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Good morning. Today's video Flood of Ungodliness is on the topic: the way of man is not in himself, it is not in man that walks to direct his steps. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV) No man knows the plan of salvation except it be revealed unto them on a daily basis. Many think salvation is accomplished once; when in fact it is a continual process. Those who endure unto the end will be saved. Each person’s plan of salvation is ordered of the Lord, not based on a plan that man says it should be; for the way of the Lord is not in himself. The way is the same, by and through Jesus Christ; but the plan is different for each person; God had a plan for your salvation from the beginning; which is why you are encouraged to work out your own salvation based on the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9-14 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. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 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. 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. 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) Proverbs 20:24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way? (KJV) The flood of ungodliness involves many ways, many doctrines, many idols, and many gods that mankind has purposed in themselves; none of which have been ordered of the Lord. Many are partaking as in the days of Noah; many have erred from the faith, having forsaken the right way and are following the way of Balaam who loved the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15-22) and overthrow the faith of others bringing them into bondage again. Few are following after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness of the One; the Holy One of Israel who died to save us from destruction, who is risen and seated at the right hand of God that we might have life and have life more abundantly, that being Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:4-7 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Whether we live we live unto the Lord; whether we die we die unto the Lord; whether we live or we die we are the Lord’s. No man’s life is his own; God said that all souls are his. An account of our soul will be required of us at the day of judgement. Will your account be based on man’s traditions and doctrines or will it be based on the doctrine of Christ, knowing the Father and the Son; having honored them in spirit and in truth by following their way and plan of salvation prescribed for you from the foundation of the world? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. We have an advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord who is able to save us from the flood of ungodliness; not only of this world, but of them who profess to know God but are workers of iniquity. Your salvation is your responsibility, so… Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (KJV) God bless Church; follow the leading of the Holy Spirit which will enlighten the eyes of your understanding to God’s plan of salvation for you that he proposed from the beginning and to the way, the truth and the life which he has given you to know in his Son. No man knows. But God our Father and his Son Jesus Christ our Lord do know. John 14:2-7 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. (KJV) You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video Captivity is on the topic of bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Each day we have the choice to remain captive of the Lord at His will or allow ourselves to become captive of the devil at his will. Our thoughts brought us to where we are today; and they will bring us to where we are tomorrow. What are you thinking on? We are encouraged to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (we have the mind of Christ) and to cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. All things are lawful for us, but all things are not profitable to our salvation and growth in the wisdom and knowledge of God; all things are lawful for us, but all things do not build us up in faith and confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ. This includes our thoughts; although we have liberty in Christ, we are not to use our liberty as an occasion to fulfil the lusts of the flesh. Why do we say this? Because the carnal mind is enmity with God. And if you don’t bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and cast down those things that are contrary to God, then how will you know whether it is of God or not; how will you be able to remain in the liberty which is in Christ and not be brought into bondage again to the traditions of men after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ? When a thought that is not of God is left to itself, not checked out or brought into captivity, it can lead to imaginations or temptation in other words, and draw you away of your own lust and entice you (remember we still have a carnal nature to overcome). Now you are left with a choice, cast down the imagination or act on the imagination; if you act on it, lust has conceived, it brings forth sin, and when sin is finished, it brings forth death; or enmity with God, and you are now captive at the devil’s will. This is why it is so important to renew our minds daily on the things of God so that we are able to rightly divide the word of truth having our spiritual senses exercised to discern between that which is of God, and that which is of the world and the prince of the power of the air, which is Satan who walks about continually seeking whom he may devour. When the Lord ascended to the right hand of God he led captivity captive, and gave us the gift of life and life more abundantly, the Spirit of truth to guide us into all truth so that we are enabled to not be brought into bondage again (being captive of the devil at his will). In Christ is all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; and we have been given this treasure within us to lead us in a better way of life based on truth and not imaginations. Salvation is a daily choice; today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time (2 Corinthians 6:2); choose you this day whom you will serve; choose you this day to whom you will be captive. God bless and lead captivity captive in your own life as the Lord did in his. Please note in the video the following corrections to scripture references: Proverbs 6:22 should be 6:16-19 Romans 7:23 should be 7:14 Luke 11 reference toward the end of the video on counting the cost should be Luke 14:25-33 You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video Whole is on the topic of being whole; complete spirit, soul, and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) Wholly means to accomplish, to perfect, to complete. Whole means completeness, maturity, health. We have been given the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; this armour keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus allowing us to continue to walk by faith, casting down imaginations and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, so that in our obedience disobedience is punished. All this was given that we may be whole and complete in all manner of life; able to attend upon the Lord without distraction. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV). Will you put on and keep on the whole armour of God? Prove it by reason of use; come to know, to understand, and operate in the power and wisdom of God? It has been given unto you to know. Our Father has given us all that we need to come to the knowledge of the truth, which is Christ in us the hope of glory, who is our life, the armour of God, and we are complete in Him (whole). God’s armour begins with truth and ends with the sword of the Spirit in which we are able to rightly divide the word of truth. It is the truth that will set you free and keep you free; and we have been given the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit which leads us and guides us into all truth. Truth holds all the armour together and by reason of use it frees us up to allow the manifestation of the Spirit to profit in our life (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) that our whole spirit, soul, and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ said, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes unto the Father but by me. There is no other way to be whole, but by truth, which leads to eternal life. It is a narrow path that is paved with the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; and few be there that find it. Few get to the point of letting go of all their life and allow God to manifest unto them wholly all things that pertain unto life and godliness that they may be whole, spirit, soul, and body. Will you be one of the few? God bless dear brethren, and may you be whole; spirit, soul, and body in Christ Jesus our Lord. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part25 is on the topic of who the Son of God is; he that is not with Christ is against Him. Luke 11:21-26 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. (KJV) The warnings Church are clear. Our strength is in Christ. If we continue to abide in him, he will continue to abide in us; and in Him we have his fullness to help us to discern between good and evil, to rightly divide the word of truth, and the strength to come out from among anything or anyone that is not healthy for us in spirit, soul, or body. A little leaven allowed in will leaven the whole lump. If we don’t keep vigilant in our relationship with the Lord, remaining and gathering with Him (holding too and being the workman who needs not to be ashamed in the gospel of Christ), then we will be counted as against him and our goods will be scattered. And we could end up like the strong man who did not keep his palace (not remaining diligent in the Spirit holding to the gospel of Christ); or be overtaken by the unclean spirit again with seven other of his buddies more wicked than himself, and the last state of ourselves would be worse than the first. 2 John 1:7-11 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV) There are many false prophets with their false doctrines that have infiltrated the Church today; just as in the Old Testament times when Israel intermingled with other nations (the Gentiles) and took on their customs, worshiping and serving their gods, and look at what the consequences were. They left their first love. Mark 12:30 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. (KJV) It is no different for the Church today; if you are not abiding in and holding fast to the grace and gospel of Christ, but have turned unto another gospel other than that which Jesus Christ preached unto you, then there are consequences for what you allow into your house. It will eat away at your foundation and eventually your house will fall. For strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leads unto life and few be there that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in that way. Abiding in Christ is a strait and narrow path; God does not lie, neither does he compromise. The Lord did not preach for filthy lucre (money) sake and neither did he ever ask his ministers too. So why are many Christians supporting those ministers and their ministry who do? And why when these so called men of God compromise to fit into the world and its ways do many Christians continue to support them? And why as a Christian would you compromise to fit into the world and its ways and what they say is good and right, rather than fitting into the kingdom and righteousness of God and what He says is good and right? We are in a time where many will not endure sound doctrine but are heaping to themselves teachers having itching ears. Remember, you too were once on that wide path that leads to destruction, but when you accepted Jesus Christ you were separated unto God, and were removed from the path of destruction by the grace of God and placed on his path of life. Now the devil wants nothing more than to have those who remain on the wide path leading to destruction beguile you off the path of life to join them again in their excess. This is why we are to watch and pray always; lining up what we hear or see with the word of God; letting God be true and every man a liar, which includes those in the pulpits and our old man (thinking); and try the spirits whether they be of God or not. Because if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, they are not with God and His Son Christ Jesus, but against him. So Church, come out from among them and be separate and touch not the unclean thing; which are the doctrines of men, those of the world; and those who corrupt the word of God not holding the head, which is Christ, in sincerity and truth, but seek to glory in your flesh and bring you into bondage again to the commandments and traditions of men, not knowing Christ and his doctrine. Lest you become counted unclean before God; for evil communications do corrupt good morals. God bless. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part12 is on the topic of who the Son of God is; the cross of Christ. Dear Church, loved of God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, are you dying to get to Heaven? Paul the apostle said he died daily. 1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (KJV) We were given an example by our Lord Jesus Christ of dying daily as He did to the fleshly lusts and desires so that He could be resurrected a new man upright and well pleasing in God’s sight. The Lord Jesus took up His spiritual cross daily, not just the physical cross that happened once that everyone knows about, but daily He died that we might live, thus why the scriptures refer to the cross of Christ. He humbled himself and laid aside the lusts of the flesh, but not without suffering, and followed the Spirit of Christ within Him. Learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; having been tempted in every manner as we are and yet sinned not (Hebrews 2:18; 4:14-16). Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (KJV) Hebrews 5:7-10 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (KJV) Have you taken up your spiritual cross, nailing the lusts of the flesh to it through obedience on a daily basis, and suffering for Christ’s sake? Taking up our cross involves dying to self, daily crucifying the old man which was born into sin (of the flesh) so that we are able to resurrect into the new man which was born into the righteousness of God (of the Spirit), Christ in us the hope of glory. Salvation is not a one and done; each day we make the choice to take up our cross and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in obedience. We have a choice to suffer and follow Christ or to take the path of least resistance and follow the lusts of the flesh and the world thereof. Romans 6:4-14 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (KJV) Sin is destroyed when we choose to be obedient to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. But remember sin can revive through temptation when we are drawn away of our own lusts, and enticed; then when lust has conceived it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death (James 1:14-15), which is separation from God our Father. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV) But thanks be to God for His grace who has given us a great high priest, an advocate, on our behalf, Jesus Christ our Lord who is the only way to restore peace with the Father. There is no peace with God our Father without abiding (remaining) in Christ, and Christ abiding in us; the cross of Christ. So dearly loved, take up the cross of Christ and live. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good afternoon. Today's video Care Less is on the topic of what gives your Father in Heaven good pleasure. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video Angels Unaware is a follow up on the topic of angels: what they are; who they are; is there still a purpose for angels; are they still in play? You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Williams New Testament translation of James 1:13-16:
13. No one must say, when he is tempted to do evil, "I have a temptation from God to do evil," for God cannot be tempted to do evil, and He never tempts anyone to do so. 14. But anyone is tempted to do evil when he is allured by his own evil desire and enticed by a bait. 15. Then evil desire conceives and gives birth to sin, and when sin is completed, it brings forth death. 16. You must avoid being misled, my dearly loved brothers. James 1:13-16 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (16) Do not err, my beloved brethren. (KJV) While mankind over the centuries has tried to blame God for their own shortcomings and faults, even some to the point of claiming God tests His people, the truth be known it is the people that do the testing and put themselves in a bad place. When one goes back to their own spiritual drawing board they will find out that the reason they were drawn away in the first place had nothing to do with God despite many teaching to that effect, thus why we are warned not to err. God does not tempt or test His people with evil, never has and never will because that would make Him a liar. That is why when we read accounts throughout the Word we need to rightly divide the truth and learn from people’s mistakes; not like many who make it look like God made a mistake by tempting people, like Job. Nothing and I mean nothing happens in the realm of God by chance or luck, but it is a sure thing to those that are willing and obedient to His word and what He promised for His people to inherit. 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) Do you wonder why people lose confidence in their prayer life, and rather than put their hand to their mouth and listen to the answer some have the nerve to actually blame God for their own shortcomings, or lean to their own understanding like with the book of Job where many claim God randomly picked him out as an example? If there is a fracture in the relationship between man and God, be assured it was not on His end, but rather it happened here first. The Bible is consistent throughout to point out that we serve an infallible God; so if there has been a breach in the Spirit it was because you were inconsistent in your walk and hearing of His word of truth and rightly dividing it. You know it’s not like God has a history of hit or miss, good or bad days; it’s not like He got up this morning on the wrong side of the throne and was moody like we are sometimes. The point is, don’t always try to compare God to man, because man is limited; and so are you if you choose to limit yourself to just the understanding of man and not operating with the mind of Christ that we have access to. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) You know, if you spent the time in the Word like you should then you wouldn’t be caught up in these false doctrines and limited understanding of childish people who claim to know God. All scripture, all of the Word of God, is for our benefit so that we can mature or grow up and not be tossed to and fro like we were when we were younger. If this scripture is what you are putting into your heart then that is what will be flowing from it; while anything else you allow into the heart is what will be spewing out of it, and so will God spew those that don’t speak His language. So while mankind has come up with many doctrines, many so called faiths, it is up to you personally to know for yourself the doctrine of Christ, which by the way is singular; one Lord, one faith, and only one doctrine our Lord accepts as His. This doctrine will only be found in the Word, your time spent studying for yourself so that you can stand approved before God and able to rightly divide the word of truth. Proverbs 15:28-29 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. (29) The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. (KJV) If you didn’t take the time to study the Word today, what did you find that was more important? You know, you can go from righteous back to wicked; just a few nasty words you let pour out of your mouth can put you back into a realm separated from God. Thus the reason why we are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness so that we can remain in good standing with Him and know that He hears our prayers. Some people think God plays favorites, or only approves of their denomination; but to those who are in Christ, they do not fall for man’s titles and approval, rather they are only concerned with that which is from above, His truth that sets us free. James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (KJV) Instead of entertaining the devil we should be resisting Him; which can only be done by remaining steadfast in the faith. If you notice it’s when we draw nigh or close to God that He does the same in return; but it is up to us to be clean before Him, which can only happen by the washing of the living waters of His word. When you decide to purify your heart, being single minded and not double minded, then the two are able to walk together again being in agreement. Isaiah 5:18-21 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: (19) That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! (20) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (21) Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (KJV) Where do you stand today, or should I say are you taking a stand today? There are many that call evil good and good evil because they haven’t taken the time to rightly divide the word of truth, which has drawn them away from God instead of closer. Do you know the difference for yourself of what is the doctrine of God, and what is of mankind; have you made it a priority? Are you drawing closer to God, or are you withdrawing from His realm? If you are not sure then it is time to get back to the drawing board. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 1:12-16 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (13) Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (16) Do not err, my beloved brethren. (KJV)
How do you endure temptation; do you speak and hold to words of life, or do you blame others, even God? We talked yesterday about a man named Job, and though some claim that God just chose him to teach a lesson to, the hard way I might add, the question is, would that be a God you would want to really serve, or should I say, is that how you want to learn a lesson, having your life basically in shambles? I would say not, because that is not how God operates, especially with His people. However, it is the people that choose to end up on the enemies turf because of fear or doubt, which can result in sin which is unbelief. So before one goes pointing the finger at God and blaming Him for their enticements they allowed into the heart, it is up to us the believers to rightly divide the word of truth so that we can have a spiritual diagnosis for any spiritual situation that comes our way. What fits; what is consistently written throughout the Word that would fit a situation that we may encounter or read about, which applies to God and not man’s lower fallen nature? Proverbs 18:20-21 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. (21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV) Out of our belly or heart should be flowing rivers of living water which will bring life to ourselves as well as to others around us. However, if we have allowed something bitter, even poisonous into the heart, then bitter water will be spewing forth manifesting in death, separation from God and His kingdom. Just a reminder today, that God did not send a temptation our way, especially anything that is evil. So before you blame Him or anyone else you need to realize it’s your words that get you into these situations, and it is your words that will get you out of them as well, especially if they are in line with God’s. Job 3:24-26 For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. (25) For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. (26) I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came. (KJV) Oh but look at what God did to Job in the first 2 chapters, nonsense! Look what Job did to himself, and now take a second look at what is coming out of your mouth, and ask what realm have you put yourself into? We are either with God or against Him. So for those that walk in His light and speak His words, they will have life; while all others that choose a lie, will have death, separation from God and His intended result He had for them. So fast forward and ask yourself, ‘how did Job get out of his ordeal’, well it is quite simple actually. Job 40:1-5 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, (2) Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. (3) Then Job answered the LORD, and said, (4) Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. (5) Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. (KJV) So you’re frustrated with your walk; things seem stale in your life and all this fussing and blaming you have been doing just came back your way, on your doorstep. Nothing in God’s realm happens by chance or luck, but rather all the promises in Him are a done deal to those that hold Him to be true; while anything else will put you back in the realm of the dead, with dead end results. Thus why we are told to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, because the wrath of man and those negative words do not work the righteousness of God. How much sillier can people get, to think that God would randomly choose a man like Job and then give him all these bad things to deal with just to teach him a lesson; hey, would that be very comforting to think that God might do that to you also? No, not at all, and not according to His word, which is what we need to be speaking and stay in line with if we wish to avoid these hardships as well. 1 Corinthians 10:1-6 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; (2) And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (3) And did all eat the same spiritual meat; (4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (5) But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. (6) Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. (KJV) God’s people have suffered hardship throughout the Bible, none of which was God’s intention for them. But He had so much more He would have liked to bless them with, as He does with you. When we read the accounts in the scripture’s, they are there for our benefit to learn from and to rightly divide the word of truth so that we don’t have to make the same mistakes as others; even those who were of God. But how are you ever going to know this unless you take the time to study the Word for yourself and hear God personally so that out of your heart and through your mouth will be rivers of living waters also. While some have even blamed God for Job’s calamities and are probably blaming Him for some of their own, the truth be known, that it is by our words that we are either justified or have entered the realm of condemnation again. So where do you stand today, or should I say are you standing? Or maybe it is time to put your hand to your mouth and stop the flow of bitter waters and allow some living waters to flow through again. Mark 11:23-24 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (KJV) If you don’t like what has manifested in your life you might want to ask yourself ‘what is it that I have been speaking into existence, was it words of life or death’? The Lord said you will have whatever you say, which not only includes His realm but that of the enemy also if you put yourself on his turf. The Lord promised He would give us the desires of our heart. Now the question is, will you hold fast that profession of faith without wavering and not give place to the devil, whether in word or in deed? God bless and watch your mouth. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Job 1:6-9 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. (7) And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (8) And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (9) Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? (KJV)
We shared previously about our place in heaven and the opportunity to go before the throne of grace to find what we need; that first and foremost being the spiritual need. As we also discussed, there is an enemy that patrols the heavenly realm seeking whom he can devour. A wolf, or to use another example, a lion in the physical realm will seek its prey by sight and sound looking for a weakness or weak area to prey on and then take advantage of that. Our enemy to the Christian works in a similar way; while the Lord says we are seated in the heavenly places and able to operate in a realm above and beyond this fallen realm of the world, the enemy is listening in from time to time to find a weakness in God’s flock and to see if he can take advantage of it. While many have wondered at times what happened to Job and why would God test him that way, or so they think God tests His people, remember the scriptures are given for our advantage to learn from and not make the same mistakes; and as we read on further we will see that what happened to Job happens to others who don’t hold their position in the Lord, holding fast their profession of faith without wavering. 2 Timothy 2:12-13 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (13) If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. (KJV) Know this also, that the enemy is described in Revelation 12:10 as the accuser of the brethren, basically running a smear campaign before the Lord to see if the mud he is slinging at them sticks. If it turns out that a believer has fallen and entered back into the fallen realm of the flesh and the enemy challenges their position, God cannot lie, even when it involves one of His people. It is vital that we keep a watch over our mouth making sure the words we speak are Spirit and life, not words that will separate us from our right standing with God. This is why it is so important that you as a believer in Christ know your rights and authority in the word of God so that you can continue strong in the Lord and not become easy prey for the wicked one. Job 1:10-12 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (11) But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. (12) And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. (KJV) Did Job fear God for nought or nothing? Well obviously there was a fracture in the relationship because God could not lie and deny the fact that Job had put himself in the enemy’s realm and was no longer holding to a position of faith. God does not randomly pick His people to go through trials like this just to teach them a lesson, that’s nonsense, but rather it was Job that put himself in this position. Job 1:4-5 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. (5) And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. (KJV) So right before Job’s trouble, obviously there was an area of concern in his life, one that involved his own children, one he continually claimed involved sin and cursing. If we read the rest of this chapter we see the enemy had a field day against Job and even his grown children, which is what the enemy preyed on, his weakness and fear. Why would the word fear have anything to do with this? Job 3:24-26 For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. (25) For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. (26) I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came. (KJV) Ahh hah, all that roaring and sighing that had been pouring out of him; the end result of his calamities then was not God trying to teach him a lesson but rather the fear and doubt he allowed into his life which resulted in the enemy hearing the prey and then pouncing on it like a wounded animal. Are there things in your life that are entering the heart and coming forth in the form of words, words that are not building up but rather tearing down? Do you know how to pray effectively, or have you become an ineffective prey of the wicked one? 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (KJV) The Word says we should be resisting steadfast in the faith, not giving the enemy an open door or a clear shot with his fiery darts. The enemy walks about seeking and listening, especially to God’s people to see and hear where they are at in their walk and if there is any weakness that can be used against them. The devil doesn’t have any power to pull you out of the kingdom of God, however if he can introduce doubt and get the believer to fall for a lie and then their own words will put them on his turf, that which is the artificial turf of this fallen world. Like a lion, as described in the book of Peter, a toothless one to those that know their rights in the Word, while others will be off and running to and fro at the roars of a loud mouth lying beast. Ephesians 3:10-12 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV) This confidence, boldness, and access we have is located in the heavenly realm and is available now to those that choose to operate in it and realize that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. The more you hold your heavenly position the less likely you will be entangled in the affairs of this life. Will you resist steadfast in the faith, or will you be running to and fro with every wind and roaring doctrine of the enemy? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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