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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 Easing Of The Burden is on the topic of allowing the Lord to help find and ease the burden you are carrying around in your spiritual backpack. Will you let Him? 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. Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
Have you ever had a favorite sports team you cheered for? How about these big cities that have their franchises, teams that have been around for a long time and have a big following, ever notice how fickle the fans are if the team starts losing? Oh boy, once they get on a roll and make it to the finals then the fans come out of the woodwork and jump back on the popular bandwagon again, acting like they never left. Well if you notice in the above verse, team Christ is made the Head, in other words they are always in first place and they never have to take a back seat to anyone or any circumstance either. Do you always keep this in mind, or are you acting like someone just kicked your tail end? The Lord made you the head, He didn’t put you in last place nor are you last on His priority list either. But He chose to die on your behalf even when you were a sinner playing for the other team. Now that you are part of His team, how much better is your life, knowing you are in first place and have the opportunity to remain there as long as you are willing and obedient to His word? The Bible says if God be for us then who can be against us. Would you like to take on God and see how you fare? Well, many have throughout the Bible, and have failed miserably I might add. In fact weren’t you quite miserable yourself before you knew the Lord, and were enemies and alienated from the life of God by your carnal thinking? With this in mind, hopefully a renewed one, why do so many of God’s people walk around acting like the tail and not the Head, acting like they are in last place instead of first? Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (KJV) Hey speaking of head, how many hairs did you count on yours today? How about that sparrow that keeled over in your back yard, were you aware of that? Our Father in heaven was aware of it, just as He is aware of you and your need as well. So what was that hair count this morning, or did you lose count? Yet with this in mind we still doubt God or act like He doesn’t hear us or love us anymore, sounds rather birdbrain don’t it? A God that feeds sparrows and keeps an accurate head count of them is certainly not going to forget you is He? No, if fact your value is much more than a birds, just like one of your children would have more attention put on them than the birds in the backyard. So why all this fretting and fussing when you can’t even count the hairs on your own head, yet you have the audacity to doubt our Father in heaven? If you don’t like the results in your life then maybe you best be checking the direction you’re heading in and make sure it is the path our Lord intended for you to be on and not some dead end you chose to follow. Luke 12:24-26 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (25) And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? (26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? (KJV) You ever wonder how the leaven got into the bread of life; subtly snuck in there when you weren’t looking or paying attention to details? Again we see an example of the birds, this time ravens which the word says God feeds them; did you ever stop and think about that? Are you not of much more value than these fowls? Yet that is how you act at times or think God sees you. Which of you being a parent would feed the birds and starve your children? That would be criminal and insane, yet that is how easy it is to drift off the path of life if one doesn’t keep a watch on the heart and monitor the mind bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. Consider the ravens; when is the last time you saw one drop over from heart failure because the stock market took a dive, or the price of fuel just rose another ten cents a gallon? Are we not better than these fowls, which is what is being asked in the above verses? In other words, when you cast all your care upon the Lord then do you leave it with Him letting Him do the caring for you? Or do you cast your cares upon the Lord and then like a fisherman reel them back in and reevaluate them thinking you can handle it yourself? Sound to simple, yeah that is the part we miss though, that simplicity. You know, instead of watching some hot shot preacher on TV tell you how to live, and how much better you could live if you show them the money, turn off the tube and look in the backyard and consider what is around you, right in front of you, and how simple the Lord would like us to live if we would only let Him be the Head of our life. Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV) ‘Come unto me’, get steered in the right direction, go to the Head if you wish to be the head and remain in first place. How did things get so complicated, how did you get weighed down with so much burden and heaviness? Well it started ever so simple, so subtle; just snuck right by you while you were looking elsewhere to find rest. Do you remember where they put the yokes? Yup right around the neck which is attached to the head. All this excess weight and baggage you have been lugging around was it something our Lord asked you to carry, or is it something the enemy packed on while you weren’t looking? The Lord’s burden is easy; in fact it is light, otherwise He wouldn’t have said it. But that only applies when you let Him have it and not try to carry the load yourself. Ever hear of the two-headed monster? Well, that’s what happens to people when they become yoked with something of this world, double minded and unstable, unable to do what the Lord is asking because they are too weighed down with the cares of this life. The yokes on you; now it would do you good to make sure you put it on the Head, and not the tail end or you will end up with a big mess. Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV) Remember what comes out of a cloud? Did you know you are surrounded with a cloudburst, ready to rain down on you in the form of living waters? Let’s get rid of all this excess baggage which is a result of sin; sin being unbelief. Let’s start looking above to a man that is seated at the right hand of God, the man being Jesus Christ who not only authored but finished our faith, providing all that was needed so that we could run this same course, the course that is heading home. A spiritual race requires a spiritual leader, so why not follow one that ran this race and is in first place so that you will be also, and all those that follow His lead. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Genesis 1:31-2:3 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. CHAPTER 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (2) And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (3) And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (KJV)
God rested the seventh day from all His work, not because He was tired, but rather everything that needed to be done and accomplished was completed. God saw His creation and came up with a plan of salvation for mankind, and a way to present His spiritual evidence to us so that we could operate in His image and likeness. Although His plan has been rejected at times, even by us the believers who sin and fall short of the glory of God, His mercy and forgiveness provided a way of escape from our fallen nature, and restoration back to His path of life. Take note of verse 31, which tells us that God saw everything that He made, and from His standpoint it was very good. That everything He is referring to includes you the individual believer, who our Father considers precious in His sight. Have you ever looked at yourself and thought, if you could only be someone else or look like someone else? I know I have in the past, and I have tried to imitate other people, thinking if I could be that someone else I would find peace. The peace and confidence I was seeking wasn’t found until I let the Lord show me who I really am, and where my place is in the body of Christ. The more I was able to look to the inward man, Christ in me the hope of glory, the less I was concerned about my outward man. Now that doesn’t mean we just let ourselves go and not maintain our temples, good health is important, but that begins spiritually and then manifests in the physical. The problem is that sometimes people concentrate more on the outward than on the inward, and find themselves lacking and not at peace with the Creator, thinking He made a mistake with the creation. God did not make a mistake with you; He saw you as a very good creation of His; now it is a matter of allowing Him to have His way by entering into His rest and ceasing from your own works. Isaiah 29:15-16 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? (16) Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? (KJV) Have you ever seen the people that work with clay, how they set it on a wheel and spin it and shape it? They basically mold it into the intended design that they had pictured the finished product to be. We are like that clay which needs a dose of water to keep it pliable, soft enough to shape and mold. We can also resemble the clay by not getting enough water, or living waters, becoming hardened, and the Potter is no longer able to work with us. That is exactly what we do when we question and doubt the working of the Lord in our lives, we start second guessing Him and become double minded, which the Bible says is unstable and unable to receive the things of God. Some people don’t find their place in the body of Christ that the Lord intended for them because they have preconceived notions or a desire to be the head or the leader, when in reality they are still acting like the tail end. We need to learn to be faithful in what many may consider least or trivial things, before the Lord will move us on and allow us more responsibility. But just like going to school, you didn’t start out in college but had to work your way up. We have those in the ministry who think they are college grads, but operate like preschoolers and brats. Are you willing to let the Potter work with you, or have you jumped off His wheel and your life is broken in pieces? Jeremiah 18:1-6 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, (2) Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. (3) Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. (4) And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. (5) Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, (6) O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. (KJV) We all sin and fall short of the glory of God at times. Now it is not a matter of wallowing in our shortcomings, but rather getting back to the Potter’s house and letting Him continue His work. We are all a real piece of work in the Lord, and every time we try to be someone else, or desire to look like someone else, we are calling God a failure, telling Him He made a mistake with us. Sure you might look in the mirror and realize you may have added a little too much clay to the vessel, but ask the Creator how together with Him you can mold and shape the vessel back to its intended size. I have found for myself that the reason I was carrying a bit too much weight around in the past is because it was a result of some spiritual weight and baggage I had been hanging onto. Once I was able to hear the Lord and eliminate the excess spiritual baggage it was then that the physical came in line as well. Now keep in mind that it is not a matter of how much weight one can lose, or trying to go over board and get to thin, but rather finding that just weight and balance the Lord intended, what He considers healthy and not mankind’s ridiculous standards. No matter what area the Lord is working with you on it is a matter of staying put, and holding fast your profession of faith without wavering, so you don’t get caught up in the lies and deceptions of the devil by making you think you should be or resemble someone else. The more you stay seated in the Potter’s house, which is located in the heavenly realm of faith, the more you will resemble and act like one of His people. Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (13) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (KJV) The word work means to accomplish, finish, or fashion. It is up to you on a daily basis to spend time in our Father’s house and let the spiritual Potter shape and mold you into His image and likeness; no longer being conformed to this world and what man decides is a success. God did rest His case on the seventh day, and would like you to enter into that rest as well so that you can cease from your own works and allow Him to complete His work in you. Don’t show up for your heavenly trial and get your case and you thrown out for lack of evidence, but continue in the faith, the real substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen by the carnal sight or mind. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 4:1-3 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. (2) For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (3) For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (KJV)
Let us fear or give reverence to the fact that some fall short from entering into the rest of God because of simple unbelief. Call it a surrendering if you would, where you surrender your thoughts and cares unto the Lord and leave them there at the throne, then proceed to walk in the works of God that He personally ordained for you before the foundation of the world. Entering into His rest is not just something that takes place at the end of our walk when we receive the reward of inheritance, but rather it is a rest, an abode in the realm of God where we are no longer telling Him how we think things need to be done, but rather are now walking the path He has chosen for us before the foundation of the world. Isaiah 46:10-13 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (11) Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (12) Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: (13) I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. (KJV) The Lord’s counsel will stand, and has withstood the test of time. It will endure forever, and so will those that come into agreement with it. Declaring the end from the beginning; I compare that to buying a bag of seed from a store, they have a bright colorful picture on the package of the completed plant, what the seed will grow into. Now think of yourself in the same framework; God saw you personally before the foundation of the world, saw what He made was very good, which included you, and provided everything that was needed to make you picture perfect in His sight. So just like the package of seed we bought from the store, if you don’t take the time to plant and water the seed, and follow the instructions, then the end result will not be what was pictured. Rather than grow and mature in the things of the Lord many stay trapped in the realm of the flesh because of unbelief, believing more in the outward sight instead of allowing their inward vision to become enlightened to the completed work God did on their behalf. Philippians 1:6-11 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (7) Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. (8) For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. (9) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; (10) That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; (11) Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (KJV) Remember it is God that began that good work in you, and only He can perform it, which means to accomplish or bring it to a finish. Just like with the package of seed, He saw His creation within you and what it would take to bring it to a finish. Now the question is, will you allow Him to have His way with you so that you can grow up into Him in all things, and let this picture He had for you blossom and develop into a full grown mature Christian? This was Paul’s prayer for the people, not only to see them begin in the Lord but to continue to grow more and more in the knowledge of God, by no longer leaning to their own understanding and limited carnal thinking. I have seen many people over the years get all excited about someone giving their lives to the Lord and accepting His plan of salvation, but that is just the beginning folks. It’s not those that begin the race that receive the prize, it’s only those that endure to the end that will be saved and receive the reward of inheritance. In other words, many get a glimpse and a picture of what the Lord intended for them, but just like with the seed packages, how many will follow the instructions and allow the seed to grow to maturity in the image and likeness our Lord intended for it? God saw from the beginning the end result, and that everything He made was very good; but only those that are able to see themselves in this plan of salvation having their spiritual eyes enlightened will follow through to the end, and stay within the framework of God’s intended plan and purpose for their lives. Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV) What framework are you operating in today? Are you still trying to conform to the things of this world, or are you allowing God to change and transform you into the things of His realm and framework by the renewing of your mind? Are you more concerned with how man portrays you and what is pleasing to people? Or are you seeing yourself more and more being changed into the image and likeness of God, bearing His resemblance, and allowing His picture perfect plan of salvation to develop? God runs a tight ship, and heaven is a high security area; and only those that have the proper identification will be allowed access into it. Some day when you leave this realm and enter into His presence you will need a picture ID to enter in, and only those that show God the picture He intended for them will be given access and allowed into their eternal inheritance. Only those that are able to show Him a spiritual ID with the family name and resemblance will be recognized, a rested development; all others will be rejected because of their lack of belief in His completed work, relying more on their own ways and thoughts which are empty and vain. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 4:9-11 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. (10) For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. (11) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (KJV)
You have been issued a cease and desist order from the Lord, which is what the word ‘rest’ means. In order to walk with the Lord you now need to cease from your own works, and walk in the completed work our Lord Jesus Christ has done on our behalf. Another way of putting it, is that your labor now is to enter into His rest, or as Paul wrote keeping our bodies in subjection to the Spirit. Now does this mean that we as Christians should all check into a rest home and not do anything anymore? Not quite. However, we all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling so that we can find our place in the body of Christ, and carry out the calling that He is asking of us no matter what it is or how trivial we may think it is. A labor of love is another way of putting it; once you have entered into His rest, or abode, it is vital that we remain seated in a heavenly place with our Lord and not fall from grace because of unbelief. Genesis 1:31-2:3 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. CHAPTER 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (2) And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (3) And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (KJV) Was God tired, did He have to take a breather? Not at all, actually God saw everything that He made, everything that He planned before the foundation of the world, which by the way includes you and me the believers, had turned out very good. Everything that was needed for mankind was put in place, including His plan for salvation. In fact God knew already, before the foundation of the world, that man would fall and what it would take to bring reconciliation. God rested; which again means to cease and desist; everything that needed to be done was accomplished and put in place. Now the question is, will you find your place in His calling, and cease and desist from your own works? Psalms 46:10-11 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (11) The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (KJV) When praying about certain situations or decisions that you encounter, do you stop everything you are doing, cease and desist from any outside distractions, and take the time to enter into God’s rest to hear the answer? Maybe the reason you are so worn out is because you have been chasing the answer instead of letting the blessings come upon you and overtake you, which will not happen if you are always on the run. The peace of God you have experienced before is still available, but only if you are willing to cease from your own works and enter into the rest of God so that you can hear the rest of His answer. After all, how many hairs did you count on your head today? You think God isn’t concerned with your life and yet He has even the hairs on your head numbered; and we still doubt at times or question Him? Many times people blame God, and say He hasn’t answered their prayers; the truth be known it was that they didn’t take the time to hear His answer on how the prayers would be answered, and what they needed to do to let it be accomplished. Sometimes people get ahead of God, and rather than being still and knowing God, and that God has heard and answered the prayer, they take off running before they get directions. Ready, shoot, aim, and guess who gets blamed when things don’t turn out they way they thought it should, either God or His messengers or both. Isaiah 46:10-13 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (11) Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (12) Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: (13) I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. (KJV) Are you able to accurately declare an outcome before it happens? All the time? God does, because He has seen it before the foundation of the world, then created everything the way He wanted it to be and saw that it was very good. If your life is not very good and your walk is not where it should be, then somewhere along the way you got sidetracked and you need to stop and take a breather, cease from your own dead works and enter into the work of the Lord that He accomplished for you and your benefit (not the one where you end up throwing a fit). God saw you personally from the beginning, He then drew up a plan of salvation, and a path of life for you to walk on that would lead to His everlasting kingdom. God even saw the detours you would make at times, and provided a way of escape so that you could get back on course and enter into His rest. And yet we still doubt and question our Father’s ability at times, or wonder if He is even concerned with us? Parents, how easy is it to carry on a conversation with one of your children if they are always on the go and never stop long enough to talk with you? How sad is that for you to watch when you see them doing things that are not healthy or in their best interest, yet they never take the time to ask for your help or advice, from a loving parent who has experienced the things they are going through? All you wish for them to do is stop, cease from what they are doing, take the time to rest and hear your counsel and advice which would make it much easier for them and a lot healthier. And you as parents, have you stopped and taken the time to hear from your heavenly Father as well, before you end up frustrated and entangled with the affairs of this life by neglecting the things of your spiritual life? John 6:27-29 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (28) Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (KJV) Here is your labor, a labor of love, all that effort you have put into the things of this life is now being redirected to things that pertain to everlasting life. This is the work; the labor of keeping our bodies in subjection to the Spirit, keeping our minds renewed on a daily basis so that we not only enter into the rest or the realm of God, but more and more stay seated in heavenly places in Christ and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel. You are now under house a rest, you are the temple of the living God and are now living a life of faith; a belief in the completed work that Jesus Christ has done on our behalf, and is much better than any work we think we can do on His behalf. God bless, and take a time out on a daily basis and see the very good work God has begun in you and continues to do for your benefit. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus dear brethren. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (KJV)
One of the definitions for parallel is to be placed beside with, or equivalent to. If you notice in life, who you place yourself with, and who you pattern your life after, is what will determine the lifestyle you live. If you have ever tried parking your vehicle in a no parking area, it’s not long before your vehicle will be tagged, and eventually towed away because it is not in agreement with the standards set for that area. The same holds true with our spiritual life, if we don’t stay in agreement with the Lord and His standard for living, it won’t be long before we will no longer be walking together as a team, but will find ourselves in a prohibited place as well. Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV) The Lord has a wonderful parking place picked out for you, right next to Him. Take the time on a daily basis to park yourself away from all the fast moving traffic of this world, get out of the flow so you that don’t get ticketed for reckless driving. How much easier would our lives be if we truly yoked ourselves with the Lord, and walked together on this path of life, instead of trying to do everything on our own and end up overburdened with the cares of this life? How many times do you take on burdens, and yoke yourself to things the Lord never asked you too, and then wonder why you are so frustrated and worn out? How much simpler would life be if you stayed yoked with Him? Well according to verse 30, much easier and a lot lighter. Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (KJV) Once you have started your walk with the Lord, the whole idea was to continue with Him, not unhooking yourself and ending up tangled up in a web of deceit and lies again. Once you have parked yourself next to Him, don’t let anyone talk you out of your parking spot and find yourself stuck in rush hour traffic again. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) The liberty and the strength I have in Christ is unlimited compared to my carnal way of thinking, and it’s only when I lean to my own understanding that I start to become unyoked with Christ, and try to carry the load by myself. Hebrews 12:1-4 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. (4) Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. (KJV) The writer of Hebrews uses the example of being yoked with the Lord like running an endurance race. How much excess spiritual baggage do we carry around at times; like trying to run a race and carry a bowling ball, how quickly before one will become tired and wearied? Look to the One you have yoked yourself with to draw your strength from, one who has run this race, having been crowned and is now seated with God. Before you start all this whining about persecution from those that oppose you in this race, consider this, have you resisted temptation to the point of being beaten to a bloody pulp, let alone crucified? Are you patiently waiting on His answer, and letting His strength get you through, or have you unhooked yourself and are trying to take a shortcut? If you are going to run this race of endurance to the end, would it not be so much easier to run beside someone who has already done it successfully, having been crowned a winner? Acts 15:10-11 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (11) But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (KJV) Many have tried to run this race and failed miserably, because they try to do it by works and not by grace. Many try to run a spiritual race by yoking themselves with the works of the old law, thinking that is the course they need to take, which eventually will lead them astray, and no-where near the goal they sought to accomplish. The disciples in the early Church were burdened by these laws and all of the unnecessary weight they were carrying around by those that kept trying to yoke them with these. So eventually in chapter 15 of Acts they were able to establish the fact that salvation is of grace, which is a lot simpler than the works of the law, and it made the burden much easier and lighter. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (KJV) What are you doing all caught up in the rat race of this world? Who are you yoking and associating yourself with, and what goals are you trying to accomplish with those outside the kingdom of God? How can you continue to walk together unless you be agreed? In others words, which one of you switched sides and compromised so that you could continue to walk together? If you plan on running the Lord’s race, and receiving His eternal reward, you had better be yoked with Him and let Him be your coach; otherwise you will find yourself running in circles and getting nowhere fast. The yoke’s on you; now it’s a matter of which one you are wearing; one of liberty or one of bondage? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)
The wages for a life of sin is death, separation from our Father for eternity. It’s literally a hell of a reward for all those that serve the devil and spend their lives to satisfy their own desires of the flesh and neglecting the will of our Father. Salvation is actually a gift given to all mankind, sent forth from our Father and manifested to us by His Son, to deliver us from all our destructions. Now the question each and every one of us needs to answer is this; have we received this gift or have we neglected it and are looking elsewhere for our answer? John 1:10-12 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (KJV) What would it be like for you parents, to be able to have everything a child would need to grow up healthy and mature, only to watch them neglect your gift of love, and end up malnourished and sick? For those that live in cold climates, to have coats and all the winter clothing that is needed for the child, just to watch them walk out the door and not be dressed for the weather. And yet with all that our Father has done for his people, for their benefit, only to see how few receive the gift and walk in the spiritual provisions He has provided for His children; how it must hurt Him as well to see His people walk out into a cold dark world not properly dressed and fed either. The plan is established, the gift given, His spirit poured out on all mankind, now a matter of who is willing to receive it and walk in the blessings afforded through this gift. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (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) There is a perfect plan of salvation made just for you; a path of good works which were drawn up like a blueprint for you to follow after; a free gift for any and all that would receive it this day. We are His workmanship; and what a piece of work we all are, and can continue to be, if we allow Him to have His way with us. Some claim that salvation is not something we can earn and therefore it is something we cannot lose. However, like with any gift, some have taken their gift and exchanged it for something else more appealing to the lower nature, and not to the new nature we received in Christ. Romans 1:22-25 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (24) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (KJV) The word ‘changed’ actually means to exchange. So instead of being content with what the Lord has provided, they look elsewhere for their answer, and just like clockwork the enemy is ready and waiting to give them a cheap imitation of what the real gift can provide. So instead of letting the truth set them free, they are overcome again with the subtle doctrines of man and end up worshipping and serving their own lusts and desires, rather than seeking the things of God and what He desires for them. It’s not that the devil has the power to pull anyone out of the kingdom, but rather uses slick underhanded methods to try and talk you out of it, and get you to settle for a far less inferior plan, which in many cases gives the glory to man and not to God. Don’t be taken in by these larger than life ministers who claim they are God’s gift to mankind. In many cases what appears to be too good to be true usually is. 1 Timothy 4:14-16 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (15) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. (16) Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (KJV) How would you like it if you gave a gift to someone close to you, something that was of great value, only to show up one day at their house and find it discarded and thrown in the garbage? If you really knew the true value of what you have been given and what you have access to, and the sacrifice it took to get you this gift, you would give yourself wholly to it as well, not holding back, but receiving all that is yours as well as sharing it with all you come in contact with. 1 Peter 4:10-11 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV) As with any gift it comes with an instruction manual so that you can keep it operational and not void the warranty. This is a free gift given to you so that you can partake of our Lord’s divine nature and continue to minister words of life to those that are willing to let Him speak through you. So what have you done with this gift? Is it alive and real today, or is it a discarded memory of something many talk of, but not walk in? Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (KJV) You have been given the same measure of faith that Jesus Christ was given when He walked this planet. He considers His church the pearl of great price and was willing to die on our behalf. So today, are you holding fast to what is rightfully yours, or have you neglected it? Some day we will have to give an account of what we have done with this gift, and I pray that you will be able to measure up and not be discarded as well. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day. (KJV)
This is just a reminder of what manner of man we were and of the grace and mercy of God our Father. Through His Son Jesus Christ He delivered us from our destruction and this present evil world (Egypt), (Romans 6:17-18). And when we enter into His rest and cease from our own works, in doing this we keep the sabbath day, the day of rest that He has given unto His people, accepting the completed work He has done on our behalf. Today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time to enter into His rest (Hebrews 4:1-11). Psalms 103:11-18 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. (12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. (13) Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (14) For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. (15) As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. (16) For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. (17) But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; (18) To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. (KJV) Sunday is not the only day of the week that we are to keep, but each day that the Lord makes is the sabbath day, even though many still hold to this one day a week above all others. Don’t be as the many, but be as the few that hold each day sacred before God laboring to remain in His rest; cease from your own works, and trust the good work being completed in you in Christ. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)
What do you really believe the most in today; what you see in the outward or what you have found to be truth inwardly? Without maintaining a good solid relationship with the Lord you will not be able to please Him and allow Him to work on your behalf. Some of you have become stale and dull of hearing because you have been walking away from the Lord instead of drawing nearer to Him. I have found it is a lot easier to hear someone the closer I get to them. If you sense you are not getting results from God you need to ask yourself what measure you are giving in His direction of your time, in other words, is He really your first love and priority? Hebrews 4:9-11 There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (KJV) Let me give you a new assignment, you are now under a rest, a spiritual one where you keep the carnal man handcuffed so that you can let the spiritual one loose. It is really that simple. If you desire to see the Lord working on your behalf and getting His results then you just need to learn how to get out of the way. That is your new labor of love. John 15:12-13 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. (KJV) What’s the greatest gesture we can show toward the Lord and His people in return for all He has done for us? I lay down my life and desires and all those ways that I think will work by entering into the Lord’s realm where He now shows me what really works; faith by love. Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (KJV) The question that often gets asked by many is how I can work out my own salvation? Is it by witnessing more or attending more church services? Let me offer this simple solution that I found works for me. The best way to work out your own salvation is working yourself out of the equation so that someone greater within can take over, and when I look at verse 13 it doesn’t go any higher than God Himself. It’s His will and desire to do so, which brings Him good pleasure; now it’s up to you to enter in His rest and let Him. Mark 16:19-20 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (KJV) The disciples ceased from their own works long enough to hear what the Lord was speaking and then they went out and acted on what they heard. As we see the Lord was working with them and they were getting His results which were pleasing to Him. Why not go and do the same thing today? God bless dearly loved; have a restful and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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