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Hebrews 4:1-3 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. (2) For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (3) For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (KJV)
Let us fear or give reverence to the fact that some fall short from entering into the rest of God because of simple unbelief. Call it a surrendering if you would, where you surrender your thoughts and cares unto the Lord and leave them there at the throne, then proceed to walk in the works of God that He personally ordained for you before the foundation of the world. Entering into His rest is not just something that takes place at the end of our walk when we receive the reward of inheritance, but rather it is a rest, an abode in the realm of God where we are no longer telling Him how we think things need to be done, but rather are now walking the path He has chosen for us before the foundation of the world. Isaiah 46:10-13 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (11) Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (12) Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: (13) I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. (KJV) The Lord’s counsel will stand, and has withstood the test of time. It will endure forever, and so will those that come into agreement with it. Declaring the end from the beginning; I compare that to buying a bag of seed from a store, they have a bright colorful picture on the package of the completed plant, what the seed will grow into. Now think of yourself in the same framework; God saw you personally before the foundation of the world, saw what He made was very good, which included you, and provided everything that was needed to make you picture perfect in His sight. So just like the package of seed we bought from the store, if you don’t take the time to plant and water the seed, and follow the instructions, then the end result will not be what was pictured. Rather than grow and mature in the things of the Lord many stay trapped in the realm of the flesh because of unbelief, believing more in the outward sight instead of allowing their inward vision to become enlightened to the completed work God did on their behalf. Philippians 1:6-11 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: (7) Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. (8) For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. (9) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; (10) That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; (11) Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (KJV) Remember it is God that began that good work in you, and only He can perform it, which means to accomplish or bring it to a finish. Just like with the package of seed, He saw His creation within you and what it would take to bring it to a finish. Now the question is, will you allow Him to have His way with you so that you can grow up into Him in all things, and let this picture He had for you blossom and develop into a full grown mature Christian? This was Paul’s prayer for the people, not only to see them begin in the Lord but to continue to grow more and more in the knowledge of God, by no longer leaning to their own understanding and limited carnal thinking. I have seen many people over the years get all excited about someone giving their lives to the Lord and accepting His plan of salvation, but that is just the beginning folks. It’s not those that begin the race that receive the prize, it’s only those that endure to the end that will be saved and receive the reward of inheritance. In other words, many get a glimpse and a picture of what the Lord intended for them, but just like with the seed packages, how many will follow the instructions and allow the seed to grow to maturity in the image and likeness our Lord intended for it? God saw from the beginning the end result, and that everything He made was very good; but only those that are able to see themselves in this plan of salvation having their spiritual eyes enlightened will follow through to the end, and stay within the framework of God’s intended plan and purpose for their lives. Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (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) What framework are you operating in today? Are you still trying to conform to the things of this world, or are you allowing God to change and transform you into the things of His realm and framework by the renewing of your mind? Are you more concerned with how man portrays you and what is pleasing to people? Or are you seeing yourself more and more being changed into the image and likeness of God, bearing His resemblance, and allowing His picture perfect plan of salvation to develop? God runs a tight ship, and heaven is a high security area; and only those that have the proper identification will be allowed access into it. Some day when you leave this realm and enter into His presence you will need a picture ID to enter in, and only those that show God the picture He intended for them will be given access and allowed into their eternal inheritance. Only those that are able to show Him a spiritual ID with the family name and resemblance will be recognized, a rested development; all others will be rejected because of their lack of belief in His completed work, relying more on their own ways and thoughts which are empty and vain. 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. 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 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. (12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)
When you think back to your childhood, much of how you view life, the way you talk, relate with others, and your priorities change as one matures. When I was younger, not only physically, but spiritually young in the Lord, instead of being quicker to hear, and slower to speak, I to would usually speak first, then come to an understanding of what I just said, finally thinking, wow I shouldn’t have said that. When one matures in the Lord, and is able to come to a clearer understanding of how to walk and talk in the Spirit, then the order is changed; you think about what you are going to say, understanding it is words of life, before speaking them forth. Perfect refers to maturity, and the more one grows in the Lord, the more they can relate to Him, as well as He with us. After all, how much of a conversation can an adult have with a child? It is limited to where their understanding is. And if you have ever worked for a construction company, how well could a four year old read a blueprint, let alone work a job? So like a child, when one is young in the Lord, their vision, their understanding is limited, or in part, but as one grows, then they are able to look in the mirror and see a mature Christian looking back at them; having a clearer vision into the realm of the Spirit, as well as resembling more and more their Father. Ephesians 4:11-15 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: (14) 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) Many, tell children of Santa Clause, the Easter bunny, and the tooth fairy, which makes them wide eyed and excited, but does nothing for their spiritual growth. Many of what man calls preachers and teachers of the word of God do the same thing; which unless one is mature enough in the Lord, grounded and settled in the truth, they will end up falling for the same gimmicks. In order to speak the truth in love, one needs to be honest with themselves first so that they can stand clean before the Lord, before He will entrust them with His work. Though many wonder ’why Lord, don’t you use me more?’ they need to ask themselves if they would entrust their riches with an immature liar and a thief. I use the term immature liar because many hold man to be true instead of God. I use the term thief, because many rob God the opportunity to work through them, because they hang on to their old childish ways, and thus limit Him. 1 Corinthians 11:28-31 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (30) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (31) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (KJV) It takes someone mature in the Lord who is willing to examine themselves; that when they look in their spiritual mirror they see Christ looking back at them. Here’s a thought, could you imagine your walk with the Lord, and where you would be if you were as willing to scrutinize yourself as you do others? What if you could see your own shortcomings and faults as good as you see it in others? Or maybe you do and that’s what irks you, things that reflect your own life. You wonder why Christians become weak, sickly, and are asleep at the wheel heading for a ditch. It’s because they don’t come clean with God, but rather live in a state of denial, which if we deny Him access to our life, He will deny us access to His eternal life as well. James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: (24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (KJV) Being Christ like is a way of life, not some part time occupation to appease others. Many have the talk, but not the walk. Is your walk with the Lord in line with the talk, or has one gotten ahead of the other? I have found those that I consider mature in the Lord are those who let their walk do the talking for them, so that when they do share their insights, it has substance. Are you a continual doer, or a casual hearer, like a child hearing only those things that appeal to the flesh, and not the things that will set one free, and keep them free? Grow up, so that your life will be a mirror reflection of our heavenly Father in a dark and obscure 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. Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. 11 He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end. (KJV)
Travail is a result of being a bit out of tune, not in the place you need to be, or not in the time frame our Lord intended for it to be carried out in. You may have heard the Lord make a promise to you, or you have prayed about something, now it is a matter of waiting for it to manifest, even though you may think God didn’t hear you or is ignoring you. Isaiah 25:8-9 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. 9 And it shall be said in that day, lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. (KJV) Sometimes salvation is a waiting process, where you are wait on the Lord before moving forward. The world we live in today is just the opposite, where we go through the drive through section and get what we want right away which is usually not too healthy. You should not be chasing anything in this life, but should be waiting on the Lord and allowing His blessings to catch up and overtake you. Sometimes the reason you don’t see the answer manifest is because you are running a bit ahead of the Lord and His perfect timeline. Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV) Many today fall short of where God would have them to be in His body of believers, because rather than wait for Him they take off running in the opposite direction. Have you ever encountered a project that required some prep work, measuring ahead of time before doing the building? You know where you got a bit impatient and wanted to see results, only to find out that you have to start all over again because of your lack of patience. The more you got ahead of the project the more frustrating it is because you could have saved yourself a lot of time and energy by doing it right the first time. Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: (KJV) Faith and patience is what accompanies perfection, and is a course that you want to stay on so that you can be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Romans 8:24-25 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (KJV) Just a reminder Church, you won’t find your answer in the outward realm anymore, rather your faith now needs to be in that which is unseen. Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. (KJV) Substance is a spiritual concrete that will hold the building up and keep it from being blown over so easily with contrary winds of doctrine. The evidence of your faith will be found in the realm of the Spirit and not the flesh. Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (KJV) Isn’t it time for you to experience this perfect peace for yourself? After all that is why God sent His Son. God bless dearly loved 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)
Have you ever been excited about something and were gung ho, only to lose interest and end up chasing something else? Many people are like that who are caught up in exterior events and are ruled by emotions. So when the emotion or the honeymoon is over, so is their commitment. However, you will find that perfection or maturity is usually accompanied by another word, and that would be patience. In other words you can’t have one without the other. Hebrews 6:10-12 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (KJV) Have you ever let off the gas so to speak because it doesn’t appear like much is happening, well at least not outwardly? You get a bit frustrated because things just didn’t materialize according to your timeline? It can happen when you lose faith and start leaning back to your own understanding. In fact the enemy gets a bit louder when you get close to a victory in your life because he sure doesn’t want to see you cross that finish line. You’re not going to let that happen are you? James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (KJV) Of course there is going to be opposition in your walk, especially as you continue to move forward in Christ. Your faith will go on trial and the enemy will do all he can to discredit you and get you to back off again. It takes faith to let patience have its way, because the flesh is tempted to push the panic button and make things happen sooner rather than later. However, you realize as you grow and mature in Christ that by taking matters into your own hands it then takes it out of the Lord’s. James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers 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) Have you ever seen or heard a double minded person, they have many different directions they are trying to go in at one time. If you happen to see that person staring back at you in the mirror, take a time out and head for the prayer closet so the Lord can enlighten you again. You will not experience His results until doing so, because He is not the author of confusion, but of peace. God bless dearly loved, have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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