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Deuteronomy 28:1-2 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: (2) And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. (KJV)
When one thinks of salvation, an eternity with God, no more pain, sorrow, or tears, it is comforting to know that someday when we leave this realm there is a much better life waiting for us in the next one. Some think that salvation is a one and done process, all one needs to do is walk up to some alter, recite some prayer, and then they are saved, set for this eternal place in heaven that so many speak of. There are those that would even go so far as to say ‘once saved always saved’, eternal securities is another term used as well. Before you jump on that ear tickling feel good bandwagon, it would do you well to look at what the word of God says, and what the conditions of this salvation truly are if you plan on being an inheritor of the kingdom of God. A simple word like ‘if’ which means on the condition of, can add a whole new eternal meaning to the true plan of salvation. So if you read Deuteronomy 28, the first 14 verses sound great, describing all the blessings that will come upon not only the hearers, but the doers as well. But it doesn’t end there. Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: (KJV) Remember Church, God’s people, this Bible is written to us, the blessings are real and available, as well as the curses. If you read the rest of Deuteronomy 28, you see that life from this point on is rather unpleasant and is a death sentence to those that continue on this path, no matter who they are, or even the fact that at some time in their life they made a commitment to God. You are a child of God, adopted into the family of Christ; salvation is not a ticket to sin, or a free pass to live like the devil. As sure as there are blessings, be aware the curses are still in play and no one is immune to them; just a matter of which path you choose to walk. John 15:6-7 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (KJV) Call this an endurance race; once you have entered you need to follow the instructor and His instructions if you wish to inherit eternal life. You need to observe all the terms and conditions of Father’s last will and testament given in His word, the fine print if you would, so that you realize that having made this commitment now it’s time to follow through. Looking at verse 6, the branch is withering, drying out. At some point it was actually a part of the vine, but was cut off from the source of life. Note to Church, if you are not sure what is cast into the fire, Revelation 20:15 explains it. Think of a job, if you went to the interview, and you like the job and the benefits, and was hired and told to start on Monday, and you didn’t show up till Friday, what makes you think you’re going to get a paycheck? So why would people think we can do that to God? Simply put, if you don’t make salvation a way of life, a total commitment to the things of God, expect to reap what you sow; and don’t think that you are above the law of faith, God does not play favorites no matter who you are or who you think you are. Romans 11:21-23 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. (22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (23) And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. (KJV) It would be my pleasure to just write of the blessings and joy of the Lord, but I would not be able to speak on behalf of our Lord if I did not remind the Church of the flip side as well; so give heed to the voice of the Lord, so that you don’t fall from grace. Colossians 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: (23) If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (KJV) Jesus Christ was sent by God to bring His message of salvation, the plan of reconciliation, not only what allows you access into this plan, but how to maintain this relationship as well. So will you continue in this plan so that you can remain blameless without fault in His sight, and receive the reward of inheritance? John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (KJV) By staying in the word continually, you will be a follower indeed, doing the will of our Father. It is knowing the truth that will continually set one free from the bondage of the flesh and allow the Spirit to take over in an area that has hindered our walk in the past. Hebrews 3:14-15 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (15) While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (KJV) What are you holding true to; will you let God be true and mans’ doctrines be the lie, or are you following a crowded slippery slope leading to destruction? You may have started this race with good intentions, but will you finish strong or drop off? Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (KJV) It may not be a popular path, but it is the only one that leads to our eternal home. Are you in it for the long haul? God bless 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)
Do you want the honor from above, then quit seeking it here on earth. Many want the approval of the Lord, but waste their time seeking it from man. What are the true motives of your heart? What is the true reason you serve the Lord? Is it to please a pastor, parent, wife, husband, boy or girlfriend, or your boss at work? God see’s the secret inward heart of man, and only gives His stamp of approval to those that do serve Him no matter what the consequences are, or who on earth it offends. Colossians 3:22-25 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; 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) What about the job you have, are you doing it to please man, or is it being done to please God? I have worked with those that claim to be of God, only to have a lousy work ethic, and basically flush their testimony down the drain. Do you only work when the boss is around or looking, then slack off when he or she is not? The Lord said in order to be faithful in spiritual things we need to be faithful in earthly things first. There are many who think they can serve God who haven’t learned this lesson, so they spend more time putting on a front, rather than being up front with the truth. And so as it is written in Matthew, they will have no reward of our Father. So smile, you’re on the Lord’s very candid camera, which sees and knows the thoughts and intents of the heart, and will only reward those that do those things heartily unto Him and are not concerned with what man thinks. It doesn’t matter who you are, or who you think you are, or how long you claim to have known God, He does not play favorites like man does, and does not waver one bit concerning His word. Galatians 2:9-11 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. (10) Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. (11) But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. (KJV) Cephas was another name given to Peter, the same Peter that walked with the Lord, and ended up writing letters in the Bible, was one perceived to be a pillar by many, until the Lord instructed Paul the apostle otherwise. We know Peter denied the Lord three times before the crucifixion of our Lord, but have you ever read how he denied the Lord even after his conversion, and who God used to bring the correction? Galatians 2:12-14 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. (13) And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. (14) But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? (KJV) Basically Peter was playing musical chairs, he would eat with the Gentiles, but when the Jewish religious people showed up, he would jump over to their table and try to appease them, even to the point that others were getting caught up in the charade. Trying to please people rather than God; a double minded man will not receive anything from the Lord, including His reward if the warning is not heeded. Ever wonder why God used Paul to write most of the epistles? Are you willing to stand up and speak the truth, no matter who it is or who they think they are? No matter how much of a pillar in the community man considers them, are you willing to tell them where God sees them no matter where that may be? 2 Peter 3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; (16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (KJV) God did continue to use Peter; and as Peter wrote in his second letter, he acknowledges his beloved brother Paul, and his willingness to be used of God. Though many times Paul would meet opposition, especially with those that claim to know God, the ones that would heed the warning and correction were able to be used of God, while others would twist and pervert the scriptures to their own destruction. So don’t take it personal if God asks you to speak the truth, and you too are met with opposition, especially within the realm of Christianity, or those that claim to be Christians, because though many are called few are truly seeking the honor from above. Remember, it was the religious leaders that rejected our Lord, and ultimately betrayed Him. Today not much has changed. There are still many religious people who are still crucifying the message of our Lord today, trying to please the congregation rather than the Lord. Luke 19:45-47 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; (46) Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. (47) And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, (KJV) Our Lord Himself did not get a standing ovation from the crowd, but rather was sent to set things in order the way God intended it to be. The more He chose to please God, the less appealing He was to those that were perceived pillars in the temple as well. So what are you going to do if you are not a crowd favorite anymore? Will that alter your stand and commitment, or will it just strengthen it further? Will you fold under peer pressure, or will you continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel as many before you have, and as many as hope to be honorably mentioned before our Father in heaven? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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)
Many ministries and ministers base their success on how well they stack up with other ministries. Some base their accomplishments on how many followers they have, using the term ‘one of the fastest growing ministries today’. But which way are they heading, what are they using for their measuring stick, is it based on the word of God, or the world and its way of marketing? If you think you can please man and God at the same time, then you need to take a closer look at the word of God and heed the warning. Because in the end it is not any minister or ministry that you will have to stand before and give account of your life too. Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (KJV) The fastest growing ministry, pillars of the community, or as one advertisement I saw, the friendliest church in town. Watch out Church, you can please God or you can please man, but those that truly seek the Lord and are willing to speak on His behalf will find that they can’t do both at the same time. Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV) Ever see the marketing strategies of the world, the commercials where they interview certain hand-picked people that will promote their product, and like puppets they will say whatever makes them look good? So, now we have this mindset in the so called church. Ministries doing the same thing to promote their organization, rather than letting the word of God and their walk do the speaking for them. People pleasing, ear tickling, money grubbing hucksters, who profess to know God but in works deny Him; they are in for a rude awakening come the Day of Judgment. Galatians 1:10-12 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (11) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. (12) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV) Have you ever thought, I wish I could be like Paul, that I could see the things he saw, and write the things he wrote, and be used of God the way he was? Many picture the ministry as being of a life on easy street; preach a sermon here and there, visit some sick people occasionally, and be looked up at as some wonderful person, someone loved and cherished by all. To who much is given much is expected; and with the revelation of Jesus Christ not only comes God’s stamp of approval, but you also become a target of the enemy, and are now entering a whole different realm. Simply put, for those that come to a working knowledge of Jesus Christ and the mystery of the gospel, this is what I refer to as a reality check; will your check bounce, or be approved? 1Thessalonians 2:4-6 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (5) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (6) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (KJV) Do you wish to be used of God more, to be able to speak and teach His word effectively? The reason many are ineffective and fall short of the glory of God is that they are not willing to speak the truth and sound doctrine which will enable the people to be set free, but rather they are more interested in building up numbers and outward appearances which is an abomination in the sight of God. So will you be a burden to the body of Christ, or a blessing, it all depends on whose approval you are truly seeking. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV) You can fool man, as many false prophets have, but you will never fool God. So quit fooling around and get your priorities in order if you truly plan on spending an eternity with Him. John 5:41-44 I receive not honour from men. (42) But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. (43) I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (44) How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (KJV) If you need a pat on the back from someone else, or if you are looking for the approval of some big name preacher, you need to truly rethink your priorities and ask yourself honestly, am I really doing this to please God, or is there someone else I am seeking honour from, someone else that I am holding in higher esteem than our Father in heaven? John 12:42-43 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: (43) For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (KJV) Don’t take it personal if you are not welcome at certain organizations that claim to be of God, because you have chosen to please Him rather than man. I have found for myself that the more I know the truth, the more it contradicts the doctrines of man and their people pleasing methods. Oh by the way, still interested in the position Paul held which he ended up losing his life for? Don’t forget to read the disclaimer, the fine print before making the decision; because if the truth be known, the more he was used of God, the more he was abused of man. Still interested, let me give you a brief job description before you decide that you to would like to be used of God as well. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. (25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (28) Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. (KJV) God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:13-16 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: (KJV)
God is pleased with your walk when you separate yourself from anything or anyone that would hinder your new life in Christ. I had to have the old religious umbilical cord cut off so that I could draw life direct from a new source. I have wasted too much time in the past trying to please people that will never be pleased no matter what I do. Once I tasted of the new life in Christ and all that He had to offer, there was no going back to that dead end realm of the flesh and people pleasing. Luke 12:32-34 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts. 34 For where your treasure is there will your heart be also. (KJV) Do you really want to know what gives God pleasure? That would be when you learn to receive all that He has to offer His church and quit settling for mans’ cheap imitations. Sell out to the old way of thinking and learn to walk in a newness of life which is by faith and not by sight. Our Lord died to give mankind access to His kingdom, and it grieves the Spirit when man chooses not to receive it. Ephesians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (KJV) We ended this week talking about what is pleasing to God. We serve a God who planned our life out before the foundation of the world according to His good pleasure and not what our carnal limited minds conjure up. Do you desire to please God? Then let go and find out what He planned for you in love. II Thessalonians 1:11-12 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) My prayer for all of God’s people is that they learn what pleases God and not be concerned with what man thinks. It was man that fell into sin and not the other way around, so why waste anymore time trying to please fallen mankind? Philippians 2:13-16 For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputing: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. (KJV) 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 sees in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (KJV)
Ask yourself this question honestly, am I as gung ho on Monday to please our Lord as I was on Sunday when I had an audience at church? What are my real motives for serving the Lord? Is it so that I can impress others, or am I more willing to serve in secret where our Lord sees and rewards? 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) I have to chuckle sometimes when I see these ungodly telethons the so called preachers do on TV. Not only do they have the gall to beg for money, but then they put people’s names on the screen and give more credit to the largest donors which totally contradicts what the Lord would have His people do. It doesn’t matter who you are or claim to be, when you try to please man instead of God it is wrong and will not be rewarded. John 8:28-29 Then said Jesus unto them, when ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (KJV) Everyone would like to make the statement our Lord made in verse 29, and know it is true. In order for that to happen you will need to realize that you cannot please both God and man. You will see throughout the Bible that the people God has used were not always a crowd favorite. The only standing ovation a true man of God will get today is when they are walking out, and not walking in like many false prophets we are surrounded with today. 2 Corinthians 6:4-6 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watching’s, in feastings; 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, (KJV) Unfeigned means sincere, without hypocrisy, no hidden motives or agenda except to build up the people in truth. The difference between a real man of God and the pretenders, which are many, is that they are looking to build a following, while few are looking to build up the followers. 2 Corinthians 6:7-10 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9 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) A true man of God is virtually unknown to many, yet well known to God. With the false prophets it is just the opposite. Dearly loved let’s be of the few and serve God in singleness of heart; God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:1-3 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (KJV)
Paul was very emphatic in making it known that His calling did not involve man, or his Jewish heritage. Because of this, God used Him to write a good portion of the Epistles. Paul belonged to what I will call the round church, because people realized that when he was around, there was church. Today many are more interested in what earthly organization they are a part of instead of knowing their place in the body of Christ. These are people that put others on pedestals thinking that God is unreachable and only speaks to certain individuals. Galatians 1:9-12 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV) When you accept the Lord as your savior, your days of people pleasing should come to an abrupt halt. You should no longer know people after the flesh; and realize no matter how nice and pleasant they may seem, if they bring anything other than truth your way, then you should be moving on. Matthew 16:21-23 From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savors not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (KJV) Our Lord didn’t mince words did He? Despite how close He may have been to Peter He wasn’t about to let anyone get in the way of what God was asking of Him. You too will need to put anyone who doesn’t agree with our Lord in your rear view mirror if you plan on really being pleasing God. Matthew 19:28-29 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (KJV) Many people desire a deeper relationship with God, the problem is they are not willing to let go of something or even someone that may be hindering their walk. In order to walk in the new, you will have to let go of the old, no matter how it manifests. Do you desire a hundredfold (which by the way is not money as many false prophets have claimed)? Then learn how to walk in the perfect will of God, the exact place where He has placed you today. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 11:5-6 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 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)
In order to have a closer, more intimate relationship with our Lord, you will have to walk away from your own thoughts and ways. You will have to believe that He is the only way, truth, and life that will get you home. Without faith you re-enter the realm of the impossible where despite your best carnal efforts and intentions (which is what many of mans’ religions are based on), they will never be pleasing to God. So who are you really pleasing today? James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (KJV) The first step of faith is on our end; where we submit to God, and then step out towards Him. Many get duped in their walk waiting for something to happen first, before they will respond. These are people that will still be waiting and knocking on the door long after our Lord has returned to take His Church away. Hebrews 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man drawback, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV) Do you wonder why at times your walk with the Lord seems a bit stale and empty? Like, why is nothing new really happening in my life? Well, because you have been in a holding pattern, holding out for what you think works and not what our Lord would like to work in and through you. The joy of the Lord is our strength and you will find that if our Lord is not pleased with your walk, you are not going to have much joy either. Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by which we draw nigh unto God. (KJV) Another spiritual buzz kill is when a new born Christian who begins so well in the realm of the Spirit, is drawn back to the works of the law thinking that it will bring them closer to God. We are saved by grace through faith in what Christ, our only hope of glory, has done on our behalf. Isaiah 5:18-21 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: 19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (KJV) If you are not living by faith and taking a stand with our Lord, then you will fall for anything the enemy throws at you. I mean come on Church, our Lord said there is only one faith He gives credence to, yet with that said, look at how many denominations man has dreamed up, yikes. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:6-8 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (KJV)
This week we are going to highlight the difference between pleasing God and pleasing people. Remember our Lord said that we were either with Him or against Him, there is no middle ground. The new life you walked into when you accepted salvation means that you are walking away from your old way of thinking. My old life before my conversion in Christ involved trying to please myself, as well as others around me by the outward appearance or facade I put on, which in the end I failed miserably at. Joshua 24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve you the LORD. 15 And if it seems evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (KJV) When I began my walk in the Spirit I found out immediately that it contradicted the gods or false religions of this world that I was indoctrinated with in my youth. Once I discovered the Lord and experienced His peace I found that in order to keep that peace I would no longer be able to serve those other gods that many others settle for. I found that in order to keep the peace of God ruling in my heart I would have to make it a priority to please God despite what other people may think. I have seen many who fall back into the abyss of the flesh; even though they began their new life in Christ with good intentions, they eventually caved into the whims and desires of others and did not pursue the Lord any further. Luke 16:13-15 No servant 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. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV) Another sore spot with many Christians goes deep into the heart and needs to be rooted out if they are going to not only begin their walk in the Spirit, but endure to the end. Many of God’s people have been set free for a season only to end up entangled again in the affairs of this world, and most of their thoughts and intentions are wrapped up in the carnal realm; which is not the realm our Lord wants to give them access to. I John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever. (KJV) Right now we the Church are engaged to the Lord, and the marriage takes place when we leave this planet. I am sure if you were engaged to someone here on earth and found out they loved someone else, there would be no wedding; the same is true with the Lord, he is not going to marry someone who has been unfaithful. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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