Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

This is going to be a tough Fresh Manna for you to stomach today, so brace yourselves! ~ Happy 4th of July! ~Pastor Tim

If you feel like there is demonic activity coming against your life, make sure this isn’t why!

If there were ever attitudes that you would want to embrace, that would transform and help develop a part of your character, it would be these: learn to develop an attitude of sincere respect for all people and honor those in authority.

Learning to show each and every individual respect is understanding that each and every person was created by God. They may not be who you like. They may, on the surface level, be flawed in their thinking and actions—maybe even in your view, flawed beyond words. Regardless, they are God’s creation whom Jesus went to the cross and died for. This and this alone is the basis of showing respect to the otherwise unrespectable individuals we all have to face at times. Going deeper, it’s critical that we all acknowledge this truth regarding our own life—that we also are flawed. But by the grace of God, we’d also be doomed to destruction and Hell. Coming from that place daily, can exalt your thankfulness to God each morning for His grace toward you, and set the table of your heart to walk in the attitude of respect toward each individual.

I know that people say and do something that causes you to cringe and feel disrespect almost every day. I get that. We all experience that! But, showing respect will continually remind you that you are a light for Jesus and an influence to them whether they receive it or not. Even it it seemed you could not find an ounce of good in them, the decision to show respect will prepare your heart to bring words of grace into their life if that opportunity arises. Never forget this truth! No matter how broken and hardened someone is, always remember that God put within their DNA, the desire to seek Him and know Him. And you may be that seed and light through the action of showing respect, that causes them to pause and reflect of their own character vs. what they see in you. Your respect just might help end their personal rebellion.

Just so you know, like most people, I can be rubbed the wrong way by a person. I can look and quickly see negative things that make me want to treat a person with less respect. That’s where I as a Christian, have to back up and realize that they might not yet know Jesus. They may be clueless in understanding that they’ve been created for a God-given-purpose and have a role to serve the Lord in. Their personal lifestyle may be filled with sin and contrary to everything I believe. They might even be evil and appear to be a five-star candidate for Hell! Of course that would have the potential to tempt any of us not to respect someone. And even more so if they proclaimed to be Christians but displayed little to no evidence  it. But, there was a time when I was the one who was lost. There was a time when I was clueless to whom Jesus really was. There was a time when I was an enemy through my thoughts, words, and deeds to God’s plan in this earth. There was a time when I was living like a reprobate and noted by some as not worthy of respect. And there was a time in my life where there appeared to be little evidence of my Christianity.

For many Americans, including Christians, their has never been a greater political divide than at this time. And the thought of showing respect to the other side seems repulsive. Each side views the other as the political enemy of this country, and the thought of showing respect as I said, seems repulsive. But to allow yourself to continue down that road will erode your Christianity and open the door to the devil in your life.

Jesus lived on the earth during a time like this. The Jews considered the Romans the enemy and repulsive and vice versa. You will never see Jesus speak a political word or engage in their attitudes. To the contrary, He corrects those with this attitude as does the Apostle Paul later in his journey. We are instructed by God to show them the honor bestowed by the position of authority to the degree the office holds. Whether they are a soldier, or a school teacher, a police officer, or a Mayor—any office of authority is to receive respect and honor. Giving respect doesn’t mean they’ve earned it. Giving respect means you’re respecting God and His Word. It means you acknowledge your own flaws and imperfections. It means they are someone to pray for that we may live in godliness and peace. That honors God and actually brings His presence and power to the moment.

This country and many countries around the world are presently in a state of rebellion—the disrespecting and dishonoring of authority. The Bible compares rebellion to witchcraft and an operating base for demonic activity. 1 Samuel 15:23 says, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft…” Disrespect and dishonoring is rebellion! By carrying those attitudes, you are opening the door to the devil and demonic activity in your own life.  The pattern of disrespect, dishonor, and rebellion in this nation is opening this nation to a great degree of demonic activity which it will greatly regret. If this has been a part of your life, you need to repent to the Lord and stop it immediately! It is a playing with something worse than fire! You can disagree. You can give your view. You can your voice and vote respectfully, but you cannot go outside the boundaries of respect.

The following scriptures may bring questions to you, but pray and ask God to have His Holy Spirit school you in this truth. He will find many ways to do so.  The fact is, initially you have to trust God. He knows the big picture. As you do and obey Him, He sheds light on scriptures and helps you understand the truth of them and how they work. If you don’t, you’ll stay in rebellion and the fruit of it will manifest in your life guaranteed!

Romans 13:1-7 (NIV) “ Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.  For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.  This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.  Give everyone what you owe him…” 

Learning to show respect and honor to authority through prayer and appropriate attitude will change you. It will develop godly character within you and lead you to walk in greater love-walk and warmth shining brighter as a Christian in a dark and cold world. And it will protect you from the demonic attacks that come with rebellion!

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NLT2) “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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