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Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? (4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. (KJV)
How about a new motto for all believers, I now let God be true and man the liar. What if everyone else tells you something contrary to sound doctrine, will you bend and give in to peer pressure or are you grounded enough to let the word of God rule in your walk? Maybe you think this is not possible, well remember a guy named Noah, he had a choice to listen and follow the rest of the world, or to let one be true in his life that being God and His word. Remember it’s by our words we will either be justified or condemned, so as long as your words and God’s word are one in the same then you will remain in good standing with our Father. What if some around you don’t believe, maybe even those that you have been close to in the past, will you let that influence you or will you continue in the faith grounded and settled and not moved away? Discernment, rightly dividing the word of truth knowing the difference between the pure word of God and its spiritual meaning and interpretation, and mankind’s take on things. The reason man changes the meaning and distorts the truth is so that they can justify their lower fallen nature, which may fool some, but will be openly exposed to those that have their spiritual senses exercised to discern between good and evil intentions of the heart. Luke 18:24-27 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (25) For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (26) And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? (27) And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (KJV) Have you ever stopped to think about a couple of words used throughout the Bible, those being possible and impossible? What mankind calls possible God says is impossible, and what man says is impossible to God it is just another day at the office; in fact His word says that with Him all things are possible. Did you realize that once you were born again into the realm of the Spirit you now entered a realm with no boundaries or limitations, a realm where God is able to do above and beyond all that you could have ever asked or thought of? Oh but how often man comes along and tries to talk you out of that realm with words of doubt and fear because of their limited carnal thinking, trying to justify and make excuses for their fallen nature. While mankind judges according to the outward and many claim that by being rich they are blessed of God, the Lord had a different take on it when confronted with the rich man in the above verses. Back in those times, just as it is today, the rich are looked up to in this world and given special privileges, while in reality all our Lord is concerned with is the motive of our heart. While mankind has come up with thousands and thousands of denominations and interpretations for God’s plan of salvation, the word of God is quite clear to point out that there is only one Lord and one faith that will be accepted by our Father. Knowing the difference between what God says is possible, and what man says is a life and death matter. Because in the end only one interpretation will allow you access to your eternal inheritance, while anything else will be turned away at the door. Luke 18:28-30 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. (29) And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, (30) Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. (KJV) We see Peter being a bit concerned where he stands with the Lord, having just found out that being rich was not all it was cracked up to be, especially when so many of the greedy Scribes and Pharisees had been preaching it. Is there a doctrine, teaching, or ritual you are still holding to that is contrary to what you know is truth, even if it is something that is popular with the world? Is there something or someone you see in verse 29 that is holding you back in your walk, something that still has more of an influence on you than God does? I bring this up for the same reason the Lord did, because no man can serve two masters, or as the word of God points out, a house divided will fall. When the word of God refers to receiving more in this present time, are you looking to the outward and judging according to that realm, or are you thinking in line with what the Lord intends for His people, all the treasures of His wisdom and knowledge? You wonder why your walk with the Lord seems stale and at a standstill at times, or maybe right now? It may be time to do a personal inventory, to make sure that something you may still be holding onto that our Lord is saying is impossible for you to move forward with, is now something you may possibly need to let go of in order to receive a full reward from Him. But know this, the enemy is going to fight you to hang onto these dead things, trying to get you to focus on what you are missing out on, and not on the blessings God has in store for your obedience. Know this too, that the longer you hang onto something our Lord says is dead the more you become like the thing He is asking you to let go of, or forsake. Hebrews 11:6-7 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. (7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (KJV) Mankind has developed so many religions and different ways which they think they can please God with; when in reality it simply comes down to faith, your ability to personally hear the message of God delivered by Christ, and let His spirit lead and guide you through this present evil world. We see a man named Noah and read the account of how he built this ark, but did you ever stop and think of the ridicule and persecution this man must have endured? Talk about letting God be true and man the liar, it was only Noah and his family, eight souls that made it through the flood because He chose faith. Doesn’t the word of God describe the end times and the coming of our Lord as being similar to the days of Noah; so if it was faith in what man said was impossible, would it not be possible to say that only faith today will provide the deliverance as well? Romans 9:31-33 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. (32) Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; (33) As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (KJV) Even God’s original chosen people continue this day to try to worship our Lord according to the works of the law and not by faith; which the Lord said without faith it would be impossible to please Him. As I look around today I still see many who hold to outward laws and rituals, some claiming that you have to show up to certain buildings on certain special days or you won’t be saved. Bottom line, unless you have a personal relationship with God through a working knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ you are none of His, but rather operating in a realm our Lord clearly says is impossible to please Him in. With God, all things are truly possible to them that believe, while anything else is telling God He is the liar and man is true, yikes. Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. (KJV) There is truly a difference between what man says is possible and what God has to say on the matter; now the question is, who will you hold to? If there is anything or anyone you are trying to hold onto that has more of an influence on you than God, then it will be impossible to serve Him. However if you are willing to sell out from the ways of the world and all its worldly people then you will find that all things are now possible for you, because you are willing to believe in someone greater in you than he that is within the world. Someday all mankind is going to find out that God is true, it was mankind and his fallen nature that chose to believe the lie, so why not let that be today? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (34) For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (35) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (36) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation Romans 11:33-36 33. How fathomless the depths of God's resources, wisdom, and knowledge! How unsearchable His decisions, and how mysterious His methods! 34. For who has ever understood the thoughts of the Lord, or has ever been His adviser? 35. Or who has ever advanced God anything to have Him pay him back? 36. For from Him everything comes, through Him everything lives, and for Him everything exists. Glory to Him forever! Amen. Have you ever seen people that claim if someone gives to God or some of His so called preachers that God now owes them a hundredfold return? Hmmm, sounds deep don’t it, but not very deep in the true things of God, rather deep in something that requires hip boots to keep one unsoiled. Nobody has, ever will, and can truthfully claim they gave something first to God, and now God was indebted to them, because that would fall under the category of works and not grace which is what the true plan of salvation is based on. God is not limited by physical boundaries as man is, but rather has opened a treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge to any and all that would like to tap into it. While mankind has been the Lord’s personal advisor, or so they think, God is revealing Himself to those that are willing to worship Him in Spirit and according to His truth; those that know the only way to please God is by being willing and obedient to what He is asking and not what mankind keeps trying to dictate according to their own fallen nature and understanding. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: (7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (KJV) Iron sharpens iron; so when you speak of the wisdom of God you are speaking something that is hidden to the carnal man but clearly understood by those that are perfect, mature in the realm of the spiritual. The things of God are foolish to those of the world, thus we are told not to cast our pearls before the swine because they will not receive it, rather they mock the worthy name by which we are called by. So rather than going out and about thinking you will be heard for your much speaking and witnessing, learn when and how to speak and share the word of God so that you don’t do more harm than good, because once the swine are done with the pearls they will then turn and tear you to pieces as well. Ever wonder why the Lord kept silent when brought before his accusers, because He understood the wisdom of God and didn’t give them any more ammunition for them to use against Him. Ephesians 3:16-19 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (KJV) What do you think of when you think of someone strong, do you picture some muscle bound person, those that are depicted as invincible? The true strength of God comes from the Spirit; the inner man that is rooted and grounded in the love of God which is only found in Christ. This is a deep knowledge that goes way beyond that of the flesh or carnal realm, one that few truly tap into and remain grounded in. The love of God passes and is way beyond our knowledge, as high as the heavens are above the earth, so much higher is this wisdom we have access to. Your strength is developed by how much you know the love of Christ, because the more you know of Him the more you see the true riches of God which is in our inner man, the confidence, assurance and boldness that we are one of His. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (KJV) There was a song in the seventies that went “how deep is your love”; a question every Christian needs to know for themselves; just how deep is their love and commitment with the Father. While many today talk about Jesus and portray him according to their carnal understanding, few know of Christ, the inner man that strengthened him and showed him how to operate in the wisdom and knowledge of God. If you wish to establish a deeper more personal relationship with the Father you too will need to come to a working knowledge of who Christ is, the inner man which takes you into the inner workings of God, the realm of the Spirit. Many talk of Jesus and base their belief according to the flesh, but those that wish to go deeper can only do so by a personal revelation of Christ, the only rock and foundation that the true Church is built on. It’s not the outward appearance that describes a person, but the hidden inward one is what determines who that person really is; so while many still see a man named Jesus after the flesh, it’s only those that know Christ that can truly define who He is and who they really are. So where are you looking for the answer to the mystery of the kingdom of God, is it in the outward or are you looking deeper within to find the true meaning? Colossians 1:25-29 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (KJV) When one thinks of riches, one thing that comes to mind is a mine, where they have to dig deep to get to them. The riches of God are hid in Christ and in order to access them it has to be done through Him. The things of God, His wisdom and knowledge are hid from mankind; it is a mystery to those on the outside, but perfectly clear and visible to those that operate inside or inwardly. The mystery of God is, Christ, the unseen inward man working mightily in those who trust that greater is He that is within me than anyone or anything in the world. Do you desire to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might? Do you wish to know God on a deeper more intimate level, growing stronger and becoming more rooted and grounded in His word? Then one need only look inwardly to find the answer which is hid in Christ but ready to be revealed to any and all that would call on the Father through His Son. The things of God, His wisdom, knowledge, mercy and love are so much deeper and higher than anything we could ever think or imagine, so start digging. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV)
We have all seen pictures and paintings of how man sees God and tries to portray Him, mostly based on a physical interpretation. Many people claim they are worshipping God, which is carried out in many different ways, sometimes in songs or hymns, or other times I have seen people look to the ceiling and wave their arms thinking that is a form of worship. The fact is that God is a Spirit; a totally different realm than the one we are accustomed to, something mankind cannot comprehend on his own, but rather needs a personal revelation in order to understand God. Worshipping God is not some song and dance as many think, but rather in order to truly worship or reverence Him it has to be done in deed, or in other words it has to become a way of life in order to have fellowship with Him. Not only is God true to us in His word and promises, but He expects us to be true to Him as well, serving Him in love with the right motive of the heart. While many depict our Lord according to their own understanding, and compare God to man’s standards of how things are accomplished, God’s ways are so much higher and better than ours; something few experience because of their lack of trust in Him. Jesus Christ was a true worshipper of God because He walked according to the Spirit of Christ which led and guided Him on His path of life and brought a message of truth to a fallen mankind, thus the reason for all the opposition. Isaiah 55:8-11 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (10) For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (11) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (KJV) God’s thoughts, His ways, His timing, is so much higher and better than ours; now the question is, how many will be still long enough to hear His voice and then act on what He is asking, even if it means patiently waiting as well? While the Spirit is willing and is at peace, it is our flesh and its impatient nature that says we need to act now; or with many they think their prayers were not answered because the results didn’t happen the way they thought it should. With many others they follow a predetermined path that is based more on their outward sight than their spiritual insight, thus keeping God in a denominational box and limiting Him. In order to walk in the Spirit you have to start thinking in the Spirit; a realm that is so much higher than ours, and totally different and contrary to the carnal way of thinking. How much more could God work through His people, and give them the confidence and assurance that they are one of His, if only they would let Him? We have all prayed about certain things in our life and were absolutely sure that we couldn’t live without them, so when it didn’t manifest the way we thought it would we think we are failures. Was it so much that you were a failure, or maybe that thing you were requesting wasn’t really what you needed or wasn’t beneficial to your walk, but rather would have been more of a detriment? As one matures in life they realize that there is a big difference between what they want and what they truly need, something the Lord knows and knew before the foundation of the world when He chose a place for us in His body of believers. Now the questions is, will you trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean to your own understanding, letting His peace rule in all your decisions and not the outward appearance of things? Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (KJV) Just because you were born again and had a personal experience with the Lord that brought you peace doesn’t mean you are on easy street, rather it is just the beginning of a brand new way of life. While the ways of man are limited by the flesh and its way of thinking, the Spirit of God is unlimited and without any boundaries. Now it is a matter of renewing your mind on a daily basis so that you can see more and more into the spiritual realm and allow God to do a work in you that no other man can do. We have the mind of Christ so that we are no longer under the law of sin and death, but rather under a law of faith which allows us access into the realm of the Spirit which is unlimited and unending to those that continue in it. While the disciples of our Lord were limited in their thinking and told Him they would have to go back to town and get provisions, it was the Spirit of Christ within Jesus of Nazareth that trusted that loaves of bread and a few fish would suffice. While some questioned our Lord concerning His timing and why He didn’t show up in time to save Lazarus, in the end God had a perfect plan and demonstrated His power and love through Jesus of Nazareth, so that not only did Lazarus resurrect from the dead, but it brought life to some of the others that were there and witnessed it as well. So what are you holding to as truth today, will you let God be true, and hold His word above and beyond what man says, or are you leaning more to your own understanding and doubting His word? The Spirit and the flesh are totally contrary one to the other, like a tug-of-war, only you have to decide for yourself which one you will hold to. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV) Do you spend time daily in prayer and in the word of God so that you can let Him renew your mind and receive the things of His realm? God does not take spiritual things and give them to carnal people, because it is foolish to them. However, He does take spiritual things and compares or interprets it with spiritual people who are willing to walk in the Spirit and hold Him to be true, worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. There are many that claim to be of God and speaking on His behalf, that operate according to the natural man and its way of thinking, and may even have big followings also. But remember, that which is highly esteemed among mankind, in others words popular people pleasing doctrines, are an abomination in the sight of God. And what may have started out with good intentions is nothing more than the blind leading the blind into an eternal ditch. Psalms 92:4-6 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. (5) O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. (6) A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. (KJV) A brutish man is referring to a stupid one; someone who thinks they know better than our Lord. Anytime we decide to lean to our own understanding we limit God as well. Have you ever had a small child contradict something you knew to be true, no matter what you said, they thought they knew better? Now compare that with the Lord; in other words, the creation telling the Creator He doesn’t know what He is talking about, or you know a better way, which would fall under the category of brutish. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV) Are you tired of walking in circles or like on a treadmill, lots of effort but you end up in the same place? Or maybe you are bound and determined to have things your way no matter what the Lord thinks, then you wonder why your walk with Him is stale or at a standstill. In order to walk in the Spirit you need to think in the realm of the Spirit, and be willing and obedient to what the Lord is asking despite what the outward would dictate, or how foolish it may seem to the many that hold to popular opinions and doctrines of man. God’s ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours with victory guaranteed beforehand; isn’t it time you mount up and start looking above for your answer? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV)
It is beneficial to the Church when one can accurately share their experiences with the Lord for the benefit of the body and not just a testimony to make themselves look special. A true man of God will point the people to the Lord and His work, and not toward mankind and what they claim they are doing for God. Paul was able to accurately describe his own personal experiences and insights with the people because it was done in humility and love, and not to build up his own following. Some think just because they have had a personal experience with the Lord that they are something special, and what was based on grace is now of works, or so they think. Some people hear the Lord through other people that God chose to speak through and thus base their salvation on the person, or denomination they belong to, rather than realizing it is God that was personally reaching out to them. And then we have those that think just because they spoke a word that brought life to someone, or even led to their conversion, it was their doing; thus causing them to think that in order to hear the Lord they have to listen to them. It’s the grace of God that allowed you to have access to His kingdom in the first place; and only His grace that will keep you there. So the more you realize this, the better relationship you will establish with the Father. 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) Paul realized for himself that when he tried to establish a relationship with the Father based on his own works and zeal, what he thought was profitable, was actually a hindrance to the Lord’s plan of salvation. Once he realized that his calling was of grace and not of works then he was able to allow the Lord to make the changes necessary in order to walk with Him. Is your walk today based in Spirit and in truth or are you still holding to traditions that actually draw one away from the Lord rather than closer? Is it God’s plan of salvation still, or have you come up with an alternate plan or route that you think will draw you closer? Acts 9:3-6 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: (4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5) And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (6) And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (KJV) Acts 9:5 [It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.]. This is a proverbial expression, which exists, not only in substance, but even in so many words, both in the Greek and Latin writers. Kentron (grk 2759), signifies an ox goad, a piece of pointed iron stuck in the end of a stick, with which the ox is urged on when drawing the plow. The origin of the proverb seems to have been this: sometimes it happens that a restive or stubborn ox kicks back against the goad, and thus wounds himself more deeply: hence, it has become a proverb to signify the fruitlessness and absurdity of rebelling against lawful authority, and the getting into greater difficulties by endeavouring to avoid trifling sufferings. (from Adam Clarke Commentary) Maybe that thorn in your flesh, the thing or area in your own walk that keeps you from drawing closer to the Lord, is just your own stubbornness and ideas; things you think will be pleasing to God. You know, if you left the ox on their own they wouldn’t plow a very straight path but rather end up doing more harm than good, thus why they need someone to keep them in line. You may not always like the path the Lord is leading you on, but rather than fuss and rebel it is simple obedience that is pleasing in His sight. Sometimes one becomes unequally yoked with unbelievers and the world’s way of thinking, and rather than working in the field they end up off course and confused. Is it the grace of God through faith that is guiding you, or are you zealous and set in your own ways on how things should be done and end up kicking against the goad yourself; the more frustrated you become the harder you kick? I know for myself when I truly look honestly at some of the things I have done or ways I thought would be pleasing to the Lord, I cringe at how foolish my thinking was at the time and yet humbled that I am still a part of His inheritance despite myself. Actually sometimes when I have thought back on some things I am actually embarrassed to think that my right standing with God had anything to do with my own strength or abilities, which can at times prick the heart and be a healthy reminder of our own weaknesses. So I can understand that when Paul looked back on some of the things he did, and then was willing to share those experiences, it could have easily been described as a thorn in the flesh and yet a reminder of how weak one is when left to their own devices. Not that we spend our time in the past, but sometimes it can be a healthy reminder, or like the Lord described humility, coming to Him as a child. Titus 3:1-7 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (2) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (3) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. (4) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (6) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; (7) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (KJV) Today can be described as a bit of a reminder of where we came from and how we got to this point in our walk. It is good to keep in mind what your source of strength truly is, and that your salvation has never been nor ever will be based on your works, but according to a plan that was developed for you by a loving merciful God of grace that allowed us to be partakers of His divine nature by the perfect sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ our savior. 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. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for effectual: 1754 energeo- 1) to be operative, be at work, put forth power; to work for one, to aid one 2) to effect 3) to display one's activity, to show oneself operative What I enjoy about watching certain personalities, whether an entertainer or a comedian, is their willingness to be open and honest. I have seen some comedians whose routine is based on their own experiences and shortcomings, basically laughing at themselves for certain human traits that they have displayed in life. I have found that the experiences that they share and are open to are things that others can relate to; something they may have done themselves. Sometimes Christians think they have to come off as bullet proof, above reproach, holier than thou comes to mind, rather than just being open and honest concerning their own humanity. In an election year I am wearied by people that are always defending themselves, and putting up these false fronts rather than opening up and being able to relate to the people. Let us consider one another so that when we come together we can provoke unto love and good works; and I have found this works better with some humility, not trying to be better than everyone else but being open and honest concerning things you have dealt with in your walk and how you learned to overcome in those areas. I believe somewhere along the line many that become Christians lose sight of the unique creation in Christ they are; some of those personality traits of yours are of the Lord, something that can be refined and not hidden away or covered up. The Lord didn’t ask you to become a robot when you got saved, in fact He loves you for who you are; so by being open and honest it will keep your prayer life effectual, availing much. Philemon 1:5-7 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; (6) That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. (7) For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. (KJV) Instead of always looking at the negative, we as Christians should be focusing on the new creation in Christ and not always being everyone else’s faultfinders. If I wish to communicate my faith in Christ with others effectually, then it needs to be done in love and not in an overbearing finger pointing manner. The first person you need to learn to communicate with is God, which can only be done through Jesus Christ so that you can come clean before Him. That takes an open honest relationship, because many think that rather than deal with issues of the heart they spend more time and energy trying to cover them up and hide them. If you can learn to communicate with our Father first and foremost, being approved of Him, then you will be able to communicate your faith with His people. Are there areas you are struggling in or have struggled in? By sharing your experience you may just find your answer with someone else who is or has dealt with these same issues. Or maybe by your open and honest approach to those hidden things, by confessing your own faults and shortcoming, it may just provide the answer for someone else in need. Ephesians 4:15-16 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) When working on cars these days they do a diagnostic check of the engine to make sure that everything is working properly. If one part of the engine is out of sync and not working right it can affect the engines performance as a whole. The same holds true with the body of Christ; the Lord sees the hidden things of darkness within the heart and shows us how to make the adjustments so that there won’t be a breakdown. But if it is ignored and not dealt with properly then it eventually can lead to a breakdown. If you have ever been around mechanics they often share their own experiences they have had with vehicles, some good ones and some bad ones, and some just plain hilarious. The more people can be open and honest with their relationship with the Father, the more effectual they will become and learn how to edify themselves, maintaining their own relationship with their heavenly Father. 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; (2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (KJV) How are you representing yourself; are you a manifestation of truth to every man as well as in the sight of God who looks not at the outward but the inward motives? Have you renounced hidden things that offend our Father, things that most of mankind may never be aware of but are things that do not please our Lord? If you have been open and honest with our Lord then you will come off open and honest to His people. But if you haven’t been honest and up front then whatever area you have been overcome by that same thing will keep you in bondage and you won’t be very effective in your communication of faith. I have seen enough plastic people; those in leadership roles who put up these false fronts, these holier than thou attitudes thinking they are God’s gift to mankind rather than being a representation of who truly is that gift to mankind, Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV) Maybe the way of escape that the Lord is providing for someone suffering and struggling in an area is your willingness to be open and honest in sharing some hidden thing you have dealt with yourself. By letting them know that it happened to you, it may just be the liberty they needed to hear for themselves, and enables them to open up as well. Have you ever had a situation happen to you that you thought was crazy, no one else has ever done this or experienced this, only to find out someone else actually had dealt with this same thing and found the way of escape they needed to be able to escape the bondage? Thus the word common. Thayer’s definition for common: 442 anthropinos- human; applied to things belonging to men This is what is called confessing faults, praying for one another, providing an effectual result to set one free, that being with truth and honesty. Many struggle with things and are confused, especially when the devil tries to tell them that they are nuts and no one else has ever dealt with something like that. But the truth be known Church, is that there is nothing new under the sun, and there is nothing you have or are dealing with that hasn’t been dealt with before, a common occurrence to us humans. Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (KJV) By trying to hide things from God you are in turn hiding them from the brethren, because by not letting the truth set you free by being honest with our Lord you will not be of much effect when around His people. Instead of building up others and edifying them, being able to share the victory we have in Christ, you end up being more of a burden than an asset. Psalms 62:7-8 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (KJV) Do you truly trust in the Lord at all times; do you wish to be closer to Him and effectual? If you desire Him to draw near to you then He asks that you draw nigh unto Him first. If you truly trust the Lord then you will open up to Him. Why not pour out your heart unto Him? After all He already sees what your true motives are. The truth will set you free; so by being truthful with our Lord you will be free indeed. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 16:12-17 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (13) When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (14) And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (16) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
The Lord had just warned the disciples of false doctrine, having used the example of a little leaven in the bread which can enter in and take over the whole lump. It doesn’t take much leaven to get into the lump in order for it to spread through the whole lump or congregation if you would, so that those that claimed to be a group of believers were actually a group of deceivers. Those that had the Son of God standing right before them and fulfilling all the scriptures they claimed to know and believe were actually working contrary to our Lord’s sound doctrine and had become enemies. Our Lord then proceeded to ask the disciples whom did men say that He the Son of man was and received multiple answers; when He asked them whom did they see Him as He received one answer and we see the doctrine the Lord acknowledged as His was according to the revelation of Christ. Just like with us, as happened to Peter, it takes a personal relationship with our Father in order to see and understand the truth so that we can continue to access Him through His Son, our one and only mediator which is Christ Jesus. Matthew 16:18-20 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (19) And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (20) Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. (KJV) The rock our Lord was referring to is Christ not Peter which some claim; being the fact that we do not pray to God through Peter but rather through Jesus Christ. It is this revelation, this doctrine and only this doctrine that will hold up in our Father’s court of law; a law of faith which brings new life to our inner man by keeping our old man in subjection. This name of Christ is the key that unlocks all the treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God; and the lies and deceptions of hell which kept us bound are no longer prevailing in our life, but rather are knocked down and being trampled upon, as we are walking in the liberty in Christ. Those things that have been kept bound in heaven are now loosed, and the windows of heaven are opened to pour out for you all the spiritual blessings in Christ; those things that have been hid from mankind but now ready to be revealed to those that wish to worship our God in spirit and in truth in the way He intended; those whom He is seeking that are willing to worship Him in this manner. Matthew 16:21-23 From that time forth began Jesus to shew 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 savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (KJV) What I find interesting is how once one is enlightened to the truth in Christ, that suddenly the message changes and is now one of self-denial, even to the point of death. If you notice even though Peter walked with our Lord and was close to Him our Lord didn’t look at him after the flesh, but was quick to point out that what Peter was speaking was contrary to sound doctrine, and even rebuked him openly for it. Though Peter may have meant well and was just being a nice guy, again nice guys (people pleasers) finish last, the Lord was just putting him in his place, despite how close and familiar he may have been to Him. Are you willing to take a stand as well for what you know as truth, so that if someone tries to bring a doctrine into your spiritual house that is contrary you would be just as quick to refute it as well, not letting a little leaven get in and spoil the whole lump? It’s not that you have to browbeat someone with it, but let it be known that it is not of God, and not according to the doctrine of Christ, but that of antichrist. Matthew 16:24-26 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (KJV) Isn’t it interesting that the Lord is talking about taking up a cross before His own crucifixion, and that in order to be followers of Him we need to do the same? Now does this mean that in order for us to be inheritors of His kingdom we to need to be crucified like He was, or is there some deeper spiritual implication being brought forth? The cross our Lord is referring to in the above verses, is it a physical cross or a spiritual one? Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth 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. (KJV) Are you basing your walk with what you think you should be doing, or are you letting someone else take over and have His way with and in you? Spiritually we are crucifying our own desires and lusts which have kept us in the dark and separated from the love of God. Our salvation is no longer based on works, or how much time we spend or have spent within a religious organization or structure, but we are now walking by faith of the Son of God, Christ, who now lives in us. Is your confidence based more on what you think you are doing on His behalf, or is it based in what He has done on our behalf and the work the He began in you? What new doctrine this truly is; that it no longer involves me, but someone greater who is within me and would like nothing better than to continue working on my behalf despite how it looks or appears to the outward man. Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (KJV) What a new way of life this truly is, a new doctrine He brings; that it is no longer looking out for number one, which the world says is self and its interests; but now we are looking to the things of the Spirit to find true joy and peace, the peace of God that goes beyond our own understanding. The more one does truly die to self and its interests, the more one is able to see into the realm of the Spirit, and come to a personal understanding of the mystery of the gospel which is hid to the carnal man but readily available to the spiritual one. Romans 6:5-7 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV) Are you dying to get to heaven, or is this new doctrine foolish to you like it was to Peter, and to so many that still try to please our Father by their own works and not according to His working which works and can work in us mightily if we let it? The revelation of Christ and His doctrine is the beginning of a new life in Him, and the end of the old life of misery and heartache in the world. Are you dying for the things of God? Well, that is the only way it can be found. So if you wish to be a partaker of His resurrection and the things of His realm, then like our Lord you to will have to lay down your life spiritually in order to find this new life in Him. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:5-10 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (KJV)
Have you made your calling and election sure today? Do you truly know where you stand with our Father, and the fact that you are in good standing with Him according to His word? Like with marriage, many of them fall apart because of a lack of communication, the love that was once there grows cold, and one of the members may start looking elsewhere to fill the void. Your commitment with the Lord is based on a love and trust relationship. We love our Lord because He first loved us, and sent His Son to lay down His life so that we could inherit eternal life. You learn to trust in that love you have for the Lord. And the more you seek Him through His word and prayer, the more He reveals Himself to you in a personal loving manner. As we see in the above verses the wonderful virtues of our Lord are a part of His divine nature in which we are also partakers. Once again we see the word charity in verse 7, which is the same as love. Those that lack in any of these areas are blinded by their carnal understanding, forgetting that they were purged from their life of sin by the grace of God and not by their own works. For one to continue in the Lord and endure to the end they need to take the time on a daily basis to communicate with our Lord so that they can keep their calling intact and secure. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (8) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (KJV) I have failed in many things in my own life because it was not based on the love of God, but rather my own self serving desires of the flesh. I have found that of all the things I have tried, and all the things that I had started and didn’t finish were because I would lose interest and not be content. The only thing that has ever worked for me, the only foundation that is able to withstand all the storms of this life, is Jesus Christ and His love that I have allowed to be shed abroad in my heart. Many people claim virtues based on their own works, and claim to be fine upstanding people because their own abilities and beliefs. I have found for myself the love of God and His virtues, partaking of His divine nature to be the only thing that allows me to finish what the Lord has started within me. I am not a long suffering person on my own, and having grown up in this fallen world, I many times would vaunt myself up especially in my mind though in reality I was nothing more than a legend in my own mind. Patience is a virtue I didn’t like waiting around for. So if I didn’t get what I wanted in the time frame I thought it should be delivered, then I would become easily provoked to think evil. However, only by coming to a knowledge of the truth and love of God, it’s only by His abilities and strength that I can bear up under all things, believe all things, which now includes those of the spiritual realm, hope all things as well, I now have Christ in me the only hope of glory. I can do all things through Christ which gives me the ability to endure to the end; receiving the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls. There are lot people that have come and gone claiming to have known God and spoken on His behalf, but it’s only those that truly know the love of God and are motivated purely for that reason who will endure to the end; and that love will never fail them or forsake them either. Galatians 5:5-6 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (6) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. (KJV) Without faith it is impossible to please God; a belief in God which only works by a love for Him. Without the love of God motivating us, many do believe in God but won’t walk by faith unless there is something in it for them, something that builds them up and makes them look good, rather than being a servant and building up others. It’s not the hearers of the word of God that are justified by our Lord, it’s the doers as well that will be justified in His sight. A true servant of the Lord is motivated by the love of God; which no love is greater, than for us to lay down our lives for our brethren. So what are your true motives for serving the Lord and how sure is your calling right now? Is it based on ‘what have you done for me lately Lord’, or is it ‘what can I do today Lord that would be pleasing in your sight’? 1 Timothy 6:10-11 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) There are those that have placed the love of money above their love for God, and in the end fall short. Many think and preach that money is the answer to all their problems in life, and the more money they have the more they have been blessed of God. It’s this deception that keeps many from experiencing the true love of God, replacing it with some cheap imitation of man. When you get hit with these silly money pitches and hundredfold return promises head for the door, put your hand to the plow and don’t bother looking back. Flee these things and establish a firm foundation in Christ which is based on a true love for our Lord by faith, with some patience and meekness for added measure. So many people have gone off the deep end and are drowning in destruction and despair with many sorrows that are attached to these money seeking doctrines. So before you jump in head first make sure the pool is full of living waters and not a mirage. Mark 12:29-31 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: (30) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (31) And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (KJV) As a former long haul truck driver I would need a good vehicle that was well maintained to get me from one side of the country and back again. I have found in my Christian walk that the only thing that will sustain me and keep me on the path of life is the love of God which I have allowed to be shed abroad in my heart. Without this love and trust, like with many things I have begun and didn’t finish, I would not have been able to make it this far nor would I have any thought of enduring to the end. Remember, it’s not just those that begin the race that receive the prize, it’s only those that endure to the end and are in it for the long haul that will receive the reward of inheritance. And it’s only those that are able to experience personally for themselves the love of God that will not be detoured from achieving this goal. God bless, keep the faith, and endure unto the end in the love of God; and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I could speak the languages of men, of angels too, and have no love, I am only a rattling pan or a clashing cymbal. (2) If I should have the gift of prophecy, And know all secret truths, and knowledge in its every form, and have such perfect faith that I could move mountains, but have no love, I am nothing. (3) If I should dole out everything I have for charity, and give my body up to torture in mere boasting pride, but have no love, I get from it no good at all. (Williams Translation)
Think about what people are truly looking for in life; that one true love that will make them complete. How many endless songs, movies, and novels have been written describing those that find that one true love, or those that lose a loved one, how empty their lives are? For those that experience a love relationship it is very exciting in the beginning; then as reality sets in for those that decide to marry they realize in order to maintain a quality relationship it has to be from the heart, with the right motives in order to be long lasting. The same holds true with serving the Lord, once you have tasted and partaken of the goodness of the Lord nothing else will ever come close or satisfy that void that was in our lives. In order to maintain this relationship it has to be from the heart, with the motive of love for our Lord as well as His people. So just like with our earthly marriages, anything less than a commitment based on love will not last, but end up going by the wayside. Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) Only those that do the will of God from the heart with the motive of love will be allowed access into our Father’s eternal kingdom. That is why the word of God says ‘blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God’, because without this vision the people perish. We see in the above verses that many thought they were serving our Lord, and may have had a zeal for Him but it was not according to His knowledge, or a faith in Him which only works by love. Many still think that they need to help the Lord out with their own versions of the gospel, and never come to a working knowledge of our Lord and how He intended His word to be ministered. So although many can quote the scriptures backward and forward, and claim they are doing so much for the Lord, they fail to teach the people the mystery of the gospel which is the only truth that will set them free. For myself I am quite tired of the endless works of man who act like God takes orders from them. A true preacher and teacher of the Lord will instruct the people of the love of God that was shown toward mankind, which is based on the completed work our Lord did on our behalf, and not what so many think they are doing on His behalf. Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (KJV) There is a wise man teaching this parable; Jesus of Nazareth taught the people how to operate in the wisdom of God by building our foundation upon a rock, the name of Christ and His doctrine. Those that come to a working knowledge of Christ are able to understand the love of God so that when the winds of doctrines blow through they will not fall for mankind’s cheap imitations and perverted doctrines. Those that do not know the love of Christ will be on shaky ground and fall for man’s self serving doctrines which are based more on the love of money than the love of God. James 2:14-17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (KJV) If you found a child out in the elements without proper clothing and food would you not do something out of a love for that child to make sure they got what they needed and required to keep alive and healthy? So if you look at the spiritual implications of these scriptures, how many times do we come across the path of God’s children who are in the same predicament spiritually? Are you prepared and ready to give them what is needed, or will you leave them in worse shape than you found them? Faith which works by love is what will give the body of Christ what is needed to restore them; spirit, soul, and body. As harmful as it is to our physical body to bear the elements without proper clothing and food, how much more devastating is it to the spiritual body if one is not able to provide what is needed for them spiritually? This is where many miss the mark, they are more interested in building themselves up than the people; what may have started out as a love for God has now grown cold trying to maintain the outward image instead of ministering to the inward. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV) So whose works are you operating in today? Are you in harmony with the completed work God did on your behalf and ordained for you to walk in, or are you trying to impress people with your own works and how you think God operates? Strong’s definition for workmanship 4161 poiema (poy'-ay-mah); from 4160; a product, i.e. fabric (literally or figuratively): KJV-- thing that is made, workmanship. You are a product, the offspring of a God of love. Only those that establish a relationship with our Father based on a true loving commitment will seek those things that are pleasing to Him and trust more in His work than their own vain empty attempts. Who loves ya? Our Lord endlessly, eternally, and unconditionally based on your willingness and obedience to His plan of salvation that was drawn up for you before the foundation of this world. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (KJV)
Have you ever been in prayer over a certain situation, and it seems like nothing is happening? Or maybe your life seems like it is same O, same O, like walking a treadmill, you exhort the effort but you are not moving forward. The Word says that all things have become new to those in Christ, yet it seems “I am still stuck in the old”. So then we plead with God, “if you would only let go and let me have this request, I could move forward in my walk and I would be home free”. But is it so much that we are waiting for God to let loose, or could it be He is just waiting on us to let go? Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (KJV) Maybe it’s time to rethink our request. Maybe the snag in our walk is not on God’s end, but rather on ours; and our Father’s response is a reflection of our own stubbornness of hanging on to unhealthy things He has asked us to let go of. Your walk, your life is a mirror reflection of the spiritual, so if you don’t like what has manifested on the outward, take a look inward to find the solution. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV) When there is an outbreak of an unhealthy, possibly fatal disease, the person infected is put into quarantine. They are isolated and set apart so not to infect others. When you associate with those people or groups that are unhealthy spiritually, you also become quarantined from the Father. So it is not until you are ready to take Father’s dose of what is needed that you will be let out of the quarantine of the flesh you put yourself into, and continue on the path of life and receive the answer to your prayers. You need to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only to be justified in His sight. Psalms 62:7-8 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (KJV) I have found for my own self, that if I come clean before God, pouring my heart out to Him, which by the way He already sees the thoughts and intents of the heart, that God opens up to me as well, and the relationship is strengthened. Rather than try to hide things from Him, and pretend they don’t exist, which is an area the devil would like to keep us in, I ask for help to overcome these issues in my walk that can hinder my relationship with God. Psalms 32:3-5 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. (4) For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. (5) I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (KJV) Ever wonder what that roaring is inside you? The Bible says the devil is like a roaring lion, seeking those he can devour. That roaring sound is the voice of the enemy, telling you that there is nothing wrong on your end, but rather someone else’s fault, and the more you try to justify yourself, the louder that roar gets and tries to drown out the voice of truth that will restore peace and shut the lions mouth. John 10:14-15 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (15) As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. (KJV) The Lord Himself makes an interesting statement concerning His own relationship with the Father, one we too can pattern our life after. How well known I am to the Father is based on how well known I make myself to Him as well. Do I take the time each and every day in prayer and in His word, making my walk in the Spirit a priority, or am I just doing lip service? Am I truly being honest with the Father, coming clean and admitting when I fall short so that He can show me how to make the correction to keep us close? What kind of marriage would one have if they never communicated with each other, or when they did, they would hold back and not be honest? All one needs to do is look around to see that answer, which eventually is divorce. And for those of us that have experienced the D word, it is not pleasant. Psalms 84:11-12 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (12) O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. (KJV) Have you ever had someone you could tell anything to? Someone you could tell your deepest secrets to, things you would never tell anyone else? Would not that person be someone you trusted, someone you established a tight bond with? What about our Father, did you know His ear is never too heavy to hear, in fact He is available 24-7, 365 days a year? Do you trust Him enough to open up too as well? If you do He will open up to you in return. If you sense your life is being put on hold, and you’re waiting for something to happen, being open and honest with God is what will set you free and get you off the bench and back on His field. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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