Category: Heart

Proving Ground

6/10/2015

Ephesians 5:5-8 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (KJV)

The Bible gives warnings throughout on the dangers of coveting, which is described as a form of idolatry. This is a vital area, one that gets overlooked, and an area where many a good intentioned Christians ended up being deceived. Though in our past we were surrounded by this mindset and caught up in the things of this world, somehow there are many that think they can carry this over into the realm of God and get away with it. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Your ability to let go and trust in the Lord in the area of finances is vital if one is going to grow into a deeper knowledge and trust with our Father.

Luke 16:9-11 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. (10) He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (11) If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (KJV)

This is what separates the men from the boys; this is the proving ground for what a man will truly trust and believe. We have a parable of a man described as an unjust steward who made his living and prospered by taking advantage of others. Then one day it occurred to him that in order to be accepted into the eternal realm he would have to change his ways and find the just and equal balance. What many don’t realize, and especially for those that are entering ministry work, is that one has to prove faithful before the Lord in the area of finances, or riches as they are described, before the Lord will open up to them and show them His spiritual riches and then entrust them with it. What verse 10 describes as least ends up being the priority with many; if they are unjust in that area then its game over and they will not be moving ahead in their walk. We have people out there that claim to be of God yet when you listen to the message being delivered they speak more of this world than the realm of God because they haven’t been enlightened to the things of God, and therefore have not been entrusted with the true spiritual riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge which are only found in Christ.

Luke 16:9 Riches promise MUCH, and perform NOTHING: they excite hope and confidence, and deceive both: in making a man depend on them for happiness, they rob him of the salvation of God and of eternal glory. For these reasons, they are represented as unjust and deceitful. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

1 Peter 5:1-3 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: (2) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (3) Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (KJV)

What kind of hope is being given to the people; a false hope in the deception of worldly riches, or is the flock of God being fed with the truth of God’s word that will set them free and allow Him to be their source? Many lord over the flock with guilt trips and pity party messages of how much more one could do for the Lord if they would just ante up. Those that are truly looking out for the spiritual welfare of the people will be more concerned with building the people up in the Lord, rather than having the people more concerned with a building and its upkeep.

John 10:11-13 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (12) But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. (13) The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. (KJV)

The problem with hirelings, which is someone that is working for a wage, those that think ministry work is just an occupation, is that if the money runs out the hireling isn’t far behind. Our Lord set the example of how to live and walk in the Spirit, seeking more the spiritual welfare of others and not His own, thus why He was so effective. Today we see just the opposite; for many that enter the field of ministry work think it is a fun and exciting way to make a living, which is well documented by watered down messages that deal more with seeking the riches of this world than the true riches of God. Yes God does call people to full time ministry, and they get their support from the Lord and through the flock they oversee. The message the Lord is getting across is that His people need to be more concerned with the spiritual substance that will feed the flock, not the financial one that they are feeding themselves with.

Isaiah 56:10-11 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. (11) Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. (KJV)

There are too many hirelings, false prophets and such who are only seeking their personal gain, and not what is best for the flock of God. This stuff has been going on for a long time and has continued to manifest, getting worse and worse. No man can serve two masters because he will hold to one and ignore the other; and the Bible is quite specific to say that we cannot serve God and mammon or worldly riches, which is idol worship.

Titus 1:7-11 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (8) But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; (9) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (KJV)

Many vain talkers alter the message of truth to fit their lifestyle, teaching things just for the sake of filthy lucre. Messages that point to hundredfold returns, the more you give the more you get, are nothing more than self serving cheap imitations for what the Lord intended for His people; thus why the Lord’s people perish for lack of knowledge. So do your own self inventory and make sure the things you treasure are in line with the things of God so that He can open up His spiritual treasure and allow you to be a partaker of His heavenly gift.

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

Many Called Few Called Back

6/9/2015

1 John 4:1-5 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (KJV)

Here we see the many again and how they responded to the calling of God. God is calling to our hearts, a spiritual calling which requires a spiritual response. So how do you know the difference? Those that have come to a working knowledge of the mystery of God are those that teach in the name of Jesus Christ, and are more concerned with the spiritual needs of the people. They are the ones that know the doctrine of Christ, and are willing to lay down their lives for the brethren so that they can teach them who they are in Christ and the completed work He has done on our behalf. Those that have not answered the call of God the way He intended are described in verse 5 as more concerned with the things of this world, putting the physical ahead of the spiritual. While they love to promise the people a better life in this world they overlook the spiritual realm and end up settling for their reward here, loving the praise of men more than God. Nothing plays to the emotions of the people and tickles the ears more than promising prosperity; which these false prophets have determined to be measured by amounts of money rather than the spiritual prosperity which is only found in Christ, the unequalled treasures of His wisdom and knowledge we have access to through His name.

Luke 6:43-45 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (44) For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. (45) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (KJV)

The heart will truly reveal its intentions and motives because the abundance of what is in it will be spoken by the mouth. A good tree has not been corrupted, has not allowed the thief to break through and steal the word of God from the heart; therefore their only motive and true intention is teach and preach sound doctrine. A false prophet and teacher will reveal their true motive also; so if they are not teaching and preaching the mystery of the gospel through a working knowledge of Jesus Christ then somewhere along the line there has been a breach of spirit which has gotten in and corrupted the heart. No matter how they try to twist and turn the truth, manipulate and fabricate the word of God, they have been corrupted and the heart is proclaiming an evil treasure instead of an eternal one. A tree is truly known by its fruit; just as apparent as it is in the outward realm of revealing what the tree truly is, it is just as obvious to those that have taken the time to rightly divide the word of truth; they are able to see through these false doctrines and phony intentions of the heart.

Micah 3:11-12 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us. (12) Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest. (KJV)

The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun, and that is why we need to heed the warnings, make sure we are prepared and not giving credence to things that are not of God. The Lord has been dealing with cheap hucksters throughout the Bible, so basically it is the same sin today, just different disguises. Like with a thief when they go to pull off a heist, they put on a mask so they won’t be identified. Those that know the truth and have a working knowledge of the doctrine of Christ will be able to see through these masks and easily identify the thief, and not allow him to rob them blind.

Jeremiah 6:13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. (KJV)

Thayer’s definition for covetousness:
4124 pleonexia- greedy desire to have more, covetousness, avarice

As we see again, many that have been called have decided they were more interested in building and establishing a kingdom in this world rather than establishing a firm foundation for the eternal realm. God has warned us and continues to remind us to be on the lookout for this false doctrine which has gotten in, and sad to say corrupted many of His own.

Colossians 3:5-7 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (7) In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. (KJV)

If you ever go through the Old Testament you will see that idolatry was practiced by many of God’s people and caused them to err, and led to their destruction. Today we see idolatry spring forth in the form of covetousness, an evil root that cannot produce good fruit no matter how it is spun, or who is preaching and teaching these doctrines. This is something we used to pursue in our old way of thinking, as verse 7 refers to, and it is something that should not be incorporated into our new life. So how are you answering the call of God today? Are you responding in the Spirit, or are you still looking for some cheap shortcut that mankind claims will bring peace and security?

1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: (4) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (5) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (6) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (KJV)

Paul was used of God, and answered the call of God in sincerity and in truth. He did not disguise his intentions under a cloke of covetousness, but rather was able to be used of God as he was allowed of God, because God could entrust him with His gospel. How trustworthy are you today? Can God use you and open His truth to you also because you have chosen to answer His calling in sincerity and in truth, or are you still hanging onto things of this life that are breaking through and clouding your spiritual vision? Anything or anyone we hold in higher regard than our heavenly Father is similar to idolatry, and will not pass the heavenly test, or be someone that God can use to deliver His message.

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

Many Called Few Ch0sen

6/8/2015

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (KJV)

Thayer’s definition for ‘which corrupt’:
2585 kapeleuo-
1) to be a retailer, to peddle
2) to make money by selling anything
a) to get sordid gain by dealing in anything, to do a thing for base gain
b) to "trade" (traffic) in the word of God; to try to get base gain by teaching divine truth
c) to corrupt, to adulterate; peddlers were in the habit of adulterating their commodities for the sake of gain

So if many have been called then why are there so few left to deliver God’s message of love? Could it be there is a different love and affection that has snuck in and taken over, a method that isn’t approved of God but a big hit with mankind? Even in the time of Paul’s ministry we see the word of God corrupted and peddled to the highest bidder; those that were called of God are now answering to mankind and catering to the highest bidders. As we see in the above verses it just wasn’t a few doing this stuff but many had sold out and allowed a breach in the Spirit, a spiritual virus that was infecting the early Church; and quite frankly as I look around today, has only gotten worse.

Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (KJV)

When looking at these verses one can see two points being made and the comparison being implied, like a parable. As moth and rust corrupt the physical riches over time, by getting caught up in this doctrine one has allowed the thief to break through spiritually and steal the truth, replacing it with heartache and misery. As rust can eat away and distort riches, so does the love for them eat away and distort our vision of what will truly bring peace and joy to the believer. So where your treasure is will determine the direction of the heart and its true intentions will be manifest.

Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (24) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV)

If your vision is not kept single, seeking only the things of God that will bring joy and peace, as well as a confidence and boldness to speak His word, then one will be walking in darkness; and what many have thought would bring them the answer ends up to be a dead end. The word of God is quite specific that no man can serve two masters because a double minded man is unstable and unable to receive the things of God or be entrusted with the truth to be used of Him. Remember it is the love of money, not money itself that is the root of all evil; and those that look to the things of this realm to find joy and peace will find that they have erred from the faith and are now drowning in destruction and despair.

John 2:13-16 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, (14) And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: (15) And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; (16) And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. (KJV)

Since when did the temple of God become a place of trade? The Lord set the example and quite emphatically let the people know where God stood on this doctrine of making merchandise of His word. And yet today as I look around, or flip through the religious channels, it is quite apparent that mankind has decided to set the tables back up with their endless money pitches and gimmicks. Folks if it didn’t work back then why would one think that God approves of this nonsense today? Remember that you are the temple of the living God and He dwells within you. So what is your true love today, and what is it you truly treasure in your life? Just because mankind decides that it’s okay, and just because someone has a big TV following doesn’t make it right; and according to the word of God it is not something our Father approves of either.

2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV)

Oops, remember the many that were called? Well now we are seeing what happened to their calling and how they chose to respond. When I see the word feigned which means to fabricate, I think of all these phony hundredfold return doctrines that are promised to people that donate to these ministries preaching them; which in simple layman’s terms is nothing more than a pyramid scheme, where those on top get rich, and well we all know what runs downhill. Just because others have sold out and set up their tables in the temple doesn’t mean you have to fall for their guilt trips and pity party sermons of how much more they could do if they only had the loot, when they should be answering God’s call and teaching the people what God has already done on their behalf.

Titus 1:9-11 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (KJV)

You know folks, you can’t buy your way into the kingdom but you can sell out. What is it going to profit you if you gain the whole world but lose your soul for an eternity? Many that have been called of God may have begun in the Spirit with good intentions, but tried to perfect it in the flesh by supposing gain was godliness, which the Bible says we should withdraw from, which includes our support. So put away your TV remote control and grab your Bible; start partaking of the true riches of the kingdom of God and don’t be taken in by these cheap hucksters who promise liberty but they themselves are the servants of corruption.

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

Hate To Love

6/5/2015

1 John 3:11-13 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (12) Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. (13) Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. (KJV)

What did Abel do wrong to deserve the hate which led to his death? The answer is nothing; however, he did choose to hold God to be true, which brought about the persecution. So what are you doing wrong or think you are doing wrong because you have brought the wrath of man to the surface and manifested what is really going on in the heart? Don’t stand in awe or wonder, and marvel if the world and its ways hate the message you live and bring forth, rather continue in the love of God even though the majority of what we are surrounded with chooses to hate. Even back to the beginning of mankind we see the strife and contention manifested in the form of hatred; so if you encounter these things on the path of life you are walking don’t be ashamed or think it strange, rather rejoice because you are partakers of the same sufferings that others who have chosen this same path have encountered.

John 15:17-21 These things I command you, that ye love one another. (18) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (19) If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (20) Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. (21) But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. (KJV)

We see the warnings again of what will happen to those that choose to be followers of our Lord and the opposition they will encounter. As you see though, we should not take these things personal, as it is not us they hate but the One we represent, that is who they truly hate and despise. Whatever visions you had of Christianity, or however our Lord has been portrayed by mankind, are most likely based on illusions of pleasing man, people pleasers if you would, which we are surrounded with and why so many are weak. They persecuted our Lord they will do the same to you. So get used to it and be prepared; don’t take it personal, because all they are doing is taking their frustrations out on the messenger. We are like postmen who must deliver the mail despite the fact that there are some nasty dogs out there that bark and bite. Our responsibility is to deliver the message, a message of hope and love to a dying world, even though they may interpret it as hate.

John 17:13-16 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. (14) I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (15) I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (KJV)

Our Lord’s prayer for His people shortly before His crucifixion was for their edification and comfort, despite the hatred they would encounter after His departure. The more one grows in the knowledge of our Lord and the things of His realm, the more it will contradict those of this realm, the world as it is referred to and its fallen ways. The more you let the truth set you free the more it will convict those that wish to establish their own righteousness which is based on works and not on grace. The Lord was in this world but not of it and did not subject Himself or His belief in its system and way of thinking. We too are confronted daily with the same temptations and man’s way of thinking, that if we would only bend a bit here and compromise a bit there then we could fit in with the world, and not have to suffer the hatred and persecution. But like Paul said, if we seek to please man then we cannot be the servants of Christ.

John 7:1-7 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. (2) Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. (3) His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. (4) For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. (5) For neither did his brethren believe in him. (6) Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. (7) The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. (KJV)

We see that our Lord was not always a crowd favorite and well received. It got to the point where He had to be watchful where He went because many didn’t take His message as one of love, but rather chose to hate. Isn’t it just like mankind illustrated in verse 4, who thinks they need to go and show themselves to the world and demonstrate the things of God to a larger audience in order to be a success? But the Lord knew His calling and who He was seeking to please. And the more He chose to love, the less He was loved, rather hated. And just like our Lord, just because those that have been close to you don’t believe, even your own brothers or sisters, it doesn’t mean you are a failure or have done anything wrong.

John 7:5 [Neither did his brethren believe in him.] They did not receive him as the promised Messiah; but, having seen so many of his miracles, they could not but consider him as an eminent prophet. They supposed that, if he were the Messiah, he would wish to manifest himself as such to the world; and, because he did not do so, they did not believe that he was the salvation of Israel. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (23) Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (KJV)

Don’t always think right away that you have done something wrong, or that you are offending people in a negative way just because you choose to live the truth and be a true believer of our Lord, not just in word but in deed as well. Although our Lord brought a message of love to a fallen mankind, many choose to hate rather than reciprocate His love in return; and if you experience these situations in your own walk don’t think it strange, rather rejoice in that you are partakers of these same sufferings which are an evident sign that you are on the right path and in good standing with our Father.

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

In It For The Long Haul

6/2/2015

2 Peter 1:5-10 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (KJV)

Have you made your calling and election sure today? Do you truly know where you stand with our Father, and the fact that you are in good standing with Him according to His word? Like with marriage, many of them fall apart because of a lack of communication, the love that was once there grows cold, and one of the members may start looking elsewhere to fill the void. Your commitment with the Lord is based on a love and trust relationship. We love our Lord because He first loved us, and sent His Son to lay down His life so that we could inherit eternal life. You learn to trust in that love you have for the Lord. And the more you seek Him through His word and prayer, the more He reveals Himself to you in a personal loving manner. As we see in the above verses the wonderful virtues of our Lord are a part of His divine nature in which we are also partakers. Once again we see the word charity in verse 7, which is the same as love. Those that lack in any of these areas are blinded by their carnal understanding, forgetting that they were purged from their life of sin by the grace of God and not by their own works. For one to continue in the Lord and endure to the end they need to take the time on a daily basis to communicate with our Lord so that they can keep their calling intact and secure.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 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. (8) 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. (KJV)

I have failed in many things in my own life because it was not based on the love of God, but rather my own self serving desires of the flesh. I have found that of all the things I have tried, and all the things that I had started and didn’t finish were because I would lose interest and not be content. The only thing that has ever worked for me, the only foundation that is able to withstand all the storms of this life, is Jesus Christ and His love that I have allowed to be shed abroad in my heart. Many people claim virtues based on their own works, and claim to be fine upstanding people because their own abilities and beliefs. I have found for myself the love of God and His virtues, partaking of His divine nature to be the only thing that allows me to finish what the Lord has started within me. I am not a long suffering person on my own, and having grown up in this fallen world, I many times would vaunt myself up especially in my mind though in reality I was nothing more than a legend in my own mind. Patience is a virtue I didn’t like waiting around for. So if I didn’t get what I wanted in the time frame I thought it should be delivered, then I would become easily provoked to think evil. However, only by coming to a knowledge of the truth and love of God, it’s only by His abilities and strength that I can bear up under all things, believe all things, which now includes those of the spiritual realm, hope all things as well, I now have Christ in me the only hope of glory. I can do all things through Christ which gives me the ability to endure to the end; receiving the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls. There are lot people that have come and gone claiming to have known God and spoken on His behalf, but it’s only those that truly know the love of God and are motivated purely for that reason who will endure to the end; and that love will never fail them or forsake them either.

Galatians 5:5-6 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (6) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. (KJV)

Without faith it is impossible to please God; a belief in God which only works by a love for Him. Without the love of God motivating us, many do believe in God but won’t walk by faith unless there is something in it for them, something that builds them up and makes them look good, rather than being a servant and building up others. It’s not the hearers of the word of God that are justified by our Lord, it’s the doers as well that will be justified in His sight. A true servant of the Lord is motivated by the love of God; which no love is greater, than for us to lay down our lives for our brethren. So what are your true motives for serving the Lord and how sure is your calling right now? Is it based on ‘what have you done for me lately Lord’, or is it ‘what can I do today Lord that would be pleasing in your sight’?

1 Timothy 6:10-11 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (KJV)

There are those that have placed the love of money above their love for God, and in the end fall short. Many think and preach that money is the answer to all their problems in life, and the more money they have the more they have been blessed of God. It’s this deception that keeps many from experiencing the true love of God, replacing it with some cheap imitation of man. When you get hit with these silly money pitches and hundredfold return promises head for the door, put your hand to the plow and don’t bother looking back. Flee these things and establish a firm foundation in Christ which is based on a true love for our Lord by faith, with some patience and meekness for added measure. So many people have gone off the deep end and are drowning in destruction and despair with many sorrows that are attached to these money seeking doctrines. So before you jump in head first make sure the pool is full of living waters and not a mirage.

Mark 12:29-31 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: (30) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (31) And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (KJV)

As a former long haul truck driver I would need a good vehicle that was well maintained to get me from one side of the country and back again. I have found in my Christian walk that the only thing that will sustain me and keep me on the path of life is the love of God which I have allowed to be shed abroad in my heart. Without this love and trust, like with many things I have begun and didn’t finish, I would not have been able to make it this far nor would I have any thought of enduring to the end. Remember, it’s not just those that begin the race that receive the prize, it’s only those that endure to the end and are in it for the long haul that will receive the reward of inheritance. And it’s only those that are able to experience personally for themselves the love of God that will not be detoured from achieving this goal.

God bless, keep the faith, and endure unto the end in the love of God; and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One True Love

6/1/2015

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I could speak the languages of men, of angels too, and have no love, I am only a rattling pan or a clashing cymbal. (2) If I should have the gift of prophecy, And know all secret truths, and knowledge in its every form, and have such perfect faith that I could move mountains, but have no love, I am nothing. (3) If I should dole out everything I have for charity, and give my body up to torture in mere boasting pride, but have no love, I get from it no good at all. (Williams Translation)

Think about what people are truly looking for in life; that one true love that will make them complete. How many endless songs, movies, and novels have been written describing those that find that one true love, or those that lose a loved one, how empty their lives are? For those that experience a love relationship it is very exciting in the beginning; then as reality sets in for those that decide to marry they realize in order to maintain a quality relationship it has to be from the heart, with the right motives in order to be long lasting. The same holds true with serving the Lord, once you have tasted and partaken of the goodness of the Lord nothing else will ever come close or satisfy that void that was in our lives. In order to maintain this relationship it has to be from the heart, with the motive of love for our Lord as well as His people. So just like with our earthly marriages, anything less than a commitment based on love will not last, but end up going by the wayside.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV)

Only those that do the will of God from the heart with the motive of love will be allowed access into our Father’s eternal kingdom. That is why the word of God says ‘blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God’, because without this vision the people perish. We see in the above verses that many thought they were serving our Lord, and may have had a zeal for Him but it was not according to His knowledge, or a faith in Him which only works by love. Many still think that they need to help the Lord out with their own versions of the gospel, and never come to a working knowledge of our Lord and how He intended His word to be ministered. So although many can quote the scriptures backward and forward, and claim they are doing so much for the Lord, they fail to teach the people the mystery of the gospel which is the only truth that will set them free. For myself I am quite tired of the endless works of man who act like God takes orders from them. A true preacher and teacher of the Lord will instruct the people of the love of God that was shown toward mankind, which is based on the completed work our Lord did on our behalf, and not what so many think they are doing on His behalf.

Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (KJV)

There is a wise man teaching this parable; Jesus of Nazareth taught the people how to operate in the wisdom of God by building our foundation upon a rock, the name of Christ and His doctrine. Those that come to a working knowledge of Christ are able to understand the love of God so that when the winds of doctrines blow through they will not fall for mankind’s cheap imitations and perverted doctrines. Those that do not know the love of Christ will be on shaky ground and fall for man’s self serving doctrines which are based more on the love of money than the love of God.

James 2:14-17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (KJV)

If you found a child out in the elements without proper clothing and food would you not do something out of a love for that child to make sure they got what they needed and required to keep alive and healthy? So if you look at the spiritual implications of these scriptures, how many times do we come across the path of God’s children who are in the same predicament spiritually? Are you prepared and ready to give them what is needed, or will you leave them in worse shape than you found them? Faith which works by love is what will give the body of Christ what is needed to restore them; spirit, soul, and body. As harmful as it is to our physical body to bear the elements without proper clothing and food, how much more devastating is it to the spiritual body if one is not able to provide what is needed for them spiritually? This is where many miss the mark, they are more interested in building themselves up than the people; what may have started out as a love for God has now grown cold trying to maintain the outward image instead of ministering to the inward.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV)

So whose works are you operating in today? Are you in harmony with the completed work God did on your behalf and ordained for you to walk in, or are you trying to impress people with your own works and how you think God operates?

Strong’s definition for workmanship
4161 poiema (poy'-ay-mah); from 4160; a product, i.e. fabric (literally or figuratively): KJV-- thing that is made, workmanship.

You are a product, the offspring of a God of love. Only those that establish a relationship with our Father based on a true loving commitment will seek those things that are pleasing to Him and trust more in His work than their own vain empty attempts. Who loves ya? Our Lord endlessly, eternally, and unconditionally based on your willingness and obedience to His plan of salvation that was drawn up for you before the foundation of this world.

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

A Perfect Love

5/29/2015

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (KJV)

Ever hear the term ‘God’s gift to mankind’? Though many have laid claim to this title, the truth be known, the perfect gift from above came to us and was manifest in the life of Jesus Christ so that we no longer would have to perish in our sin but come to an understanding of everlasting life. God sent His Son not to point the finger at mankind, and threaten them with eternal condemnation, but rather to teach us the love of God, and how to establish a relationship with our heavenly Father based on love and affection for Him. A perfect love, which means mature, is based on trust and communication, not one of fear and doubt. Instead of always wondering what are we doing wrong, or how long before the Lord comes down on us with His wrath, we should be establishing our relationship with God in love and commitment, moving forward in an understanding of His love for us which is unconditional. Of course if you know in your heart you haven’t done all to stand fast in your walk by taking the time to make our Lord a priority, taking time in His word, then you can expect Him to bring the correction which He does in love; doing what is needed for your benefit.

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)

Chapter 13 here can be referred to as an inventory list describing the love of God and how to operate in it. As you go down the list, one can do a personal inventory of what their true motives are for serving the Lord, and what it will take to please Him. This list basically separates the motives of the heart, detailing the difference between what man considers love, and what the Lord describes as His true love. There are those that can speak of earthly things, and heavenly things as well, but without doing it from the heart with the motive of love they are like listening to someone who doesn’t know how to play an instrument, it will be a lot of noise without any substance. I think of the times in my life when I have picked up a guitar and tried strumming it, though there is a sound coming forth from it, and I was trying to play a song, it was nothing discernable and certainly not very edifying. The same holds true with many preachers who do not know the love of God, but rather a life of ministry work is more of an occupation than a loving commitment to the Lord and His congregation. The more one pursues this work as an occupation the more they will try to build up themselves rather than the people. So no matter how hard they try, and all the good works they claim to be doing, without the love of God their motives will be wrong and of no profit.

Philippians 1:15-18 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: (16) The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: (17) But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. (18) What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (KJV)

Paul was a true apostle of our Lord because He understood the love of God, and was more concerned in building up the people rather than a personal following. Paul rejoiced in the fact that Christ, the Son of God, was being preached and that people were coming to an understanding of the mystery of the gospel through His name. However, he could see how there was strife and contentions within the early churches, and how some had mistaken their calling, thinking it would impress the Lord if they could gather numbers and a big following. Today we see the motive and mindset of man, and how it has manifested more into making merchandise of the people rather than showing them how to be more Christ like, and experiencing the love of God. Those that truly know and have come to an understanding of the love of God will preach the truth that will set the people free, without concern for their own welfare; being more concerned with the spiritual, and not the physical. So what is your motive for serving our Lord, is it because of the love that is being shed abroad in your heart, or is it something else that is more self serving than being a servant?

Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (2) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (3) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: (4) That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (KJV)

Are you looking to be seen of men? Then you have your reward which will only be temporary. Are you only concerned with what our Father sees and asks of you? Then you will have an eternal reward despite what man may think of you. Having watched a big name TV ministry doing one of their endless telethons and infomercials that are nothing more than doing their alms before men, you see how mankind misses the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ by trying to lower God to mans’ standards of marketing and advertising. In fact it is quite fitting that they use the number 700 to identify their ministry, which is about how many money pitches and distortions of the truth one gets per hour. How much more ungodly can it get when only those that give the most money are elevated and given special attention and consideration, while the others are ignored. For the love of God, how did this marketing mindset, and bigger is better attitude, ever sneak past the Christians, and allowed access to the airwaves? Can the blind lead the blind without ending up in a ditch? Take off your blinders Church and let God be true. Just because someone says it’s ok, and they find a bunch of puppets to agree with them, doesn’t mean God approves of this nonsense.

James 2:1-5 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (2) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (3) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (4) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (5) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (KJV)

Thank God His love is based on the inward motives and not the outward, because I know for myself that I am a complete failure according to my works. God’s love is unconditional, a perfect love, and it is not based on the outward but the inward motive of the heart. So if there is a willingness and obedience, if you truly have a love for our Father, then you can expect to be a partaker of His love which is based upon what is in the heart, and not your wallet.

God bless and don’t be taken in by these cheap hucksters who would sell their soul for a buck.

Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

No Comparision

5/28/2015

Romans 5:5-8 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (KJV)

Mankind bases love on a ‘what have you done for me lately’ mindset. A love based on conditions, a conditional love. God’s love is an unconditional love based on who you are; that unique one of a kind creation that only you are, and only you could be. People compare themselves many times with others, thinking that they answer the call of God so much better, and that I could never be that pleasing to God. The truth be known, no one could ever answer the call better than what the Lord is asking of you, the unique person in Christ that He created and didn’t make a mistake with, despite what you may think. Our Father’s realm is not like the world where they play favorites and give preferential treatment to those that can give them back something in return, but rather it is based on an unconditional love for ones willingness and obedience to His word. Christ loved us and died for us when we were still in sin, and even died for those that He knew would choose to stay in sin and unbelief. So before you down play your calling, or think the love of God is based on works, understand the fact that the Lord loves you and created you for His own purpose, only you can carry out the calling He chose and selected for you personally.

Luke 6:31-35 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (32) For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. (33) And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. (34) And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (35) But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (KJV)

As we would like people to treat us is the standard we need to live by. It doesn’t say they will reciprocate the love of God we show to them, but we still need to hold to our same standard. Many today still try to compare the love of God with how they had been taught all of their lives, a conditional love based on the ‘what have you done for me lately’ attitude. Greater love has no man than to lay down His life so that the life and love of God can be shed abroad in their hearts, and be a light to those that are around them. Sometimes we think God loves us less because maybe we are not dealing with large numbers, or because we haven’t been called to pastor a big congregation; but your calling and your obedience to what the Lord is asking does not diminish the love of God one bit in your life. You may have had people come and go in your life, and walk out on you for whatever reason, or blame you because they are unhappy and unfulfilled; but the love of God is eternal and is no comparison to the love of man which is conditional.

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)

To know the love of Christ is not something we can comprehend with the mind; it passes our knowledge and doesn’t make sense. So the more one can stay out of their head, and not lean to their own understanding, the more they will become rooted and grounded in this unconditional love of Christ which is shed abroad in the heart. When watching TV there will be advertisements that promote websites where one can go find their soul mate in life. For many of these people that are looking for love, they will compare pictures and base their choices on outward appearances as well as their financial status, which basically means that if there is a change in any of these situations then the love that was there in the beginning will be like a flame that flickers and burns out. All of us have experienced the heartache of a breakup or lost love at some point in our lives, which was painful at the time because we wondered what we did wrong or how we could have kept the flame burning. Many times it wasn’t anything you did wrong, it’s just that it wasn’t right in the first place and didn’t have a solid foundation. At the time you may have been devastated, not realizing that God had something or someone better suited for you, something that would be long lasting based on a real love with a solid foundation. Once you truly experience the love of God you realize that everything God does on your behalf is for your benefit so that you could have life and have it more abundantly.

1 John 4:16-19 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (17) Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (19) We love him, because he first loved us. (KJV)

Our love for the Lord is made perfect as we mature in Him, and realize that everything that He has done on our behalf is so that we could have fellowship with Him, and walk in the realm of the Spirit. The fear is eliminated when you realize that you are trusting more in what the Lord has done on your behalf, and not in what you think you should be doing on His behalf. We realize that God loves us for the unique individual that we are, and that no one else could carry out the calling and the place in the body of Christ that He has set us in. While some preach only fire and brimstone, and portray a God of anger and vengeance, it’s because they still hold to the letter of the law which kills and keeps the love of God from flowing to their heart.

Psalms 45:1-2 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (2) Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. (KJV)

Inditing means to gush; letting the love of God that has been shed in the heart flow through you and water those around you. Out of the abundance of our heart the mouth will speak; our tongue being an extension of it. Have you experienced the love of God? Are you able to give an accurate account of how that love is shed abroad in the heart, which will gush out of you like a fire hydrant and douse the fiery darts of the enemy? There is no comparison.

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.