|
1 Samuel 16:6-8 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, surely the LORD's anointed is before him. 7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, neither hath the LORD chosen this. (KJV)
Today our Lord is looking to see who is willing to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Our Lord is not concerned with the outward appearance, but is looking within. Now if the Lord looks at the inward thoughts and intents of the heart then shouldn’t we as His people follow suit? How do you judge organizations you attend? Do you judge based on how nice people are, or how well they dress? Or are you looking to hear sound doctrine by those who are not concerned with pleasing man? 1 Samuel 16:10-12 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and, behold, he keeps the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. (KJV) So why wasn’t David brought in with the rest of the brothers? Haven’t you been influenced by those you thought God had chosen first to serve Him, only to find out later that they just are not doing it from the heart? You will find out that the last person you may have thought was of God was in reality His first choice; you know like Paul the Apostle? While those that claim they are God’s first choice are actually the last ones He would choose. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: (KJV) So you have done some foolish things in your past, or maybe you realize how foolish it is at times when we the creation still try to tell the Creator how He should run His kingdom. Well, when you realize how foolish your thoughts and ways are you then give God someone to work with because you are willing to step out of the way and let Him take over. Most of what we see out there concerning salvation is based on what others think and not what our Lord is saying about how salvation truly works. 1 Corinthians 1:29-31 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord. (KJV) Yawn, yawn, boring, boring, boring listening to all these people who claim they are doing things for our Lord. Many fall into the category of works rather than faith. God is looking for those that are willing to let Him work on their behalf and not the other way around. Are you willing dearly loved? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (KJV)
Today the Lord is working through His people in different ways, supplying all our need as He sees fit. Today He is working through one of His people with a word of wisdom, to another encouragement in faith is needed, or a healing needs to take place. Whatever way He chooses to manifest His gift of the Spirit it is because there are a few who have allowed Him to work in and through them. Are you willing to take hold of what is rightfully yours for the taking, or are you going to let someone else dictate salvation to you instead? John 1:16-17 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (KJV) When you go back through the scriptures you see the term fullness mentioned. Just like when God gave us of His spirit, the Bible says we are filled with the Spirit to the brim. The only thing lacking is our carnal minds that get in the way and limit the Lord in working in and through us. So let’s get self out of the way and see what happens. 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) With all that has been made available to you today have you made it a priority to seek out what is there for the taking? Ephesians 3:19-20 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (KJV) How about turning the key, revving up the engine, and seeing where this thing will take you today. According to the Word it can go to places out of this world. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) Thoroughly furnished, doesn’t sound like something or someone that is lacking does it? Simply put, the Lord has done His part to make this happen, now the question becomes will you do yours and let him? Matthew 16:18-19 And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (KJV) You have the keys, now will you let the Lord loose on your behalf or will you bind Him with your unbelief? Death and life are in the power of your tongue. 1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (KJV) What you see in this chapter is yours for the taking Church, so don’t take it for granted or let anyone talk you out of it. God bless and grab hold of the total package today. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (KJV)
If you notice above, God, Lord, and Spirit are all mentioned as one. The differences or diversities we see being mentioned all refer to His people and how He is working through them. Psalm 78:40-42 How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! 41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. 42 They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. (KJV) The beginning of 1 Corinthians 12 talks about ignorance of things in the Spirit. As we see in Psalms the children of Israel operated in ignorance because they limited God from working on their behalf. My prayer for the Church today is that they don’t limit God, thinking that He only works through special people and not you. Acts 10:38-39 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: (KJV) You too were Spiritually anointed when you accepted Christ into your heart. Those same healings we see illustrated throughout the Bible are still in play today. The reason many are not healthy is because they have ignored the counsel of the Lord and are willing to settle for sickness and diseases. I John 2:26-28 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (KJV) Do notice that this anointing is in you and able to teach you how to operate in the realm of the Spirit. The words that you speak should be Spirit and life, and when they are, then all those things we have been looking at in 1 Corinthians 12 will be working in you too. Your confidence is built on the fact that greater is He that is within you, than that old doubting person you used to be. 2 Peter 1:3-4 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV) The word of God is living and powerful and is inside of you! Are you letting it loose so that it can work on your behalf, or are you binding the Lord with words of doubt and fear? The Lord has given us access to all things, not just some of them. So please grab hold of what He died to give you. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:7-9 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (KJV)
What Paul is describing above is not limitations on the people, rather he is giving a brief overview on how our Lord is working through different members of the body. Just like at the hospital when a patient is brought in, they attend to the area that is in need of immediate service. If the foot is broken you are not going to spend too much time examining the hands are you? 1 Corinthians 12:10-11 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (KJV) What you see illustrated above are people who are willing and obedient, who have learned to operate in the realm of the Spirit. You see what can manifest if you allow the Lord to have His way and not limit Him. It certainly doesn’t mean that one person only receives one gift; it just shows us how the Lord would like to operate through His people if they are willing. Romans 12:2-3 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (KJV) God does not play favorites, what He gives to one He gives to all. The difference comes in those that don’t get misled by man, but find the change that comes from the Lord. You were given access to the same measure of faith as Jesus Christ, so whatever was manifest through Him should be in you as well. Romans 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one member’s one of another. (KJV) Maybe the reason you haven’t been seeing the Spirit manifest through you is because you have spent too much time conforming yourself to others instead of letting the Lord have His way through you. The Lord would definitely like to work in and through you; however, you need to find your place in His body of believers for that to happen. Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorted, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV) Not everyone is called to be an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher, but whomever these gifts manifest in, you will find that these are people who know who they are in Christ, those who have let Him build them up so that they can show us how we too can be mature Christians. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: (KJV)
We have been talking about the term gift or gifts, what was given on our behalf. When you think of the term gifts you see it comes in the form of those that in verse 11 know who they are in Christ, and then in turn show others what was given. These are people that have chosen not to limit the Lord, but have learned what was provided to them when they accepted salvation. You will not grow and mature until you learn these things for yourself. 1 Corinthians12:4-6 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. (KJV) Every person is unique and different in who they are and what they’re called to. The reason the church is so stale and lifeless at times is because many spend too much time emulating others rather than allowing their own personalities of who they really are to manifest. Many get a bit robotic and we see more assembly line Christians than those that truly find their calling in the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (KJV) Please take note of verse 7 so that you don’t have to operate in the ignorance of many who think they only received some of the gift of the Spirit and not the whole package. Everything that is written in this chapter deals with Spiritual things, things that are yours for the taking. Ephesians 1:2-4 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (KJV) Please take note of that big little word in verse 3, ‘all’; as well, ‘us’ is another big one because it doesn’t limit anyone access to what the Lord provided for His people and the reason God sent the Son. Anything less than all is unacceptable and not an area you should settle for. I John 2:20-21 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. (KJV) Every day that we are in this world should be a learning process, where we go from relying on our outward senses to the inward ones. Every day you should be growing and learning who you are in Christ and all that He has given you access to. Don’t ever limit the Lord and tell Him what He can’t do because He is willing and able to do above and beyond what you could have ever asked or thought of. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:1-3 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God called Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
In your past life before your conversion in Christ you were misguided, looking for answers, but then you found a whole new life in Christ. This week we are going to concentrate on Spiritual things given to us for our benefit. Verse one uses the term gifts which is actually an added word; what you will find is that you were given access to everything needed to walk a victorious life in the Spirit and no longer be held back by the limitations of the flesh. Ephesians 4:7-8 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he says, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (KJV) God sent a gifted man our way in the form of His Son who allowed the Spirit to manifest through Him, a man who was not in bondage to the dictates of the flesh. The gift of Christ is yours too. Much of the ignorance we are surrounded with today is with those who have limited the Lord by their carnal interpretations of what they have heard through man and not personally though the Holy Spirit. If you are not hearing first hand from the Lord yourself then you too have allowed the thief to come into your house and rob you blind. I John 5:9-11 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (KJV) The greatest gift that was ever sent our way is one many don’t see, because they either settled for what man told them or they keep looking in the outward fallen realm thinking they will find fulfillment. When you realize personally who the Son is and why He was sent, as well as what was really given to us through Him, you will be amazed at how blind and ignorant you were living, even at times after your conversion in Christ. Acts 8:18-20 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power that on whomsoever I lay hands; he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. (KJV) An interesting question was asked a while back that has stuck with me for months, that being “how did we get to this point”? I say this because while working out the other day and turning on one of the prominent TV ministries I was bombarded with a telethon, basically following the same principals illustrated in the above verses. Acts 8:21-22 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. (KJV) Just exactly which chapter and verse was it that our Lord did a telethon? Dearly loved, have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (KJV)
The time to sound the alarm is now, because many are not giving ear to anything of real substance anymore. What once may have been sound doctrine has now turned into fables, and many are more concerned with pleasing man than God. 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 Lord’s doctrine is singular, and is not really popular with the crowds because it teaches us that in order to live we have to die. In order to find your new life in Christ, you have to let go of the old one. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV) Many are willing to run to be baptized and think something spiritual is taking place, however, when it comes to what is really important, preaching the doctrine of Christ, many consider it foolishness. No wonder the enemy does all He can to discredit this doctrine because it leaves the believer powerless when he does so. Mark 7:5-7 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands? 6 He answered and said unto them, well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, this people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (KJV) When you eliminate the Holy Spirit from the equation and put man in his place you end up with doctrines. Today many of man’s doctrines are still based on outward washings instead of looking within. The Lord tells us in verse 6 these people are hypocrites. Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture says, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (KJV) Some people think that once you have confessed the Lord it’s all good. However, that is just the beginning, or the end depending on who you give ear to. As you can see in verse 10 salvation is a continual process based on the doctrine you allow into your heart. Dearly loved, hold fast to the doctrine of Christ regardless of what others are preaching; remain the few who corrupt not the Word of God with false teachings or manner of life. And let the Holy Spirit continue to teach and lead you into all truth. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 15:5-6 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
Double talkers say one thing, but do another. Sometimes they seem to talk out of both sides of their mouth, saying things to appease man. Given the fact that by our words we will either be justified or condemned, why not let the Lord do the speaking for you? Matthew 12:35-37 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shall be condemned. (KJV) Idle refers to useless; you know, like when you take your car out of gear it can no longer move forward. Man’s doctrines are an idle waste of time because they cater more to the old nature, not the new one we need to be operating in. For those that spread these doctrines it is like an arsonist who only used one little match in a windstorm of false teachings to kick up a wildfire. Without any living waters to douse these flames it will have eternal consequences. Matthew 16:6-9 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. 8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? 9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? (KJV) Now how do you go from baskets of bread to doctrine? Well the disciples were having a hard time determining what the Lord was referring to because of their carnal limitations. The Lord was warning them about doctrine, and how quickly it can spread amongst the people. He used the example of a few fishes and loaves to point this out. Matthew 16:10-12 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spoke it not to you concerning bread that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? 12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (KJV) Within a short period of time a few fishes and loaves spread to all the people with leftovers. Now think how quickly man’s doctrines have been spread out all over this earth, which explains why we have so many denominations. You don’t want to be responsible for allowing these false teachings to spread, let alone the one that is passing them on to others, which is what this parable is explaining. 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 lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not. (KJV) The way of truth is evil spoken of by many who have added their perversions of the gospel into the mix. The root of all evil is a love more for money than the Lord, and Lord knows how many of these false teachings have got into the bread and spoiled it rotten. Dearly loved, beware of false teachings which corrupt the simplicity of the gospel of Christ and hold forth the Word of life in all truth and sincerity walking honestly in the sight of God and man. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 7:14-17 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. 15 And the Jews marveled, saying, How knows this man letters, having never learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it is of God, or whether I speak of myself. (KJV)
Have you ever been hit with the question, “what church do you go to”? It seems they are more interested in what man has to say than the Lord. The Lord was quite a teacher himself because He got His doctrine first hand. In fact today many will still ask what Bible college you attended before they will consider it legit. HSI (Holy Spirit Institute) is the only place that can give you the correct answer, and it is not located on planet earth. 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) There is only one doctrine and it only comes from one teacher. If you really desire to know spiritual things, then why not narrow your hearing down to a Spiritual teacher? I cannot emphasize enough the importance of hearing, knowing what you are giving ear to, and where it is really originating from. If you really desire to make it to your eternal home then you may want to follow the teaching of the Holy Spirit who is the only one that can get you there. 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) As you see, problems arise when man gets involved with his carnal ways and thoughts. God may have used certain people to speak His word to you, but the bottom line is you are going to have to establish a Spiritual linkup with Him for yourself or you will end up deceived and falling away. Galatians 1:13-16 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: (KJV) Before you go on with your day, make sure you are not conferring with flesh and blood, rather go straight to the source that will eliminate any doubt or fear. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. I John 2:26-28 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (KJV)
This week we wanted to concentrate on doctrine; what we are listening to, and who is it really coming from? The anointing you have received is the only one that can teach you personally who you are in Christ and where your place in His body of believers is. Take notice of the statement in verse 27 that say’s, even as. You have every opportunity to abide in the realm of the Spirit and continue growing and developing confidence in what the Lord is speaking as opposed to what man settles for. If you sense your walk with the Lord is a bit stale and there is not much forward progress, you need only to get your spiritual Q-Tips out and remove the buildup of doubt you have allowed back in. 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) The Lord uses parables to illustrate how His kingdom operates. Those that have the eyes of their spiritual understanding opened will understand His doctrine, while all others will end up drowning in destruction and perdition because they decided man’s way was easier. Mark 4:21-25 And he said unto them, is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was anything kept secret, but that it should come abroad. 23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. (KJV) A Spiritual candle is lit in heaven and those that take a seat to hear the Lord’s doctrine will be able to see and understand what is taking place. The ball is in your court, you can take salvation all the way, or you can have an eternity to ponder what should have been. Do you desire to be closer to the Lord? Then get closer so that you can hear His voice better. Step out in faith and more will be given. It’s not the hearers that are justified; it takes some movement on our part before anything else is added. For those that don’t progress daily, it gives the enemy an opportunity to steal your confidence, and impede your forward progress home. 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
|