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Chapter #7
I'LL QUIT
Many of us join different organizations over the course of our lives. We might get involved with a political or social group, or some special interest organization. We join these groups out of wanting to belong to something, to fit in, to be part of, to feel important. Sometimes there is worth while thing to get involved with because there is a need, a need for a helper or worker. We’re asked, so we join. Some people join organizations to help inflate their own egos, or to help their low self-esteem. Most people who get involved with a group do so to help out, ya right! (Some do) This group is great what an idea, I’m so glad I joined, by the way, don't you think it would be better to do it my way. This idea is good BUT, you can do what you want, but. But, But, But, everyone has a but. I want to just help out and be promoted to a position of leadership, no I don't. I just want you to listen to me and follow my idea’s, you can do what you want, but I would do this. Now when you don’t do it my way, I'll quit. People don't say this, they may not think they feel that way, but if you notice, peoples whose toes are accidentally stepped on, or ideas are not followed exactly, bail out immediately.
Jesus had at one time many followers; I call these people benchwarmers. When the going got tough, they got lost real fast. Jesus even asked the twelve if they were going to leave too. READ
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can
come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
John 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked
no more with him.
John 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
It’s real easy to walk away (I did more than once.), I'm very thankful that God didn’t give up on me. Most Christian's want to sit in Church on Sunday and get fed spiritually, that's the extent of their involvement. God forbid if the pastor speaks about anything that might deal with some aspect of prophecy or anything else that might make people uncomfortable. We can’t quit the Pastor, so lets fire him for preaching from part of the Bible we don't want to hear about.
You know things haven't changed much since the time when the people where wandering in the desert. All we still do is murmur and complain about everything, like this book. I'm complaining all the time, sometimes rightly so, but most times in the flesh. You know what the Bible says -
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
So you want to change, don't quit thinking that way, I've read some of your thoughts.
I'll quit smoking!
I'll quit drinking!
I'll quit swearing!
I'll quit watching dirty movies!
I'll quit reading and looking at pornography!
I'll quit gossiping!
I'll quit stealing! No you don't, we all do one way or another, time from our boss, time from GOD, ETC:
I'll quit watching soap operas!
I'll quit being so selfish with my time!
I'll quit my lustful thoughts for blank!
I'll quit being slothful in all my ways!
I'll quit breaking God's laws!
I'll quit breaking man's laws!
I'll quit crucifying people! (Being self righteous)
I, I, I, I'll quit, no you won't, Y O U ' L L F A I L M I S E R A B L Y ! ! !
A G A I N A N D A G A I N ! ! ! O V E R A N D O V E R A G A I N ! ! !
Y O U C A N ' T D O I T ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Y O U W A N T T O Q U I T T H E S E S P I R I T U A L P R O B L E M S ? ? ?
You see no matter how mature you think you are, your still really a baby, and you need a lot of growing up. You can't do very much at all, on your own, can you? You may think that you have given up many of the things listed above but have you really? Did you do it on your own will and strength or did you quit trying? Only in one case quitting is the right answer.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Quit trying to change on your own strength only, ask the Master to strengthen you and guide you and help you to become the type of person that would be pleasing to Him. And don't give up on yourself that’s what the devil wants.
John 15:5 I am
the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth
forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:6 If a man
abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men
gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
John 15:7 If ye
abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done
unto you.
2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I have a friend who use to drink and gave it up by his own will after coming under conviction. He use to criticize me for going to AA, he said it was for weak people who needed a crutch. It was a self-help group that didn't really help because you had to keep going back so therefore it really didn't work. Well my friend picked up a beer and went back to drinking all the time. He told me I stopped before and I can do it again but he can't stop on his own. He needs help, God's help, but he hasn't gotten to the point he is willing to reach out to God for help. He still thinks he can do it all on his own. I told him to give up and ask God for help, then he can stop. I drank off and on for 23 years, when people told me I had a problem I'd hide it or stop for awhile to prove them wrong. I thought they had the problem, not me, and I was in control. Like most sins eventually they take over completely. Alcohol, drugs and my attitude cost me two marriages, seven children, a house, and a job of 22 years. I lost everything; my relationship with God was at an all time low. I got stabbed and could have gotten killed all due to the wonderful drug used by satan, alcohol. Only when I couldn't go on anymore and got down on my knees, and lifted my hands up to Heaven and cried, I can't go on another day living like this, I want to die, you got to do something now Man! Help me! Please God help! Stop this, change things will ya! I can't live one more day this way. That was on Dec. 26, 1985 and I haven't drank since. PRAISE GOD! Thank you Jesus, without relying on Him completely I would have never got sober. I had to attend AA at first but continued to go after I lost my job (you reap what you sow). I read a lot of their literature, and it screamed God to me, the words of the Bible jumped of every page of their books. I believe this wonderful program was given to us by God to help. At first I prayed for God to keep me away from a drink for that day, but then one day at a meeting He made me realize that I was asking for the wrong thing. So that night I asked Him to remove the desire to drink and He did.
James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
When we pray to God we should ask for His will to be done, if we don't we might be selling ourselves short and missing out on the blessings He has for us. Jesus is the perfect example for us, even in the garden He was still praying for the Father's will in His life.
Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Shouldn't the next verse apply to our lives?
Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Have you ever read the poem Footprints? This poem says it so well, Jesus doesn't walk away from us, and He carries us during the hard times. At several real low points in my life I felt that God had deserted me. Through despair I quit walking with Him, I thought He deserted me, how wrong I was. He was there all the time, right by my side, reaching out to me, and I walked away. We all feel alone and deserted at one time or another, even the great prophet Elijah did.
1 Ki 19:1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain
all the prophets with the sword.
1 Ki 19:2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and
more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
1 Ki 19:3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba,
which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
1 Ki 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat
down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It
is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
1 Ki 19:5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
1 Ki 19:6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken
on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him
down again.
1 Ki 19:7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second
time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
1 Ki 19:8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the
strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
1 Ki 19:9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and,
behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto
him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
1 Ki 19:10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the
children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy
prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take
it away.
1 Ki 19:11 And he said, Go forth, and
stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and
strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the
LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the
earthquake:
1 Ki 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in
the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
1 Ki 19:13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and
went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And,
behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
1 Ki 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the
children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy
prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take
it away.
1 Ki 19:15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the
wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
1 Ki 19:16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king
over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet
in thy room.
1 Ki 19:17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the
sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha
slay.
1 Ki 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all
the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
We can learn a lot from these eighteen verses, God never quit on Elijah, even when he was down, He stood by his side and supported him in every step of the way. Aren't we supposed to be God like? Or do we quit our friends when the going gets tough? Being a Christian worker is tough at times but we have to stand together no matter what! God doesn't quit on us, don't quit on Him or your brother.
Deu 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Many times in my life I thought I should write a book someday, and then I'd think that idea was nothing more than a pipe dream. I never even attempted to start one until I got mad enough at a preacher about one of his sermons, and when I got home I started this book. As you can tell by reading it, I'm no writer, Bible scholar, or an English major by a long shot. I've laid this book aside many times, I've been discouraged and yet a time when I should be sleeping I find myself writing. There is a need for the study of God's Word, not old wives tales and theology that makes us feel nice. We need the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Pastors, believers, and all the Churches should settle for nothing less! Don't believe what I say, or your leaders or your denominations, only what the Bible says! Remember we are all going to be judged by God's Word, not by statements that say it doesn't mean that. How can I tell God, ya, I read that but my denomination or Pastor doesn't believe it so I believed them instead of the Bible. Do you think that will please God? What does this statement mean to you?
Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
What it says to me, is God's Word is valid today and forever, all of it, each and every word. Not just the parts we like all of it, no matter how hard it might be to swallow.
I'm going to tell you a story that I heard about a man who was about to die. He asked for someone to call his preacher and tell him to come to his house and comfort him on his deathbed. Well the preacher came and talked to the man. The man asked the minister to read to him from the Bible because it gave him great comfort. Well the pastor picked up the Bible from the nightstand and was shocked when he opened it. Whole books where ripped out, pages where torn in half, and words where crossed out. The pastor couldn't believe it, he said good Lord man what have you done to your Bible, you have ruined it. The man replied. Pastor I have attended your Church for many, many years and have listened to all your sermons. Each time that you have said in Church that a certain thing out of the Bible didn't count, didn't apply to us, or didn't mean what it said, I took it out of the Bible. I can't believe that your upset, I thought you'd be pleased, I only removed what you said was no good or didn't count. This story is awful sounding but true and most if not all Churches are guilty of this and when we look at what God has said about it, it’s even worse.
Deu 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of
this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the
plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this
prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy
city, and from the things which are written in this book.
If God has given you a task to perform, put a burden on your heart, or planted a idea in your head, or you feel the leading of the Holy Ghost, and you know it's God, do it. Don't be discouraged by people, or your own thoughts that it's impossible or too big of an undertaking. Don't listen to the enemy telling you that it's beyond your ability, it maybe, but God doesn't care about that, He will give you the tools necessary.
2 Cor 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
2 Cor 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
2 Cor 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of
the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
2 Cor 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
If you go to your town center and look at the largest building and take the time to think, one brick at a time, you can see how things are accomplished. Or think of Noah, he was given the task of building a huge boat, seeming he didn't live near the water I don't think he had the talent to build a boat but he was faithful and God equipped him.
"In our natural life our ambitions are our own. In the Christian life we have no aim of our own, and God's aim looks like missing the mark because we are too shortsighted to see what he is aiming at."
Oswald Chambers (1874–1917)
God is looking for our availability not our ability, don't quit before you even start, trust in Him and He will give you what you need.
I found this in Bible Illustrator from Parsons Technology.
Title: Take as Much as You Can
A city dweller moved to a farm and bought a cow. Shortly after he did, the cow went dry. When he reported this fact to a neighbor farmer, the farmer expressed surprise. The city man said he was surprised too. "I can't understand it either, for if ever a person was considerate of an animal, I was of that cow. If I didn't need any milk, I didn't milk her. If I only needed a quart, I only took a quart." The farmer tried to explain that the only way to keep milk flowing is not to take as little as possible from the cow, but to take as much as possible. Is that not also true of the Christian life? Those who only turn to God in need miss the real joy that flows from a daily infilling of His Spirit.
Psa 81:10 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above
all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world
without end. Amen.
Most people when they get saved are on fire for the Lord, they are zealous and want to get involved in many things. Older mature Christians do them and the Lord a great disservice by throwing cold water on their fire, with statements like you can't do that or God couldn't possibly use a person with your backround. I believe the following story will show how God has His hand in people’s lives and how Christians get in Gods way.
When I was a youth we attended an Assembly of God just west of Boston. It was a nice Church, the pastor was a great preacher and on fire for God. He delivered sermons with such zeal and fire, it was unbelievable, and then one Sunday he made a mistake. He bought in a young man with a guitar and invited him up to the pulpit to sing some hymns. Well you would of thought that he committed adultery right in front of the congregation. Well one of the elders stood up and called for a meeting of the pulpit committee and fired him for bringing a guitar into Church and having a man sing hymns that they weren't sure of. Well needless to say we stopped going there, and so did some others. That Church is no longer in existence, no wonder, what kind of testimony did these people give to that young man and others? From there we attended a Nazarene Church in Waltham, Mass. till my parents split up. I then went to live with my Grandfather, then my Aunt, then my Dad. After my parents split up I started slipping away from God, I still prayed but it wasn't the same. I got in a lot of trouble with the law and should have gone to jail, but for the Grace of God.
I married a Catholic girl and had three boys; our house became a religious war zone. We argued so much about religion that neither of us went to Church. Because of the drinking, drugs and other things we got divorced after seven years. I eventually was remarried by one of my Uncles who was a pastor at a Methodist Church. We really didn't attend Church until God intervened again in my life. One Sunday morning going to get the paper, I turned down this side street instead of going straight, when I got to the next corner the organist from the Assemblies I went to as a kid crossed the street right in front of me. I called out to him, Walter, and he stopped and talked to me, I asked him what he was doing there and he told me he was on his way to Church and invited me to come. I said I would but really didn't intend to. God started to really speak to my heart - GO - GO, so I went, at first alone, then my wife and daughter, then my older boys. I don't know if it was the first or second week that I went that the pastor gave an altar call. Some people went forward, but he kept giving it and giving it, he said that maybe some people ought to rededicate their lives to the Lord. As I sat there I knew that he was speaking to me and I'm saying no God no, I received you before I don't have to again. And yet the words were so clear in my mind, get up and go forward, GO. So I got up and went forward and asked Jesus into my heart, it was the best thing I ever done. The next Sunday morning I got up earlier than usual so I could attend Sunday School, I loved it as a kid and was looking forward to classes. When I arrived at Church there was a woman inside the door who greeted me and I asked her where were the adult classes, she smiled and said there weren't any and to follow her to the class that I was going to teach. I nearly dropped dead, I told her I've been away from Church for years and I can't possibly teach, she laughed and grabbed my hand and dragged me away. It's funny thinking about it, I'm six foot and she was about five foot and half my weight. I don't believe this was a practice of this Church to give classes out to anyone who walked through the door and don't believe this should be done under any circumstances. On a spiritual plane this was the best thing that God could have done, I worked hard at preparing my lessons and studying the Word. One of the highlights of my life was the next year when my whole class received Jesus into their hearts.
I knew that I didn't know enough about the Bible so I started taking correspondence courses from Moody Bible Institute. About this time I felt a calling to the Pastorate, it became so strong that one-day I didn't go to work and went and spoke to the minister. I told the pastor that I had to talk to him about something that was very important, so we sat down. I told him about the calling that I had received, to my dismay instead of being encouraged and directed in what way to go, I was shot down. He couldn't see how it would be possible, because of my financial obligation to two families, my checkered past, alcohol, drugs and a Police record plus a lack of a High School Diploma, in his estimation it would never happen. I left there severely depressed with a broken heart. This is one of the many times I have felt that Christians, not God, had really hurt me when I didn't expect it or deserved it
. Whatever happened to this verse?
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Or these verses?
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
1 Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Quote from Bible Illustrator
When H. M. Stanley went to Africa in 1871 to find and report on David Livingstone, he spent several months in the missionary's company, carefully observing the man and his work. Livingstone never spoke to Stanley about spiritual matters, but Livingstone's loving and patient compassion for the African people was beyond Stanley's comprehension. He could not understand how the missionary could have such love for and patience with the backward, pagan people among whom he had so long ministered. Livingstone literally spent himself in untiring service for those whom he had no reason to love except for Christ's sake. Stanley wrote in his journal, "When I saw that unwearied patience, that unflagging zeal, and those enlightened sons of Africa, I became a Christian at his side, though he never spoke to me one word."
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come,
and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Isa 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the
people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Isa 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of
thy rising.
Are we as Christians edifying our brothers and showing God's love or are we throwing water on our brother's fire? Sometimes our lives are the only part of the Bible some people get to read. That's a big responsibility, for in reading bad text (Our Lives), someone just might end up in hell; maybe-even one of our baby brothers.
2 Cor 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
A saint’s life is in the hands of God as a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see; he stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says: "I cannot stand any more." But God does not heed; he goes on stretching until his purpose is in sight, then he lets fly. We are here for God’s designs, not for our own.
Oswald Chambers (1874–1917)
This doctrine affords comfort: thy unworthiness may dismay thee, but remember that thy election depends not upon thy worthiness but upon the will of God.
Elnathan Parr
Don't quit and make a wrong turn in your spiritual life!
In a recent NCAA cross-country championship held in Riverside, California, 123 of the 128 runners missed a turn. One competitor, Mike Delcavo, stayed on the 10,000-meter course and began waving for fellow runners to follow him. Delcavo was able to convince only four other runners to go with him. Asked what his competitors thought of his mid-race decision not to follow the crowd, Delcavo responded, "They thought it was funny that I went the right way."
Delcavo was one who ran correctly. In the same way, our goal is to run correctly; to finish the race marked out for us by Christ. We can rejoice over those who have courage to follow, ignoring the laughter of the crowd. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness." (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
-- Loren D. McBain, Leadership Magazine, Summer 1994, Vol. 15:3, p. 49.
Taken from Bible Illustrator
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Bottom-line - FINISH - don't QUIT, no matter what, my prayer is that we can quote these words of Jesus.
John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
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