Category: Faith

A Basic Summation

7/20/2015

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit. (KJV)

As we discussed last week it was needed that one be taught again the first principles of the oracles of God. Now today we are talking about moving past the first grade and graduating to a deeper more mature knowledge of God. The reason one has to learn again the first principles is that they need to be reminded of the spiritual implications of the doctrine of Christ, and not to hold to the outward rituals any more. Simply put what you see here in the first two verses refer to things of the old law, rituals and such that no longer have any reason to be continued in, being the fact that Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin and completed the work that was needed to reconcile us to God. What we basically see in the first three verses is that in order to move forward, which we will do as God permits or gives liberty (which knowing the truth sets one free), one needs to leave the works of the law dead and buried. What Paul was seeing, and what many of those in the early Church were dealing with, was people who were still trying to keep the old law and the works of it in play; which when you try to combine the two doesn’t allow for the growth that is necessary.

Galatians 2:16-18 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (17) But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. (18) For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. (KJV)

Actually, in order to move forward one has to make it simpler; which comes down to faith in what Jesus Christ has accomplished on our behalf, and not what we think still needs to be accomplished on His. If I start rebuilding something that was destroyed for good reason, being the old law and its ordinances, I have now transgressed and gone backwards instead of forward. While many claim to have known the Lord for a long time, the reality is that many are still stuck in neutral or the first grade, because rather than realizing it is faith that is pleasing to God they still try to access Him and establish a relationship with Him based on their works and not on His completed one.

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)

You know, the Lord took these ordinances and the handwriting of the old law out of the way for good reason, because it was working against us and not very edifying. Isn’t this life enough of a challenge trying to walk in the Spirit without adding a bunch of laws and rituals the Lord eliminated for our benefit? So rather than making things complicated Church, get rid of the excess baggage and keep it simple; a simple faith and belief in what the Lord is asking of you, and not what man keeps saying is important. The Lord spoke in parables and used analogies of things in this realm that had a spiritual meaning, so now it is time for you to discern what the meaning is spiritually and operate in that realm.

Hebrews 9:7-10 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: (8) The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: (9) Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (10) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV)

You know folks, when I was in first grade I did things more because I was told what to do, not because I knew better. But as I grew and matured I was able to decide and discern for myself what was best for me, and what I was best suited for, although I didn’t always make the wisest choices. Carnal ordinances, certain foods and drinks, and washings which would definitely come under the term water baptism, were all imposed unto the people until the time of reformation which took place once the Lord paid the price for sin and released us from these old stale harsh rituals and doctrines. Once you have been released from this ball and chain, why would anyone desire to go back to it again, trying to build a foundation on something that was destroyed and nailed to a cross? Again, how much would you benefit from going back to the first grade and trying to learn from that literature? Now that the way into the holiest of holies has been made available for us by the blood of Christ and not the works of the law, why do so many hold more to the old rather than to the new? You have a clear path to the throne of God so that you can boldly go before Him and get the things you need which are spiritual on a daily basis; why would you make it more difficult and complicated than what the Lord made it? In fact the Lord laid down His life so that we could have a clear path; so by adding all this other stuff to His simple terms and conditions of salvation, are we not telling Him He didn’t do a complete work?

Ephesians 2:13-18 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (17) And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (18) For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (KJV)

Right now you have an open door in Christ to walk out and graduate from the old, and move on to perfection (maturity). That partition that has kept us stagnant and stuck in the old has been knocked down, and now we are able to leave these first principles of how the Lord was introduced to the people by the law behind us, and now move on to a deeper understanding having our spiritual eyes enlightened by the truth which sets us free. A basic summation; we have been reconciled to God, and that peace you have experienced and should be continuing in, is a result of faith and not of works, so that none can boast.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A New Realm

7/14/2015

1 Corinthians 12:1-7 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. (2) Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. (3) Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (4) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (KJV)

First of all I would like to make note of the fact that the word ‘gifts’ in verse 1&4 are both added words, they were not a part of the original text. The reason this is mentioned is because the key to all these verses is that everything that takes place in this context is a manifestation of the Spirit, which is singular. While many think they have only a certain gift that God can work through them, the truth is that it is similar to our bodies, we all have the body parts to make our bodies function, and growing up it was just a matter of developing and learning how to use them, whether it be walking, talking, or any other function. It is up to us as individuals to find out what our calling is, where we fit in the body of Christ and allowing the Spirit of God to work and manifest through us as He chooses, and not as we think we should be dictating it.

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (KJV)

Now rather than limit the working of God through its members by thinking that to only one member is given wisdom, or to another any other endowment, which is what the word gifts refers to in Verse:9, Paul is showing how the Spirit can manifest through the members of the body to provide what is needed for each situation. Think of it this way, if you broke your arm and went to the hospital it would not do the attending physician much good to be working on your leg or checking your ears. So when there is a need in the body of Christ, and we are dealing with someone seeking a spiritual answer to their need, it is a matter of letting the Spirit have its way and manifest the answer that is needed for each and every individual situation we will encounter. While some may be more developed in certain areas of their walk, again like with children growing up, some learn to talk or walk quicker than others, all the workings of the Spirit are similar in the fact that once you received this Spirit within you, all the things in the above verses are available to those that are a willing vessel and allow God work through them. Although some think they can determine ahead of time how the Spirit is going to operate, say for instance those that claim they are going to have a special healing service, or if you show up on Sunday there will be miracles, the simple truth be known is that those that are truly operating in Christ will keep themselves out of the way and allow Him to have His way.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (14) For the body is not one member, but many. (KJV)

Remember, we are now talking about a Spiritual body of believers; so in order to be a part of it one has to be baptized Spiritually, immersed in the living waters of Christ, to become a part of as well as remain an effective working member of it. It is important now for you to find your place in the body of Christ and to learn to function the way the Lord intended for you to, and not what you have seen others do.

Romans 12:4-7 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: (5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (6) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (7) Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (KJV)

Strong’s definition for gifts:
5486 charisma (khar'-is-mah); from 5483; a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, i.e. (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty: KJV-- (free) gift.

When we see the word ‘gifts’ it is referring to a free gift (Christ), God having sent His only Son on our behalf; as well as a qualification of where is the Lord asking us to operate in His body. So whatever your calling, whatever place the Lord is asking you to serve in, it’s learning who you are in Christ and how you can most effectively serve Him. So until you know and are not just guessing it is best for you to wait on Him until you are sure how He operates. Many people try to dictate to God how He is going to operate, and what their place in the body is rather than let Him have His way and allow His purpose to manifest through them.

Ephesians 4:7-12 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (8) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (10) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) (11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (KJV)

Everything we talked about today is a result of the gift of Christ, the manifestation of His Spirit which is given for us to profit in. The gifts He gave unto men is manifested in the people mentioned in Verse 11, those that have answered their calling and are now working to edify the body of Christ, to teach them who they are in Christ.

John 4:10-11 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (11) The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? (KJV)

God’s gift to mankind is Christ, and those that have answered His call and are working on His behalf will know their place in the body, and will be ready to provide the Spiritual answer to all that would ask of the hope within them, as we see in the above verses. God gave us the good and perfect gift from above. Now will you take the time to read the instructions and learn how it operates for yourself? After all, you are now in a new realm.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

No Condemnation

6/26/2015

John 5:23-25 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. (24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (25) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (KJV)

Father, Son, Son, Father, a package deal, we can’t have one without the other; they work in unison to bring us a plan of salvation, a deliverance from the death sentence that was imposed on mankind because of sin. If one does not know the Son then they will not be able to access the Father; thus the Father will not be able to access us if we don’t come into agreement with His plan of salvation delivered through the Son, Jesus Christ our one mediator. Once a person is able to hear this message for themselves they are then passed from this death sentence and are now set free to a life of liberty in Christ; no longer a servant to sin and its consequences. The hour is now, for those that have been spiritually dead to be able to hear the voice of the Son so that this sentence of death can now be passed from them and erased, blotted out so they don’t have to be blotted out of our heavenly Father’s register, His book of life.

Thayer’s definition for condemnation:
2920 krisis (kree'-sis);
1) a separating, a sundering, a separation;
b) sentence of condemnation, damnatory judgment, condemnation and punishment

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)

Where are you at right now in your walk? Do you know the Son so that you can access the Father and continue to be innocent, or are you still seeking to find freedom in the realm of the flesh, the area that is enmity with God and caused the separation in the first place? Did you know right now, that if you are in Christ there is no condemnation; but at this moment, today, you have passed through the gates of hell, the prison that kept us in bondage waiting for our death sentence to be carried out, having been declared innocent by the sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. The law of sin and death is spiritual; and I was carnal sold to sin, stuck in a realm of misery and hopelessness. It took a new law, a law of faith in the work that Jesus Christ did on my behalf to set me free so that I no longer have to live in bondage to sin and death. If you notice verse 4, this is an ongoing process, one that began in the Spirit and needs to end that way in order for one to gain their permanent inheritance into the kingdom of God.

1 John 3:18-24 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (19) And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (20) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (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. (24) And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (KJV)

In the Old Testament they had the ten commandments as well as the old law, which if one goes back to the Old Testament they will see how complicated it was. The Lord has given us a new commandment, a simple one to keep us free from sin and no longer be under a death sentence. Sometimes we do stray, and if our heart condemns, which in this case is referring to convict, then one needs to heed to the voice of God so that they can restore the confidence back toward God. God will prick the heart and let us know when we have gotten off His path and are trying to establish our own righteousness, which in His sight is referred to as filthy rags. Once this confidence is restored again we are able to do those things that are pleasing in His sight, and not have to be concerned with how mankind sees or perceives us. The simple commandment is to believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ so that the love of God can continue to be shed abroad in our heart, and that we can know and not just guess or hope that He is still abiding in us. So how are you accessing the Father today? Are you going to Him through His Son Jesus Christ, the one mediator between God and us, or are you trying to climb up some other way which is the way the devil would like you to go, back to his realm? The Bible says that if you try to access the Father any other way but through the Son, then you are like a thief and a robber, robbing God the opportunity to work in your life and present His plan of salvation to you to set you free from condemnation and guilt. Once you have been delivered and set free from your sentence of death don’t think for a moment that the enemy is not out to have you retried and convicted of sin again. So it is of utmost importance that one continues in the faith grounded and settled, and in no way giving place to the enemy.

John 3:17-19 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (KJV)

God didn’t send His Son to scare you into the kingdom with messages of hell and death, but rather a message of love. It is your choice to believe in the message He is delivering and continues to deliver through His Son, and to believe in His name. God sent His Son Jesus Christ, a name which is above every name, the only name given under heaven whereby we can be saved and enabled to continue in His plan of salvation enduring to the end. With all that is in the name of Jesus Christ, are you using the full name, or are you leaving it out of your prayers? Some people think it is all in the name of Jesus and leave out Christ. Ever wonder why it is called the spirit of antichrist, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience? If you wish to establish a personal relationship with the Father, then it can only be through the Son where there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Led To Believe

6/3/2015

Proverbs 8:17-21 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (18) Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. (19) My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. (20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: (21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (KJV)

What is the driving force in your life today, right now? Is it the things of God and His realm, or do the things of this life still have more pull and favor in your walk and your decisions? Although we are surrounded with the influences of a fallen world and so many cheap imitations of what will bring peace and contentment to one’s life, the true riches and honor are only found with God, the things of the Spiritual realm. Those that seek Him early, like the first thing in the day, will find the peace and confidence to take on the day victoriously no matter what the outward circumstances try to dictate. You will inherit a substance, a now faith confidence and assurance of things hoped for because you chose to follow and believe in the evidence of things not seen to the carnal man but readily revealed to those that are led of the Spirit. Where your treasure is will determine where your heart is. So are you seeking the durable riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge which are hid in Christ, or are you still under the assumption like so many others that the riches of this world will solve all your problems?

Luke 4:1-2 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, (2) Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. (KJV)

Have you seen those bumper stickers, T shirts, and other things that ask the question ‘what would Jesus Do’? Well the Bible gives us an accurate account of what He did; simply put, this man Jesus of Nazareth lived a life without sin, being obedient to His heavenly Father because He chose to be led by the Spirit of Christ within Him. So if people want to know ‘what would Jesus do’ all they have to do is open their Bibles and find out what He did. Now the question is, what are you going to do, and what is the driving force in your walk? We read in the Bible how Jesus would rise early in the day and spend time alone in prayer. The account in Luke shows what He did before beginning His public ministry, and the forty days preparing for it. How do you prepare for a day, do you spend enough time being still so that you can know God and what He is asking of you today? Don’t be so discouraged just because the tempter comes your way and tries to detour you back to the path of the flesh, because this is a true sign that you are on the right path and you are in good company. So many times we think just because there is opposition we have done something wrong; looking at the above illustration in Luke that is a lie and just what the enemy would like you to believe. So hold fast to your profession of faith today without wavering for God is faithful, and has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us.

Romans 8:14-18 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (18) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (KJV)

Thayer’s definition for led
71 ago-
1) to lead, to take with one
a) to lead by laying hold of, and this way to bring to the point of destination: of an animal
b) to lead by accompanying to (into) a place
c) to lead with oneself, to attach to oneself as an attendant
d) to conduct, to bring

2) to lead,
a) to lead, to guide, to direct
b) to lead through, to conduct (to something)
c) to move, to impel: used of forces and influences on the mind

We read about the Lord and His preparation for the ministry God was asking Him to fulfill, and we also know the end result of it, that it was not well received by mankind, especially the religious crowd that claimed to be God’s followers. Today it hasn’t changed, in fact the Bible says perilous times await us because mankind’s fallen nature has manifested to the point where people are more in love with themselves and their own works than with the work of God that He accomplished on our behalf. So the more you are led of the Spirit the more you will be paddling up stream against the current, and that being the new wave doctrines of man that appeal to the flesh and not to the Spirit. But keep in mind that these light afflictions are what will seem like a moment compared to our eternal reward that awaits us. So don’t be discouraged or think that you did something wrong, that you brought this on yourself, but rather rejoice in the Lord and in the power of His might.

1 Peter 4:11-14 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (KJV)

When you speak the things of God you don’t have to try to impress anyone with some deep knowledge of the word of God or how the end times will play out, but rather speak from the heart in love the things that will edify and build up the body of Christ. And don’t think it so strange if the devil launches a fiery dart your way, but rather rejoice because you are in good company. The more you come to an understanding of the mystery of the gospel through the name of Christ the more reproach and evil will be spoken against you. But just like a soldier, the closer you get to the front line of battle, and the higher in rank you are, the more of a target you become to the enemy. So keep in mind that we all are still partakers of the spiritual blessings which are in Christ; but with this also comes the opposition to those that allow themselves to be led of the Spirit and are no longer in bondage to the desires of the flesh.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Rested Development

5/25/2015

Hebrews 4:1-3 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. (2) For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (3) For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (KJV)

Let us fear or give reverence to the fact that some fall short from entering into the rest of God because of simple unbelief. Call it a surrendering if you would, where you surrender your thoughts and cares unto the Lord and leave them there at the throne, then proceed to walk in the works of God that He personally ordained for you before the foundation of the world. Entering into His rest is not just something that takes place at the end of our walk when we receive the reward of inheritance, but rather it is a rest, an abode in the realm of God where we are no longer telling Him how we think things need to be done, but rather are now walking the path He has chosen for us before the foundation of the world.

Isaiah 46:10-13 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (11) Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (12) Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: (13) I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. (KJV)

The Lord’s counsel will stand, and has withstood the test of time. It will endure forever, and so will those that come into agreement with it. Declaring the end from the beginning; I compare that to buying a bag of seed from a store, they have a bright colorful picture on the package of the completed plant, what the seed will grow into. Now think of yourself in the same framework; God saw you personally before the foundation of the world, saw what He made was very good, which included you, and provided everything that was needed to make you picture perfect in His sight. So just like the package of seed we bought from the store, if you don’t take the time to plant and water the seed, and follow the instructions, then the end result will not be what was pictured. Rather than grow and mature in the things of the Lord many stay trapped in the realm of the flesh because of unbelief, believing more in the outward sight instead of allowing their inward vision to become enlightened to the completed work God did on their behalf.

Philippians 1:6-11 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: (7) Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. (8) For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. (9) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; (10) That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; (11) Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (KJV)

Remember it is God that began that good work in you, and only He can perform it, which means to accomplish or bring it to a finish. Just like with the package of seed, He saw His creation within you and what it would take to bring it to a finish. Now the question is, will you allow Him to have His way with you so that you can grow up into Him in all things, and let this picture He had for you blossom and develop into a full grown mature Christian? This was Paul’s prayer for the people, not only to see them begin in the Lord but to continue to grow more and more in the knowledge of God, by no longer leaning to their own understanding and limited carnal thinking. I have seen many people over the years get all excited about someone giving their lives to the Lord and accepting His plan of salvation, but that is just the beginning folks. It’s not those that begin the race that receive the prize, it’s only those that endure to the end that will be saved and receive the reward of inheritance. In other words, many get a glimpse and a picture of what the Lord intended for them, but just like with the seed packages, how many will follow the instructions and allow the seed to grow to maturity in the image and likeness our Lord intended for it? God saw from the beginning the end result, and that everything He made was very good; but only those that are able to see themselves in this plan of salvation having their spiritual eyes enlightened will follow through to the end, and stay within the framework of God’s intended plan and purpose for their lives.

Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV)

What framework are you operating in today? Are you still trying to conform to the things of this world, or are you allowing God to change and transform you into the things of His realm and framework by the renewing of your mind? Are you more concerned with how man portrays you and what is pleasing to people? Or are you seeing yourself more and more being changed into the image and likeness of God, bearing His resemblance, and allowing His picture perfect plan of salvation to develop? God runs a tight ship, and heaven is a high security area; and only those that have the proper identification will be allowed access into it. Some day when you leave this realm and enter into His presence you will need a picture ID to enter in, and only those that show God the picture He intended for them will be given access and allowed into their eternal inheritance. Only those that are able to show Him a spiritual ID with the family name and resemblance will be recognized, a rested development; all others will be rejected because of their lack of belief in His completed work, relying more on their own ways and thoughts which are empty and vain.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

See Your Calling

5/20/2015

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: (27) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: (29) That no flesh should glory in his presence. (KJV)

Don’t be offended and don’t take it personal that the Lord didn’t call you based on your wisdom and strength. Salvation is not like filling out an application for a job, where the employer is looking for the most qualified employee based on their ability and wisdom. Just the opposite holds true with the Lord; His calling is based on the heart, and what the heart treasures and who the heart truly desires to serve. So don’t think that God chose you because you are the wisest person He could find or because of your standing in the world or in the community, but rather because you realized that you are weak and unable to attain salvation on your own. The more you keep this mindset, humility is another word that describes this, the more God is able to use you.

2 Corinthians 8:10-12 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. (11) Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. (12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (KJV)

God called you and accepted you for who you are, not for someone you think you should be; rather now you need to pattern your life according to His will, and walk in the realm of the Spirit. All God asks and will ask is that there is a willingness to follow His path based on His word, letting that be your strength, and not how man measures strength and ability. The more you realize how weak you really are on your own, the more you will find strength in what the Lord has done on your behalf; not like many others who think they are strong because they think they are doing so much on His behalf.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV)

Paul had his own issues to deal with, which he described as a thorn in the flesh. What that thorn was, has been speculated for 2 thousand years. One thing we know, Paul had a past that dealt with mistreating Christians, and knowing from my own personal experiences the devil likes to remind people of their past and its shortcomings. So the fact that Paul was able to come to the conclusion that our salvation is based on grace and not of works, which leaves no room for boasting is one reason why God was able to use this man to write a good portion of the epistles. Now being weak doesn’t mean we run and hide, but rather you understand more and more that the Spirit is truly willing it’s our flesh, our carnal mind and understanding that is weak. Paul found his strength in the completed work Jesus Christ did on his behalf, and not the completed work many claim they are doing on the Lord’s behalf. It doesn’t matter how many scriptures you can quote, how many sermons you preach, or how big a congregation you have built, it all comes down to a simple loving obedience to our Lord, and the complete work He has done and is continuing to do within those that are willing to follow His example. You can have all knowledge and faith to move mountains but if you do not have love, a relationship based on trust and commitment with the Father, it will profit you nothing. So where is your strength coming from today; in what the word of God says, a path you are walking by faith, or are you leaning to your own understanding by what you think will make you strong, or should I say head strong as so many are?

Galatians 4:12-14 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. (13) Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. (14) And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. (KJV)

Obviously Paul had dealt with this infirmity, as we see it written about again, and was humble enough to let the people know that he was just as human as they were. Sometimes those that God has called think they have to come off as bulletproof and invincible which makes it hard for others to relate to them. Yes it is important to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, but being able to relate to the people through your own experiences can be an inspiration as well as opportunity for them to open up and share things that they have had to deal with, their own infirmity and temptation in their flesh. Remember, when it came time for those without sin to cast the first stone no one did. So keep in mind the same compassion God has dealt you; how longsuffering and patience can go a long way to helping someone remove and get past their own thorns in the flesh.

1 Corinthians 9:20-23 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; (21) To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. (22) To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (23) And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. (KJV)

Now you don’t have to go back under the old law or become a Jew to relate to a Jew; but rather you hear the Lord, and put yourself in their place, where they are at, so that you can let the Lord minister through you effectively. To the weak; I am reminded myself of times when I have been weak, and how I trusted more in my own abilities and works than the working of the Lord that He was trying to work in me, or what I call the sins and shortcomings of my youth, when I used to let the devil paint a picture in my mind of all the things I was missing out on, and how much better my life would be if I could have the things I desired. The only problem is that the devil doesn’t show us the consequences, which when the tab comes it’s always much bigger and lasts much longer than the short term thrill ride we took in the flesh. Being weak; staying out of the way, not leaning to your own understanding is a good thing, and one that will allow you to see your calling more clearly, and let the Lord minister through you more effectively.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Flip Flopping

5/19/2015

Psalms 12:1-2 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. (2) They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. (KJV)

How do the people of God go from one day serving Him, to the next day acting like the devil? It all comes down to what they have allowed into the heart; and like a virus, once it gets into the heart it will spread quickly and bring one down. Like in a courtroom, all the defense team has to do is present reasonable doubt or the appearance of it. The same holds true with the Christian and their daily encounters in life, the trial of their faith. If you take the time to study the evidence presented in the word of God you will have a rock solid case without any holes in it, and you will stand up and prevail in your daily encounters. But if you have let down your guard and have not taken the time to prepare your case then you will start entertaining doubts, and second guessing rather than knowing God’s verdict in the matter. Remember, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak, which will either be words of spirit and life, or spirit and death, depending on where your heart truly is. The trial of your faith; are you ready for it, have you taken the time to study the evidence, or do you have double vision, flip flopping back and forth?

1 Kings 18:21-22 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. (22) Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. (KJV)

In an election year, one of the biggest criticisms of the candidates, one of the biggest accusations that are made between them is their flip flopping on the issues. Instead of giving a straight answer and holding to it, they jump back and forth to appease the people and win their approval. This same mindset holds true in the spiritual realm; many that have begun their campaign with the Lord begin with good intentions but end up selling out to popular opinions and doctrines of man which are based more on a people pleasing head knowledge than on a true commitment from the heart. As we see Elijah was one amongst many others; rather than hold fast to the Lord many had allowed the people to be more of an influence on their heart than the word of God. Has your walk and commitment to the Lord come to a halt also, because rather than hold fast to His word you have been swayed by the people and their opinions? The Lord would rather have us hot or cold. It will be those that are in the middle that He will spue out of His mouth if they continue to waver between opinions.

James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (KJV)

Once you ask God for His help and His wisdom then it is up to you to follow through with your commitment despite what many others are doing or believing. Like going to a doctor and seeking his counsel for whatever the ailment is, and whatever he prescribes for the treatment. So if he gives you a prescription and you don’t follow through and take the medicine then it is not his fault if you end up getting worse. The same holds true with our Lord, when we ask of Him we need to ask in faith, and follow through with what He prescribes in order to stay healthy. The reason one becomes double minded is because they were double hearted, no longer renewing the mind with the truth but rather introducing doubt and confusion which is not of God. It is easy to tell who the unstable person is by what is coming out of the mouth; and the more unstable one becomes the more they are blown off course with winds of doctrine and end up shipwrecked. What you allow into the heart is what is going to come out of your mouth; and the enemy is referred to a roaring lion, one who is waiting to pounce on the weak by listening to their confession and the instability that is coming forth from their mouth.

Matthew 15:18-20 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. (19) For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: (20) These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man. (KJV)

How did all this junk and garbage get into the heart in the first place? If you ate nothing but junk food all the time how healthy would the heart be? By eating all this spiritual junk food you wonder why you waver and doubt at times. As vital an organ this is to our physical man how much more to our spiritual being? And if you had been more watchful of your temple you would not have allowed the thief to break through and turn God’s house into a dumping ground. While many still hold to outward appearances and physical laws and rituals, it’s the heart that matters to God, and what the true motives are that concerns Him. I can assure you that there are many that if they knew they had a winning lottery ticket would find a safe place to keep it and make sure nothing got to it and defiled it. So how much more should we keep a watch on our spiritual treasure chest, which after all affects our eternal life and not just the short term time we spend here. You wouldn’t let someone back up to your house with a garbage truck and dump it into your living room, so why do so many allow the devil to come into God’s temple and dump a load in their heart? How healthy would that be, let alone how soon before it would be declared unfit and not suitable for habitation? What are you listening to, what are you watching, what do you spend your time meditating on? If it is the things of God then you will be walking with Him and acting like Him. If it is anything else it will manifest itself in a way that will be most unpleasant.

Proverbs 23:4-7 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. (5) Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. (6) Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: (7) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (KJV)

As a man thinks in his heart is truly who he will be; whether it be of God or the prince of this world. Are you seeking the riches of this realm as many others have fallen for and are drowning in destruction and despair, or are you seeking the spiritual treasures of wisdom and knowledge which can only be found in Christ, and those that are truly one of His? No man can serve two masters; and the Bible is quite clear that you cannot serve God and money at the same time. Those that engage in these doctrines become double hearted and double minded, no longer able to receive anything from God.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (KJV)

Time to clean out that mess that has gotten in the heart and wash it away with the living waters of truth so that you will no longer be double minded, flip flopping back and forth between the things of God and the things of this realm.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Heart Transplant

5/18/2015

Ezekiel 36:26-27 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (27) And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (KJV)

Now keep in mind that this heart transplant is referring to the spiritual realm, so in order to operate in it we need a new heart. Once you receive this new heart you will then be able to receive the things of God and walk in the realm of faith. A new spirit will open the eyes of our understanding and allow us to see the things of God.

Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV)

Our old man was having heart attacks, unable to ward off the virus of sin which was corrupting him/her, and eventually would lead to death if not dealt with. So in order to restore spiritual health one needs to take out the old stony heart and its hardened arteries and replace it with a new heart which will renew the mind and keep the new man healthy. The old stony heart is like the old tablets that the Ten Commandments were written on which were heavy and hard to deal with. The new heart is like one of clay which the potter, our Lord, can mold and shape a lot better than the stony one. Our old heart was limited to the things of this fleshy realm and unable to see beyond it. The new heart is one of the Spirit and gives us access to the spiritual realm of God, one that is able to receive and give us an understanding into the things of God.

Thayer’s definition for the heart:
2588 kardia- the heart
a) that organ in the animal body which is the center of the circulation of the blood, and, hence, was regarded as the seat of physical life

b) denotes the center of all physical and spiritual life
     a) the vigor and sense of physical life
     b) the center and seat of spiritual life
         1) the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions,              desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors
         2) used of the understanding, the faculty and seat of the intelligence
         3) used of the will and character
         4) used of the soul so far as it is affected and stirred in a bad way                 or good, or of the soul as the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions

c) used of the middle or central or inmost part of anything, even though inanimate

Our new heart is able to take the life changing things of God and pump them through our body and into the mind so that we can keep ourselves renewed and reminded of who we are in Christ. A spiritual man requires a spiritual heart so that they can come to an understanding of how to live in the Spirit and no longer be in bondage to the things of the flesh. I think of the heart as being similar to a distributor in a car, it takes all the electrical energy and distributes it to the headlights and other electrical parts so that the driver can have a clear view of the path in front of them. Though many Christians still try to comprehend God from their own thinking, with limited head knowledge, it’s only those that serve Him from the heart, with a new heart, that will be able to see and understand how to walk effectively in this realm of the Spirit.

Matthew 13:15-16 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (KJV)

Thayer’s definition for wax gross:
3975 pachuno-
1) to make thick, to make fat, to fatten
2) metaphorically, to make stupid (to render the soul dull or callous)

An interesting definition for the phrase ‘wax gross’. When the heart and its arteries thicken, it begins to slow or stop the life giving flow of blood to the rest of the body, which eventually will lead to the body shutting down, thus requiring a transplant. Unless there is a flow of the word of God continually going through your spiritual man you too will find the heart hardening, cutting off the flow from it also. Many people today still push and promote head knowledge and Bible memorization, thinking that will draw them closer to the Lord. But unless one has a change of heart and allows the word of God into their heart, they will not come to an understanding of who God is and what their place in the body of Christ is either.

Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (KJV)

When one trusts in his/her own heart, they are leaning back to their own understanding, and are about to fall. When one walks wisely in the wisdom of God they are able to keep the body in subjection to the Spirit and continue in the will of God, which is being delivered from this present evil world and not entangled with the affairs of it.

Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (KJV)

Without faith, the ability to hear the message delivered by Christ, you will not be able to come to an understanding or comprehend the love of God which is being shed abroad in your heart. Without faith it is impossible to please God, because rather than allowing Him into the heart you are still trying to comprehend and operate according to the old carnal fallen nature, which will leave one on the outside instead of a partaker of His love. This love of God and the fullness of it, go above and beyond anything we could ever ask or think; and once you have truly experienced it for yourself, it is not something you ever want to let go of or neglect.

Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (KJV)

With a new heart will come a new desire; not for the things of this life but for the things of God. These are the desires that God will give to those that love Him with all their heart, mind, and soul. Where your treasure is this day, right now, is where your heart will be, and will get rooted and grounded in, whether it is the things of God or the things of the world. Do you desire to partake of the new spiritual treasure that God has for His people? Then it will require a new heart with a whole new way of thinking in order to access this eternal treasure of the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mission Possible

4/30/2015

Mark 10:26-27 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? (27) And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (KJV)

The disciples were astonished with this new doctrine our Lord was bringing forth to a fallen world. The things of God and His plan of salvation were being manifested through Jesus Christ; so what was previously hidden and unknown was now available to whosoever would call upon the name of the Lord. Things that were impossible and unachievable by man and his way of thinking are now a reality, and should become a way of life to the believer. What is your vision of salvation today? Is it a clear cut path that you are walking, or are you astonished and bewildered thinking it is impossible for someone like me, and thinking that God only uses special people with special gifts or what some think are super powers? The reality is, it’s the simplicity of the gospel of Christ that many miss and overlook. Because we consider ourselves simple at times we think we get overlooked by God as well, because surely He can find more qualified people than me to use. Remember, and don’t ever forget the message, with God all things are possible and nothing will seem impossible to those that believe.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)

Are you a can do person? Do you have a can do attitude and an expectation of victory in your walk, or are you still coming up short of the goal, accepting whatever comes your way rather than letting the Lord have His way, and complete the mission? Do you see things that are impossible to others, and were to you before you were saved, now a reality and a way of life; an expectation that the things of God and His promises are now what you rely on; and you will not accept anything less than His outcome despite what your outward senses try to dictate to you? Will you hold fast your profession of faith without wavering so that you can continue to be a can do person, because of a can do Christ within you?

Luke 1:34-38 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (35) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (36) And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. (37) For with God nothing shall be impossible. (38) And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (KJV)

It is interesting when reading this account of how the angel of God came to Mary to let her know the Lord’s plan for her and how she would be used by Him. When Mary was informed of this plan, to her own carnal thinking and mind it was impossible. However, as we see in verse 38 her answer was, let it be according to the word of God, which was delivered to her through the angel. So how would this account relate to you personally? Were we not barren ourselves at one time spiritually and unable to bring forth life? Once we accepted the Lord and His plan of salvation we too conceived, and a new life was formed within us. ‘Christ in you the hope of glory’ is now residing within the believer as well, so that you too can operate in the power of the Highest, which is ready to spring forth from you to bring new life to a dying world. Even though Mary questioned and wondered how these things could take place, because according to the outward it was impossible, she accepted the word of the Lord and allowed Him to do what was seemingly impossible to man but just another day at the office for the Lord. So how are you responding to the Lord today? Are spending your time trying to analyze things by what the outward is trying to dictate, or are you accepting God to be true no matter what the circumstances are so that you can bring forth new life within you, and receive the results God intended for your situation also?

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)

The only time it becomes mission impossible is when we step out of the realm of faith and start walking by sight, the outward and not the inward vision. Once a person steps out of the realm of faith they start questioning God and begin to waver. Many times in the Old Testament it makes reference to the double hearted which will result in one being double minded and unable to receive the things of God. Once you step back into the realm of doubt and fear the mission is aborted and unable to move forward until you re-enter the realm of faith and get back on God’s turf. You, like Mary, have the same choice. Will you take God at His word, or will you try to analyze things by what the carnal realm dictates and its limitations?

Galatians 3:23-24 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (KJV)

Our justification, our new life, is only revealed and brought forth by faith; our ability to hear the message delivered by Christ and then act on it, and follow through with it, until it accomplishes what is pleasing to God. Before faith became a reality to us we to were shut up and spiritually barren; unable to operate in the power of the Highest realm because we were trying to achieve salvation by old laws and rituals which are now done away in Christ. A new man within us requires a whole new way of thinking and acting. So the less you try to analyze things and figure them out according to your own understanding, the more you will be able to operate in the realm of a higher one.

Galatians 4:19-21 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, (20) I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. (21) Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (KJV)

I have heard it said that child bearing is one of the most painful things to endure, and yet one of the most rewarding afterwards. The same holds true in the spiritual realm as well. Sometimes there is pain and travail within us, a tug of war at times, a new life ready to spring forth, but it is being held back by the flesh not willing to let go. The longer one is in labor the more painful and harder it is to endure until they are able to deliver and bring forth a new life. The same holds true with us. The more we hang onto the old things and the old thinking the more painful it becomes; and the more we hang onto these things the more likely we are to have a miscarriage and miss out on the blessing that was intended for our benefit. You have a seed within you, Christ, which needs to be fed and nurtured if you wish to bring forth a new life within you, and watch it grow to maturity. It pained Paul because he watched a new life begin in the people only to see it aborted by them turning back to the old law. They begin in the Spirit and then try to perfect their walk by the flesh; which the Bible says ‘they that are in the flesh cannot please God’. So which realm will you operate in today? And how do you plan on doing those things that are pleasing to God? If it is by your own thinking and the works of the law then it will be mission impossible. But if it is by faith then it will be mission possible; a victorious outcome to all those that believe.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Complete Package

4/29/2015

1 Corinthians 2:9-12 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (KJV)

With everything that we have access to, the opportunity to tap into an unlimited source of power and strength, a vast treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge, why would anyone settle for anything less? Mankind wallowed in sin and misery under the old law for thousands of years until the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh. The Spirit of God which is within the believer is willing to show you all things which are no longer limited to this realm. And now we are able to see and operate within the spiritual realm so that we can know the things of God. How much time do you spend on a daily basis seeking the things of God? How much of a priority have you made God in order to come to an understanding of how these things are put into practice, and are a reality in your life? Is the Bible an account of how God has worked in other people’s lives, people we thought at times were special and above reproach? Or are you able to read the accounts in the word of God and relate to them because they are something you too have put into practice within your life?

John 16:12-15 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (14) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (15) All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (KJV)

Remember what it was like when you would hear people talk of the Bible? Or even having read some of it before you were saved and came to a knowledge of the truth? For me it was boring stories of a bunch of thou shalts and thus saith the Lord, which to me had no meaning and substance without having the Spirit of truth to enlighten. Once I accepted the Lord’s plan of salvation I was given a new heart and able to tap into the things of God which gave me an understanding of things above and beyond this realm. I also began experiencing a joy and peace as well as a confidence I had not known before, above and beyond what I could have ever asked or thought of. But it takes time on a daily basis to stop what you are doing so that you can hear the Lord and His daily instructions; so that He can personally speak to you and give you His spiritual insight. The Holy Spirit is like having an interpreter when the Lord is speaking to you; He will take the things of God and explain it to you in a simple way so that you can understand for yourself what God is asking of you this day, and how to walk in the Spirit and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Another way to put it, it’s like people that are deaf who attend lectures; there is a person speaking and someone next to them doing sign language to deliver the message. We were deaf to the things of God in the past because of sin and unbelief, but now we have the Holy Spirit within us to take the message of God and bring it to our understanding so that we can partake of the things of God.

1 John 2:26-27 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (27) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (KJV)

The devil and his workers are out and about with their seducing spirits and doctrines which will lead one astray if they do not become rooted and grounded in the truth of God’s word. The more you are able to hear the Lord for yourself and let Him reveal his plan of salvation to you personally, the stronger you become and the less likely you will be taken in by the wiles of the devil. The Lord does use His people to deliver His message, but beware it is the message we need to focus on and what the Lord is speaking in it, and to not become too caught up with the messengers, putting them on pedestals that they don’t belong on. It is the truth that sets you free. And the more you allow the Spirit to teach you this truth the more you will abide in Him and not be swayed with any winds of doctrine.

Acts 10:38-39 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (39) And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: (KJV)

That same anointing which God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with is within you; ready, willing and able to teach you the things of God so that you too can go about doing good and bring a message of healing to a sick and dying world. God is with you; for greater is He that is within you, than he that is in the world. So the more you rely on your inward vision, the less likely you will be swayed by outward circumstances. Verse 39 talks about those that were witnesses of how He was able to do all things, not just things of this realm but able to demonstrate the things of the spiritual realm as well. Now you need to take the time to hear His message of deliverance so that you too can demonstrate how you are allowing God to work through you, and not be oppressed of the devil and his lies.

1 John 2:20-21 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. (21) I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. (KJV)

What a comfort to be able to know the truth and have access to all things, not just the physical realm but the spiritual also. Think of the Holy Spirit as a water filter, it filters out the impurities and we are left with pure healthy water. For myself I was indoctrinated with a lot unhealthy worldly things which kept me in bondage to fear and confusion. The more I spent time in the word of God and let the Spirit of God show me the things of His realm, the more I was able to filter out the old and allow the new to become a reality in my life. Is the light of the glorious gospel of Christ illuminating your path today, or are you walking in darkness and not sure where you are headed?

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)

Do you desire the complete package? Then why not go to the guy that completed the mission of salvation for all mankind, who is now seated at the right hand of the Father ready to reveal Himself too all that wish to partake of His eternal inheritance. The word complete means to make whole, to furnish, to supply and finish. So if you desire to endure to the end then why not seek the counsel and instruction from someone who has already run this race to the end, and who is willing to show you all the things that it takes for you to complete your walk in the Spirit and receive the crown of life.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.