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1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (KJV)
You have a lot to look forward to Church, even though at times it may seem a struggle and a bit gloomy. If you continue in the faith and hold on to the end, you see that you have an eternal inheritance and a reserved seat in heaven with your name on it. However, in order to keep in good standing with God it will have be by His power and strength that you get there and not by you leaning back to your own. So take joy in the fact that we are much closer to the end of this temporal life and getting ready to begin our eternal inheritance. Ephesians 1:10-12 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (KJV) You want to put your trust first in Christ because He is the firstborn of all the family in heaven. This man was the first born again man as well as the first one to inherit His eternal reward. Now He is seated at the right hand of God ready, willing, and able to show you the way to get there. Can you think of someone better or more qualified than Jesus Christ? In fact if it was good enough for God to put His Son in that position wouldn’t it be good enough for you too? Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us, meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (KJV) How about a bit more thanksgiving today instead of looking so down and out; we have been delivered from the power of darkness and taken to the highest place in the universe, heaven itself. With a deal like that what could possibly go wrong? Hebrews 9:14-15 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (KJV) There should only be one mediator between you and God, and that is Christ Jesus Himself. Learn who He is personally and quit relying on second hand information from carnal people. The more you get to know Him personally the more you will get to know who you really are. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies when we try to achieve peace and contentment any other way than through Christ. John 17:23-24 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou loved me before the foundation of the world. (KJV) This was our Lord’s prayer shortly before leaving this realm. This whole chapter sums up the will of God and what He desires for His people. Have you have taken a seat in the heavenly realm to hear personally what is rightfully yours for the taking? Dearly loved, our Lord asked ‘Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am’; you are the ‘whom’ so remain seated so that you are able to soar above the cares and concerns of this life and enter into eternal life. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:15-17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘joint-heirs - 4789 sugkleronomos (soong-klay-ron-om'-os); From 4862 and 2818; a co-heir, i.e. (by analogy) participant in common: KJV-- fellow (joint) - heir, heir together, heir with. Along the way home there will be suffering in your walk, but our Lord is right there with you all the way, reminding you of how He was able to overcome any situation that arose. All He is asking is that you spend quality time with Him daily, hearing His word of encouragement so you will not give ear to a spirit of fear. Many desire to be glorified with our Lord to receive their eternal reward and take their rightful place with God; however, few desire to do what it takes here on earth to get there, which at times, can be hard on the flesh. 1 Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (KJV) Christ is in a good place today; however, in order to get seated at the right of God He had to have the right frame of mind to get there. The enemy loves to show the highlight reels of sin; like a movie trailer he tries to talk man out of his inheritance with cheap lusts of the flesh. The problem with that is that the enemy leaves out the part about the consequences; which is, if you decide to attend the screenings, it may leave you out of your inheritance. Ephesians 3:4-7 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (KJV) You know when you said yes to our Lord you inherited real power in your life. The reason Paul was used by our Lord is because he was able to put the gospel into effect in his own life. Is the power of God having more of an effect and influence on you today, or did you decide to inherit something far inferior? Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (KJV) The just shall live by faith, believing more in the unseen realm than the outward one. Abraham was a man of faith and he associated himself with likeminded people. So today, which inheritance has your attention, the inward or the outward? Dearly loved, set your affection on things above, not on the things of this life. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Revelation 2:26-29 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 says unto the churches. (KJV)
The Lord doesn’t expect us to just eek by in this life. It’s His desire to see His people be over comers, not underachievers. Now the Lord would not ask that of His people unless they had access to the power from above. With all that has been done on our behalf and provided by the sacrifice of our Lord, there is no reason to show up at the reading of the will and not be able to give an account of a life of victory. Revelation 20:4-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (KJV) Are you tired and fed up with picking up the paper and seeing some of man’s judgments being passed down on us, things you know are not of God and not something you desire to lend your support to; or how about the so called justice system where they let the perpetrators walk free on technicalities? Well one of the things that you will inherit someday is you get to be the judge, and have a say in how things are going to be run. 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life? (KJV) Again we see that part of our inheritance involves us being in a position of judging or discerning matters. It is vital you learn to make those judgments based on love and not emotions or anger. You need to learn discernment now because like with employers of this life, our Lord is looking for experienced people to fill those positions. Matthew 19:27-29 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28 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) It is a requirement of us, His church, to bring forth of the fruit of the Spirit hundredfold, or full maturity. The fruit that our Lord desires to see is spiritual; not carnal as man has twisted things, making it seem like God owes us a hundredfold in the form of mammon. Again we see that part of our inheritance is a seat of judgment where things will be in order as our Lord would like to see it operating. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:4-7 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 be glory forever and ever. Amen. 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (KJV)
This week we are looking at our inheritance, what it involves and how we can obtain what our Lord died to give us access to. As we see above some started out according to the will of God, but were derailed by evil communications. The company we keep can have an eternal influence. In fact Paul was a bit amazed at how quickly some had jumped ship soon after he left. Ephesians 5:5-7 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (KJV) There is a lot of spiritual adultery taking place in organizations that call themselves a church. They claim to be of God, but are just like those of the world and are more concerned with carnal riches than eternal ones. Take notice of the warning in verse 7 because guilt by association is the downfall of many. 1 Corinthians 15:48-50 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (KJV) Many profess to know God, but in works or lifestyle they deny Him. That earthly or fleshly part of the equation has to be done away with so that Christ’s righteousness can show up with you, come the day of the reading of the will. Our own righteousness will not be enough to get us home because our carnal minds are limited to the things of this realm and not the heavenly one. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (KJV) You have been washed with a Spiritual soap that gets out those nasty spiritual stains that man doesn’t see. It is vital that once you have been washed and have come clean you stay clean. If any of those stains are attached to you come the reading of the will, then you will not inherit the kingdom of God. Plain and simple dearly loved. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. I John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever. (KJV)
The term, will of God, is making reference to the purpose or the desire God has for His people which is much better than anything man comes up with. On the Day of Judgment there will be a reading of the will, and only those that are members of His family in Christ will receive an eternal inheritance, while all others will have an eternity of regret and sorrow. 1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (KJV) Those that are not members of the family in Christ are striving for things that are not beneficial to their inheritance, cheap distractions that will never bring peace. The less you love and hold onto the things or even people of this world the less likely you will fall back into wrestling with flesh and blood. Do notice that the blessings are there for the taking and something you should be inheriting today. John 5:30-31 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. 31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. (KJV) Many have entered the ministry seeking a name for themselves which then takes them out of the running for their eternal inheritance. Those that truly grow and mature in Christ are people that have left their own desires at the door, and are now seeking to please God instead. That’s why when I see those that put their own names on their ministries, it tells me just that, it’s theirs and not our Lord’s anymore. Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) The Lord says that we are to know no man after the flesh, and you can see clearly illustrated above that those that are in the flesh are not pleasing to God and He doesn’t know them either. Again we see what happens too many that are called of God, in the end only a few are chosen and those are the ones who are doers and not just hearers. Matthew 12:47-50 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, who is my mother? And who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (KJV) If any man be in Christ they are a new creation, old things are passed away and all things become new. Remember, it’s the doing part that makes it complete. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 6:21-23 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (KJV)
There is no escaping the simple fact that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. I listen to many who claim to be Christian, however, they sound just like the world when they think the treasures of this life exceed those that are now available in Christ. They are of the world and they speak just like those of this fallen world. Ephesians 1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what the hope of his calling is, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (KJV) The Lord lit a candle in heaven and then told His people that there is nothing hid anymore, but all that He has is available to us. Once you have been enlightened and made aware of this it is vital that you continue your search above, singular, and no longer settle for things below. Notice that what you get to partake of is some real powerful stuff which is considered riches. If you had a winning lottery ticket you would be all over it and cashing it in? Why not cash in on your spiritual ticket, you know the only one that will get you an eternal reward? Proverbs 27:19-20 As in water face answers to face, so the heart of man to man. 20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (KJV) No matter how many different ways you look at carnal waters, you are only going to get the same carnal reflection. Why not take a look at some living waters and see who is looking back at you? Wouldn’t it be a blessing if the reflection you see is Christ Himself looking back at you? Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (KJV) We end this week where we began, setting our affection on things above no longer trying to serve two masters. Thayer's definition for 'affection': 5426 phroneo- (1) To have understanding, to be wise (2) to be of the same mind, that is, agreed together, to cherish the same views, to be harmonious. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV) Have you ever tried instructing the Lord thinking you knew better? That is called sin and something we all are guilty of and fall short in. Why not just reverse that order and see how to operate in the wisdom and knowledge of God, not only in word, but in deed also. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 3:13-16 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descended not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (KJV)
Throughout the Word when you see the term wise and wisdom it refers to skilled, those that know how to be doers and not hearers only. Knowledge is what you know and have been made aware of; it’s being able to walk in it, and that is the part that alludes many. Sometimes a wise man can become not so wise and derailed when they get a bit puffed up and think that the wisdom they have attained came from any other source than Christ Himself. I have seen strife rear its ugly head with those that knew better at one time, which then leads to a lot of confusion and things that are not of God. Psalm 15:1-3 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbites not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor. (KJV) The whole idea of salvation is that you abide with our Lord to the end. In fact the Word is very specific that only those that endure to the end will be saved. Many begin in the Spirit and walk in wisdom for a season; however, many get taken back down with a root of bitterness when they begin to wrestle with flesh and blood. You may hear and see things in others that you know is not of the Lord, however, the wisdom that is from above may be asking you to hold your tongue rather than making a public proclamation to others. Matthew 7:2-5 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why behold thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considers not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shall thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. (KJV) Maybe the reason you have been demoted is because something you saw in someone else was something you have been ignoring in your own walk. Maybe instead of rejoicing with someone who you thought was not worthy of a breakthrough or victory in their walk is something you need to look in your spiritual mirror for the answer as to why it is rubbing you the wrong way like sandpaper on an open wound. Galatians 6:1-3 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear you one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (KJV) Why doesn’t the Lord use me instead of them, am I not more spiritual than others? Well not if you are still leaning to your own wisdom. 1 Corinthians 3:3-4 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? (KJV) The wisdom from above will keep you from falling for childish things which keep many in a daycare facility rather than moving on to maturity in Christ. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Colossians 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (KJV)
I have looked at the term wisdom and knowledge throughout the Bible, and have at times wondered what the difference is. I think of wise when looking at wisdom, and I see the word know in knowledge. Many may come to an understanding of salvation and what our Lord has done on their behalf which is knowledge; however, how many have the wisdom to actually walk in it and get results? Colossians 1:9-10 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (KJV) Being doers of the Word and not hearers only is what gets results in your walk. You should be fruitful daily and not just once in a while like salvation is some hit or miss plan. Many hear things and learn about what the Lord and His people have experienced throughout the Bible, but few know how to really walk in victory consistently expecting nothing short of it. 1 Corinthians 1:17-19 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. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. (KJV) Today the preaching of the cross, dying to self and no longer leaning to your own carnal limited understanding, is foolish to many. It is up to you personally to get to know our Lord and then step out in faith despite how foolish it may seem to you at times. Faith without works is dead. Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. (KJV) Well nothing seems to be happening in my walk lately, or I just sense that the Lord is not answering my prayers. Because many are not willing to let go of their carnal comfort zones and step out in faith is why the standstill is taking place. You seem to want to lean more to your outward senses than your inward ones which is why there is no progress taking place. 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. (KJV) It all comes down to the simple fact that you cannot grab hold of the new life until you let go of the old one. So if you desire to walk in our Lord’s wisdom then you will have to walk away from your own. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is there will your heart be also. (KJV)
When you limit your attention to the things of this world you are getting robbed and ripped off by the enemy. Even though you may have made a commitment to our Lord and walked in victory for a season, that season comes to an end when you revert your attention back to the things of this life. Colossians 2:2-3 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (KJV) No wonder the enemy is up in arms and making such a fuss; look at all that is on the table and there for the taking for the Christian; a full assurance of understanding; wow that’s something I wasn’t able to experience in my past life; and an acknowledgement of the mystery, something that has been hidden, but is now made manifest for God’s people to partake of. Verse 3 gives us a clear illustration of what the greatest treasure there is available in this universe, that being the wisdom and knowledge in Christ. Is this something you really treasure or do you think that this is something that is only available to your pastor, or other people? Colossians 2:3-4 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. (KJV) These Spiritual treasures are hidden just like earthly treasures, and need to be dug out and diligently searched for; and as soon as you go looking to our Lord for this treasure, the thief as is in verse 4 will come along and do all he can to talk you out of your reward. Proverbs 2:1-3 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou cry after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; (KJV) The Bible is specific in which realm we need to seek first on a daily basis, and that would be the kingdom of God. It’s when you make our Lord your first priority that then He in turn makes your requests a priority. Many get this order backward, thinking they will find something in the outward first and then get to the God stuff later. Proverbs 2:4-5 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shall thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (KJV) Mankind stops at nothing in their pursuit of carnal things, yet just think what kind of church we would have if the order was reversed, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Why not find out for yourself what God considers to be real treasure instead of settling for all the vain religious nonsense the majority settles for. Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (KJV) I have encountered many who appear to have a zeal for God, you know the ones that sing and dance, and can jump a pew? However, all that is a waste of time without knowing who they are in Christ and then operating according to His wisdom. Many of these folks still claim they are saved by grace, and then become a disgrace when they revert back to the silly, dead, lifeless works of the law. Proverbs 2:6-8 For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of his saints. (KJV) Without faith, or another way of looking at it, without operating in the wisdom and knowledge of God it is impossible to please Him. So please give more ear to the things above and you won’t be let down by the things below. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:7-10 Then said Jesus unto them again, verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)
The sacrifice of our Lord opened up a spiritual door so that there could be reconciliation between God and man. Our Lord uses the term thieves and robbers in verse 8, because there is an enemy out doing all he can to try to distract you from accessing all that our Lord has made available to His people. Anything or anyone you put before our Lord on your priority list is considered robbery and is a crime that will not go unpunished. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is there will your heart be also. (KJV) Now if you had earthly treasures and didn’t keep a watch on them it probably wouldn’t take much time for a thief to take notice and help himself to them. Now that you have been made aware of the Spiritual treasure that you now have access to, there is also a spiritual thief checking it out to see if there is a security system in place. Mark 4:18-19 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) If you have a security system in place, how did that thief enter in and pilfer the house? Well he didn’t just show up one day and tell you he was a thief, rather he came along with a doctrine that was just too good to be true, a sure fire deal that just couldn’t go wrong. As you can see not only did the thief rob them blind, but he choked the life out of them rendering them useless. Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man 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. (KJV) What kind of vision do you have today? Is it single and narrowed down to one realm or is there division? Is it a bit blurry and you are seeing double? Despite the warnings that are quite clear many are still going off the deep end and drowning in despair. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 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. (KJV) Oh how the enemy has landed so many cheap shots to the vitals of many unsuspecting Christians who should know better than to go out in areas our Lord warns His people to stay clear of. Today will you allow the Lord access into your heart, or will you be distracted with some cheap imitation of the enemy? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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