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Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV)
Did you ever realize there is power in the tongue? Are you aware of how important words are, and that they are described as either death or life? Are the words you are speaking bringing life to you as well as those around you, or are they tearing you down and keeping you in bondage? Matthew 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (KJV) Are you speaking in line with the word of God, so that the Word can go forth and produce spirit and life to the situation you are speaking to, or are you speaking words of doubt which bind the Lord from working in the area you have need of? You have the power and ability by your own words, to allow God the opportunity to work through you, or to allow the enemy to stop the flow of living waters from proceeding from your mouth. Mark 11:23-24 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (KJV) A mountain can be anything that appears big in our walk that needs to be dealt with in order to continue on the path of life. Sometimes it can be an obstacle in front of us that needs to be dealt with, or it can be something from our past that needs to be cast down and left in the sea of forgetfulness. No matter how much of a mountain of doubt we have allowed to come in view and try to block our vision, speaking words of life and believing that God is able to do what He promised will eliminate this distraction. Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV) Faith is our ability to hear the message delivered by Christ, and walk in the framework of the victory God intended for us. Think of God as an artist, who painted a picture of you and the life He intended for you to live. As long as you stay within the framework of the Spirit, you are able to see the picture of the blueprint He drew up for you before the foundation of the world. It’s when we step out of the framework of faith, that we enter a realm of doubt and confusion; then life becomes an uphill struggle, without ever reaching the top or able to see a victorious conclusion. The children of Israel wandered around the mountain for forty years because they allowed doubt and unbelief into the camp. Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; (KJV) As one matures in the Lord they become steadier in their walk, and not so many ups and downs as when they were younger. It’s a lot easier walking a straight path, on a level surface, than wandering back and forth and up and down, living in doubt and confusion. You learn to cast all your care upon the Lord; not only casting it upon Him, but leaving it in His hands, and not trying to handle things on your own. Words like I can’t believe it, or I doubt it, will open the door for the enemy to step in with a mountain of doubt and confusion to block the path of life the Lord has set for you to walk in. Psalms 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. (KJV) Remember, when you see the word ‘perfect’ it refers to a mature person; one that has learned to speak in line with the word of God, no matter what comes along their path. A person that is willing to walk by faith and not by sight, or any of our other physical senses, is the one that keeps His words within the framework of the Spirit, and does not speak anything contrary to sound doctrine that will bind the Lord from working within them, and through them, and for them. The peace of God, which goes beyond your understanding despite what the outward circumstances may try to dictate will take you to places in your walk above and beyond what you could have ever asked or thought of. That is why we need to let the peace of God rule in all our decisions; letting the word of God be a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. Proverbs 4:20-24 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. (22) For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (23) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (24) Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. (KJV) The tongue is an extension of our heart; so what we allow into the heart is what is going to come out of the mouth, which is either going to be life or death. If you don’t like what has manifested in your life, you need to ask yourself ‘what kind of words have I been putting out?’ Words of life will open the windows of heaven and allow the Lord to pour out for you a blessing; words contrary to Him will shut that opportunity, and reopen the door for the enemy to come in and steal our joy and peace. Death and life, for or against Him, you have the choice of which fruit you are going to partake of this day; so if you don’t like what is coming up in your spiritual garden, it would do you well to check what kind of seed you planted in it. Proverbs 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (KJV) A breach in the spirit means there has been a break or a fracture in the relationship; and what was a person speaking words of life, is now entered a realm of death. You need to take the time to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, so that there will be no break in your relationship with the Father, and He doesn’t have to ask you some day, ‘say what?’ God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)
The wages for a life of sin is death, separation from our Father for eternity. It’s literally a hell of a reward for all those that serve the devil and spend their lives to satisfy their own desires of the flesh and neglecting the will of our Father. Salvation is actually a gift given to all mankind, sent forth from our Father and manifested to us by His Son, to deliver us from all our destructions. Now the question each and every one of us needs to answer is this; have we received this gift or have we neglected it and are looking elsewhere for our answer? John 1:10-12 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (KJV) What would it be like for you parents, to be able to have everything a child would need to grow up healthy and mature, only to watch them neglect your gift of love, and end up malnourished and sick? For those that live in cold climates, to have coats and all the winter clothing that is needed for the child, just to watch them walk out the door and not be dressed for the weather. And yet with all that our Father has done for his people, for their benefit, only to see how few receive the gift and walk in the spiritual provisions He has provided for His children; how it must hurt Him as well to see His people walk out into a cold dark world not properly dressed and fed either. The plan is established, the gift given, His spirit poured out on all mankind, now a matter of who is willing to receive it and walk in the blessings afforded through this gift. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (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) There is a perfect plan of salvation made just for you; a path of good works which were drawn up like a blueprint for you to follow after; a free gift for any and all that would receive it this day. We are His workmanship; and what a piece of work we all are, and can continue to be, if we allow Him to have His way with us. Some claim that salvation is not something we can earn and therefore it is something we cannot lose. However, like with any gift, some have taken their gift and exchanged it for something else more appealing to the lower nature, and not to the new nature we received in Christ. Romans 1:22-25 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (24) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (KJV) The word ‘changed’ actually means to exchange. So instead of being content with what the Lord has provided, they look elsewhere for their answer, and just like clockwork the enemy is ready and waiting to give them a cheap imitation of what the real gift can provide. So instead of letting the truth set them free, they are overcome again with the subtle doctrines of man and end up worshipping and serving their own lusts and desires, rather than seeking the things of God and what He desires for them. It’s not that the devil has the power to pull anyone out of the kingdom, but rather uses slick underhanded methods to try and talk you out of it, and get you to settle for a far less inferior plan, which in many cases gives the glory to man and not to God. Don’t be taken in by these larger than life ministers who claim they are God’s gift to mankind. In many cases what appears to be too good to be true usually is. 1 Timothy 4:14-16 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (15) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. (16) Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (KJV) How would you like it if you gave a gift to someone close to you, something that was of great value, only to show up one day at their house and find it discarded and thrown in the garbage? If you really knew the true value of what you have been given and what you have access to, and the sacrifice it took to get you this gift, you would give yourself wholly to it as well, not holding back, but receiving all that is yours as well as sharing it with all you come in contact with. 1 Peter 4:10-11 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV) As with any gift it comes with an instruction manual so that you can keep it operational and not void the warranty. This is a free gift given to you so that you can partake of our Lord’s divine nature and continue to minister words of life to those that are willing to let Him speak through you. So what have you done with this gift? Is it alive and real today, or is it a discarded memory of something many talk of, but not walk in? Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (KJV) You have been given the same measure of faith that Jesus Christ was given when He walked this planet. He considers His church the pearl of great price and was willing to die on our behalf. So today, are you holding fast to what is rightfully yours, or have you neglected it? Some day we will have to give an account of what we have done with this gift, and I pray that you will be able to measure up and not be discarded as well. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV)
Your conversation refers to your manner of life; so the more confident you become in your walk, the less likely you are going to lose sight of the path of life. The Lord promised He would never leave or forsake us; in fact Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday today and forever. So if you find yourself staggering around trying to find the answer, it is not the Lord that left the path, but rather it is us trying to establish some other way into His kingdom. The more you stay on the narrow path of life, the more confidence and boldness you will have because you have allowed the Lord to be your source of strength, and are not looking for something else to satisfy a spiritual need. So let’s face the facts, if you don’t become established in the faith here, knowing boldly who your helper is, you certainly are not going to be able to stand before the Father and give a bold account of your walk come the day of judgment. James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) Some people actually blame God by claiming He tests people; so when something bad happens in their life, they think it is God’s way of testing them. Instead of keeping the shield of faith up and operational, they let down their guard, and get ambushed, then have the nerve to point the finger upward. God has done everything on our behalf to give us the strength and confidence to withstand this present evil world and make a way of escape for us. Why would He turn around and tempt us with something evil? Parents, would you do that to your children, take them down to a busy intersection, then see if they could cross the street on their own? Would you not do everything you could to protect them and keep them from harm? So if you are losing sight of your Father, if you are quickly forgetting what manner of man you saw in the mirror, if the confidence and boldness you once walked in is waning, remember it was not God that was drawn away, but rather a result of your own lust, which if not dealt with manifests into sin, which can lead to death, separation from God. Luke 11:11-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? (12) Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (KJV) We are the ones with the fallen lower nature, the ones that sin and fall short of the glory of God. So when we see the illustration in verse 13 how even a fallen mankind would do what is in the best interest of their children, how much more above and beyond has our Father done on our behalf so that we could partake of His heavenly kingdom, as well giving us the Holy Spirit to keep us from evil? Sure there are persecutions and afflictions for the Word’s sake; for those that take a stand for the Lord, there will be opposition. You need to be aware of the fact that God will not use something evil to test His people anymore than you would to your own family as well. God may ask of us things that may seem impossible to the outward man, but peaceable to the inward man, which is a step of faith to those that are willing to walk with Him. With God all things are possible to him that believes, for without Him I can do nothing. Genesis 3:8-10 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. (9) And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? (10) And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. (KJV) So how do you deal with issues in your walk; are you drawn to the voice of God, or are you running and hiding from His calling? And then when you realize you are caught, when your heart starts convicting you, are you going to blame someone else like Adam did, or will you listen to the voice of truth and take an honest look in the mirror to find the answer? Back in the 70’s when I was in high school, streaking was popular. Someone would run through a crowded area unclothed and try not to get caught. Today there are a lot of spiritual streakers running to and fro, spiritually naked trying to cover their backsides as well, not wanting anyone to see their true identity. Adam realized he was spiritually naked and exposed, and that he could not hide from God. Revelation 3:16-18 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (18) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (KJV) Ever wonder what lukewarm is? Someone who thinks they can mix and match; those that try to partake of the tree of life and dabble in the things of this life, things that are pleasant to the outward man, but an abomination to the inward. So let’s face it, we are either with Him or against Him. So time to get dressed with His robe of righteousness and return to the path of life where you belong so that you don’t end up dying of exposure to the elements of the world. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 7:11-12 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? (12) For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. (KJV)
It’s time for a change Church, where we eliminate the works of the law and now operate according to a new law of faith. You know, if Jesus Christ presented a perfect sacrifice to our Father and He accepted it as complete, then why doesn’t the Church follow suit? Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. (2) For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. (3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (KJV) Paul used Israel as an example, but today I am using the term religion instead; you know…all those that put God in their denominational boxes and then think that there is still some works left that will impress Him? Jesus Christ is a hard act to follow people because He accomplished everything that was needed on our behalf. So anything that you do or think is required outside of simple obedience is a complete waste of time. John 6:27-29 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (28) Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (KJV) Many desire a deeper more mature relationship with our Lord; however, few are willing to let go of old thoughts and ways in order to become a new creation in Christ. We are saved by grace through faith, period, and not of works; because the only work left is to believe on Him that did a complete work for us. Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) Do you desire that deeper more intimate relationship with our Lord? Well here it is simply put so that you can grow up and cast out all those old fears and doubts from your childish past, the fallen nature. God bless Church, and keep growing in Christ. 1 Peter 5:8-10 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (KJV)
Hey, do you wonder why the enemy is making so much noise? Well, the more he can try to distract you with his loud mouth lies, the less you will be able to hear the still small voice of the Lord that is working within you, perfecting you like a diamond in the rough. 1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (KJV) It’s not how many times you get knocked down; rather its how many times will you get back up. Yeah, I know it’s great when all the lights turn green just as you are coming down the street and the birds are singing and its sunny and calm today. But there will be times when the winds of doctrines will blow your way, and the storms of life will come along. Don’t take it personal Church, or always think that you have done something wrong, rather know that it is because you are growing up and stepping into a newness of life, that is why these things are taking place. By the way, nothing will put out a spiritual fire quicker than some living Spiritual waters. 1 John 4:16-18 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. (KJV) Oh and another thing Church, God is not mad at you, rather the God that we serve is a God of love. The more you understand the love of God the more you will grow up and mature in Him, letting the truth set you free. Be confident in a God that does supply all your need today, not based on what many think that they are doing for Him, but rather on what you are allowing Him to do in and through you. Luke 12:29-32 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. (30) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (31) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (32) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (KJV) Hey, that fear and doubt junk isn’t coming from above, so kick it to the curb where it belongs. It’s our Father’s good pleasure to give you His kingdom, so why don’t you just please Him today and take a hold of it. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 8:14-15 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. (15) But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (KJV)
I compare the verses above to giving a child a grocery list, then waiting to see what they come back with. Instead of paying attention to detail they get sidetracked with other things, and then when it comes time to give an account of their duty, well they don’t deliver. Patience is an interesting word also because it refers to consistency; those that continue to endure despite the obstacles that life may present them with. Those that mature in Christ learn how to be over comers and not underachievers in life; and if they do run into hardships they are quicker to hear the solutions and slower to speak or blame others. 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) How about the child that gets sent to the store with a handful of money, then along the way someone realizes that they have an opportunity to take advantage of the situation? So the child decides that something else that they purchased, which ends up to be worthless, was more appealing than what the parent had sent them out for in the first place. Your salvation is not just based on starting out with good intentions Church; it’s what you bring home at the end is what will determine the final outcome. Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (KJV) Many people compare their lives with other people, trying to live up to their standards or even trying to please them, even to the point of where it becomes more of a priority than the Lord. If you measure yourself with other people then you limit what the Lord can do in and through you. If you compare yourself with Christ, operating with the same measure of faith that He did, then you put yourself in the category of where all things are now possible, because you believe more in the work that He has done than on what many around you are claiming they have done. Philippians 1:4-6 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, (5) For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; (6) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (KJV) My prayer today for each and every believer in Christ is that they would build a trust and confidence more in the work that our Lord has begun and desires to continue to do, and less in the guilt trips that they take, thinking that there is something they haven’t done. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 3:1-3 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (2) For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (3) Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. (KJV)
I get a bit riled when I hear so called men of God telling me what they think rather than teaching what they know, or should know according to the Word. James is writing and warning the believers not to be like many of those that are teaching things which are not based on fact but rather on self serving fictitious perversions of the truth. Those that know how to speak the truth in love are those that our Lord considers mature, and who are a perfect example of the true believers in Christ. 1 Corinthians 13:8-11 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV) There are a lot of prophecies that are failing to come to pass because they are not based on truth, but rather on some partial understanding of it. Many of these false teachers say things to appease the people rather than teaching them who they are in Christ and how to grow and mature in Him. I personally have noticed that many enter the ministry work before they really grow up and have a clue of reality and what is really happening around them. Many of these childish preachers live in a sheltered existence and then get knocked on their backside when reality hits them in the face; kind of like a spoiled little child that doesn’t get their way anymore. Ephesians 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (KJV) When Jesus Christ walked this earth He raised the bar to the heavenly realm of how He expects His people to mature and grow up into Him. However, as I look around I see where many have lowered this bar back to the realm of the flesh, and what should be spiritual mature people is nothing more than a day care center. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV) Hey quit thinking so much about what you believe works with our Lord and just show up daily letting Him show you what works. Think of yourself as the clay and our Lord the potter, and let Him take you for a spin. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Psalms 37:37-38 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. (38) But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. (KJV)
When you see the term ‘perfect’ used in the Bible it refers to maturity; complete is another way of describing it also. When one thinks of maturity as far as a Christian is concerned you think of someone who is at peace and not fussing and fighting with those of the world, being all wrapped around the axle with the cares and concerns of this petty temporal life that we are now surrounded with. 2 Timothy 2:3-5 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (5) And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. (KJV) In the military they don’t take a new recruit and immediately promote them to the rank of a general, rather they promote those that have experience and have proven themselves in times of trials and tribulations. Basically what is being spoken of in the above verses is that in order to move forward in your walk with the Lord it is His way or no way. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) Strongs definition for ‘perfect’: 739 artios (ar'-tee-os); from 737; fresh, i.e. (by implication) complete: KJV-- perfect. The Lord expects His people to grow up maturing in the realm of the Spirit. Those that do grow are those that have exercised their Spiritual senses, and know the difference between what is of God and what pertains more to the fleshly carnal desires. A child will react to things because it is what appeals more to their own self rather than learning to respond in a way that our Lord would have them respond, in Spirit and in truth. Is the peace of God ruling in your walk today? Because…in all reality that was God’s perfect solution for you. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:3-8 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4. By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature. 5. For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution or determination, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), 6. And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control (in knowing the truth there is self-control), and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety, commitment & obedience), 7. And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection (laying down your life), and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love (Christ formed in you). 8. For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full, personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one). AMP
These are all attributes or characteristics of the divine nature which was formed, brought to maturity, within Jesus of Nazareth. He decreased by dying daily to the wants and desires of his fleshly nature (the nature of man) so that Christ (the attributes or characteristics of God) would increase and over take the old corrupt fleshly nature. Jesus Christ left us an example to follow: to put off the old man, and put on of the new man who is renewed in the knowledge of Him who created you, and to do this continually. As you do these things (put off the old, put on the new) the more you see who God is; you begin to understand His nature through experience in your own life in Christ; you begin to understand His love, His grace, and His mercy for us and how lovingly He provided us the way of fellowship with Him, and escape from this corrupt and dying world through Jesus Christ. As you do these things you will not be blind to the truth, the full personal knowledge of God and Jesus Christ who He sent; and you have His promise that you shall never fall. 2 Peter 1:9-12 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: (11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. (KVJ) My beloved brethren, I pray that you will continue to make these qualities yours and let them increasingly abound in you, so that you are not idle or unfruitful in your walk but that you do come to a full personal knowledge of the truth that is in you. Proverbs 18:20-21 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV)
Every day spent in this realm you are in a life and death situation, which doesn’t end until we make it home to our eternal destination. What you find in this new life in Christ is that your tongue is like a steering wheel which can keep you on the road to spiritual recovery, or with one careless or distracted move you could end up in a ditch. Just because you were saved and made a commitment to the Lord doesn’t mean it ends there, unless you decide to revert back to the realm of the flesh, which you will see clearly illustrated through the Word, is a death sentence. James 3:6-8 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (KJV) Keep in mind these fires are spiritual in nature and will have eternal consequences for those that start them. Negative words are like a poison that will shut a person down; and if they don’t get immediate attention it results in death. Your words have the same effect as a wildfire and are enflamed with winds of mans’ doctrine when left unattended. As you see clearly spelled out in verse 7, the tongue is something no man can tame; it is an extension of the heart and without a new heart and a mind renewed in the spirit of Christ, it is highly flammable to say the least. Mark 16:17-20 And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (KJV) The reason that you were dead in sin before your conversion in Christ is because you had a drinking problem, where you were being intoxicated with false doctrine. Once you sobered up you were able to drink in pure, living water which is what revived you. Are you the one treading on spiritual serpents, or are you a doormat? You may drink in some things that are still spiritual poison, but now you have the ability through the Spirit to rightly divide and discern the truth so that you can spit it out before it causes damage. Dearly loved, have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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