God framed the heavens and the earth with His Words. With His Word, He created the spirit of man. By His Word, God made His Word flesh. In His Word is salvation, deliverance, healing, protection, and prosperity. We must conclude, therefore, that God’s Word is powerful. And yet, there is something so nullifying, so negating that even Jesus said renders this Word of no effect.

The traditions of men.

Here’s what Jesus had to say about this:

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. (Mark 7:13)

This is a key reason so many Christians are longing for the power of God to be manifest in their lives and churches long to see this power expressed in their services and congregations – the power of God will not overrun the traditions of men.

Notice here I said, “will not,” not “cannot.” You see, God is omnipotent; He can do anything but lie or fail. But God never forces His will on man. He could easily force us to bow down and worship Him; force us to choose Him. Yet, He never does, as that would be contrary to His character. God is the archetypal gentleman!

Back to my point, there are so many churches that are steeped in denominationalism and rooted in tradition that they end up ignoring Scripture. I know that there are many churches that will not permit me to preach in their pulpits because of my long, dreadlocked hair. I know of others that will not permit women to preach to their congregations.  Still more would exclude many a potential guest preacher because of race or culture. These traditions, based upon errant interpretation of Scripture that I have neither time nor space to correct.

(By the way, this exclusion based on tradition cheats many from hearing from anointed preachers and teachers…)

Tradition often paints an inaccurate portrait of the Church and Kingdom Citizens. Mahatma Gandhi once said he’d have become a Christian had he never met one.

What an indictment against the Church!

Today, folks stay away from church by the thousands, citing hypocrisy, mean-spiritedness, and other factors – most stemming from tradition. Because tradition renders powerless the Word of God, there are no signs and wonders displayed for the purpose of winning the lost. Traditions of men are what largely keep folks from experiencing the beauty of relationship with the Father through Jesus.

Many churches are so yoked to liturgy that a move of the Holy Spirit is nigh impossible. The stated program must be followed. Proper protocol must be observed. Many believers have been thoroughly convinced that their style of worship, their hymns, their atmosphere is the only way to approach God. Others insist that proper dress is important – men must wear suits to worship and women cannot wear pants, and so forth. Let any of these elements be out of place and congregations that have become reliant, indeed, dependent upon tradition will become non-functional, complementing their dysfunction.

Now, the Bible teaches us that God esteems His Word above His Name (Psalm 138:2). The Pharisees evoked Jesus’ anger by esteeming tradition over the Word and folks today have the audacity to follow in their footsteps. By continuing this folly, the very power, yes, the nature of God is not expressed fully to His children.

Instead of obsessing over meaningless traditions that are devoid of power, we need to focus on the Word of God to the end of manifesting the Greater Works Jesus spoke of in John 14:12. Instead of practicing hollow worship smacking of man’s tradition, we need to go forth and fulfill the Great Commission.

It’s time to put away denominational dogma that hinder winning of the lost and properly discipling the saints. It will be a glorious day in the Kingdom when the yokes of tradition and the bondage of defiled religion are destroyed once and for all.

© 2012 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)

I have frequently taken the position that God hates religion. I studied this in great detail. I concluded that since there was no religion (or, at least, the conventionally accepted manifestation of it) in the Garden of Eden, it had to be something devised by man and, therefore, rejected by God.

I was totally right. And totally wrong.

The Word  of God says, “let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). For the sake of this discussion, I’d like to modify this to say, “let God be true and ME be a liar!”

I’ve searched multiple translations of scripture and every translation renders the word, “religion,” the same. Now, I know that James was written to Hebrew Christians and that the term “religion” was used as a frame of reference, thus making the passage contextual. However, that word, “religion,” persists.

Therefore, there must be something God is trying to communicate to us here. Whenever you read a “therefore” in scripture – or use “therefore” when rendering a conclusion, you need to find out what the “therefore” is there, for!

Now I can go real deep on this but I will keep it simple as this is material for an upcoming book (shameless plug). Suffice it to say, religion is not your system of belief – rather, correctly applied, it comprises the steps by which individuals or groups express their belief. The problem is that man has permitted the steps by which faith is expressed to become a belief system in and of itself.

True Christianity, then, is not a religion, it is a lifestyle or state of being. It is the overarching principles by which we experience relationship with our Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus.

Expressed another way, you have a relationship with your spouse. The love you share is the overarching principle of your marriage. However, this relationship must be maintained. You have to have “date-nights,” purchase gifts, perform acts of service, be complementary, be kind, listen, etc. Another analogy would be ownership of a car. The car, itself, is the overarching principle. But in the glovebox, there is an owners manual, which contains a service schedule. If you don’t follow the service schedule, the car will not perform as designed and may fall apart well before its designed service-life. In both cases, the maintenance is critical to the survival of the relationship.

With that in mind, pure religion (James 1:27) is what we do to maintain relationship with the Father through Jesus. Mind you, God’s part was finished on the Cross at Calvary. However, we have to walk our part out. Let’s make it clear, though, this doesn’t render Christianity works-based; indeed, that would reduce it to mere religion and defile it.

Pure religion undefiled means operating and walking in love. When you walk in love, you will not allow your  brothers and sisters in Christ – especially the weakest ones – to be destitute or in lack. You will go out of your way not to offend them. You will stand up for and defend them. The will, culture, and intent of the Kingdom of God is grounded and rooted in love and when you operate according to Kingdom principles you demonstrate the kind of religion defined in James 1:27.

That’s love. That’s religion…that proves whom you are in relationship with.

© 2012 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:8-11)

God is a Good God. Furthermore, He is a Great Father! His Word declares that He gives good things to them that ask Him! God is so good that he clothes His children in robes of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), gives us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), and even opens the door that we can ask anything in Jesus name and He will do it (John 15:7)!

That’s a shouting moment if you catch it!

Unfortunately, there seems to be only a handful of folks that understand this. Religion has so perverted the Word of God to the point where saints of God have erroneously concluded that God is a sadistic, cosmic killjoy that would just as soon smite you with boils and hemorrhoids as bless you. For many, God is a mean-spirited step-father who will use his unlimited power – or worse, the devil – to inflict pain on mankind.

Nothing could be farther from the truth!

Time and space do not permit the recall of every scripture to prove this. However, for the purposes of this discussion, I will hang my hat on just one here (and a couple later):

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Now, in the context of this scripture, you must ask yourself: is sickness, poverty, or oppression part of abundant life? Absolutely not! Do they exist to steal from, kill, or destroy you? Absolutely! Then they must be of the devil.

Got it? Good. If not, keep reading…

I believe the sinful nature of man leads to either hiding from God or self-flagellation. Both are hallmarks of a religious mindset. I proffer that a renewed mind produces righteous-consciousness instead of sin-consciousness and leads us to run to God when we err instead of running from Him.

Jesus said He came to give us abundant life! Abundant life is whole, full, vibrant, and plentiful. Unfortunately many of the Body of Christ didn’t get the memo! Now, Jesus did tell us that we’d have tribulations in this world (John 16:33) but He also said to be of good cheer (be encouraged) because He overcame them.

So, if I’m in Christ, I, too, have overcome the world! That’s Good Gospel News!

But I’m not done, yet! Jesus said:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 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. 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. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:4-7)

Notice how the Lord puts emphasis on abiding in Him. And now for the finishing touch:

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Some sins are greater than others.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: You must uphold the law to keep your salvation.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: You are not truly saved unless you go to church.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: You must never question your man of God.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Storms, earthquakes, and floods are “acts of God”.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: If you don’t tithe, God will get the money from you in medical bills, repair costs, foreclosure, etc.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Women shouldn’t be allowed to preach or pastor.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Your purpose/gift/talent is revealed to your man of God before it is to you.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: You can pray someone into salvation.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: The devil is God’s henchman who does his dirty work.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: The devil is omniscient.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: That the God of the Christians and Jews is the same as the God of the Muslims.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Your denomination is superior to all others.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: It’s not God’s will to heal everyone.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Even though you’re saved, you’re still a sinner.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Miracles ceased with the death of the Apostles.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: Poverty=piety.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: A pastor is more anointed than other believers.

RELIGIOUS_LIE: If you spend more time with your kids than in church, God will take them from you. ”

“And you shall KNOW the TRUTH, and the truth shall make you free” John 8:32

© 2012 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com) 

I ASK YOU, in the Gospels, to whom did Jesus say, “I will not heal you because your sickness is perfecting you” and/or “I will not heal you because you aren’t saved” and/or “I will not heal you because My Father is getting glory through your sickness.” I’ll help you: NO ONE! So, if Jesus didn’t say any of these things, why do people say this today? Allow me to help you again: religious indoctrination. I will keep preaching this until you get this…whoever YOU are!

© 2012 – Derrick Day derrickday.com)

satan, Let Me Refresh Your Memory

The following is an excerpt from the book, “satan, Let Me Refresh Your Memory,” by Derrick and Angela Day. If you haven’t already downloaded your free copy, you should do so today! This book will equip you to operate in your God-Given authority and put the devil where he belongs, under your feet!

Who’s backing you?

Before we get puffed up and wise in our own conceits to think we can take on satan on our own power, we have to remember that true warfare require fighting forces. Every standing army is backed by the government it is sworn to defend. And every standing army has a commander-in-chief; in the Kingdom of God, the Commander-in-Chief is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Citizens of the Kingdom of God serve two roles, ambassador and soldier.

First and foremost, we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God:

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20)

It is our duty to represent our King. As part of the new birth, we are commissioned to spread the good news of our God and His glorious Kingdom. When our citizenship changes, we remain in the world but we are not of the world. Therefore, we are ambassadors in a foreign land and, as such have the responsibility to speak the words of his home government, lest we be subject to recall!

Next we are called to be soldiers. This is why the Apostle Paul gave the illustration of combat apparel:

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God…(Ephesians 6:13-17)

We have to understand that, in our capacity as soldiers, we are to be an occupying force of a victorious power. We are to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), not aggressors. We are to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

In our charge as ambassador and soldier, we are backed by the power and glory of Almighty God, creator of all things, the King of kings, Lord of lords, and the savior of mankind, Jesus Christ, and the Governor of all Creation, the Holy Spirit.

Just like U.S. dollars are backed by “the full faith and credit of the United States Government,” we must be fully persuaded we have the backing of the Lord of Hosts when resisting the devil. What is the guarantee we have this backing? The Word of God! It is the believer’s assurance that God will do what he says.

The devil is not the opposite of God. If this were true, satan would be God’s equal and would possess God’s creative ability. The fact is God has no equal! Evil is not the opposite of Good, it is merely the absence of it. Just like darkness is not the opposite of light, it is simply the absence of it!

© 2009 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com) and Angela day (www.angeladay.com)

Religion is believing God can but making excuses for when He does not. It defers all benefits to the afterlife.

Relationship is not just believing God can but knowing that He will! Not just in the sweet-by-and-by but in the sour-here-and-now!

2 Corinthians 1:20

²⁰For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

John 14:12-14,

¹²Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. ¹³And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Mark 11:23-24

²²And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. ²³For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. ²⁴Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

© 2010 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)

Where did Religion come from?

Religion is the handiwork of the devil. Satan’s plan from the beginning was to separate mankind from God. Satan, being the father of all lies, created the grand lie, “all roads lead to God.” This thought is the bedrock of ecumenical thinking and, although all religions reject it, it is the cornerstone upon which religion is built.

The devil loves religion! Do you know why? It is because religion is not only impotent but it also propagates powerlessness.

Religion is a cowardly system created by cowardly men. Rather than accept the hope of everlasting life in Christ Jesus and abundant life in the earth – in spite of persecutions – they have chosen to opt into systems that prepare them to leave the very realm which they are called to conquer in the name of the King of kings!

Why does Religion Exist?

Religion exists to control people. This is contrary to the dominion mandate in Genesis 1:26-28. God gave mankind dominion over all the things in the earth but not each other. More wars in history have been fought over religion than anything else. More people have been subjugated and enslaved in the name of religion than for any other reason.

Another reason religion exists is to justify what God will not or cannot do.

© 2010 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)

Instead of thinking like “Christians,” let’s start thinking like CHRIST. Too much so-called “Christian” doctrine is really religious in nature. Don’t believe this? Follow along with me…

When someone gets saved and immediately someone tries to train that new convert to memorize the 10 Commandments, that’s religion!

When folks look down their nose at the sister who comes up in the church wearing a pants-suit, that’s religion!

When what saith the Pastor, Bishop, or Apostle is esteemed more than the Word of God, that’s religion!

When the teaching of the tithe is taught such that if you don’t tithe, God will get it back from you in medical bills or some other such threat, that’s religion!

When sexual purity and chastity are taught by leadership but not observed by leadership, that’s religion.

I could go on and on but the gist of it is that it’s not about religion, it’s about RELATIONSHIP with God through Jesus Christ. Religion, denomination, and doctrine can’t even save themselves, much less you.

God was never, is not, and never will be about religion. He is a King, so He is concerned about His Government and He is a Father, so He is concerned about His children. Mankind has taken the simplicity of salvation and perverted it into dogma.

Religion is bondage and is tantamount to spiritual slavery. Folks need to get up off the spiritual plantation and navigate spiritually northward to the freedom and liberty that can only be found in Christ Jesus!

Man-made religious doctrine (what we wear, how we pray/praise, what day to worship on, etc.) obscures the truth of Jesus Christ, thus inhibiting believers from enjoying a whole, complete — that is, vertical — relationship with God. And because the vertical relationship is skewed, there is nothing upon which to base effective — that is, horizontal — relationship with our neighbor. To use the analogy of an old television set, when the vertical and horizontal alignment are incorrect, the overall picture is distorted. Proper alignment of the two forms the image of the Cross of Calvary and brings God into clear focus.

© 2010 – Derrick Day (www.derrickday.com)