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Isaiah 55:7-9 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV)
The nice thing about salvation is that we no longer have to be bottom feeders, which is where this world and its way of thinking is located, at the bottom. You can go as high as it gets which is all the way to heaven to get your instructions. The more you realize how much higher our Lord and His way of doing things is, the more you will not keep lowering yourself back to this world and its fallen ways. I John 2:26-28 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (KJV) So how far do you want to go in your walk with the Lord? According to verse 27 you can take it all the way if you desire. Your good standing with our Lord is based on how much you allow the Holy Spirit to teach you and not be seduced by mans’ limited knowledge. His wisdom is there for the taking and not something that you should be taking for granted. You have been granted access to the things above; and that will only take place when you walk away from your own desires. 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) Sometimes the church spends so much time blaming the devil for all their mishaps. The devil is a defeated foe, a being who had the keys of hell and death taken out of his possession. The truth is we are our own worst enemies when we lean back to our own understanding, looking more to the outward for confirmation than inward. It goes without saying then that the enemy will come along when he sees or hears weak prey who have forgotten how to pray and hold fast their profession of faith. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (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 exalts 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) Sometimes we become filled with imaginations when we associate ourselves with the wrong crowd, you know those pretenders and wanna be religious people? Our Lord is ready to work on our behalf, but only when we are willing to make the proper changes, which is what verse 6 is referring to. Our Lord is not going to take you into the new with an old way of thinking. Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV) Maybe that frustration you have been experiencing lately is a reflection of how you have been treating our Lord and His plan of salvation. It’s time to take up your spiritual cross again and nail all that doubt and unbelief back on it, and then walk in a resurrection of victory. God bless and let the dead bury their dead. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. Matthew 19:24-26 And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (KJV)
Given the fact that salvation was God’s plan in the first place, it would be safe to say that He is the only one that can get us home. Today lotteries are real popular with mankind because they make it appear to be the end of all to their problems. This mindset seems to have carried over into the so called church because their doctrines are based on the same principal, once you give enough and get a hundredfold return you have it made. Well, our Lord illustrates quite clearly throughout the Bible that this get rich scheme of man will not fly through His radar, and if you are not led by the Spirit then you will not make it to your eternal reward. Philippians 3:7-8 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (KJV) Do you really desire to grab all things? And no, I’m not talking about the things of this world, but all the things that our Lord died to give us access to. Well if you want all these things, then you need to let go of all things here on earth. Seems like there is always a catch doesn’t it? 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (KJV) God gives us richly all things to enjoy, because now we can do it in the liberty we have in Christ and not be in bondage to this world. We enjoy all things because we no longer take things for granted because we realize a price was paid for all of it. Remember, it is not money itself that is the root of all evil because it is something we all need to deal with, rather it’s when our love and affection is shifted from the things above to the things here on earth that we put a distraction between us and our Lord. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV) Where are you going to find love, joy, and peace anywhere else other than in our Lord? If you truly desire to get a hold of all things new then let go of all the old baggage and you will find a much better life. By letting the peace of God rule in your walk you will have that peace based on the inward realm of faith and not the fluctuating outward realm of this world. Don’t let outward things dictate your walk any longer. 1 Timothy 6:5-7 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (KJV) Paul realized the things man said were of great gain were really a dead end. If you desire to make forward strides in your walk you will find that the only place you will discover joy and peace is in Christ and not in outward things anymore. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 3:1-4 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If it be yet in vain. (KJV)
I hear the phrase bipolar being thrown around, even by some who claim to be Christians. To use that phrase means someone hasn’t been in tune with our Lord, but is seeking counsel or contentment in the realm of the flesh which is contrary to our Lord’s. Remember God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. So if you think you are bipolar you will just have to grin and bear it until you decide to let God be true and man the liar. James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers 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) Has life gotten a bit stale and dull lately? Maybe you keep wondering, “Why doesn’t God answer my prayers or use me more in the ministry?” It’s our Fathers good pleasure to give you His kingdom; however, you need to start your search in the realm of the Spirit, and then step out in faith even though it totally contradicts what your outward man is telling you. Many profess to know God, but in works they deny Him because they just won’t let go of the old. I heard it said the other day that you can’t have it all until you are willing to let go of all. 1 Peter 4:10-11 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (KJV) The bottom line is that we don’t own anything here on this planet, because the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness there of. If there is anything that you cannot let go of today, including your own life, then it owns you. 1 Corinthians 4:1-3 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that a man is found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. (KJV) One of the reasons people become double minded is because when persecution arises for the Lord’s sake they think they have done something wrong. If you are a steward of God you will not be concerned with pleasing people, but will only be concerned with pleasing God. It’s when you try to please both at the same time that you become double minded and unstable, as well as unable to receive the things of God today. Dearly loved, set your affection on things above and operate in oneness of mind with Christ. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (KJV)
We all came into this new life of faith with some old baggage, stuff that needs to be discarded if we are ever going to really take off toward our heavenly goal. Sometimes we ask the questions “does it ever get easier and when will it end”. Well yes, it does get easier, but it doesn’t end until we cross the threshold into our eternal reward and receive a glorified body. Until then it will be a tug of war between the Spirit and the flesh, with the Spirit having to continually put the flesh in its place of subjection. Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV) As long as we are in these carnal bodies we are still subject to the law of sin and death which is why the enemy keeps attacking and trying to pull us down again. We have been redeemed from the curse of the law; however, we now need to walk in the new law of faith in order for this to be accomplished in a way that is pleasing to our Lord. People who think once saved always saved, or who think they have eternal happiness when one makes an emotional commitment during an alter call, boy are they in for a surprise if they think that’s all that is required of us. Romans 7:21-25 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (KJV) Just because you were saved years ago doesn’t mean that is the end; it should only be the beginning of a new life in Christ and an end to the old disappointments of the flesh. Paul was able to see what was hindering his walk because he chose to examine himself and not blame someone else for his shortcomings. He realized that his joy and peace was not based on others changing first, rather the change had to take place within him. The reason it is so vital to spend quality time with our Lord first thing in a day is so that you can arm yourself with the mind of Christ which is the only way to understand the law of faith. 1 Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (KJV) You will find it is a lot easier to put your lower nature under arrest when you are armed with the mind of Christ. Instead of grieving the Holy Spirit how about not letting the flesh whine and fuss by putting it in its place. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 12:24-26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. 25 He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. (KJV)
A life in the realm of the Spirit is polar opposite of the flesh and its limited understanding. The realm of the Spirit is the only one where you will find peace and contentment, while anything else will leave you empty and frustrated. The problem with many who are called of God today is that they begin with a zeal in this new life they found in Christ, but then get derailed when they turn back to the flesh thinking something from that realm could make their lives perfect. It’s like going to a buffet and just having dessert. This is what separates those that will endure to the end, and those that just end their walk with the Lord even though they put up a religious front. It’s not until you die to self that you will find your life, which is in the body of Christ and the place He chose for you to operate in before the foundation of the world. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body. 19 What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (KJV) Today many think that marriage is outdated and something they will get around to when one or the other person threatens to walk away without a commitment. Today we have many who claim “my body, my choice”. Well half of that statement is true because it is your choice, however, in the end they will find out that this temple we are housing the Spirit in belongs to God and not man. Now you may think that this is a no brainer, that everyone in the church today knows that they need to marry before pretending they are, but you would be quite amazed at how many who call themselves Christians, are nothing but cheap harlots when it comes time to maintaining the temple in a godly way. 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 Examine yourselves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. (KJV) If you have ever gone to an open house looking for a place to purchase, you find that they are staged and well kept, fit for human habitation. If you walked in there and found a foul smell or a place that looked like a pig pen, you would not want to take up residence there. Well think about what kind of temple you are providing for our Lord, and is it a place He is at home in? 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it is good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (KJV) Many Christians get sucker punched with doctrines that appeal more to the carnal man than the spiritual one. The world says more is better and they live in excess, while God talks about contentment. Oh and keeping the temple fit and ready for the masters use is something he will require come the Day of Judgment. You can stand in all the prayer lines you want seeking help for your ailments when many times the Lord would like to see you living a healthier life by getting out of the fast food lanes that caused the problem in the first place. Dearly loved, let’s not be as the many who corrupt the word of God, but be as the few holding forth the Word in all sincerity and truth being an example of the believers in all manner of our life. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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