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Good morning; well you are probably wondering why the date indicates that it is Friday, when in fact it is Thursday 8/22. (Scroll down to 8/22 for Thursday's posting). We are taking some time off from postings, and will resume posting on September 2nd; so please enjoy going through the archives.
John 6:38-40 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which sees the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (KJV) It is truly the will of God to see that no one perishes, but that all of mankind would come to repentance. However, when looking around we see just the opposite of what the Lord intended. God sent us a perfect example in the form of His Son so that we could follow His example of what happens when we do the will of God, and because of His obedience He is seated right next to Him today. I John 2:16-17 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) Whatever you do don’t buy into the highlight reel of the enemy where he shows you the pleasure of sin, but not the consequences which are eternal. It still comes down to the fact that in order for you to make it to your eternal destination you will have to be willing to do more of what the Spirit is asking, and less of what the flesh desires. I John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us: 15 And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him (KJV) Not every one of your prayers is going to get a response from above. Your confidence is built upon the fact that you are seeking a closer relationship with God based on the Spiritual and not the carnal. That thing or even that person you just think you can’t live without might be something holding you back and not allowing you to move forward. James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fighting’s among you? Come they 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) Hey what happened, I used to have peace and joy in my life and now it seems like a hornets’ nest inside. Well, you got a bit self willed and into some stuff that was not of God and not beneficial to your Spiritual welfare. You better watch out because the enemy just might throw a cheap imitation your way and try to entice you back to a realm that you don’t belong in. Ephesians 5:14-17 Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleeps, and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (KJV) It seems like they have come up with a lot of zombie movies these days where dead people are meandering around aimlessly in life. Well, this premise gets played out by many of God’s people who should know better, but have strayed because they are no longer seeking the will or purpose of why they were created in the first place. Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (KJV) You were created for a reason and a purpose; have you found what that is today? Are you bringing joy to the Lord because you are doing what He had determined was best for you, or are you trying to take an alternate route? Someday you will want to hear well done good and faithful servant, so why not let that start today. I pray you will. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Titus 1:7-9 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (KJV)
We have been looking at the will and purpose of God this week, and as we see above there are certain qualifications the Lord requires for those that are seeking the position of a bishop. A bishop or an elder are those that oversee the flock or congregation, but most importantly they should lead by example, the ones that are doers and not just hearers of the Word. If you notice, the first thing the Lord deals with is the will, because you have to get self out of the equation before HIs will, will ever function. 2 Peter 2:10-12 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; (KJV) The Bible describes a fool and how he is known or made manifest, and that would be by the multitude of nonsense that comes out of their mouth. These are the ones that are always complaining about all the other churches and pastors and how they run things, despite the fact that their own lives are dysfunctional. Don’t think for one moment there are not a lot of these natural brute beasts within the so called church, you know those folks with the holier than though attitudes? Proverbs 29:18-20 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he. 19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understands he will not answer. 20 See thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him. (KJV) You know when things are not right between you and God because the Holy Spirit will convict your heart. You can run and try to hide or play the blame game, but in the end you will be judged according to the will of God. Take note of the fact that when you try to justify yourself with a bunch of idle words it puts you in the category of a fool. Hosea 4:6-8 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shall be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. 7 As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. 8 They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. (KJV) Knowledge is not just something you read in a book, or get by keeping headphones on all day. Knowledge is something you actually walk in and make a way of life because you are doing the will of God and not your own. Do notice that God is specific in pointing out that His people who should know better are still being destroyed and will not be considered for the position of a priest or bishop. God bless dearly loved, and be diligent today to make your calling and election sure. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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)
Sometimes these verses are referred to as the cure for care, where you learn to let go and allow someone much more qualified to take over. Just like a parent would not neglect or forget to take care for their child, how much better do you think the Lord could do if you would allow Him? The reason you don’t need to take thought for tomorrow is because the Lord did that for you a long time ago, before He created this world. This is the same Lord that knew how many hairs you have on your head, as well as how many sparrows expired. Still think He needs help? Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (KJV) I know sometimes you think you blew it, or some decision you made in the distant past is coming back to haunt you. You will find that the words purpose and will are pretty much one in the same; so despite the outward appearance of things at times, let the peace of God continue to rule before hitting the panic button. That word predestinate is not as complicated as man makes it out to be. Quite frankly God predestinated all of mankind to make it to their eternal home and spend eternity with Him. Romans 8:30-32 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (KJV) If you keep your mind renewed to what the Lord is saying and not what your carnal mind tries to dictate then you wouldn’t be so bent out of shape. As long as you are willing and obedient to what our Lord is asking of you this day, it’s all good Church, high five. 2 Timothy 1:8-10 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 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: (KJV) Think you have it rough? Look at what Paul went through to get the message out. This man penned most of the epistles from a jail cell knowing that despite the outward appearance, inwardly he knew he was doing the will of God. If you make the Lord a priority in your life He will appear to you personally and you won’t get so rattled when things don’t appear to look so hot. God bless dearly loved, and let the peace of God rule and reign in your heart today; and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 26:38-41 Then saith he unto them, my soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and found them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (KJV)
We all go through struggles and trials at times when the Lord asks us to take up our spiritual cross and die to something or someone that may be hindering our walk. What you will find is that the spirit is willing; it’s our flesh that is weak and cannot comprehend the things of God. The carnal mind is our enemy because it is limited in its capacity and is unable to see beyond what it considers to be possible. By renewing your mind you will be able to operate in a realm that you thought was impossible. 2 Corinthians 8:9-12 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (KJV) Here’s a prosperity message you can sink your teeth into, becoming rich. No, we’re not talking about the riches of this world; we’re talking about becoming rich in faith. The Lord became poor as far as the world was concerned so that He could rely solely on God to be His source. This does take a willing mind, renewed daily to the things of God, so that you don’t go back chasing the things of this world. The Lord called you and accepted you for who you are and not for what you may think or what others may try to make you think. So don’t think less of yourself just because you are not a pastor of some big congregation. Hebrews 13:17-18 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. 18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. (KJV) I recently experienced a situation where I knew that I would need permits from the County to make some improvements to our property. I had people tell me to just play dumb or basically hope no one sees it. When I didn’t find peace with that, I just went to the County with the proposal and was amazed at how friendly and enthusiastically we were treated. When I had prayed about playing dumb the Lord asked me if I wanted Him to play dumb with me concerning my prayer requests. If you desire to have a clear conscience then you need to be willing to do all things from the heart knowing someone above is always watching out for you. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jeremiah 29:11-12 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. (KJV)
So what was the reason that you came to the Lord in the first place? Was it because you enjoyed the music on Sunday mornings and having nice people to hang out with? Or maybe you came to the conclusion that something was missing in your life and you sensed there was something better going on? Well, what you will find out is that the Lord has an expectation for your life, something He personally mapped out for you before the foundation of the world. Now it’s up to you to find out what your calling and purpose is and then see things through to the end. Jeremiah 29:13-14 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive. (KJV) What you may have discovered is that the Lord didn’t change you outwardly; rather you found an inner peace that you never experienced before, and you also will discover that in order to be set free and not taken captive spiritually again you will need to continue your search in the realm of the Spirit. Just like with any reformed convict in this world, if they return to their old ways then it’s likely they will be locked up again. Jeremiah33:2-3 Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; 3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knows not. (KJV) The Lord didn’t create you just to watch you struggle and suffer through life in fear and torment. He came so that you could have life and have it in abundance. Abundant life will not be found in this world, rather it comes from within; and what it now comes down to is learning to walk more by faith and not by sight. Galatians 1:3-5 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom is glory forever and ever. Amen. (KJV) It all comes down to the will of God, what He expects of you. God sent us a deliverer so that you would not have to live in bondage to sin and death. He sent His deliverer with the keys of the kingdom of God so that you could be set free from your own carnal prison and walk in a new found liberty in Christ. As you see in verse 5, by living your life according to the will of God you can spend an eternity giving thanks and praise to Him personally for all that has been accomplished on your behalf. God bless dearly loved, and give praise to God for the abundant life He has blessed us with. Have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 4:16-19 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. 18 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. (KJV)
We are skipping forward here as the Lord expounds the meaning of the parable of the sower. He spells out what happens when one doesn’t get rooted and grounded in truth, becoming easy prey for the enemy, many times without them even realizing that they are being deceived. 1 Timothy 6:5-8 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV) Have you learned to be content today, knowing who your source truly is? If not, then you will find yourself uprooted and the life being choked out of you. Many people wonder what they can do to move forward in their walk with the Lord, verse 6 shows us clearly how to take that step forward. 1 Timothy 6:9-12 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (KJV) Drowning can take the life of a person, and as we see illustrated above many are entangled in sea weeds of this life, drowning spiritually. Many false prophets today are trying to mix the things of God with the riches of this life and it is nothing short of dead doctrine to say the least. Take note of the fact that these teachings are taking God’s people from a love for Him and diverting their attention back to the carnal realm. Something we should be fleeing from, not flocking to. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingered not, and their damnation slumbered not. (KJV) Covetousness in the New Testament is considered idolatry. If you are not sure what happens to idolaters you only need to go back through your Bible and you will find out. If you are in an organization that focuses more on carnal riches than spiritual ones I would cut those roots off immediately. God truly does consider His people more than just some cheap merchandise of the enemy. John 2:14-16 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise. (KJV) The Lord took up residence in you and you are now considered to be the temple of God. The first thing He does is drive out those things which are a hindrance, and replaces them with a new desire. Have you kept the enemy on the outside or is his influence creeping back in trying to set up shop all over again? Dearly loved, keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. God bless and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 4:5-7 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: 6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. (KJV)
The warnings are so clear yet ignored by those that should know better. Instead of being an easy pushover for the enemy like you were before your conversion, you should be rooted and grounded enough to hold your ground, not giving place to the enemy. Matthew 15:12-14 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13 But he answered and said, every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (KJV) Today we are surrounded with a lot more Pharisees who are unable to see beyond the realm of the flesh. It’s because of their shallow teachings that many don’t last as far as the kingdom of God is concerned, despite the fact that they are regulars at man’s religious organizations. Don’t you desire more than the cookie cutter assembly line we see running around today, supposedly in the name of the Lord? Remember the Lord was very specific in the fact that only those that endure to the end will be saved. Colossians 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (KJV) Just because you made a commitment to the Lord and have been saved doesn’t mean that’s it; this is just the beginning. We still have our lower carnal natures to deal with, and we can be our own worst enemies when we lean back to our own understanding. Sometimes we spend too much time in our heads analyzing things instead of staying rooted and grounded in the heart. Colossians 2:6-8 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 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. (KJV) If the doctrine does not involve Christ then it is not going to go very deep. Beware that you don’t let any man spoil or uproot you; and yes that does include yourself when you are operating according to your outward sight and not the inward one. Psalms 1:1-4 Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. (KJV) Get yourself near the river of life and get planted in the fertile soil and you will not be like the many that get blown away with man’s winds of doctrines. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 4:5-7 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: 6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. (KJV)
Carnal Christians are those that endure for a season but don’t last because of the motive of their heart. Many will jump on the blessing bandwagon and are all in concerning the good things of God, but when it comes time for persecution they call it quits. It’s like a lot of marriages today where they have a big extravagant wedding followed by an elaborate honeymoon, only to end up in divorce court, usually over something silly and petty. John 6:26-27 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) I have seen this scenario played out many times with big time ministries on TV and people I have associated with. They use God for their own advantage, to bless their businesses and families, but when it comes time to die to self and to be willing to walk away from something that may not be beneficial to their spiritual welfare, they refuse. Mark 10:21-23 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, one thing thou lacks: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looked round about, and said unto his disciples, how hardly they that have riches shall enter into the kingdom of God! (KJV) What has manifested in these last days are many ear tickling organizations who are willing to cater to mans’ lower nature and not the new one the Lord died for. The Lord has called many into His kingdom, but few are chosen because they are not willing to take up their spiritual cross and die to the things that hinder their walk, no matter how it manifests or how close to home it hits. Many still think they are walking with God because there are many organizations that are willing to compromise and not speak truth. Luke 17:14-17 And when he saw them, he said unto them, go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, was there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? (KJV) This verse reminds me of the many fair weather Christians who come to God in a time of need, but then take a hike when all is well. If you desire to get rooted in the kingdom of God then will you have to be one of the few who continually comes back to the Lord seeking more. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 4:3-4 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. (KJV)
Ever watch the old western movies when the people would look up into the sky and see the buzzards circling? These birds saw someone dead or someone about to go down and would pounce on them. Well, the enemy has many birdbrain doctrines flying around that are falling on easy prey for those that don’t know how to pray effectively. Ephesians 2:1-2 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: (KJV) The enemy doesn’t just show up and tap people on the back and introduce himself. He comes as an imposter, bringing a doctrine that is just too good to be true. In many cases it is just that, because instead of denying our own desires, he brings about a doctrine that tries to cater to our lower fallen nature, yet one that is not justified by God. 2 Peter 3:15-17 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. (KJV) That word wrest in verse 16 means to twist and pervert the scriptures. In simple terms, today it could be summed up in one word, denominations. Anything outside the realm of faith is sin; and like in baseball it will be considered out of play. Take note that the enemy preys on the unstable or unlearned people who, though they may have had a born again experience with God, let their guard down and get eaten alive with an inferior doctrine. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 who resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (KJV) A lion in the outward realm is being compared to a liar who goes about seeking someone to devour. A lion will not chase a healthy animal or one that will fight back, but will wait for the weak or injured ones and then pounce all over them. They will use their roar to cause misdirection getting them to run right into their trap. Many of mans’ doctrines are predicated on the same principles. Ezekiel 34:26-28 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. 27 And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. 28 And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid. (KJV) See what happens when you let the word of God, which is described as being living and powerful, take root in you. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 4:1-3 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. 2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, 3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: (KJV)
Parables are like an analogy which compares something based on fact in this realm to what is taking place in the spiritual one. God is a Spirit so it is crucial to come to a spiritual understanding of His Word in order to walk in the Spirit, and worship Him the way He intended. Please don’t think worship involves standing in a building waving your hands to the ceiling in some emotional trance. True worship or reverence for God is the lifestyle you live outside the friendly confines of mans’ religious organizations. What you will find out when reading all of Mark 4 is that salvation has to become a lifestyle, and not some Sunday song and dance ritual. John 4:36-38 And he that reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit unto life eternal: that both he that sowed and he that reaps may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One sowed, and another reaps. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors. (KJV) The reality is that there is only one sower; do you know who He is? Despite many who claim to be speaking on God’s behalf there is only one doctrine that the Lord gives credence to, and it’s sad to say in these last days few are allowing God to do the sowing. You will find throughout the Word that God’s kingdom is not divided, otherwise it would fall. One Lord, one faith is the only thing that He responds to, while anything else gets discarded. 1 Corinthians 3:3-5 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollo’s; are ye not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollo’s, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (KJV) As we see illustrated above man is the one that brings in division, and it is not something God intended. When you are born again you are considered a minister of God even if don’t have a degree. 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 I have planted, Apollo’s watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planted any thing, neither he that watered; but God that gives the increase. 8 Now he that planted and he that watered are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. (KJV) Did you notice the kind of people God speaks through? It is those that are humble enough to realize that they are nothing without Him. The ones who are willing to teach and preach the doctrine of Christ and are not concerned with pleasing people. These are the ones that are looking for a heavenly reward, treasuring the things of God more than what man has to offer. II John 1:9-11 Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV) The devil has many of his impersonators sowing tares amongst the wheat. A tare is a false version of the wheat which looks the same on the outside; however, when bitten into it has a bitter and intoxicating effect. It’s up to you to rightly divide the word of truth so that you know what is coming direct from God’s mouth. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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