Good day. Today we are posting A Famine Unheard Of day five, written January 14, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.
Friday, January 14, 2011 A Famine Unheard Of Amos 8:11-12 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. (KJV) All this week we have been looking at a famine that is taking place with many, and many are not even aware that it is taking place; which in reality is taking place right in front of their eyes. The problem is that it is unseen, as well as unheard of, because they have become dull of hearing by an improper use of their Spiritual senses. Hebrews 5:11-14 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV) At what age growing up would you have died if you didn’t get off the bottle and onto some solid food? Now look at that from the Spiritual aspect, and you will be able to see and hear what Paul was making reference to with those that he saw were famished because of a lack of hearing the word of God. If you desire to grow up and mature in the Lord then you will need to start partaking of a diet that will cause that to take place, one which definitely involves the meat of God’s word. Many have become dull of hearing because they don’t exercise their Spiritual senses and discern the difference between what is of God and what is man’s fallen interpretations of the Word. Luke 15:14-17 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. (15) And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. (16) And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. (17) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! (KJV) What you see taking place is what happens too many when they get around the wrong people, which is what Paul described about evil communications corrupting good morals. Many so called churches could be aptly described as a pig pen rather than something of substance that would feed the flock and not cause them to perish with hunger. Oh do take note of when and where this famine took place, yeah right after one steps out of the will of their Father. Luke 15:20-23 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (21) And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. (22) But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (23) And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: (KJV) Hey look what happens when one gives ear to some truth, and decides to turn back to their Father. Instead of ingesting pig slop, the Lord would like you to partake of the meat again, that fatted calf that He has prepared for His people so that they no longer have to perish for lack of knowledge. Mark 4:21-24 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? (22) For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. (23) If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (24) And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. (KJV) The light of the glorious gospel of Christ is like a candle lit to show us the path of life. Unto us is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, so that we no longer have to die from the spiritual starvation that is plaguing mankind. Do you desire more of the Lord and His influence in your walk? Well, that all depends on how much you are willing to give ear to His word and follow through with your commitment with Him. God bless and stay fed in the Word, and fed up with any false doctrine that the enemy would try to throw your direction today. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (26) Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. (27) All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (KJV)
Did you ever stop and think that there is no man that has ever known God or been known of Him as well, unless He is revealed personally to them through the Son. Unless one is born again or anew, they cannot see or comprehend the things of God for themselves, but are subjected to second hand accounts of what others claim; which opens the door for many false viewpoints. Just like with your earthly riches which you wouldn’t entrust to anyone that is not reliable, neither does our Father entrust His riches to anyone that is not reliable either. So unless God has personally revealed His plan of salvation to you through His Son Jesus Christ you will remain on the outside looking in and unable to see beyond the veil which remains on the heart. John 6:46-48 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. (47) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (48) I am that bread of life. (KJV) Jesus of Nazareth would not have been able to have a personal relationship with the Father unless God revealed Himself to Him personally, which was by the Spirit of Christ within Him. It takes a spiritual being to relate a spiritual plan of salvation; in other words it takes one to know one. If any man has not the Spirit of Christ and a working knowledge of His doctrine, He is none of His. While many still make the claim that Jesus was God, the simple truth is that he was a man who God entrusted to reveal His plan of salvation through because he was willing to let Christ in Him lead and guide Him to live a life without sin; thus presenting Himself as the perfect sacrifice for mankind, holy and acceptable unto God. So while many think they will be heard for their much speaking, the truth is that God’s word does not return void and will accomplish what He wishes to have accomplished when spoken and delivered where He sends it. Some today just shotgun the word everywhere thinking that will impress God, yet a chosen few still remain who are delivering sound doctrine with the right motives of the heart. John 14:15-19 If ye love me, keep my commandments. (16) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (18) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (19) Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. (KJV) The things of God are foolishness to man, and the carnal natural man is unable to receive it. While the world crucified this man Jesus of Nazareth and they would see him no more, someone else would take up residence and dwell within them, referred to as the Comforter, the Spirit of truth. While many today still see a man named Jesus and their vision is more external, it was the inward man Christ that was leading and guiding Him; the same Spirit of truth that would be sent once He resurrected and was seated at the right hand of the Father. Unless you know God through the Son, and He has personally revealed Himself to you, you will be like the rest of the world in darkness, separated from the love of God in Christ. It was the religious leaders that had our Lord crucified, and it is the religious people that continue today to crucify His doctrine that is based on simple truth which can only come by a personal revelation, not second hand versions from mankind. John 1:17-18 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (18) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (KJV) The carnal mind, the sight of man cannot see or comprehend the things of the Spirit, thus why it took the Son to declare Him and manifest His plan of salvation. God chose a man, Jesus of Nazareth, to be the vessel which would house the Son, Christ within, to show and reveal the things of God to Him so that He could bring words of life to a fallen mankind. It took a spiritual being Christ, to reveal a God who Himself is a Spirit, so that He could show us how to be reconciled to God and worship in spirit and in truth, which is what our Father is seeking. Are you willing to worship God in spirit and in truth? If you are then He is willing to reveal Himself to you personally. Unless God personally reveals Himself to you through His Son so that you can know and not just guess you are one his, there will always be that shadow of doubt within. Before you desire Him to reveal Himself, are you willing to reveal your true motives and intent of the heart as well, fessing up and coming clean? After all He already knows your motives anyway. You draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. So the closer you get, the more that perfect love will cast out any fear or doubt you may have had concerning salvation. Psalms 92:5-6 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. (6) A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. (KJV) Are you still looking to mankind for your answer when there is a God in heaven ready and willing to reveal Himself to you personally through His Son Jesus Christ? If mankind was so smart, then why would they have crucified His Son and still do today with all their perversions of His word? With this in mind, would it not be beneficial to you personally to be still and know He is God, a God that is real and alive in your life? It doesn’t matter who or what organization you belong to; unless you take the time to hear His voice for yourself and allow Him to reveal Himself to you personally you are none of His. Don’t be like the many brutish, which means stupid or the foolish, that try to figure out God by their own understanding and ways, comparing a Spiritual being to our own thoughts which distorts His true intentions and actually limits Him from working in you. 1 Corinthians 2:9-14 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV) Do you want to know how the Spirit of God operates? Then you will need to go to the source to find out for yourself. Mankind is limited to their fallen nature and unable to comprehend a God whose works and thoughts are so much deeper than theirs. You have access to God who is a spirit through His Son Jesus Christ who will take the things of God and show them to you personally, comparing spiritual things with spiritual people. So the point today is, spend time in the word of God on a daily basis, learn to hear and trust in His message being delivered to you through His Son so that you don’t have to rely on any man or yourself, but rather know that you are one of His. In the end it is not man who will decide whether you make it into the eternal joy of the Lord, rather God Himself that has the final say. So why not let His message be the light unto your path this day. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV)
Full age refers to maturity, one that has grown up and has now learned to walk in the Spirit. We die daily, the outward man perishes and we no longer rely on emotions to dictate our outcome. We learn to walk by faith and not by sight, letting the light of the gospel guide our steps on a spiritual path, instead of looking for things that appeal to the flesh. Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (KJV) All of us have tried the things of this world, seeking something in the outward that we thought would satisfy our inward hunger. Try as we did, no matter how hard we looked, it was just never enough. Once you have accepted the Lord into your life, being reborn into the realm of the Spirit, you now have a new set of eyes that are able to find what is necessary to feed the inward man with the spiritual meat to sustain you. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (KJV) Definition for filled: 5526 chortazo (khor-tad'-zo); from 5528; to fodder, i.e. (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance): KJV-- feed, fill, satisfy. There is only one thing that will satisfy our spiritual hunger, and that is a spiritual meal. When you go to a restaurant and are hungry, you are not going for crackers and milk, you want a meal that will fill and satisfy your hunger. As you grow in the Lord and mature, just like growing up physically, you find it takes more of a strong solid diet to continue the growth. So what is it that you hunger and thirst after today? Are you looking in the right realm to satisfy the need or will you keep looking in the outward and find yourself still lacking? Psalms 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. (KJV) It is the younger, less mature lions that are lacking because they haven’t learned to exercise their hunting skill and senses, which is why they still hunger. The younger lions seek for prey, but in the wrong areas and end up lacking or wanting. The same holds true with many younger Christians who are seeking things that will satisfy the heart, yet they too end up looking in the wrong places. Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) Think of your walk as a training camp, or should I say a retraining program. All of our life we are taught to look for things in the physical realm to satisfy our need, when in fact the Lord is pointing us in the opposite direction first. But how many of us are truly willing to trust in Him and build that confidence, knowing that if we seek Him first and look for our answer in His realm, it’s only then that He is able to respond and supply all our need? When situations arise in your life is your first thought prayer, asking God what to do, or do you run in circles chasing your tail in this realm? Like with the younger lions, they make many unsuccessful hunting attempts before they realize that unless they get it right they will die of starvation. Christians are the same way, they keep trying to do things the old way and then wonder why they don’t get new results. In order to operate in the new realm and become successful in your spiritual hunting, you need to rely on your spiritual senses in order to get the meat of the word of God. Remember the term ‘the last shall be first and the first last’? Well, the first place the world seeks after is the last place we should look. And the last place mankind would look too, is the first place we should be seeking for all our need. The just shall live by faith. It is a spiritual path that we walk now, and it takes our spiritual senses to lead and guide us on this path if we wish to endure to the end. Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (KJV) Talk about complete opposites, two completely different realms, with two different outcomes. Call it a tug of war; like Paul wrote, he had to die daily, keeping his body in subjection to the Spirit. Otherwise you will end up misled and walking a dead end path of darkness. What you thought was leading you closer to the Lord was actually misleading you further and further from the truth. Many begin in the Spirit with good intentions, but end up trying to perfect their walk in the flesh and end up dying from malnutrition. Proverbs 4:18-19 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (19) The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. (KJV) Are you able to see God’s plan of salvation for yourself? Do you know how to walk in the Spirit, and how to seek first the things of God that will fill the heart and illuminate the path of life? The more you stay on this path, the clearer it becomes. The more one walks in the Spirit, the more they continue to exercise their spiritual senses so that they can grow strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Like with reading a book, the more you look into it, the more of an understanding you will have as to its contents and the author. The more you look into God’s realm, the more He is willing to show you His insights. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
AuthorWe are stewards of the mystery of Christ. Ambassadors on His behalf to share the conditions of peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Archives
December 2024
Categories
All
|