Good day. Today's video Precious Saints is on the topic of: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the spiritual death of his saints. You have to die to this life, this world, to live and remain in the realm of the Spirit of God, Christ in you the hope of glory. Without a death there cannot be a resurrection. He must increase, and you "I" must decrease. Are you taking up your cross daily as our Lord Jesus Christ did and following his example, that is dying to self, dying to your thoughts, ideas and ways? What are you profited if you gain the whole world, but lose your own soul or be cast away? Are you willing to die daily to make it to your eternal home with Christ in God? You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day five, written January 21, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.
Friday, January 21, 2011 A New Desire Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV) You know, it is nice to knock on a door and then have it opened, and to enter into a peaceable realm, or a house that is in order. For many though they are knocking on the wrong door with the wrong motives, then wonder why they are denied access to what is rightfully theirs for the taking. Knowing what door you are knocking on and what the code name is that will get you access will be rewarding to say the least. John 10:1-5 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (2) But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. (KJV) Our Lord is referred to as a fore runner, the first born as well; one who ran this race toward the mark of the prize which is located above and not below here. Our Lord went before us and died so that we could have access to the realm above, no longer entrapped and in bondage to the things below. Have you answered your call today; seeking first the kingdom of God, or were you to busy following something foreign, a stranger who will not get you to your destination? John 10:6-9 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. (7) Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (8) All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. (9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (KJV) You know, when you enter into the Lord’s realm or rest, it is then that you cease from your own works, and desire what He would have for you this day. All that ever comes before the Lord, any other thing or even person that you would put before our Lord on your priority list is robbery, and will not get you what our Lord desired for you to partake of this day. Mark 11:23-24 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (KJV) In this fallen realm that we are surrounded with many will make mountains out of mole hills, allowing a little leaven to get past their spiritual radar. In our Lord’s realm it is just the opposite; when you make our Lord a priority then what seemed like a big distraction and obstacle, is quickly cut down and removed. But this will only take place when you enter in through the door of our Lord and make Him your top priority. Revelation 3:19-21 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (KJV) In closing this week, we need to keep in mind that salvation and our prayer life are a two way street; our Lord responds to our requests and desires as we give ear to His. We all want that door in heaven opened, especially in a time of need. By keeping the door of your heart open to the Lord as well will allow you to be an over comer instead of an underachiever. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) Are you a ‘can do’ Christian? Well, only if you allowed a can did person access to your heart. God bless and continue to desire Spiritual things. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day four, written January 20, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.
Thursday, January 20, 2011 A New Desire Psalms 37:4-6 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (6) And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. (KJV) As you draw near to God, He in turn will draw near to you as well; making His kingdom as bright and apparent as a sunrise on a new day, and the results will be as clear as the light at noon. What are you really seeking after, and in hot pursuit of today; is it the things above, or are you settling for something inferior like the things below? The Lord made us spirit, soul, and body; so in order to be complete we will need to address all those areas. My prayer is that you put the Spiritual first, and not last which is why many don’t last. Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV) With both of these words, ask and seek, you will find the term desire as well as crave in the definitions. When you asked the Lord to come into your life you began on a new path that would lead to eternal life. When you sought His word and made it a priority in your life, you then were able to see beyond the veil of the flesh, and come to an understanding of the mystery of the gospel that is hid to the carnal man but ready to be revealed to the Spiritual one. Then as you continue knocking, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are only found in Christ is opened unto you so that you can walk in His wisdom, no longer leaning to your own understanding. Colossians 1:9-11 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; (KJV) Paul’s own prayer and desire for God’s people is that they would continue seeking the wisdom and spiritual understanding from above so that they could be strengthened from within. If you notice, there are a lot of things that are available for those that pursue Spiritual things, things that can’t be bought or found in this carnal ream. 2 Chronicles 15:1-4 And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: (2) And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. (3) Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. (4) But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. (KJV) The Bible is consistent throughout in the fact that with what measure we give to God is then measured back our way in return. You know, instead of waiting for a time of trouble to manifest in your life, many of these heartaches and frustrations can be avoided if you simply made the Lord your only desire. If you notice also, that trouble came a knocking once the people were no longer abiding in the truth of God, but rather were settling for a lie. 2 Chronicles 15:12-15 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; (13) That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. (14) And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. (15) And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about. (KJV) In the Old Testament it was a death sentence when they would not pursue the things of God, but rather desired things that were contrary. You will find in your walk too that if you start to desire something other than what our Lord intended for you to walk in, yeah that sunny day you started out with will become darkened with some storm clouds. Do take note also in verse 15, that the result of seeking the Lord was that there was some rejoicing taking place rather than doubt and frustration. So go seek the Lord and He will give you something to shout about today as well. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day three, written January 19, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 A New Desire Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (KJV) With a new heart will come a new desire; however, your new desire and way of life is totally contrary to the old one. It is our Father’s good pleasure to give us His kingdom; thus the reason why He sent us His Son to buy us back, and redeem us. Now you will notice that throughout your Bible there are terms and conditions for these desires to be fulfilled. Another way of looking at it is referring to your prayer life, not only knowing that your prayers are getting heard but getting some actual results and the response from above that you are looking for. You will also find that in order to get a response from above, you will need to respond accordingly as well. This is what will build your confidence and trust in the Lord, not only knowing that you can go to Him in time of need but that you will respond to His request as well. Yeah, believe it or not this salvation stuff is a two way street. 1 John 3:19-22 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (20) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (KJV) Ever hear of the term identity theft; you know where someone gets a hold of someone else’s credit card and uses their name to make withdrawals? Many Christians are like that, they come to our Lord in time of need making withdrawals from their spiritual accounts, however, only a few return to see what they can deposit to keep their account open. If you notice above, that if there is peace in your heart then you know that you are still on the right path that our Lord ordained for you to walk on, and you will have confidence as well. However, if your heart is being pricked a bit you have a choice to cease and desist from something unhealthy, or continue on a path that will lead you further from the truth. The word ‘ask’ means to desire or crave; so as long as we continue to ask things that are in line with what our Lord intended for us to seek after, then we will get His results. James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (KJV) When looking at verse one, I personally don’t see much peace there, rather a lot of turmoil and frustration is starting to set in and take over. As you can see, this is all a result of our desire; trying to fill a Spiritual need with a carnal one, just not happening. Oh, and the more you try to justify yourself the more this stuff just keeps spinning and spinning inside of you, stirring up the more muck and mire. I find that with many, when all you hear is them trashing others, playing the blame game, yeah they are just taking out their own faults and shortcomings on others rather than coming clean and dealing with the real source of their fall. James 4:4-6 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? (6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (KJV) You know, when you make a commitment to the Lord and then go back to the world and its way of thinking, yeah, that is when you open the door for a world of hurt. Some of these people that you are associating with, even those that say that they are Christians, ahhh, the reality is that they are just like the world, it’s just a different disguise that they are wearing. Your Bible is very clear on what evil communication does to someone who may have started out with good intentions. Yeah, if continued in it, it will corrupt your good morals that you started with in the beginning of your walk. 1 John 5:13-15 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (14) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (KJV) Hey, look what happens when we get our heart right with the Lord, and desire the things above instead of those below the standard that He intended for us. Instead of wars and frustrations, fear and doubt is replaced with words like knowing, believing, as well as some confidence being thrown in the mix for good measure. Do you desire results in your prayer life? Then seek those things above, and you will find them. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day two, written January 18, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 A New Desire Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (KJV) So where does your delight come from today; is it based on outward events and circumstances, or are you one of the few that has found the inward delight that can only come from above? If you commit yourself to the Lord and stay committed, well, He will stay committed to you as well so that your life will never become stale. You know, with a new heart will come a new desire, something that you definitely should be seeking after. Ezekiel 11:18-20 And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. (19) And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: (20) That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (KJV) Verse 19 talks about one heart, as well as a new spirit. In order to continue your walk on the path of life that our Lord ordained for you to walk on you will need to keep your mind renewed daily to the things above otherwise you will fall for any cheap hoax below. The Lord did a heart transplant on us once we received His plan of salvation, taking out the stony hard heart and replacing it with something that He can work with and mold, like clay. However, just like with clay, one needs a daily dose of living waters to keep it pliable, or else it will harden again. Mark 4:3-6 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: (4) And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. (5) And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: (6) But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. (KJV) Here we see some examples of what happens when a Christian no longer desires the things above, but rather starts looking elsewhere, thinking that something here on earth would ever satisfy an inward hunger. You know, one of the first things a good farmer will do is go into a field and pick all the rocks out of it before planting a crop. Without some good soil to work with, as well as living waters, the plant will not take root and will eventually wither away. Many of God’s people experience the same results when they no longer seek the things above but rather put their hand to the plow and then look back behind them for answers again. 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) You know, once you get your Spiritual house in order it is up to you to keep a watch over it and not allow anything contrary to sound doctrine to enter back in and mess it up. Verse 19 gives us a clear example of what is not desirable as far as the kingdom of God is concerned, and will choke the life out of the believer if they continue to pursue these things. Contrary to what many are teaching today, you know where they make it appear that God owes us a hundred fold return on our carnal riches, we are actually the ones who need to be bringing forth and bearing a hundred fold return on His seed, which is Spiritual. Christ is the only seed; the word of God is the only thing that we should be desiring and becoming rooted and grounded in; while anything else will just dry up and be blown away with many winds of doctrines. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day one, written January 17, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.
Monday, January 17, 2011 A New Desire Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (KJV) You will find that with any document or contract that there are terms and conditions that are written into them that explain how it works, or is made void and nullified. Our Father in heaven left mankind a will, His will and desire for mankind so that the time that they spend here on this earth would be blessed, as well as their eternal time once they leave this earth. Knowing for yourself how and why God responds to your prayer or desires, petition would be another way of putting it, will build a trust and confidence so that you can know and not have to guess that they have been heard and answered as well. Proverbs 3:13-15 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. (14) For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. (15) She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. (KJV) Oh if you could just bottle this up and then give someone a taste, then they would see how much greater the Spiritual is compared to this carnal fallen realm. In order to find wisdom and understanding, you would need to make these things a desire, or let’s say a priority in your life. This is where many draw the line, call it quits, looking more at what they are walking away from instead of the newness of life that they are walking into. With a new heart will come a new desire, a desire for the things pertaining to the Spirit, no longer being influenced and overwhelmed with the things of the flesh. So start looking up Church, and you won’t be let down by the things of this fallen realm that can never satisfy or bring peace and contentment to the inner man. Ephesians 2:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (KJV) The term quickened refers to bringing back to life. So your dead end life was a result of the dead end desires you sought after and thought would bring peace. The sad truth is that many of God’s own people are brought back to life for a season; however, that season dies when they think that they can still incorporate the old things with the new man in Christ. A life that we thought would be fulfilled by carnal things needs to be replaced with a desire for the Spiritual things of God if one truly desires to make it to their eternal destination. You will find someday when standing before the Lord and giving an account of what you desired here on earth, that you will definitely desire to hear the statement “well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord”. Matthew 4:2-4 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. (3) And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (4) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV) You know, the enemy took a shot at our Lord at a time when the flesh definitely desired to be fed. However, our Lord knew that in order to live He would need to keep His body in subjection to the Spirit, and desire the Spiritual over the carnal. So what is your desire today, and are you feeding the inward first before seeking the outward? Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good day. Today's video Proof of Life is on the topic of study to show yourself approved unto God rightly dividing the word of truth. Proving yourself trustworthy, committed & faithful unto God. Prove, discern, recognize as genuine the Word of God delivered unto you; is it of God or man? Will you be recognized as genuine, one of God's sons or daughters at the judgment seat of Christ? You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning, today's encouragement is to keep renewed in the spirit of your mind.
If you would like to download a copy click on the Daily Bread For Life Archive link above to access the link to get your downloaded copy. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Keep Renewed Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls. (KJV) As we wait for the redemption of the body, let each of us be steadfast in keeping our minds renewed on things above where Christ sits at the right hand of God and not on the things on this earth which are temporal, and will perish away. That we be steadfast in working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, or in other words not taking our salvation for granted because judgment will begin first with us; and how much more sorer would it be if we were rejected, having accepted the plan of salvation yet did not take it seriously, than those who never accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Hebrews 2:1-3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (KJV) 1 Peter 4:17-19 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) Be steadfast and unmovable, grounded and settled, that neither death nor life nor any other creature separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Commit the keeping of your soul unto Him, and keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life; those things that are able to separate you from the love of God if you allow them in, ponder them long enough, and then act on them. A little leaven allowed in will leaven the whole lump if you don’t purge it out by casting down the imagination or high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, the truth of God and His word. If we keep our mind renewed on the things that make for peace and righteousness in God’s eyes, we are armed with the mind of Christ and we can immediately bring our thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ; in this the leaven is caught and removed before it can grow into an imagination that could lead us to sin. James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) Death is separation between you and the Father; the leaven broke the line of communication. Remember, whatever is not of faith is sin. So if you cannot do something faithfully, in the sight of God (who sees and knows the intents of the heart), then it is sin. You are trying to hide that thing. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ and who have truly renounced the hidden things of darkness. You may be able to hide it from man for a season, but you can never hide it from Him. The hidden things of darkness are always brought to light. Our soul (mind) is the seat of the affections and lusts of the flesh (the natural man). Which is why we need the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who died daily to the affections and lusts of the flesh, and took on the sins of the world, and was crucified for us to make the way of escape from ourselves. He gave us access to the mind of Christ. So now it is up to us to continue in the renewing of our mind so that we operate in the mind of Christ where all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are available to us. The natural man (old thinking man) cannot receive the things of God, neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. The mind of Christ is spiritual, not carnal. 1 Corinthians 2:12 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. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV) When we operate in the mind of Christ we are able to be instructed in the things of God. The Holy Spirit is able to lead and guide us into all truth. So dearly loved brethren keep renewed in the spirit of your mind that you may know the things that have been freely given unto you, that you have access to in Christ to make your walk through this life in peace (agreement with God; his thoughts and ways) and with patience having your souls in possession unto Christ. God bless. 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)
One of the definitions I have heard describing our Lord is that He is the invisible man, something that only exists in people’s minds and not a reality. Many desired a sign from our Lord back when He walked this earth and today not much has changed; many still look to the outward to find peace when the simple truth is, His kingdom is within us. Having spent some time this weekend watching a rather large prominent so called ministry doing another one of their endless telethons, the main focus is on financial prosperity and not one of inward prosperity; love, joy, and peace which is the fruit of the Spirit. The Bible is clear to point out that we would know them by their fruits; and it is quite obvious to those that have their spiritual senses exercised to see the difference in the motive of the heart between what brings forth good fruit and what the root of all evil truly is. So where are you looking today for peace; a joy of the Lord that is our strength that will enlighten our inner man so that we can continue the narrow and strait path that leads to eternal life? Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (KJV) Many have been called and have answered the call for a season, but as we see rather than continue to walk by faith they reverted back to the realm of the flesh and had fallen away. Although the things of God are invisible and not seen by the eye of man or heard by our carnal hearing, they are clearly revealed by the Spirit to spiritual people who would rather seek the things of God than that of man and this fallen realm. Just because you have had a born again experience doesn’t automatically mean you have your ticket stamped for your eternal inheritance, but rather it is a first step into a whole new realm of the Spirit and a commitment one needs to follow through on in order to obtain the reward. In fact once you have made a commitment to the Lord you now become a target of the enemy, and one of his favorite tactics is the make people think that what began in the Spirit can now be perfected by the flesh and its way of thinking, thus why the heart ends up in darkness again. Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (KJV) Ever wonder why there are so many wacky doctrines and gimmicks that crop up in the world, especially in the so called church realm? The more one becomes separated from the truth, the more they look for things in the outward to satisfy an inward spiritual hunger. Talk about a vicious cycle, like a dog chasing his tail; the bigger the void, the bigger the deception and gimmicks man falls for thinking it will bring peace. Just like with all these prosperity messages that cause people to think they will be satisfied with the riches of this life. Unless one is able to prosper and be in health spiritually it is all for naught and vain. So which realm are you looking in to find the peace of God; is it in the outward fallen one, or are you continuing in that realm of the Spirit where you found it in the first place? Is it any wonder that the first place you found peace and joy in is the last place the devil wants you looking into and seeking after? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV) It’s a mystery and foolish to mankind to see people at peace and content despite their outward surroundings. It is totally opposite of what mankind seeks after, something not seen to the outward man, yet so real and alive to the inward one. This new found love, joy, and peace you have experienced had nothing to do with the outward realm but had everything to do with what is available in the spiritual realm. So with this in mind, why do so many still think their answer is in the physical realm, especially one that will never satisfy or bring peace and contentment? Faith, hearing the message delivered by Christ is the only thing that has any real eternal substance, and the evidence is only found in a realm that is unknown to man but readily available to those in Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (KJV) It is this faith, your ability to hear and obey the message of God being delivered to His people through Christ, is what is working in you and keeping you rooted and grounded. The more you look to the things of God which are unseen, the less dependent you will become to the things that are seen and try to draw one back to the realm of the flesh. Like an anchor on a ship, the more weight and substance it has the less you will be blown off course by the winds and doctrines of mankind and its carnal desires. 1 Timothy 1:17-19 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (18) This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; (19) Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: (KJV) Over the years mankind has discovered a whole new realm unseen to the naked eye, but revealed through the help of magnifying glasses. A microscopic realm that reveals many life forms that help them understand certain mysteries and how to combat these unseen sometimes unhealthy things that war against the body. This same principle holds true with the spiritual things also; it takes a spiritual enlightenment in order to see clearly into God’s realm and clearly discern the good from the evil. Ephesians 1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (KJV) You have a spiritual eyeglass, and the more time you spend looking into this realm the less interested you will be with the things of this fallen one. Your eyes are now enlightened to see and understand clearly the things of God so that you can stand before Him without excuse or ashamed. So what are you setting your affection and attention on today; will it be the things above, or do you still think you will find your answer in what is below and substandard? Colossians 1:15-17 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (16) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (KJV) In order to access and understand an invisible God, it can only be revealed to us through His Son Jesus Christ who God made the head of His church. If any man has not this Spirit of Christ within, and a working knowledge of Him, then He is none of His and no longer able to understand the workings of the Father. Are you still looking today and seeking first the things of God, or has something else replaced your love for Him, what was once a solid loving relationship with Him has now become invisible? It all depends on where you are looking to find the answer. So remember the kingdom of God is within you and not something you will find in the outward. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:3-8 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4. By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature. 5. For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution or determination, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), 6. And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control (in knowing the truth there is self-control), and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety, commitment & obedience), 7. And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection (laying down your life), and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love (Christ formed in you). 8. For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full, personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one). AMP
These are all attributes or characteristics of the divine nature which was formed, brought to maturity, within Jesus of Nazareth. He decreased by dying daily to the wants and desires of his fleshly nature (the nature of man) so that Christ (the attributes or characteristics of God) would increase and over take the old corrupt fleshly nature. Jesus Christ left us an example to follow: to put off the old man, and put on of the new man who is renewed in the knowledge of Him who created you, and to do this continually. As you do these things (put off the old, put on the new) the more you see who God is; you begin to understand His nature through experience in your own life in Christ; you begin to understand His love, His grace, and His mercy for us and how lovingly He provided us the way of fellowship with Him, and escape from this corrupt and dying world through Jesus Christ. As you do these things you will not be blind to the truth, the full personal knowledge of God and Jesus Christ who He sent; and you have His promise that you shall never fall. 2 Peter 1:9-12 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: (11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. (KVJ) My beloved brethren, I pray that you will continue to make these qualities yours and let them increasingly abound in you, so that you are not idle or unfruitful in your walk but that you do come to a full personal knowledge of the truth that is in you. |
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