Category: Measure

Equal Opportunity

6/12/2023

Good day. Today's video Equal Opportunity is on the topic of the word equal, equality. Every man is given equal opportunity. We've all been given the same measure of faith as our Lord operated in. The question is "What are you going to do with it? Are you going to utilize it?"

You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Just Now

12/28/2018

Good morning. Today's video Just Now is on the topic of the just shall live by faith.

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (KJV)

Now faith is the firm trust of things expected, the conviction of things not seen. As we continue in the faith grounded and settled, and not moved from the hope of the gospel which hope is Christ in you the hope of glory on a daily basis, we have that assurance of peace with God; we are rendered righteous by faith, having accepted His Son Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, in whom having not seen we trust.

We were given the measure or fullness of faith. So by the faith of Jesus Christ we live, and through the operation of that same faith in our lives we are able to see the fullness of all that we received in Christ, and come to the knowledge of the truth that we may live a life abundantly unto the will of God, and not unto men and the lusts thereof; receiving the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. Grounded and settled.

We are saved by grace through faith. Now the just (righteous) shall live by faith; for without faith it is impossible to please God.

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (KJV)

Moment by moment we have a choice to continue in the faith; to be led by the Spirit of God, Christ in us; and not by the lusts of the flesh. We have a choice to let God be true and every man a liar, including our old nature, that we may do those things that please him and not men or ourselves.

Hebrews 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, 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)

For many, when persecution or affliction arises for the Word’s sake they are offended; or when they allow the cares of this life, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things to enter in and choke out the good word of God; or when they accept another gospel into their heart other than the gospel of Christ; they will begin to draw back unto perdition, not willing to take up their cross on a daily basis for the salvation of their souls.

Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? (KJV)

2 Peter 2:20-21 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (KJV)

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV)

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. God does not change. The warnings are clear throughout the Bible and yet we see that there is no new thing under the sun.

Psalms 78:41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. (KJV)

The encouragement is to keep renewed in the spirit of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God; and not be conformed to this world. For the world and its ways, and the people who choose to hold to it will pass away; but not those who do the will of God and endure unto the end, for they will be saved. God bless, stay grounded, and keep the faith unto the end.

You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry.

Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Son - Part24

9/14/2018

Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part24 is on the topic of who the Son of God is; in Christ dwells the fullness.

Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (KJV)

John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. (KJV)

In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and we are complete in Him. Through Jesus Christ, the grace of God for mankind, received we this fullness; not of works lest any man should boast; it is a free gift.

John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (KJV)

John 16:13-15 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (KJV)

By the faith of Jesus Christ, through the operation of that same faith working in us, we are able to see the fullness of the gift of Christ which we have been given; because without faith it is impossible to please God, and he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

Philemon 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. (KJV)

Of his fullness we have received the grace of God, his love shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which was given unto us; and peace with God, as well as his peace which he gave us to keep our hearts and minds in agreement with him, and that our hearts may not be troubled, neither afraid. If God be for us who can be against us; the veil done away in Christ so that we can go boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.

1 Peter 1:13-16 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (KJV)

In Christ is the fullness of the fruit of the Spirit; the character of God our Father; as he said be ye holy as I am holy. We have access to God’s grace and truth which is able to make us free and keep us free, as well as make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (KJV)

Faith enlightens the eyes of our understanding to joy unspeakable, full of mercy and good fruits, which wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated (persuaded of), given without partiality (1 Corinthians 13:9-13), and is sincere (without hypocrisy, pretense) so that we may know the riches and fullness of the kingdom of God within us, and be known of God, for when his image appears in us we shall be like him and we shall see him as he is, and we shall be seen as his.

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (KJV)

Of God’s fullness have we received; a cup that runs over with the measure or fullness of the gift of Christ; exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or think according to the power (Christ) that works in us. Knowing that it is our Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom; all he is asking of you is to lose your life for Christ’s sake and follow in his Son’s footsteps so that of his fullness which he gave in Christ, shall he give unto you; that good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over: his exceeding riches in Christ Jesus his Son, in which all the fullness of the Godhead bodily dwells, and in whom you are complete.

This is the will of God; to know him, and Jesus Christ whom he sent, and to be known of Him; for this is eternal life and that life is in his Son, Christ Jesus our Lord, the fullness of him that fills all in all.

Jude 1:24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry.

Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Measure

8/27/2016

Good morning. This week's video Measure is on the topic of, God has dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3). You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry.

Have a blessed and prosperous week in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Spiritual Depth

9/29/2015

Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (34) For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (35) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (36) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (KJV)

Williams New Testament translation Romans 11:33-36
33. How fathomless the depths of God's resources, wisdom, and knowledge! How unsearchable His decisions, and how mysterious His methods! 34. For who has ever understood the thoughts of the Lord, or has ever been His adviser? 35. Or who has ever advanced God anything to have Him pay him back? 36. For from Him everything comes, through Him everything lives, and for Him everything exists. Glory to Him forever! Amen.

Have you ever seen people that claim if someone gives to God or some of His so called preachers that God now owes them a hundredfold return? Hmmm, sounds deep don’t it, but not very deep in the true things of God, rather deep in something that requires hip boots to keep one unsoiled. Nobody has, ever will, and can truthfully claim they gave something first to God, and now God was indebted to them, because that would fall under the category of works and not grace which is what the true plan of salvation is based on. God is not limited by physical boundaries as man is, but rather has opened a treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge to any and all that would like to tap into it. While mankind has been the Lord’s personal advisor, or so they think, God is revealing Himself to those that are willing to worship Him in Spirit and according to His truth; those that know the only way to please God is by being willing and obedient to what He is asking and not what mankind keeps trying to dictate according to their own fallen nature and understanding.

1 Corinthians 2:6-7 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: (7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (KJV)

Iron sharpens iron; so when you speak of the wisdom of God you are speaking something that is hidden to the carnal man but clearly understood by those that are perfect, mature in the realm of the spiritual. The things of God are foolish to those of the world, thus we are told not to cast our pearls before the swine because they will not receive it, rather they mock the worthy name by which we are called by. So rather than going out and about thinking you will be heard for your much speaking and witnessing, learn when and how to speak and share the word of God so that you don’t do more harm than good, because once the swine are done with the pearls they will then turn and tear you to pieces as well. Ever wonder why the Lord kept silent when brought before his accusers, because He understood the wisdom of God and didn’t give them any more ammunition for them to use against Him.

Ephesians 3:16-19 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (KJV)

What do you think of when you think of someone strong, do you picture some muscle bound person, those that are depicted as invincible? The true strength of God comes from the Spirit; the inner man that is rooted and grounded in the love of God which is only found in Christ. This is a deep knowledge that goes way beyond that of the flesh or carnal realm, one that few truly tap into and remain grounded in. The love of God passes and is way beyond our knowledge, as high as the heavens are above the earth, so much higher is this wisdom we have access to. Your strength is developed by how much you know the love of Christ, because the more you know of Him the more you see the true riches of God which is in our inner man, the confidence, assurance and boldness that we are one of His.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (KJV)

There was a song in the seventies that went “how deep is your love”; a question every Christian needs to know for themselves; just how deep is their love and commitment with the Father. While many today talk about Jesus and portray him according to their carnal understanding, few know of Christ, the inner man that strengthened him and showed him how to operate in the wisdom and knowledge of God. If you wish to establish a deeper more personal relationship with the Father you too will need to come to a working knowledge of who Christ is, the inner man which takes you into the inner workings of God, the realm of the Spirit. Many talk of Jesus and base their belief according to the flesh, but those that wish to go deeper can only do so by a personal revelation of Christ, the only rock and foundation that the true Church is built on. It’s not the outward appearance that describes a person, but the hidden inward one is what determines who that person really is; so while many still see a man named Jesus after the flesh, it’s only those that know Christ that can truly define who He is and who they really are. So where are you looking for the answer to the mystery of the kingdom of God, is it in the outward or are you looking deeper within to find the true meaning?

Colossians 1:25-29 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (KJV)

When one thinks of riches, one thing that comes to mind is a mine, where they have to dig deep to get to them. The riches of God are hid in Christ and in order to access them it has to be done through Him. The things of God, His wisdom and knowledge are hid from mankind; it is a mystery to those on the outside, but perfectly clear and visible to those that operate inside or inwardly. The mystery of God is, Christ, the unseen inward man working mightily in those who trust that greater is He that is within me than anyone or anything in the world. Do you desire to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might? Do you wish to know God on a deeper more intimate level, growing stronger and becoming more rooted and grounded in His word? Then one need only look inwardly to find the answer which is hid in Christ but ready to be revealed to any and all that would call on the Father through His Son. The things of God, His wisdom, knowledge, mercy and love are so much deeper and higher than anything we could ever think or imagine, so start digging.

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

Continuing To Get Good Reception

8/12/2015

Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV)

When you pick up your phone and a stranger makes a crank call, one that tries to get us into the realm of fear, you can be assured that message is not coming from God. Those that are led by the Spirit will be able to quickly identify the caller on the other end and know whether it is in their best interest to take the call and receive the message or quickly hang up. This same principle holds true in the spiritual realm, God is calling His people and has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us, so now the question is whether the line of communication is still open and you are still getting good reception to hear the message. If you notice the voice on the other end is not as clear as before or you are having a hard time getting good reception, maybe you are not in the place you need to be to get good reception, like a tunnel or a tomb. If that is the case then you need to move back to the realm of the Spirit if you wish to be a joint heir, a continuing partnership with the Lord.

You know when we were children in this world growing up we needed parents or someone older to supervise us and give us the provisions needed to sustain life. Even though some of us would threaten to run away when we were younger, by the time dinner rolled around that plan was abandoned and forgotten. Spiritually you are a child of God, and it is vital that we stay close to our heavenly Father and get the provisions we need as well as the instructions in our walk so that we can sustain this relationship with Him and continue in the deliverance He provided from our own destructions.

Hebrews 12:25-29 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: (26) Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. (27)And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (28) Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: (29) For our God is a consuming fire. (KJV)

Williams New Testament translation of Hebrews 12:25-29
25. See to it that you do not refuse to listen to Him who is speaking to you. For if they did not escape, because they refused to listen to him who warned them here on earth, how much less can we, if we reject Him who is from heaven? 26. Then His voice shook the earth, 27. but now His promise is, "Once more I will make not only the earth but heaven itself tremble." Now that expression, "Once more," signifies the final removal of the things that can be shaken, to let remain the things that cannot be shaken. 28. Let us, therefore, be thankful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and in this way continue to serve God acceptably in reverence and fear; 29. for our God, indeed, is a consuming fire.

You know this kingdom that cannot be shaken is a spiritual one, one that is not of this world. The kingdom of God is now within you, so when everything else around us is shaken isn’t it comforting to know that you don’t have to be. It is important that we keep the line of communication open to receive this message of salvation which is founded on a rock solid foundation which is Christ, one that cannot be shaken. So where do you stand today; are you on a rock solid footing that is not being moved, one that is established by our heavenly Father or are you standing out in the wilderness having a hard time getting good spiritual reception because of all the winds of doctrine blowing around you?

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (KJV)

If the Lord’s kingdom is not of this world, then why do so many today still pattern their walk and thinking according to this world and its fallen way of thinking? You have access to His kingdom which is not of this world and is not accepted of this world; and yet with this in mind why do so many still fight with the world over worldly things and issues that have nothing to do with our eternal salvation. But we have rights, yes you do, you have direct access to the throne of God through His Son Jesus Christ to hear His message of faith delivered personally to you so that you won’t be shaken and all stirred up with the cares of this life and deceitfulness of riches which many are chasing after and no longer able to hear the message of Christ clearly.

Romans 10:16-18 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (18) But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (KJV)

Williams New Testament translation for Romans 10:16-18
16. However, they have not all given heed to the good news, for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has put faith in what we told?" 17. So faith comes from hearing what is told, and hearing through the message about Christ. 18. But may I ask, They had no chance to hear, did they? Yes, indeed: "All over the earth their voices have gone, to the ends of the world their words."

Again I like using the Williams translation for these verses; faith is our ability to hear for ourselves personally the message delivered by Christ. The more you give ear to this message, the less you will be giving ear to the mess that is going on around us in the world, and the less likely you will be shaken by the outward. While many think that only certain people in certain parts of the world are able to hear the message of God, the Bible is quite clear to point out that this message has gone forth throughout the whole world. After all, the Bible is quite clear to point out that God has given to every man the measure of faith. The question now is how many are receiving it, as well as the fact that He is no respecter of persons? He is quite clear to also to point out that His spirit was poured out upon all flesh, not just some. So now the question is, who is listening to the voice of God and His message being delivered by Christ; and who is willing to walk by faith and not by sight or any other physical senses that are contrary to our spiritual senses? In fact to the carnal man the things of God make no sense, but are foolish to those in the realm of the flesh, those that continue to live according to their fallen nature and not partakers of the divine one.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

When a situation arises in your life is God the first one you seek for your instructions or do you look elsewhere first and then wonder why you got so shook up? Once you ask the Lord, will you be still long enough to hear the answer and know that He is God so that you can proceed forward in your walk with confidence and boldness? Expect the best, because you serve the best, and you will not be shaken in mind or spirit, but rather steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Right Back At You

3/24/2015

Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that ye be not judged. (2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (KJV)

Why is everyone so concerned about everyone else’s business? Did you reach some point of perfection, that now you can go out and analyze everyone else’s walk and tell them how to live? Have you ever heard the verse, he that is without sin can cast the first stone?

James 4:11-12 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. (12) There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? (KJV)

Let me ask this question, that thing you spoke about behind someone’s back, is it something you could have said to their face? Or possibly it is something that should have been said to their face, before you decided to say it to everyone else’s. How many times have you got all worked up and excited about confronting someone, only to find out that when it came time to deliver the message, it came out completely different than what you thought? That’s called imaginations, which the Bible says we are to cast down, not entertain and speak out on, especially against the brethren, God’s people. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. So if you are not able to speak it face to face, then like the old saying goes, ‘if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all’.

Galatians 5:15-16 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. (16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (KJV)

Did you ever see the poster of a bunch of wolves disguised in sheep’s clothing, and the one takes his mask off and realizes there are no more sheep left, only wolves. That basically sums up what happens when the Church is no longer walking in the Spirit, but in the flesh, and making judgments based on their own carnal thinking and no longer in line with God’s. So eventually what goes around, comes back to bite you. So if you have been backbiting, it won’t be long before you get the same in return.

Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. (KJV)

The Lord doesn’t think to highly of those that make false accusations against His people, and if you don’t obey His rules you will find yourself in contempt of His court and will be asked to leave. There is one judge and one lawgiver who wrote the book and is the author and finisher of our faith; so unless you think you can do a better job than Him, you might well leave it to Him to handle judgment.

Matthew 7:3-5 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (4) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? (5) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. (KJV)

Oh my, you have all the answers except one, how to live your own life and walk a walk that is pleasing to the Lord. So just about the time you decide to judge others and straighten them out, the Lord comes right back at you and says, ‘hey hypocrite, just possibly that thing you see in someone else is actually a reflection of yourself, and that is why it is irking you so much’. So before you decide to clean out someone else’s closet, make sure you got all the skeletons out of yours first, and then you will see clearly how to handle the situation in love and not anger.

1 Corinthians 4:3-5 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. (4) For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. (5) Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. (KJV)

Do you know that sometimes we are our own worst critics? Sometimes we sell ourselves short because of what others think of us, or have said about us. Did you ever stop and think that the Lord doesn’t even want us to judge ourselves, but rather leave that to Him as well? Now true, there are those that think more highly of themselves than they should, and are what is referred to as legends in their own minds. You too can sell yourself short and miss your calling, because you try to compare yourself with others and how they walk, rather than realizing God made you unique, and has a calling and a place in the body of Christ that only you can fill. Without you being in the place that He would have you be, you rob Him the opportunity to bless you the way He intended. Like Paul himself wrote, ‘it is so small and trivial what others think of me, or how I am judged by them, because it is only by the Lord’s standards that I am justified’; because of that attitude God was able to use him to write a good portion of the epistles.

Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? (4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. (KJV)

Just because others don’t believe the word of God, will you let that affect you? Just because others judge by the outward, and are more concerned with pleasing man than God, are you going to let that affect you? Come judgment day you will pass or fail by one standard; I chose God and His word to be true above and beyond what anyone else thought or said and let man be the liar; or I chose to believe man and called God the liar.

Galatians 6:1-3 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (2) Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (3) For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (KJV)

Will you react in the flesh, or respond in the Spirit? The fact that God is a Spirit, then only those that serve Him and worship Him in spirit and in truth will God use to bring about healing and restoration to situations that arise in the body, which will be based on His judgments and love, and not some condescending self righteous attitude. So it’s your decision this day, choose who you will serve, because with what measure you put out, is what is coming right back at you.

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

How Do You Measure Up?

3/12/2015

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (KJV)

What do you consider your measuring stick, and what do you compare your life with, the spiritual measure or how man measures themselves with each other? I have heard this topic come up over the last few years, and for myself can’t quite come to terms with mans’ reasoning on who are you accountable to? Mainly which pastor or organization do you give account to? Many people compare themselves with other people, and limit themselves to mans’ idea of how to live a Godly life in the Spirit; which has unlimited potential for those that choose to follow the Lord and not end up carbon copy, cookie cutter assembly line Christians. After all, in the end who is it that you are really accountable to, and who’s judgment seat are you going to have to stand before, before you are given access to your eternal home? Wouldn’t now be a good time to start living up to His spiritual standards and quit selling yourself short by following mans’?

Romans 12:2-5 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. (3) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (4) For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: (5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (KJV)

Most of what I see out there concerning ministries and ministers is based on worldly standards, rather than holding fast to the truth of God’s word. They bend with the times; they compromise on certain issues; and are more concerned with pleasing man than God. So instead of taking the measure of faith that was dealt to each of us, and letting God have His way so that we can see more and more of the gift of life He gave us, many fall short by measuring themselves with each other, thinking large numbers equals success with God. The most important thing for a Christian to know is who they are in Christ, where the Lord has placed them in the body, and fulfilling this duty no matter where or what our Father is asking of them. Once you establish this relationship with the Father, building up a trust and commitment by hearing the message of faith for yourself, you will find the true path of life is not that heavily traveled, and the ones that are building up numbers for the most part are the ones preaching the ear tickling feel good doctrines of man.

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

The Lord considers His church the pearl of great price worth dying for. Despite all this, those that have put themselves in a place of teaching and preaching the word of God, doing it for personal financial gain, making merchandise of people rather than building them up and teaching them who they are in Christ, despicable. I can assure you God does not take too kindly to seeing His children treated like this, anymore than you would want to see your children treated this way. The reason many follow their pernicious, filthy shameless ways is because rather than take the time to listen to God for themselves and hear the message of faith delivered by Christ, they let someone else dictate this message for them, then try to measure up to their standards, and not the standard set forth in the word of God.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (KJV)

How much of yourself are you willing to give to the Lord? Is He a priority in your life, so that the first thing you do in your day is take the time to stop all that you are doing, so that you can hear His message of love for the day? The measure you put out to the Lord is what will be returned to you; so much that it has to be pressed down and shaken together to make room for more, because the living waters are flowing out of you and watering those around you. There is an old saying, in order to keep it you have to give it away. How much of this measure of faith have you put into practice in your life, and what are you basing and comparing your walk with; someone here on earth, or someone seated at the right hand of the Father? Some say the sky’s the limit, but with Christ I say that it is just the beginning. By the way, give doesn’t just refer to money as so often is taught, but rather how much of your life are you willing to lay down for the brethren so that the life of Christ can manifest through you. Whosoever shall lose his life shall find it.

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)

The purpose of those that are called within the fivefold ministry is to build up the Church, which are the people of God, not the building, and to teach them how to measure up to the stature, maturity of Christ. Those that are able to come to an understanding of the knowledge of the Son of God will be able to grow and mature according to God’s standard and not some manmade self serving one.

Ephesians 4:14-16 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: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV)

When we were children we all thought of certain people that we wanted to grow up too be like, and imitated them. Those that truly mature in the Lord will not be trying to imitate other people, but rather seek to follow Christ and the person He intended for us to be. So grow up Church, and let’s put away childish things. Set your standards according to God’s word and seek those things which are above, and don’t settle for less. It’s time to raise the bar.

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

2 John 9