Friday, March 25, 2011

Is There A New Gospel?



Heavenly Father, we come to you as humbly as we know how to say thank you Lord.  Thank you for this new day that you have made.  Thank you for giving us one more day to praise you Lord.  We thank you for your grace Father.  We pray Lord for forgiveness of our sins, the ones known and unknown to us. We pray that you decrease us Lord and increase your Holy Spirit in us so we can continue to do your will. I pray that everyone who reads this message will transform from their old ways and be renewed, by your transforming power. Help us Lord.  Help us to be better parents, spouses, sisters and brothers to each other. Father we are unable to do this without you Lord. We pray that you continue to bless our homes, our families, our jobs, and our church.  Father you know the desires of our hearts.  You know what we all are going through.   Lord I pray that we continue to put our trust in you, and not lean to our understanding. I give you honor and praise, and I pray these things in your son Jesus name.  AMEN
                                                                                       
                                                                                        Prayer By: Judith Notice



A friend of mine was going through some heavy trials.  He was out of work for some time, he pretty much lost his home to foreclosure, he had to park his car in different locations because the finance company was looking to repossess it for back pay, I mean he really felt as though he hit rock bottom.  It affected him greatly because there was a time where in his eyes he was on top of things.  Money was flowing steady, he was able to treat himself to expensive trips, and he had all the latest apparel.  So when this hit him, he felt as though he was worthless.  He never thought about people who were far worse than him.  He felt that he did not deserve it.  I of course shared how the enemy works and of course how God is faithful, but it fell on deaf ears.  When it reached the point to where he was contemplating suicide, I stepped up my efforts.  I encouraged him to hold on a bit longer.  I flooded his eyes and ears with scripture.  I expressed the need to look up to the heavens and converse with God.  Finally he decided to try God.  I prayed with him.  I prayed over and for him constantly, and you were able to see that he began to enjoy this new direction.  After many tears, and many prostrate positions, God decided to bless him.  After 2 years of not working, he was blessed with a job.  It was something similar in the field he was in.  The salary was not attractive as he was accustomed to, but it paid the bills.  He knew he could no longer look back and focused on looking ahead.  What was lost, was lost. 
Then, he got around some people.  I described these types of people before.  They are who I refer to as “dummies,” or “mannequins” if that is better to picture.  These are the ones that the bible states are “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2Ti 3:5), where the charge was “And from such people turn away!”  Their outer does not match their inner.  He shared his new walk with them, and they persuaded him that he can still be a child of God, and yet do things that are contrary to what a child of God is.  John states “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1Jn 1:6)  I could not believe my eyes.  This man has tasted what the enemy had done to him.  We ascertained that certain lifestyle behaviors had to be addressed.  He concurred and began to follow the instructions set forth by God.  He remained faithful, and tasted a portion of God’s grace.  Then he forgot.  I hardly see him, and when I do, he has no time to hear about God.  How did he forget so soon?
Family, I tell you there is nothing new under the sun.  When the Apostle Paul heard of a similar conduct the Church of Galatia engaged in, he wrote “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Ga 1:3-8)  Whether it was because they were easily persuaded, or had itching ears, the result is the same.  They moved closer to the enemy and away from God.  So that we are clear in regards to these verses, the Apostle Paul was addressing the “false apostles” on how they perverted the gospel which he preached, and taught a new gospel by mingling the true gospel with the ceremonial law, and by making circumcision and other things, necessary to salvation. 
That is what they did back then.  What they are doing now, is you have men of cloth, and church denomination performing marriages for same sex couples.  You have churches (Vision Church) ordaining people who have not been delivered from their lifestyles and choose not to.  You have Christian dating sites.  I guess who God joins together, let no man put asunder does not matter anymore. I just read today how women are pole dancing to Christian music.  Are you kidding me?  Now watch this.  It is acceptable to many, especially to those who call themselves children of God.  All that I have mentioned have already been birthed in the world.  It is as though some believe the bible is out dated, as though the word of God does not transcend time, so they have to modify it to be hip.  Devil you are liar, and the father of lies.  Does not the bible states “And do not be conformed to this world” (Rom 12:2) yet many do and some of them are of the church.
It appears in some areas, that God simply received an upgrade.  It appears that what we consider holy living, and the striving for it, has changed.  It appears as though the gospel of the bible is heading towards being obsolescence.   What does this put the world in?  Think about it.  Amen.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Tag Him In



Gracious Father, I come before your magnificent presence, humble in all ways I can be, and to tell you thank you.  I thank you for life, health and strength.  I thank you for your hovering Spirit over my life.  I thank you for the hedge of protection that you have deployed over my family.  I thank you for your mercy, grace, and love, and I thank you for your Son Jesus.  I pray this morning that these blessings not only be with me, but with all of your children. I pray a blessing on all who read this message.  I pray a blessing of covering over their lives.  I pray a blessing of comfort when there is none.  I pray that you provide a way out of no way.  I just pray oh God, that you help us combat all the attacks the enemy will throw at your children.  And Father, we pray that you forgive us of our sins, committed whether by thought, speech, or deed.  We love you, we honor, and we give you all praise.  This we pray in your Son Jesus name.  Amen

Growing up in the 80’s, before it was WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), I loved to watch wrestling.  At that time it was called WWF (World Wrestling Federation).  I am not sure who are the stars now, but the big names of that era was, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Tony Atlas, Jimmy Superfly Snuka, Randy Savage, Roddy Pipper, Jesse Ventura, The Samoans, and other names at this time I cannot recall.  I mentioned this list for the simple fact that at one time or another, everyone listed, fought each other.  At one point in time, Hulk Hogan fought Andre the Giant.  In another match they would be teamed up against others.  Tag teams were what they were called back then.  In all of the matches I have ever watched, for some reason I enjoyed the tag team events. 

You would have a pair of wrestlers compete against another pair of wrestlers.  Two fighters (one from each team of course) will enter the ring.  The goal is to pin the other opponent’s back to where the shoulder blades are flushed against the canvas (floor of the ring) for a count of 3 pounds or slaps on the canvas by the referee’s hand.  If a fighter gets too tired, or if he wants his team mate to have a chance at the opponent, he would go over to him and tag his hand, then the original wrestler will exit the ring, and the one that was tagged will enter.

THE MATCH

There was one match, and I do apologize if I do not remember all of the players, nonetheless it was interesting to watch.  The only one I remember was Hulk Hogan.  He and another wrestler were paired against another pair.  Hulk Hogan was on the side of the ring watching while his team mate wrestled first.  His team mate was doing extremely well.  At one point it appeared that his (Hulk Hogan) team mate was going to win the match.  He had his opponent pinned and the referee began the countdown.  However right before the third count, the opponent lifted up his shoulder which voided the count, and allowed him to continue the fight.  He raised his opponent up to deliver a harsher beating, but his opponent escaped and tagged his team mate’s hand.  When his team mate came in, he (the opponent) delivered one of the worst beaten I have ever seen on the show.  They say it is fake, but I am not so sure back then. 

Hulk Hogan, in the mean time was on the side of the ring watching helplessly.  At one point he tried to enter the ring without being tagged, and the referee forced him out, because it was against the rules.  So Hulk Hogan had to helplessly sit and watch his teammate get pummeled over and over again. There were many opportunities for him to tag in Hulk Hogan but he didn’t.  Finally, after being beaten to a pulp, he somehow managed to get to Hulk Hogan, and tagged him in.  Hulk Hogan, whooped some tail.  I mean he beat him (the opponent) senseless.  The other opponent came in without being tagged, and was knocked out.  Not to drag this any longer, Hulk Hogan won the match for him and his team mate.

TAG GOD IN

Just like in the wrestling match described above, we have opponents that we are able to handle and overcome.  However, there are opponents or circumstances that are just too big and strong for us, where we will need some assistance.  This assistance will come from God by way of Jesus Christ.  There is a hymn that we sang in church.  Part of the stanza states “Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bare.  All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer” This is so true.  We allow ourselves to go through some unnecessary struggles.  We allow ourselves to go through some unnecessary pain.  We allow ourselves to go through some unnecessary battles, and in the mean time, God is sticking out His hand and saying “tag me in my child; let me take care of that for you.  You do not have to go through that alone.  I am here for you.  You are my creation, who I love and adore, and it pains me to see the adversary attempt to sift you like wheat, but if you just tag me in, I will handle it for you”

·        In Genesis God said to Cain after denying Cain’s offering, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Gen 4:7)

·        In Deuteronomy Moses, instructed by God said to the children of Israel “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil” (De 30:15)

·        In the book of John, it is written “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (Joh 3:16)

In the three above references, and there is many more, God gives us choice.  If you do well, or if you don’t do well, (meaning either doing good or not), life/good, death/evil, the choice is yours.  Whoever believes in Jesus will not perish, but if you choose not to believe, then what will you believe in?  The point that must be understood is that God gave us certain sovereignty, and in that sovereignty, we have a choice to accept God or not.  When we choose not to accept God, it is open season on us.  When we choose to lean on our own understanding and not trust in God, we find ourselves out numbered and out matched, and yet God with His mercy and grace watches and still stretch forth His forgiving hand and wait for us to take hold of it.

There is a real enemy out there that all of God’s children need to worry about.  He is the devil.  His sole purpose is sift us like wheat.  When I say God’s children, this means both the ones who believe and the ones who don’t.  Those who do not believe in God are not forming an alliance with the devil.  The devil hates them just the same.  This enemy at times, if we are not careful will put us in circumstances which will require us to fight in order to get out of it.  Some, we come out winners on our own, others, we are pummeled to where we need some assistance.  These circumstances can be the various trials as described in the book of James, or it can be temptations as described in 1 Corinthians, or even fear as described in the book of Job.  No matter what the issue is, no matter what the circumstance, no matter how difficult it may seem to you, God is saying, do now worry about your inability, but have faith in my ability and tag me in.  Amen!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Stop, Look, & Listen



Heavenly Father, I give thanks this morning for another day which you’ve made.  I give thanks for another opportunity to share your word to those who are in darkness still.  I give thanks Father, for being a vessel to further thy Kingdom.  I give thanks for being surrounded by spiritual men and women of God.  Lord, I just thank you for all you have bestowed.  I pray Father, that you be a blessing to those who read this lesson.  I pray that you uplift them and comfort them.  I pray that day by day, they draw closer and closer to you.  And Lord, if there is anything that was done, that was not pleasing in thy sight, we pray for forgiveness.  I give you all honor and praise, and I pray this prayer in the blessed name of your darling Son, Jesus.  Amen


I remember as a young boy in school how teachers were showing the class the correct way to cross the street.  They would use “catch phrases” to help us remember, such as “cross on the green and not in between” or a song with the words “left, right, left, cross.”  What stood out to me the most was a phrase, and I believe it was how Mrs. Clark expressed it.  She would talk with a soft voice by saying, “children when you are walking on a sidewalk and you are about to reach the curb, “then with a loud and scary voice she said “you must stop!!!  Look!!!, Listen!!!  My goodness, she had many in tears, and I must admit that I too was a bit frightened, but it remained with me even when I was walking with adults.  Her voiced echoed in my head whenever I walked, and when I was nearing a curb, the way she expressed it, proved to be a reminder of what I needed to do.

This morning, I am expressing to you, STOP!!!! LOOK!!! LISTEN!!!  I am expressing this to you, because the devil uses subtlety to steal our joy.  He used it in a way of questioning to cause Eve to doubt God (Gen 3:1).  He used it in a way of tempting Jesus (Matt 4:1-10).  He can also use the everyday things of life, such as a wife, husband, son, daughter, friends, job, or even CHURCH!!!!  It is very important, that we not let the devil and his demons steal our joy.  If you ever experience that you seem to always be in conflict with someone, whether family, friend, or co-worker….. STOP, LOOK, LISTEN!!!

Stop:  Whatever was being spoken, just stop.  It takes two to converse, and if the person is the initiator, a bad conversation will not be successful if you do not participate.  The bible states “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking” (Pr. 10:19) Do not add to an already undesirable situation.

Look:  Step back and not only look with your physical eyes, look from your spiritual eye.  What is his or her demeanor?  The bible states “love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (1 Cor 13:5) so if anything contrary to the above is present, love (brotherly) is not in it.

Listen:  What really is being said from this person?  The bible states “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” (Matt 12:36)  It also states “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.” (Pr 10:32).  In other words, are you just hearing, blah, blah, blah or words with no substance?  Are you hearing words that are inappropriate? Are you hearing words to build you up, or is it tearing you down?

When you apply the Stop, Look, and Listen method, you can immediately identify what is of God or peace, from what is of the devil or war/mischief.   Do not allow the devil to use words spoken via family, friends, co-workers, etc to steal your happiness that you woke up this morning with.  Amen!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

No Shame in Being Christian



Heavenly and gracious God, I come before your throne of grace, with head bowed and heart humbled, to say thank you.  Lord I thank you this morning for life, health, and strength.  Lord I thank you for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a tongue to give you praise.  Lord I thank you for allowing me to wake up with my organs functioning and my bones and limbs intact.  Lord I thank you for the covering you have bestowed upon my family and me.  Lord I pray this morning that all these blessings that you have granted me, be also to each reader and doer of your word.  I pray that you grant a special blessing on each individual who will take time to read this lesson.  I pray that it can be a blessing to them, and that they not hold it for themselves, but that they also share it.  I pray that they are at peace this morning, and I pray that they will be at peace in the evening.  I pray a covering over all their family and friends, so that they can see the evidence of your grace for those who love you.  I give you all honor and glory, and I pray that you forgive us for any trespasses, whether by thought, speech, or deeds.  This we pray in your son Jesus name.  Amen.


As a child of God, sometimes you have to be your brother’s keeper.  One of my brothers in Christ, who is young in the faith got with some friends and went back to familiar activities.  I am not sure what he was about to do, or what others were going to do, but God gave him a brief period where he was in the right mind to give me a call.  As I was speaking to him, he was just rambling and not making any sense.  I asked if he was drinking, which he confirmed.  So to keep him on the phone longer, I led him to believe I wanted to hang out with him.  He wasn’t aware enough to get me the address, but he put a woman on the phone who gave it to me.  I hopped in my car, punched the address in my GPS, and headed to Sanford, FL with one focus; to remove my brother in Christ from that environment.

When I got there, he appeared to be a bit sober, but I think he forgot that I was coming, so in seeing me, put him in a position of embarrassment.  As I began to minister to him, of course the troublemakers wanted to chime in.  It amazes me how drunkards know the word, but do not apply it to their life.  Seeing that they were more focused on bringing attention to themselves than hearing a word, I respectfully dismissed them.  As I continued to minister to my brother, a woman drew up a chair and joined us.  The look in her eye told me that she was curious, and possibly that she have heard the word before.  She got involved in the conversation and I was pleased with her inquiries.  However, when some of the other guests walked by she would change her posture as though she was ridiculing us instead of being interested.  When they went back to what they were doing, and before she opened her mouth to say anything, I told her that God shares her with no one.  She asked me what I meant, I told her God bless her, and got my brother out of there.

Only when no one was looking she wanted to hear about God.  Nicodemus did something similar.  The bible states “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.  This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."  Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (Joh 3:1-3)  My, my, my.  Nicodemus the ninja came to see Jesus at night.  He said “we know….”, no, what he meant was “him alone knew…”, or he would have brought the “we” with him to make that same profession, and it would have been done in the daytime.  His fellow Pharisees saw Jesus as a heretic and Nicodemus dared not to be seen inquiring of Him in the daylight.  But he could not resist the wisdom of this so called heretic.  Jesus knew this.  Observe Jesus’ response.  He addressed something completely different than Nicodemus spoken statement.  Nicodemus would have to be baptized.  He would need to display an inner conversion with an outward action, and it would have to be done in the daytime. So it is an intelligent assumption, that Nicodemus had in his heart the inquiry on how to make it into heaven to be in the presence of the Lord.  Amen.

You have those who want people to pray for them, but they do not want to be seen receiving the prayer.  You have those who may see their family members who are Christians in the mall, but because they are with their worldly buddies, they pretend like they did not see them.  There is no shame in being a blessed child of God, nor is there shame in wanting to learn more about the almighty God and His Kingdom, and our actions should support that.  The bible states “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Mt 10:32-33)  Family, I remember where I was.  I remember the constant struggle.  I remember the uncertainty.  I remember being surrounded by hell, and the remnants that were present, but by the grace of God, by way of His son Jesus Christ, with blessings from the Holy Spirit, I need not worry about them times anymore.  I would gladly say it anytime, anywhere, in front of any audience, and would not be ashamed.  I know you wouldn’t be ashamed either.  Right?  Amen!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Book Covers May Fool You



Father God, I present myself before your magnificent presence and always in submission before your Holy Spirit, and expressing my gratitude for all of the blessings you have bestowed.  I thank you for life.  I thank you for health.  I thank you for family.  I thank you for being your child.  I just thank you, for being comforted each time I am in distress, knowing that you are always there and are already making a way of escape.  I thank you for my pastor and church family, and what they stand for.  I thank you for surrounding me with spiritual people.  I thank you and pray that I never fall from your grace.  I pray this morning, that others are able to experience this same type of happiness.  I pray that their homes are in order, and that all is at peace.  I pray that their health is not failing.  I pray that their minds are clear from all obstruction that would hinder them from worshipping you.  I pray oh God, that you be a God to them, like how you are a God to me.  I pray a blessing on the reader of this message.  I pray a blessing on them, that they will receive it in love, and make the necessary changes to better their lives.  I pray that if they do not know Jesus, that they will have an open mind and heart to receive the love that He has displayed by way of taking our place on the cross.  Father we love you, we adore you, we honor and give you praise, and we pray this prayer in the matchless name of your son Jesus.  Amen.

The actual saying says that you cannot judge a book by its cover.  We are all familiar with this.  A book may have the most attracting cover, yet when we attempt to read it, it just doesn’t grab us, and we put it down as quickly as we picked it up.  Or, when we are forced to read a book, normally when looking at its cover, we would not have been attracted to pick it up, yet once we begin reading it, we may see ourselves hypnotized by the content.  The phrase suggests that in order for anyone to make an intelligent assessment regarding anything, a deeper look must be performed, and not a mere glance of the surface. 
           I am reminded when my wife and I used to watch American Idol.  We were really attracted to the responses that people made when they were rejected, or how some of the stranger characters of the nation make it to audition.  It became recreation for us.  One day in 2003, a scrawny, young white male stood before Simon and Randy (not sure if Paula was there) in an attempt to be the next American Idol.  His appearance was not fashionably acceptable in most circles, and he wore glasses which fit the stereotype of a nerd.  I remember them asking why he was there, and he said he was going to be the next American Idol.  They asked him if he believed it, and he said yes, or at least he will come in second place.  My wife and I were like “yeah right.”  They asked him what song was he going to sing, and he selected “Always and Forever” by Luther Vandross.  At that time, I could not wait to hear him make a fool of himself.  Here you have this white, nerdy guy, who seems to have no style, suggests singing a song from one of the best male black R&B singers.  I felt I was in for a treat.  When this young man opened his mouth, and the sounds that flowed from his vocal cords, pass through the television speakers and into our ears, our mouths could not stay closed.  It would have been fitting for one foot to fit in my mouth, while the other kicks my rear end.  This young man could sing.  We all know him as Clay Aiken.
Has that happened to you before?  I am sure it has.  What is sad, I did the same thing again and again, later on down the road.  One would think I would have learned my lesson.   There is a story in the Bible that teaches us regarding this.  In the book of 1 Samuel, when King Saul was coming to the end of his reign over Israel, God sent the prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse for Saul’s replacement.  The eldest son was brought before Samuel, and the prophet thought that this may be him, but the Lord said otherwise.  The bible states “But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."  (1Sa 16:7)  Seven sons were brought before the prophet and they were all rejected.  When the prophet asked if there is another, Jesse said, there is the youngest who is keeping the sheep.  Jesse did what people do now.  He was told that a king would be chosen of one of his sons, and he brought all the strapping and handsome sons.  That was what his (Jesse) thoughts of a king should be.  Men look at flesh, but God looks at the spirit (heart).  When David came, immediately God said, "Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!" (1Sa 16:12)
We have to get to a point where we reject our flesh and connect more with the spirit.  Time after time, we fail to receive blessing that we’ve petitioned the Lord for, because the deliverer of the blessings does not meet our physical standard.  Women pray for a husband, and God sends the man who would love them the way they should be loved and is acceptable to God, but he is refused because he does not look like he belongs in magazines.  We are tired of our jobs, because we feel there is more that we can do with our gifts, and an opportunity comes our way, where the salary is a bit lower, but we turn it down, not knowing within 6 months we would be the head person in charge making double than what we are making now.  I was used to hearing black preachers and being a member of black churches.  My current pastor is white, and preaches better than some black pastors I’ve listened to.  If I had judged him and my church family based on racial makeup, my wife and I would be missing out on using the gifts that the Lord blessed us with and making a difference in people’s lives.
Family, flesh and spirit will always be at odds, and when dealing with people and situations, we must allow God to direct us because He will be able to see what we do not see, due to us pacifying the flesh.  The next time we see ourselves rejecting someone or a situation based on what is on the surface, take a pause and remember this lesson.  Can there be something meaningful, deeper within?  Amen.




Sunday, March 20, 2011

God Is A Jealous God: Isn’t Jealous A Sin?



Heavenly and gracious Father, I come before your throne of grace humbly, to say thank you.  I thank you for life this morning.  I thank you for health and strength.  I thank you for your ever seeing grace and mercy.  And I thank you for Jesus.  I pray this morning a special blessing on all church doors open to share your word to the lost.  I pray a blessing on the sick and the shut in.  I pray a blessing on those who are incarcerated.  Although their bodies are imprisoned, their mind does not have to be, thanks to your Son Jesus.  I pray that you continue to be a blessing to an undeserving people, and thank you for the opportunity for eternal life.  I pray that all who reads this message, will receive it.  I pray a blessing on wherever they are, and I pray a blessing of peace to be on them.  And Father, we pray that you forgive us of our trespasses, whether by thought, speech, or deed.  We give you all honor and glory, and we pray this in the name of your Son Jesus.  Amen.


JEALOUSY #1 - You shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them. For I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons to the third and fourth generation of those that hate me” (Ex 20:5)

 JEALOUSY #2 - “But if you have bitter jealousy and strife in your hearts, do not glory and lie against the truth.  This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and devilish.” (Ja 3:14-15)


The Bible is our manual.  It gives us instruction, direction, purpose, but most importantly, it gives us what is needed to live a life that will be pleasing to God.  Like all manuals, if they are followed correctly, the desired results will be achieved.  For example, if you bought a printer for your computer, and followed the manual to the best of your ability, the printer should be up and running.  However, if you run into any challenges, you would have to call customer support.  The Bible has many mysteries that can be challenging.  Who would be our customer support?  The Holy Spirit for one, but if not a direct revelation, you have pastors that can help in areas where clarification is needed.  Unfortunately, because it is the Bible we are referring to, and the Bible has rules that many do not want to adhere to, a misunderstanding is inevitable.  Take for example what Oprah said on a show some time ago.  "I was raised a Baptist and we were too hung up on traditional ways. I was sitting in church and heard that God is a jealous God. I asked 'Why?' Come on-let's get over it!" She related a "jealous God" to an insecure God.  The jealousy she was referring to is a sin, but is God capable of sinning?

A JEALOUS GOD
          What Oprah and many others need to understand is how the word “jealous” is used.  When God said He is a jealous God, He is speaking of people making idols and bowing down and worshiping those idols instead of giving God the worship that belongs to Him alone.  God is who wakes us up in the morning.  God is why we have our bones intact and our organs functioning.  God is why we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a tongue to speak.  God is who gave His only begotten son, that if we just believe in him, we will not perish, but have ever lasting life.  With all the gifts that God bestowed upon us, for us in return to give our praise, honor, glory, and worship to other gods is disrespectful and wrong.  The jealousy that is referred to here is a holy jealousy.  God exhibits holy jealousy because our love and adoration rightfully belong to Him; He is jealous with a holy jealousy when we love and worship false gods in idolatry. His kind of jealousy is not sinful because we belong to Him and He created our hearts to belong to Him as well.  Suppose a husband/wife sees their spouse flirting with another, they have a right to be jealous, for only they have the right to flirt with their spouse. This type of jealousy is not sinful. As a matter fact, it is accepted. Being jealous for something that God declares to belong to you is appropriate. Jealousy is a sin when one has desires for something that does not belong to them. Worship, praise, honor, and adoration belong to God alone, for only He is truly worthy of it. Therefore, God is rightly jealous when worship, praise, honor, or adoration is given to idols. This is the exact jealousy the apostle Paul described in 2 Corinthians 11:2, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy...”  Here you can see he even gives a notion that there is a jealousy that is appropriate.

JEALOUSY IS A SIN

The jealousy that is a sin, we use it in the sense of being envious of someone who has something we do not have. We may have not been jealous of someone but we may have been a victim of jealousy towards us.  How many of you who are light skinned has experienced jealousy towards you by someone darker?  How many of you who have long hair, have experienced jealousy from those whose hair can not grow so long?  How many of you have a good looking spouse, and have experienced jealousy from someone who wished they were in your shoes?  How many of you have a decent apartment or home, and when others talk about how good your home or apartment is someone says they’ve seen better ones?  I can go on and on.  This type of jealousy is a sin.  Even when spouses get angry and fly into a rage when they learn that their spouse has talked on the phone with anyone, is a sin. This jealous person desires to have a level of exclusivity that doesn't belong to them. 

              This kind of jealousy is a sin and is not a good attribute that should be displayed by any one who calls themselves Children of God.   It shows that we are still being controlled by our own desires. The Word of God states we are to have the perfect kind of love that God has for us. “Charity (Love) has patience, is kind; charity is not envious (sinful jealous), is not vain, is not puffed up; does not behave indecently, does not seek her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil.”  (1 Cor13:4-5). Amen!  That type of jealousy (above) also has selfish overtones.  The more we focus on ourselves and our own desires, the less we are able to focus on God. When we harden our hearts to the truth, we cannot turn to Jesus and allow Him to heal us (Matt13:15). But when we allow the Holy Spirit to control us, He will produce in us the fruit of our salvation, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).

          If you consider this type of jealousy, it indicates that we are not satisfied with what God has given us. The Word of God tells us to be content with what we have, for God will never leave or forsake us (
Heb13:5). In order to combat jealousy, we need to become more like Jesus and less like ourselves. We can get to know Him through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with mature believers. As we learn how to serve others instead of ourselves, our hearts will begin to change. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom 12:2).

Is God a jealous God?  Yes He is.  He is displeased with those who bestow upon others what belongs only to Him.   But it is this type of misunderstanding of scriptures, and no willingness to clarify what is not understood, why many have strayed away from the faith or simply have a flimsy foundation of faith.  God expects faithfulness; in heart and action.  He wants love and obedience.  He does not take well to the cheating heart.  Just as we do not take well to a cheating heart in our spouse He does not take well to a cheating heart either.  Just as we are not able to accept infidelity in our spouse He does not accept infidelity of worship either.  Amen!