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Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (KJV)
Those that are truly narrow minded have narrowed their search to the realm of the Spirit and are not tossed to and fro like a tumbleweed in mans’ long winded doctrines. They truly realize that anything outside the realm of the one is done. 1 Corinthians 8:5-7 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. (KJV) Many claim to know God, it’s the Son they miss out on; not knowing who the Lord really is and what name He goes by. Some today claim that Jesus is Lord, when they should be confessing Jesus Christ, the name above all names. In other words they only see Jesus the son of man after the flesh because of the narrow minded doctrines they teach. Had they been open to who our Lord is revealing throughout His word they would have seen the Son of God who was within this man, Christ. Ephesians 4:18-20 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; (KJV) Narrow minded carnal people have tunnel vision, and are unable to see the light at the end of it. Until one is able to see light of the gospel of Christ for themselves, they will narrow their search for Him according to the outward and miss out on who He really is. Ephesians 4:21-24 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV) How about expanding your search to a new realm which is not according to the outward man, but according to the truth inside Jesus of Nazareth, the same truth that is inside you; wouldn’t you like some inside information? Stop looking to the outward and renew your mind daily so that you can keep moving forward in your walk with the Lord, growing up and maturing Spiritually the way He intended for you to. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (KJV) My prayer for you today is that you narrow your search to the things that are not seen by the outward carnal man, that you narrow it down daily to the Spirit. Hopefully every day that goes by is another day where you let go of your old narrow minded thoughts and ways and become open to an unlimited way of life where nothing is impossible to you any longer. God bless and hold fast to your profession of faith. Have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. Matthew 7:13-15 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (KJV)
The path that leads us home is a narrow one, straight and narrow because it only operates according to one Lord, and by one faith in Him. It’s a hard path because it totally contradicts the carnal mind and what we think works. The plan of salvation is like a filtering process that weeds out the pretenders and wannabe’s. John 10:1-2 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (KJV) Something I have heard from people trying to justify many of mans’ doctrines is that all paths lead to the same place, but the reality is that they don’t. Anytime you add an “s” to the Word, whether it is door, faith, or doctrine then that path does lead to the same place, just not the place our Lord intended for people to end up in. Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (KJV) We have talked this week about miracles, outward signs, and wonders that our Lord said of those who are seeking in this realm, they are looking in the wrong direction. These are people we see in society today who are looking for quick fixes. Your growth and maturity in the Lord comes with faith in how He chooses to use you, and that word that the flesh hates to deal with, patience. Remember Church, only those that endure to the end will truly be saved. James 4:2-4 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (KJV) An evil and adulterous generation is seeking confirmation in the outward realm and this aptly describes the world and its way of thinking. It’s sad to say this mindset has been adopted by many who claim to be of God, but still talk and walk just like the world. Ephesians 4:13-15 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (KJV) The road less traveled is not the most popular one and it’s not a road where you will always get your way. Instead it’s learning to submit yourself to the only way, truth, and life that will get you home. Are you on your way home today, or are you still stuck in the narrow mindset of the flesh? Dearly loved, have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (KJV)
Let’s look at the above verses and see what it is they represent today. For those that truly know who they are in Christ, they are able to cast down imaginations and anything else the devil tries to throw at them to keep them in bondage. By knowing who you are in Christ, you are able to demonstrate and encourage others to hold fast their profession of faith without wavering. Serpents refer to the enemy, so instead of being taken captive by him at his will like he was able to do in the past, you now have the weapons to send him fleeing, and to filter out any tainted doctrines before they harm you. Many today are spiritually sick and weak because they have leaned back to their own understanding. Mark 16:19-20 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (KJV) Our Lord led the way for us to follow, leading us who were in captive to sin into freewill prisoners of the Lord. You also have the ability to rise up daily and take a seat with our Lord and know where He would have you to walk today; and when you step out in faith, He will confirm His will for you. Ephesians 3:10-12 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV) Do you really desire to have confirmation that our Lord is working in you? Then come before the throne with boldness, boldness because you now have access to the throne by your confidence in the inward man. John 14:11-13 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, 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. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (KJV) Our Lord is still able raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and perform any miracle He chooses. However, He has taken it to the Spiritual level so that we could be raised from a spiritual death into a new life in Christ. So let’s open ourselves to a greater dimension in Christ and not be so narrow minded. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 4:22-24 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV)
Some of us have been brought up in traditional doctrines, doctrines that appeal more to the outward man than the inward man that our Lord is pointing us to. Some of us have become so used to our old way of thinking and doing things, that when something different comes along we think we need an outward sign to confirm it is of God. The fact is that you are going to have to learn to trust and rely more on the inward man, the peace of God, when making your decisions, even if that peace is something totally contrary to what you thought or did in the past. Luke 5:36 And he spoke also a parable unto them; No man puts a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new makes a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agrees not with the old. (KJV) Many false prophets today preach doctrines that are the best of both worlds, which puts them in the middle; what our Lord describes as being lukewarm. Sometimes the new things that the Lord would like to have you move into becomes something that is tearing you apart, because you have been so used to doing things your own way; seeing before believing. Luke 5:37-39 And no man puts new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. 38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. 39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desires new: for he says, the old is better. (KJV) Seeing is believing Church; now the question becomes which eyes are you looking with? The limited realm of man has tunnel vision and it keeps them in the dark. While the Holy Spirit can enlighten the eyes of your understanding to see beyond this realm into the one where all things are possible. John 20:27-29 Then says he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus says unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (KJV) The Bible tells us to know no man after the flesh, and even though we have been brought up with many illustrations of our Lord according to the outward man, we will no longer be able to reach Him that way. Upon the resurrection of our Lord, the search for him changed from the outward realm to the inward, which is the sign that He spoke of concerning Jonah. Matthew 12:39-40 But he answered and said unto them, an evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (KJV) The Bible states that our God is a God of the living and not the dead. So where are you looking today to find life, in the grave where our Lord was left or are you looking above to the resurrected Savior who is seated at the right hand of our Father? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 7:13-15 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (KJV)
Some people are referred to as being narrow minded, which can either be a bad thing or a good thing depending on which realm you are operating in. Some become narrow minded if something is brought before them that is different than what they have heard before, and they consider it out of bounds, or out of their comfort zone, even when it comes to things of the Spirit. They keep God in their carnal boxes when it comes to doctrine. Church, don’t let yourself get boxed in by mans’ doctrines, but move to the path that truly leads to the life which Christ says we should be experiencing in abundance. When you find this path you will find that it is not crowded, rather it is the road less traveled. Matthew 12:38-40 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto them, an evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (KJV) There are false prophets today who advertise their ministries as performing signs and wonders, miracles if you would, but these narrow minded people are actually heading in the wrong direction. The sacrifice of our Lord is pointing people in a different direction; the realm of the Spirit. There are still miracles that take place today, however they happen as the Lord desires and not when man dictates them to happen. The greatest miracle taking place is happening right in front of us, but many miss out on it because it is happening within; the experience of being the born again because of what our Lord did on our behalf. John 6:28-30 Then said they unto him, what shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore unto him, what sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work? (KJV) The truth is miracles, signs, and wonders don’t really make a person mature in Christ. Look at what the children of Israel saw, or those that walked with our Lord during His ministry, many of which ended up walking the other way, demanding for him to be crucified. If you are looking and waiting for something to happen in the outward realm first, then you won’t last long with our Lord. Your search needs to change from the narrow minded limited realm of the flesh, to the eternal realm of the Spirit which is located right inside you, the believer. Hebrews 2:2-4 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him? 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (KJV) The fact is that if God chooses to do a miracle or perform a sign or wonder, it is according to His will and not mans’. So today, stop looking outward and focus within; focus on Christ within you. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad. (KJV)
You know the reality is there are no gray areas with our Lord, you are either with Him or not, it’s that simple. You may go to a religious organization on a regular basis, but is that enough to get you to where you really need to be? Revelation 3:4-6 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches. (KJV) You will find consistently throughout your Bible that it comes down to the many and the few, but it’s only a few that are headed in the right direction. Do you know that you overcome because of what the Lord is doing within you, or is the Lord getting ready to erase or blot your name out of His book because He doesn’t know you personally? Isaiah 64:6-7 But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7 And there is none that calls upon thy name that stirs up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. (KJV) Before you can truly know the Lord you have to see yourself the way our Lord sees you and not what you think you see. We need to overcome ourselves and at times we can be our own worst enemy. Your own righteousness is filthy at best, thus the reason God sent His Son so that you could have a new Spiritual wardrobe. Until we realize how weak and pathetic we really are on our own, we will never realize how strong the Lord is and what He is able to do within us. Hebrews 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man drawback, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV) We draw back or withdraw from the faith when we put our hand to the plow and look back to something else for truth. Anytime we lean back to our own understanding we are no longer walking by faith, which is the only thing that will please God. So in other words without faith we re-enter the realm of impossible where we cannot be pleasing to God. Luke 12:29-32 And seek not you what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knows that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (KJV) My advice to the Church today is to seek more the things above, and the things below will become much less of a priority. By putting God first you will last in His kingdom and it will be more than enough to get you home. So let’s quit leaning back to our own understanding and take comfort that it is our Father’s good pleasure to give you His kingdom, and what a joy it is when His people receive it. God bless and make sure you have done all to stand today which is more than enough to get you home. Please have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. Hosea 4:6-8 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shall be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. 7 As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. 8 They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. (KJV)
The reason we ask, is it enough, is because as you see many thought what they were doing was enough to get them home, but wasn’t. In fact the worst part is that many of these folks that didn’t make it were actually considered to be God’s own people for a season, but got to a point where it wasn’t enough anymore. It seems like many get swayed by others, they follow the crowd rather than the Lord. So the questions begs to be asked, are you willing to swim upstream against the current or are you just leisurely floating with the current doctrines of man? Isaiah 5:13-15 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. 14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoices, shall descend into it. 15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: (KJV) Salvation is a humbling experience, depending on how you experience it. You can choose to humble yourself before our Lord by presenting yourself as a living sacrifice, or you can reject His knowledge from above and be humbled in the worst way possible. Amos 8:10-12 And I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day. 11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: 12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. (KJV) Man has been told not to live by bread alone; that they would need the word of God if they desire to be complete. There are plenty of Bibles in this world and tapes that have the Word recorded on them. The famine involves hearing, where man is not hearing what God has determined to be truth, not what man has. Thus the reason why we are so inundated with so many perversions and denominations that never came from God Himself. Proverbs 10:2-4 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivers from death. 3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casted away the substance of the wicked. 4 He becomes poor that dealt with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich. (KJV) Are you really being fed with the truth, and fed up with the lies? Do you know how to take the time first thing daily to hear the Lord personally and what His word says instead of settling for mans’ fallen versions? Are you getting enough to eat spiritually? Is it enough? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. I John 5:19-20 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness. 20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (KJV)
The reason God sent His Son to this planet is because the world was mired in wickedness, with a self serving people who were self destructing. The Lord didn’t send us different ways and truths or paths that would lead us home; He said that He is the only one that can get us home. So what about your life, are you one of those that think someone is a good person because they go to church and are not like the rest of the sinners in this world? Or are you looking for more than just what the majority is willing to settle for when it comes to victory? Romans 7:18-21 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. (KJV) How do you make judgments about the organization you attend? Do you judge it by the Pastor taking a nice picture with his family in his three piece suit, or were you looking for something beyond just the outward appearance? I know of many who look good on the outside, but are doing all they can to cover up what is really taking place within. These are people who judge their organizations by growing numbers instead of showing the people how to overcome their lower natures. How do you judge your life, by what the Lord considers sin or by what you think you can get away with that others don’t see taking place within? Isaiah 65:3-5 A people that provoke me to anger continually to my face; that sacrifices in gardens, and burns incense upon altars of brick; 4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; 5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day. (KJV) Seems like all I see going on today is a bunch of religious people who think salvation is based on their works and not the Lord’s work. They look and sound so good, but however pleasing they may be to mankind, in the end it is an abomination to our Lord. Matthew 23:25-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto white sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (KJV) The outward man is one that should be perishing and not flaunted. Once you have the eyes of your understanding enlightened you will see right through the phony facades man tries to pawn off as truth. So how about waking up and opening your eyes to see what the Lord sees and find out today what will really get you home. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jeremiah 17:9-11 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. 11 As the partridge sits on eggs and hatches them not; so he that gets riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days and at his end shall be a fool. (KJV)
The problem with mankind is simple and hasn’t changed since the beginning of time. God gives us instructions with a promise of eternal life for those that follow them, while we decide to govern ourselves thinking we know better. All one has to do is watch the news or pick up a paper and see how miserably man has failed at self governing. The same holds true for many Christians who have failed miserably, because they think they can put God in their carnal denominational boxes. As we see clearly illustrated above the heart of man left to his own devices is a train wreck waiting to happen. No matter how fast they think they are going down the right track, eventually it will derail. Psalms 39:5-8 Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. 6 Surely every man walks in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heaps up riches, and knows not who shall gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in thee. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. (KJV) The best we have to offer the Lord on our own is vanity, which is not the fruit of the Spirit and will not get us home. With that said why do so many still try to do things on their own? You need to establish a personal relationship with the Lord so that you can eliminate the empty fruitless works. Ecclesiastics 2:9-11 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor. 11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. (KJV) So you think you have life figured out, you have big plans and desires to fulfill. God gave a man named Solomon more wisdom than any other, and gave him everything his heart desired. So what was his conclusion, well he didn’t claim to be fulfilled or satisfied; the opposite was true and the end result was simply summed up in one word, vanity. So what do you think is more important today than seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 19:24-26 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (KJV)
Today, is what you are doing enough to get you home, the eternal one that is? So many have been deceived into thinking they are living a good life, one where they don’t hurt others and best of all, they go to church. Is that really enough, or could there be a bit more to salvation than meets the eye. What do you compare your life with, the standards our Lord said would get you home, or do you compare it with the standards of others? Many today settle for things they think are pleasing to God, but the truth is they are in a comfort zone the enemy doesn’t mind seeing them operate in. A lot of people live a nice life, the picket fence, the retirement, and of course those adorable grandchildren. Is it really enough to get you home, or might you come up a bit short? Mark 10:17-18 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, why call thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God. (KJV) Jesus of Nazareth lived a good life, but he didn’t even consider himself a good person did he? He realized that he had a lower nature that would have to be overcome in order to live a life without sin, and that could only be accomplished by the spirit of Christ which He relied on to get Him home where He is now seated at the right hand of God. On a side note, we see Jesus letting people know that he wasn’t God like so many claim. Matthew 17:19-21 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting. (KJV) When you really commit your life to Christ you find out that nothing is impossible to you, because you are now relying more on His counsel, and less on what man tries to pawn off as truth. You are one of the few that instead of embracing all the doctrines of the devil which man labels under the guise of denominations, you are walking in the truth. Prayer and fasting means you communicate with our Father in heaven and are no longer feeding the flesh or carnal mind with lies and deceptions of man. Hebrews 11:5-6 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV) If you really stop and think about it for a moment you will see similarities in your conversion in Christ and what took place with Enoch. You will find that you are no longer walking a dead end path being led by the flesh, but have been translated to a higher realm so that you can now walk by faith and not by sight. Because without faith, well, it just isn’t going to be enough to get you home. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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