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7/5/2013

Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)

To sum up the week, we have talked about running the race our Lord set out for His people, a race of endurance and making it to the finish line. We see above that when the coach is knocking on the door to get you up and moving, you have to let Him in. You also see that you have to open up to Him and be honest so that you are not weighed down with a bunch of unnecessary spiritual baggage.

Galatians 5:16-17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (KJV)

The true path of life is no longer going to be found in this realm because it only exists in the Spirit. If you are not in the Spirit then you are in the flesh and the two just don’t jive, it’s one or the other. Many think they are on course based on the outward appearance, but inwardly they have missed the boat.

John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV)

The reason the Lord is knocking on the door of your heart today is so He can show you a better way. You see again that we have to be on the inside in order for this salvation to actually work. If any one of the two things above is lacking, whether spirit or truth, then you will not be set free to be in the running today for your crown of life.

Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV)

You do desire the full package, the complete deal, right? Well, then you have to be in Christ, and most importantly stay in the realm of the spirit and make it a way of life. A lot of people may have told you a lot of different ways concerning salvation; however, it is up to you personally to find the one way that will lead to eternal life.

Romans 8:7-9 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV)

We can be our own worst enemies’ when we begin the race in the Spirit, and then try to perfect it in the flesh, leaning back to our own understanding. Let’s get out of the old and into the new where we belong, and start experiencing some results. God bless the true Church in Christ, and stay on course.

In

7/4/2013

Galatians 3:1-3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (KJV)

It’s really quite obvious to see those that are really running the race that is leading them to the destination the Lord intended for them because they are doing it by faith, and not works. Those that have been blown off course with every wind of man’s doctrines are those that begin the heavenly race with good intentions, but end up getting derailed by religion. I see many who claim to be called of God actually naming their organizations after themselves and not the Lord, which in reality tells you who they are getting their instructions from. Those that put themselves or others up on pedestals will find how quickly the Lord will kick the chair out from under them when it comes time for their
reality check.

Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (KJV)

Those that have aspirations of serving the Lord should know what they are really getting into before asking for something they may not be ready to finish. Putting self before others and trying to make a name for yourself or any other nonsense of the flesh is something you will need to leave at the door before the Lord will use you. When running this race are you really willing to put others before yourself?

Philippians 2:6-9 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (KJV)

The Lord did not come to make a reputation for Himself. If He were here today you wouldn’t see Him standing in front of the cameras in some three piece suit getting a standing ovation. Walking in the Spirit involves a way that totally contradicts the way of
the flesh, and those that are willing to take the lowest place here on earth will find themselves exalted to the highest one in heaven. The flip side is those that settle for their reward here on earth, which is what the people pleasers do, will find themselves put in their place; that being the lowest one in the pits of hell. Those that put their own names on a ministry have actually exalted their name above the highest one, that being Jesus Christ, and if you recall the devil made that same feeble attempt; look where he ended up.

Luke 14:10-11 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shall thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11 For whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. (KJV)

Somehow man has gotten things backward which is why many are running the wrong way, following the blind into a ditch.

Dearly loved, be not wise in your own eyes, but in the will of the Lord. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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7/3/2013

James 5:7-9 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold the judge stands before the door. (KJV)

For those that have read their Bibles they see that we are close to the finish line. We also see that many have dropped out of the race and decided they would go for an earthly reward and recognition rather than waiting for an eternal one. The race we are in is not like roller derby where we try to elbow and stop others from advancing, rather we are here to make sure everyone makes it to the end. Like a farmer who plants a crop you need to give it time to grow before digging it up, otherwise it will not take root.

Hebrews 10:36-39 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man drawback, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV)

The Lord is the only author and finisher of your faith who can get you home safely. If you are not waiting on Him daily to hear His instructions first hand then you are settling for something second hand. God gave us His best and His Son finished the course for our benefit, so in the end you really don’t want to give Him something second hand in return do you? Many withdraw from the race because of a lack of faith and patience.

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (KJV)

There is a little word with a big meaning in verse 17; it’s a word that is so vital for those that are running this race. Only those that are “IN” Christ are partakers of His divine nature; because simply put, if you are not on the inside then you are outside. Nothing concerning the kingdom of God will work for you unless you are in Christ. Take note of the fact that God was in Christ; so if you have accepted Christ into your life, you too have a lot working in you also. If you want God working in and on your behalf then you need to stay “IN” Christ for that to happen.

Ephesians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (KJV)

A spiritual course was mapped out for you personally to run before the foundation of the world. The Lord has the only way that will get you home. Are you a part of the “IN” crowd, or did you strike out on your own?

Something to ponder dearly loved; God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In

7/2/2013

Hebrews 2:1-3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him? (KJV)

When studying the fruit of the Spirit you will find patience and longsuffering. You will learn with salvation that every day you need to make sure you hear personally from the Lord on what course He would have you run today and how far you need to go. Sometimes it may seem a bit repetitious, but it is vital you follow through even though it may seem like something you heard before, or should I say, thought you heard?

Galatians 6:7-9 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever man sows, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (KJV)

If you ask any runner you will find that they are a bit worn especially toward the end of the race when they look ahead and don’t see the finish line. Wouldn’t it be a shame if you dropped out of the race only to find out that your reward was just around the next bend? Maybe that is why the enemy is making so much noise because he doesn’t desire to see you make it to your destination. Please keep in mind that if the enemy is making a fuss it’s only because you are so close and on course.

Proverbs 3:11-13 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the LORD loves he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delighted. 13 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. (KJV)

Along the path of life you will find the Lord does have a reward for His people, it’s just that sometimes we don’t see it right away. It’s like having a personal trainer who has to let us know at times when we are slacking off. It’s also His way of showing you how to grow and mature so that you can get rid of some of the baby fat we have been carrying around and replace it with some muscle, and maturity.

Hebrews 12:5-8 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, my son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loves he chastened, and scourges every son whom he receives. 7 If ye endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastened not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (KJV)

Again we are encouraged to endure and not faint during times of trial. Long distance runners enjoy days that are sunny with no wind, but there are times when they need to run in all kinds of weather, and sometimes with aches and pains. Part of this race involves chastening, however, it’s because God loves you and not because He hates you despite what the enemy would try to dictate.

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

In

7/1/2013

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV)

Williams NT Translation for Hebrews 12:1-2
1. Therefore, as we have so vast a crowd of spectators in the grandstands, let us throw off every impediment and the sin that easily entangles our feet, and run with endurance the race, for which we are entered, 2. keeping our eyes on Jesus, the perfect leader and example of faith, who, for the joy which lay before Him, endured the cross with no regard for its shame, and since has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Strong’s definition for Patience - 5281 hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay'); From 5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: KJV-- enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).

So what kind of race did you get yourself into when you decided to enter the heavenly race for salvation? It is a race of endurance where you are not only required to start on course, but most importantly finish the race. Unlike races that take place here in this world, those that finish last are actually considered first in heaven. Those that try to run ahead of everyone else usually tire out and don’t last. You have a cheering section of saints that have gone before you, who have run this race and left their instructions in a book called the Bible to encourage you and show you how to run and not stop until you reach the winners circle.

Matthew 24:11-13 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (KJV)

It’s easy to begin a project; it’s exciting when dealing with something new. However, it’s those that finish what they started who are considered one of God’s chosen people; which according to His word are few and far between. The devil has many quick fixes and gimmicks on how to run this race just like the infomercials we see on how you can get healthy by just taking a pill. The reality is no pain, no gain when it comes to your walk in the Spirit because just like with long distance running, it takes endurance to finish.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (KJV)

Many see those that are healthy and desire the same results, except when it’s time to get up before daylight and start running. Many see the highlight reels, but don’t know what is real when it comes time to walk in the Spirit by denying the flesh. Today the Lord is asking “are you in this for the long haul or are you going to drop out with the rest of the pretenders and wannabe’s?”

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

2 John 9

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