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James 1:17-18 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (18) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (KJV)
Why should you expect the best? How about the fact that you serve the best, someone who always has your best interest at heart. When mankind was in dire need of a savior God gave us His best in the form of His Son Jesus Christ to restore the fellowship between us and Him, and give us the gift of life. When the answer to your prayers manifest you know it is of God because there is not a shadow of doubt that it came from Him and was just what you needed; at times above and beyond what you could have ever thought of or asked for. We have been reborn into a new realm of the Spirit by the word of truth so that we could tap into the tree of life and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, now becoming rooted and grounded in the love of God which is shed abroad in our hearts. So when you come before the throne of God and make your requests, do you truly expect the best or are your prayers like throwing dice, hoping you will get a good roll? Romans 11:16-22 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. (17) And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; (18) Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. (19) Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. (20) Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: (21) For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. (22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (KJV) You know Church this tree you have been grafted into is not one of chance or luck, but rather a sure thing to those that partake of it. Actually you are grafted into the tree of life which is Christ so that you can now be an active participant in a new life. A branch can break off a tree because of high winds, or in the case of a believer winds of doctrine that blow through which causes one to doubt and speak words that cut them off from the source of life. What is the cause for the branch being broke off; simple unbelief. What allows you to continue to partake of the root and fatness of the tree; simple faith. The more one stays attached to this tree of life the more deeply rooted and grounded they become in it and bear the fruit of it as well. God is no respecter of persons and didn’t play favorites with His natural branches which were the Jews, and He has now allowed any and all that would call upon the name of the Lord to be saved and partake of this new life in Him. As long as you continue to remain rooted and grounded in the love of God partaking of this tree of life you to should be expecting the goodness of God in your life. Psalms 23:4-6 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (KJV) There are times that our carnal minds wander in the depths of despair, a shadow of death because we have allowed something to block the light from shining in. As a true believer in Christ one should be retraining, renewing their mind to think like our Lord, reminding ourselves that we are the head and should quit acting like the tail end. So once one is able to get their mind out of the gutter, that valley or low point in their walk, and recover themselves they are able to clearly see the answer the Lord has for them in verses 5&6. We have all experienced heartache and frustration in the past; trying to find peace in the dead realm of the flesh, exerting so much energy only to end up frustrated and defeated. Now that we are grafted into this new realm of the Spirit, a realm of victory, we need to be confident in the fact that surely, not maybe or possibly, goodness and mercy is now a part of my life and continues to follow me all, not just some of, the days of my life. God has prepared a table for you in His heavenly realm and is now seeking those that wish to be seated with Christ and partake of the meat of His word on a daily basis. The more you stay seated with Him the less you will be caught up and entangled with the things of this life, so that like with a branch, the fellowship won’t be broken again. Quite simply put, now that you are a part of the tree of life bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit you should continue to expect the best from our Lord and not expect the results you used to get from your past. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (KJV) You are a new creature, a new creation in Christ, old failures, old results, old excuses are now passed away and your life should be a totally new experience, one of confidence and peace as well as a newfound inner strength that you never knew existed before. When you pray and make your requests to God through Jesus Christ, where there was once a shadow of doubt there should now be a new expectation of confidence, boldness, and assurance that your prayers are heard and answered. What was once a life of a day late and a dollar short is now replaced by an assurance that in all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Instead of being a loser and ending up with the short end of the stick, I can now expect my cup to be running over with living waters which flow from the heart and bring new life and shed light where there was darkness and despair. Are you living in the new today or are you still holding to the past, stuck in a valley looking for the way out? Do you really expect the best from God? Then start giving Him your best effort, because with what measure you give His way will come back your way. Sometimes the reason we don’t see our way out of a situation is because we don’t spend enough time seated in the heavenly realm to hear the message delivered by Christ and we end up stooping to the ways of the world. You need to spend enough time in the word of God renewing the mind so that you can take words like ‘I can’t’ or ‘it just isn’t possible’ out of your vocabulary and replace it with words like ‘I can do all things through Christ’ or ‘with God all things are possible’, and nothing I mean nothing is impossible to those that believe. A new creation in Christ means that what was impossible to man in his fallen realm is now possible and should be expected by those that are a part of this new realm, a new life made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord. Isaiah 42:8-9 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. (9) Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. (KJV) You know, when you read the news of the world it is not really news or anything new, but rather the same negative things resulting from a fallen world. People fighting and warring trying to find peace in a realm the Lord said was dead, and there is no life. When one partakes of the word of God they are able to partake of a totally new realm, actually a realm where the victory is guaranteed before hand, with a promise of goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. If you give God your best then you can expect the best in return, letting His word be your one true source of life. Expect the best, because after all you serve the best. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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. John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV)
We have all seen pictures and paintings of how man sees God and tries to portray Him, mostly based on a physical interpretation. Many people claim they are worshipping God, which is carried out in many different ways, sometimes in songs or hymns, or other times I have seen people look to the ceiling and wave their arms thinking that is a form of worship. The fact is that God is a Spirit; a totally different realm than the one we are accustomed to, something mankind cannot comprehend on his own, but rather needs a personal revelation in order to understand God. Worshipping God is not some song and dance as many think, but rather in order to truly worship or reverence Him it has to be done in deed, or in other words it has to become a way of life in order to have fellowship with Him. Not only is God true to us in His word and promises, but He expects us to be true to Him as well, serving Him in love with the right motive of the heart. While many depict our Lord according to their own understanding, and compare God to man’s standards of how things are accomplished, God’s ways are so much higher and better than ours; something few experience because of their lack of trust in Him. Jesus Christ was a true worshipper of God because He walked according to the Spirit of Christ which led and guided Him on His path of life and brought a message of truth to a fallen mankind, thus the reason for all the opposition. Isaiah 55:8-11 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (10) For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (11) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (KJV) God’s thoughts, His ways, His timing, is so much higher and better than ours; now the question is, how many will be still long enough to hear His voice and then act on what He is asking, even if it means patiently waiting as well? While the Spirit is willing and is at peace, it is our flesh and its impatient nature that says we need to act now; or with many they think their prayers were not answered because the results didn’t happen the way they thought it should. With many others they follow a predetermined path that is based more on their outward sight than their spiritual insight, thus keeping God in a denominational box and limiting Him. In order to walk in the Spirit you have to start thinking in the Spirit; a realm that is so much higher than ours, and totally different and contrary to the carnal way of thinking. How much more could God work through His people, and give them the confidence and assurance that they are one of His, if only they would let Him? We have all prayed about certain things in our life and were absolutely sure that we couldn’t live without them, so when it didn’t manifest the way we thought it would we think we are failures. Was it so much that you were a failure, or maybe that thing you were requesting wasn’t really what you needed or wasn’t beneficial to your walk, but rather would have been more of a detriment? As one matures in life they realize that there is a big difference between what they want and what they truly need, something the Lord knows and knew before the foundation of the world when He chose a place for us in His body of believers. Now the questions is, will you trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean to your own understanding, letting His peace rule in all your decisions and not the outward appearance of things? Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill 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) Just because you were born again and had a personal experience with the Lord that brought you peace doesn’t mean you are on easy street, rather it is just the beginning of a brand new way of life. While the ways of man are limited by the flesh and its way of thinking, the Spirit of God is unlimited and without any boundaries. Now it is a matter of renewing your mind on a daily basis so that you can see more and more into the spiritual realm and allow God to do a work in you that no other man can do. We have the mind of Christ so that we are no longer under the law of sin and death, but rather under a law of faith which allows us access into the realm of the Spirit which is unlimited and unending to those that continue in it. While the disciples of our Lord were limited in their thinking and told Him they would have to go back to town and get provisions, it was the Spirit of Christ within Jesus of Nazareth that trusted that loaves of bread and a few fish would suffice. While some questioned our Lord concerning His timing and why He didn’t show up in time to save Lazarus, in the end God had a perfect plan and demonstrated His power and love through Jesus of Nazareth, so that not only did Lazarus resurrect from the dead, but it brought life to some of the others that were there and witnessed it as well. So what are you holding to as truth today, will you let God be true, and hold His word above and beyond what man says, or are you leaning more to your own understanding and doubting His word? The Spirit and the flesh are totally contrary one to the other, like a tug-of-war, only you have to decide for yourself which one you will hold to. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV) Do you spend time daily in prayer and in the word of God so that you can let Him renew your mind and receive the things of His realm? God does not take spiritual things and give them to carnal people, because it is foolish to them. However, He does take spiritual things and compares or interprets it with spiritual people who are willing to walk in the Spirit and hold Him to be true, worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. There are many that claim to be of God and speaking on His behalf, that operate according to the natural man and its way of thinking, and may even have big followings also. But remember, that which is highly esteemed among mankind, in others words popular people pleasing doctrines, are an abomination in the sight of God. And what may have started out with good intentions is nothing more than the blind leading the blind into an eternal ditch. Psalms 92:4-6 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. (5) O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. (6) A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. (KJV) A brutish man is referring to a stupid one; someone who thinks they know better than our Lord. Anytime we decide to lean to our own understanding we limit God as well. Have you ever had a small child contradict something you knew to be true, no matter what you said, they thought they knew better? Now compare that with the Lord; in other words, the creation telling the Creator He doesn’t know what He is talking about, or you know a better way, which would fall under the category of brutish. Isaiah 40:31 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) Are you tired of walking in circles or like on a treadmill, lots of effort but you end up in the same place? Or maybe you are bound and determined to have things your way no matter what the Lord thinks, then you wonder why your walk with Him is stale or at a standstill. In order to walk in the Spirit you need to think in the realm of the Spirit, and be willing and obedient to what the Lord is asking despite what the outward would dictate, or how foolish it may seem to the many that hold to popular opinions and doctrines of man. God’s ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours with victory guaranteed beforehand; isn’t it time you mount up and start looking above for your answer? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:7-10 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (8) 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)
Here is a fool proof plan of salvation that eliminates our works and gives credit where the credit is truly due. Some today boast of their works they claim to be doing for God; in fact now I see where they use the infomercial approach, hand picking people to do interviews that say what they want said concerning their ministries, which by the way is just that, their ministries and not the Lord’s. If the Lord is not leading you this day, if you are not walking in the Spirit in the work He had ordained for you to do, then you are none of His. Are you letting the peace of God rule in all your decisions and the path you are walking this day or are you following one that is more people pleasing? Now if you really wish to boast about something then why not boast about the work that the Lord is doing and has done for His people, and the joy and peace you are experiencing because of His good work. A true minister of God is one that will point the people to the Lord and teach them all that is available in Christ, while many pretenders are just patting themselves on the back and diverting the attention toward their own works and what they think they are accomplishing for the Lord, like He really needs our help. Last time I looked, we being all mankind, were like helpless sheep headed for the slaughter until God so graciously sent His Son on our behalf to redeem us from our destructions. Remember a guy named Job, who when he kept his mouth shut long enough was able to hear his answer from the Lord when God basically asked him if he knew better than He did. Job chapter 38 on gives a good account of what happens when man thinks he can now instruct God and give Him counsel and advice. 1 Corinthians 1:27-31 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: (29) That no flesh should glory in his presence. (30) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (31) That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (KJV) Strong’s definition for glory & glorieth: 2744 kauchaomai (kow-khah'-om-ahee); from some (obsolete) base akin to that of aucheo (to boast) and 2172; to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense): KJV-- (make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice. God chose the foolish things, things that are nought or nothing, to work through and manifest Himself in. God didn’t choose you because you were so smart or because you had your life so together, but rather just the opposite was true. Many people don’t think they need God in their life and consider it a sign of weakness when others seek the Lord for strength. The wisdom of God is foolish to mankind because their carnal mind is enmity with God and unable to see or comprehend the things of His realm, many times because it is just so simple. If you are looking for something to glory in, or even boast about, then why not boast about what the Lord is doing and give Him the credit not only for the good work He has begun in you, but is willing to perform in you unto the end. I am wearied with all these religious organizations and their larger than life performances, which remind me of the movies that come out these days with all the special effects, and portray their imaginary account and views of salvation that are not based on reality. Psalms 34:1-4 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (2) My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (3) O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. (4) I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (KJV) God so graciously gave us access into His kingdom which is based on His love and mercy and certainly not by our own merit. Pride always proceeds a fall; so rather than being humble and keeping that mindset many decide to take back control of their lives again and end up worse than they were in the beginning. God has a perfect plan for each and every person who is willing and obedient to walk a narrow and straight path that leads to eternal life. Many think they can help God and make His plan more effective by their works. While God’s word is quite specific to point out throughout the Bible that His word has gone forth throughout the whole world, mankind thinks it is their duty to deliver His message through satellites and TV, and that God is waiting for them to deliver it before the Lord returns. Didn’t we have an example of this back at the tower of Babel when man thought they could get closer to God through their own devices? God is not waiting on or relying on mankind to deliver His message, or carry out His plan of salvation, however, He is able to speak through those that are humble enough and realize their salvation is based on grace and certainly not of their works. God knew the one man He could send and rely on to deliver His message and lay down His life for the perfect sacrifice, that being Jesus Christ. So when God chooses to use man to speak or manifest His plan of salvation, He does it through Jesus Christ and those that hear His message and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (KJV) I know, I know, someone you saw on TV or heard on the radio said you need to give money to their organization so that they could go to a place where no one has heard or had to opportunity to hear the word of God. And yes I know we have been given the great commission to go into all the world. Now it is a matter of hearing the Lord of where our place in the body of Christ is, what office He is calling us to, and then learning how and where to deliver His message so it will prosper in the thing where He sent it. The good works we should be zealous of is the good work that He has begun within and desires to perform and perfect in all the believers. The teaching and the message we need to be delivering should be pointing the people to God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ and not toward mankind and its fallen nature and ideas. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (18) For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. (KJV) Many are called and seek their approval and praise from mankind, while few are left that God has chosen to work in and through to deliver His message of love. It wasn’t mankind that got you into the kingdom of God, and it is certainly not mankind that will keep you in that realm, but rather a love for the Lord based on what He has done and not what others try to take credit for. So let’s give credit where the credit truly is due; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me because truly He that is within me is so much greater than those that are still stuck in the realm of the world and its fallen ways. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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)
All this week we have discussed personal responsibility with the Lord; you desire and request a response from the Lord concerning your petitions, and the Lord in turn requests things from you as well. The words of a believer should be spirit and should be bringing forth life; while words of a non believer will keep them in bondage, bound by sin and unbelief. One of the areas that many seek the Lord in is the area of forgiveness; asking the Lord to pardon their transgression and set them free from that bondage. One of the things the Lord requests in return is that you also forgive others, thus loosing yourself from grudges; a root of bitterness not only defiles you, but many times by your words, those around you are getting rained on with your bitter water also. Your forgiveness is a two-way street; so if you truly wish to receive forgiveness from the Father then it is something you need to be willing to do yourself, forgiving others that have trespassed against you. Matthew 6:12-15 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (14) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: (15) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (KJV) Do you feel weighed down at times and sense you are not moving forward in your walk with the Lord? Does it seem like you are being harassed by things from your past, something you just can’t seem to shake? When you have sinned and fallen short, are you as forgiving to others as you desire your heavenly Father to be with you? We basically have a contingency contract with our Father, with what measure you put out is measured back to you; or as some point out these days, what goes around comes around. So the question now is, are you just going for a ride on the not so merry go round; where it seems you end up in the same place and not able to move forward? Your willingness to forgive others can loose you from this bondage and set you free from these petty grudges you have been bound and determined to hang onto. Hebrews 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (KJV) The cloud of witnesses that we are surrounded with is raining down on us in the form of living waters, examples we have in the Bible of those that learned to be overcomers despite the contradiction and shame. How many of these people would have accomplished what the Lord was asking of them if all they did was fight and argue with worldly people, and try to find ways to get even? How far do you think you will progress in your walk if you keep this same mindset? Simply put, by holding grudges you are in essence in a holding pattern yourself until you are ready to let go of these things from the heart so that you can return to the path of life and run the course the Lord desires for you. Let us truly consider someone that endured contradiction, and Lord willing it will ease your wearied mind. Luke 23:33-34 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. (34) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (KJV) Have you been nailed to a cross and left for dead, this after being beaten and bloodied? Have you been humiliated by a group of people that despised the message of love and hope you were bringing to a fallen dead world? Oh you may be acting like you have been; and these grudges you have been holding onto, do they even begin to compare to what our Lord endured? For those that have or are overweight physically, we all know what a burden it is to carry things around that are unwanted and unhealthy. The more we pack on the more it slows us down and can eventually lead to death if left unchecked. The reason many end up overweight is because they did not closely monitor what they were eating but allowed some unhealthy habits and foods into the temple. Spiritually this is what happens when we hold onto things and allow bitterness into the heart, it is like junk food that clogs the arteries and can stop one in their tracks. Take out the garbage people, and leave it in the dump. Rightly dividing the word of truth so that you can discard the excess spiritual weight that easily besets or harasses you, and run the endurance race that leads to an eternal life with our Father. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (KJV) Have you ever seen boxers? Those that are good at their profession are the ones that are well trained and in good shape so that they can go the distance. Those that are not trained, or haven’t properly prepared themselves, don’t make it in this profession but end up on their backside. Fighters that are overweight have a distinct disadvantage as well, because they will easily tire out and not be able to go the distance. One of the things that will tire a boxer out quickly is swinging and missing into the air, not hitting the target but expelling a lot of energy with no positive results. The same holds true when one listens to the prince of the power of the air, swinging at imaginary targets in our mind and bogged down by bitterness and grudges of things from our past. So what are you meditating on today, right now? Are you in the Lord’s ring being trained up in the things that are based on truth, or are you shadow boxing in the imaginary realm of the enemy? Psalms 19:12-14 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. (13) Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. (14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (KJV) Some of the secret faults that keep a Christian in bondage at times come in the form of forgiveness, or their unwillingness to forgive others. Although it may not be always apparent to the outward man, the Lord sees the inward motive and will not grant forgiveness our way until we are willing to forgive others. Remember, if you allow these things to overcome you then you are brought in bondage to them until you are willing to loose them and let them go. So in order to receive forgiveness you need to be willing to give it; like the word of God says, give and it shall be given. 1 John 1:6-9 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV) The darkness the devil wants you to walk in can manifest itself in the form of bitterness, your unwillingness to forgive and forget. It’s when we choose to walk in light that the fellowship is restored again and this root can be pulled out and discarded. Your stubbornness, pity parties, root of bitterness have kept you bound in the realm of the flesh rather than being loosed so that you can stand fast in the liberty in Christ and not entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Today instead of being bound and determined, allow yourself to be loosed in Christ and determined to walk in the liberty and light He has for you. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (20) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for meet: 5543 chrestos- 1) fit, fit for use, useful; virtuous, good 2) manageable a) mild, pleasant (as opp. to harsh, hard sharp, bitter) How fit and ready are you today to give God’s answer to all those you come in contact with today, whether in word or in deed? Maybe the reason you are not so ready and equipped for the Master’s use is because you have been hanging around with a bunch of vessels who claim they are of God, but in reality are useless dishonorable and unfit for use. Those that name the name of Christ and become joint participants of His kingdom will have their senses exercised to know the difference between what is of God and what isn’t; thus withdrawing themselves from any evil communications which would corrupt their good morals. The foundation of God stands sure, and so do those that are in agreement with His plan of salvation and the doctrine of Christ; while the other vessels are like wannabes and pretenders, those that don’t quite cut it and make the grade, disallowed of our Lord. If you are in a place the Lord doesn’t want you to be, or surrounded by those that are not healthy to you spiritually, then you need to purge yourself from these situations as well as any other unhealthy people that profess to know God, but in reality deny Him. Like the logo for the Marines, God is looking for those, even if it is just a few good men, to deliver His plan of salvation. And just like a soldier, someone who has training to carry out His plan, even if it means laying down their own lives for the benefit of others. Proverbs 25:11-12 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (12) As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. (KJV) A word fitly spoken will be by those God says are fit and ready to deliver His words of life. Gold and silver are examples of vessels that are fit for use, honorable and sanctified for the Master; while those that are unapproved are cheap imitations and not of much use. Your time and preparation in hearing the Lord and how to deliver His message is of much use to the body of Christ. As precious as ornaments of gold are to the outward, it is precious to our Lord to have a wise man of His speak a message of reproof to someone that is willing and obedient to God’s calling. So today, are you that vessel, that go to guy, that is fit and ready for use, or do you need to be benched and sent back to the practice squad? Proverbs 15:22-24 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. (23) A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (24) The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. (KJV) When I think of a word ‘in due season’, I think of a drink of cool water on a hot day, something very timely and fitting, delivered just at the right moment when I was getting weak and faint. Are you prepared with the living waters for a thirsty world around you, thirsting for truth in a fallen world of lies and deception? A true counselor will be prepared to give God’s answer whether in season or out of season, in other words anytime, anywhere; because now is the day of salvation and now is the accepted time for God’s people to be ready with His message of hope. What a relief it is to be able to hear the truth that sets one free from the doubt and confusion that was being hurled our way in the form of the fiery darts of the wicked one. Is your vessel one of living waters that is actively flowing forth from the heart watering a dry and thirsty world around you, or has your well run dry? Isaiah 50:4-5 The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. (5) The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. (KJV) The tongue of the learned will come from one that is prepared in the things of the Lord so that they can give His answer to speak a word in due season and bring relief to those that are wearied. Are your ears open to the truth, or are you looking to have them tickled instead? Do you seek first the kingdom of God, which is spiritual, so that you can be prepared not only for what you have need of but for those you may encounter this day? It takes practice and preparation daily, learning to hear the voice of the Lord and not that of the enemy. Knowing and not just guessing how to speak in a timely fashion, in due season, to those who are in need; presenting a clear written epistle for all to see. Neither turning away despite the reception; rather being steadfast and unmovable, delivering the message no matter what the conditions are. Just because you are not a crowd favorite with mankind doesn’t mean you are not pleasing to God. 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) The Lord describes His people as a body of believers, those that have prepared themselves in the things of His spirit and have learned to speak the truth in love which causes the growth and maturity in Christ. Not only have they heard the truth, but they know enough of the truth for themselves so that they won’t be tossed around like children, but rather know how to edify themselves in the love of God. By your learning to speak the truth in love it will also cause others to grow and mature in Christ, bringing words of encouragement at a proper time, in due season as needed. Not only have you learned to grow and mature in Christ, but you are able to teach others to grow by your example, being diligent in your preparation to speak words of life. John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation for John 6:63 63. The Spirit is what gives life; the flesh does not help at all. The truths that I have told you are spirit and life. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so is God’s ways much higher than ours. The Lord doesn’t need our help when speaking His word, and He doesn’t need mans’ help when it comes to delivering His message. In fact just the opposite is true; the more we can keep ourselves out of the way, the more fit and prepared we will be to speak His word. God’s word is living spiritual waters that bring life to those that partake and drink of it. Now the question is, ‘will you be one of His vessels fit and ready for use so that these waters can flow through you and towards His people?’ God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 16:1-3 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. (2) All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. (3) Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. (KJV)
Are you absolutely positively sure the answer you are giving today, right now, is from the Lord? Have you committed yourself unto the Lord, and are you established upon the foundation of God this day, Jesus Christ being in control of everything in your walk including your tongue? The Lord has an answer for every man and He expects His people to be ready to give it anytime, and anywhere the opportunity presents itself. The question is are you prepared; have you done what is necessary today to give His response, an answer that has eternal consequences? Although mankind judges things according to the outward appearance, thus thinking He is clean, the Lord looks to the inward motives of the heart and that is what He wishes to address. Are you one of His vessels today, fit and ready for the Master’s use so that He can speak and work through you to address the spiritual needs of others, or are you like many others that have scripted answers that are more appealing to the outward man than the inward one? Someday we will all have to stand before God Himself and answer for our own lives the things we did and the things we spoke; so if the answer you give today is of our Father then you will have no need to be ashamed today, as well as the day of judgment. It’s much easier to give the Lord’s answer to mankind when it is something you have put into practice and know firsthand for yourself how it works. However, if you are just reading from someone else’s script of how they perceive the Lord, and how they think people should be witnessing to others, then you are just giving a second hand account of someone else’s experience and not your own, thus the term novice. Proverbs 19:20-21 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. (21) There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. (KJV) Here is a reminder; how about giving a simple straight forward answer to anyone that would ask of you a reason of the hope within you and how they too can partake of this heavenly gift? Mankind keeps coming up with a bunch of gimmicks on how to win people to the Lord, when the Lord Himself said that the truth and only the truth would set them free. First and foremost you need to hear the Lord’s counsel for yourself, knowing who He is and how to be an example of the believers, not just words but conduct also. Only the counsel of the Lord will stand, and only those that receive His word will be able to stand as well; while the rest may have had good intentions in the beginning of their walk they will eventually fall away, returning to the realm they were once delivered from. I will tell you one that really stands out to me when I think of the many devices of man, is some of this so called Christian rock music, people that stoop to the lower fallen nature of mankind thinking that will win souls over. Having watched some of these so called artists, and listening to some of this nonsense on the radio, the only thing different between them and the world is that they just change a few words and then think it has the Lord’s approval. Somehow I just can’t see my Lord on a stage jumping around with a guitar in hand acting like some out of control lunatic. For those that do attempt to portray my Lord and Savior that way obviously don’t have a clue who He truly is and how He desires His kingdom to be represented here on earth. You go stand before my God someday with this song and dance and see how far you get; then try explaining to a spiritual being how something that began in the Spirit was being so misrepresented by a bunch of lame brains in the flesh. We are the ones that should be transformed and different from the world and its way of thinking; imitators of Christ and not conforming to this world and its fallen realm. Galatians 1:6-7 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (KJV) These false doctrines of man, these winds of doctrines that blow around us; Paul marveled at how quickly God’s people had given in and were being deceived into some perversion of the gospel. The Bible says we should fight the good fight of faith; but how much of a fight do we put up, are we like the lion on the Wizard of Oz who made a lot of noise until someone tapped him in the snout and he gave up crying? These gospels that man claims will win the people to the Lord have nothing to do with the Lord; they are nothing more than a cheap hoax that appeals to the flesh and not the Spirit. No matter what form it manifests in, it is up to you to exercise your spiritual senses so that you can rightly discern what is of God and what isn’t. I marvel at how spiritually illiterate many people who claim to be of God really are; when the time they need to be teachers they are truly the ones that need to be taught all over from the beginning, having missed the simple first principles of God and how His kingdom truly operates. While many may read and search through the scriptures to find the answer they miss the spiritual implications and meaning of them because they still only see a man named Jesus, but never come to an understanding of who Christ within Him is and how to be led by His spirit. If any man has not the spirit of Christ and an understanding of how to operate by faith in His message, then He is not of God and will not be able to give the answer God intended for that man to give, which can only be given by those that truly know the doctrine of Christ. Proverbs 18:12-13 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. (13) He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (KJV) That answer you gave to someone, was it really from the Lord, or was it something you gave to impress them? Have you taken the time to hear the message of Christ firsthand for yourself so that you know and are not just guessing that what you are speaking came from the Father through Him? If you don’t know or are not sure, then it would do you good not to say anything rather than mislead someone to another gospel that is not of our Lord. I don’t care personally what others think or say about me or my walk as long as I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness concerning how to answer a man; then I know God is answering my prayers when I speak to Him, as well as seeking my own personal requests. Psalms 145:18-21 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. (19) He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. (20) The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. (21) My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. (KJV) Do you wish to be near and dear to our Lord? Then it can only be accomplished in truth, being open and honest with Him, not trying to hide things, but letting Him show you how to be an overcomer in these things so that you can speak boldly with confidence on His behalf when asked. If you call on Him in truth then you can expect an honest response in truth; however, if you try to lie then don’t expect His response. Your mouth will truly speak the praises of the Lord when you truly make Him the Lord in your life and allow Him to have His way in and through you; sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that even those that are outside the kingdom of God won’t have anything they can pin on you. John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV) You know people, worshipping God is not standing in some building with your hands in the air looking up to the ceiling like you’re in some kind of trance, or hallucinating like your having a flashback to Woodstock; rather true worship, reverence for God and His word, is done in a lifestyle that is in Spirit and according to His truth. Truly worshipping God is presenting yourself to Him as a living sacrifice, alive spiritually and dead to your own desires of the flesh; ready, willing, and able to give His answer to any that would be seeking. How fit and prepared are you to walk in the Spirit and know that you are speaking words of life, giving the only answer our Father approves of today? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 15:2-4 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (3) The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (4) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (KJV)
You know that word you just spoke or the person you just spoke about recently, oh yeah the Lord was listening in as well; as He does with all that we speak. So what exactly flowed from your mouth, was it sweet water or bitter? Something that was living waters to bring life and growth to those around you or was it like a poison, bitter, and what the word of God describes as a breach in the spirit; that relationship with the Father that has been breached and compromised thus allowing a foreign substance into the heart? The mouth of a fool is constantly pouring out foolishness, and is now a pour excuse for a Christian. You know people, not everything you hear about someone or some situation needs to be broadcast, rather kept in secret and prayed about, before a public proclamation is made. You ever deal with people that all they do is talk about everyone else, like their own life doesn’t even exist and probably wouldn’t have much of an existence if they didn’t have something or in most cases someone to talk about? What about our Lord, didn’t He give us enough to talk about without being so enamored with everyone else’s business? If you did need to speak concerning someone else, would it not be more proper to deal with them first rather than broadcasting it aloud? Is there anything more disgusting then all the tabloid journalism we see today, especially when it involves a scandal? Rather than focus on the positive and the good that is going on, this is what appeals more to those in the realm of the flesh and not the Spirit. It’s one thing for a fallen world to partake of this stuff; it’s another when it gets dragged into the Church realm with those that should know better. Proverbs 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. (KJV) The Bible says love shall cover a multitude of sins. That thing you heard about someone, or that thing they confided in you with, was that done in trust and confidentiality, or was it something you couldn’t wait to hear and broadcast? A wise man operating in the wisdom of God will know what to speak and when to speak something if needed. A fool or a carnal childish person will utter all their mind with no regard for who it offends, even our heavenly Father and His children. Proverbs 17:9-10 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. (10) A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. (KJV) Nothing to me is more of a turn off than listening to people constantly talk about others behind their back; saying things they wouldn’t be able to say faithfully to their face. If that is the case then obviously it wasn’t something that needed to be spoken at all, but rather kept covered in love; being more concerned with the welfare of the brethren than their own. Oh sure hearing gossip and stuff about other people perks ones interest, especially the lower fallen nature that thrives on that stuff, but our new man in Christ needs to discern rightly what is of God and what isn’t so that we don’t cause strife and contention in the body; separating what was once a tight knit family. And heed the warning in verse 10 concerning reproof, because a wise man will take it to heart, but a fool will reject it no matter how many times you bring it, or how harshly you administer the reproof. Proverbs 11:12-13 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. (13) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (KJV) Are you totally sure of what you heard about someone else, that it was actually based on truth, a factual account of what really took place? If not, it wasn’t right for the knowledge, or should I say lack of it, to be passed on; worse yet, it wasn’t right for you to keep the chain of tale bearing alive and spreading like a raging wildfire. Are you a faithful person that is not void of wisdom? Then you will know when to speak and how to speak; and just as important when not to speak as well. Remember that neighbor you are speaking about may just be one of God’s own people; and when you become a tale bearer as well, you have now entered into the realm of the enemy; instead of holding your peace you have now let it go and lost it. Proverbs 25:8-10 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. (9) Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: (10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. (KJV) Strong’s definition for infamy: 1681 dibbah (dib-baw'); from 1680 (in the sense of furtive motion); slander: KJV-- defaming, evil report, infamy, slander. All that tale bearing you chose to spread forth, you know, what you chose to keep going around, it has just come back around on your doorstep in the form of shame. Rather than being quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, you chose to react according to emotions and not to respond in the Spirit, which has resulted in a breach not only with God but with His people. What should and could have been handled one on one was not done decently and in order, but rather like something hitting the fan and those around it as well. That smear campaign you were running ended up to be a dead end chase; and now rather than being an example of the believers you sound just like those of the world and its fallen nature. Wisdom people, think before you speak; understand what it is you are going to speak before you say it, and make sure your motive is one of love and not anger, because only one will be approved of God while the other will cause shame and misery. Proverbs 2:20-23 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. (21) As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. (22) The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (23) Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. (KJV) That burning that is going on inside of you, is it a result of your own words, the things you allowed into the heart that is spewing from the mouth? Are you building up the body of Christ, or are you wounding their conscience and thus actually sinning against Him? Living waters bring life and keep things alive and growing, while a wildfire can be destructive and fanned by the tongue of those that are not wise. Proverbs 26:24-28 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; (25) When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. (26) Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. (27) Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. (28) A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. (KJV) As we clearly see the end result of flattery is ruin, and will be exposed not only to God but to all those of His congregation who have their spiritual senses exercised to know the difference between good and evil speech. There is no greater love that we can have for the Church than to lay down our lives for the brethren. And one effective way to do that is with our words or our lack of them concerning God’s people. When a pit was dug, it was hewn out of the side of a hill and then a stone would be rolled in front of it, like a tomb. Remember what kind of people end up in a tomb and then ask yourself ‘is that where you want to end up also?’ Death and life are in the power of the tongue which is an extension of the heart; what you allow in to the heart is what will be coming out of it. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Williams New Testament translation for Matthew 5:37
37. But your way of speaking must be a simple `Yes' or `No.' Anything beyond this comes from the evil one. How sound and sure is the speech that is proceeding from your mouth? Are you absolutely sure that what you say is what you mean? Are others around you sure of where you are coming from or are you one of those that claim to be one of God’s people, but yet still friendly with the worlds way of thinking? The world and its way of thinking is full of nice guys, okie dokie people that don’t like to ripple the water; people that would rather tickle ears than feed the spirit; professing themselves to be wise, they actually are fools. Practice what you preach, being a written epistle that is easily known and read of all men so that there is no doubt about who you really are and who you are a representation of. Matthew 12:35-37 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (36) But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (KJV) Some of the definitions for the word idle include, inactive, lazy, as well as useless words that obviously are not spiritual and not bringing life to the hearers. These words can come in the form of flattery, saying one thing but meaning another, presenting a false front, words that you will need to give account of before our heavenly Father and basically explain to Him why you lied. If you are not sure what to say, or cannot say it faithfully, then it would be best kept unsaid until a time you knew was appropriate. Maybe your perception of a situation isn’t totally clear, so rather than shoot first and aim second, you need to make sure of who or what you’re pointing at before you fire a round. The church of God, which is His people, really need to understand how important our words truly are, because as we see in the above verses they can definitely make or break your fellowship with the Father; and if not checked, even to the point of eternal damnation. Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (16) But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. (17) And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (KJV) The word of God is very clear on how to handle a matter, especially between the brethren. As we see in the above verses there is a very clear and orderly pattern for how things should be dealt with in the Church. However, despite how clear and precise it is laid out, most of the time it is handled in reverse and sometimes to the point of making molehills into gigantic mountains of strife and contention, let alone the backbiting. If you have an issue with someone concerning their walk with the Lord, after hopefully praying about the situation first, then it would be fitting to go and discuss the matter with the individual first, face to face to see if it can be resolved. Maybe what ends up getting resolved is your own take on the situation and how what you perceived was a problem was actually more of a simple misunderstanding, lack of communication if you would, which the enemy was more than delighted to throw fuel on the fire to keep it burning. If the issue does in fact turn out to be something that needs to be dealt with, and the person you spoke to wasn’t very open and wanted a clearer explanation, or wasn’t receptive to resolving the matter, then you can take one or two more with you, which not only refers to brethren, but having at least two spiritual witnesses of the word of God to back up your claims. I have seen firsthand what happens when this order is reversed; how when a situation arises among the brethren it first gets published to everyone else other than to the person involved in the matter. Then after a public proclamation is made to everyone else, sometimes they find out that it wasn’t really such an issue, rather their own personal differences which were based more on their carnal senses and not their spiritual ones. Simply put in laymen’s terms, whatsoever is not of faith is sin; if you can’t faithfully say something to a person’s face, then by God you should not be saying and spewing this petty nonsense to everyone else’s face. Talk about speaking in an unknown tongue; nothing is more unknown and contrary to our Lord than backbiting, strives, and petty contentions over things that have nothing to do with salvation, but rather personal misguided jealousies of people who think they are getting the short end of the stick. When you sin against the brethren, as the Bible says, you are sinning against Christ Himself. A fire can be a good thing; it can be used for cleansing metals, cooking and heating, but it can be a deadly destructive force if it is fanned with winds of the tongue, a wildfire out of control that destroys anything in its path. Proverbs 27:3-6 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. (4) Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? (5) Open rebuke is better than secret love. (6) Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (KJV) The Bible tells us that the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God, it is similar to a stone or how about a millstone; you know the one that is tied to those that offend others and then cast into the sea. These factions and frictions that arise amongst the brethren, is it something spiritual or is it something else like envy, your own perception of how you viewed someone else’s walk? Faithful are the wounds of a friend, like with surgery, it cuts deep and hurts but it brings forth healing afterwards. Our Father considers that openness, even if it is in the form of rebuke, is better than a secret love; those whose mouth says one thing but their heart is far from it. And who can forget one of the most famous kisses of an enemy, the one by a man named Judas who was actually a follower of our Lord yet betrayed Him with a simple kiss as though he was still one of His. Are you an open book to those around you, like a written epistle, so that others know who you truly are and who you truly serve; like the term wearing your heart on your sleeve? Or are you more of a people pleaser, kissing up to others rather than taking a stand for who you are, or should I say who you should be a representation of? When you start kissing peoples anatomy you become a friend of the world, which the Bible clearly states is an enemy with God. Those words of faith that you promised God you would speak on His behalf are now idle useless words which are ready to perish and so will those that speak them. 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. (KJV) Oh and by the way, I would be negligent if I didn’t warn you about the effects of bringing truth to others around us, especially when we are surrounded by a fallen world, that the more you do open up and bring a message of salvation to, the less you will be welcomed with open arms. In fact if you are looking to be popular with mankind and the life of the party then you have chosen the wrong field, because just the opposite will take place. In fact all you need to do is go through the Bible and see those that stood up for the Lord were the ones the enemy did all he could to knock them down. Kind of like with sporting events, the guy with the ball is the target of the defense because he is the one in position to score and achieve the goal. So don’t take it personal people if you are rejected by mankind; in fact, the closer you get to the Lord the farther removed you will be from those that claim to be of God who are more interested in their own personal matters than our Lord’s. Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. (KJV) That favour, you will find first and foremost should be coming from God, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, and how He would have you handle a matter. If you are more concerned with pleasing people then you will be more apt to flatter them with smooth words rather than words of life that were intended to build them up, which is what they ignored in the first place. So basically speaking, you need to choose this day who you will truly serve because if you are not willing to speak words of life on behalf of our Father then He will just move on to someone else who is willing to; and then someday you can explain to Him all that idle chatter you chose to speak and all the idle people you chose to please instead of Him. Get real. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1Thessalonians 2:3-6 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: (4) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (5) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (6) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (KJV)
Flattering words are those that seek to please the people, which can actually beguile them as well if one is not saying what they truly mean. Say what you mean and mean what you say when speaking on behalf of our Lord. Many are more concerned with what people’s perception of them is rather than the approval of our Lord, which makes them more of a hindrance than an asset to the body of Christ. So how do you give God’s answer to people, is it the straight forward truth that will set them free or are you sugar coating the speech to make it more acceptable to them? When you are asked a question, do you give simple yes and no answers or do you feel it is necessary to explain yourself to people, trying to explain it in a way you hope they will accept? For those that wish to truly please our Lord you will find that trying to please God and man just doesn’t seem to work, like mixing oil and water, it just doesn’t gel. For those that are truly steadfast and unmovable in their walk, they will find that pleasing God alone may leave you on a narrow path, one that is not heavily traveled, but the only one that leads to our eternal inheritance. Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation for Matthew 5:37 37. But your way of speaking must be a simple `Yes' or `No.' Anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Have you ever had someone ask you a question or make a request for you to do something and your answer was no? Then once you gave your answer there is a space of uncomfortable silence, where now you are expected or think you owe an explanation? This is exactly what the Lord is referring to here; keep your answer simple and to the point and don’t think you always have to explain yourself. Many of us have been brought up with the mindset that we need to be polite and do things just to please others, even things that are contrary to sound doctrine or something the Lord just isn’t asking us to partake of. Now I am not saying to be a jerk, but rather if the Lord asks you not to involve yourself in something, no matter how popular it may be to others, a simple yes or no answer is all that is needed to be pleasing to our Father. And don’t think you need to manufacture an answer just because someone else is putting the pressure on you, if you don’t have an answer at the time or if you are just not sure, then it would be in your best interest to leave it alone and not try to make something up that you will regret later. Sometimes the Lord just may ask you to not get involved even though at the time you are not sure why; but by letting patience have its perfect work, sometime later the answer will manifest as to why the Lord had you withdraw from it. Simply put this is just another way of saying we walk by faith and not sight. Basically what Paul is saying is that if you are always seeking to be a people pleaser, then don’t expect to be used by God. However if you chose His approval above anyone or anything else then you will be a vessel fit, ready for the Masters use. Psalms 5:8-9 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. (9) For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. (KJV) Have you ever seen people and the term ‘slick’ applies as a fitting nickname? Someone that always tells everyone what they want to hear, someone that just uses people for their own advantage? The reason there is no faithfulness coming out of the mouth is because there is nothing in the heart but two faced double talk; always the nice guy telling people what they want to hear and not what is really going on, which aptly describes many of the so called pastors and teachers we have around today. Are you able to give a straightforward answer concerning the kingdom of God or do you skirt the truth leaving out the essentials so as not to offend anyone? When someone asks your response to an issue are you able to respond with what is pleasing to God or are you more concerned with mans opinion of you? If someone asks you to get involved in something that is not peaceable, something you know is not of God, do you feel the need to explain it in a way they will accept, sugar coating it, or do you just give a simple yes or no answer and let them ask God for themselves if they are really concerned? We have way too many people pleasers preaching and teaching things they shouldn’t be for their own advantage sake and not the Lord’s anymore, which will have dire consequences to those that follow these wishy washy doctrines. Ephesians 4:29-30 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (30) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV) Sometimes what is edifying to the hearers is not always something that is pleasing to them, but something they needed to hear. One of the ways many corrupt the true communication that should be coming from the mouth is by flattery, people pleasing, someone that should have been a minister of grace is now a disgrace in the sight of our Lord. It grieves the Holy Spirit to see the true intention of God watered down by those that don’t have the spiritual spine to stand up and tell the people what they need to hear and not just what they want to hear. When you were raising your children and all they were concerned with in their diet was things that had sugar and spice, things that they thought were nice, did you cave in and give them what they wanted or what they needed? As one matures, and this does include maturing in the Lord, you find out that in order to grow strong it will take a much better diet than that to maintain a healthy body. So it is not only a matter of what you are feeding yourself spiritually, but what are you feeding others around you as well? Is it simple truth that will build them up and edify or are you halting between two opinions seeking the favor of man and God at the same time? Psalms 12:1-4 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. (2) They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. (3) The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: (4) Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? (KJV) Ever hear the term two faced? Well we have a lot of two faced people that speak from both sides of their mouth because of a double heart, which makes them double minded and unstable in the things of our Lord. So who is Lord in your life, and whose words are you speaking today? Are they spirit and are they life to the brethren or are they of your own tongue seeking your own desires? Don’t wait till it’s too late to find out, remember flattery will get you nowhere. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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