In my last blog, I addressed some of President Trump’s less-than-Christian remarks at this year’s National Prayer Breakfast. It amazes me how the press, who often disdain everything Christian, quickly judges the worthiness of those who refer to themselves as a believer.
While I agree with the President’s critics that he failed to live up to the high standards called for by Scripture, I also pointed out that all of us fall short of these aspirations. Trump himself acknowledged that he often makes things difficult for believers who support him. The audience laughed with understanding. God is still working on all of us. Thankfully, He doesn’t disown us every time we fail.
One the most challenging aspects of Christianity – both to understand and to live out – is what I call, “The Law of Opposite Actions.” It’s one of those topics that, even though I have taught, preached and wrote on it numerous times, never diminishes in importance or urgency. In one of my older blogs, I called it Jesus Judo for Biblical Blessings. While some things are for a season, this message is life-long. I believe it is also one that God has chosen to emphasize in 2018.
You can get more details in the links below, but the basics work like this. Jesus said, “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also… Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High.” (Luke 6:27-29, 35-36)
I am encouraging everyone connected to me, to place a special emphasis on Jesus Judo for the next 40 days. In addition to traditional prayer and fasting for God’s presence, protection and guidance for ourselves, our families, our churches, our communities, our nations and our world, I am also encouraging you to train your mind to think Kingdom rather than culture.
So, when you are talking around the coffee pot in the breakroom, on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or other social media, at school, the grocery store, on the phone or anywhere your life takes you, pray this simple prayer,
“Lord Jesus, what do You want to do in these people’s lives, and how may I assist you in your work?”
Then just listen and do what God says. The answer may come in the form of a scripture memory or an inner knowing of the right thing to do. God may use another person to give you important information. In reality, there are no limits on how God can reveal something to you. As long as it lines up with scripture, you’re good to go. The devil would probably never tell you to show godly love to someone. You will be amazed at how quickly your ears will become open to hear the voice of the Lord and how much your own life will be enhanced when you are in full-service to God and People.
Next, resist negativity and judgment. We know that God sent His only son so that EVERYONE would have the opportunity to be saved. (John 3:16) When we act as ambassadors of the Kingdom, our role is not to judge who can be a part of God’s Kingdom and who can’t – God already invited everyone. Our role is simply to help him spread the word – extend the invitation. He has employed us to help lead people out of darkness into His glorious light. So, for the next 40 days, God is asking you to forgo cynicism and judgment, set aside earthly politics and culture, lay down your negative world-view glasses and instead see God’s ability to redeem and restore everyone and everything. Imagine how different people and situations will be when God finishes His great work.
In the days ahead, I will be releasing specific teachings on how to overcome evil with good – in your personal life and in the culture. Please make sure you are subscribed to my free email list so you don’t miss a single principle that will help you prosper spiritually and naturally in this new year.
May this be your best year yet as you grow closer to God and His creation.
