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Revelation 3:15-17 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (KJV)
The Bible talks about a little leaven (not a lot); which if it makes its way into bread can cause it to rise and be full. Today, many of man’s doctrines are doing the same thing, because man thinks he knows more than God. Many today are duped into thinking something in this carnal realm will fulfill a spiritual need and many are leaving a bad taste in the Lord’s mouth and will be quickly spewed out come the Day of Judgment. This idea of earthly wealth and riches being the cure all answer to man’s ignorance is something that should not be promoted by God’s people. 1 Timothy 5:6-7 But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. (KJV) Many of God’s people begin in the realm of the Spirit, and then revert back to the flesh thinking they can perfect their walk. God does give His people all things to enjoy, but it comes without the bondage of thinking this realm could ever satisfy or fulfill an inward need. Proverbs 21:16-17 The man that wandered out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 17 He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich. (KJV) When you start wandering off the path of life you will find it is a dead end. Many people today are spiritually dead because of the dead doctrines they settle for; and instead of moving on they are flat lining. If you sense your walk is stale and lifeless, you may want to take a close look at the company that you keep or the congregation that you support. You may find a bunch of sandbox Christians who instead of moving forward and growing up are sitting around in daycare centers with their sippy cups and crayons. Luke 20:37-38 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. (KJV) God doesn’t deal in dead things or people; rather He is looking for those that desire to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. The truth is that once you have been revived and born again into His realm it is imperative that you stay there and endure to the end so that you are not spewed out. Revelation 3:1-3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things says he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou lives, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shall not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shall not know what hour I will come upon thee. (KJV) You have a new name, because you have died to the influences of the flesh and are living in the realm of the Spirit. For those in Christ you are now a new creation and are here to help strengthen those that are falling away and dying spiritually. Dearly loved, God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (KJV)
From the beginning the enemy of the Lord has been described as a serpent, sneaky and subtle, slithering around until it bites you with its deadly venom. Now you have the ability to stomp on his head before that happens; we have the spirit of Christ within us, the power and wisdom of God, to be more than conquerors. Revelation 2:9-11 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death. (KJV) When you read the first 3 chapters of Revelation it is very explicit that those who are going to escape the tribulation period that is soon to take place are the ones that are over comers and not being overcome by the serpents and scorpions. Take note of the warning given in the last sentence and the fact we are all still subject to the second death, otherwise it wouldn’t say so. Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (KJV) The second death is the one you really want to avoid and that is the reason why God sent His Son to pay the price for us. The second death is spiritual and lasts for eternity, because it separates man from the only true source of life. Revelation 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead who were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (KJV) Spiritually dead people are the ones that are subject to this death sentence, because as you notice it is according to their works, but you as a believer should know better and there is no excuse not to be an over comer. Revelation 21:7-8 He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV) Some of the feel good, ear tickling doctrines of man try to tell people that once they get saved they’ve got it made. The enemy loves to see this promoted because it is his way of lulling the people of God back to sleep so that they will walk right into his deadly trap. Dearly loved stay awake and alert unto righteousness; God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 18:20-21 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV)
Every day spent in this realm you are in a life and death situation, which doesn’t end until we make it home to our eternal destination. What you find in this new life in Christ is that your tongue is like a steering wheel which can keep you on the road to spiritual recovery, or with one careless or distracted move you could end up in a ditch. Just because you were saved and made a commitment to the Lord doesn’t mean it ends there, unless you decide to revert back to the realm of the flesh, which you will see clearly illustrated through the Word, is a death sentence. James 3:6-8 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (KJV) Keep in mind these fires are spiritual in nature and will have eternal consequences for those that start them. Negative words are like a poison that will shut a person down; and if they don’t get immediate attention it results in death. Your words have the same effect as a wildfire and are enflamed with winds of mans’ doctrine when left unattended. As you see clearly spelled out in verse 7, the tongue is something no man can tame; it is an extension of the heart and without a new heart and a mind renewed in the spirit of Christ, it is highly flammable to say the least. Mark 16:17-20 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. 19 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) The reason that you were dead in sin before your conversion in Christ is because you had a drinking problem, where you were being intoxicated with false doctrine. Once you sobered up you were able to drink in pure, living water which is what revived you. Are you the one treading on spiritual serpents, or are you a doormat? You may drink in some things that are still spiritual poison, but now you have the ability through the Spirit to rightly divide and discern the truth so that you can spit it out before it causes damage. Dearly loved, have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 6:27-29 Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 28 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. (KJV)
All this week we have been looking at works and labor, what really works and what will result from that if we let the Lord work on our behalf. The Lord really simplified it down to one work, and that is believing in what the Son has done on our behalf and not what we think we should be doing on His. Sound too simple? Well that is the part that many miss, the simplicity of the gospel. The Lord would like to work on behalf of His people, but will only do so if we let Him. 2 Timothy 1:9-11 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (KJV) Paul hit the trifecta so to speak being appointed personally by God as a preacher, teacher, and even an apostle. Paul got the memo from above where God said it is no longer based on your works, rather let me show you something that works better which is grace through faith. Have you received this memo for yourself yet, or are you still toiling and trying to work yourself into a place the Lord is not leading? The reason you experienced peace in the beginning of your walk with the Lord is because you were in the place that He purposed for you to be in before the foundation of the world. If you are not experiencing this peace anymore then obviously you have walked away from what He was purposing and back into something that can simply be put in the column of dead works. Romans 4:2-5 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what says the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that works not, but believeth on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV) Salvation is a free gift because God chose to do the works for us having watched the first Adam fall short. Abraham was considered a great man of faith which he found was not by his works, but by grace. Is grace a big part of your walk? Galatians 2:16-18 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. (KJV) I was brought up in a religion that was based on works and I found myself dead in the water, being tossed to and fro like a ship on the Dead Sea. I have seen many ships sink even though they started out so well; but many with good intentions revert back to the works of the law filled with holes in the doctrine and they ended up on the bottom. God bless dearly loved and believe on Him whom God has sent; have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV)
When looking around at the fallen world we are surrounded with, we see so many who literally work themselves into a tizzy and are never satisfied. They are looking for peace and rest, many thinking that they have to wait until they retire to get it. Well, God has a rest stop for His people now and it is not of works, but of grace so that we can give credit where credit is really due. Are you tired of running on your spiritual treadmills thinking you will find rest in this chaotic realm? Well that machine can be summed up in one word which is the fall of many, religion. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV) Instead of following blind religious leaders who keep ending up in a ditch, why not ditch those dead works and move on to something that really does work, grace. Did you know that God has already mapped out your life and decided what good works He would involve you in? That is why it is so vital that you find your place in His body of believers and then follow through with your calling by ceasing from your own works. Isaiah 55:6-9 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV) Faith without works is dead. The Lord’s ways and what He would like to work through you is so much better than what your carnal mind can conjure up; however, you won’t see His results until you get out of the way and let Him loose. Many people won’t go beyond their own carnal thoughts, and then wonder why they don’t get any results from above. If you keep doing the same carnal things don’t expect something spiritual to result. Ephesians 3:19-21 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV) The love of Christ is so much above what you could ever ask or think of. You can get real results which is what the fullness of God is referring to. I hear verse 20 quoted so often and it’s a crowd favorite; however, so few truly experience these results because they will not let the Lord loose to work on their behalf. They still settle for old things instead of moving out of their carnal comfort zones to something new. Dearly loved, let go of the old and move forward in the new today. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 11:6 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)
What do you really believe the most in today; what you see in the outward or what you have found to be truth inwardly? Without maintaining a good solid relationship with the Lord you will not be able to please Him and allow Him to work on your behalf. Some of you have become stale and dull of hearing because you have been walking away from the Lord instead of drawing nearer to Him. I have found it is a lot easier to hear someone the closer I get to them. If you sense you are not getting results from God you need to ask yourself what measure you are giving in His direction of your time, in other words, is He really your first love and priority? Hebrews 4:9-11 There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (KJV) Let me give you a new assignment, you are now under a rest, a spiritual one where you keep the carnal man handcuffed so that you can let the spiritual one loose. It is really that simple. If you desire to see the Lord working on your behalf and getting His results then you just need to learn how to get out of the way. That is your new labor of love. John 15:12-13 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. (KJV) What’s the greatest gesture we can show toward the Lord and His people in return for all He has done for us? I lay down my life and desires and all those ways that I think will work by entering into the Lord’s realm where He now shows me what really works; faith by love. Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (KJV) The question that often gets asked by many is how I can work out my own salvation? Is it by witnessing more or attending more church services? Let me offer this simple solution that I found works for me. The best way to work out your own salvation is working yourself out of the equation so that someone greater within can take over, and when I look at verse 13 it doesn’t go any higher than God Himself. It’s His will and desire to do so, which brings Him good pleasure; now it’s up to you to enter in His rest and let Him. 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) The disciples ceased from their own works long enough to hear what the Lord was speaking and then they went out and acted on what they heard. As we see the Lord was working with them and they were getting His results which were pleasing to Him. Why not go and do the same thing today? God bless dearly loved; have a restful and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (KJV)
Think of the term Israel in the above verse as Christians, God’s chosen people. The Lord no longer looks at just the outward man, but is now working within. It is Christ in you who is your only hope of glory. The downfall of Israel today is that they will not let go of the old law and rituals, and for those in the flesh history keeps repeating itself, rearing its ugly head in the form of religion and rituals, a place where man reverts back to works apart from grace. Revelation 2:2-5 I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (KJV) Remember what it was like when you first experienced salvation? It was a sweet surrender where you had finally relinquished control of your own life and destiny and turned it over to someone else who you found knew what was best for you. So what happened to your first love, and why are you so worn out? What happened to the simplicity of the gospel? Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or, what shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) It’s quite obvious that at some point you left your first love and went off on your own, thinking that you knew better and are now wondering why you are not getting results. You have to seek God first. Revelation 3:1-3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; these things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou lives, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shall not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shall not know what hour I will come upon thee. (KJV) The enemy has many of God’s people chasing their tail seeking something in this fallen realm first instead of the kingdom of God. In order to be an over comer you will need to know where God is leading you today so that you can get His results and not die of starvation from a lack of spiritual food. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 5:4-6 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘toiled’ - 2872 kopiao (kop-ee-ah'-o); from a derivative of 2873; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard: KJV-- (bestow) labor, toil, be wearied. There has to be a better way, I feel like I exert so much energy and sense I am getting nowhere fast. Isn’t the above example something we can all relate to, or maybe it is something you are dealing with today? Peter toiled all night; or another way of looking at it is, walking in darkness until he encountered someone who could show him how to get some real results. Luke 5:7-9 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: (KJV) Isn’t that why you came to the Lord in the first place, because you experienced some real results that you knew were not a result of luck or coincidence? You saw the light of God go on and enlighten you to a much better way, a free gift that could not be earned. So why all the heartache and misery Church; you know where you work yourself into a tizzy and end up with an empty net? Maybe its time to rethink your efforts and let someone else take over again before you go off the deep end. Luke 12:27-29 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. (KJV) Sometimes we lose sight of the simplicity of God’s realm and revert back to our own works which in reality don’t work. Many of God’s people begin so well in the Spirit and then get sidetracked by works, their works; which if they didn’t work in the past why would they work now? 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (KJV) The enemy has planted false apostles out in the field like tares among the wheat. These so called preachers will preach a message of salvation by grace, and then turn around and tell the people they need to get dunked in water or abide by some other silly outdated work. As we see, the end result in verse 15 is based on their works and not the Lord’s. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. 3 What profit hath a man of all his labor which he takes under the sun? (KJV)
All this week we have been looking at our own walk to see if we are really heading in the right direction, or have we been sidetracked with things that are in the vain or vanity column; an empty waste of time. Have you come to the same conclusion as the writer Solomon has above, and do you remember this man was the wisest of his era, or do you need another lap around Mount Sinai before you are ready to settle down? Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (KJV) My prayer for the Church is that you may abound in judgment, which means discerning the difference between what is of God and what is not. Like we mentioned earlier this week, whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Oh and just because something feels good doesn’t always mean it is of God either folks. Philippians 3:18-21 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (KJV) Remember the many that have been called of God and yet only a few are really chosen? Yeah well, as you see many went walking a different direction and got duped by the things of this life and not the eternal one. Kind of like healthy eating, the things that are the healthiest are not always the most pleasant as compared to the junk food; that although it tastes so good it has a negative effect on your overall health. John 6:25-27 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? 26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27 Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (KJV) Many today just consider God a meal ticket, and limit Him to just their outward desires and not the inward one. If you are truly going to last and endure to the end that process needs to be reversed. Galatians 3:1-4 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain, if it be yet in vain? (KJV) Years ago a famous song came out that said “you’re so vain”, making reference to a lifestyle based on self and not anyone else. Many begin this eternal race with good intentions, however only those that end this race on our Lord’s path will truly be crowned with eternal life. So Church let’s forget the past and not look beyond today; and take comfort in the fact that we are much closer to the end of this course than the beginning. So hang on another day and don’t be entangled with the affairs of this life. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 4:14-17 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeared for a little time, and then vanishes away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (KJV)
While watching a commercial recently the person made the statement that they have big plans in life, all these things they were going to do, none of which involved God or His leading. Do you have your life mapped out already, or have you decide to leave that up to the Lord who said that He is the only way, truth, as well as life that will get you to your eternal destination? Next time you spray something into the air think about your own life and how short a time we really do spend in this realm. Then you might ask yourself, is all that stuff I fretted about really worth it? 1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (KJV) Pilgrims are people that are passing through, heading for something better, their homeland. A stranger is someone who is not from these parts, but lives a different way according to their culture. You are in this world, but you should not really be a part of it because you are not going to be around much longer. So instead of giving ear to a bunch of silly petty fleshly lusts that will never get you to the place you need to be, cast down all those imaginations and get back into reality. James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fighting’s among you? Come hey not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 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. (KJV) The thief comes to steal your attention from God, which will result in you dying spiritually, thus destroying you for eternity. The writer James is describing what leads to that dead end, seeking to satisfy the carnal man more than the spiritual one. James 4:4-6 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. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, the spirit that dwells in us lusted to envy? 6 But he gives more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisted the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. (KJV) Pride comes right before the fall which is what happens when man gets more involved with the things of this world. Many relationships are based on what man’s lower nature becomes attached to and not what God would approve of, and this puts one in the category of a spiritual adulterer. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV) God is very clear and specific about what He approves of concerning gaining entrance into His kingdom. If any of these labels above are still attached to your name someday then you will have an eternity to ponder what should have been. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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