"Who is the Main Topic of Conversation in Your Life?"

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (over indulgence); but BE FILLED (Greek: be ye being filled; a continuous infilling; so full that there is no room for anything else) WITH THE SPIRIT". Ephesians 5:18 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

(Others may not feel led to follow my example in today's teaching. No problem. This is just the way the Holy Spirit has placed convictions personally within my spirit. I do not judge others who may believe differently. You do not have to answer to me, but to Him. BMS)

WHATEVER IT IS, THAT IS WHAT YOU WILL TALK ABOUT MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE

Who and what fill your life? Whatever it is, that is what you will talk about more than anything else. It will become your main topic of conversation. Is it your mate or closest companion? How about your job? What about your church? Could it be your favorite movies? Don't tell me, is it politics? Would it be concerns about your health? Do you have positive things to say, or does criticism outweigh the good which is talked about?

IT HAS BECOME A CONTEST AS TO WHO IS WORSE, PREACHERS OR POLITICIANS

Today, some people are absolutely "consumed" with political mud-slinging. It dominates their lives. Once sweet people who were head-over-heels in love with Jesus have relegated Him to the back seat of their lives. Instead of hungering and thirsting for His righteousness, all they can talk about is the latest gossip of the supposed moral failures and godless programs of "those on their hate list". It has become a contest as to who is worse, preachers or politicians. Usually those who are the most critical of others are "creating a smoke-screen" to divert attention away from their own faults.

I AM A MAN OF GOD. I TEACH WHAT IS RIGHT AND HOW TO LIVE

Maybe I am not politically correct, and thought of as out-of-date, uninteresting, and old fashioned, but I still like to talk about Jesus, and what the Holy Spirit is doing in the world today. The Lord still excites me. I teach those who choose to listen to me principles of life, but do not tell them how to vote in elections. Yes, I am loyal to my country, and I vote, but you will never know who I vote for, or how I voted on certain issues. I am a man of God. I teach what is right and how to live. If people really listen to me, and watch me, they will know who and what to vote for without me telling them. I hold up a standard. Over-zealous people who inject politics into churches split congregations and divide the people of God.

IF PEOPLE WANT TO ARGUE ABOUT THE BIBLE, THEY WILL HAVE TO FIND SOMEBODY ELSE. I AM NOT INTERESTED

Remember, what you talk about the most is what is the most important person or thing in your life. Often people are offended when I refuse to debate politics with them. If so, I am sorry, but not offending the Holy Spirit in my life is much more important. What fills my life? It is not drunkenness. That is for sure. It is my relationship with the Lord. I do not debate theology. If people want to argue about the Bible, they will have to find somebody else. I am not interested. It is a waste of time. If you want to know more about Jesus, then feel free to come to me. I am your man.

I HAVE PROVEN THAT CONCEPT IN MANY NATIONS ON THE PLANET

As an international servant of God I travel to many countries of the world. I do not go to these places to "westernize the people", or teach them "how we do it in America". I do not come to engage in political campaigns about Americans or those in positions of authority in their nations. I come to preach Jesus, and teach the precepts of the Word of God, and when I do that, the good news of the gospel changes and liberates people. We will go further by standing up for truth and righteousness than trying to scandalize our opponents. I have proven that concept in many nations on the planet.

I WILL PRAY FOR THEM, BUT NOT PUBLICLY ENDORSE THEM

My friend, just because a candidate for an office is a professed Christian does not mean I will vote for that person. I will examine them, what they stand for, and make sure by the guidance of God's Spirit, that they are "the real deal". I will pray for them, but not publicly endorse them. As the old Chinese proverb says, "It's not the talkee-talkee, but the walkee-walkee"--it is not so much what you say, but what you do that counts. Some of these so-called Christians running for office are not even saved, but involved in corruption.

IS THE INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ONLY AN INITIAL ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE? OH, NO! IT IS A CONTINUAL INFILLING

I crave and desire the Holy Spirit. He is the most important Person in my life. That is why I do not want to engage in any conversations which would offend His sensitivity. Nobody owns me. I belong to Him. Is this infilling of the Holy Spirit only an initial once-in-a-lifetime experience? Oh, no! It is a continual infilling. It is not to be a stale experience, but up-to-date. He wants to fill and overflow each of us daily. Who and what are the main topics of conversation in your life, and why?

Victory is on the Other Side of Failure

"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'"

Matthew 28:5-6a (NIV).

Falsely accused, arrested, killed: Jesus Christ

The disciples of Jesus must have been shattered that Friday. For three years they followed the man from Nazareth. They watched Him heal the sick, restore sight to the blind, and even raise people from the dead. When Jesus said, "I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness" (John 12:46, NAS), they got it. Darkness enveloped the hearts of their countrymen. They needed a "Light."

Twelve ordinary men abandoned everything to follow Jesus: jobs, family, and homes. Not with regret, but with hope. Hope for the promise Jesus offered. Look where it got them that Friday. Good Friday, we call it now. But it was anything but good to them. Jesus was dead - they'd witnessed the crucifixion. Only 11 now, they must have gathered that night after scattering throughout the city. Other followers joined them to mourn the death of the man they loved, and the death of the hope He offered.

On Saturday, they still gathered. No one left - though they could have. They could have packed up their things and put this failed adventure behind them. Back to fishing, back to family, back to normal. But no one left. In spite of what appeared to be complete failure of this new kingdom, everyone stayed. Faithful.

Saturday inched forward to noon, dusk, and then evening. The beauty of the night sky didn't ease their pain. Perhaps they reminisced some. In hindsight, Jesus wasn't really what they were expecting. When the prophets of old foretold a king would come to rescue them, they figured it would be someone imposing, with power, maybe with chariots to whip their enemies into submission. Some took longer than others to readjust their expectations. But when God opened their eyes to the beauty of His plan, they bought into it with their lives.

I'm sure troubled thoughts stole their sleep that Saturday night. Finally, in complete exhaustion their tired bodies overtook their worried minds. Sunday morning dawned. I imagine some woke up hoping it was all a bad dream. Then reality settled in, like heavy summer storm clouds. Jesus was still dead.

Two women got ready first and went to the tomb. Expecting to find the body of their beloved Savior, God treated them instead to a display of His power. With a violent earthquake shaking the ground, an angel of the Lord came from heaven, rolled back the stone covering the tomb and sat down on the rock. Hello!

The angel looked at the women, and spoke words that transformed them from hopeless to hope-filled: "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee" (Matthew 28:5-7a, NIV).

Can you even imagine the celebration? It had only looked like failure. Instead, it was glorious victory! Hope wasn't dead. Jesus was alive! The disciples learned a lesson they would never forget: When God is involved, things aren't always what they seem.

Today we see problems and failures with the same eyes as the disciples. Even knowing that God is able to do things beyond what we can imagine, when we look at a "failure," we often only see an ending. God, however, sees an opportunity for a new beginning. As we celebrate Easter, may that truth nestle itself into our heart. With God all things are possible. He is risen!

Dear Lord, my heart is filled with thanksgiving and praise for You. How can I begin to thank You for sending Jesus, and for His sacrifice for me? Thank You also for the lesson that nothing is too big for You. Help me remember that truth when I'm facing what looks like failure. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reflections:

When you have failed in the past, what have people done or said that was most helpful to you at that time?

Power Verses:

Luke 18:27, "Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with men is possible with God.'" (NIV).

Isaiah 40:31, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV).

"The Jesus I Travel With is Not Afraid to Go Anywhere"

"Behold, I give unto you POWER TO TREAD ON SERPENTS and SCORPIONS, and OVER ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY (demons and all their activities): and NOTHING SHALL BY ANY MEANS HURT YOU". Jesus, Luke 19:10 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis) OUR LORD WAS KNOWN AS "A FRIEND OF SINNERS" There is no record of Jesus being "buddy-buddy" with religious leaders like the Pharisees, Sadducees and lawyers. He had nothing in common with them. I think He considered them to be downright "boring". Instead, they were often the targets of his severest rebukes and condemnations. Our Lord was known as "a friend of sinners". Matthew 11:19 KJV. He did not condone their sin or bad behavior, but He loved their eternal souls, and knew that the only way to win them to the kingdom was through divine love. JESUS DESPISED PRETENSE, AND THOSE WHO TRIED TO "PARADE THEIR RELIGION AS A CLOAK OF GOODNESS" For the most part, His choice of disciples were men who were fashioned from rough-hewn backgrounds and professions such as common fishermen and tax-collectors. Jesus despised pretense, and those who tried to "parade their religion as a cloak of goodness". He liked "real people". He even hung out with an ex-hooker by the name of Mary Madeleine, and those who drank too much, which the Bible calls "winebibbers". Also, He was accused of overeating--being "gluttonous"--and befriending the despised agents of the internal revenue service. IT MATTERED LITTLE WHAT OTHERS THOUGHT ABOUT HIM, AS "HE WAS NOT OUT TO WIN A POPULARITY CONTEST" Jesus already knew Who He was, and realized that character was far more important than reputation. It mattered little what others thought about Him, as "He was not out to win a popularity contest". His mission was to bring lasting change in the lives of those who did not want to remain the same as they were when Jesus first found them. In fact, in Philippians 2:7 KJV, we read that "He became of no reputation" for our sakes. A couple of other versions translate it, "He became nothing". IF JESUS WERE HERE ON EARTH TODAY IN THE FLESH, MOST OF WHAT HE WOULD DO WOULD NOT BE INSIDE THE INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH Most of the ministry of Jesus was not within the four walls of the synagogue. If Jesus were here on Earth today in the flesh, most of what He would do would not be inside the institutional church. He would be preaching to the hardcore criminals and convicts in prison. No doubt He would be found down in skid-row and the slums looking for down-and-outers who had lost all hope. If you wanted to find Him, perhaps He would be in a nursing home among patients with Alzheimer's disease, telling them the good news of an eternal future with Him in Heaven. If you looked closely, you would see Him in the psychiatric wards of hospitals, and from there you could follow His footsteps as He ministered to those with an incurable diagnosis. IT IS CALLED "COMPASSION", AND "PUTTING YOUR ACTIONS WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS" You could trace His whereabouts in the dives and dens of iniquity, the bars and night clubs seeking out gamblers and drug addicts, telling them how to be delivered from their bondages and addictions. Where there was gang warfare being waged is where Jesus would be. His presence in these places with the ones upon which society looks down on was "not His stamp of approval on these kind of lifestyles". It is called "compassion", and "putting your actions where your mouth is". GOD TELLS THEM TO "STAY", AND BE A WITNESS TO THE LIGHT RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE--"WHERE THE SINNERS ARE" Today there are movie actors in Hollywood who are out-and-out Christians. Some of the uptight saints in the traditional churches say that they "should come out from the world, be separate, and touch not the unclean thing". God does call some people out of these places, but others He tells them to "stay, and be a witness to the light right where they are--"where the sinners are". The same is true for singers and entertainers. I have met self-professing Christians who cannot bear to watch the news on TV, because it is so bad. How can our world situation change if God's people shrink back from that which is unpleasant, and "do not pray the headlines" to see change? Jesus would even visit our military in war zones. That is why I am not afraid when He sends me on "missions of mercy" to the least likely souls, because I know that the Jesus I travel with is not afraid to go anywhere. In fact, there are some churches where I do not think He has ever darkened the door. They are too dead. He would "not fit in", as He goes where the action is.

CELEBRATIONS IN HEAVEN

"Likewise, I say unto you, THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH". Jesus, Luke 15:10 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

ALL KINDS OF CELESTIAL BEINGS SURROUND THE THRONE, WORSHIPING AND EXALTING THE ALMIGHTY

The Throne of God is "Headquarters Central" for the entire universe. It is a place of constant activity. A steady host of angels approach with human prayer petitions, while others are armed with answers held in their hands ready to take back to the petitioners. All kinds of celestial beings surround the Throne, worshiping and exalting the Almighty. Our loved ones in Christ who have preceded us in their arrival through the Eastern Gate are safely "home".

CREATIVE COMMANDS ARE BEING UTTERED OUT OF THE MOUTH OF THE CREATOR, AS NEW WORLDS ARE BEING SPOKEN INTO EXISTENCE

Even Satan and his demonic hordes are at times granted an audience with God to discuss and determine eternal matters. Creative commands are being uttered out of the mouth of the Creator, as new worlds are being spoken into existence. Deep mysteries are being revealed, and dark secrets exposed. Guardian angels who have been chained by words of unbelief spoken by those to whom they have been assigned, are being released to minister, as believers finally grasp the principles of how it works, and make right confessions with their mouths.

IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT HAPPENING IN GLORY LAND

But, what makes news in Heaven? What causes the angelic choir to sing "The Hallelujah Chorus" with such an anointing as the Earth has not yet experienced? What is the one transaction which inspires angel scribes to make fresh entries into the official book? It is the most important happening in Glory land. An unbounded celebration, and rejoicing without limits spontaneously erupts when just one sinner on Earth repents of his sins, and receives Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord. On some days it is not just one, but multiplied thousands, even approaching the million mark.

AS WE TAKE THE GOSPEL MESSAGE TO EVERY NATION, WE HASTEN THE COMING OF THE LORD

Sinners receiving the salvation Jesus purchased with His own precious blood "makes news in Heaven". This is really what it is all about. Another reservation has been made for for a seat at the Master's table for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. A new name is inscribed in the Lamb's book of life. It is written in indelible ink which cannot be easily erased. As we take the gospel message to every nation, we hasten the coming of the Lord. Do you want to trigger dancing on the streets of pure gold, and singing which is out of this world? Then, witness to someone who needs Jesus, and win a new soul into the kingdom. You will be an instrument used by God, and a catalyst to make news in Heaven--"the best news possible".

"Do You Have a Hedge at Your House?"

"Hast not thou (Father God) MADE A HEDGE (a fence) ABOUT HIM, and ABOUT HIS HOUSE, and ABOUT ALL THAT HE HATH ON EVERY SIDE? thou hast BLESSED the work of his hands, and his substance is INCREASED in the land". Job 1:10 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

"And I (Jehovah God) sought for a man among them, THAT SHOULD MAKE UP THE HEDGE (a secure place of protection), and STAND IN THE GAP BEFORE ME FOR THE LAND (an intercessor who would stop destruction from taking place by filling the empty spot where the enemy can come in), that I should not destroy it: but I found none". Ezekiel 22:30 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

THESE TREE STICKS ARE COVERED WITH LONG TREACHEROUS THORNS WHICH DISCOURAGE FIERCE ANIMALS FROM COMING IN AT NIGHT AND ATTACKING

The Maasai people of East Africa is a migratory tribe, who follow the rains to feed their cattle, where there is adequate grass. When the elders feel that they have reached the right place, they build their compound. Their cow-dung huts are arranged in a circle. To protect their village from the encroachment of wild animals, they build a hedge of branches cut from the yellow acacia trees which surrounds their encampment. These tree sticks are covered with long treacherous thorns which discourage fierce animals from coming in at night and attacking. Thus, those inside are safe because of the fence--"the hedge about them".

IT TELLS THE ENEMY THAT HE CAN COME NO FURTHER, AND FOR HIM TO TRY TO DO SO IS "AN ILLEGAL ACT OF TRESPASSING"

Have you decreed "a hedge around your house and the members of your family"? It is "a wall of divine protection". Another way to put it is that it is "a fence" which marks out our property, and tells the enemy that he can come no further, and for him to try to do so is "an illegal act of trespassing". You are "God's property", and the devil has "no right" to invade your business, your body or your family. You have the right to command him to "take your hands off God's property".

IT IS A PICTURE OF A COURT SCENE WHERE THE JUDGE, DEFENDANT, ACCUSER AND LAWYER ARE ALL PRESENT

In the New Covenant, we call it "the blood-line", as we decree that Satan cannot cross the blood line, as we "cover ourselves with the blood of Jesus". Another way to put it is, "pleading the blood". It is a picture of a court scene where the judge, defendant, accuser and lawyer are all present. Father God is the Judge. You are the defendant. The devil is the accuser. Jesus is your defense lawyer. When Satan brings all his accusations against you, and the Judge asks you, "How do you plead?" You answer, "Yes, I was guilty as charged, but My Attorney has paid the price in full for all of my past offenses. I have been totally forgiven. I am cleansed by the blood He shed for me. I plead what the blood of Jesus stands for". The Judge decrees, "Case dismissed".

GOD WANTS TO "BLESS THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS", AND "INCREASE YOUR MATERIAL GOODS AND PROPERTY"

The hedge; the fence; the wall; God's property; the blood-line--however you want to describe it, it works. Now that you know the definition of these wonderful terms, use them in protection over your life, and that of your loved ones. If you have children, declare that they have a hedge built around them before they go outside to play or go to school. Speak this promise aloud over yourself and all that you do. God wants to "bless the work of your hands", and "increase your material goods and property". But, you have to be aware that these promises are made available to you, and then act upon them.

ARE YOU READY TO "STAND IN THE GAP" AND "MAKE UP THE HEDGE" BY PRAYING FOR YOUR COUNTRY?

If you do not stand up and fill the place which God has called you to occupy, the devil will "have free reign in your life". In "the full circle of faith"--or "the encampment of angels", which encompasses every direction (Psalm 34:7 KJV), there can be what the Bible calls "a gap"--a hole in the wall. The Holy Spirit is searching for "prayer warriors" to "stand in the gap", in order to "make up the hedge" to do intercession for "the land", or "the nation". Not only can you claim the provision of the hedge to surround you, but God is also calling you to be part of that hedge to protect your nation from demonic attack. Are you ready to "stand in the gap" and "make up a hedge" by praying for your country? If not, the citizens will sadly suffer the consequences. The choice is yours. The God of the universe is waiting your decision.

"To Get to the Treasure We Must Excavate the Pain"

"BE YE ANGRY (provoked; aroused), and SIN NOT (miss the mark; leave the path of right and do wrong): let not the sun go down upon your wrath (indignation)". Ephesians 4:26 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

ANGER WHICH IS NOT PROPERLY CHANNELED BECOMES EXTREMELY DESTRUCTIVE

Behind all anger there is pain. A person who suffers from issues of unresolved anger finds that it turns into bitterness, as he lashes out at those closest to him. Anger which is not dealt with causes an individual to always be "on edge", like an active volcano waiting to erupt at any moment. Due to an unhealed hurt, any little thing can trigger a negative reaction. Anger which is not properly channeled becomes extremely destructive, damaging one's self-esteem, as well as releasing toxic emotions on everyone with whom he has a close association.

WE CAN MAKE ANGER WORK FOR US

Conversely, we can make anger work for us. Buried deep within each of us is a treasure. It is a talent or ability which has shown up in our personality from time to time, but has never fully emerged, or been completely developed. To reach it and release it, we must "excavate the pain" which surrounds it, and that which prevents it from being everything it was intended to be.

WE NEED TO "PROVOKE OURSELVES" TO REACH A HIGHER LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT AND LIVING

Constructive anger says, "I know I can be more than I am now. I realize that I have not reached my full potential. I am angry because I have allowed my pain to stop me from being all that God has decreed that I should be". As the Scripture says, "You can be angry, and you will not be guilty of sin". We need to "provoke ourselves" to reach a higher level of achievement and living. Self-satisfaction, and just doing enough to get by are our enemies.

AS WE DIG DEEP WITHIN, WE WILL SEE HOW THE PAIN OF REJECTION HAS CORRODED OVER THE GOLDEN TREASURE WHICH IS WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED

It is alright to get upset with ourselves as long as we keep it within proper boundaries, and do not do anything foolish. As we dig deep within, we will see how the pain of rejection has corroded over the golden treasure which is waiting to be discovered. We must confront this pain specifically, looking at its source. If we ignore it, it will not go away, but will tunnel underground, and find a place to lodge in our spirit, becoming "an invisible barrier" to our progress and success in life.

WE CANNOT STAY ANGRY AND EXPECT GOD'S BEST

We must not allow anger to become a stronghold within us. We cannot stay angry and expect God's best. It does not work that way. After we have "employed anger as our servant" to bring us to a better way of living, we have to let it go. We "cannot let the sun go down on our wrath and indignation". To hold on to anger when we go to bed at night will disrupt our sleep and rest. It will cause us to "hook up" with all kinds of spirits which wander around in the darkness of the universe looking for openings to find a new home, in order to disturb and torment another human being.

ANYTHING OR ANYONE WHO MASTERS YOU, OTHER THAN THE HOLY SPIRIT, MAKES YOU THEIR SLAVE

So, remember, make anger work for you. Do not let it control you, but you control it. Anything or anyone who masters you, other than the Holy Spirit, makes you their slave. You become subject to its whims, and the ups and downs of an emotional roller-coaster. Use anger in positive and constructive ways. Let it "provoke you to good works". Find the treasure, which can only be discovered if you dig through the layers of negative anger. It is waiting for you to "get sick and tired of being sick and tired", and to possess that which is already yours. God has given it to you by placing it within you, but it is up to you to use it to its full benefit

"Principles of Authority"

"And a certain centurion's (an army captain commanding 100 men) servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but SAY A WORD, and MY SERVANT SHALL BE HEALED. FOR I AM A MAN SET UNDER AUTHORITY, HAVING UNDER ME SOLDIERS, and I SAY UNTO ONE, GO, and HE GOETH; and TO ANOTHER, COME, and HE COMETH; and TO MY SERVANT, DO THIS, and HE DOETH IT". Luke 7:2-8 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

A CHANGE CANNOT BE AFFECTED ANYWHERE UNTIL THE AUTHORITY IS IN PLACE, IS UNDERSTOOD, AND IS PART OF WHAT IS TO BE DONE

Whenever God wants to bring order, or introduce a new development it always starts with authority. He discusses the issue with the proper individuals who can strategically further His interests. A change cannot be affected anywhere until the authority is in place, is understood, and is part of what is to be done. An organization, or any institution, therefore, cannot be any better than the authority which has been set in place.

THE APPOINTED INDIVIDUAL, THEREFORE, ACTS ON BEHALF, AND WITH THE BLESSINGS OF THE ONE WHO APPOINTED HIM

It is not just enough to be in authority, but "one must be set in authority". The influence of any person in authority is totally dependent on the power and ability of the appointing body. The appointed individual, therefore, acts on behalf, and with the blessings of the one who appointed him. Having all the qualifications for a given position is good, however, it is the setting, or the official inauguration, or consecration which lends credibility, and legitimacy to that authority.

THERE IS NO SELF-EXISTING POWER EXCEPT THAT OF GOD

The centurion said, "I am a man set under authority". You cannot be in authority unless you are under authority yourself. This is because every placement requires a sufficient power backup. There is no self-existing power except that of God. Any other power is derived from another source. It is, therefore, paramount that one gets hooked up to the right, and legitimate supply line for sustainability and credibility. The chain-of-command cannot be evaded in the guise of divine appointment, since even choices made by God are executed by men.

AUTHORITY IS RELEASED BY WORDS

The military captain told Jesus, "I tell this one to go, and he goes, and to the other one, come, and he comes". This brings out the fact that authority is released by words. This may be spoken or written. The Bible is the written authority of God, providing for the needs of mankind. It is the simple instructions given here and there which constitute the circulation of the power of the one in authority.

YOU CANNOT EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS WITHOUT BEING IN SUBJECTION TO SOMEONE OVER YOU

The centurion recognized the fact that Jesus was higher than he was. Power must have limits. This provides for "checks and balances". You cannot exercise your rights without being in subjection to someone over you. We must all operate within some specified limits and boundaries. Appreciation of one's parameters of influence is not intended to be demeaning, but to help cultivate a cordial working relationship, and a clear chain-of-command.