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Philippians 3:13-15 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘press’: 1377 dioko (dee-o'-ko); a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb dio (to flee; compare the base of 1169 and 1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute: KJV-- ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute (-ion), press forward. Williams New Testament translation Philippians 3:13-15 13. Brothers, I do not think that I have captured it yet, but here is my one aspiration, so forgetting what is behind me and reaching out for what is ahead of me, 14. I am pressing onward toward the goal, to win the prize to which God through Jesus Christ is calling us upward. 15. So let us all who are mature have this attitude. If you have a different attitude, God will make it clear to you. When pressing or moving forward in your walk with the Lord, sometimes or some situations you will find it a struggle, at times overwhelming to the mind. Like with a long distance runner, at times it seems like their body just can’t take anymore but they know they have to continue moving forward if they wish to attain their goal at the finish line. You will find your walk at times with the Lord similar in the aspect that the Lord is asking you to move forward, whether a job situation, a different fellowship, or He is asking you to answer your own calling in an area He sees as your place in the body even though you may see different. Remember, the Spirit is willing it’s our flesh and our carnal thinking that is weak and limited; so for a season whatever the new area is that the Lord is moving you into it may take a while for your understanding to catch up with the Lord. What’s that saying, “no pain no gain”, well at times change seems painful, grievous; never the less afterward you will see the peaceable fruit of the Spirit manifest as long as you persevere. In order to continue moving forward in your walk with the Lord you will find that some of the old ways and old thoughts that you got by with in the past are no longer effective anymore and thus the need for change is in order to mature. So like we see Paul explaining, he was forgetting things which were behind him, old thoughts and ways that were no longer beneficial to his spiritual growth, and reaching forth or looking forward to find his new life in Christ. The point is, just because you have entered a place in your walk where it may seem to be a struggle for the time being, know that as you persevere and continue seeking the things of God you will adapt to what the Lord is asking, or where He is asking you to operate, and it will yield peaceable fruit. Luke 3:4-6 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (5) Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; (6) And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (KJV) Ever hear the term “making a mountain out of a molehill”? Well those that endure and continue in their walk with the Lord are able to see the mountain turn into a molehill. Things that you thought in the past were impossible are now possible with Christ; and areas in your life that seemed so rough are now smooth and easy to walk in. Now that the valleys are filled in and that thing in your life that seemed like such a mountain is brought low the path is much steadier and your life is not such a roller coaster ride of emotional highs and lows anymore. Just like with a runner, the more they exercise and keep the body fit and built up the more they are able to endure the race that is before them as well as remain healthy. Spiritually these same principles work, by keeping your body in subjection to the Spirit you are able to endure this day the path the Lord has for you and make it to the finish line the way He intended you to. Yes there will be opposition and persecution along this path of life, and there may be times you get knocked down, but it’s not how many times you get knocked down that matters it is how many times you get back up and continue forward, that is what counts. Matthew 17:18-21 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. (19) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? (20) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (21) Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (KJV) A mountain can be anything that is in your path that appears to be a huge obstacle and hard to get past. Sometimes what seems simple to one person can be a huge distraction to another; while others struggle in things and are unable to move forward because they are still holding onto beliefs from their past. Whatever the situation is, it is important to pray one for another that they may be healed and find the comfort and deliverance through Christ. You will find your answer in prayer, continuing to communicate with the Father on a daily basis, seeking your answer in His word. Many fail to stay in communication with the Lord; rather they wait till a crisis arises before they seek His answer, a crisis that could have been avoided had the lines of communication stayed open. While fasting can refer to going without food it also refers to abstaining from anything that is feeding an area of our flesh that needs to be subdued and put into subjection. So rather than starve the flesh one spends more time feeding the flesh and its desires, then wonders why doubt and fear have crept in and kept them from achieving their goal. The more one feeds the Spirit the more they will see spiritual results that cannot and will not happen according to the carnal way of thinking and its dead ways. For you to grow and mature in the Lord you will be constantly going through changes in your life as you continue to step into the new realm the Lord has for you. Now the question is, ‘will you let go of the old childish things in order to press forward in your walk’? 1 Corinthians 13:10-11 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) When you are able to see and come to a perfect (mature) understanding of what the Lord is asking and requiring of you in order to move forward in your walk with Him, then that which is in part or any obstacle that has been impeding your sight is done away. Many people fail and fall short of the glory of God because they put their hand to the plow but keep looking back to find peace rather than pressing forward and maturing in the things of the Lord. So today, even though something may seem like a huge obstacle or mountainous in size, by pressing forward in your walk and persevering in the Lord you will find that you can do all things through Christ who is strengthening you. Those that have and continue to walk the path of life and grow up into the Lord find that many things that at one time were a distraction and an obstacle were nothing more than a mirage, an optical illusion of the devil. Just like watching old monster movies when I was a child I used to be frightened by the illusions of these movies, but as I grew up and matured I was able to see the cheap silly special effects of imaginary events and beings. God bless and press on. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:48-50 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (KJV)
Someday a total transformation will take place with all the believers that chose to hold God to be true and man the liar, including their own carnal thinking. By the way, you don’t have to wait until the day of judgment to bear the image of the heavenly which is Christ in you now, the one and only hope of glory. What we clearly see in the above verse is quite simple, two realms that differ as much as night and day. While mankind still holds to the flesh and blood realm which keeps them in darkness, those in Christ have found His enlightenment to be their source of a new life without fear or a shadow of doubt. Flesh and blood, and its way of thinking, cannot enter nor be an inheritor of the kingdom of God; neither is God going to allow something corruptible into His incorruptible realm as well. How you access God and His kingdom today will determine how well you know the Lord and how well known you are of Him. Galatians 1:15-17 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, (16) To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: (17) Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. (KJV) Paul not only makes the distinction that his relationship with the Lord was not based on any man but also the fact that he went straight to the source. He is very emphatic to point out that he didn’t run to the apostles that were before him, who actually walked with the Lord while He was here on earth, but rather he was able to hear first hand for himself who the Lord is and how to access His kingdom. Today many people claim to have the answer which they base more on a large following or the approval of mankind rather than on a personal revelation of who Christ is and how important it is to teach His name. Are you one of those who are more apt to chase after mankind or something or someone you can see, or are you going to be still and hear the Lord for yourself, and know that He is Lord of your life? Galatians 1:18-20 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. (19) But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. (20) Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. (KJV) I am certain that Paul was told by many that he should go find the apostles of the Lord so that he could learn from them; thus the reason why he was so emphatic to write that the things he was speaking were not a lie. In fact if you go read the account of what happens when Paul does meet up with Peter some 14 years later you see that there was a confrontation between the two of them, and the point Paul was making was in line with God. The point is that it took boldness and confidence to confront one of the Lord’s apostles and tell him he was out of line, and then to deliver the correction as well; a confidence and boldness that did not come from any flesh and blood man but rather first hand from a Spiritual source. Matthew 16:15-17 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (16) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (KJV) Are you still looking in the flesh and blood realm to find the answer that our Lord is asking all mankind; and has that answer been revealed to you personally? If you think someday you are going to gain access to a heavenly realm with a carnal answer you will find yourself on the outside looking in, eternally, knowing what was available and why you sold out. A spiritual kingdom has a spiritual access code or name, and only one name will get you into His realm today so that you can enter the eternal joy of the Lord, and that He can say well done good and faithful servant. While I hear so many preach and teach in the name of Jesus, which by the way is a common name among mankind, I hear a very few that know the name of Christ and the power of it. Could it be that there are just so few that have given heed to this revelation and have allowed the spiritual to have more of an influence than the physical? Could this be the reason why there is so much opposition to this name, even to the point of why the enemy is referred to as a spirit of antichrist and not anti Jesus? You say the name of Jesus and you are referring to a man that walked this earth and to many a man that still go by this name, but you add the name of Christ to it and you have now accessed a totally new and different realm, one the enemy doesn’t desire to see you get into. Philippians 2:8-11 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (KJV) By the way that name which is above every name and the one every tongue should be confessing and needs too in order to access the kingdom of God is Jesus Christ. While many claim it is just Jesus, the only reason He was able to live a life without sin and present himself a living acceptable sacrifice was by the leading and guiding of the spirit of Christ within Him, which made it a complete package. Without Jesus of Nazareth having the Spirit of Christ within Him to allow Him to be the first born or born again into this realm, He would not have been able to make reconciliation for a fallen dead world. If you personally do not have the Spirit of Christ working in you as well as a working knowledge of who the Son of God is for yourself you are none of His, but rather walking blindly in a dark carnal realm with which it is impossible to please God in. Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) The most important factor, the most important piece of a spiritual puzzle is Christ. Because once one is able to see who they are in Him then they are able to see the plan of salvation for themselves. A carnal flesh and blood man cannot relate to a spiritual being without the Spirit of Christ to bear witness and allow His spiritual light to shine in our hearts. Many people go to God through different names and paths that they think will enlighten them, but the word of God is quite clear to point out which name will get them into His kingdom and allow them to continue in it bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit to perfection, full maturity. Has God revealed Himself to you personally through His Son so that you can in turn access His kingdom and find out who you are in Christ? This is the one and only name that is above all others, and the only name that will make you complete in Him; while anything else will leave you stuck in the fallen realm of mankind and dead end rudiments and traditions. Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV) Mankind advertises many packages and things that they try to back up with guarantees, hoping this will entice others to buy into it. The word of God is quite clear on what name will get you access into His kingdom and allow you to continue in His spiritual realm rooted and grounded and not moved away. Jesus Christ is the complete package, the complete name that will make you whole; while anything less is based on a flesh and blood interpretation that is not exactly, and not what our Father acknowledges. Don’t be half right, let the truth and the whole truth set you free and keep you free indeed. God bless and His best to all this day. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 5:14-15 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)
That thing you petitioned the Lord about, was it something that would draw you closer to Him or was it something aimed more at the carnal realm, something that just might cause you more heartache than edification? True confidence in our Lord is to know, not just guess that He has heard you; actually knowing your petition has been heard; knowing you have what you desired of Him because you are doing what He is desiring of you. Simply put, are the things I desire of Him in line with what is best for my walk, or is it something that will have me walking in the opposite direction? James 4:3-4 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (4) Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (KJV) If you have petitioned the Lord concerning a matter and the answer was no, then be confident in the fact that it wasn’t beneficial to your walk with Him. Rather than asking the Lord for something that would feed and benefit the spiritual, you are seeking after something that is resurrecting the carnal old man, something the world and its people are more apt to seek and pursue. The more you remain in this fallen realm and become friendly with the world’s way of thinking, the less confident you will be in the things of the Lord; and rather than being an asset to His body you are just an ass set in your own ways. The will of God is for His people to be delivered from this present evil world, the love of money being the root of all evil. So to remain confident in the realm of the Spirit one needs to be walking in accordance to the will of God, then they will know their petitions are heard because their desire and the Lord’s will be one in the same. James 1:17-18 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (18) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (KJV) You know, when the Lord provides His answer to His people there is no doubt about the fact that it came from Him. When the Lord does something, there is no variation or any shadow of doubt, but everywhere you look you see that what was needed was supplied by Him in a way above and beyond what you could have ever asked or thought. That job you were seeking, the Lord opened a door in a place you hadn’t even thought of, something you were best suited for. When the Lord opens the door and the petitions we requested of Him manifest, it comes upon the person and overtakes them without their own doing. Some people try to make things happen, fabricate situations and events to make something appear to be happening from the Lord, rather than letting patience have its perfect work so that they are not lacking anything, especially confidence. 1 John 1:3-5 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (4) And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (5) This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (KJV) There are no gray areas with our Lord; and there should not be doubt and confusion with His people. If your fellowship with the Father is true then you know that it can only be established through His Son Jesus Christ so that the joy of the Lord is full, not just partial or some of the time. True communion with our Father, which is what fellowship means, is to communicate with Him, to stay in communication and continue building a confident relationship based on trust and commitment, similar to a marriage. Two cannot walk together unless they be in agreement and stay that way; otherwise there will be a parting of ways. So don’t settle for anything less than our Lord’s perfect answer from above when making petitions, because the enemy is looking to throw you a changeup and get you swinging at the wrong pitch. John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. (KJV) A true worshipper of God is one that is a doer of His word and not just a hearer. Those that truly know the Lord worship and reverence Him seven days a week in spirit and in truth, not just standing in some building looking up to the ceiling and waving at it on Sunday mornings. Again we see the same pattern, if one desires to have their petitions heard then they need to hear the Lord and respond to His petitions for His people also. If you wish to provoke others to love and good works, then a confident lifestyle in what the Lord is doing through you will be more edifying than all the song and dance, the so called worship that goes on, basically people doing their alms before each other. My take on all this silly singing and hands in the air so called worship is that spiritually empty people are trying to make up for their lack of knowledge by some outward show. And here is another thing, why do so many so called preachers think the only way they can deliver God’s message is in a fancy three piece suit? Most of these three piece suits are putting out two bit doctrines, though the outward may look good to man, God is still seeking the true inward one to work through. Remember the old song ‘You’re So Vain’, well so is all this nonsense people think impresses God. Proverbs 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. (KJV) You can talk to God all you want, and make as many petitions to Him as you want, but if you truly want them answered then you need to answer His call and do the walk. Personally I like knowing my petitions are heard, and I like knowing that I can walk in the light of the Lord, knowing surely that goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life so that my walk doesn’t end up like the soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives’, a continual pattern of heartache and misery. Psalms 84:11-12 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (12) O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. (KJV) When the sun is shining it is much easier to see the path of life than in the darkness. What a blessing it truly is to those that trust in the Lord; a confident relationship built by learning to walk in the Spirit and no longer living according to the flesh. Jeremiah 5:25 Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. (KJV) If your confidence has been waning lately, if that light that was shining in the heart has gotten dimmer, if you are not sure that your petitions are being heard, then it is time to do a spiritual inventory and find out if you are in the place you need to be, seated in a heavenly place with Christ and not so entangled with the affairs of this life. Remaining confident in the Lord is based on remaining seated with Christ and not moved away from the hope of glory in Him. Psalms 15:1-3 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? (2) He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. (3) He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. (KJV) Abide means to continue; so if you wish to continue with the Lord then it is contingent on being a doer and not just a hearer. Talk is cheap, but a walk with our Lord is deep, and will bring you into a deeper relationship with Him if you are willing and obedient. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation for Hebrews 4:16 16. So let us continue coming with courage to the throne of God's unmerited favor to obtain His mercy and to find His spiritual strength to help us when we need it. Have you ever seen in a show on TV where someone is walking towards the office of an important person and along the way someone tries to stop them from entering? And rather than heed the warnings the person marching through the hallway walks right in despite being told not to? This somewhat illustrates the boldness we should be walking in as well; a confidence that despite the principalities and powers in heavenly places that would try to keep you from going unto God’s throne of grace, especially in a time of need, you have every right as a child of God to go before His throne of grace with your requests, not only for yourself but for other members of the body, and receive His answer to them as well. So despite the opposition you will encounter, especially the closer you get to God, the more determined and bold you should be to anyone or anything that would try to impede your progress. So continue operating in the manifold wisdom of God, and remind any principality or any prince of the power of the air who you are in Christ and to step aside, as you are going to obtain the mercy and grace you are looking for. Fight that good fight of faith and don’t give in so easily or take a fall, but rather keep moving forward and don’t let anyone talk you out of the answer to your need this day. Hebrews 10:19-24 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (20) By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (21) And having an high priest over the house of God; (22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (KJV) Strong’s definition for boldness: 3954 parrhesia (par-rhay-see'-ah); from 3956 and a derivative of 4483; all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance: KJV-- bold (X -ly, -ness, -ness of speech), confidence, X freely, X openly, X plainly (-ness). You know that if you had legally bought and paid for a ticket to the theatre and the usher tried to stop you from entering, I would imagine you would be quick to point out your right and authority to enter in. Are you as confident, bold, and assured of your right to come before God’s throne of grace through His Son Jesus Christ or are you just hoping that maybe your requests will get through? Your right to the throne of grace has been bought and paid for in blood by the sacrifice of His Son; so now you have every right to draw near to God with a true heart in full of assurance of faith in what His Son accomplished on our behalf. However, if you are not sure and are not holding fast to this profession of faith without wavering, then you will have doubts and fears that your requests are not being heard or responded to. You know this confidence you are building and demonstrating, it can definitely be an inspiration to the brethren also, provoking them unto a love for God and being a doer of His good work. This access, this plan of salvation is yours for the taking, today, right now, so don’t let anything or anyone stop you or your prayers from being heard and responded to by our heavenly Father. Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (KJV) Paul knew His rights and authority in Christ and was bold and confident in the fact that no one or no circumstance was going to separate him from the love of God and His eternal reward of inheritance. While some people wallow in pity parties thinking we are just sheep being led to a slaughter, Paul was quick to remind and provoke the brethren unto love and goods works, that in all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us, that love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. So while others may struggle at times and forget the rights and authority we have by the name of Jesus Christ, we are reminded that one of the ways to provoke unto love and good works is to remind and encourage one another of the victory we have by His name. I can tell you boldly, that the people of this world who engage in lotteries and end up with a winning ticket will stop at nothing when it comes time to cash it in and collect on what is theirs. God’s desire for His people is that they would be just as bold and confident to come before His throne of grace as well and receive the spiritual blessings He has for His people which are rightfully theirs, those that call upon His name and respond in faith. 1 John 2:28-29 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (29) If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. (KJV) Again we see that being a doer of the word accompanies our confidence we have in the Lord. You won’t have one without the other; so the more you practice what you preach, the more proficient you become at it. Practice makes perfect, a perfect love which casts out all fear and allows one to continue in a confident relationship with the Father based on a love and trust in His word. So what are you holding fast to today, and what are you confident in, your own works or the good work your Father has begun and would like to continue to perform in you? Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (KJV) Your love and good works that you are building a confidence in, is what Jesus Christ has begun; and I pray is continuing to perform within in you, enduring to the end. So today if you sense that confidence is waning, or maybe you are not quite as sure of what you should be doing, maybe you need to let go and let someone else be in control, letting Him increase and your own thoughts and ways decrease. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thayer’s definition for confidence:
3954 parrhesia- 1) freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech a) openly, frankly, that is, without concealment 2) free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance Confidence, boldness, assurance; where do these come from and how can I maintain this in my walk, knowing who I serve and how to be an example of the believers? Is this something that just happens once in a while or is this something I have access to all the time? Is having confidence in the Lord and the good work He has begun in me something I can continue in or was it just something I experience periodically, is it just for certain special people? Be assured Church, that God would like nothing better than to see His people operate in a boldness and assurance, as well a confidence in their walk and in their prayers so that they can know that not only are they being heard, but answered also. 1 John 3:21-23 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. (23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (KJV) You know all those prayer requests you make to God, well He requests things in return, like being a doer of the word of God and not a hearer only. Verse 22 is clear to point out our responsibility in order to receive our requests. Are you as quick to respond to God and His word as you want Him to be when you request His help? Remember, this relationship you have with your heavenly Father is a two way street. He answers you and desires for you to answer Him also. You wonder at times why your prayers don’t seem to be getting answered or maybe you don’t have much confidence in what you are doing. Maybe you are not in place you need to be or maybe you are pursuing a matter that is drawing you away from God instead of closer. The more you are a doer of the word of God, a go to guy that responds to the call of our Father, the more confidence you will have when you make your requests to Him also. Simply put, with what measure you give out is given back your way; so if nothing seems to be coming your way you may need to find out if you are going the right way. Nothing in the realm of God just happens by chance or luck, which by the way none of these two words should be a part of any Christians vocabulary, but rather all the promises of God are a definite done deal to those that are willing and obedient to His word. You will find that the more you respond to God and draw near to Him the more He draws near to you as well; and the closer you get to Him the more confident you become in His word and promises. The farther away from Him you are the harder it is to hear His voice and to know what He is asking of you. So the farther away from Him you are, the more you are removed from the confidence and boldness you may have once had in His word, like the term dull of hearing. Williams New Testament translation for 1John 3:20-23 20. because if our consciences do condemn us, God is greater than our consciences, and He knows everything. 21. Dearly beloved, if our consciences do not condemn us, we come with perfect confidence to God, 22. and we obtain from Him whatever we ask for, because we practice obedience to His commands and do what pleases Him. Before you get all worked up or think God doesn’t answer your prayers because He loves you less, the truth be known He is desiring for you to get to know Him better and accomplish His perfect will in you. However, He does expect you to practice what you preach, to follow through with your commitment with Him. The same diligence you have shown in the past to achieve your earthly desires should now be aimed at His desire and what is pleasing in His sight. You wish to have confidence in your walk with the Lord, then answer His call and walk by faith, and you will find the Lord answering your requests as well. 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) When one believes on the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, then they believe that truly He that is within them is greater than anyone or anything in this fallen world. You trust in the name which is above all names, the only name in which you can have salvation as well as access to the throne of God. Your confidence is built on the completed work Jesus Christ has done on your behalf, and now your only desire is to do those things that are pleasing to God, which is why you know He hears you. You are also confident in this fact that God said that there is one mediator between Him and mankind, that being Jesus Christ. So if I come to my Father through that name, then I now can come boldly to His throne, holding Him to be true to His word. The more you hold God to be true and man the liar, the more confidence and trust you will build with our Father. While most of the world and worldly people are more apt to hold man’s word and interpretations above God, we can clearly see why they are not confident in their walk with Him and why their prayer life is not effective at all. Ephesians 3:10-12 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV) Talk about hitting the tri-fecta, there is definitely three things every Christian should have in their walk, boldness and access with confidence. Again we see this is all a result of the Lord’s purpose for our life, which is being purposed to us through Christ Jesus our Lord. Now be forewarned, you will experience opposition when trying to access the Father, especially from the principalities and powers that would like to keep you in darkness. But it is up to the Church, those that know who they are in Christ and their rights and authority they have by that name, to continue to operate in the manifold spiritual wisdom of God and walk according to His purpose. In all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us; so rather than giving ear to the voice of the enemy and withdrawing, tell him to step aside and get behind you, as you are going to proceed forward and not draw back. The devil is a liar and the father of them; you know the truth that has set you free, so don’t be afraid to remind the enemy who you are in Christ and confidently remind your opponents the victory you have by that name. Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (KJV) The closer you get to God, the more opposition you will find getting there. Similar to a football team driving down the field to the end zone, they may move the ball fairly well on one side of the field, but once they get close to the goal line they will find the defense stiffens and will put up a goal line stand. Those that have a heavenly game plan, following the purpose of our Lord, will know the name that will get them past the goal line and into the realm of the Spirit, while others will find themselves sacked and thrown for a loss. Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (KJV) The armor of God is spiritual, by putting on Jesus Christ you are putting on God’s uniform and protective gear, while anything less will leave you exposed and open to injury. Jesus Christ has already punched a trail past the goal line by following God’s plan; now the question is ‘will you follow the same path of a winner, or will you end up a whiner?’ God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (KJV)
Wasn’t the whole idea for accepting God’s plan of salvation into your life was to make it to the end and receive His eternal reward of inheritance? Having gone through the trial of this life which one can only be an overcomer by faith, it is the salvation of your soul that is of the utmost importance, especially when the day comes that you stand before God and give an account of your life; this life of faith in the message delivered by Christ. Jesus Christ is the first and the last; it was His word of life that brought you into the Kingdom and He will have the last say concerning your entrance into His eternal one. He is the author and finisher of our faith as well, so if you have been resurrected into the realm of the Spirit and are confident that the message you preach and follow came from the Father through the Son, then you will not be ashamed when it is time to be resurrected into His eternal realm forever. You may have entered this race with good intentions, but it is so vital that you continue and endure to the end so that you will be saved and receive the eternal inheritance. While many think all they have to do is answer some alter call to be saved, the truth be known, that is just the beginning; now you need to continue in the faith grounded and settled and don’t be moved away from the only hope of the gospel, which is Jesus Christ and His message of faith to the believers, a faith without which we cannot be pleasing to Him. Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) Do you know what the worst part about reading the above verses is, that the people described were actually believers, those that had a zeal for God but obviously it wasn’t according to His knowledge; God’s people perishing for lack of knowledge. Take note of the fact that we are not just talking about a few here, but verse 22 is quite clear to point out that it is many that end up being deceived and do not receive the reward of inheritance, the salvation of their own souls. Somewhere along the line in their walk they were no longer communicating with the Father, but rather the father of lies who comes to steal the truth, kill the life within them, and then watch their soul eternally destroyed in the lake of fire. Are you totally sure of the message you are hearing today is of God? Does it line up with His word or have you been sidetracked and are now following a different protocol? Are there question marks in your life concerning your walk? When you stand before God someday you will know and not guess you are one of His? Remember the word of God tells us that whatsoever is not of faith is sin, so if it isn’t the Lord directing your steps then you are none of His. Those that wish to enter into the Lord’s eternal inheritance need to let the Lord in their life now, today, so that there will be no doubt or question marks concerning their reward of inheritance. Simply put people, if you don’t let the Lord into your life then He is not going to let you into His either. What rightfully belonged to people who were at one time children of God was stolen from them without them even knowing it, because somewhere along the path of life they started out on they turned and followed a different path that led to destruction. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) There is only one path that leads to eternal life; and sad to say, only a few who find it. Years ago there was on old song that said ‘there’s a whole lot of people going home’, however the truth be known only a few will actually make it in, while many will be rejected. There is only one path, one Lord, and one faith that lead us unto life; and without this knowledge of who, what, and where this path is for you, you will not receive your eternal reward. Have you ever heard the statement ‘all paths lead to the same place’? Well that’s true, because when it involves any other way into the Kingdom besides the one our Lord said would get you in, then all those other ways are that of a thief and a robber, which is widely known as the path of destruction. Don’t be deceived into thinking that just because you joined some religious organization, or because you tithe twice a week or any other of our own works, you have your ticket stamped. Without faith, as the Bible says the just shall live by faith, without hearing this message on a daily basis then acting on what is heard you will end up eternally on the outside wishing in, knowing what was yours and what you had access to only to let it slip away from your grasp. 1 Corinthians 15:53-57 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) You know folks, this once saved always saved doctrine just doesn’t fly. Oh it sounds good and sure is an ear tickler which gives many a warm feeling inside, but the truth be known your salvation is based on your ability to hear the message delivered by Christ, then being a doer and not a hearer only unto the end. Your born again experience was just the beginning, now we will see if you will truly allow Jesus Christ to be the author and finisher of your faith so that you can receive your eternal inheritance. Again as we notice in the above verses, that it is not until we are given a new incorruptible body are we then allowed access into God’s kingdom; then and only then will we escape the second death which is eternal separation from the Father. So before you kick back in your easy chair and think you got this thing licked, heed the warnings in the word of God so that you can continue in the love of God and spend your eternity with Him. Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (KJV) Strong’s definition for overcometh: 3528 nikao (nik-ah'-o); from 3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively): KJV-- conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. You know the Lord just didn’t ask us to squeak by or hope we are one of His, but rather we should be an overcomer and walk in victory. It is our faith in what Christ has begun in us and continues to do that gives us this victory and will give us access to His eternal reward so that we can spend eternity doing a victory lap in His kingdom. Don’t be fooled Church, don’t be lulled back into a spiritual sleep and entombed into the realm of the flesh again, but hold fast your profession of faith without wavering, a message coming from the only author who will lead you to victory. Hebrews 10:35-39 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (36) For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV) In this fast paced world patience is not something that is often spoke of, let alone put into practice. But by letting patience have its perfect work we can mature in the Lord, lacking nothing. You have been reborn, resurrected to a new life in Christ, which is just the beginning. Continue in the faith, letting the good work that our Lord began in you to continue to the end so that you can receive what is rightfully yours, the salvation of your soul. Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (KJV) My prayer for each and everyone is that the end of this trail here will result in the beginning of their eternal reward with our heavenly Father. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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