Good morning, today's encouragement is to come to the knowledge of all things that pertain to life and godliness which God has freely given unto us through His Son Jesus Christ.  

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Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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All Things
 
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (KJV)

We have an unction (anointing) from the Holy One and we know all things. So notice it says in the verse above that “we might know”…it is up to each of us to ask, seek, and knock so that the door or eyes of our understanding would be enlightened to know personally from God those things He freely gave to us by His Son Jesus Christ.

Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (KJV)

The deep things of God, the depth of both the wisdom and knowledge of God, his judgements, and his ways to the natural man are unsearchable and past finding out because the natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned (revealed by the Spirit, the veil taken away).

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV)

When we became a new creation in Christ the old things passed away and behold all things are become new, including the mind. But you need to keep the old passed away and keep the mind renewed in the things of God. The renewed mind is the mind of Christ. If we are operating in the fleshly (carnal) mind the Lord is unable to instruct us, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him?”…But we have the mind of Christ; so if we operate in the mind of Christ the Lord is able to instruct us in the ways of God and reveal more of the Father unto us; seeing Him face to face.

Being one with the Lord (in agreement), is to be able to hear His instruction and understand the things of God and all that has been freely given unto you; the exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. So begins your journey of being perfected by God through Christ Jesus. You start out as a child, but it is God’s good pleasure to see you grow and mature in His divine nature, to become who He would have you to be in Christ; a reflection of Him, to know all things, and to be a witness unto the truth.

1 Corinthians 13:10-12 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)

Remember, just because we have been given the mind of Christ, does not mean that we know how to use it, or that we will remain in agreement with it. It takes effort on our part to exercise our faith, to seek out His ways, to be a doer and not just a hearer of those things that please Him, and to remain in agreement with God and His Word; putting away childish things as the Spirit leads and guides us, so that we can grow and mature in Christ, and see our Father and His Son clearly within us, and be well known to God our Father.

​And as you grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ you begin to see personally more of what you have been given, more of what you know, and more of who God intended you to be from the foundation of the world. All things given so that you are able to continue in the faith and become grounded and settled in the truth of the gospel of Christ, not moved away from the hope that is within you (Christ in you the hope of glory), and receive the end of your faith, the crown of life, the salvation of your soul, a gift of eternity with God our Father and with His Son Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

John 11:11-14 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. (12) Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. (13) Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. (14) Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. (KJV)  

God’s word was made flesh and dwelt among us in the form of Jesus Christ, who was sent from God to deliver mankind from a death sentence to one of eternal life. The things our Lord did and demonstrated are still available to His people today; those that God sends to speak words of life and wake people up from their spiritual stupors. When you see the phrase sleep it does refer to death also. Lazarus is someone we can identify with ourselves. And as we read yesterday, a man who was stuck in darkness, bound up in grave clothes whose life stunk, and was being resurrected from his sleep by the word of the Lord. We too were dead in sin and trespasses but are now made alive again so that we are able to walk in newness of life in the Spirit, no longer bound by the desires of the flesh.  

Ephesians 5:14-16 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. (15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (KJV)  

Many think and are taught that someday there will be a wonderful resurrection to a new eternal life with Christ, and for many of them they can hardly wait for that day to come. Those that have their spiritual senses exercised today know that now it is time to awaken from our spiritual stupor, arise from the dead and walk in the light of the glorious gospel of Christ and the path He chose for us before the foundation of the world.  

Thayer’s definition for awake:
1453  egeiro- to arouse, to cause to rise
a) to arouse from sleep, to awake
b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life  

Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. (12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (KJV)  

Have you woken up from the dead; are you arising now and heeding the spiritual calling, or are you all caught up in the striving and cares of this life? Now it is high time; time for you to be seated in the heavenly places with Christ, and not stuck in this dead end realm of the flesh with its dead end results. Your salvation is near, the Lord Himself is standing at your door knocking on the heart to see if you will let Him in and give you new life. Like with the example of Lazarus, He is ready to roll away the old stony heart and set you free to the only liberty you will find, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. So are you heeding the call of our Lord; are you stepping out in faith into a new realm so that you can be partakers of the heavenly gift that God sent to us through His Son Jesus Christ? Now is the day of salvation, now it is much nearer than you thought; so will you get up from your spiritual hangover and answer the call, or will you sleep in and miss out on an eternal heavenly reward which is rightfully yours for the taking?  Have you put on the whole armor of God which is Jesus Christ so that you will no longer be taken down by the fiery darts of the enemy and put back to sleep? Walk in the Spirit of Christ so that you no longer have to be in bondage to the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling its deadly desires which are contrary to our Lord’s desire for you.  

1 Corinthians 15:31-34 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (32) If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. (33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. (KJV)  

Paul himself realized that in order to resurrect daily to this new life in Christ he would have to die on a daily basis. The outward or the old man continues to perish on a daily basis, because we are now walking by faith and relying more on our spiritual sight than the physical one. Our inward man should be renewed on a daily basis so that we stay awake and alert spiritually, and are not ambushed by the enemy. Are the eyes of your understanding enlightened to the things of the Spirit, or are they becoming heavy and you are drifting back to sleep again? Take heed to the warning in verse 33, because Paul did not say that evil communication might corrupt, but rather would corrupt good manners. These warnings are not put in the Bible just to fill in pages or finish a paragraph, but are there for the benefit of His people so they won’t be deceived back to sleep again, but rather stay awake and alert to the things of God. Some people are not aware of these things that many may consider little and trivial, but remember it only took a little leaven to leaven the whole lump, and for those that don’t operate in this knowledge, like Paul said, he speaks this to their shame. It’s one thing if the people of the world decide to ignore the word of the Lord and perish; it’s another to see God’s people perish because of their lack of knowledge in spiritual matters; which in the end is all that truly matters.  

1 Corinthians 11:27-30 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. (28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (30) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (KJV)  

The Bible says that we all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, coming to an understanding of God’s plan of salvation for ourselves so that we no longer have to guess, but know who we are in Christ, and find our place within the body. Many that have had a spiritual awakening at some time, end up falling back to sleep, this after becoming weak and sickly. It’s because of their lack of discernment and diligence, as well in making the Lord their priority that they ended up in this condition. The Bible warns us of the many false prophets that shall come preaching damnable heresies to the point of denying the Lord, and they bring upon themselves swift destruction. Not only will the false prophets suffer eternal consequences because what should have been the bread of life was actually polluted and full of deadly spiritual diseases which eat like a cancer, but those that follow them and lend their support to them will also suffer the same consequences as well. So wake up Church; you have a Bible and you have access to the throne of God so that you can sit together with Christ on a daily basis and hear His words firsthand; they are spirit and they are life to those that hear. Don’t fall asleep at the wheel again and end up in a ditch spinning your wheels, but stay alert and follow the only path that leads to eternal life, the same path our leader and forerunner Jesus Christ followed Himself. God bless and keep the faith.  

Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 11:23-26 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. (24) Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. (25) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (26) And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (KJV)  

Today it is a common knowledge that someday we will die and then be resurrected into the heavenly realm, or I should say that is the desire of every believer. However, if you notice the wording in verse 25, you will see our Lord makes the statement that ‘I am the resurrection as well as the life’, not I will be or have been, but I am, right now. Not only does He refer to Himself as the resurrection, but also the life; in fact by simply believing in Him we will never have to die.  

Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (KJV)  

Thayer’s definition for quicken:
2227  zoopoieo-
1) to produce alive, to begat or to bear living young
2) to cause to live, to make alive, to give life
    a) by spiritual power to arouse and invigorate
    b) to restore to life

If you notice in verse 6, the word hath is used, something that has already taken place and continues to. We were all dead in our sins; our old fallen nature kept us separated from the things of God so that we were not able to partake of the new life in Christ. Now that you are a partaker of this new life by being born again into the realm of the Spirit, Christ is resurrected in you, and allows you to be a partaker of His heavenly kingdom. You are now resurrected from a spiritual death, a separation from God, and have access to the throne of God through the name of Jesus Christ so that you can sit and hear the message of Christ on a daily basis. These are the true riches of an exceeding grace that is available now, not just some day in the sweet bye and bye.  

Colossians 2:12-13 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (KJV)  

It’s a spiritual baptism that allows you to be spiritually risen with God from your dead end life in the flesh. Have you ever heard the term baptized by fire? Well, those that truly know the Lord have been baptized, identified as partakers of Christ by dying to self, allowing Him to resurrect and lead them on the path of life. In the Old Testament the children of Israel were considered to be baptized unto Moses as well, because the life they were now living was one that was following the commandments of God as He instructed Moses on how they should live. We too are identified with Christ, because we choose to be led by His spirit and not our old fallen nature which is influenced by the lusts of the flesh, thus giving us access to the heavenly realm.  

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (KJV)  

You know, in order for there to be a resurrection there first has to be a death. Although many claim they want to go to heaven, few are willing to die to get there; which spiritually is something that should be taking place right now. Crucifixion was and still is a most excruciating way to die, and one that truly does keep the body in subjection. The Lord is asking His people to take up their own cross on a daily basis and die to self so that they can walk in newness of life being led by the Spirit and not the lower nature. So who is leading and guiding you this day; and are you headed in the right direction, taking a seat in the heavenly realm so that you can hear the message of Christ, and carry out His personal plan of salvation He intended for you to walk in? The life we now live should be a life of faith of the Son of God; what He has done on our behalf, as well as what He would like to continue to do in and through you. Now the real question is, ‘will you let Him’?  

Romans 6:3-7 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV)  

Remember what happened after our Lord was crucified? There was a resurrection that brought forth a new man. Those of us that allow our old nature to be crucified and buried will also experience the likeness of His resurrection by walking in newness of life, and not according to the old dead sinful nature. It is only those that truly die to sin who are freed from its deadly grasp, and are set free to walk in the Spirit and no longer fulfill the lusts of the flesh.  

Romans 6:8-11 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (9) Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. (10) For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. (11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)  

Verse 8 begins with the word ‘now’; a now faith in Jesus Christ that the life we now live in the flesh is one that will be by the faith of Him. We should be dead to sin so that we can now resurrect ourselves alive spiritually unto God through the one mediator between God and man, that being Jesus Christ our Lord.  

John 11:39-44 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. (40) Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? (41) Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. (42) And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. (43) And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. (44) And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. (KJV)

If you look at the spiritual implications of what took place with Lazarus, you can see the similarities of how it parallels our own rebirth into the realm of the Spirit. We too at one time were bound up in sin and our life did stink as well, being dead spiritually and separated from our Lord. Once the stone, or should I say the stony heart was taken away, a new life was brought forth by the word of the Lord and resurrected. We were all bound up with sin and unbelief, but now we are loosed and set free to serve our Lord in spirit and in truth. Is everyday a new day with you; has the Son risen in you to enlighten you to the new life in Christ, or are you still spiritually bound in some dark realm? Arise and shine, and Christ shall give you life again.  

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

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)  

God gave us the perfect gift in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we too could manifest God’s plan of salvation however or whatever way He sees fit. The question you have to answer for yourself is ‘will you find your place in the body of Christ and allow His spirit to work in you as well?’  

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (28) And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. (KJV)  

God has set and would like to set you in the body where He knows you are best suited, and where you would be able to be the most effective. While many think that they know how to be the most effective, it’s only those that allow God to work through them in the place He would have them to be who will be the ones He will work through, and manifest His Spirit through. Are all of us qualified to be in the position of an apostle or a prophet, if not then leave it alone. Are you developed enough in the calling or qualification of healing, or speaking in tongues and interpreting them as well, if not then don’t pretend you are just because someone else is. Like verse 31 says, covet the best gifts or qualifications that you are best suited for; because if you haven’t been called to a certain position, or you are trying to operate in a place that God hasn’t called you to or you are not developed in, you will be ineffective. I have been a truck driver and a transit operator for most of my working days which is a talent God gave me and blessed me with. But I can assure you that if I needed medical attention or knew someone else that did, I would gladly point them or myself to someone that was qualified and had an understanding concerning healing. You know what they say about those that are their own doctor; they end up with fools for patients. Have you ever watched medical shows on TV when they do an operation? You see that it takes someone who is trained and knows what they are doing so that they can provide the remedy. Just because you stayed at a Holiday Inn doesn’t make you qualified; the same holds true in the Spiritual realm. God does not want a novice any more than you would want a novice physician doing life and death surgery on you.  

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (KJV)  

Paul ended chapter 12 saying that he would show us a more excellent way, and here it is, what it comes down to is the motive of the heart. You may have a tremendous zeal for God, but if it is not being done in love then it is all for naught and will profit nothing. Love is laying down your life for the brethren; finding your place in the body and allowing God to work through you no matter where He has set you in the body, or how He chooses to work through you. You may have learned to speak and pray in a tongue of man, or that of an angel, or a spiritual nature, but if it is not done in love it is of no avail. So again, what is the motive of your heart, and how are you responding to the calling of God and the gift He has given? Are you a gift that is allowing the life of God to flow through you, or have you become a stumbling block to others, causing more confusion than peace?  

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (KJV)

The manifestation of the Spirit is given for us to profit in, and nothing will demonstrate that better than the motive of love. Everything we see here in the above verses totally contradicts what we have learned from the past, like the term looking out for number one. Number one is now the members of the one body in Christ, something we should be more concerned with than our own desires. The Bible says that we should do unto others as we would like done unto us, even though the second part of that verse doesn’t always turn out that way. Even though we don’t always receive from others what we put forth, it doesn’t mean we should lower our standards and stoop to a different level.  

1 Corinthians 13:8-11 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV)  

God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son so that we could partake of His divine nature and learn how to reciprocate His charity, which is another word for love, back to Him as well as other members of the body. Love never fails; it is a sure fire way to allow the Spirit, the gift of Christ, to manifest and work through us. While many have tried to impress others with much speaking and head knowledge, and while others thought that by speaking in tongues they would really be impressive, in the end it will all just vanish away and the only thing left that will make any difference is those that chose to walk in love. How have you answered the call of God? Are you doing it with the motive of love not only on His behalf but for the members of the body of Christ as well, or are you motivated by trying to impress others, which has just been described as being of no profit?  

1 Corinthians 13:12-13 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (13) And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJV)  

Someday we will be able to see the totality of God’s plan of salvation without having to deal with our carnal understanding. So for now we will have to settle for a glimpse into the heavenly realm, building a foundation one day at a time. The best way to clear this up for today is with an understanding and a motive of love, a perfect mature love that casts out all fear. How are you handling the gift God gave? Are you able to see for yourself where you fit in the body and is your desire to edify others, or are motives childish and self serving? It’s the best gift available to all mankind, the gift of God, which He would love for you to receive if you would love to have it.  

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

Romans 8:1-2 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. (KJV)  

Not only are those that are in Christ no longer under condemnation of sin and death, but they are not passing their own judgments on others and pointing fingers at what they perceive to be everyone else’s shortcomings. Remember, we are saved by grace through faith; and salvation is certainly not something you have or ever will achieve by works, so it eliminates any boasting on our part. Yet with this in mind, religious organizations and so called churches at times are no different than the world when it comes to backbiting and slandering; like a big henhouse full of loud boisterous cackling. Not only have you been set free and delivered from the bondage of sin and death, so have others despite how you may view their walk, or how you think they should be operating. Not only have many Christians decided to take on the role of judge, but they also have taken on the role of jury, and sad to say many times with their tongues executioners. Remember how you were delivered? Was it by self righteous overbearing examples of those that claim to know God, or was it by the mercy and love of God that drew you to Him?  

John 8:2-6 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. (3) And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, (4) They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. (5) Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? (6) This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. (KJV)  

Doesn’t this give us a good illustration of what we see going on in many religious groups today? Rather than get together to teach the word of God they are more concerned with what others are doing, and letting someone’s shortcomings and faults be broadcast amongst the whole congregation. So when these accusations are brought forth how do you handle these petty strife’s and the talebearer’s that are more concerned with hearing gossip than truth? Will you follow the example our Lord set; rather than continue to engage in this nonsense He chose to ignore it as though he heard them not and heard His Father’s response. While our fleshy nature is more apt to want to hear the juicy details, the Spirit is saying enough, this is not an area God is operating in.  

John 8:7-11 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. (8) And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. (9) And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. (10) When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? (11) She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (KJV)  

How are you handling these situations you encounter on a daily basis, whether it is at work or wherever you fellowship at; are you going to listen to gossip and half truths or are you more interested in listening to and dealing with truth? Are you passing judgment on others before you hear God’s answer, like the above example ready to rock someone’s world based on second hand information. Not only is the Lord no longer condemning you, but He is asking us not to pass judgment on others so quickly, and to be much quicker to hear, and slower to speak as well as to wrath.  

Proverbs 18:12-13 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. (13) He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (KJV)  

When confronted with gossip and accusations of the brethren how are you handling it today? Are you ready, shoot, then aim or are you going to not get caught up in slandering and backbiting, things that tear down rather than build up? If you are not able to say something to someone’s face first then what makes you think you have the right to speak it out to everyone else’s. Stay out of the mud people, once you have been washed with the pure living waters don’t go running back to a pigpen of gossip and slandering.  

Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. (KJV)  

Just because someone comes running up to you with an account of someone’s faults or shortcomings, or did you hear about so and so and their adulterous affair, doesn’t mean you need to keep the chain of communication going; rather wouldn’t this be a good place to put it to rest just as our Lord did? Yes it may be enticing to the flesh to get the details, but if one is operating and seeking a loving way to handle it then it will cease and desist with them.  

Proverbs 29:9-11 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. (10) The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. (11) A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. (KJV)  

When you engage in contention and strife there will be no rest in your soul. Have you ever spoken something about someone when they weren’t around, then when they were around you weren’t as bold in your accusation? Or maybe you heard something about that person, and rather than conceal the matter you chose to keep it alive and spread the gossip? A wise man will wait for an appropriate time, then if needed will deal with the person first and not make a public proclamation.  

Proverbs 11:12-13 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. (13) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (KJV)  

When I hear a talebearer always talking about everyone else the first thing I begin to wonder is what secrets are they trying to conceal about themselves, and why are they so quick to throw stones at others?  

Luke 6:36-37 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. (37) Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (KJV)  

If any man be in Christ he is a new creation, and will continue to operate in the newness of life and not let the old man resurface with silly accusations and petty strife’s. It’s a no condemnation zone for those in Christ, not only for you but for others as well.  

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

Isaiah 55:1-3 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (2) Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (3) Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (KJV)  

Salvation is truly a free gift; the good and perfect gift which came down from above in the form of Jesus Christ the Son of God who came to bring reconciliation between God and mankind. While the world is constantly peddling its goods to people, and spicing up its ads with the offer of a free gift included, in the end the buyer ends up footing the bill, it’s just disguised somewhere in the fine print. The Lord who provided a free gift to all mankind having paid the price by His own sacrifice has now asked us to receive this gift freely and distribute it that way also. Mankind may play favorites especially with the rich, but God’s word is available to all, and should be made available by those that have been called to teach and preach without a price tag. Now that doesn’t mean that if you are getting fed somewhere and the Lord asks you to help support the cause, that you ignore Him; but the key is knowing when the Lord is asking and not when these fat cat preachers are begging the congregation with their giving messages. Those that are operating in the liberty of Christ will be preaching messages that are building up the people and showing them who they are in Christ. Those that haven’t been set free and are still more concerned with the treasures and upkeep of this life will center their sermons around the upkeep of their ministry and their works, not on the ministry and work the Lord has done for them.  

Luke 16:19-25 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, (21) And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (22) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (24) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (25) But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (KJV)  

When looking at this example it parallels what I see going on today in the so called churches and with many of its worldly preachers. Because they have spent so much time and effort on their own upkeep, which many of them do on the backs of others instead of giving the congregation the meat of the word of God, they just end up with crummy self serving doctrines. Those that had come to their organizations seeking the Lord ended up with nothing less than watered down doctrines and a few crumbs, while those that should have been giving them the bread of life were more concerned with collecting the bread from the congregation. As we see the end result, with what measure they gave was measured back to them, having chosen the riches of this world over the eternal riches of the Lord. If you find you are being bombarded with endless sermons that focus more on giving and supporting the organization rather than focusing on the spiritual needs of the congregation, it may be time to move on if you truly desire to grow in the Lord. And by the way, whose lame brain idea was it to do these stupid telethons, especially this stuff I see on TV? I don’t care who they are or who they think they are, the last time I looked the Lord went into the temple with a three-fold cord and cast those cheap hucksters out. It was the devil that invited them back in to set up their cheap carnival side show acts, and its people that don’t spend enough time in the word of God that support this junk and will also be held accountable for doing so. Oh, they may promise you liberty but the truth is they are the servants of corruption because of the fact that they have sold out themselves, and have been overcome by their own desires, and are now brought into bondage of them. Just because they have sold out doesn’t mean you have to support them in their folly. Many of these people have taken the calling of God and then added their own interpretation to it and have created a monster, thinking bigger is better, the more the merrier. Just because they haven’t lived within the means God had intended doesn’t mean it is up to you to feed their monster which is just a manifestation of their inflated egos.  

Matthew 23:16-23 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! (17) Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? (18) And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. (19) Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? (20) Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. (21) And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. (22) And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. (23) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (KJV)  

Basically what they are saying here is the priority has been misconstrued, putting the cart before the horse. Today I see and hear a lot of doctrines that have the people sitting in a cart, getting what comes out the backside of the horse as well. Instead of being more concerned with the weightier matters, faith, mercy and righteous judgment, they are more concerned with their commitment to giving and supporting the temple. They are willing to overlook spiritual matters, it’s the gold they are concentrating on and holding the people to. It doesn’t matter to them if you don’t spend time in the word of God or grow in the things of the Lord, that seems to be the least of their concerns, but don’t you dare miss tithing or that’s when they claim you will suffer the wrath of God. Everything to these people and their fallen nature’s is center on giving, which is why they twist the scriptures and sermons to make it look like God is more concerned with it as well.  Again it is important and your obligation is to support wherever you are being fed, but when the outward temple becomes more of a priority than feeding the inward one, then it may be time to rethink and pray about moving on.

Matthew 23:24-26 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. (25) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. (26) Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. (KJV)

God is more concerned with the inside rather than the outward appearances. Now it is up to you to discern and rightly divide the truth so that you too can freely receive the gift of God and freely distribute it as well.

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