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Hebrews 10:36-39 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draws back, 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)
Our time here on planet earth is a short audition to see who really desires to spend eternity with God. God set up a perfect plan of salvation, a filtering process that weeds out the pretenders. Remember, heaven has already gone through some turnover when about a third of the angels rebelled. Yet a little while is all our Lord is really asking of you today Church, just hold on a bit more and you can have eternal life. Those that are justified in Christ live by what He is asking of them, and they are not being influenced by all the other religious outward nonsense that we see many falling for. Bottom line, if you can’t do something faithfully, letting the peace of God rule then it is something you should consider no longer pursuing. I John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever. (KJV) The love of the world and the things in it is like a plague that is taking down many of God’s people. Those who have begun well in the Spirit, but now think perfection can be achieved by something in the flesh. It is up to you to know the difference between what is of God and His word, and what is a cheap temporal imitation of the world is. If the world is passing away right before our eyes then it goes without saying that those that are still hanging onto it are also passing away. Matthew 16:24-26 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (KJV) If you decide to chase after something of this life you will lose sight of the eternal one, but if you let go of the things of this life then you will be able to grasp hold of those that involve the eternal one. So today do a bit of self examination and really determine for yourself which realm has your attention, the outward or the inward? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 2:15-16 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (KJV)
Whenever you see that word vain or vanity it is associated with the term empty or worthless. The enemy cannot pull you out of the kingdom of God physically; however, he tries to get people duped into wrestling with flesh and blood, people and issues, things that are of no importance as far as the kingdom of God is concerned. It is up to you personally to get to know God and His voice so that you can discern between what is of God, and what is not. Pick your battles so to speak so that you are not like a prize fighter expending a lot of energy throwing a punch, but never hitting your target. 2 Timothy 2:3-5 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strives for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. (KJV) Imagine entering the ring getting ready for your match and being tangled in your robe and unable to get free. We all desire to be crowned someday, but that will only take place for those that live the way the Lord intended; in spirit and in truth. A fighter not only knows how to throw a punch, but as verse 3 states sometimes we need to know how to take a punch and keep our feet. It’s really easy to accept the blessings and enjoy them, but persecutions are a part of the package as well. John 18:35-36 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (KJV) If you notice the Lord didn’t get pulled into something that His Father wasn’t asking of Him because He knew the difference between what was of God and what was of man. The Lord also knew that some of these people were not seeking a closer relationship with His Father, rather they were just looking for something to pin on Him, and given the fact that this man lived a life without sin it would have been difficult to say the least. Ask yourself honestly today ‘are some of the things that I get worked up and irked by really worth it?’ Matthew 26:50-52 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. (KJV) Take note that if you get too caught up in something the Lord is not asking you to pursue you to will not last. Many of God’s people perish for lack of knowledge because they don’t know how to discern, or rightly divide the word of truth. Dearly loved, don’t let your labor of love today be in vain by getting entangled in the affairs of this life; instead rightly divide what is of truth and what is not. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 14:12-14 There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. (KJV)
The word mirth refers to pleasure as well as a happy issue. For those that have come to know the Lord personally in Spirit and in truth they are no longer basing their walk on feelings and emotions. I say this because sometimes we are our own worst enemies; we base things on happiness, and not the joy of the Lord which is what we should be relying on for our strength. Much of what man calls a worship service is nothing more than an emotional lift or fix, followed by a crash back to reality. Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happened according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happened according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity. 15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun. 16 When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes :) 17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. (KJV) In these last days that we live in we see how mankind comes up with more gimmicks and nonsense to try to satisfy an inward hunger. Man runs to and fro seeking something that will give him satisfaction, only to find out in the end it was nothing more than a mirage. Many of man’s doctrines are based on empty promises by those that promise liberty, but they themselves are still the servants of corruption. The reason mankind doesn’t truly understand God and His ways is because they keep looking in the wrong places to find Him, like in this outward fallen world, and not in the realm of Spirit and truth where He is today. 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (KJV) Waving at the ceiling or jumping up and down to a bunch of loud gaudy music supposedly in the name of the Lord will not get you to the place you need to be today. Someday soon the Lord is going to shine the spotlight in your direction before allowing you to enter into His eternal joy, and you better make sure it is not built on a flammable foundation. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:9-11 I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. (KJV)
Another form of deception the thief uses to mask the truth is works, religious rituals, and works of the old law that are no longer in play. For some reason man decided that once they were saved they would need to continue the works of the law that the Lord already fulfilled on their behalf so that they would no longer be in bondage to them. The thief ties up many of God’s people when they allow strings to be attached to the simple liberating doctrine of Christ by reverting back to works. Titus 1:14-16 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (KJV) One of the issues that rob the Jews today from walking in the truth is that they still hold to the old law and its outdated commandments. Whether Jew or Gentile they all get the same results when operating outside the realm of grace by faith. Many today claim to be saved by grace, then turn right around and go back to the works of the law which puts them in the category of a reprobate, unapproved of God, or should I say robbed blind? Galatians 3:10-12 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them. (KJV) Many of God’s people begin in the Spirit, but then get taken back down by the works of the law that the Lord came and did away with. When you revert back to these dead works you have to live with the results as well, which is a curse. If you are not with God and on the same page then you are in opposition, which as we see, is robbery to say the least. 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) If you are not seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then you will not be justified in His sight. When one reverts back to the works of the law you are in a realm where sin is still in play and not done away which is just the place the enemy desires to see you, tied up and gagged while he is pilfering your house. Dearly loved, what shall you do that you might work the works of God? You are to believe on Him whom He has sent. Keep is simple and let the Spirit do the leading. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 4:18-19 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV)
We have been talking about masks this week, those things which veil and hide the truth from many who should know better; which is why God sent His Son our way, to unveil the truth. God promises to supply all and not just some of our need; however, that only happens when we do it His way. The reason many don’t know their true source is due to the fact that they walk more by outward, than inward sight. Romans 13:1-3 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resists the power resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the same: (KJV) When you resist the power of God you end up in the damnation column, and not the winners circle. You find that somewhere along the line you got duped into something that wasn’t of God and were derailed. Romans 13:4-6 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (KJV) Hey preachers, while you are whining and fussing about a lack of support, did you know that God considers those that are firemen, policemen, and military His ministers also? With that in mind do you see what is required on our end concerning this matter? Yes, that would mean that we are definitely required to pay tribute which does mean taxes, something you need to embrace rather than turn away from. Romans 13:7-8 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law. (KJV) Bottom line, if your preacher is asking for support from his congregation, take a moment and ask him if he is paying his fair share in the form of custom, which are taxes. If not, then anyone of those people who are hiding under the guise of the 501-C3 tax loophole of man should not be someone you or any other Christian should be giving their support to. Mark 12:14-17 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and cares for no man: for thou regards not the person of men, but teaches the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him. (KJV) Take note of verse 15 which describes those that were trying to sidestep their tax obligations. We see the Lord put them in the category of hypocrites. Given the fact that the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever what makes you think He is going to change His mind today? Also note that the Lord is crystal clear on the fact that we need to render to Caesar as well as to God. You can’t have one without the other. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:9-10 I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)
Today it’s time to uncover another mask that many preachers have been hiding under; their obligation when it comes to paying taxes. The reality is many are drowning because they have gone off the deep end trying to do an end run around what their obligation is concerning this topic. Church we are supposed to be an example of the believers and if we are sidestepping and tap dancing around the truth, we will find our self robbed blind. James 5:4-5 Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cried: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbath. 5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. (KJV) Oh that stuff in the book of James only refers to CEO’S of big corporations and not ministers. Really, well who built the road that your so called minister drove on to get to his building? How about the nice, convenient indoor plumbing fixtures that the city installed? The list goes on and on, but the bottom line is that those same ministers are not shy about reminding people of their obligations when it comes time to pass the plate are they? Leviticus 19:12-14 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shall thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. 13 Thou shall not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. 14 Thou shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear thy God: I am the LORD. (KJV) Many are robbing God the opportunity to work on their behalf and supply all their need by taking a shortcut when it comes time to pay their fair share of taxes. They hide under the mask of a 501-C3 tax law thinking it allows them to be exempt. I thought the Church was supposed to live by a higher law, that being a law of faith. Jeremiah 22:12-13 But he shall die in the place whither they have led him captive, and shall see this land no more. 13 Woe unto him that builds his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that uses his neighbor’s service without wages, and gives him not for his work; (KJV) What do you tell our Vets that are sitting in your congregations in need of assistance? Usually the buck is passed and the finger pointed at the government, but why wouldn’t you be willing to do your part and pay your fair share? Matthew 17:25-27 He saith, yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, what thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shall find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV) Given the fact that the Lord was sent to be our example then why are God’s people not following suit? The truth is they are letting the thief rob them blind. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:10-13 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and cares not for the sheep. (KJV)
Many false prophets have risen up and are pulling off easy heists on people that should know better, the Christians. Many of God’s people begin with good intentions, and then get lazy and dull of hearing, looking more to man for the answer than God. Many think salvation is a meal ticket and that being a pastor is more of an occupation and not a real way of life. Those are the ones our Lord has put in the category of hirelings, the ones who when the going gets tough, usually get going in the opposite direction. Luke 8:5-8 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit a hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear let him hear. (KJV) Let’s pull the mask off one of the doctrines man tries to pawn off as truth and see for ourselves what really lies beneath all this nonsense man equates with the term hundred fold. Let me ask you this question straight up, when the Lord came along and sowed His seed, was He walking around throwing out wads of cash, or was His seed referring to something else, something spiritual? So why does mankind today associate the seed with something carnal, that being a love of money? Luke 8:9-12 And his disciples asked him, saying, what might this parable be? 10 And he said, unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. (KJV) The devil is alive and on the move today equating the things of God with carnal things and robbing the people blind. As we see clearly illustrated the seed is the word of God which is described as something living and powerful. No wonder the thief tries and equate that with something other than what God intended, which is seeing His people fruitful, living, and powerful. Mark 4:18-20 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (KJV) The reality is, does God actually owe us a hundredfold return on the money you give to man’s so called ministry, or is it us that He expects a hundredfold return on the seed He has sown within us, a full harvest of the fruit of the Spirit? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:8-10 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)
This week we will uncover the many masks of satan; and for those that have the eyes of their understanding enlightened to the truth, they will not have the wool, or veil pulled over their eyes. In order to live an abundant life in the Spirit you will need to no longer allow the enemy to rob you blind. Have you ever noticed when a thief pulls off a heist they put a mask on to cover their true identity? The Lord and His people are able to see right through these carnal facades which manifest in the form of man’s religions and doctrines and like verse 8 alludes to; all those that put themselves or their own names before the Lord’s are not going to end up in a good place. Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (KJV) It’s the pits for those that think they know better than God, those who try to distort His plan of salvation by diverting attention from God back to man. I have noticed the truth being masked by many who have the audacity to put their own names on their ministries. The truth is, they are actually attempting to put their own names above the name which is above every name and that just doesn’t fly through the Lord’s spiritual radar, nor should it through yours. John 5:40-43 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. 41 I receive not honor from men. 42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (KJV) Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak; when you see any other name attached to a ministry, it’s telling you whose ministry it really is. There is only one mediator God gives ear to and that is the man Christ Jesus sitting to His right, and not all the other pretenders who will end up left out. John 5:44-45 How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuses you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. (KJV) The devil is described as the accuser of the brethren and we see clearly through the masks of man that those that seek their honor and rewards here on earth will end up convicted and sentenced to an eternity of despair. Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (KJV) Clearly seen, there is a difference between those that exalt themselves, and those the Lord exalts; Jesus Christ is still seated above while all others are sent packing. In conclusion, if someone decides to put their name above the Lord’s it would do you well to move on. God bless and don’t settle for less. Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)
To sum up the week, we have talked about running the race our Lord set out for His people, a race of endurance and making it to the finish line. We see above that when the coach is knocking on the door to get you up and moving, you have to let Him in. You also see that you have to open up to Him and be honest so that you are not weighed down with a bunch of unnecessary spiritual baggage. Galatians 5:16-17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (KJV) The true path of life is no longer going to be found in this realm because it only exists in the Spirit. If you are not in the Spirit then you are in the flesh and the two just don’t jive, it’s one or the other. Many think they are on course based on the outward appearance, but inwardly they have missed the boat. John 4:23-24 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) The reason the Lord is knocking on the door of your heart today is so He can show you a better way. You see again that we have to be on the inside in order for this salvation to actually work. If any one of the two things above is lacking, whether spirit or truth, then you will not be set free to be in the running today for your crown of life. Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) You do desire the full package, the complete deal, right? Well, then you have to be in Christ, and most importantly stay in the realm of the spirit and make it a way of life. A lot of people may have told you a lot of different ways concerning salvation; however, it is up to you personally to find the one way that will lead to eternal life. Romans 8:7-9 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV) We can be our own worst enemies’ when we begin the race in the Spirit, and then try to perfect it in the flesh, leaning back to our own understanding. Let’s get out of the old and into the new where we belong, and start experiencing some results. God bless the true Church in Christ, and stay on course. Galatians 3:1-3 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? (KJV)
It’s really quite obvious to see those that are really running the race that is leading them to the destination the Lord intended for them because they are doing it by faith, and not works. Those that have been blown off course with every wind of man’s doctrines are those that begin the heavenly race with good intentions, but end up getting derailed by religion. I see many who claim to be called of God actually naming their organizations after themselves and not the Lord, which in reality tells you who they are getting their instructions from. Those that put themselves or others up on pedestals will find how quickly the Lord will kick the chair out from under them when it comes time for their reality check. Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (KJV) Those that have aspirations of serving the Lord should know what they are really getting into before asking for something they may not be ready to finish. Putting self before others and trying to make a name for yourself or any other nonsense of the flesh is something you will need to leave at the door before the Lord will use you. When running this race are you really willing to put others before yourself? Philippians 2:6-9 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (KJV) The Lord did not come to make a reputation for Himself. If He were here today you wouldn’t see Him standing in front of the cameras in some three piece suit getting a standing ovation. Walking in the Spirit involves a way that totally contradicts the way of the flesh, and those that are willing to take the lowest place here on earth will find themselves exalted to the highest one in heaven. The flip side is those that settle for their reward here on earth, which is what the people pleasers do, will find themselves put in their place; that being the lowest one in the pits of hell. Those that put their own names on a ministry have actually exalted their name above the highest one, that being Jesus Christ, and if you recall the devil made that same feeble attempt; look where he ended up. Luke 14:10-11 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shall thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11 For whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. (KJV) Somehow man has gotten things backward which is why many are running the wrong way, following the blind into a ditch. Dearly loved, be not wise in your own eyes, but in the will of the Lord. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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