War of Two Worlds

The War of the Worlds, written by H.G. Wells, narrates our world being invaded by aliens from Mars. For those who have never read the classic, I won't reveal the invasion results, nor how the book ends. The War of the Worlds is, of course, purely fiction. There is, however a very real war between two worlds that has been going on for a very long time. It's the war between the words of God'a world, and the words of the devil, God's enemy, and his world.

Both worlds are equally real. One is a world of light, love, and life. The other is the exact opposite: a world of darkness, fear, and death. Each world wants everyone to live in its kingdom, its realm. And each world is using words to achieve its purpose. Not just any words, but rather the words of its creator.

This war of two worlds is being fought, not with swords or guns or bombs, but with tongues, with words. Words of life versus words of death. Words of health versus those of sickness. Both worlds' words are available to all to speak; both worlds' words are spoken by the choice of the one doing the speaking.

In the Bible, the book of Proverbs  has much to say about the effect of words:

Proverbs 4:22 tells us that God's words are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh. The literal Hebrew renders "health" as "medicine."

Proverbs 12:18 tells us that the tongue of the wise is health. If the tongue of the wise is health, then it's wise to speak God's words of health, rather than the devil's words of sickness and disease.

Proverbs 18:12 states that death and life are in the power of the tongue. They who love it will eat the fruit of it. This tells us that those who love speaking words of death such as sickness, disease, poverty, weakness, insufficiency,  will bear death's fruit in their lives. On the other hand, those who love speaking words of life such as health, wellbeing, abundance, strength, and sufficiency, will bear life's fruit in their lives.

In the New Testament, John 6:63 records Jesus as saying that His words were spirit and life. Life, not death. The obvious conclusion is that speaking what Jesus says-what God's Word says- is crucial to us winning the war of words against the devil and his words.

Fiction aside, there is an unseen war being waged, involving every person on the earth. Again, not with swords, guns, or bombs, but with what comes out of our mouths, our words. Not just in church, but in everyday life.

I am more convinced than ever that words are more valuable than silver, gold, bank accounts, and retirement funds. Both God and the devil know this, which is why each listens to our everyday words: God, to bring to pass His words of life; the devil to bring to pass his words of death. The choice of what we speak is all ours, not God's or the devil's.

The war of the worlds never happened. The war of words is going on as I "speak."

Which side of the war of words are you on?  Comments are welcomed.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries

Who's in Charge?

Perhaps you've heard a customer ask store personnel, "Who's in charge?" They want to know who the boss is, who's in authority. Many people, including non-Christians, think that, here on the earth, God is in charge, that He's in authority, that He's in control. But is it true? Is God really in charge on the earth? Saying that God is in charge on the earth implies that everything that happens here is of God. That every test, trial, and temptation is somehow from an all-knowing loving God Who knows what's best for us. It implies that sickness, disease, wars,  murder, tornadoes, floods, torture, rape, and human trafficking are somehow controlled by a supposedly loving God. Don't ever question God. Ours is not to reason why; ours is but to do and die.

The problem with believing that God is in charge is that it's not totally true. It's a half-truth, which is half truth and half lie, making it worse than a lie. Why? Because too many Christians have no concept of a devil being behind all the evil in the world today. Those who believe in the devil far too often feel helpless to do anything about the devil's evil.

One of the great truths of the New Testament, under which Christians are to live), is that we have authority-dominion-over the devil, and all of his cohorts. Jesus, Who possessed all authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18) gave it to His Church. Authority is delegated power. God's delegated power is our authority. Not apart from Him; together.

As Christ's ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), we now represent God in the earth to the devil, as well as sinners. We, not Jesus, now reign in this life, by the authority Jesus gave to us. The Church, not Jesus, is to command sickness, disease, and tornadoes to go, in the Name of Jesus (you don't stand a chance by yourself). To God be the glory, I've seen all three depart from me, as I operated in my God-given authority, here on the earth. I'm bragging on the Name of Jesus, on God's Word. I'm bragging on the authority given to me.

Because of Adam's sin, the devil is now the god of this world, but not yours or mine. Why? Because although we're in this world, we're not of it. We're born of God. Greater is He-the Spirit of God-Who is in us than he (the devil) who is in the world (I John 4:4).

Jesus was in control over sickness, disease, storms, and all the works of the enemy. Now, Jesus is in Heaven, at God's right hand. As authorized by Jesus we, the Church are to be in charge, we are to be in control. No, we can't make the devil go away-he has a legal right to be here until his time is up.  But we have been given everything we need to get the same results against satan as Jesus did while He was on the earth (John 14:12).

It's up to us, the Church, to be in charge. The question is, are we? If not, why not?  If yes, it's because we're learning who we, the Church, really are, then acting like it in the earth.

It's our choice.  I said yes. I hope you'll join me.

We Were There

Among the the books I read growing up were ones entitled We Were There. This series portrayed characters as being part of the actual events being told about. Whether it was the explorers Lewis and Clark, the Boston Tea Party, or the Battle of Gettysburg, the author made it seem like the reader was actually there, as part of the story. In these scenarios, however, the reader wasn't there. No real exploring with Lewis and Clark, taking cover at Gettysburg, or watching tea being dumped in the Boston harbor. God's Word, the Bible, tells us that we were somewhere with Jesus. I know that this seems impossible, silly, or too good to be true, but please continue reading.

In the Book of Galatians, one of Paul's letters written to fellow Christians, we read that, in the eyes of God, we were crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). Both the book of Romans and Colossians tell us that water baptism is symbolic of us being buried with Christ (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). This isn't a pretty picture, but it gets better-much better.

Ephesians 2:5,6 reveal to us that, when God quickened-made alive-Jesus Christ from the dead, we were quickened with Him. When God raised Christ from the dead, we were raised with Him. Best of all, when Jesus sat down at God's right hand, God made us sit there too.

We were there, with Christ, when He was made alive, raised up, and seated at God's right hand. Jesus did all the suffering, giving us the credit. Everything Jesus did, He did for us.

I don't claim to understand this in full, but have come to believe it; now I'm walking in this eternal truth. God says that we're seated together with Christ, at God's right hand, in heaven. From that exalted position, we're to enforce the devil's defeat here on the earth, as part of the growing number of triumphant believers called the Church. God's Church.

I've begun to walk in these Bible truths. Not like I'm going to, but my walk has begun. As enjoyable as those "virtual" books were as a boy, this is so much better. This is real; this is truth. WE WERE THERE, crucified, buried, made alive, raised, and seated together WITH Christ, in heavenly places, at God's right hand. Better than any fiction; this is real life.

If this is new to you or, even if you're already walking in these truths, feel free to share your questions and/or comments. We can learn from others, including you.

Advantage: You

Tennis is scored by a series of points: love (0), 15, 30, 40, and game point. Six games make a set. Whoever wins a majority of sets wins the match. When both players have 40, a tie breaker system is used to determine the winner. Players take turns serving to their opponent, in the hopes of breaking the tie. When one player wins a point, the referee calls out "advantage"-and adds the person's last name. This continues until one player gains a two-point advantage, thus winning the game. In life God always holds the advantage over the devil. Through Christ, God has made provision for us to be like Him on the earth (I John 4:17): always holding an advantage over the devil in our own lives. When we use our God-given authority to resist the devil's ploys, God's advantage becomes ours. In every situation, in every area of life. This is good news for every Christian.

Life isn't a mere tennis match; it's far more real. To paraphrase what the world says, "stuff happens." Things happen for which there's just no apparent reason. That's why it's always good to know that we're not paupers or invalids; we're not helpless in this life. We're not orphans without purpose, provision, or protection. What God did through Jesus Christ is to our advantage. In the eyes of God we've already won. He see us as always victorious.

The advantage is always ours.

Do you know that God has given you the advantage in life? Do you know that God has tilted the playing field of life, so to speak, in your favor? Do you know what God has already provide for you, in Christ, as His child, to cause you to win in life? He's given you a new nature, delivered you from the devil's hold on your life, made you His very own child, given you His Word to grow in your walk with God, and put His love in you so you could love others, as well as yourself. Whatever "stuff" you've been through, God has made it possible for you to rise above it and enjoy life as a child of God, your Father.

In tennis terms this means game, set, and match are yours. In life this means winning over poverty, sickness and disease. That's to your advantage.

Advantage you.

Elsewhere on our website (hubertgardner.org) you'll find our LifeChange videos. These are basis truths to help you build and live an overcoming life, based on what God's Word says about who you are and what you have, in Christ, and what you can do, through Christ. It's about learning about the advantages of being God's child and living victoriously for Him, on this earth. Advantage God is now advantage you.

What is it like, knowing God's given you an advantage in life? What are some of the advantages God has given you over that person without Christ? Who do you know who needs to experience what you know? What are some ways you know to go about helping this to happen?

What Difference Does it Make?

"What difference does it make" has become a well known question in recent months. Depending on your viewpoint it can either ask us to be focused on right now or, for some, be viewed as an attempt to miniaturize an issue, belief, or question. On this question you be the judge and jury of what the right answer is. It used to matter what Christians believed, how they lived, and how they were viewed. The effects of Judeo-Christian beliefs were seen and felt in schools, the workplace, and in Hollywood. In view of prominent government officials, media moguls, and corporate denizens advancing their collective platforms of change, what has happened to the Christian message? Where are the Christian values once espoused in days gone by by our schools and media, and practiced in the market place? More importantly, what difference does it make?

Does it make a difference when religious tolerance ends with Christians and Jews? Does it make a difference when the egg of a bald eagle, our nation's symbol, has more rights than those of an unborn child? Does it make a difference when the color of man's skin matters more than the content of his character? Does it make a difference when a handout is viewed as an entitlement? Does it make a difference when churches compromise their message, rather then change their methods to keep the next generation?

I believe that the answer to each of these questions is a resounding "Yes!" "Yes" is the easy part. The hard part is what are we, as followers of Jesus Christ,  doing about it? What are we doing to make a difference in and to a dying, decaying world we live in? If nothing, then why? If not now, then when? I'm going to share some answers on my next post. In the meantime I'd like to hear from you, to hear what you have to say about us making a difference.

What are some ways you can make-or are making-a difference? Your sharing may make a difference in someone else also becoming a difference.

Things to Know (Part 2)

Today's post expands on Things to Know (Part 1) where I list 3 things for Christians to know, for success in this life. Here are a few other things to know: 4. God's ability is in you. This ability enables you to fulfill the Great Commission of reaching those God is directing you to-your part in reaching the world. By having God in you you have His life, nature, and ability working on your behalf. That's a strength, a meekness. Meekness can be defined as "controlled strength". God's your ability and strength. Meekness over weakness.

5. You can do whatever God tells you to do in His Word. Philippians 4:13 reads, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (strengthens) me."  Not in your own strength, ability, or wisdom, but through Christ.

6. God will supply everything you need to be a success in this life. He supplies the tools you need to get the job done, then helps you do the "digging." Where God guides He provides.

These things to know are simple, basic, foundational truths thoroughly established on God's written Word. Together with my last post they'll help you to succeed in this life.

How many of these 6 things to know are you already practicing? How many are new? Which one)s) would you like further explanation, simplification, or clarification?

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2014-2024

Things to Know (Part 1)

Success, whether in the classroom, workplace, or life in general, depends on knowing some things. Knowing these things spells the difference between success and failure, victory and defeat. As Christians, we need to know some things about who and whose we are, what belongs to us, and what we can do in this life. What are some of those things we need to know?

1. God is your Heavenly Father; you belong to Him, not the devil. You have a new Lord, a new master. His name is Jesus.

2. Through the Holy Spirit, God is now living in you. Not just with you-in you. Having your physical organs in you is more personal and beneficial than just with you. The same is true concerning God.

3. What Jesus accomplished in His death, burial, and resurrection He did for you. You are now a part of God's army, helping to enforce Satan's defeat. Whether you feel that way right now or not, it's still true. Christians need to know this truth and act like it. That's not being arrogant or bragging on what you've done. That's bragging on Jesus; that's enforcing Satan's defeat.

These 3 things are of utmost importance to know, in order to live the life God has already planned for you.

My next post will cover a few more things to know. Perhaps they will agree with things you’ve already found and are living out in your own life.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2014-2024

Thermometer or Thermostat?

Many homes have thermometers, both inside and out.  Outside thermometers are usually in the shade, whereas  central heat/air conditioning units have an indoor thermometers with their thermostats.  Both indoor and outdoor thermometers serve the same function: to measure actual temperature at any given moment.  Thermostats, however, allow occupants to change the surrounding temperature from what is to what is desired-either higher or lower. I have never seen an outside thermostat. If it's 90 degrees in the shade where you live it will remain that way, until weather changes raise or lower the temperature.  As I write this, the outside temperature is 69 degrees at noon, which is great for the middle of May.  For an Oklahoma July or August? Just wishful thinking.

Inside, however, we can change the existing temperature to be either warmer or cooler, depending upon personal preference. We do this by setting our thermostat to the desired temperature, up or down. Thermostats direct the air conditioner or heater to come on, thereby producing a change in temperature-either warmer or cooler. Thank God for working thermostats!

Our tongues can be either a thermometer or a thermostat, telling the way things are (thermometer) or declaring the desired result (thermostat). Telling things the way they are results in things remaining the same, or changing without your permission. Calling for change in your situation demands making a change in your words. From what is to what you desire. From the way things are to the way you want them to be based, of course, on the promises of God's Word.

Perhaps  you're in a situation that needs changing. Whether it's your health, finances, job situation, relationships, or your walk with God, it can change. But as long as you talk about just what is things won't change. Like that thermometer, your words will be an indicator of what is. On the other hand, beginning to speak what God's Word says about your situation will initiate change in your life. Your tongue will be like that thermostat, demanding your circumstances change from what is to what's promised to you by God, in His Word.

Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? Are your words declaring what is or what's desired? What are you doing to see your circumstance change? How has reading this post helped? Who can you share this post with, to see change in someone else's life?