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Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (26) Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (KJV)
While some religious groups and organizations limit being fruitful to just the flesh, thinking that they have to have large families, being fruitful in the spiritual realm is what will be truly pleasing to our heavenly Father. It takes a healthy tree that is nourished on a daily basis to bring forth and bear this fruit, while anything else will leave one dried up and withering. Psalms 1:1-4 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth 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 bringeth 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 driveth away. (KJV) What kind of farmer would you be if all your crops were dried up and withering away? You wouldn’t last very long before you went out of business, because somewhere along the line you got some bad counsel that obviously wasn’t of the Lord. Unless one becomes rooted and grounded in the truth, planted and nourished with living waters from the river of life, you won’t last long in the realm of the Spirit either but will dry up and wither away, eventually to be burned. There are a lot of cheap imitations out there, those that claim they are of God but actually not rooted and established in sound doctrine, but rather holding more to man’s outward interpretations of what should be words that bring spirit and life to the believer. You may not realize it at the time or even in some cases are not that concerned about it, but eventually it is going to manifest what source you have become attached to or rooted in; which is either going to be fertile or sterile ground. John 15:1-3 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (3) Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation of John 15:1-3 1. "I am the real vine, and my Father is the cultivator. 2. He cuts away any branch on me that stops bearing fruit, and He repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more. 3. You are already pruned because of the teaching that I have given you. You know, some of that stuff you keep hanging onto or those so called godly counselors you think are bringing you life are actually pulling you down, not building you up. Rather than letting the Lord have His way, and pruning you the way He sees fit, you end up throwing a fit and are no longer fit for His kingdom. You have a choice in the matter, because one way or another something is going to get cut off, either the dead things in your life or your place in the kingdom of God and the body of Christ, so which will it be? You have been grafted into the tree of life, that being Christ the one true real vine, so as long as you continue rooted and grounded in Him you too will be the real deal as well. John 15:4-6 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation of John 15:4-6 4. You must remain in union with me and I will remain in union with you. Just as no branch by itself can bear fruit unless it remains united to the vine, so you cannot unless you remain in union with me. 5. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in union with me and I in union with him will bear abundant fruit, because you cannot do anything cut off from union with me. 6. If anyone does not remain in union with me, he is thrown away as a mere branch and is dried up; then it is picked up and thrown into the fire and burned up. You know, you really have to put on some spiritual blinders to think that this one and done doctrine, this once saved always saved stuff flies with our Lord. Oh there will be plenty of flies, but we all know what attracts flies don’t we? Oh you can get saved and walk with our Lord, but don’t think for one moment that you can’t walk away either; sometimes without the person even aware it happened. Without Him, without knowing who Christ the one true vine is for yourself you can do nothing, notta, zip, zilch, ain’t happening, period. Keep in mind folks, that in the end when someone is gathered and cast into the fire it is on the opposite side of heaven and not the one they should have inherited. You as a child of God are responsible for bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and not just on certain days or during certain periods of time when people say they are holy or special, but being in season, ready to give an answer to any one that would ask of the hope within you. John 15:7-8 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation of John 15:7-8 7. If you remain in union with me and my words remain in you, you may ask whatever you please and you shall have it. 8. By your continuously bearing abundant fruit and in this way proving yourselves to be real disciples of mine, my Father is glorified. Whose words really have the most influence on you today? Are they words of life that remain a part of you, or is it something you have departed from? Out of your belly, or heart, should be flowing rivers of living waters bringing life to those around you, because you have remained rooted and grounded in truth, the one true vine that you have become a partaker of. If you truly desire to honor, or worship the Father, which is what the definition of the word glorified means, then for today stay planted and firm in His word bearing much of His fruit letting Him increase as you decrease. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Genesis 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (KJV)
You know, of all the things God has asked of mankind here is the one thing they have done, and that is being fruitful and replenishing this earth. In fact they have become so fruitful that in the last 30 years or so they have erected clinics to undo some of this fruitfulness, which has drawn much protest and interest from those that truly realize the ramifications of these practices. For those that have the eyes of their understanding opened and enlightened to the realm of the Spirit they see that these verses have a deeper meaning; so while mankind thinks bearing more offspring is being fruitful, the Lord is asking His people to be more fruitful, in other words bearing the fruit of the Spirit. So while people are protesting abortions that take place in the carnal realm, how many are taking place in the spiritual realm, the unseen realm of man but totally visible to our Lord? While mankind considers abortion the ultimate crime against humanity because it takes the life of a young baby, how many realize the new life that has begun in the believers, and how the spiritual thief has been allowed to perform spiritual abortions on many new born babes in Christ? And how few even realize this practice is taking place right in front of them? John 10:10 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) You know, a new life has begun in you, the believer in Christ, who has asked the Lord to take up residence within you. Be aware though, there is a spiritual thief, one that tries to steal the truth from the believer, which kills the new life that has begun in them and results in their soul being destroyed forever by being separated from God for eternity. Sometimes this thief comes in the form of a minister who claims to be of God but in reality is ministering a lethal dose of false doctrine; like with a poison it may be undetectable to the senses but lethal enough to result in death. Similar to the protesters which parade around abortion clinics and endure persecution, the same holds true spiritually for those that walk in truth and expose these deadly practices. James 4:2-5 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. (4) Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (5) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (KJV) You lust; you kill; so what is being killed? Well how about that new life in Christ you promised Him and how you said you would walk in truth? Instead of desiring the things of the Spirit you continue your pursuit of things of this life, you know like being lukewarm. Instead of fighting the good fight of faith keeping your body in subjection to the Spirit you are fighting and fussing over things of this temporal realm, which ends up drowning out the voice of God which you made a vow to follow. Some of these places you call a church, are nothing more than a cheap disguise for an abortion clinic, one that promises liberty but the results are deadly. You know as a Christian you would never lend your support to a clinic that aborts a baby in the flesh, yet how many are supporting spiritual abortions and don’t even realize it because of their lack of diligence in the word of God? Mark 4:18-20 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, (19) And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (20) And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (KJV) When you choke the Word, similar to what was written in the book of Hebrews, you are crucifying the Son of God all over again, putting Him to an open shame. If you notice in verse 19, that instead of being fruitful, keep in mind Church the fruit of the Spirit, it has now become unfruitful, barren and dead. What was once impregnated with a new life and should have been brought to term ended up terminated instead, and so will those that allow their own desires to have precedence over the things of the Spirit. Are you growing daily in the word of God and feeding your spirit man, that new life within, or have you terminated it and have decided it was a mistake? Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (21) I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV) Is Christ alive and well within you, growing and maturing so that you can grow up into Him? Are you aware that God’s plan of salvation is one of grace and not by our works, especially the works of the old law, the letter of the law that kills rather than brings life? Did you ever stop and think that by coming into agreement with those that still hold to the old law and its dead rituals you are actually killing rather than bringing life to the believer? Do you want to actually go before God and tell Him that the sacrifice of His Son was done in vain, that you chose not to accept it? Like with many young people that get talked into aborting their pregnancies; it’s not until afterward that the true reality of what happened hits them in the form of guilt and sorrow. Don’t be one of those who allow the enemy to distort the truth and talk you out of God’s plan of salvation, aborting a new life and spending an eternity of guilt and sorrow when it comes time to deal with the reality of your decision. 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (KJV) Be aware people, the Bible warns us about the many false prophets that promise liberty but in reality are the servants of corruption. Just like with the doctors and counselors that promise liberty to those that abort a child, what they said would bring freedom and peace to the mother actually results in a criminal act that has long lasting consequences. Those that promise liberty and peace to the believers in Christ and still hold to the letter of the old law, in essence kill the true meaning of the doctrine of Christ which was meant to bring life and not death, and will have eternal consequences as well. What are you lending your support to today; and is it based on truth, the only thing that sets one free and allows you to continue walking the path of life? Do you know the doctrine of Christ that will bring life to the believer? Because quite simply put, anything else is an abortion. Being the fact that the spiritual is greater than the physical you definitely do not want to be lending your support to these practices. In conclusion today; people abort what they call unwanted pregnancies because they decide it is too much of a burden and will interfere with their own desires. In reading the verses from today’s study we see the same holds true in the spiritual realm also. Be fruitful. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:23-24 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. (24) Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation of 1 Corinthians 7:23-24 23. You have been bought and actually paid for; stop becoming slaves to men. 24. Brothers, each one must continue close to God in the very station in which he was called. Have you ever heard the term live within your means? Now translate that into the realm of God and ask yourself, do you truly know what that means? Like with a prepaid phone card you are given an allotment of minutes to use and speak with, something that has been prepaid and determined beforehand. You too have been bought and paid for with a price, that being the sacrifice of Jesus Christ once and for all to ransom us back to the Lord and provide fellowship with our Father again. Today I would like to cover the financial aspect of these verses, keeping in mind too that we are bought with a price, that our Lord has all our need covered, spirit, soul, and body. Did you realize that like with a prepaid phone card you have been given an allotment to live by from our heavenly Father; in other words as long as you live within His means then you will never come up short? Remember, no man can serve two masters; we cannot serve God and mammon or riches at the same time, so we need to make the choice and stay with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-11 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. (9) 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. (KJV) Let’s be honest today; haven’t we all thought at times that if we just had more money it would solve all our problems? In the realm of this fallen world lotteries are a big hit because those that win them do have part of their problems solved, that being the financial one. But that is not the answer to a spiritual issue, one that many of God’s people are actively pursuing after and have gotten out of balance thinking it will solve all their issues as well. Have you ever given thought to the fact that like a parent with a child, you have been given an allotment for which you are to live with, something our heavenly Father chose for you before the foundation of this world? So anytime we wander off the path of life and go pursuing after the things of this world as we see in verses 9&10, then we have stepped out of the will of God and into our own will. Then that life you claimed was committed to the Lord is now taking on a life of its own, with a love of God being drowned out by a love for this world and the things of it. We are no longer living within our Father’s means and what He intended for us to live peaceably in, but rather having the life choked out of us with the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things have entered into the heart and blinded us spiritually. In essence, by going out on our own and trying to improve, or what we think is improving ourselves financially, the reality is we are telling God He is a liar and didn’t provide our need. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV) Oh but I prayed and prayed, and nothing happened, doesn’t God care for me? Well He does and He did before the foundation of this world; He planned your life and the provisions that it would take to get you through it and into His eternal kingdom, but did you follow through with what He is asking of you, or how He is asking it of you? Are you and the Lord still in one accord, you know of one mind and one heart, or has there been some waffling and staggering on your part, maybe some double minded doubt has crept in, or you decided to take matters into your own hands to try and work your way out of a situation instead of being still and letting patience have its perfect work. Sometimes the wisdom of God really does go beyond our way of thinking because He is not limited to this carnal realm, but is able to do things that are impossible to man, but totally possible to those that believe. So, is God truly your source, and are you living within His means of what He is asking today, or have you stepped out of the realm of faith and into doubt and fear? Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (26) Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (27) Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV) The above example shown gives us an accurate illustration of someone that knew their rights and authority in the word of God as well as the promises of God. This man Jesus Christ knew that by seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness that anything that was needed here on earth was provided, no matter how or what manner. This man, Jesus Christ, lived by faith knowing God was His source, and that He had a plan for His life before the foundation of this world; and by knowing He was on the path that God chose for Him, God would confirm His word and supply all His need. The question today is, are you on the path God chose for you; and is the kingdom of God which is spiritual your first priority as well, or have you stepped out of the realm of faith and into a realm of darkness and despair? Luke 16:10-13 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (11) If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (12) And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? (13) No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV) What mankind says is so important is actually least important to God; while what God says is the most important is actually considered least to mankind; you know, like the last shall be first and the first last? So what is your priority today and what is it that you are seeking first and foremost; is it the things of God and His kingdom, or are you more concerned with building up your own little kingdom on earth? God promised to supply all our need, the most important need being spiritual; now the question is, are you living within His means and still walking the path He chose for you before the foundation of the world, or have you stepped out of His will and are building a foundation on the shaky sandy one of this fallen world? People, if there is a shortage or what you consider a shortage, keep in mind it is not on our Father’s end, but rather may just be a reflection of a lack of commitment on this end. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 5:25-26 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (KJV)
Picture this if you would, there is a knock on the door, dad gets up from his chair and answers to a young boy nervously standing there asking if the daughter is ready to go out on a first date. Dad himself is a bit nervous, checking the young boy out to see if he is right for his daughter, which in reality no one is, but giving him the once over to make sure this is someone who can be trusted with his precious offspring. Point is guys, remember that woman you went courting after years ago; you know that woman you just couldn’t live without? So how are things going these days, is there still a love for that woman; you know like how Christ loves His church and puts the need of the Church first and foremost, or has that love waned a bit, like a candle flickering in the wind? Oh by the way, that woman you dated and then decided to marry, that Christian lady is someone’s daughter also, someone who is always checking you out to see if that godly woman is being treated the way her Father in heaven expects her to be treated. So again gentlemen, how is that marriage and home life going these days; is there still a love for that woman like you pledged to her and her Father in the beginning, or has it been put on the back burner for something else? Hey guys, aren’t you glad God isn’t as fickle as you are, you know the fact that His love for you doesn’t change just because you have aged and maybe added a few pounds to the temple? Isn’t it comforting to know that His love for us won’t change or be altered by other younger, and what may appear more seemingly, attractive people according to the outward appearance? 1 Timothy 3:1-6 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (2) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (5) (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) (6) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (KJV) So you want to be a bishop, an overseer of the flock as well as an example of the believers, not only in word but in deed as well? That is a good thing, but how is that home life going for you these days, and is there anything that is being overlooked and taken for granted; you know like that wife you chose, and those children you chose to bring into this world? Unless you have your house in order, and loving your wife the way Christ loves His church you have no business being in that position. While you may have had a strong desire to serve the Lord in a larger capacity, that being a bishop, you need to keep in mind the commitments you have made already, like with that woman that has the same last name as you, before the Lord will put you in a position of authority in the Church. Are you willing to be a servant, not only for the Church but at home as well; you know like in the beginning when you did all you could to impress your wife and treat her with nothing less than the utmost respect and honor, especially the fact that she is a child of God and one of His precious daughters? All those promises you made to her in the beginning to win her over; are they still being carried out, or has she become the servant and you think you are the master? You know it may sound a bit petty or unimportant, but if you are not going to be faithful in the least, or what you may consider the least, though at one time it was huge, then you won’t be faithful in much else either. Simply put, if you are not following through on your marriage vows the way you promised our Lord and His daughter in the beginning of your marriage, what makes you think He is going to trust you to oversee and make vows to others when you have taken for granted your home life? John 15:11-13 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (KJV) Do you really understand the love of God? You know putting others and their needs first and foremost even before your own? Jesus Christ died for us while we were yet sinners, outside and separated by sin, so how much more should we be dying to self for those of our own household? So if you are fickle, flighty, giving half hearted efforts at home and not building up your wife in the word of God, but rather criticizing and tearing down; or if you were to become a bishop in the Church, how long would it be before you lose interest and treat the congregation the same way? Do remember guys, you know when your precious little daughter came home from her first date and you quizzed her about her whereabouts and what took place? There is a God in Heaven that is quizzing you right back about the whereabouts of His daughter and what is taken place spiritually under your watch also. Aren’t you glad God isn’t as fickle as we are and that His love doesn’t change for us, but that He loves us unconditionally for who we are? With that in mind, can you honestly compare your love today for your wife on the same level as what Christ has for His church, or maybe there is room for improvement? Something to ponder before you decide it is time to move up in your walk; something our Lord definitely is watching before He would appoint you, or anyone else to the position of an elder, deacon, or bishop of His church. The bar has been raised gentlemen, raised up and in heavenly places; so for today can you honestly say that your love for your wife truly compares with the love Christ has for His church? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:11-12 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (KJV)
Why do so many keep going to man to find peace when it is not found in the realm of the flesh? God has poured out His spirit upon all flesh and provided mankind with a peaceable witness to truth so that we could rely more on His spiritual inward counsel and less on the outward limited one of mankind and his limited thinking. The things of God are given to us freely, yes freely, without charge, so put away your visa card and grab your Bible and let His Spirit bear witness with your spirit and give you an accurate account of salvation. If you desire to find peace, a true eternal one, then you need to go above and beyond this fallen realm to find it; then grab hold of it and never let go or allow the enemy to talk you out of it. I have heard so many versions and perversions of the Gospel growing up, doctrines that raised more questions and confusion than answers. It was only spending time in the word of God on a daily basis and praying to God through Jesus Christ that I was able to find peace and comfort, letting the truth set me free from fear and doubt. Which spirit is bearing witness with your spirit today; is it the Holy Spirit which is able to give an accurate account of heavenly things, or are you limiting yourself to mankind and his fallen carnal understanding which can never give an accurate account to the truth? Wonder why you don’t have total peace in your life? Simple, because you haven’t heard the total answer that will replace confusion with peace. John 14:23-27 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love 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 loveth me not keepeth 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. (27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) Despite much opposition to what was being spoken by our Lord, He only spoke the words of His Father, words that are spirit and they are life to the hearer. The Comforter is there to bring you comfort, despite what is taking place in the outward realm all around you and those that hold man to be true and consider God the liar. You may attend a fellowship and hear messages on a daily basis, but in the end it is only the Holy Spirit that can truly teach you the things of God and bring to remembrance what God’s true intention of His word is, while anything less will leave you in doubt. The Holy Spirit gives us an eyewitness accurate account to what is taking place in the realm of the Spirit, one that will hold up in God’s court as evidence based on fact. Mankind and his carnal thinking are only able to give an obscured, partial, inaccurate account of what they think took place and how God’s plan of salvation truly operates. If you desire to know all things then you will need to go to the source that knows all things, not just carnal but spiritual as well if you truly desire to have peace in your life and maintain it also. Hebrews 10:14-17 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (15) Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, (16) This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (17) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (KJV) Court is now in session, your faith is on trial, God has sent a witness on your behalf so that you can be freed and walk in the liberty of Christ. While the enemy is accusing and pointing the finger at God’s people, slinging mud to see if it sticks; God has provided the Comforter so that you can stand up and say, I object to this line of questioning which is based on a lie and not on truth. When the enemy approaches you, are you prepared to cross examine and resist in the faith, or are you guilty as charged because you have rejected God’s counsel? When looking for truth, are you more apt to believe someone who was actually there and able to give an accurate eyewitness account; when your life is truly at stake are you going to give credence to someone who thinks they know but can’t actually say for sure? Better yet, the verdict is already in and God’s people have already been proven innocent, now the question is will you stay in His court, or will you jump bail? Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (KJV) Williams New Testament translation Hebrews 12:1 1. Therefore, as we have so vast a crowd of spectators in the grandstands, let us throw off every impediment and the sin that easily entangles our feet, and run with endurance the race for which we are entered, What’s the first thing lawyers do when preparing for a case? They go out and look for credible eyewitnesses that can give an accurate account of what took place. What’s the first thing you should be doing on a daily basis in order to maintain innocence with God? Seek out His truth in His word by those that were inspired by His Spirit to give us an accurate account of salvation. This book called the Bible is full of those that allowed the Comforter to speak through them and deliver a message of truth that sets us free and keeps us free from sin (which simply put is a result of unbelief). Are you able to parade a group of spiritual witnesses if needed so that you can maintain peace despite what the enemy is accusing you of, or will you be handcuffed and brought back into the bondage of sin again? Only those that know the truth can be set free, and only a truthful witness will provide that liberty, while anything less will have one stuck in a dark cell located in the fallen realm of mankind. I John 5:9-10 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. (KJV) All of my life growing up I received the witness of man, which was based on what was pleasing to mankind and his carnal nature, a witness that never brought peace. Once I allowed the Lord into my life and chose to serve Him I found the only peace that satisfies, and eliminated all the doubt and fear that I had in the unstable realm of man. Those that reject the witness of God are calling Him a liar, and choose to look for peace in a realm our Lord said it didn’t exist in. The peace of God is rock solid because it is founded on the foundation of God, Jesus Christ being the cornerstone of your salvation. The peace of this world and the cheap imitation of man is based on an unstable foundation, one that changes and fluctuates on a daily basis. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) God bless and go in peace. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Williams New Testament translation for Colossians 3:15
15. Let the peace that Christ can give keep on acting as umpire in your hearts, for you were called to this state as members of one body. And practice being thankful. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (KJV) In baseball an umpire makes the final decision which determines an outcome of a play, something that can be vital concerning the final score. In the realm of Christianity, being Christ like, it’s the peace of God that should be the deciding factor in all your decisions so that you don’t end up making a bad call. The word ‘rule’ has many interesting definitions, all of which mean the same thing; umpire, prevail, determine is another one, all pointing to the same outcome, or what should be the outcome for the believer. Is it truly the peace of God that rules in all your decisions, or are you still seeking peace in a realm our Lord said it didn’t truly exist? John 14:26-27 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. (27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) Did you ever stop and realize that there is another peace the enemy would like you to fall for? I will give you a hint; it is located in a fallen realm. All through the Bible the Lord has given promises to God’s people that the devil has tried to imitate, and though it looks so good on the outside its results are empty and useless, vain would be another way of describing it. While God promises things that look impossible to us at times and yet are still peaceful, the enemy will try to entice us with something that is too good to be true because that is exactly what it is. While God will show you the truth of a matter as well as the consequences, the enemy will only show people the highlight reel of what they think they are missing out on and all that is available to those that choose temporal things over eternal ones. Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV) You know, the enemy did try to entice our Lord with a false peace, one that looked so good to the outward but would have been an abomination to the inward man. While our Lord knew the difference between the peace of God and the short term peace of this world, there are many that have and continue to fall for a cheap thrill ride in the flesh, which like a roller coaster climbs slowly but comes down much quicker and crashes. Oh the things of this life can look so good, but remember the eyes of man are never satisfied; so what you went chasing after today will get old and you will be off and running after some other dead end fleshly desire that promises much and delivers nothing but heartache and misery. Knowing the difference, rightly dividing the word of truth so that you can separate soul and spirit, what is of the flesh and what is spiritual in nature, should be the deciding factor in your walk as well. Romans 4:16-20 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (17) (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. (18) Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. (19) And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: (20) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (KJV) This man Abraham was some 99 years old when a promise of a son was given to him. How easily it would have been to doubt and wonder, based on the outward circumstances and not an inward peace. We serve a God who gives life to the dead; situations that seem dead in our realm are alive and well in the realm of God ready to birth and spring forth to those that trust in Him. The just shall live by faith, a faith not in what is seen which is temporal, but rather in that which is unseen to the eyes of man but readily revealed to the eyes of our understanding. So what are you holding to today, and what is the ruling factor in all your decisions, is it based on the outward or inward peace? When I look at verse 20 and see the term staggering, it reminds me of someone that has taken a hit and is ready to go down, someone who got blindsided and sucker punched by the enemy. The peace of God is truly a ruling factor and passes our own understanding; the question is will you allow it to be a ruling factor in your life? 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (KJV) The enemy would like to show you a highlight reel based on sight, the outward one that entices the flesh; the only problem is the reality reel of consequences is kept out of sight and hidden to those that have been blinded. The path of life that leads to salvation is a spiritual one, a path not heavily traveled because many choose to walk the other way, looking for coming attractions rather than seeking one based on reality. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV) When you see the word ‘keep’, it means to guard and protect. We have been given the Holy Spirit to comfort us, to keep us from evil and show us the path of life. This peace is given to us for our protection so that we won’t get hit with a spiritual virus which can infect and pull down a believer. Keeping your spiritual senses exercised, discerning the difference between what is of God and what is being presented as being of God will keep one healthy and fit in the realm of the Spirit, while anything less will have you staggering and ready to fall face first in the realm our Lord provided deliverance from. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:26-27 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. (27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation for John 14:26-27 26. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send to represent me, will teach you everything Himself, and cause you to remember everything that I have told you. 27. I now leave you the blessing of peace, I give you the blessing of my own peace. I myself do not give it in the way the world gives it. Stop letting your hearts be troubled or timid. Strong’s definition for ‘peace’: 1515 eirene (i-ray'-nay); probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: KJV-- one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again. Where are you finding peace and comfort today; is it in the promises of man, or are you holding to the promise of God? Mankind promises peace, however the peace that they promise is short lived, based on promises that can be changed or broken; while the peace of God is based on truth, from a God that cannot and will not lie. God’s word and promises are given for our benefit and do not change or fluctuate like the economy of this world; while mankind makes promises based on what is best for their benefit; and so once something or someone is no longer of benefit to them they are discarded. Just like with a job, or a house, or any other temporal thing that you may have had promised, in this realm it can change quickly, while the things of God are eternal because we serve an unchangeable God who is not subject to the laws and limitations of this fallen realm. God gave us a comforter so that we could find just that, comfort in the realm of the Spirit even though things are chaotic in the outward one. Isaiah 26:3-5 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: (5) For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. (KJV) As a man thinks in his heart so is he, and so will be the realm he operates in also. A perfect love will cast out all fear because you are keeping your mind renewed in the promises of God and allowing Him to have the final say in your walk despite what may change in the outward realm. So, while things all around us may be changing on a daily basis, your love and that peace which you have found in the realm of the Spirit does not have to change or fluctuate with the times. How strong and deep are you rooted in the truth; do you change and jump ship if the winds of doctrine start blowing contrary to what is truth? No matter what man says or tries to dictate, God is still in control and able to do above all that we could ever ask or think because that is the realm He operates in; above and beyond the realm of a fallen mankind and their empty self serving promises. Mark 4:37-41 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. (38) And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (39) And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (40) And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (41) And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (KJV) You know, what we see demonstrated in the above example illustrates a perfect example of how we should be training ourselves spiritually. When a wind of doctrine comes your way, or a storm arises in your walk, what is your first response, faith or fear? Well if your first pursuit and interest on a daily basis is seeking first the kingdom of God then you would be more apt to respond in the Spirit rather than react according to the flesh. Our Lord was able to see a calm restored to the situation because He held to the promise of God and allowed His peace to rule, one that passes our own understanding but is still in effect despite the outward circumstances. Practice can make one perfect. So the more you become faithful in the least, the more you will be prepared and ready for bigger things that come along and try to impede your walk in the Spirit. Isaiah 57:19-21 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. (20) But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. (21) There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (KJV) Oh, and expect to find some opposition while walking in this peace because the enemy will blow through and bombard God’s people; sometimes digging up the dirt and mire from your past to try to blow you off course. Just because others don’t have the peace of God doesn’t mean you have to lower your standards and end up back in the pigpen, becoming entangled in the affairs of this life which drowns many in destruction and despair. So which way are you headed today; and what is guiding your ship; is it one that is safe and secure, or are there holes in your doctrine and you are sinking fast? Jeremiah 6:13-15 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. (14) They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. (15) Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. (KJV) The world and its worldly people can only give a partial answer, and provide a temporal or temporary peace that does not last, and neither do those that rely on it. There are a lot of false prophets that promise liberty in the form of religion, but they themselves are nothing less than cheap hucksters looking out more for their own interests than the congregations. Do you know truly what the peace of God is and how to maintain it, or are you riding the waves of popular opinions floating aimlessly on the dead sea? 1Thessalonians 5:2-4 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (KJV) Those that have the eyes of their understanding open and enlightened will know the difference between what man calls peace and the peace of God which is unchangeable. Are your eyes open and your spiritual senses operational so that if there is a storm brewing you will be prepared, or will you be caught out in the middle of the sea struggling in the muck and mire of this fallen world? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 16:19-21 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, (21) And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (KJV)
Did you ever wonder what kind of interview some well known famous people would give after their death, even some big name preachers who looked so good on the outside, but inwardly they were empty? Do you think the message they would deliver would be the same as the one they gave here on earth, or do you think they would like to have another crack at it, maybe this time with some truth added to the mix? The above example reminds me of many of today’s so called churches and even politicians, who live high off the hog and the backs of other people then leave them with crumbs, or in the case of the preachers, crummy doctrines of man. Oh they look so good on the outward, but inwardly they are empty and dead, so instead of feeding the flock of God they end up fleecing it. Luke 16:22-24 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (24) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (KJV) So being rich and famous isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be is it? If famous news organizations could go and interview people after their death I am sure it would be quite an exclusive interview, let alone a change in the message they used to deliver. But then that is not going to happen; the enemy isn’t going to expose himself or the consequences because that would get the people’s attention pointed in the direction of the truth. So for the believers in Christ, we have the word of God to rely on, and it is vital that we get to know this Word so that we don’t end up in a hell of a predicament. James 2:1-5 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (2) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (3) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (4) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (5) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (KJV) Just because you are not rich and famous in the outward doesn’t mean you can’t be rich on the inside does it? Nor does it mean you are doing anything wrong if your focus and attention is more on eternal things and not on the temporal things. Talk about idiotic, have you ever noticed some of these big name ministries on TV that do their telethons and offer more perks and privileges to the people that can give the most and basically discard all others, including some that may be poor? Does that sound like something our Lord approves of, especially when He has had His people write letters to the Church warning and forbidding these abominations? Yet with this in mind, how do godly people still get duped and support this junk; you know like if you don’t take a stand with the Lord then you will fall for anything; or another way of putting it is, a fool and his money are soon parted. Luke 16:25-26 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (26) And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. (KJV) Do you recall what the root of all evil is? As we see in the above verses a love for God was drowned out by a love of money; so what may have started out as a servant to the people ended up worshipping and serving mammon instead; the end result was a place where one can’t buy their way out of. Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (KJV) Are you looking out for others, your brethren in Christ, or are you looking to make another score using others for your own advantage sake? There will be consequences, not only for those that initiate these practices but also for those that support them in their folly. Luke 16:26-31 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. (27) Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: (28) For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. (29) Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. (30) And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. (31) And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (KJV) You know, someone has risen from the dead; in fact He is the author and finisher of our faith who gave us the word of God so that we could avoid the pitfall we see in the above verses. Have you given ear to the word of God today, or are you following some deadbeat that is more concerned with their things and not the things that edify? While many think that they need to go witnessing to others in order for them to be saved, the truth is they need to hear how to present the word of God effectively so that it points the people more toward the Lord and not man and his own creations of what he claims is a church. Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (KJV) There is a man who was dead and now lives, who is seated at the right hand of our Father, ready to deliver a personal message of faith to any and all that would call upon His name, that being Jesus Christ. Are you taking the time to hear His message so that you can be delivered from destruction, or are you following some dead man talking but not really walking? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Things I ponder, things I have heard in the course of my life here on planet earth, so many things that are said, but in the end, who is really speaking, and what are the words we give ear to; are they spirit and life or are they words that are idle, useless and vain, lies that are intended to make one comfortable in their fallen state of sin rather than rising to the new creation in Christ that is available for all? All roads or paths lead to the same place, in other words all these different faiths and religions all end up in heaven; says who!?
Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (KJV) So how do you respond to life’s questions, and where do you turn to find peace; is it in the truth that sets one free, or do you just assume it is so because someone said it is? It’s true, all paths that are outside the realm of faith do lead to the same place, but according to the word of God it is not the place He intended for you to end up in. So while mankind has developed so many man-made religions and paths that they claim will lead to life, only one is going to get you to your intended destination because whatsoever is not of faith is sin. There are claims being made that there are millions, maybe billions of people that are going to go to heaven some day, even songs are written that claim “there is a whole lot of people going home”, but again I ask, says who!? Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) Well that just answered my other question; if many are called then why are few chosen, and as I see in the above statements, many are choosing a losing path. What this tells me is the reason many miss the mark and are not on the chosen path is because they stay in the realm of the flesh and not the Spirit, following the crowd rather than our Lord. But they have a big following, their organization is the fastest growing church in the country, so that would clearly indicate they are of God, right, says who!? Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one 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) Oh my God, there’s the many again; you mean to tell me many are on the wrong path, but you’re talking about religious people, big name organizations that have done so many good works, haven’t they? Do you know the difference for yourself and are you able to rightly divide the word of truth so that someday when the Lord asks you, ‘says who?’ you will know and not guess that you are one of His. Better yet, how about today eliminating the question marks in your life so that you can eliminate the guesswork; especially when it comes to eternal consequences? Oh but I just wrote out a check to this big ministry I saw on TV because a big name personality told me I would be blessed financially, a hundred times in fact, well says who!? 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily 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 lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV) Will you look at that, there is the many that has been talked about; many that are preaching these prosperity messages and getting you to buy into their version or perversion of the gospel are nothing more than a factory making the people more like merchandise than Christ like. But they showed me all the good things they were doing, and all these wonderful miracles they were performing, and how many people they were winning to the Lord; oh my, that sounds just like the people I read about in Matthew 7:21-23. Well my words are not really that important that I spoke, after all I was just joking, right, says who!? Matthew 12:36-37 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 shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (KJV) Our Lord said that the words that He spoke were spirit and life, words which He heard personally from the Father. Given the fact that He is now seated at the right hand of the Father, and is there to mediate on our behalf, would it not do you good to give ear to what He is saying and not what man keeps spewing out? Romans 14:11-12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (KJV) With all that the Lord has done on our behalf, with all that God has provided for mankind to partake of and have fellowship restored with Him, is there any excuse why when it comes time to stand before Him that when you are asked ‘says who?’ you can boldly answer, says you? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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