been justified and has undergone a particular sanctification making them prepared and available to be used as the Lord deems necessary. However, many are prepared and set apart for use, but they sit idly by and remain unused vessels.

Knowing God intimately is the primary way in which we experience our benefits of sanctification. When we are first saved, we become justified and simultaneously sanctified. Sanctified means “set apart.” We are set apart for God’s sacred use. He dwells within us in the form of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. We now have the Power within us to be used by Him in miraculous ways, as evidenced in the New Testament. This does not mean, however, that we automatically are enjoying, much less engaging in the benefits of our sanctification.

Remember, the benefit of justification takes place because God knows you, informationally; the benefits of sanctification take place as you know God intimately. You and I must grow in our knowledge (intimacy, not information alone) of God to experience the benefits of His Power in our lives. Let me give you an analogy.

You do not need to know power to use power, but you need to know power to be USED by power. You see, power is the ability to overcome by using a resource. If you were to enter a dark room, your first reaction would be to reach for the power source—the light switch. The light would turn on, and the darkness would be overcome by using the resource of the power supply from the electric company. You used the power; however, the power did not use you. But we must realize that that light switch we would use to eliminate light was made available for our use because someone was used by that source of power for our benefit.

Let me explain. For the power to be available for us to use, someone had to be used by the power source. In order for that light switch to be there, an electrician was used to place it in that position. Thus, the electric company used him to channel the power into a position to overcome darkness. What was the prerequisite for that electrician to be used by the power source? Very simply, he had to understand this power. He had to know this power. He had to understand how this power of electricity works. He had to increase his knowledge of this power until he understood how to best use it for his own benefit and for the benefit of others who could then use it themselves. That is why you must be properly trained in electrical power before you work with it. It is that simple.

Allow us to be challenged to look internally today and ask this question, “Are we being USED by the Power Source?” God may have prepared us specifically for a purpose, but are we just knowledgeable about that purpose and how to make it work, or are we actually working out that purpose He has designed for us?

One fruit of righteousness studied in our Uphold curriculum includes the fruit of Serviceability. This defined is “when we are agreeable to being durable and moldable that we may become usable.” Is God using us to fulfill His plan? Are we of service for Him, or are we found unreliable? Oh, we may be useful, but we don’t show up for God’s appointments when He can actually use us for His purpose.

My friend, there should exist a hunger in your being to be used of God with full compliance and recognition of God’s program for you. To simply be used despite self makes one no better than the devil, for even he is used by God. How important is it for us to desire God’s use of us to heal, make right, restore, unite that which is shattered, deliver captives, open eyes, illuminate reality, dispel mists, empower, enrich, and fulfill. These are important tasks God needs done, but He desires to use us as vessels to fulfill these. This is the meaning and purpose for which God desires our life to be directed and for us to be used. Do not let it be said of you:

I lived for myself, for myself alone,
For myself and none beside,
Just as if Jesus had never lived
And as if he had never died.

Instead, let the inscription on our tombstone read as one unknown saint, “He was used of God.” Do not let your life slip away without being used and be an awful Christian who is a slothful Christian. Please learn as a youthful Christian to be a dutiful Christian who is a truthful Christian, for we know that a useful Christian is a fruitful Christian.

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Steven Curington

Behind every tragedy of human character is a long process of wicked thinking.

Steven Curington — Tue, 11 May 2010 10:50:21 +0000

This morning’s quote was once attributed in a sermon I heard to Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. May I ask you…how have you fared in your thinking this week? There are two techniques that God uses to stimulate us to a personal examination in order that we may pull down our strongholds. These techniques are revealed in His Word.

The first is found in II Corinthians 10:5. It tells us we succeed in our need by, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

We need not allow our thoughts to create the chaos in our minds. These thoughts, when in abundance will automatically precipitate turmoil in our lives. We must only take time to discern whether or not the thoughts we are considering will ultimately harm our walk with God, and if they do, we must “rid the heads of them there meds!” Toss them as far as you can. In football vernacular, throw the bomb!

But casting out wrong thoughts is only half the battle and nearly impossible without implementing the second step found herein. At Reformers Unanimous, we teach the doctrine of replacement. It is not sufficient to simply rid yourself of evil and allow voids to exist therein. Rather, we must FIRST replace the space in order to do an “about face”! That’s right. We must captivate God-honoring thoughts to supplant the wrong thoughts we possess and usually prefer to ponder.

I have heard a lot of people say: “Garbage in, garbage out; garbage in, garbage out.” My friends, this may work for computers but not for processing the worldly things that poison our minds. The actual formula for this process is: Garbage IN, garbage ON, and garbage OUT! That is to say garbage enters our minds via our personally stimulated or demonically instigated senses; it then gets framed (conceived) in our minds and passed down onto our heart’s meditations (James 1). Finally, because our heart dump is overflowing with garbage, it spews over and out in the form of fleshly words or dirty deeds done dirt cheap (sorry, couldn’t help myself!).

So, again, trash comes into the mind. It is willingly rested upon our hearts. At that stage what is resting becomes arresting and it controls our tongue or actions as it flows from our mouths or bodies. Remember the Bible tells us that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Thus, we can conclude that when garbage begins to collect upon our hearts, it will eventually be manifested in an ugly display of flesh. We are giving place to the garbage man!

So we see, just as our telepathy trash is processed in this manner, so is that which is quality in its content. This is the second principle upon which we base a proper technique for pulling down strongholds. II Corinthians 10:5 continues, “and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Herein is the scriptural basis for the doctrine of replacement. The word captivity literally means the state of being a prisoner.

So, we see we are to cast down our bad thoughts by first taking into captivity His good thought – stimulations that arrive simultaneously “WITH the temptation” as our “our way of escape (I Cor. 10:13). Simplified, it’s the replacement doctrine. Casting down bad thoughts without replacing them by captivating good thoughts is like casting down a basketball. It’s going to bounce right back. That thought will control your heart again and captivate your emotions once more. If we resist, it will persist! Rather than resist, replace that thought! The game changer is when we roll it away and pick up a different ball. New Game, but this time, it’s with His ball! The devil must depart and take his ball home with him!

Trust your heart? No! Not one part; lest Satan use a dart that makes our negative thinking start. Rather, on “His chart” will our thinking start. These kinds of smarts require ole’ Satan to depart.

RU applying yourself to God’s examinations, or RU repeatedly giving place to the devil?

My friends, let it not be a normality that you are found in regularity experiencing a tragedy through the imagery that you were led to see!

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Steven Curington

Remember that Christ did not come to change my life. He came to exchange my life!

Steven Curington — Thu, 06 May 2010 10:50:19 +0000

Good Morning! Sometimes, I meet people in our chapters who are NOT doing very well. I am usually approached with this phrase from a frustrated student: “Man, I need to change!” I’ve heard it so many times and thought it myself even more. But what a waste of energy and effort! Why do we get ourselves so worked up trying to become a better me, when I need to become is a deader me?

It is an offense to Christ to believe that we can acquire a special place in His heart by improving the behavior of the portion of our trichotomy that He was “willingly required to die” in order to destroy. That portion, our soul, was the offender whose offense nailed my savior to the old rugged tree.

Romans 5:17-20 explains the offense of man and the defense of Christ this way: “For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound”

I am not made righteous in heaven by “developing a better me”; I am made righteous in heaven by “depending on a better He”! Likewise I cannot live righteously or godly in this present world by changing everything I can about myself to become more like Him. No! The only way that I can live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world is to deny is to learn what the grace of God has taught us. What has grace taught us? Let’s remember:

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” Titus 2:11,12

What did the grace of God teach us? That we are saved from the PENALTY AND POWER of sin by grace and that not of ourselves it is a gift. Not of works lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8, 9). So we see that when we are trying to become a better you we are trying to save ourselves from the powers of darkness in our own power. That is a work that if successful to any degree will produce an ungodly boast. This will prove to be a short term victory followed by sure defeat.No, our role is to deny ungodliness and our worldly lusts. If we can utilize the appreciation of our salvation in order to fight off our affections and lusts, then God will do the rest of the work. This does not produce a “changed life”. This produces an “exchanged life”; His life living through me. God’s life is best seen through the living sacrifice of a very dead man.

Galatians 2:20 and 21 indicate that we are crucified and dead, but we have resurrected, but it is NOT us that is alive, but Christ IN us. He goes on to say in verse 21 that we will frustrate (which means bring to naught) the grace of God in our life if we try to be righteous by the law (which is me doing the work). So, grace has taught me that if I try to change, then I will stunt His work through me in my effort to become a better me, I will become a more frustrated failure. But, if I will say no to my fleshly appetites (out of the depth of my relationship, not personal will power alone) then I can rely on Him to assume control and consume my soul.

So as we seek to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, let us follow that with the grace of God that brings salvation from the power of sin. Then rather than living a life of “deny and try”, we will find ourselves living His life as we “deny and die”.

Today, let us go about our life like a “walking dead man” rather than a “working dread man”.

Whom we Serve indicates whom we will Please

Steven Curington — Tue, 04 May 2010 10:50:40 +0000

Good Morning! The word “serve” means “to be subordinate to another”. Another definition is “to be subservient”. Its primary definition is “to perform duties in the employment of”. The Bible word serve or servant is an Old English term used for the modern English word “EMPLOYEE”.

In Bible times families grew quite large, with many children not even leaving the families home until the age of 40 and often, even then, living nearby, they worked and lived together as one. As a result the families would have many hired servants. These servants were not slaves. A slave receives nothing more than their bare necessities in exchange for every ounce of their energy. A servant however, could have been and often was a well paid staff person of these large family units. These families, with many sons and daughters who would have many, many more sons and daughters would need multiple handmaidens, a family doctor, teachers, cooks and a myriad of other servants roles. Some of which may have even been downright slave labor as well.

With that truth in mind we recognize that we have been called to serve Christ, even though we may hold secular employment. Colossians 3:22 tells us that we as servants (or employees must obey our masters (our employers) “according to the flesh” This verse is telling us that as Christians, we may be employee’s of the Lord, but we are going to be delegated to human authority. And God expects us to please them in all we do for them, for Him. Paul goes on to teach us that this servants role cannot be with “eyeservice, as menpleasers”. This is a form of service that is more than “when bossman’s watching you” or to “just make the big guy happy!” It’s a much more dedicated role than that. He calls us to a dedicated service that expresses itself with “singleness of heart, fearing God”.

Singleness of heart means “sincerity in your thoughts”. Whew! How hard is that? Here is what he is saying. “I want you to serve me, a perfect God, by being willing and wanting to serve flawed human beings on my behalf and while you are doing it, I want you to not only do nothing wrong, but to THINK nothing wrong!”

That’s much easier wished for than granted! How do we serve in such as way as this? He goes on to say that we do so by first fearing and second by doing everything from the heart with zeal. Here is how he explains it: “in singleness of mind, fearing God. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

So we see a formula being created by the Apostle Paul that will guarantee us a success that serving mankind could or would never bring. If we serve our flawed leadership (boss or husband, employer or customer, parents or preacher) with a heart of zeal, rejecting negative and pessimistic thoughts we will fulfill this command. The character quality that this requires is a “fear or respect” for your ultimate Employer, the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, we need to meditate on the fact that we are not doing what we are asked the way He asks us to do it because our employer is right, sweet, godly, correct, cooperative, kind, and easy to please or any other myriad of wishes we would want before we would give such unselfish, silent and submissive service. We are serving this error proper leader out of respect for the One who placed them over us, the Lord Jesus Christ, our true Master/Employer in life!

Now what are the benefits of such unselfish service to flawed men or women on behalf of Christ? The next verse tells us: “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance”. The word “of” is best defined as “belonging to”. Thus the reward that we will receive for “serving our God given leadership in an unselfish and subservient way” will be an inheritance that “belongs to the Lord”. It is His to give. It is our inheritance in heaven, which fades not away. Why will we receive such a reward for such service? His final word of exhortation to us, His employed workforce, is “for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

This inheritance belongs to Christ, it is given to Christ, by God, to distribute as He may see fit. It is not the inheritance of eternal life. For that is not predicated on our service to Him. But we rather learn that our service on earth will not generate the reward OF heaven but actually it will generate our rewards IN heaven”. Many people like to think that when they get to heaven they will have a mansion waiting for them. Oh, it may not be as big as some, but we all get mansions! Right? Wrong!

Jesus said “in my father’s house ARE many mansions”, alright. But He did not say that you or I are getting one. Such homes are not an automatic reward. A mansion is a reward, one of many rewards, for unselfish service on behalf of Christ to those whom He delegates us to serve.

No, all He has promised to prepare for you or me is a “place”. Now realizing we are all getting some sort of “place” in heaven, where do we go from there? Our choices are to “take whatever we can get”, or, better yet “to get whatever we can give”!

When we “do” unselfish service toward man on behalf of Christ with a right frame of mind of sincerity” we will please your “Heavenly Employer”. He always pay’s you back. It will come someday, far, far away from that sometimes worthless workplace! It will be a heavenly home. Thus, the only question that remains will be “when you get to heaven and trade this home for that home, will you be ’stuck’ downsizing”?

Just think about it! Oh, and while you are at it. Remember this: if you please God, your true Master/Employer, then you will surely please your earthly employer, who is sure to reward your efforts here.

And if you are the type of employer God wants you to be, then you very well may find your boss finding Christ as Savior as a result of your work ethic. Then maybe he will be living up there right next door to you. Now, don’t think about that!

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Steven Curington

Are you subject to Designer Desires?

Steven Curington — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:50:08 +0000

James taught us that temptation is what gets in the way of “being perfect, wanting nothing.” This is a huge revelation of personal temptation: “Our wants are what lead to our haunts.”

Whaddya want? Everybody wants something…or do they? A “want” is something we do not have, but yet desire to possess. A want can also become a “lust” if it is a want headed out of control. James tells us in James 1:14, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

From this verse, we discover that Satan’s standard operational procedure for initiating temptation into our lives is to, first, deceptively draw us away from the Spirit-filled, abundant Christian life. How does he do this? He uses our own lusts, or desires. What else would be so effective other than our own deep-rooted desires that we ourselves have molded into our personal weaknesses over the course of our lives? Our “own lusts” are thus our very own “designer desires”!

Next, Satan uses intuitively placed stimuli, or outside influences, to entice our desires. To entice means to influence to evil. So what is this saying, then? Well, the enemy has studied each of us to know our weak links designer desires, so he can prompt us into positions that will make those weaknesses manifest themselves in our behaviors. He does this in the hope of spoiling our testimonies or otherwise furthering his wicked agenda.

But, glory to God, the devastation of temptation can be avoided, my friend! Looking back at the verse above from James, we see that up to this point we have only been enticed, or “instigated to evil.” At this juncture, sin has not yet occurred. This all-important pivotal moment is what I call the meditation of temptation. But, allow us to look into his revelation to learn how we can endure the temptation in our meditation and avoid the instigation.

James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

The word count here means to consider. Consider it all joy when you fall into divers–– the same meaning as Peter’s word manifold––or various temptations. It doesn’t matter how many or how often, we are to consider it a joy.

Now what exactly is a temptation? Is it something sinful that we want? Nope. A temptation is a desire to have or do something that we know we should avoid. Both Peter and James indicated these temptations were a “trial of our faith”. Peter also taught, as James also says, that if we would just count it joy to resist that temptation, we will receive patience. And that patience will have its perfect work, and we will be made entire or whole.

When we are able to face temptation with an attitude of joy, we will pass a God ordained examination of our faith because we have exercised our main responsibility to remain obedient. It is a “perfecting” or a spiritually maturing person who can endure a temptation. This person does not “want” for anything, for they realize that Christ is sufficient, and His will is perfect.

Do not allow yourself to pine in a deficiency, but rather refine your proficiency by allowing yourself to consider His Divine sufficiency and yield to sublime dependency in order to resign from a tendency!