|
Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which sees in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (KJV)
Ask yourself this question honestly, am I as gung ho on Monday to please our Lord as I was on Sunday when I had an audience at church? What are my real motives for serving the Lord? Is it so that I can impress others, or am I more willing to serve in secret where our Lord sees and rewards? Colossians 3:22-25 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. (KJV) I have to chuckle sometimes when I see these ungodly telethons the so called preachers do on TV. Not only do they have the gall to beg for money, but then they put people’s names on the screen and give more credit to the largest donors which totally contradicts what the Lord would have His people do. It doesn’t matter who you are or claim to be, when you try to please man instead of God it is wrong and will not be rewarded. John 8:28-29 Then said Jesus unto them, when ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (KJV) Everyone would like to make the statement our Lord made in verse 29, and know it is true. In order for that to happen you will need to realize that you cannot please both God and man. You will see throughout the Bible that the people God has used were not always a crowd favorite. The only standing ovation a true man of God will get today is when they are walking out, and not walking in like many false prophets we are surrounded with today. 2 Corinthians 6:4-6 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watching’s, in feastings; 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, (KJV) Unfeigned means sincere, without hypocrisy, no hidden motives or agenda except to build up the people in truth. The difference between a real man of God and the pretenders, which are many, is that they are looking to build a following, while few are looking to build up the followers. 2 Corinthians 6:7-10 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (KJV) A true man of God is virtually unknown to many, yet well known to God. With the false prophets it is just the opposite. Dearly loved let’s be of the few and serve God in singleness of heart; God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:1-3 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (KJV)
Paul was very emphatic in making it known that His calling did not involve man, or his Jewish heritage. Because of this, God used Him to write a good portion of the Epistles. Paul belonged to what I will call the round church, because people realized that when he was around, there was church. Today many are more interested in what earthly organization they are a part of instead of knowing their place in the body of Christ. These are people that put others on pedestals thinking that God is unreachable and only speaks to certain individuals. Galatians 1:9-12 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV) When you accept the Lord as your savior, your days of people pleasing should come to an abrupt halt. You should no longer know people after the flesh; and realize no matter how nice and pleasant they may seem, if they bring anything other than truth your way, then you should be moving on. Matthew 16:21-23 From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savors not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (KJV) Our Lord didn’t mince words did He? Despite how close He may have been to Peter He wasn’t about to let anyone get in the way of what God was asking of Him. You too will need to put anyone who doesn’t agree with our Lord in your rear view mirror if you plan on really being pleasing God. Matthew 19:28-29 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (KJV) Many people desire a deeper relationship with God, the problem is they are not willing to let go of something or even someone that may be hindering their walk. In order to walk in the new, you will have to let go of the old, no matter how it manifests. Do you desire a hundredfold (which by the way is not money as many false prophets have claimed)? Then learn how to walk in the perfect will of God, the exact place where He has placed you today. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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)
In order to have a closer, more intimate relationship with our Lord, you will have to walk away from your own thoughts and ways. You will have to believe that He is the only way, truth, and life that will get you home. Without faith you re-enter the realm of the impossible where despite your best carnal efforts and intentions (which is what many of mans’ religions are based on), they will never be pleasing to God. So who are you really pleasing today? James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (KJV) The first step of faith is on our end; where we submit to God, and then step out towards Him. Many get duped in their walk waiting for something to happen first, before they will respond. These are people that will still be waiting and knocking on the door long after our Lord has returned to take His Church away. 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) Do you wonder why at times your walk with the Lord seems a bit stale and empty? Like, why is nothing new really happening in my life? Well, because you have been in a holding pattern, holding out for what you think works and not what our Lord would like to work in and through you. The joy of the Lord is our strength and you will find that if our Lord is not pleased with your walk, you are not going to have much joy either. Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by which we draw nigh unto God. (KJV) Another spiritual buzz kill is when a new born Christian who begins so well in the realm of the Spirit, is drawn back to the works of the law thinking that it will bring them closer to God. We are saved by grace through faith in what Christ, our only hope of glory, has done on our behalf. Isaiah 5:18-21 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: 19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (KJV) If you are not living by faith and taking a stand with our Lord, then you will fall for anything the enemy throws at you. I mean come on Church, our Lord said there is only one faith He gives credence to, yet with that said, look at how many denominations man has dreamed up, yikes. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:6-8 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 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. (KJV)
This week we are going to highlight the difference between pleasing God and pleasing people. Remember our Lord said that we were either with Him or against Him, there is no middle ground. The new life you walked into when you accepted salvation means that you are walking away from your old way of thinking. My old life before my conversion in Christ involved trying to please myself, as well as others around me by the outward appearance or facade I put on, which in the end I failed miserably at. Joshua 24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve you the LORD. 15 And if it seems evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (KJV) When I began my walk in the Spirit I found out immediately that it contradicted the gods or false religions of this world that I was indoctrinated with in my youth. Once I discovered the Lord and experienced His peace I found that in order to keep that peace I would no longer be able to serve those other gods that many others settle for. I found that in order to keep the peace of God ruling in my heart I would have to make it a priority to please God despite what other people may think. I have seen many who fall back into the abyss of the flesh; even though they began their new life in Christ with good intentions, they eventually caved into the whims and desires of others and did not pursue the Lord any further. Luke 16:13-15 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV) Another sore spot with many Christians goes deep into the heart and needs to be rooted out if they are going to not only begin their walk in the Spirit, but endure to the end. Many of God’s people have been set free for a season only to end up entangled again in the affairs of this world, and most of their thoughts and intentions are wrapped up in the carnal realm; which is not the realm our Lord wants to give them access to. 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) Right now we the Church are engaged to the Lord, and the marriage takes place when we leave this planet. I am sure if you were engaged to someone here on earth and found out they loved someone else, there would be no wedding; the same is true with the Lord, he is not going to marry someone who has been unfaithful. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. One of the definitions of joy is calm delight. When I think of calm delight I sense a peace and quietness within, satisfied in Christ. Now you think about it for a moment; where do your Spiritual senses take you?
It is like a warm blanket, a comforter, wrapped around your shoulders, knowing the warmth and comfort that it gives; it delights you and causes a satisfaction, a smile within and without. A coziness that you don’t want to let go of, but you desire to remain in. It is tranquil knowing that my delight is in the Lord and His delight is within me. We have been given a Comforter in Christ, the love of God which delights the inward man, and causes a satisfaction, a smile within which lights up the eyes of the soul; and when you smile at others they are able to see the calm delight within you, Christ our Lord. Many may not recognize what the light truly is which delights you, but they are drawn to it whether or not they acknowledge it. They don’t know where it comes from or where it goes but yet their spirit and soul desire it, even if for but a moment, because it truly delights and comforts them. Oh, if only they would remain there. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (KJV) Let your calm delight in Christ shine more and more unto the perfect day, giving the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, so that those who you come in contact with can be comforted with the same comfort you have been given in Him; and maybe, just maybe, one more might seek to remain in the Lord’s comfort and be delighted in Him; and in this all creation sings with joy. Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (KJV) Isaiah 55:12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (KJV) The only calm delight that can be experienced is in knowing the Lord and His righteousness. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength, pay it forward, and don’t hide it under a bushel but share it with others today. Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: (25) The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: (26) The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (KJV) God bless dearly loved; shine on and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (5) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (KJV)
In all things Paul did not want anyone’s faith to stand in the wisdom of man; his spoken words, his wisdom, or even his example, but rather that their faith should stand in the manifestation of the Spirit and of the power of God in their own lives. That which the Spirit revealed personally unto them, not man. There are too many Christians today whose faith stands in the wisdom of man; be it in traditions, or in doctrines of man, both of which corrupt the pure Word of God and the simplicity that is in Christ. Many don’t take the time to rightly divided the word of truth and then apply the truth in their own lives so that they can trust and depend on the power of God to overcome the world and its ways that try to come in and corrupt their house which was cleaned and swept by the loving mercy and grace of God. Don’t let your faith stand in anyone’s words or wisdom, but let the Spirit of God bear witness to that which is spoken or that which is done by revealing the truth and wisdom of God personally to you. Let your faith stand in that alone. If you do, then you have the power of God to sustain you in and through all trials and tribulation that you may suffer for Christ’s sake. Your personal relationship with God through Christ, the manifestation of the Spirit and of the power, is where your faith should stand. Jesus Christ said that the words that He speaks unto us are Spirit and they are life; so let your faith stand sure (firm, nothing wavering) in Him; in this the power and wisdom of God will keep you and death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 1:2-3 You must consider it the purest joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, for you surely know that what is genuine in your faith produces the patient mind that endures; (Williams New Testament)
Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition for ‘genuine’: Etymology: Latin genuinus innate, genuine; akin to Latin gignere to beget -- Date: circa 1639 1 a : actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character b : actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author <the signature is genuine> c : sincerely and honestly felt or experienced <a deep and genuine love> d : actual, true <a genuine improvement> 2 : free from hypocrisy or pretense : sincere That which is real and alive in your walk with the Lord; that which is revealed personally to you from our Father in heaven is what is genuine. It is able to produce the peace that passes all understanding and keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus our Lord. Where there is peace, there is patience; and the mind of Christ which endures and has overcome. Hebrews 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (KJV) Examine yourself, and consider what is genuine in your faith today. Is it of man or of God? For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day. (KJV)
This is just a reminder of what manner of man we were and of the grace and mercy of God our Father. Through His Son Jesus Christ He delivered us from our destruction and this present evil world (Egypt), (Romans 6:17-18). And when we enter into His rest and cease from our own works, in doing this we keep the sabbath day, the day of rest that He has given unto His people, accepting the completed work He has done on our behalf. Today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time to enter into His rest (Hebrews 4:1-11). Psalms 103:11-18 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. (12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. (13) Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (14) For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. (15) As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. (16) For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. (17) But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; (18) To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. (KJV) Sunday is not the only day of the week that we are to keep, but each day that the Lord makes is the sabbath day, even though many still hold to this one day a week above all others. Don’t be as the many, but be as the few that hold each day sacred before God laboring to remain in His rest; cease from your own works, and trust the good work being completed in you in Christ. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let not thy heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. When we are at peace with God, in unity with Him in Christ, there is no need to be afraid or troubled in heart. He has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (1Cor 1:24, Rom 5:5-6, 1Cor 2:16). Think of being still as being the quietness of heart and mind; the heart and mind in unity with God. It is the still small voice that we hear when we quiet the heart and mind, and stay it on Him that we are able to hear His guidance and counsel for whatever the need or situation may be that we are facing.
Isaiah 26:4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (KJV) Isaiah 26:4 1. This is here the matter of a promise (v. 3): Thou wilt keep him in peace, peace, in perfect peace, inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace of conscience, peace at all times, under all events; this peace shall he be put into, and kept in the possession of, whose mind is stayed upon God, because it trusts in him. It is the character of every good man that he trusts in God, puts himself under his guidance and government, and depends upon him that it shall be greatly to his advantage to do so. Those that trust in God must have their minds stayed upon him, must trust him at all times, under all events, must firmly and faithfully adhere to him, with an entire satisfaction in him; and such as do so God will keep in perpetual peace, and that peace shall keep them. When evil tidings are abroad those shall calmly expect the event, and not be disturbed by frightful apprehensions arising from them, whose hearts are fixed, trusting in the Lord, Psalms 112:7. 2. It is the matter of a precept (v. 4): "Let us make ourselves easy by trusting in the Lord for ever; since God has promised peace to those that stay themselves upon him, let us not lose the benefit of that promise, but repose an entire confidence in him. Trust in him for ever, at all times, when you have nothing else to trust to; trust in him for that peace, that portion, which will be for ever." Whatever we trust to the world for, it will be but for a moment: all we expect from it is confined within the limits of time. But what we trust in God for will last as long as we shall last. For in the Lord Jehovah-Jah, Jehovah, in him who was, and is, and is to come, there is a rock of ages, a firm and lasting foundation for faith and hope to build upon; and the house built on that rock will stand in a storm. Those that trust in God shall not only find in him, but receive from him, everlasting strength, strength that will carry them to everlasting life, to that blessedness which is for ever; and therefore let them trust in him for ever, and never cast away nor change their confidence. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary) Be still and know that He is the God of all creation and is able to do above and beyond what you could ever ask or think. Shalom brethren. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:23-26 Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV)
One of the things that irks me a bit is when I hear all this nonsense about Bible memorization. Most of what I hear these people promoting is dealing with the carnal mind and not the Spirit. If you truly love God and His people then you will rely on the Sprit to give the answer that is needed. Let the Spirit remind you what needs to be said and quit relying on mans’ scripted answers. John 8:28-29 Then said Jesus unto them, when ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (KJV) Even Jesus of Nazareth had to be taught by the Holy Spirit otherwise he could have been misled and fallen into sin. Even though many claim he was God, you see that just like you and I he had to rely on our Father in heaven to do those things that were pleasing in His sight. Wouldn’t that be wonderful to be able to make the statement “I do always those things the please him”. Well, the more you allow the Spirit to teach you and the more you rely on what you are hearing from Him, the more you will be pleasing to God. That is when our walk becomes louder than our talk. Romans 10:16-18 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (KJV) Verse 17 is misquoted often because many think you get more faith when you hear more of the Word. The reality is that we all have been given the same measure of faith that Jesus Christ operated in; and when we hear the Word personally, straight from the source, we see more of what we were given when we were born again. As you see, the Lord is no respecter of persons; His word is already out and about covering the whole planet; it’s the hearing part that is lacking on our end and not His. Amos 8:11-13 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. 13 In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst. (KJV) Today there is a spiritual famine taking place, a result of a lack of spiritual hearing. Many of God’s people, who begin in the Spirit, are falling away because they are relying more on what the outward man is dictating instead of the inward one. Revelation 2:25-29 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV) Our Lord’s final warning to the Church before it is taken away involves hearing; holding fast to what you hear from God and not man. The reality is that you will never be able to overcome until you give ear to what the Spirit of truth is speaking to you. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
AuthorWe are stewards of the mystery of Christ. Ambassadors on His behalf to share the conditions of peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Archives
December 2024
Categories
All
|