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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)
You know Church, sometimes we just need to stop and count our blessings, and take the time to realize that we win. We not only are on a winning team, but are able to be led by a winner, a forerunner for us, Jesus Christ. You have the choice of what you are going to hold to as truth; what you see with your outward vision, or what you allow your spiritual eyes to behold as truth. Sometimes when I listen to certain people who profess Christianity they come off like a one legged man in a butt kicking contest, always on their backside. But you know Church, this is a friendly reminder for all, not only do we win, but we are more than conquerors; and the more you realize this the more you will start acting like it. Are you persuaded that nothing, or no one this day is going to come between you and your heavenly Father, and that you will not allow anyone to separate you from His love? Deuteronomy 28:12-13 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (13) And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV) Do you go into a situation expecting the best, or thinking the worst? The Lord promised us a total victory before we ever stepped out on the field, so why do we act at times like He has let us down, or has a losing track record? You are not the tail, so quit acting like the tail end and start moving forward. According to the word of God, He will bless all the work of your hand. The only question is will you hearken to His word, and follow through with what is promised, and what is rightfully yours. The reason we have a hard time holding fast is because we know we haven’t done all to stand, and by giving a half hearted effort we end up hoping and not expecting the victory. Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (15) And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (KJV) It was the fall of man by the influence of the devil which led to his separation from God. It is by the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ and His victory over the power of death, that we are able to triumph and be overcomers by faith in Him to partake of a new life of peace and reconciliation with God. We have been delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into His kingdom so that we too are able to walk in the same victory that He did. Colossians 2:14-15 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV) We think we have it rough some times; here’s a man that was crucified and left for dead, and yet was able to rise again with the keys of hell and death so that those gates of hell would no longer hold us in bondage. So are you partaking of this victory, or still hoping someday it will happen? 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (KJV) Are you fighting the good fight of faith, doing whatever is necessary to receive the prize? One will receive this prize, and those that are a part of the body of Christ and are one with Him will run this race and endure to the end, not accepting anything less than total victory. Are you faithful in little areas so that you can mature, and be faithful and victorious in bigger ones as well? Are you shadow boxing and missing the mark, or are you throwing a knockout punch every time the opponent tries to get in your way? 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) The prize is before us and not behind us. Those that live in the past will find themselves off course and running in circles. Those that are perfect, mature in Christ, will put their hand to the plough and not look back to see what others are doing or saying about them. You become settled in the fact that One has already run this race, and in order for you to share in victory and celebration you will have to become single minded in the things of God in order to find the path of life. Though many will try to show you a different way, or try to achieve salvation through shortcuts and quick fixes, it’s only by the Lord revealing Himself to you personally that you will be able to keep sight of the prize and hold fast to the end. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (KJV) So cheer up Church, although we are surrounded by trials and tribulations of a fallen world it doesn’t change God’s plan of salvation for you, and the victory which is yours for the taking. So hold fast your profession of faith without wavering so you too can take an eternal victory lap of celebration with your heavenly Father as well. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. (KJV)
There is a security to those that are in Christ, the peace of God assures our heart that we are on the path of life, and continuing in His plan. But it is up to you; who and what you choose to listen to is what will allow you to continue forward and not see death, which is separation from God. 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) Again Church, look at who this is written to. If you neglect your salvation, which means to make light of or give no regard to, then you will reap that which you sowed; and you too may just find yourself slipping away into the darkness as well, letting the river of living waters flow right on by you, and not partaking of it. Hebrews 10:26-29 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (27) But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (28) He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: (29) Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (KJV) Once you willfully disregard the truth, there is no more that can be done on your behalf. You made the choice to enter the Kingdom, and you can make the choice to exit as well. God is not going to send another saviour, though many claim they are; He has done all that is necessary to make the way of escape for His people. So if you disregard His name and message sent to the world, you definitely run the risk of being disregarded as well come the judgment day, no matter how well you may have started the race. 2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour 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) You wouldn’t let a dirty pig into your house, what makes you think God is going to allow it into His? Once you have accepted salvation, it’s up to you to continue in the faith, and not be overcome again with the pollutions of the world, so that the Lord will let you have access to His eternal home. And if a dog is puking, I sure don’t want him on my lap either. Romans 8:13-14 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (KJV) You still have a choice, this day, right now. Even though you may have accepted God’s plan of salvation, and begun in the Spirit, you need to fight the good fight of faith, keeping your body in subjection to the Spirit so that you don’t end up looking to old things to try and fulfill the new within you. You still have a fallen sin nature, the old man that wants to take back control of the body and do what pleases the flesh. Like with many fad diets, some see results and rejoice for a season, only to end up six months to a year later gaining back the weight with interest as well. Unless you make salvation a lifestyle, being renewed in the spirit of your mind on a continual basis, you will find yourself desiring the things of this realm and not the things of God; and find that you are packing a lot of spiritual weight back on that you once let go of. So what is the leading, driving force in your life? Are you able to see the path clearer and clearer, or are you falling short of the goal being overburdened with the cares of this life? John 12:24-26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (25) He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (26) If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (KJV) Are you dying to finish this race? Will you do whatever it takes to make it to the end? Run this race with patience so that you will receive the reward of inheritance in which God is waiting to crown those that are willing and obedient. Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (KJV) The Bible says that by our words we shall be justified or condemned. Please take note of verse 10, which states confession ‘is’ a continual process, not ‘was’ made unto salvation. So what you allow into the heart is what is going to come out of the mouth; which is either words of life or death. Galatians 6:7-9 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (KJV) Remember Church, this Word is a written reminder of what is available to God’s people. Now, it is a matter of whether or not you will continue to the end, which if one looks around it is not that far off. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcomes 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. 22 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)
To sum up the week, we have talked about running the race our Lord set out for His people, a race of endurance and making it to the finish line. We see above that when the coach is knocking on the door to get you up and moving, you have to let Him in. You also see that you have to open up to Him and be honest so that you are not weighed down with a bunch of unnecessary spiritual baggage. 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) The true path of life is no longer going to be found in this realm because it only exists in the Spirit. If you are not in the Spirit then you are in the flesh and the two just don’t jive, it’s one or the other. Many think they are on course based on the outward appearance, but inwardly they have missed the boat. John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV) The reason the Lord is knocking on the door of your heart today is so He can show you a better way. You see again that we have to be on the inside in order for this salvation to actually work. If any one of the two things above is lacking, whether spirit or truth, then you will not be set free to be in the running today for your crown of life. 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 dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) You do desire the full package, the complete deal, right? Well, then you have to be in Christ, and most importantly stay in the realm of the spirit and make it a way of life. A lot of people may have told you a lot of different ways concerning salvation; however, it is up to you personally to find the one way that will lead to eternal life. Romans 8:7-9 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV) We can be our own worst enemies’ when we begin the race in the Spirit, and then try to perfect it in the flesh, leaning back to our own understanding. Let’s get out of the old and into the new where we belong, and start experiencing some results. God bless the true Church in Christ, and stay on course. James 5:7-9 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold the judge stands before the door. (KJV)
For those that have read their Bibles they see that we are close to the finish line. We also see that many have dropped out of the race and decided they would go for an earthly reward and recognition rather than waiting for an eternal one. The race we are in is not like roller derby where we try to elbow and stop others from advancing, rather we are here to make sure everyone makes it to the end. Like a farmer who plants a crop you need to give it time to grow before digging it up, otherwise it will not take root. Hebrews 10:36-39 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 drawback, 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) The Lord is the only author and finisher of your faith who can get you home safely. If you are not waiting on Him daily to hear His instructions first hand then you are settling for something second hand. God gave us His best and His Son finished the course for our benefit, so in the end you really don’t want to give Him something second hand in return do you? Many withdraw from the race because of a lack of faith and patience. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (KJV) There is a little word with a big meaning in verse 17; it’s a word that is so vital for those that are running this race. Only those that are “IN” Christ are partakers of His divine nature; because simply put, if you are not on the inside then you are outside. Nothing concerning the kingdom of God will work for you unless you are in Christ. Take note of the fact that God was in Christ; so if you have accepted Christ into your life, you too have a lot working in you also. If you want God working in and on your behalf then you need to stay “IN” Christ for that to happen. Ephesians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (KJV) A spiritual course was mapped out for you personally to run before the foundation of the world. The Lord has the only way that will get you home. Are you a part of the “IN” crowd, or did you strike out on your own? Something to ponder dearly loved; God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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 steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense 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)
When studying the fruit of the Spirit you will find patience and longsuffering. You will learn with salvation that every day you need to make sure you hear personally from the Lord on what course He would have you run today and how far you need to go. Sometimes it may seem a bit repetitious, but it is vital you follow through even though it may seem like something you heard before, or should I say, thought you heard? Galatians 6:7-9 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever man sows, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (KJV) If you ask any runner you will find that they are a bit worn especially toward the end of the race when they look ahead and don’t see the finish line. Wouldn’t it be a shame if you dropped out of the race only to find out that your reward was just around the next bend? Maybe that is why the enemy is making so much noise because he doesn’t desire to see you make it to your destination. Please keep in mind that if the enemy is making a fuss it’s only because you are so close and on course. Proverbs 3:11-13 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the LORD loves he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delighted. 13 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. (KJV) Along the path of life you will find the Lord does have a reward for His people, it’s just that sometimes we don’t see it right away. It’s like having a personal trainer who has to let us know at times when we are slacking off. It’s also His way of showing you how to grow and mature so that you can get rid of some of the baby fat we have been carrying around and replace it with some muscle, and maturity. Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, my son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loves he chastened, and scourges every son whom he receives. 7 If ye endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastened not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (KJV) Again we are encouraged to endure and not faint during times of trial. Long distance runners enjoy days that are sunny with no wind, but there are times when they need to run in all kinds of weather, and sometimes with aches and pains. Part of this race involves chastening, however, it’s because God loves you and not because He hates you despite what the enemy would try to dictate. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV)
Williams NT Translation for Hebrews 12:1-2 1. Therefore, as we have so vast a crowd of spectators in the grandstands, let us throw off every impediment and the sin that easily entangles our feet, and run with endurance the race, for which we are entered, 2. keeping our eyes on Jesus, the perfect leader and example of faith, who, for the joy which lay before Him, endured the cross with no regard for its shame, and since has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Strong’s definition for Patience - 5281 hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay'); From 5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: KJV-- enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). So what kind of race did you get yourself into when you decided to enter the heavenly race for salvation? It is a race of endurance where you are not only required to start on course, but most importantly finish the race. Unlike races that take place here in this world, those that finish last are actually considered first in heaven. Those that try to run ahead of everyone else usually tire out and don’t last. You have a cheering section of saints that have gone before you, who have run this race and left their instructions in a book called the Bible to encourage you and show you how to run and not stop until you reach the winners circle. Matthew 24:11-13 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (KJV) It’s easy to begin a project; it’s exciting when dealing with something new. However, it’s those that finish what they started who are considered one of God’s chosen people; which according to His word are few and far between. The devil has many quick fixes and gimmicks on how to run this race just like the infomercials we see on how you can get healthy by just taking a pill. The reality is no pain, no gain when it comes to your walk in the Spirit because just like with long distance running, it takes endurance to finish. 2 Timothy 4:3-5 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (KJV) Many see those that are healthy and desire the same results, except when it’s time to get up before daylight and start running. Many see the highlight reels, but don’t know what is real when it comes time to walk in the Spirit by denying the flesh. Today the Lord is asking “are you in this for the long haul or are you going to drop out with the rest of the pretenders and wannabe’s?” God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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