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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. Ephesians 6:5-8 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eye service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (KJV)
To sum up this week we have been looking within to what our true motive of the heart is and if we have pared it down to pleasing our Lord only. If you truly desire the Lord’s reward then it has to be done unto Him in all aspects of your walk, not just on Sundays. Luke 6:33-35 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (KJV) You know when you do something for your own advantage then you take the Lord out of the equation and settle for man’s reward instead. When you lend or give to others unto the Lord only then you are now eligible for the greatest reward available. So what it comes down to is your motive, and is it the right one? Proverbs 19:16-17 He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall die. 17 He that hath pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. (KJV) When you do things for God’s people you are no longer looking at them from the outward, but you are looking within and seeing Christ in them. You are willing to give whatever is needed, not looking for a payback from man, but letting the Lord be your reward instead. Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor and the borrower is servant to the lender. (KJV) I bring this point up because I have seen many relationships shattered and obliterated because of carnal things. Lend hoping for nothing in return; in other words, if someone asks for help in the financial area, instead of putting stipulations on it consider it gone and given unto the Lord. If the borrower pledges to pay it back then that is between them and God. The lender actually becomes a servant as well if the pledge isn’t paid back in a timely manner, which can allow many fiery darts to penetrate your spiritual armor. James 2:14-17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (KJV) What you will find that works as far as salvation is concerned is having the proper motive of your heart and the proper reason for doing things. If it is to be pleasing to our Father in heaven then you will be giving to His people what is needed and not looking for anything in return, at least not from mankind. If you are doing it for the wrong motive, then you can chalk it up to dead works. Last time I looked we serve a God of the living and not the dead. Matthew 25:44-46 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (KJV) Spiritually there are a lot of hungry people searching for truth who are not clothed with a robe of righteousness. As we see illustrated above those that don’t have the right motive will not have the right response to our Lord’s people who are considered one and the same with Him. Its bad enough they crucified Him once, its worse when we do it all over again crucifying His doctrine which we see He takes quite personally. Try your hearts dearly loved whether your motives are upright or not; seek to please God and let Him be true. And finally dear brethren, be not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Colossians 3:23-25 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. (KJV)
Someday you will stand before our Lord seeking entrance into His kingdom and looking for your eternal reward. Those that make it in will be the ones that made salvation a way of life and not just some weekly ritual. You will find that our Lord would like to reward you today; however, there are terms and conditions for receiving it. Matthew 6:1-3 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: (KJV) The true Christians that we have left today are not really well known or popular; well, at least not with mankind. Those that have a big following are more of a people pleasing bunch who won’t do anything without an audience. As you can clearly see their reward is limited and their doctrines are limiting God from working on their behalf. Matthew 6:4-6 That your alms may be in secret: and thy Father which sees in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 5 And when you pray, thou shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 6 But thou, when you pray, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which sees in secret shall reward thee openly. (KJV) When the motive of your heart is right you are far less concerned with what man thinks and only concerned with pleasing our Lord. I get tired of those that think their prayers are much more effective when they have an audience, or those that have to let everyone know how much they pray. I would rather have our Lord’s reward any day, knowing who I am in Christ and my place in His body of believers. 2 Corinthians 6:9-10 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (KJV) Those that seek their reward from God know who they are in Christ despite the outward appearance. Those that are known of God are not well known with man because they are neither seeking mans’ approval or attention. Which one are you pleasing today, the outward fallen man, or God? Galatians 4:8-11 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 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? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain. (KJV) Many claim they know God based on their works, however, I would rather be known of Him based on what I allow Him to work in me today. You know you might want to take a second look at some of those holidays that man observes and claims are of God. Do you do these things because God says to observe them, or would it fall into the category of pleasing people? Something to ponder dearly loved. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 8:11-12 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. (KJV)
Do you see how important your actions and example are, not only within the friendly confines of your church organizations, but what you do outside of them which speaks volumes also? Do you see how personally our Lord takes things, not only in the positive, but the negative also? So today it’s time to be quick to hear and slower to speak. James 2:1-3 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (KJV) Again we see our Lord letting us know how different His ways and thoughts are toward His people. Many judge by the outward instead of ministering to the inward man, and in reality they end up wounding our Lord again. James 2:5-7 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by which ye are called? (KJV) While watching one of the many, and what seems like endless telethons which man’s religions keep dreaming up, they actually offer more perks to those that give the most. They give the most recognition to those that offer the most, but it’s the other way around with the Lord. Not a good place to be in come the day when our Lord will separate His sheep from the goats. Proverbs 13:6-7 Righteousness keeps him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 7 There is that makes himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that makes himself poor, yet hath great riches. (KJV) What is it that you really hunger and thirst for today? Is it the riches of this world and man’s recognition, or are you seeking to please God? The world today and its worldly preachers are pointing the people to the outward realm thinking more is better, while those few that are chosen of God are looking to all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that is only found in Christ. Exodus 23:8-9 And thou shall take no gift: for the gift blinded the wise, and perverted the words of the righteous. 9 Also thou shall not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. (KJV) When you get caught up again in the outward fallen realm it can have a blinding effect on those that play favorites. That word gift is also referred to as a bribe, and many doctrines have been changed and altered by mankind to keep the gifts flowing in their direction. Ezekiel 22:12-13 In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbors by extortion, and hast forgotten me, says the Lord GOD. 13 Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee. (KJV) You know when these false prophets preach about seed faith and the hundredfold return that is when you need to be heading for the exits and not for the ATM machine. Because when they do these things they are in essence wounding Christ personally and that’s not something you want to be lending your support to. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:15-17 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. (KJV)
As a member of the body of Christ your vision of people should change from the outward appearance to the inward one. How you used to view people, especially the believers in Christ, is going to become new and different from how you viewed them in the past. If you desire to worship our Lord in Spirit and truth then you will have to be open to a new way of seeing within. Matthew 25:31-33 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. (KJV) Our Lord is going to return and judge people according to His standards and not mans’. In order for you to be on the right side instead of left out you will need to look beyond the realm of the flesh. Matthew 25:34-36 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was a hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (KJV) Did you notice that when the Lord referred to one of His people that we encountered how personally He takes it, referring to them as I, one in the same? When you do things for members of the body do you see it as being done personally unto the Lord, or do you treat people less because of their outward appearance? Matthew 25:37-40 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (KJV) Do you provide the same effort to those that are looked down on by man, yet our Lord considers one of His? Do you notice how our Lord takes it personally, and when you minister to these people you are actually doing it unto Him? 1 Corinthians 12:22-24 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: (KJV) Feeble refers to weak, a member that could use some encouragement and uplifting. It seems those that could use the help and are considered necessary members of the body of Christ are actually those that are overlooked and neglected. That kind of thinking is considered old and should be passing away if you are going to walk in the new today. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Samuel 16:6-8 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, surely the LORD's anointed is before him. 7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, neither hath the LORD chosen this. (KJV)
Today our Lord is looking to see who is willing to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Our Lord is not concerned with the outward appearance, but is looking within. Now if the Lord looks at the inward thoughts and intents of the heart then shouldn’t we as His people follow suit? How do you judge organizations you attend? Do you judge based on how nice people are, or how well they dress? Or are you looking to hear sound doctrine by those who are not concerned with pleasing man? 1 Samuel 16:10-12 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and, behold, he keeps the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. (KJV) So why wasn’t David brought in with the rest of the brothers? Haven’t you been influenced by those you thought God had chosen first to serve Him, only to find out later that they just are not doing it from the heart? You will find out that the last person you may have thought was of God was in reality His first choice; you know like Paul the Apostle? While those that claim they are God’s first choice are actually the last ones He would choose. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 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 naught things that are: (KJV) So you have done some foolish things in your past, or maybe you realize how foolish it is at times when we the creation still try to tell the Creator how He should run His kingdom. Well, when you realize how foolish your thoughts and ways are you then give God someone to work with because you are willing to step out of the way and let Him take over. Most of what we see out there concerning salvation is based on what others think and not what our Lord is saying about how salvation truly works. 1 Corinthians 1:29-31 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 glories, let him glory in the Lord. (KJV) Yawn, yawn, boring, boring, boring listening to all these people who claim they are doing things for our Lord. Many fall into the category of works rather than faith. God is looking for those that are willing to let Him work on their behalf and not the other way around. Are you willing dearly loved? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 15:11-13 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. (KJV)
The joy of the Lord is our strength, and like a gas tank you want to keep this joy on full. If you desire to go to the head of the class then your motivation should be love, a willingness to lay down your life for others. Putting others and their needs ahead of your own is what will get you to step into a greater understanding of how salvation really works. Philippians 2:2-5 Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (KJV) You will know when you are truly serving the Lord because you will consistently have this joy working in you, and the peace of God will rule in all your decisions. You will have motives based on love not only for the Lord, but for His people even when no one else sees it or acknowledges it; well at least not here on earth. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV) We began in Matthew 6, where many were doing things to be seen by man, and because of the motive of the heart, that would be the only reward they would have. Many are all in and on board when it comes to being blessed by God, but how many or should I say how few show the same diligence when it comes time to be a blessing to others, no matter what He asks of you? Galatians 5:13-15 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. (KJV) I have been in places that are like a henhouse when an open wound surfaces, all the others pick it to death. The only thing I loved about that situation was getting out of there fast. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 Bears all things, believeth all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. (KJV) Chapter 13 gives an accurate account and overview of what true love is and what we need as our only motivation for serving the Lord. If your motives are off then you will not move forward in your walk in the Spirit. Dearly loved, let the love of God flow through you today and have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 4:6-8 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loves not knoweth not God; for God is love. (KJV)
What really motivates you today? If it is anything other than a true love for the Lord then you will not make any progress in your walk. Many miss out on the true meaning of salvation and that is why they cannot hear the Lord or His people who are presenting His truth in love. Ephesians 4:11-15 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (KJV) Many that are running corporations and companies are those that started from the ground floor before they were put into a position of leadership; and the Lord will not call you to any of the positions listed in verse 11 until you mature spiritually which is what perfecting is referring to in verse 12. You will need to have the right motive based on love so that you are not reacting like a child, throwing a tantrum every time you run into opposition, rather you can encourage others by speaking the truth in love. 1 John 4:16-19 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. (KJV) Many times I have heard people say they have found God. However, truth be known, God found you because you were the one who was lost, not Him. You will find a perfect, mature love when entering His kingdom, one that gets rid of fear and torment. A true love for the Lord will go a long way towards casting down and getting rid of all those old imaginations that you used to fall for. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there are tongues, they shall cease; whether there is knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (KJV) Charity means love, a motive that never fails. We have all heard many versions of things based on mans’ thinking, and not on facts. Once you have a perfect understanding of the love of God then all those old doubts and fears just fade away. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:11-13 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catches them, and scattered the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. (KJV)
The Bible says that the greatest love we can have is to lay down our own lives for the benefit of others, where your own desires take a back seat to the needs of others. Those who desire to work in the ministry must be motivated by a love for God and His people; otherwise they will not be used by the Lord. The hirelings or those that are simply doing ministry work as a living or occupation don’t last long with the Lord, and the reality is that when the wages run out, they are not far behind. If you’re motivated to ministry work for a carnal living only, then that is as far as your reward will go. Mark 10:42-45 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (KJV) There are many people today who call themselves ministers; however, few are called ministers by the Lord. There is quite a difference when you see who our Lord is using, and those we see claiming to be ministering on His behalf. Many have this order reversed and spend more time lifting up their name and ministries and not the Lord’s. Luke 16:19-21 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (KJV) I use this example because it is fitting. Many who claim to be ministers of the Lord are living high off the backs of others. They don’t know and understand the true love of God, their motives are backward and all they end up feeding their flocks is crummy doctrine. Matthew 7:19-23 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) Verse 22 says that many have fallen into this category because obviously their motives were not right for serving the Lord. Go back to Luke 16 and read the rest of the chapter and you will see that the rich guy in his purple robe ended up getting fired so to speak, and some of these hot shot preachers today in their three piece suits will find their phony doctrines highly flammable as well. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou
doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (KJV) Many people get tired of politicians because it seems like they can’t do anything without an audience and ulterior motives. I have seen this carry over into the realm of what man calls a ministry, when they hand pick certain individuals and then have them say things for their benefit. I say they should interview some of the naysayers because if you are not getting some flack once in a while you might `wonder what you are doing wrong. Take note of the fact that when you do anything for any other reason outside of pleasing the Lord your reward is limited to man, and his approval. On the Day of Judgment this is not an outcome you will love. Ephesians 6:5-8 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eye service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (KJV) Singleness simply means not self seeking. It eliminates the carnal man from the equation so that the inward man can take over. When you do a task, or the Lord asks something of you that involves others, are you doing it to please them or the Lord? Are you doing the same quality and providing something that you would be pleased with, or when it comes to others do you just give them second hand things and efforts? If you desire the Lord’s reward then you will need to do it unto Him to the point it is pleasing in His sight. Colossians 3:22-25 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. (KJV) There is a big difference between doing things from the heart and just going through the motions. Given the fact that the heart is the first place the Lord looks, then that would be the place you want to make sure is right with the Lord. Our Lord expects the best from His people, so that in return, He can reward them with His best. So if you think you have been shortchanged lately you may need to check your motives to make sure they are right. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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