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Good day. Today's video Just the Opposite is on the topic of: The Lord's thoughts and ways are different than ours. Our carnal mind is in opposition to God, and we cannot do those things that please our Father when we operate in our carnal mind. Thus, we are encouraged to renew our minds daily on things above being led by the Spirit. We are to walk by faith and not by sight. We will experience situations in our walk with the Lord that turn out just the opposite of what we thought they would. The flesh (our carnal mind, worldly) and the Spirit are contrary to one another, so that you cannot do those things that you would. Those things that we think will enhance our walk with the Lord, may be just the opposite from that which the Lord really desires for us, which is why we are to seek first the kingdom on God and his righteousness, going to our Father first, seeking his counsel, and not leaning to our own understanding. Our own thoughts and ways will not bring us closer to the Lord; we have to cast down those imaginations of our carnal mind (arrogant reckonings, reasonings) and every lofty thing (stronghold that towers high in defiance of ) that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity (subjection) every thought to the obedience of Christ; in obedience to the Word of God we grow closer to the Lord, and come into agreement with His thoughts and ways which will be pleasing in our heavenly Father's sight. Just the opposite of the world; it is not of works; it is by grace through faith that we will stand justified in His sight. 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. 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. Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (KJV)
In this day and age of computers and high tech we are constantly being warned to be on the lookout for identity theft. Which is when someone takes the name and other personal information of another person without their knowledge and claims to be that person; then they go out and about misrepresenting that person for their own advantage or gain. The same holds true in the spiritual realm; many have taken the name of Christ, so called Christians who claim to be Christ like, and use His name for their own advantage or gain, many times robbing the people blind without them even knowing it is taking place. We are told to take heed, be aware and on the lookout, so that when this type of crime is being committed one will take action and not allow their spiritual account to be robbed and pilfered. You know how quickly you would be on the phone demanding a response if you found your credit card was being accessed by someone else; yet are you as quick and alert spiritually, as well as persistent, to address spiritual theft in like manner, or do you ignore the warnings until you are literally bankrupt spiritually? Ephesians 5:6-11 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. (11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (KJV) Some of these people you associate with: are you doing it because they truly are preaching sound doctrine which brings health to the spirit man, or are you more of a friend of the world blindly following an organization because of a highly regarded personality or denomination? It’s up to you, the individual, on what you put your stamp of approval on, or should I say what you put God’s stamp of approval on, because many have chosen the wide path of destruction that is misrepresenting God’s identity and replacing it with man’s. The word of God is very specific to point out that not only should we not be caught up in this identity theft, but the moment it is spotted we should immediately take action by not having fellowship with it, and reprove them just as we would if it involved our financial state. Malachi 3:7-9 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? (8) Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (KJV) Here is a different take on the above verses, on how many have robbed God similar to identity theft. While many of today’s so called preachers claim that the reason people are robbing God the opportunity to work on their behalf is because they don’t tithe enough and give to their organizations, the truth be known is that they are being duped into tithing and giving to the wrong organizations, supporting those that claim to be of God but are not. While many may have good intentions in the beginning, instead of being on the lookout and alert they let their spiritual shield of faith down and get hit with the fiery darts of the enemy. Malachi 3:9-11 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV) While you were asleep at the wheel, by the time you woke up you were in a ditch spinning your wheels and going nowhere fast. Instead of being doers of the word of God and not hearers only, you were putting tithes in the wrong storehouse; and were now a part of those that were robbing God and His people of the true riches of His inheritance which are in the spiritual realm, and not the financial one as many claim. God is a Spirit; His storehouse is a spiritual one as well, which means the meat that should be in His house, which you happen to be, should be of a spiritual nature as well so that you can get off the milk of the word of God and grow strong and mature. But sad to say, for when the time you need to be teaching and instructing others, you have need that one teach you again the first principles so that you can quickly identify the difference between the truth and the lies. It’s only those that come to the realization that God is a Spirit and in order to truly worship Him it has to be done in spirit, as well as in truth; so in order for Him to open the windows of heaven you have to be operating in His realm, and not stuck in the dead end realm of the flesh with all its cheap imitations of what man says are riches. God’s storehouse is spiritual, located in the heavenly realm, while many man-made doctrines are stuck in the physical realm so that many are unable to partake of His spiritual blessing that has been poured out for His people. Could you imagine if you were a delivery driver with a full load of cargo and ended up delivering the load to the wrong warehouse? How long do you think you would have a job let alone expect to get a paycheck? This is in essence what the above verses in Malachi are referring to; those that get caught up in the identity theft end up being diverted from the truth, delivering to the enemy’s storehouse instead of the Lord’s. While many limit tithing to just money, it is your time and talent the Lord is truly seeking; because with what measure you meet His way is measured back to you; and it is the Lord’s good pleasure to open His windows and pour blessings out unto His people; same as, we as parents desire for our own children. Quit being duped Church; if you want God in your life and wish to be partakers of His heavenly reward then you need to be seeking those things which are above to find the right storehouse. It’s time you double check the address, the only way to the Father is through His Son Jesus Christ, so that you can grow strong in the Lord and the power of His might, and allow Him to open His window of opportunity your way and receive His spiritual reward. John 4:31-34 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. (32) But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. (33) Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? (34) Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (KJV) Which storehouse are you delivering to today? Where are you looking for your answer, for the spiritual meat of the word of God that will strengthen and sustain you today? Is there meat in your house, or has the enemy diverted your load and stolen what is rightfully yours with some cheap imitation, and mislabeled the product so that what was intended to be healthy is actually spoiled and rotten because it never arrived at its destination? Talk about identity theft, the true spiritual meat of the word of God and God’s true intention of it is being stolen from many, and they have shut the windows of heaven and are not partaking of all of the spiritual blessings God has for His people. Don’t be duped Church; for because of these things comes the wrath of God, not only on those that do this stuff and preach these false doctrines, but also on those that lend their support to it will also suffer dire eternal consequences as well. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (KJV)
We all came into this new life of faith with some old baggage, stuff that needs to be discarded if we are ever going to really take off toward our heavenly goal. Sometimes we ask the questions “does it ever get easier and when will it end”. Well yes, it does get easier, but it doesn’t end until we cross the threshold into our eternal reward and receive a glorified body. Until then it will be a tug of war between the Spirit and the flesh, with the Spirit having to continually put the flesh in its place of subjection. Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV) As long as we are in these carnal bodies we are still subject to the law of sin and death which is why the enemy keeps attacking and trying to pull us down again. We have been redeemed from the curse of the law; however, we now need to walk in the new law of faith in order for this to be accomplished in a way that is pleasing to our Lord. People who think once saved always saved, or who think they have eternal happiness when one makes an emotional commitment during an alter call, boy are they in for a surprise if they think that’s all that is required of us. Romans 7:21-25 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (KJV) Just because you were saved years ago doesn’t mean that is the end; it should only be the beginning of a new life in Christ and an end to the old disappointments of the flesh. Paul was able to see what was hindering his walk because he chose to examine himself and not blame someone else for his shortcomings. He realized that his joy and peace was not based on others changing first, rather the change had to take place within him. The reason it is so vital to spend quality time with our Lord first thing in a day is so that you can arm yourself with the mind of Christ which is the only way to understand the law of faith. 1 Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (KJV) You will find it is a lot easier to put your lower nature under arrest when you are armed with the mind of Christ. Instead of grieving the Holy Spirit how about not letting the flesh whine and fuss by putting it in its place. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (KJV)
This week we have been looking at the term contrary, what works with God and what is in opposition to Him, which many times ends up to be our own thoughts and ways. Instead of spending so much time entertaining worst case scenarios like you did in the past before you had any hope, cast that junk down immediately before it takes root and becomes a stronghold. The other thing to keep in mind is to be open to what our Lord is asking of you, to step out in faith, even if it totally contradicts what you think works or has worked in the past. Luke 11:21-23 When a strong man armed keeps his palace, his goods are in peace: 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he takes from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divides his spoils. 23 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (KJV) When you don’t keep yourself armed with the mind of Christ that peace that you experienced in the past can slip away quicker than you realize as soon as you lean back to your own understanding. The enemy isn’t stronger than God; however, if you let down your guard and allow those imaginations to have more of an influence than the truth, you open the door to the enemy. You cannot begin your walk in the Spirit and then think something in the flesh will make it complete; what it will make is a complete disaster. There is no middle ground with our Lord; you are either with Him or against Him. 2 Peter 2:18-19 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (KJV) There are many false prophets delivering doctrines of demons, who although they preach liberty, have themselves sold out and are trying to get you to buy in to their nonsense. 2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (KJV) If you couldn’t stomach this doctrine before, why would you return to something regurgitated, thinking it would be the answer? Many have started out strong in the Lord, but have allowed their spiritual house to be broken into, and have been robbed blind by the enemy who appeared as an angel of light, a minister of Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (KJV) Remember we are in this world; however, we are not of it; rather we are just passing through on our way to something better. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. (KJV)
What our Lord considers rich compared to what man thinks, is as different as night and day. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is there will your heart be also. (KJV) There is a spiritual thief who would like to break into our spiritual house today and rob the Church blind by diverting mans’ attention from above back to this world again. Your heart will only treasure what you put into it and that will determine which realm you will love the most. Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV) The enemy today has many deceiving and being deceived because they have turned a blind eye to the truth thinking something in this carnal realm could ever supply all their need. Given the fact that we came into this world with nothing and we can’t take anything with us upon our departure, why are so many still chasing the cheap carnal mirages of the enemy? Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (KJV) The theme of this week has been our own thoughts and ways, and how foolish they really are as compared to what our Lord has to offer. Why would you spend so much time and heartache chasing things that God said He will provide for His people? If He says He feeds the fowls of the air, then will he not provide for you also? James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (KJV) Hey Church, I know this sounds a bit contrary to all the other stuff you have been getting bombarded with, but why not become rich in something you can actually take with you, being rich in faith. You want a hundredfold return? Well, I would rather have the Lord’s reward of eternal life anytime, compared to what man has to offer which is just the mammon of this life that is highly flammable to say the least. Luke 12:26-28 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? (KJV) You know all these money pitches that man keeps putting on the front burner, making it appear to be so important? The reality is that in our Lord’s realm this should be the least of your concerns. Luke 16:10-11 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (KJV) Why not let God be true today and every man a liar? That’s the least we can do. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor 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. (KJV)
Finally, from this point forward we are going to take the hill, kick some butt, and take names later, right? We are going to put on the whole armor of God that is Spiritual so that we don’t get taken back down by the tricks of the enemy. This battle takes place in the mind; and without a daily renewing of the mind so that we can have the same mind as Christ, we will let down our guard and take one to the vitals which can have a deadly effect if not dealt with. When one falls from grace they end up wrestling with flesh and blood; in other words, they allowed the enemy to attach a physical face to the issue so they end up trying to justify their lower nature. Just the foolishness the enemy likes to see God’s people fall for. In fact this kind of wrestling is just as fake as the kind we see on TV. 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such a one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which is not lawful for a man to utter. (KJV) Paul was a man who God used to pen a good portion of the epistles, letters written to the New Testament church. He speaks of a man who had an out of body heavenly experience, which I believe pertains to him having been stoned and left for dead. 2 Corinthians 12:5-7 Of such a one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (KJV) Many today seek their own glory based on works, or whatever nonsense they think impresses God. Paul actually took pleasure in his infirmities or shortcomings because it kept him humble. After seeing the things he saw he realized that this is a tough act to follow and will only work by grace through faith and definitely not of his works. I have had a messenger of satan buffet me many times trying to remind me of my past. I have used that as a plus because it keeps me humble, realizing how foolish my own thoughts and ways really are. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV) Sounds a bit contrary doesn’t it; especially in a world where macho is portrayed as being a real man. The moral of today’s study is that you will never realize the power and strength for yourself until you realize how weak and incomplete you really are on your own. When I am weak that is when I am really strong in Him. Dearly loved, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. God bless and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few. (KJV)
Some of God’s people throw words out haphazardly because they react in the flesh and have not yet learned to respond in the Spirit. When you enter your prayer closet are you going to hear what the Lord has for you this day, or are you going to tell him what you think is going to work instead? Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools. Pay that which thou hast vowed. 5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. (KJV) When you committed your life to Christ you vowed to give Him all of it, not just bits and pieces, or second hand stuff that you were discarding anyway. It’s time to pay up Church; and I am not talking about tithing which is all that the false prophets seem to focus on today. Because of the lack of their commitment to the Lord they have to hit up the people to make up for the shortfall. Instead, I am talking about presenting yourself daily as a living sacrifice; where you have died to your own thoughts and ways and are now open for something that works and gets results. 1 Corinthians 3:18-21 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; (KJV) All those thoughts and ideas you thought would work, or all that advice you have been giving to God, put it in the vain column and move on or your reality check will keep bouncing and be stamped with N.S.F, non sufficient faith. You will never understand how to walk in the wisdom of God until you realize how foolish your own limited carnal understanding really is. 1 Corinthians 1:18-20 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (KJV) The preaching of the cross of Christ is a spiritual one; where we keep our own thoughts and carnal wisdom nailed to it no matter how much the flesh struggles to hang onto them. It’s only when you allow your own wisdom to be destroyed that God can replace it with His. So where are all these wise guys and know it all’s according to the flesh going to end up? Well, right along with all the other fools that thought they knew more than God. 1 Corinthians 1:21-24 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (KJV) Mans’ religions and doctrines are foolish and a waste of time. By renewing your mind daily in the Lord you get to operate with the wisdom of God which is only found in Christ. After all look where He ended up, isn’t that where you intend to end up also? God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 5:16-17 This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘contrary’: 480 antikeimai (an-tik'-i-mahee); From 473 and 2749; to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to: KJV-- adversary, be contrary, oppose. Flesh and the Spirit, two totally different realms, like night and day. As you go through your Bibles you will find a lot of things pertaining to the Spirit that totally contradicts what you have been taught in the flesh. It’s sad to say but a lot of those things are being taught in the so called churches that we are surrounded with; doctrines of man, which are nothing more than religious rituals. 1 Corinthians 3:18-21 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; (KJV) Spiritual blindness is when someone is being deceived; and the worst part is that they are deceiving themselves. Do you desire to be wise in the Lord? His only requirement is that you become a fool. Sound a bit contrary? It’s time to let go of what we think so that we can know what God has for us instead. 1 Peter 5:5-7 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. (KJV) It’s up to you to humble yourself, giving God someone to work with and through. Many times we have preconceived notions of how our prayers are going to be answered; and if the Lord decides to answer them any other way than what we thought we may miss out on His solution. One of the most humbling things you can do is truly cast all your care upon on Lord, and then He can provide all the answers that you need. Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (KJV) The same measure of faith that was given to Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the same measure that you have been given as well. The difference is that Jesus Christ didn’t tell God what He couldn’t do; rather he humbled himself and presented God with someone to work through. Are you ready today to let go of your own thoughts and ways, so that the blessings above and beyond what you could have ever thought or imagined can manifest? Dearly loved, let God be true; and every man a liar which includes your own thoughts, ideas, and understanding. God bless and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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