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Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (15) 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 beareth 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)
When you pick up your phone and a stranger makes a crank call, one that tries to get us into the realm of fear, you can be assured that message is not coming from God. Those that are led by the Spirit will be able to quickly identify the caller on the other end and know whether it is in their best interest to take the call and receive the message or quickly hang up. This same principle holds true in the spiritual realm, God is calling His people and has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us, so now the question is whether the line of communication is still open and you are still getting good reception to hear the message. If you notice the voice on the other end is not as clear as before or you are having a hard time getting good reception, maybe you are not in the place you need to be to get good reception, like a tunnel or a tomb. If that is the case then you need to move back to the realm of the Spirit if you wish to be a joint heir, a continuing partnership with the Lord. You know when we were children in this world growing up we needed parents or someone older to supervise us and give us the provisions needed to sustain life. Even though some of us would threaten to run away when we were younger, by the time dinner rolled around that plan was abandoned and forgotten. Spiritually you are a child of God, and it is vital that we stay close to our heavenly Father and get the provisions we need as well as the instructions in our walk so that we can sustain this relationship with Him and continue in the deliverance He provided from our own destructions. Hebrews 12:25-29 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: (26) Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. (27)And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (28) Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: (29) For our God is a consuming fire. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation of Hebrews 12:25-29 25. See to it that you do not refuse to listen to Him who is speaking to you. For if they did not escape, because they refused to listen to him who warned them here on earth, how much less can we, if we reject Him who is from heaven? 26. Then His voice shook the earth, 27. but now His promise is, "Once more I will make not only the earth but heaven itself tremble." Now that expression, "Once more," signifies the final removal of the things that can be shaken, to let remain the things that cannot be shaken. 28. Let us, therefore, be thankful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and in this way continue to serve God acceptably in reverence and fear; 29. for our God, indeed, is a consuming fire. You know this kingdom that cannot be shaken is a spiritual one, one that is not of this world. The kingdom of God is now within you, so when everything else around us is shaken isn’t it comforting to know that you don’t have to be. It is important that we keep the line of communication open to receive this message of salvation which is founded on a rock solid foundation which is Christ, one that cannot be shaken. So where do you stand today; are you on a rock solid footing that is not being moved, one that is established by our heavenly Father or are you standing out in the wilderness having a hard time getting good spiritual reception because of all the winds of doctrine blowing around you? John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (KJV) If the Lord’s kingdom is not of this world, then why do so many today still pattern their walk and thinking according to this world and its fallen way of thinking? You have access to His kingdom which is not of this world and is not accepted of this world; and yet with this in mind why do so many still fight with the world over worldly things and issues that have nothing to do with our eternal salvation. But we have rights, yes you do, you have direct access to the throne of God through His Son Jesus Christ to hear His message of faith delivered personally to you so that you won’t be shaken and all stirred up with the cares of this life and deceitfulness of riches which many are chasing after and no longer able to hear the message of Christ clearly. Romans 10:16-18 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (18) But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation for Romans 10:16-18 16. However, they have not all given heed to the good news, for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has put faith in what we told?" 17. So faith comes from hearing what is told, and hearing through the message about Christ. 18. But may I ask, They had no chance to hear, did they? Yes, indeed: "All over the earth their voices have gone, to the ends of the world their words." Again I like using the Williams translation for these verses; faith is our ability to hear for ourselves personally the message delivered by Christ. The more you give ear to this message, the less you will be giving ear to the mess that is going on around us in the world, and the less likely you will be shaken by the outward. While many think that only certain people in certain parts of the world are able to hear the message of God, the Bible is quite clear to point out that this message has gone forth throughout the whole world. After all, the Bible is quite clear to point out that God has given to every man the measure of faith. The question now is how many are receiving it, as well as the fact that He is no respecter of persons? He is quite clear to also to point out that His spirit was poured out upon all flesh, not just some. So now the question is, who is listening to the voice of God and His message being delivered by Christ; and who is willing to walk by faith and not by sight or any other physical senses that are contrary to our spiritual senses? In fact to the carnal man the things of God make no sense, but are foolish to those in the realm of the flesh, those that continue to live according to their fallen nature and not partakers of the divine one. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV) When a situation arises in your life is God the first one you seek for your instructions or do you look elsewhere first and then wonder why you got so shook up? Once you ask the Lord, will you be still long enough to hear the answer and know that He is God so that you can proceed forward in your walk with confidence and boldness? Expect the best, because you serve the best, and you will not be shaken in mind or spirit, but rather steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. John 1:10-13 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (13) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for received: 3880 paralambano (par-al-am-ban'-o); from 3844 and 2983; to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn: KJV-- receive, take (unto, with). A heavenly call has gone forth to all mankind to resurrect them from the tomb of the realm of the flesh into a new realm which is spiritual. Mankind has been entrapped in the realm of sin and death which has kept them separated from God until the time of reconciliation, which was accomplished through Jesus Christ our Lord. Now that you have heard the call it is vital that you keep the line of communication open between you and your heavenly Father so that you can hear His instructions on a daily basis, and follow the path He chose for you before the foundation of the world. God has let mankind know throughout the Bible that He would send the Messiah for the salvation of the world; and as we see in the example from John, many did not recognize Him let alone receive the message God was sending through Him. But to those that do receive Him, they are able to walk in the same power of God, which is Christ, because of their belief in His name. Where many today still have issues with God is in their unwillingness to believe in the Son and allow Him to rule and reign within them. Many don’t receive the things of God because they are not willing to let go and trust more in Christ and less in their own abilities or understanding; which if one is leaning to their own way of thinking they will fall. Galatians 3:1-5 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? (2) This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (3) Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (4) Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. (5) He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (KJV) While the Lord is calling His people, the devil is out and about making crank calls doing all he can to distract and deceive. Rather than believing in the message of Christ, many are trying to perfect it in the flesh by the works of the law through the traditions and doctrines of man, thus having been distracted and deceived. Paul is asking the people a simple question, was your rebirth and resurrection into the realm of the Spirit done by works, or was it by simply hearing the word of God and receiving it as truth? He then goes on to basically ask the people ‘if this is how you entered this new life then would not the simplicity of hearing of faith be what keeps you in this realm?’ In fact he goes so far as to call them foolish, ‘something that has begun in the Spirit is now going to be perfected by the flesh?’ God’s call is simple, receive His message by faith, then walk according to what you hear from Him and not what so many others claim is necessary, especially the works of the law and its dead end rituals. You started out so good people, but now you have disconnected the heavenly line and are listening to the voice of a stranger, no longer able to receive the things of God. It’s kind of like football, they have receivers that run a route and are expected to catch the pass and move forward toward the goal line. If a receiver runs the wrong route or the ball is thrown his way and he drops it, the team will not progress forward. You are expected to huddle up with the Lord on a daily basis and learn the route He has for you that day so that you can receive His message and progress forward toward the mark of the prize of His high calling. Keep in mind though, that the more you learn to receive the things of God and progress forward toward the goal, the more of a target you become to the opposition who’s only goal is to keep you from the goal line. So take the time on a daily basis to learn the playbook, and receive God’s plan for you that was drawn up before the foundation of the world. 1 John 4:4-6 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (6) We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (KJV) Are you willing to turn your life over to someone much greater than yourself and receive His plan of salvation? To many it sounds like a no brainer, and yet the simple fact is that this is where so many fall short, unwilling to trust their spiritual senses more than their own physical outward ones. Are you hearing the message personally, or is this Bible stuff something that only happens to certain special people? You have a Spirit far greater than anything in this life, who is waiting for you to pick up the spiritual receiver and hear His message so that you can achieve the eternal goal God has for His people. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV) Let me ask this question, can you think of someone else you would want writing a script for your life than Jesus Christ who is now seated at the right hand of the Father? Not only did He write the beginning for you, He even wrote the ending which is intended to have you end up in the same place He did. But how will you know this unless you make it a priority on a daily basis to hear His message and respond in faith, believing that what He promises His people He is able to do exceeding and abundantly above all that we could ask or think. Is Jesus Christ truly the author of your life today? If not, you surly won’t like the ending. Are you receiving the things of God that are necessary to sustain you spiritually so that you can continue forward on the path of life? You too will endure opposition and shame from those of the world, but I pray it is not enough to deter you from answering and receiving your heavenly instructions. You too will have to pick up your own cross and crucify your own desires if you wish to continue in this faith; but before you throw a pity party, consider our Lord and what He endured to get this message to His people. With all that has been done on your behalf isn’t it time you start receiving more of the good news of the gospel of Christ and less of the old news of this fallen world? Isaiah 46:9-11 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, (10) Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (11) Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (KJV) Again I ask you, are you able to declare the end of something before it happens, accurately one hundred percent of the time? If not, then why would you doubt someone that can, someone much greater than you and I who is living within us waiting to be resurrected again if only we would let Him? Don’t be like so many others that don’t receive from God what is rightfully theirs because of doubt and unbelief, but rather hold fast your profession of faith without wavering, knowing that what God promises He is able to do; in fact He even declares it a done deal before it happens. Do you know somebody else with that good of a proven track record? Isaiah 42:6-9 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; (7) To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. (8) I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. (9) Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. (KJV) The Lord is calling His people, which you are one of His; now will you receive His message and believe more in what He has done and accomplished, and less in your own thoughts and works? Believed and received; be not deceived, God bless. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)
God gave us the perfect gift in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we too could manifest God’s plan of salvation however or whatever way He sees fit. The question you have to answer for yourself is ‘will you find your place in the body of Christ and allow His spirit to work in you as well?’ 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (28) And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. (KJV) God has set and would like to set you in the body where He knows you are best suited, and where you would be able to be the most effective. While many think that they know how to be the most effective, it’s only those that allow God to work through them in the place He would have them to be who will be the ones He will work through, and manifest His Spirit through. Are all of us qualified to be in the position of an apostle or a prophet, if not then leave it alone. Are you developed enough in the calling or qualification of healing, or speaking in tongues and interpreting them as well, if not then don’t pretend you are just because someone else is. Like verse 31 says, covet the best gifts or qualifications that you are best suited for; because if you haven’t been called to a certain position, or you are trying to operate in a place that God hasn’t called you to or you are not developed in, you will be ineffective. I have been a truck driver and a transit operator for most of my working days which is a talent God gave me and blessed me with. But I can assure you that if I needed medical attention or knew someone else that did, I would gladly point them or myself to someone that was qualified and had an understanding concerning healing. You know what they say about those that are their own doctor; they end up with fools for patients. Have you ever watched medical shows on TV when they do an operation? You see that it takes someone who is trained and knows what they are doing so that they can provide the remedy. Just because you stayed at a Holiday Inn doesn’t make you qualified; the same holds true in the Spiritual realm. God does not want a novice any more than you would want a novice physician doing life and death surgery on you. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (KJV) Paul ended chapter 12 saying that he would show us a more excellent way, and here it is, what it comes down to is the motive of the heart. You may have a tremendous zeal for God, but if it is not being done in love then it is all for naught and will profit nothing. Love is laying down your life for the brethren; finding your place in the body and allowing God to work through you no matter where He has set you in the body, or how He chooses to work through you. You may have learned to speak and pray in a tongue of man, or that of an angel, or a spiritual nature, but if it is not done in love it is of no avail. So again, what is the motive of your heart, and how are you responding to the calling of God and the gift He has given? Are you a gift that is allowing the life of God to flow through you, or have you become a stumbling block to others, causing more confusion than peace? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (KJV) The manifestation of the Spirit is given for us to profit in, and nothing will demonstrate that better than the motive of love. Everything we see here in the above verses totally contradicts what we have learned from the past, like the term looking out for number one. Number one is now the members of the one body in Christ, something we should be more concerned with than our own desires. The Bible says that we should do unto others as we would like done unto us, even though the second part of that verse doesn’t always turn out that way. Even though we don’t always receive from others what we put forth, it doesn’t mean we should lower our standards and stoop to a different level. 1 Corinthians 13:8-11 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV) God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son so that we could partake of His divine nature and learn how to reciprocate His charity, which is another word for love, back to Him as well as other members of the body. Love never fails; it is a sure fire way to allow the Spirit, the gift of Christ, to manifest and work through us. While many have tried to impress others with much speaking and head knowledge, and while others thought that by speaking in tongues they would really be impressive, in the end it will all just vanish away and the only thing left that will make any difference is those that chose to walk in love. How have you answered the call of God? Are you doing it with the motive of love not only on His behalf but for the members of the body of Christ as well, or are you motivated by trying to impress others, which has just been described as being of no profit? 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (13) And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJV) Someday we will be able to see the totality of God’s plan of salvation without having to deal with our carnal understanding. So for now we will have to settle for a glimpse into the heavenly realm, building a foundation one day at a time. The best way to clear this up for today is with an understanding and a motive of love, a perfect mature love that casts out all fear. How are you handling the gift God gave? Are you able to see for yourself where you fit in the body and is your desire to edify others, or are motives childish and self serving? It’s the best gift available to all mankind, the gift of God, which He would love for you to receive if you would love to have it. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:11-14 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; (12) And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: (13) Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. (14) I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. (KJV)
Remember the TV program Fantasy Island, where they fly into the island with a problem and leave with the solution? They make it look so easy; and how they look up to the people that provide the solutions and put them on pedestals. Well today we still have re-runs of that program which are displayed by many false teachers of the gospel of Christ, who make ministry work look so glamorous and exciting; how well thought of they are in the community, and looked up to as leaders and pillars. With their three piece suits and two bit doctrines they try to compare themselves with those that God has used before, but as one can see from the above verses, the gap between reality and fantasy is huge. If you think you want to be like Paul, Peter or some of the other people God has used then you need to look at what I will call the fine print; because for many ear tickling preachers it seems they have left this part out, or do their best to hide the true fact that the closer one gets to the Lord the more they truly will endure suffering on His behalf. It would be nice if all one had to do is write of the blessings of God and all the wonderful things that accompany them, but I would be negligent in presenting the truth about the things that don’t tickle the ear, but warn the heart of the reality, for those that chose to be led of the Spirit. Philippians 1:27-30 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (28) And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. (29) For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (30) Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. (KJV) The more one is led of the Spirit the more it contradicts those that are led of the flesh, and to them the doctrine of Christ seems foolish and a waste of time. The warning Paul was giving to the people was not only to believe in Christ but also that there would be suffering for His sake to those that speak on His behalf. Although Paul was used of God to write a good portion of the epistles, if you read through His accounts you will see there was plenty of conflict and opposition along the way. So don’t be discouraged if you encounter these things also, because it doesn’t mean you did something wrong but rather just the opposite. I see a lot of these do gooders who claim to be of God, who write and sell their books, who preach a life of prosperity living the American dream in the name of God, yet they are selling their souls for a buck (money). Many would like to only tell the people what they want to hear instead of what they need; the truth that will set them free indeed. So before you choose to enter the ministry based on these false illusions, the reality is that the only reason many false teachers sell this stuff is because they are not a threat to the enemy but rather an asset to him; settling for the rewards of this realm and not for an eternal reward of inheritance. Christian brothers and sisters, know there will be opposition, but also take comfort in the fact that it is because you are doing what is right in the sight of the Lord; which is why it will rub man the wrong way and cause the conflict. 1 Peter 4:15-19 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. (16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (17) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (18) And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (19) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (KJV) We have many false prophets out and about that the Lord warned us of that bring false doctrines and rob the people of the truth. They portray a people pleasing life of a minister as being someone that is looked up to and revered by many, which in reality is nothing more than seeking the honor of man rather than that of God. If you suffer as a Christian don’t be ashamed, even if it is by other so called Christians that would rather water down the truth and not deal with the reality of those that truly choose to follow the leading of the Spirit. Again don’t think it so strange concerning the fiery trials that come your way, because the more you choose to live the truth and speak it, the more those darts will be hurled your way. And don’t be surprised if you end up taking some friendly fire from those that claim to be of God, false brethren that smile to your face and stab you in the back. 2 Timothy 3:10-15 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (11) Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. (12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (13) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (14) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (KJV) The reason the righteous are scarcely saved is because evil men and seducers are getting worse and worse with their deceptions and lies, and many Christians do not take the time in the word of God for themselves to know the difference, but rather get caught up in them. The reason Paul suffered so much is because of the doctrine of Christ that he taught and preached as well as lived, which is why there was so much opposition. That is why we are to continue in the faith grounded and settled and not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which is Christ in you, His leading and guiding of the Spirit. We see the encouragement in verse 14, to continue in these things despite the sufferings and persecutions because you know the truth and that is why you are suffering, not because you did something wrong. Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (KJV) Still interested in ministry work? Then time for a reality check. If you think you are going to be revered and highly thought of in the community, think again. If you wish to be highly thought of and a pillar in God’s community then proceed forward. Those that portray a one sided version of the ministry are living in a fantasy world on an island located somewhere in the dead sea, and will find their program cancelled. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:5-10 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (KJV)
Have you made your calling and election sure today? Do you truly know where you stand with our Father, and the fact that you are in good standing with Him according to His word? Like with marriage, many of them fall apart because of a lack of communication, the love that was once there grows cold, and one of the members may start looking elsewhere to fill the void. Your commitment with the Lord is based on a love and trust relationship. We love our Lord because He first loved us, and sent His Son to lay down His life so that we could inherit eternal life. You learn to trust in that love you have for the Lord. And the more you seek Him through His word and prayer, the more He reveals Himself to you in a personal loving manner. As we see in the above verses the wonderful virtues of our Lord are a part of His divine nature in which we are also partakers. Once again we see the word charity in verse 7, which is the same as love. Those that lack in any of these areas are blinded by their carnal understanding, forgetting that they were purged from their life of sin by the grace of God and not by their own works. For one to continue in the Lord and endure to the end they need to take the time on a daily basis to communicate with our Lord so that they can keep their calling intact and secure. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (8) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (KJV) I have failed in many things in my own life because it was not based on the love of God, but rather my own self serving desires of the flesh. I have found that of all the things I have tried, and all the things that I had started and didn’t finish were because I would lose interest and not be content. The only thing that has ever worked for me, the only foundation that is able to withstand all the storms of this life, is Jesus Christ and His love that I have allowed to be shed abroad in my heart. Many people claim virtues based on their own works, and claim to be fine upstanding people because their own abilities and beliefs. I have found for myself the love of God and His virtues, partaking of His divine nature to be the only thing that allows me to finish what the Lord has started within me. I am not a long suffering person on my own, and having grown up in this fallen world, I many times would vaunt myself up especially in my mind though in reality I was nothing more than a legend in my own mind. Patience is a virtue I didn’t like waiting around for. So if I didn’t get what I wanted in the time frame I thought it should be delivered, then I would become easily provoked to think evil. However, only by coming to a knowledge of the truth and love of God, it’s only by His abilities and strength that I can bear up under all things, believe all things, which now includes those of the spiritual realm, hope all things as well, I now have Christ in me the only hope of glory. I can do all things through Christ which gives me the ability to endure to the end; receiving the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls. There are lot people that have come and gone claiming to have known God and spoken on His behalf, but it’s only those that truly know the love of God and are motivated purely for that reason who will endure to the end; and that love will never fail them or forsake them either. Galatians 5:5-6 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (6) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. (KJV) Without faith it is impossible to please God; a belief in God which only works by a love for Him. Without the love of God motivating us, many do believe in God but won’t walk by faith unless there is something in it for them, something that builds them up and makes them look good, rather than being a servant and building up others. It’s not the hearers of the word of God that are justified by our Lord, it’s the doers as well that will be justified in His sight. A true servant of the Lord is motivated by the love of God; which no love is greater, than for us to lay down our lives for our brethren. So what are your true motives for serving the Lord and how sure is your calling right now? Is it based on ‘what have you done for me lately Lord’, or is it ‘what can I do today Lord that would be pleasing in your sight’? 1 Timothy 6:10-11 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) There are those that have placed the love of money above their love for God, and in the end fall short. Many think and preach that money is the answer to all their problems in life, and the more money they have the more they have been blessed of God. It’s this deception that keeps many from experiencing the true love of God, replacing it with some cheap imitation of man. When you get hit with these silly money pitches and hundredfold return promises head for the door, put your hand to the plow and don’t bother looking back. Flee these things and establish a firm foundation in Christ which is based on a true love for our Lord by faith, with some patience and meekness for added measure. So many people have gone off the deep end and are drowning in destruction and despair with many sorrows that are attached to these money seeking doctrines. So before you jump in head first make sure the pool is full of living waters and not a mirage. Mark 12:29-31 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: (30) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (31) And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (KJV) As a former long haul truck driver I would need a good vehicle that was well maintained to get me from one side of the country and back again. I have found in my Christian walk that the only thing that will sustain me and keep me on the path of life is the love of God which I have allowed to be shed abroad in my heart. Without this love and trust, like with many things I have begun and didn’t finish, I would not have been able to make it this far nor would I have any thought of enduring to the end. Remember, it’s not just those that begin the race that receive the prize, it’s only those that endure to the end and are in it for the long haul that will receive the reward of inheritance. And it’s only those that are able to experience personally for themselves the love of God that will not be detoured from achieving this goal. God bless, keep the faith, and endure unto the end in the love of God; and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 5:5-8 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (KJV)
Mankind bases love on a ‘what have you done for me lately’ mindset. A love based on conditions, a conditional love. God’s love is an unconditional love based on who you are; that unique one of a kind creation that only you are, and only you could be. People compare themselves many times with others, thinking that they answer the call of God so much better, and that I could never be that pleasing to God. The truth be known, no one could ever answer the call better than what the Lord is asking of you, the unique person in Christ that He created and didn’t make a mistake with, despite what you may think. Our Father’s realm is not like the world where they play favorites and give preferential treatment to those that can give them back something in return, but rather it is based on an unconditional love for ones willingness and obedience to His word. Christ loved us and died for us when we were still in sin, and even died for those that He knew would choose to stay in sin and unbelief. So before you down play your calling, or think the love of God is based on works, understand the fact that the Lord loves you and created you for His own purpose, only you can carry out the calling He chose and selected for you personally. Luke 6:31-35 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (32) For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. (33) And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. (34) And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (35) But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (KJV) As we would like people to treat us is the standard we need to live by. It doesn’t say they will reciprocate the love of God we show to them, but we still need to hold to our same standard. Many today still try to compare the love of God with how they had been taught all of their lives, a conditional love based on the ‘what have you done for me lately’ attitude. Greater love has no man than to lay down His life so that the life and love of God can be shed abroad in their hearts, and be a light to those that are around them. Sometimes we think God loves us less because maybe we are not dealing with large numbers, or because we haven’t been called to pastor a big congregation; but your calling and your obedience to what the Lord is asking does not diminish the love of God one bit in your life. You may have had people come and go in your life, and walk out on you for whatever reason, or blame you because they are unhappy and unfulfilled; but the love of God is eternal and is no comparison to the love of man which is conditional. Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (KJV) To know the love of Christ is not something we can comprehend with the mind; it passes our knowledge and doesn’t make sense. So the more one can stay out of their head, and not lean to their own understanding, the more they will become rooted and grounded in this unconditional love of Christ which is shed abroad in the heart. When watching TV there will be advertisements that promote websites where one can go find their soul mate in life. For many of these people that are looking for love, they will compare pictures and base their choices on outward appearances as well as their financial status, which basically means that if there is a change in any of these situations then the love that was there in the beginning will be like a flame that flickers and burns out. All of us have experienced the heartache of a breakup or lost love at some point in our lives, which was painful at the time because we wondered what we did wrong or how we could have kept the flame burning. Many times it wasn’t anything you did wrong, it’s just that it wasn’t right in the first place and didn’t have a solid foundation. At the time you may have been devastated, not realizing that God had something or someone better suited for you, something that would be long lasting based on a real love with a solid foundation. Once you truly experience the love of God you realize that everything God does on your behalf is for your benefit so that you could have life and have it more abundantly. 1 John 4:16-19 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (17) Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (19) We love him, because he first loved us. (KJV) Our love for the Lord is made perfect as we mature in Him, and realize that everything that He has done on our behalf is so that we could have fellowship with Him, and walk in the realm of the Spirit. The fear is eliminated when you realize that you are trusting more in what the Lord has done on your behalf, and not in what you think you should be doing on His behalf. We realize that God loves us for the unique individual that we are, and that no one else could carry out the calling and the place in the body of Christ that He has set us in. While some preach only fire and brimstone, and portray a God of anger and vengeance, it’s because they still hold to the letter of the law which kills and keeps the love of God from flowing to their heart. Psalms 45:1-2 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (2) Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. (KJV) Inditing means to gush; letting the love of God that has been shed in the heart flow through you and water those around you. Out of the abundance of our heart the mouth will speak; our tongue being an extension of it. Have you experienced the love of God? Are you able to give an accurate account of how that love is shed abroad in the heart, which will gush out of you like a fire hydrant and douse the fiery darts of the enemy? There is no comparison. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 4:9-11 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. (10) For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. (11) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (KJV)
You have been issued a cease and desist order from the Lord, which is what the word ‘rest’ means. In order to walk with the Lord you now need to cease from your own works, and walk in the completed work our Lord Jesus Christ has done on our behalf. Another way of putting it, is that your labor now is to enter into His rest, or as Paul wrote keeping our bodies in subjection to the Spirit. Now does this mean that we as Christians should all check into a rest home and not do anything anymore? Not quite. However, we all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling so that we can find our place in the body of Christ, and carry out the calling that He is asking of us no matter what it is or how trivial we may think it is. A labor of love is another way of putting it; once you have entered into His rest, or abode, it is vital that we remain seated in a heavenly place with our Lord and not fall from grace because of unbelief. Genesis 1:31-2:3 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. CHAPTER 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (2) And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (3) And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (KJV) Was God tired, did He have to take a breather? Not at all, actually God saw everything that He made, everything that He planned before the foundation of the world, which by the way includes you and me the believers, had turned out very good. Everything that was needed for mankind was put in place, including His plan for salvation. In fact God knew already, before the foundation of the world, that man would fall and what it would take to bring reconciliation. God rested; which again means to cease and desist; everything that needed to be done was accomplished and put in place. Now the question is, will you find your place in His calling, and cease and desist from your own works? Psalms 46:10-11 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (11) The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (KJV) When praying about certain situations or decisions that you encounter, do you stop everything you are doing, cease and desist from any outside distractions, and take the time to enter into God’s rest to hear the answer? Maybe the reason you are so worn out is because you have been chasing the answer instead of letting the blessings come upon you and overtake you, which will not happen if you are always on the run. The peace of God you have experienced before is still available, but only if you are willing to cease from your own works and enter into the rest of God so that you can hear the rest of His answer. After all, how many hairs did you count on your head today? You think God isn’t concerned with your life and yet He has even the hairs on your head numbered; and we still doubt at times or question Him? Many times people blame God, and say He hasn’t answered their prayers; the truth be known it was that they didn’t take the time to hear His answer on how the prayers would be answered, and what they needed to do to let it be accomplished. Sometimes people get ahead of God, and rather than being still and knowing God, and that God has heard and answered the prayer, they take off running before they get directions. Ready, shoot, aim, and guess who gets blamed when things don’t turn out they way they thought it should, either God or His messengers or both. Isaiah 46:10-13 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (11) Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (12) Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: (13) I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. (KJV) Are you able to accurately declare an outcome before it happens? All the time? God does, because He has seen it before the foundation of the world, then created everything the way He wanted it to be and saw that it was very good. If your life is not very good and your walk is not where it should be, then somewhere along the way you got sidetracked and you need to stop and take a breather, cease from your own dead works and enter into the work of the Lord that He accomplished for you and your benefit (not the one where you end up throwing a fit). God saw you personally from the beginning, He then drew up a plan of salvation, and a path of life for you to walk on that would lead to His everlasting kingdom. God even saw the detours you would make at times, and provided a way of escape so that you could get back on course and enter into His rest. And yet we still doubt and question our Father’s ability at times, or wonder if He is even concerned with us? Parents, how easy is it to carry on a conversation with one of your children if they are always on the go and never stop long enough to talk with you? How sad is that for you to watch when you see them doing things that are not healthy or in their best interest, yet they never take the time to ask for your help or advice, from a loving parent who has experienced the things they are going through? All you wish for them to do is stop, cease from what they are doing, take the time to rest and hear your counsel and advice which would make it much easier for them and a lot healthier. And you as parents, have you stopped and taken the time to hear from your heavenly Father as well, before you end up frustrated and entangled with the affairs of this life by neglecting the things of your spiritual life? John 6:27-29 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (28) Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (KJV) Here is your labor, a labor of love, all that effort you have put into the things of this life is now being redirected to things that pertain to everlasting life. This is the work; the labor of keeping our bodies in subjection to the Spirit, keeping our minds renewed on a daily basis so that we not only enter into the rest or the realm of God, but more and more stay seated in heavenly places in Christ and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel. You are now under house a rest, you are the temple of the living God and are now living a life of faith; a belief in the completed work that Jesus Christ has done on our behalf, and is much better than any work we think we can do on His behalf. God bless, and take a time out on a daily basis and see the very good work God has begun in you and continues to do for your benefit. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus dear brethren. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: (27) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: (29) That no flesh should glory in his presence. (KJV)
God has chosen the foolish things of this world; which I consider myself one of those, having walked according to my own lusts and desires for so many years which always left me lacking and going backward instead of forward. The more one realizes just how weak they truly are, the more they will find how strong God truly is, and how to operate in that strength and confidence for themselves. There truly is strength in weakness. The more we realize this the more we can see the way of escape God has provided for us from this present evil world and its ungodly backwards thinking. Titus 3:1-6 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (2) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (3) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. (4) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (6) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; (KJV) What is your calling and who is it based upon? Is it according to your works and abilities, or is it according to the working of the Lord and what you are allowing Him to do through you? Is your calling based on large numbers, thinking that the only way you can be effective for the Lord is to teach to large audiences, or has the Lord asked you to be more hands on, one on one, not concerned with head counts? And would you be content with working behind the scenes, not in the spotlight so to speak, but rather doing all things heartily as unto the Lord without concern for what man thinks or how others operate? So many have missed the Lord’s calling because they had preconceived ideas of how a ministry should operate, and anything less than what they perceive as being effective will not work for them. Others forget how they were saved, and how they were called of God, which was not based on their works or abilities but rather by the kindness, mercy, and love of God. This same kindness and mercy which gave you access into the kingdom of God is the same that we should be showing and demonstrating to others as well. Sometimes those that are in the position of ministry work forget that they too were once foolish and deceived; rather than show that same compassion with others that was shown toward them they expect changes in others right away, changes that they themselves were not willing to make right away, as they too needed some time to get past their own shortcomings and infirmities of the flesh. 2 Timothy 1:9-11 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (10) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (11) Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (KJV) Grace; God’s unmerited favor toward mankind which definitely eliminates boasting on our part. Each and every believer has had a spiritual blueprint drawn up for them before the foundation of the world, not based on our works and abilities but according to the Lord’s own purpose for us, and the path He has chosen for us to walk. Many people will begin their walk in the Spirit, on His path, but then they come to the conclusion that they will perfect it in the flesh. Instead of man being made in the image and likeness of God, many manmade religions try to make God in their image and likeness, of how they think the Lord should operate based on their own purpose and not the Lord’s. Once a person steps out of the realm of grace through faith they can no longer be used of God, but rather have gone about to establish their own righteousness which is based on works and is not of grace. Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (6) And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (KJV) These verses remind me of the term awful good, an expression used by many. You are either one or the other; when you try to combine the two they don’t work. The same holds true with grace and works. Anytime someone tries to combine the works of the law with grace they end up with the awful, and not the good. They that are in the flesh and its realm of thinking cannot please God, it’s that simple. Anytime you base your walk with the Lord according to your works and your way of thinking you limit the Lord; you will eventually replace His plan of salvation that He had drawn up and intended for you before the foundation of the world with your own plan, which is a dead end. Lamentations 3:22-24 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (23) They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (24) The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. (KJV) Every day should be a new experience with the Lord, another step closer to Him on the path of life that He is willing to illuminate for all those that seek Him. Are you waiting on the Lord today to hear His answer and instruction for where He would have you on this path, the one He chose before the foundation of the world, or are you to busy running in circles chasing your tail on some dead end path you chose? The arm of the Lord is never too short to save; so if you have fallen down reach up and let Him pull you back up, get back to the place you belong, the one He chose for you and knew where you would be best suited. Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (KJV) Do you wish to be strong? Then become weak to your own thoughts and ways, let the Lord have His way, which according to Him was drawn up and planned long before any of us were around. Believe it or not, God was able to draw up this perfect plan of salvation for mankind without our input or opinions; and quite frankly for myself I have found out that He still doesn’t need my input. So who is your salvation based on, who is it according to, God’s perfect will or your own limited thinking? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: (27) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: (29) That no flesh should glory in his presence. (KJV)
Don’t be offended and don’t take it personal that the Lord didn’t call you based on your wisdom and strength. Salvation is not like filling out an application for a job, where the employer is looking for the most qualified employee based on their ability and wisdom. Just the opposite holds true with the Lord; His calling is based on the heart, and what the heart treasures and who the heart truly desires to serve. So don’t think that God chose you because you are the wisest person He could find or because of your standing in the world or in the community, but rather because you realized that you are weak and unable to attain salvation on your own. The more you keep this mindset, humility is another word that describes this, the more God is able to use you. 2 Corinthians 8:10-12 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. (11) Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. (12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (KJV) God called you and accepted you for who you are, not for someone you think you should be; rather now you need to pattern your life according to His will, and walk in the realm of the Spirit. All God asks and will ask is that there is a willingness to follow His path based on His word, letting that be your strength, and not how man measures strength and ability. The more you realize how weak you really are on your own, the more you will find strength in what the Lord has done on your behalf; not like many others who think they are strong because they think they are doing so much on His behalf. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV) Paul had his own issues to deal with, which he described as a thorn in the flesh. What that thorn was, has been speculated for 2 thousand years. One thing we know, Paul had a past that dealt with mistreating Christians, and knowing from my own personal experiences the devil likes to remind people of their past and its shortcomings. So the fact that Paul was able to come to the conclusion that our salvation is based on grace and not of works, which leaves no room for boasting is one reason why God was able to use this man to write a good portion of the epistles. Now being weak doesn’t mean we run and hide, but rather you understand more and more that the Spirit is truly willing it’s our flesh, our carnal mind and understanding that is weak. Paul found his strength in the completed work Jesus Christ did on his behalf, and not the completed work many claim they are doing on the Lord’s behalf. It doesn’t matter how many scriptures you can quote, how many sermons you preach, or how big a congregation you have built, it all comes down to a simple loving obedience to our Lord, and the complete work He has done and is continuing to do within those that are willing to follow His example. You can have all knowledge and faith to move mountains but if you do not have love, a relationship based on trust and commitment with the Father, it will profit you nothing. So where is your strength coming from today; in what the word of God says, a path you are walking by faith, or are you leaning to your own understanding by what you think will make you strong, or should I say head strong as so many are? Galatians 4:12-14 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. (13) Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. (14) And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. (KJV) Obviously Paul had dealt with this infirmity, as we see it written about again, and was humble enough to let the people know that he was just as human as they were. Sometimes those that God has called think they have to come off as bulletproof and invincible which makes it hard for others to relate to them. Yes it is important to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, but being able to relate to the people through your own experiences can be an inspiration as well as opportunity for them to open up and share things that they have had to deal with, their own infirmity and temptation in their flesh. Remember, when it came time for those without sin to cast the first stone no one did. So keep in mind the same compassion God has dealt you; how longsuffering and patience can go a long way to helping someone remove and get past their own thorns in the flesh. 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; (21) To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. (22) To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (23) And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. (KJV) Now you don’t have to go back under the old law or become a Jew to relate to a Jew; but rather you hear the Lord, and put yourself in their place, where they are at, so that you can let the Lord minister through you effectively. To the weak; I am reminded myself of times when I have been weak, and how I trusted more in my own abilities and works than the working of the Lord that He was trying to work in me, or what I call the sins and shortcomings of my youth, when I used to let the devil paint a picture in my mind of all the things I was missing out on, and how much better my life would be if I could have the things I desired. The only problem is that the devil doesn’t show us the consequences, which when the tab comes it’s always much bigger and lasts much longer than the short term thrill ride we took in the flesh. Being weak; staying out of the way, not leaning to your own understanding is a good thing, and one that will allow you to see your calling more clearly, and let the Lord minister through you more effectively. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:11-15 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (3) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (KJV)
There are some today that claim there are no more apostles and prophets, and no more miracles because they ceased after the disciples and the work they accomplished. But if you look at the above verses we see they are given and called by God for the work of the ministry to help build up the body of Christ and teach them how to grow and mature in Him. So simply put, as long as there is a body of believers in Christ, and as long as there is a ministry work being done, then nothing could be further from the truth than to think that there are no more apostles and prophets out there still answering the call. The reason people preach this nonsense is because they haven’t answered their own call to the ministry work, and have limited God by what others tell them and not what the spirit of God would be speaking. Many think of a prophet as one that just speaks of future events or someone the Lord has worked a miracle through; and because they don’t see it for themselves then they think it doesn’t work for others. Matthew 16:1-4 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. (2) He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. (3) And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (4) A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. (KJV) The Lord Himself was confronted with those that limited the things of God by the outward, not realizing the plan of salvation that would be manifested to the believers by an inward change. Many today are looking for some outward sign and miracle, and fall short of their calling because they miss the greatest miracle of all, which is salvation, and being able to be born again into the realm of the Spirit. Things that were previously hidden and unable to be understood by man are now being unveiled and revealed to them through the Spirit, and the miracle of this new life and beginning. The Old Testament prophets could only speak as the Holy Spirit came upon them, and delivered the message of a Messiah that God would send for the salvation of the world. The New Testament prophets are the ones that should be teaching the Church the mystery of the gospel, and enlightening them to the Messiah that has come; pointing them in the direction of the spiritual realm, and to quit looking for an outward manifestation or sign. God is still more than capable of miracles; which to us they are awe inspiring but to Him it’s just business as usual. The question is ‘where are you looking for the answer to the mystery of the gospel; will you keep looking for an outward sign or will you seek the inward confirmation that will build a firm foundation for you to stand on’? Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV) People today still look at Jesus the man and the demonstration of the power of God he allowed to work through him, which was only done by the spirit of Christ within Him. Today many still teach and preach the blessings of God and relate it only to the outward manifestations they can see, totally ignoring all the spiritual blessings we have been blessed with which are in the heavenly places, and can only be found by those that are able to operate within the realm of the Spirit. Matthew 10:7-8 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (KJV) Before our conversion we were all spiritually sick. Spiritually we were like the lepers; which when they contracted the disease, had to be separated from others so as not to spread this deadly disease. We have all been raised from the dead spiritually, and are able to walk in a newness of life leaving the old ways and the old man behind us. I am able to cast down every negative imagination of the devil which he would try to mislead me with, by the renewing of my mind so that I can operate with the mind of Christ. With all that is available in the spiritual realm, why are so many still looking for an outward sign in a realm where the Lord said He wouldn’t be found? Freely we have received this gift of Christ and freely we should be distributing it; which is why I don’t understand why so many have put a price tag on the word of God. If one is truly called of God and preaching His word then they will be distributing it freely without fleecing the flock and making merchandise of them. Ephesians 3:3-5 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, (4) 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; (KJV) Obviously this mystery that Paul wrote about, ministering to the Church his personal knowledge of Christ, is still a mystery to many which claim there are no more prophets today. As long as there is the Church, the body of believers still left here, there will be those that are still called to this position; the question is, will they answer the call in the Spirit, or will they miss out because they seek the answer in the flesh. Paul found his answer in the realm of the Spirit, and wrote to the Church that is in Christ, the Son of God, that this mystery is only revealed through a personal knowledge in Christ. Ephesians 3:6-10 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, 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. (8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (9) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (10) To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (KJV) The answer is in Christ. Those that have been called to His ministry will not limit their calling to what man tries to dictate; rather they will come to a personal knowledge of the mystery of the gospel so that they not only can see for themselves the unsearchable riches in Christ, but continue to teach others and allow the truth in Him to still be in play. The manifold wisdom of God is still available to all that would seek a relationship with the Father; but it can only be accomplished by those that seek to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Don’t limit God, and don’t be taken in by these false doctrines of man that have chosen to limit Him and their own calling, but rather walk by faith and let Him reveal Himself to you. God bless and keep the faith. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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