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1 Corinthians 2:11-12 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) 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. (KJV)
Why do so many keep going to man to find peace when it is not found in the realm of the flesh? God has poured out His spirit upon all flesh and provided mankind with a peaceable witness to truth so that we could rely more on His spiritual inward counsel and less on the outward limited one of mankind and his limited thinking. The things of God are given to us freely, yes freely, without charge, so put away your visa card and grab your Bible and let His Spirit bear witness with your spirit and give you an accurate account of salvation. If you desire to find peace, a true eternal one, then you need to go above and beyond this fallen realm to find it; then grab hold of it and never let go or allow the enemy to talk you out of it. I have heard so many versions and perversions of the Gospel growing up, doctrines that raised more questions and confusion than answers. It was only spending time in the word of God on a daily basis and praying to God through Jesus Christ that I was able to find peace and comfort, letting the truth set me free from fear and doubt. Which spirit is bearing witness with your spirit today; is it the Holy Spirit which is able to give an accurate account of heavenly things, or are you limiting yourself to mankind and his fallen carnal understanding which can never give an accurate account to the truth? Wonder why you don’t have total peace in your life? Simple, because you haven’t heard the total answer that will replace confusion with peace. John 14:23-27 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (24) He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. (25) These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. (26) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) Despite much opposition to what was being spoken by our Lord, He only spoke the words of His Father, words that are spirit and they are life to the hearer. The Comforter is there to bring you comfort, despite what is taking place in the outward realm all around you and those that hold man to be true and consider God the liar. You may attend a fellowship and hear messages on a daily basis, but in the end it is only the Holy Spirit that can truly teach you the things of God and bring to remembrance what God’s true intention of His word is, while anything less will leave you in doubt. The Holy Spirit gives us an eyewitness accurate account to what is taking place in the realm of the Spirit, one that will hold up in God’s court as evidence based on fact. Mankind and his carnal thinking are only able to give an obscured, partial, inaccurate account of what they think took place and how God’s plan of salvation truly operates. If you desire to know all things then you will need to go to the source that knows all things, not just carnal but spiritual as well if you truly desire to have peace in your life and maintain it also. Hebrews 10:14-17 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (15) Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, (16) This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (17) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (KJV) Court is now in session, your faith is on trial, God has sent a witness on your behalf so that you can be freed and walk in the liberty of Christ. While the enemy is accusing and pointing the finger at God’s people, slinging mud to see if it sticks; God has provided the Comforter so that you can stand up and say, I object to this line of questioning which is based on a lie and not on truth. When the enemy approaches you, are you prepared to cross examine and resist in the faith, or are you guilty as charged because you have rejected God’s counsel? When looking for truth, are you more apt to believe someone who was actually there and able to give an accurate eyewitness account; when your life is truly at stake are you going to give credence to someone who thinks they know but can’t actually say for sure? Better yet, the verdict is already in and God’s people have already been proven innocent, now the question is will you stay in His court, or will you jump bail? Hebrews 12:1 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, (KJV) Williams New Testament translation Hebrews 12:1 1. Therefore, as we have so vast a crowd of spectators in the grandstands, let us throw off every impediment and the sin that easily entangles our feet, and run with endurance the race for which we are entered, What’s the first thing lawyers do when preparing for a case? They go out and look for credible eyewitnesses that can give an accurate account of what took place. What’s the first thing you should be doing on a daily basis in order to maintain innocence with God? Seek out His truth in His word by those that were inspired by His Spirit to give us an accurate account of salvation. This book called the Bible is full of those that allowed the Comforter to speak through them and deliver a message of truth that sets us free and keeps us free from sin (which simply put is a result of unbelief). Are you able to parade a group of spiritual witnesses if needed so that you can maintain peace despite what the enemy is accusing you of, or will you be handcuffed and brought back into the bondage of sin again? Only those that know the truth can be set free, and only a truthful witness will provide that liberty, while anything less will have one stuck in a dark cell located in the fallen realm of mankind. I John 5:9-10 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (10) He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (KJV) All of my life growing up I received the witness of man, which was based on what was pleasing to mankind and his carnal nature, a witness that never brought peace. Once I allowed the Lord into my life and chose to serve Him I found the only peace that satisfies, and eliminated all the doubt and fear that I had in the unstable realm of man. Those that reject the witness of God are calling Him a liar, and choose to look for peace in a realm our Lord said it didn’t exist in. The peace of God is rock solid because it is founded on the foundation of God, Jesus Christ being the cornerstone of your salvation. The peace of this world and the cheap imitation of man is based on an unstable foundation, one that changes and fluctuates on a daily basis. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) God bless and go in peace. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Williams New Testament translation for Colossians 3:15
15. Let the peace that Christ can give keep on acting as umpire in your hearts, for you were called to this state as members of one body. And practice being thankful. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (KJV) In baseball an umpire makes the final decision which determines an outcome of a play, something that can be vital concerning the final score. In the realm of Christianity, being Christ like, it’s the peace of God that should be the deciding factor in all your decisions so that you don’t end up making a bad call. The word ‘rule’ has many interesting definitions, all of which mean the same thing; umpire, prevail, determine is another one, all pointing to the same outcome, or what should be the outcome for the believer. Is it truly the peace of God that rules in all your decisions, or are you still seeking peace in a realm our Lord said it didn’t truly exist? John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV) Did you ever stop and realize that there is another peace the enemy would like you to fall for? I will give you a hint; it is located in a fallen realm. All through the Bible the Lord has given promises to God’s people that the devil has tried to imitate, and though it looks so good on the outside its results are empty and useless, vain would be another way of describing it. While God promises things that look impossible to us at times and yet are still peaceful, the enemy will try to entice us with something that is too good to be true because that is exactly what it is. While God will show you the truth of a matter as well as the consequences, the enemy will only show people the highlight reel of what they think they are missing out on and all that is available to those that choose temporal things over eternal ones. Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV) You know, the enemy did try to entice our Lord with a false peace, one that looked so good to the outward but would have been an abomination to the inward man. While our Lord knew the difference between the peace of God and the short term peace of this world, there are many that have and continue to fall for a cheap thrill ride in the flesh, which like a roller coaster climbs slowly but comes down much quicker and crashes. Oh the things of this life can look so good, but remember the eyes of man are never satisfied; so what you went chasing after today will get old and you will be off and running after some other dead end fleshly desire that promises much and delivers nothing but heartache and misery. Knowing the difference, rightly dividing the word of truth so that you can separate soul and spirit, what is of the flesh and what is spiritual in nature, should be the deciding factor in your walk as well. Romans 4:16-20 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (17) (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. (18) Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. (19) And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: (20) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (KJV) This man Abraham was some 99 years old when a promise of a son was given to him. How easily it would have been to doubt and wonder, based on the outward circumstances and not an inward peace. We serve a God who gives life to the dead; situations that seem dead in our realm are alive and well in the realm of God ready to birth and spring forth to those that trust in Him. The just shall live by faith, a faith not in what is seen which is temporal, but rather in that which is unseen to the eyes of man but readily revealed to the eyes of our understanding. So what are you holding to today, and what is the ruling factor in all your decisions, is it based on the outward or inward peace? When I look at verse 20 and see the term staggering, it reminds me of someone that has taken a hit and is ready to go down, someone who got blindsided and sucker punched by the enemy. The peace of God is truly a ruling factor and passes our own understanding; the question is will you allow it to be a ruling factor in your life? 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (KJV) The enemy would like to show you a highlight reel based on sight, the outward one that entices the flesh; the only problem is the reality reel of consequences is kept out of sight and hidden to those that have been blinded. The path of life that leads to salvation is a spiritual one, a path not heavily traveled because many choose to walk the other way, looking for coming attractions rather than seeking one based on reality. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV) When you see the word ‘keep’, it means to guard and protect. We have been given the Holy Spirit to comfort us, to keep us from evil and show us the path of life. This peace is given to us for our protection so that we won’t get hit with a spiritual virus which can infect and pull down a believer. Keeping your spiritual senses exercised, discerning the difference between what is of God and what is being presented as being of God will keep one healthy and fit in the realm of the Spirit, while anything less will have you staggering and ready to fall face first in the realm our Lord provided deliverance from. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation for John 14:26-27 26. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send to represent me, will teach you everything Himself, and cause you to remember everything that I have told you. 27. I now leave you the blessing of peace, I give you the blessing of my own peace. I myself do not give it in the way the world gives it. Stop letting your hearts be troubled or timid. Strong’s definition for ‘peace’: 1515 eirene (i-ray'-nay); probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: KJV-- one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again. Where are you finding peace and comfort today; is it in the promises of man, or are you holding to the promise of God? Mankind promises peace, however the peace that they promise is short lived, based on promises that can be changed or broken; while the peace of God is based on truth, from a God that cannot and will not lie. God’s word and promises are given for our benefit and do not change or fluctuate like the economy of this world; while mankind makes promises based on what is best for their benefit; and so once something or someone is no longer of benefit to them they are discarded. Just like with a job, or a house, or any other temporal thing that you may have had promised, in this realm it can change quickly, while the things of God are eternal because we serve an unchangeable God who is not subject to the laws and limitations of this fallen realm. God gave us a comforter so that we could find just that, comfort in the realm of the Spirit even though things are chaotic in the outward one. Isaiah 26:3-5 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: (5) For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. (KJV) As a man thinks in his heart so is he, and so will be the realm he operates in also. A perfect love will cast out all fear because you are keeping your mind renewed in the promises of God and allowing Him to have the final say in your walk despite what may change in the outward realm. So, while things all around us may be changing on a daily basis, your love and that peace which you have found in the realm of the Spirit does not have to change or fluctuate with the times. How strong and deep are you rooted in the truth; do you change and jump ship if the winds of doctrine start blowing contrary to what is truth? No matter what man says or tries to dictate, God is still in control and able to do above all that we could ever ask or think because that is the realm He operates in; above and beyond the realm of a fallen mankind and their empty self serving promises. Mark 4:37-41 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. (38) And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (39) And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (40) And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (41) And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (KJV) You know, what we see demonstrated in the above example illustrates a perfect example of how we should be training ourselves spiritually. When a wind of doctrine comes your way, or a storm arises in your walk, what is your first response, faith or fear? Well if your first pursuit and interest on a daily basis is seeking first the kingdom of God then you would be more apt to respond in the Spirit rather than react according to the flesh. Our Lord was able to see a calm restored to the situation because He held to the promise of God and allowed His peace to rule, one that passes our own understanding but is still in effect despite the outward circumstances. Practice can make one perfect. So the more you become faithful in the least, the more you will be prepared and ready for bigger things that come along and try to impede your walk in the Spirit. Isaiah 57:19-21 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. (20) But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. (21) There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (KJV) Oh, and expect to find some opposition while walking in this peace because the enemy will blow through and bombard God’s people; sometimes digging up the dirt and mire from your past to try to blow you off course. Just because others don’t have the peace of God doesn’t mean you have to lower your standards and end up back in the pigpen, becoming entangled in the affairs of this life which drowns many in destruction and despair. So which way are you headed today; and what is guiding your ship; is it one that is safe and secure, or are there holes in your doctrine and you are sinking fast? Jeremiah 6:13-15 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. (14) They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. (15) Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. (KJV) The world and its worldly people can only give a partial answer, and provide a temporal or temporary peace that does not last, and neither do those that rely on it. There are a lot of false prophets that promise liberty in the form of religion, but they themselves are nothing less than cheap hucksters looking out more for their own interests than the congregations. Do you know truly what the peace of God is and how to maintain it, or are you riding the waves of popular opinions floating aimlessly on the dead sea? 1Thessalonians 5:2-4 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (KJV) Those that have the eyes of their understanding open and enlightened will know the difference between what man calls peace and the peace of God which is unchangeable. Are your eyes open and your spiritual senses operational so that if there is a storm brewing you will be prepared, or will you be caught out in the middle of the sea struggling in the muck and mire of this fallen world? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 11:15-17 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; (16) And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. (17) And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. (KJV)
What kind of shape is your house in today, you know that house you invited our Lord to come in to and dwell in? Are you in dire need of some housecleaning because your priorities are backwards? A place you invited our Lord into is now overcrowded with thieves because what you claimed was His is now being occupied with someone stealing rather than giving life to your house, a house you told the Lord He could occupy. Once you have given your life to the Lord and He turns your way of thinking upside down and overthrows the influence the enemy had on you it is important that you stay alert and on guard, letting the peace of God guard or keep your heart so that nothing unhealthy enters back into your temple, which is now the temple of our Lord. Instead of letting your house be a communication center, one where the Lord communicates His message to you personally and then you are able to deliver it in the way He intended (which is what prayer means), you have made it a den of thieves, robbing you of the opportunity to hear the message being delivered by Christ. We have many today that have been called by God and let Him into their temples for a season only to allow the devil to set up shop again and rob them of the truth, the truth that sets and keeps them free. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (4) (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (6) And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (KJV) Now when we look at these scriptures we need to see the spiritual meaning of them, knowing that we are not fighting a carnal battle. Similar to watching many of these TV ministries where their focus is clearly set on the root of all evil, that being their love of money and not a love for the Lord or His people. So what we see that has transpired in the outward was a direct result of what has taken place in the inward part of their heart. We see clearly how the Lord set an example of how His temple is to be kept in order and clean, by casting down those things that exalt and try to rise above the knowledge of God, making carnal things seem to be more important than spiritual things. Once your temple has been taken over and occupied by our Lord and put in order it is vital that you are alert, casting down and overthrowing any imagination that is contrary to what our Lord intended, bringing every thought to the obedience of Christ. Just like with people that are overweight, it’s not like they went to bed fit and trim one night, and then woke up the next morning out of shape, but rather little by little ever so slightly things were added on because one was not watching their intake. When one does get their temple in order and wishes to maintain it, then it takes a steady diet as well as exercise to keep your spiritual senses exercised so that you can tell the difference between good and evil, things that are healthy and things that are junk food. 2 Corinthians 10:6 [When your obedience is fulfilled] Doddridge renders this: "now your obedience is fulfilled, and the sounder part of your church restored to due order and submission." The idea seems to be, that Paul was ready to inflict discipline when the church had showed a readiness to obey his laws, and to do its own duty-- delicately intimating that the reason why it was not done was the lack of entire promptness in the church itself, and that it could not be done on any offender as long as the church itself was not prepared to sustain him. The church was to discountenance the enemies of the Redeemer; to show an entire readiness to sustain the apostle, and to unite with him in the effort to maintain the discipline of Christ's house. (from Barnes' Notes) The Lord is in a readiness to show you the way of escape from this present evil world, when you are willing to do it His way. How long will you halt between two opinions, or in others words how long will you be double minded; instead of letting go of the tables and all the junk you are trying to peddle as being the Lord’s you still hang onto your own thoughts and ideas of how His church should be run. The Lord is ready to move you forward in your walk so that you can grow up and mature in the things of Christ once you are willing to let go of your childish carnal ways, things that man says is highly esteemed yet in reality is an abomination in our Lord’s sight. So who is truly in charge of your house today; is it our Lord, or have you invited a thief back in with seven other colleagues of his that are more wicked and nasty, making you worse off than you were in the beginning? Are you willing to allow the Lord to bring the correction to your life so that you can continue in the faith, or are you still holding back and letting the thief set up shop again, robbing you of the spiritual blessings the Lord has for His people? Hebrews 12:7-11 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? (8) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (9) Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? (10) For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. (11) Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (KJV) You know, the Lord doesn’t chasten us or bring the correction because He hates us; rather it is so that we can make the proper adjustment in our walk, and that we can continue partaking of the peaceable fruit of the Spirit. So if the Lord is doing some house cleaning in your life, instead of looking at what you are being asked to let go of or discard, look forward to what it is being replaced with, a deeper love and commitment with Him. So today, if the Lord is overturning and changing something in your walk it is so that you don’t end up shortchanged in the things of the Spirit which allows you to receive your full reward, of which God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for ‘careful’: 3309 merimnao- 1) to be anxious, to be troubled with cares 2) to care for, to look out for (a thing) a) to seek to promote one's interests b) caring or providing for Why should we not be careful? Which by the way, many people tell others to take care thus endorsing the behavior of doing just that. Yes we should take care, take it to the throne of God and leave it there; then let His peace rule in your situation and not what the outward is trying to dictate or distort. This peace of God goes beyond our own understanding, similar to when our Lord was actually sleeping in the bow of a boat while a storm was brewing all around Him. Rather than panic and abandon ship as many do, He calmly spoke the word of God and the winds stilled, and on He went to His destination. Wouldn’t that be a neat way to live? Well practice makes perfect, so learning to be faithful in small things will allow you to grow and be faithful in bigger areas of your walk. 1 Peter 5:5-7 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (6) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (KJV) You know we hear about humility, being humble before our Lord, which as we see in the above verses is a good thing and one our Lord blesses. What is true humility? Well simply put it is casting all your care upon the Lord and then actually leaving it with Him, trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning back to your own understanding. After all isn’t that the reason you sought the Lord in the first place, because you were looking for something better in your life, something complete that would supply all your need? What you found out was that the need was spiritual, something totally opposite to what you have been taught all your life, a life in the past that could only seek temporal things that only provided part of your answer but could never bring peace. God resists the proud because they are resisting Him thinking they know better. Anytime we cast something before our Lord only to take it back and try to fix things on our own we enter the realm of the proud, the haughty; you know, that pride that comes just before the fall? Sometimes the enemy gets people weighed down with cares and concerns, and then instead of being still and waiting upon the Lord they end up taking things to extremes thinking they can work themselves out of a situation, chasing a blessing or what they think is one and not letting the blessing overtake them. The reason many people miss out on a blessing and an answer to their prayers is because instead of being still they are off and running, like in football running out of bounds and not moving forward. Luke 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. (39) And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. (40) But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. (41) And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: (42) But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (KJV) Which category are you under today? Are you one cumbered, which means to be distracted or overly occupied with, or are you one that seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and then all that is needed is provided? Did you make it a priority to hear the word of God and make Him welcome into your house, which you just happen to be the temple our Lord dwells in, or were you trying to impress Him with your works? Mary chose that one thing that would not be taken from her, that being the peace of God; while we see Martha running herself ragged and not at peace. Are you chasing blessings thinking you will impress God with your works, or have you found that just weight and balance of hearing the Lord first and foremost for yourself then following the path He has set for you? Some people are just lazy and sit around waiting for others to do things for them, while others are high strung and ready to snap because the enemy has them running in circles. I have seen people involved in so called church organizations who are so caught up with projects they think will be beneficial to the congregation, when in reality the simple truth is for them to hear the word of the Lord and then present the truth that will set them free from any bondage the enemy is trying to keep them in. When one humbles themselves before the Lord then they are exalted and lifted up to His standards and able to get the results He intended, instead of running to and fro being blown around with every wind of doctrine. Some people get themselves in financial trouble and then think they can work their way out of it, sometimes racking up many hours of overtime that takes away from their time with the Lord. It is of utmost importance to find the just weight and balance the Lord is asking so that you are not too cumbered with the things of this life and missing out on the things of the eternal realm. Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (KJV) You have access to the throne of God today so that you can boldly enter into His realm and sit with our Lord at His feet, hearing the message He has for you this day. It is our Lord’s good pleasure to give us of His kingdom, a plan of salvation that is based on grace and not on our works so that none are able to boast. Have you truly cast your burden upon the Lord so that you can stay seated with Him in heavenly places, or have you taken it back and are running around this fallen realm thinking you can handle it? Give it to the Lord and leave it there so that you don’t have to be careful; how about peaceful instead? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
Have you ever had a favorite sports team you cheered for? How about these big cities that have their franchises, teams that have been around for a long time and have a big following, ever notice how fickle the fans are if the team starts losing? Oh boy, once they get on a roll and make it to the finals then the fans come out of the woodwork and jump back on the popular bandwagon again, acting like they never left. Well if you notice in the above verse, team Christ is made the Head, in other words they are always in first place and they never have to take a back seat to anyone or any circumstance either. Do you always keep this in mind, or are you acting like someone just kicked your tail end? The Lord made you the head, He didn’t put you in last place nor are you last on His priority list either. But He chose to die on your behalf even when you were a sinner playing for the other team. Now that you are part of His team, how much better is your life, knowing you are in first place and have the opportunity to remain there as long as you are willing and obedient to His word? The Bible says if God be for us then who can be against us. Would you like to take on God and see how you fare? Well, many have throughout the Bible, and have failed miserably I might add. In fact weren’t you quite miserable yourself before you knew the Lord, and were enemies and alienated from the life of God by your carnal thinking? With this in mind, hopefully a renewed one, why do so many of God’s people walk around acting like the tail and not the Head, acting like they are in last place instead of first? Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (KJV) Hey speaking of head, how many hairs did you count on yours today? How about that sparrow that keeled over in your back yard, were you aware of that? Our Father in heaven was aware of it, just as He is aware of you and your need as well. So what was that hair count this morning, or did you lose count? Yet with this in mind we still doubt God or act like He doesn’t hear us or love us anymore, sounds rather birdbrain don’t it? A God that feeds sparrows and keeps an accurate head count of them is certainly not going to forget you is He? No, if fact your value is much more than a birds, just like one of your children would have more attention put on them than the birds in the backyard. So why all this fretting and fussing when you can’t even count the hairs on your own head, yet you have the audacity to doubt our Father in heaven? If you don’t like the results in your life then maybe you best be checking the direction you’re heading in and make sure it is the path our Lord intended for you to be on and not some dead end you chose to follow. Luke 12:24-26 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (25) And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? (26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? (KJV) You ever wonder how the leaven got into the bread of life; subtly snuck in there when you weren’t looking or paying attention to details? Again we see an example of the birds, this time ravens which the word says God feeds them; did you ever stop and think about that? Are you not of much more value than these fowls? Yet that is how you act at times or think God sees you. Which of you being a parent would feed the birds and starve your children? That would be criminal and insane, yet that is how easy it is to drift off the path of life if one doesn’t keep a watch on the heart and monitor the mind bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. Consider the ravens; when is the last time you saw one drop over from heart failure because the stock market took a dive, or the price of fuel just rose another ten cents a gallon? Are we not better than these fowls, which is what is being asked in the above verses? In other words, when you cast all your care upon the Lord then do you leave it with Him letting Him do the caring for you? Or do you cast your cares upon the Lord and then like a fisherman reel them back in and reevaluate them thinking you can handle it yourself? Sound to simple, yeah that is the part we miss though, that simplicity. You know, instead of watching some hot shot preacher on TV tell you how to live, and how much better you could live if you show them the money, turn off the tube and look in the backyard and consider what is around you, right in front of you, and how simple the Lord would like us to live if we would only let Him be the Head of our life. Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV) ‘Come unto me’, get steered in the right direction, go to the Head if you wish to be the head and remain in first place. How did things get so complicated, how did you get weighed down with so much burden and heaviness? Well it started ever so simple, so subtle; just snuck right by you while you were looking elsewhere to find rest. Do you remember where they put the yokes? Yup right around the neck which is attached to the head. All this excess weight and baggage you have been lugging around was it something our Lord asked you to carry, or is it something the enemy packed on while you weren’t looking? The Lord’s burden is easy; in fact it is light, otherwise He wouldn’t have said it. But that only applies when you let Him have it and not try to carry the load yourself. Ever hear of the two-headed monster? Well, that’s what happens to people when they become yoked with something of this world, double minded and unstable, unable to do what the Lord is asking because they are too weighed down with the cares of this life. The yokes on you; now it would do you good to make sure you put it on the Head, and not the tail end or you will end up with a big mess. Hebrews 12:1-2 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. (KJV) Remember what comes out of a cloud? Did you know you are surrounded with a cloudburst, ready to rain down on you in the form of living waters? Let’s get rid of all this excess baggage which is a result of sin; sin being unbelief. Let’s start looking above to a man that is seated at the right hand of God, the man being Jesus Christ who not only authored but finished our faith, providing all that was needed so that we could run this same course, the course that is heading home. A spiritual race requires a spiritual leader, so why not follow one that ran this race and is in first place so that you will be also, and all those that follow His lead. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV)
Remember what you brought with you when you arrived into this world? If you are not sure you can try to ask someone that was there when you were born, or you could spend some time around the maternity ward to see what is brought into this realm by newborns. According to the word of God there will be no carry-on luggage, which includes your departure from this world also. So with this in mind, what is it you were fussing and fretting about today; was it really something that involved your spiritual life, or are you still consumed and being eaten alive with the cares of this life? Sound silly, to simple, well believe it or not that is the part most people miss and stumble over, the simplicity of the gospel. According to God’s itinerary, the same things you arrived into this world with are also what you will depart with in the end. The question is will you be bringing something spiritual with you on your way out? In other words we came into this world with nothing, but we have the opportunity to leave with everything, the catch is that it has nothing to do with this world. I use the phrase catch, because I still see so many who claim they are one of the Lord’s who say they are totally committed to Him only to see them still caught up and snared with the things of this world, which are drowning them in destruction and despair. Have you learned to truly be content, or will you be content some day when you get everything you think you need or desire? After all you may not think having food and raiment is such a big deal, and are more interested in other things. So let me point this fact out, just try going a day, a few days, or even a week without food and raiment, and then let’s see if it is not such a big deal. Suddenly everything you have taken for granted and overlooked is now more appreciated, with a few thank-you’s added in for good measure. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (KJV) Talk about going off the deep end, how would you feel if you had just pulled a drowning person out of the water only to see them jump back in again? God’s plan of salvation is to deliver His people from this present evil world, which we see in the verses above is described as being the love of money, only to see them turn around and jump right back into the cesspool of this fallen world again. Now stop and think how you would feel if that person you saw jumping back into water and drowning again was one of your own children? How quickly mankind jumps ship; the only problem is the ship they jump into has some major holes in its doctrines and is ready to go under. Will you stay afloat and rise above the cares and concerns of this world, or will you end up going deep sea diving for fool’s gold and miss your lifeboat when it comes by? Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (KJV) God’s plan of salvation is a way of escape, an escape from this present evil world into a realm of the righteousness of God. How is one ever going to find this path of life, let alone ever stay on it, unless they make it a priority in their walk? A spiritual path requires a spiritual light, and without the true light shining in their heart it will be replaced with a false one. Matthew 6:19-24 The lamp of the body, that which receives and dispenses the light, is the eye. If the eye, used here figuratively for one's spiritual understanding, be single (opposite of "twofold"), not afflicted with double vision in this matter of treasures —an affliction which is evil —then the individual can regard riches in their proper perspective. The impossibility of serving two masters in a slave relationship is a graphic illustration. Mammon. Though its derivation is uncertain, it appears to be an Aramaic word for wealth, here personified. Note that Jesus condemns not wealth but enslavement to wealth. (from Wycliffe Commentary) Many are called, but few are truly chosen by our Lord because many a well-intentioned Christians have replaced their love for the Lord with another love. So like with a cheating spouse in a marriage relationship, or drinking and driving, eventually there is going to be a heck of a wreck. Some of these piercings and sorrows you are experiencing have been a result of your shield of faith, or lack of it, which is allowing the enemy to have a clear shot at the heart with his fiery darts, starting a fire in a place that has dried out because of a lack of living waters. Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) The point of this week’s studies is a reminder of the simplicity of the gospel and how important it is to learn to be content. Yes we are in this world, and there are needs that have to be dealt with, both spiritual and physical, the point is getting and keeping your priority right so the things of this life don’t become too big of a distraction. God promises His people He will supply all their need, and as a parent you would never forget your children, so what makes you think God does His? The Bible is specific in how we are to access God and get the provisions needed, which first and foremost it needs to be spiritual, thus why many miss the mark, getting it backwards, or the cart before the horse. Your message for today is to keep in mind that your arrival and departure are similar in the fact that you came here with nothing and will depart with the same luggage as well. So with this in mind why are you so concerned with things you can’t take with you, instead of with something that you can, that being eternal salvation? John 19:23-24 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. (24) They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. (KJV) This man that is described for us in the above verses is now seated at the right hand of God; and as we see He didn’t leave much behind when He left, at least not in the physical realm. Jesus Christ didn’t entangle Himself with the affairs of this life, which allowed Him to partake of the new life, the one that lasts for eternity. Now it’s your turn, what do you truly treasure, and where is it leading you today? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 16:11 A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work. (KJV)
The just or justified shall live by faith; so in order to find the proper balance or rightly divide the word of truth one needs to hear the Lord for themselves on how to remain justified on a daily basis in order to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. What the world says is righteous is often determined by the outward and not the inward, and what our Lord considers righteous is determined by the inward and not the outward, the secret hidden man within where our Lord chooses to operate. When a person is able to see clearly through the eyes of the Lord it is at that point that they are able to see the one path that He is asking them to walk this day, right now, the one and only path that leads to salvation. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (KJV) Moth and rust usually gathers and builds up on things that are no longer in use, but have been discarded. The reason these things end up discarded is because you are now off and running, chasing after something else you think will make you whole. That thief that has broken into your house and is in the process of stealing, that thief is spiritual in nature, a fallen one actually, one who has influenced you to chase after temporal things, and not seek the eternal things of God. So a new life you told the Lord would be your only treasure is now replaced with some cheap imitation of the enemy, fool’s gold comes to mind, something that looks good and glitters on the outside but is worthless on the inside. Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (24) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV) What happens when a person gets double vision? Things start to get blurry, unrecognizable and distorted. That path of life you were once following is gone, out of sight, replaced with some wide super highway leading to destruction. What you thought would be the so called light at the end of the tunnel is actually leading you into a darker realm, like the blind leading the blind and everyone ends up in a ditch. So whose eyes are you seeing with today, and what is enlightening your path? Is it truly the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, or is something else getting more of your attention? Proverbs 27:19-20 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. (20) Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (KJV) Why does man keep looking to man to find the answer to salvation when our Lord tells us specifically that all the true treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ? No matter how many times you look into the water the only reflection you will see is what is in front of it. No matter how many times you go to mankind and their ways all you will ever get is a carnal answer to a spiritual question. No matter how many times you look at situations in your life and try to analyze it according to your carnal thinking it will never satisfy and provide a peaceable solution. We have talked this week about the word content, which godliness with this contentment is great gain. So if you are still more apt to be treasuring the things of this life and looking to find fulfillment in this realm you will never be satisfied. However, if one chooses and makes it more of a priority to seek the things of God then they will find the one true joy and peace, spiritual satisfaction they were looking for. Years ago a famous rock band sang a song called “I can’t get no satisfaction”, which became a big hit for them, and still is. These were people that had all the fame, fortune, and anything else this fallen world has to offer, and yet with all that they still didn’t find satisfaction. And how could they when our Lord said it isn’t in this realm. Sad to say we have many standing in pulpits preaching a prosperity message that is based on the same premise, getting people all caught up in a fallen realm instead of the one our Lord intended for His people to operate in. James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (KJV) No man can serve two masters; oh and don’t forget what happens to a house divided, yeah it takes a tumble as well. When I think of someone double minded, someone wavering back and forth it reminds me of someone in a drunken stupor. How quick are you going to be handing over responsibility or something of importance to someone who is falling down drunk and staggering around in confusion? Well our Lord doesn’t consider that a very good place to be in either. Someone that should be walking by faith is getting a beat down by winds of doctrines of mankind, choosing temporal over eternal riches. I know for myself I am not one that enjoys a ride on a ship, especially when there is a storm blowing, because it can toss one back and forth, let alone make them nauseous. 1 Timothy 6:8-11 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (KJV) If your vision is distorted and is what is described as evil then the root of all that stems from the love of money. Your love for the Lord, which is what you pledged to Him in the beginning of your walk, is now growing colder and being replaced with something else, something that will never satisfy or bring peace. You are no longer content with food and raiment, the bread of life and the armor of God, but rather looking elsewhere in a fallen dead realm to find life. In closing today keep in mind, that which is highly esteemed or a priority with man, is an abomination in the sight of God. Our Father’s vision is single, and so are His children’s, those who would rather follow a path that leads to life, and not some dead end cheap imitation that many are following to destruction. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 4:10-13 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. (11) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)
Independent of external circumstances is what the word content means, someone who doesn’t let outward things dictate the inward, but rather the inward dictates the outward response and result. Are you a person that has learned to be content, allowing the peace of God to rule in your life, or are you constantly looking for something in the outward fallen realm to satisfy, or you think can satisfy a spiritual need? Paul learned to be content, it wasn’t something that just happened over night but it became a way of life for him, an example each and every believer can learn from. Paul knew that His strength was in Christ; the inner man working in him is the same one working in you also so that you can learn to be content with who you are in Christ, looking more to the inward and less to the outward. So how do you judge your life? Is it by a job, possessions, houses, cars, or do you judge things by your inward, growing stronger in the Lord on a daily basis learning to hear the Word of God and trust more in Him? Greater is the life of God within me than anything or anyone that is still in this fallen world. So don’t be taken in by the cheap imitations of the enemy, but rather seek first the kingdom of God and what He is asking of you this day, then all that is needed will be provided as He promised. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (KJV) What man considers important and what God says is wholesome is as different as night and day, because while many still chase after the things of this life thinking it will bring them peace, the doctrine of Christ clearly enlightens us to the things of the inward man, the things that are eternal and not temporal. Without a wholesome diet many become sick and weakly, frail and ready to perish because of a lack of proper nourishment in the Word of God. Temporal things can only provide a temporary answer while those that seek Spiritual things and make it their priority will find their eternal answer and strength that will allow them to endure to the end. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV) What do you think of when you think about making great gain or as some refer, making great strides in their walk? A leap of faith is another phrase that comes to mind. Some would think starting a church would impress God, or spending days and weeks studying the Bible would cause one to make great gain in their walk. How about something so simple as learning to be content, content with the fact that today I have salvation, today right now my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life and knowing that nothing else really matters. Have you forgot how you entered this world wearing nothing more than a smile, and how you are going to depart this world with nothing more than you came in with? Yet with all this in mind, is all the fussing and fighting over worldly things really worth the time and effort when all the Lord is asking of us is to fight the good fight of faith? I personally have never seen or heard of a child born with a U-haul trailer, which holds true for the hearse as well when we leave. With that in mind have you learned to be content? Have you taken the time to thank God for the food and raiment He has provided for you today, or are you like the children of Israel already out and about gathering manna for tomorrow? I will give you a hint; if you wish to be content then the first food and raiment you will be seeking on a daily basis will involve more of the spiritual and less of the physical. When one trains themselves in the things of the Lord they are able to learn to be content with who they are in Christ and where He has placed them in the body of believers. Williams New Testament translation for James 4:13-15 13. Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to such and such a city and stay a year, go into business and make money," 14. although you do not have the slightest knowledge of tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? It is really nothing but a mist which appears for a little while and then disappears. 15. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord is willing, we shall live and do this or that." Have you forgotten how long we are going to be here in this realm, on this planet as compared to eternity? How about the fact that we are just passing through this world and should not get so entangled in the affairs of this life? Next time you spray something into the air, think of your life and how short it really is, and how if it ended right now it would seem like just a moment. Now for a moment stop and ask yourself honestly, have I really learned to be content, or do I still overlook some of the simple things in the Word of God that would make my walk so much simpler? Williams New Testament translation Hebrews 13:5-6 5. You must have a turn of mind that is free from avarice; you must be content with what you have, for God Himself has said, "I will never fail you, I will never forsake you." 6. So we can confidently say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can men do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV) You know why you no longer fear what man does? Because you are not looking to the outward to find peace and contentment with God, but rather looking inwardly, and letting that peace rule. Who really has the final say in your decisions, God or man? So rather than letting outward situations and circumstances dictate your walk turn your attention to the inward so that you won’t be left out of God’s realm and plan of salvation that He has for you. 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. |
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