Fruit Test

It has been a while since I wrote anything to continue the series of the Sermon on the Mount. But here is the next teaching I felt led to write about. This follows the last teaching back in September of last year 2013 called "The Gate and the Way are Narrow". please check it out to see where we left off.

Today’s scripture:

Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ” (Luke 13:7-9 NKJV)

The Lord is so patient with us, isn’t He? I mean, if we truly knew how messed up and wicked we really are in light of Him, we would wonder how He could put up with us. But, He does put up with us because He is patient. He is kind. He is not easily angered. He never fails to pursue our hearts. I want to be that way with people, but I have so far to go. The desire of my spirit is to pursue His love and His likeness and His relationship with me so that I can love and give mercy to others, especially in my own family. But, what about those who think they are of the vine and think they are producing good fruit? Is His patience going to last forever for them?

Today we are looking into the nineteenth topic on the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus is teaching, which is “You will know them by their fruits”. Matthew 7:15-20… Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

Jesus starts out His teaching here with a warning. He warns us to watch out for false prophets. A prophet is someone who the Holy Spirit inspires to speak and to teach that comes straight from God’s heart to someone else. It isn’t talking about someone that just speaks about the future. Very often you might run into people who say they speak for God or that they are true believers who act as they are motivated to help others. Jesus calls them ravenous wolves dressed up in sheep’s clothing. The scary thing for them is they may not even realize they are a wolf. They may truly be so deceived thinking they are in God’s favor. In-fact, even as I write this, I do it with fear because teachers are held more accountable and I want to know for sure that I am doing it with the right reason of helping others and not for myself in any way.

This should bring a sense of fear that is healthy. The very respectable and reverence kind of fear. God is very patient and full of love, but He says those who eventually do not produce good fruit will be cut off and thrown into the fire! Sounds harsh right? Well it should, because Hell is a very serious matter. DO NOT TAKE THIS LIGHTLY! If you truly are a follower of Christ, a true Born again Christian, then you will be producing good fruit if you stay connected to the vine which is Jesus (John 15:5). But Jesus is talking about those who are “playing church”, like those who may be in ministry for themselves or to gain acceptance or to become popular. Or it may be those who think it’s just about the strictness of God’s law without the intimacy of Jesus Himself. Being a true believer of Jesus should show a major distinction between the life you had before you met Jesus than the life you are living after you gave your life to Him. Remember, God is not mocked! You cannot fool Him by your actions. He knows the very depths of your heart.

God is love, but He is also holy and just. He will not allow wolves to devour His children. He most definitely will not allow His people to continue to act as if they belong to themselves or this world. He will have to get your attention, and if your not willing to submit to His will, eventually, He will have to give you over to the devil in hopes that you will come back to Him (1 Corinthians 5:5).

Today’s scripture reminds me of how Moses was with his people the Israelites. God was tired of their complaining and idolatry so much that He was going to wipe them all out. In Exodus 32:9-10, The Lord said “I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them.” However, in v. 11-13 Moses (their intercessor) had compassion on them and stepped in and prayed. So, God relented.

Reflection:

Somehow, I have gotten this reputation that I preach a hell-fire message. But, the fact is, God is full of mercy and love and has compassion but He is also holy. He loves His people way too much to see them being taught by a false prophet who has selfish motives rather than having an interceding heart. He also loves those false prophets way too much to see them defiling themselves with pride and the ways of this world. He will remove them from His sheep!

Challenge:

Please dear saints, be in consistent check of your motives. Remember, we are consistently worshiping something. Is a true prophet of God who has your needs above his own teaching you? Or, are you being the one teaching with selfless motives, wanting God’s Word to truly reach the lost and needy? Don’t be afraid to ask God to search your heart.

-Doug McGowan

The Radical TRUE Jesus

The Radical Jesus

Facing the Fearful River

Today’s scripture:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Have you ever had to face something so terrifying and fearful you didn’t think you could go through with it? Of course you have. We have all been there, and if you haven’t yet… you soon will. You may be going through something right now that seems to be such a violent storm that only God could calm. Your current circumstance may seem like the most dangerous raging river you ever had to cross.

When we think about the awesome power of God, we look at scriptures like when He saved the Israelites by parting the Red Sea. But what about after Moses died and God gave the leadership roll to Joshua telling him to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River (Joshua 1)? See, when God led them up to the Red Sea, the Israelites did not have much faith and God knew it. He knew they had to grow in their faith so He parted that huge body of water before their very eyes. Yes, it still took faith to cross it even on dry ground. “What if the water would come back over us as we walk through”, they may have thought.

So, God first showed the Israelites that they could trust Him. Then, He brought another faith building situation… the Jordan River. You may think, “A river? That’s not a big deal compared to the sea.” Well, there are a couple of things to understand here. First, the time they had to cross, the river was in flood stage, which was the most active dangerous time. The other thing to understand is the Lord did not stop the water from flowing before they had to step into it like He did at the Red Sea. They had to act in faith before they saw any signs that God was going to do what He said He was going to do. They had to put their faith into action by remembering what God did before and know that He will keep His promise.

If you refer to a blog that I wrote titled “Revelation through Captivity” I mentioned that I was incarcerated. After spending 45 days in jail, I had to battle with the situation of being separated from my family with absolutely no contact of any kind and I lost my job that I had at Liberty Bible Church for exactly 6 years. I got real used to the idea and security of having that job. I was so comfortable in the thought of working around good Christain people I was fearful of going anywhere else.

The metaphor of the Jordan River for me came several times over the course of the last 5 months starting when I had to spend 6 weeks in jail, having no idea when I would get out. Having never experienced jail before, God wanted me to face my fears and teach me to rely on Him all over again in a deeper way. I was weakening in my belief that God is always in control and forgetting that God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a strong mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

When God takes you through something that is fearful, remember He is not taking you through it so that you will be in fear because He does not bring that kind of spirit. He brings the spirit of power over that fear. He brings a spirit of perfect love that can cast out those fears (1 John 4:18) because He is love and He is perfect. He also brings a spirit that strengthens your mind with knowledge of His Word and the wisdom to live it out.

Reflection:

Are you at a point in your life that you know God is saying take a step of faith? Maybe everything around you is saying you will sink if you take that step. If you believe God is requiring you to step, just believe He is giving you the power to take that step. That power has to start in your mind. Having the strong mind of faith that God will provide a way. Just live out your faith and put it into action.

Challenge:

Chances are you will come to the Jordan River sometime soon if not now. But, even now you may be faced with just a small river to cross. Life is full of small rivers every day. It may be that your facing a new job change, or working with someone that is difficult, or cleaning up after your dog when he devours the garbage. Then again you may be facing much more difficult times. Whatever it is, practice your faith in God by just making that choice to cross it no matter the circumstance.

-Doug McGowan

Revelation Through Captivity

Today’s scripture:

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:1-2)

It was September 2^nd 2013 and the steel doors slammed shut and the loud sound of the electronic locks making you very aware you are not going anywhere for a while. Hours and hours go by with nothing but your own thoughts to keep you company. Those thoughts that tell you that you are in a heap of trouble and there is no way out of this one. You are stuck there and there is no way of getting out.

As I lay down on that steel bed at about 2am with the lights shinning as if it were mid-day, I cried out to God from the very depths of my soul. I was hurting bad. I began to break. I never thought I would experience jail. Of course I had done some pretty horrible things in my past before I gave my life to Jesus. I just never got caught. And now that I am a Christain, I’m not supposed to be in a place like this, unless of course I’m ministering to inmates. At least that’s what we tend to think anyway.

Then the Lord spoke to me as clear as anything I have ever heard in my life. He said, “Doug, my son, I love you and I know you are hurting right now. And even though you won’t understand this right now, I had to allow you to get arrested so that I can speak to you. I am right here with you experiencing the same pain with you. I know this hurts terribly but its exactly what you need right now. There is something big that I want to accomplish in you and because it is so deeply rooted, it’s going to need major spiritual surgery. But remember, I am right here next to you and I will not go anywhere. I choose to be locked up with you!”

Anytime we go through trials in our lives, it is an opportunity to worship God, to give thanks and to allow Him to do something in us. There are two ways we face trials. We either go through them because God wills it and it is brought to us by nothing we have done or we simply go through it because we messed up. However, either case God allows that trial and He will use it to do something wonderful in us… that is, if we let Him. But first we need to choose humility and embrace it to the best of our ability.

Now there are many different levels of trials. There can be a category 1 trial of loosing your car keys to a category 10 trial of the death of someone very close to you. However, I believe in EVERY situation (no matter how small) God has us go through it for a purpose. There is something in that trial we need to learn.

For me, going through a time of separation from my friends and family for 45 days in jail and experiencing some very scary things was extremely sobering to say the least. They weren’t scary because I was in jail, but it was scary because I had to face some very ugly demonic things in me. It was about a week in jail God told me that I was there because He wanted me to let Him work on my fear. Fear that has caused me to try and control other peoples lives. Fear that said, “I don’t trust You God”. Now, there are many other purposes in me going to jail but that was a major one. Now, months later I sit in my home with my family living out my faith with a new beginning of casting all my fears on Him because He cares for me (1Peter 5:7). God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind (2Timothy 1:7).

This is something that I have NOT learned; rather it is something I am learning. I know that I have the power to embrace any situation. I know I can claim God’s love for me that will give me strength in any trial. But, to do that I need to let Him have His way and worship Jesus through it.

Reflection:

James 1:2-4 says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Trials are meant to work good things in us. They produce the gifts of the spirit. Now, if your going through a category 5 or more, the last thing you want to hear is someone preaching what trials can do for you. Dear beloved, in the harder trials, go to the cross. Touch Jesus’ hands and feet and know those holes are meant for you. Claim His love for you and just fall at His feet giving up on yourself and just let Him have His way with you. He will care for you.

Challenge:

What kind of trials have you had lately? Category 1 or more? Talk to Jesus, won’t you? Tell Him what you’re experiencing and just let Him have His way. He knows how to get you through it. Beloved, whatever you do, choose to worship Him using that trial. Even if you don’t feel like worshipping Him, do it anyway and soon those feelings and desires will change for the better. Most of all worship Him because He is worthy of it.

-Doug McGowan

The Gate and the Way are Narrow

Today’s scripture:

“Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, The remnant will be saved. For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, Because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.” (Romans 9:27-28)

I’m sure you have heard the term “radical christain”. What does being a radical christain mean to you? Webster defines radical as being very different from the usual or traditional: Extreme.

What if I read to you the scripture found in Matthew 7:13-14, but read it so that it mirrors the way most people who call themselves “Christians” live. It would read like this… “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and easy is the way which leads to life, and there are many who find it.” If you read this carefully, you will see that is NOT what scripture says. However, that is the way many so-called “Christians” live.

A few days ago, I had a conversation with someone discussing a movie I recently watched with my wife. I told him how I was sad and disgusted to see how much darkness was in the movie. I understand it’s just a movie but it was glorifying the fantasy of vampires, witches, warlocks, and demons! I can’t stand to experience in any way the things that Jesus died for. Just like my wife says… “If Jesus died for it, then it isn’t funny and should not be glorified.” I went on to talk about how important it is to live a life glorifying to God, to live without that garbage polluting our minds. I was very surprised to hear my friend say, “Well yes, the gate is narrow but the path is wide.” I could not believe my ears! Jesus says the way is difficult and it is narrow! It is narrow because of His commandments and His commandments are to protect and guide us.

Today we are looking into the eighteenth topic on the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus is teaching, which is “The Narrow Way”. Matthew 7:13-14… Jesus says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

The Lord tells us to repent and follow Him. Notice He says only a few find that path and choose to live on it. Dear ones, those on the narrow path are the only ones who will be saved! They are the remnant! We need to live in the way that is difficult. What makes it difficult? Well, I believe there are several reasons. One, our human nature to have what we want whenever we want it that is so opposite from what the bible teaches. Second, we live in a prideful world that caters to the flesh. Third, Satan rules this world and is in constant pursuit to steal our heavenly rewards, kill our spirit, and destroy our relationship with Jesus.

Now, here is the problem. Too many times we read and listen to half of the truth. We read this passage and only focus on one part of it. The gate is narrow because it is by only one way we can be saved and that is by Jesus the Christ! See, even people who confess to be christains are deceived today. They don’t have a problem with John 14:6 “Jesus said to him,  “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This is what we are always taught. However, we cannot stop there! We need to read the whole truth and not just the part that is comfortable. Jesus says the “Way” is difficult (NIV says “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life^…”). The “Way” is how we are living our life. Dear saints, we need to be very careful how we live. Do not let yourself get caught up in the ways of this world because the ways of this world are on the wide path headed for destruction.

Lets get back to this term “Radical Christain”. Are you willing to be extreme about your walk with God? Are you willing to take the criticism from others even if they are Christians who choose otherwise? Because I guarantee you that is what it’s going to take. If you are not struggling a little with the things this world has to offer, chances are you have given yourself to it. If your not being made fun of because of your faith, chances are you aren’t living a way to give others that edge. If your not being criticized for being over the top with wanting to please God, chances are you have made some compromises with the Word of God.

Reflection:

We need to be radical Christains set apart not only from this world but also set apart from being just comfortable enough to be considered a Christain and yet live doing, saying, listening, being apart of the things that Jesus died for. Live on the NARROW way!!!

Challenge:

Challenge yourself by making a list of things that you like to take part in that compromises what Jesus died for. Do you like to watch movies that glorify black magic like witches, vampires or sorcery? Do you like to head off to the casinos or play the lotto? Do you like to watch TV shows that show sexual activity even if they are innuendos? Ask the Lord if He approves of your activities and most of all be honest with Him and His answer. Do you have a conviction about them?

-Doug McGowan