Category:

First Class

7/22/2015

Galatians 6:12-15 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. (13) For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. (14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (KJV)

Whether the old law and its rituals manifest in the form of circumcision, water baptisms, or any other outward events, the only thing that matters to God is that new creation within the believer. If one goes back through the Bible, especially the book of Acts, you will see that most of the persecution came from those that claimed to be believers; the problem they had with Paul is that He was bringing forth a new doctrine apart from the works of the law. As we see in verse 14 the only thing Paul was holding to was the work the Lord did on our behalf, and anything else was dead and crucified unto him, as he considered himself to be crucified unto any worldly doctrine of man. It’s no longer about the outward man that is going to bring peace, but rather that new creation in Christ is what has brought forth the restoration and a confidence in His work, and not ours.

Galatians 6:12-15 These men who are trying to force you to let yourselves be circumcised simply want to make a fine outward show, only to keep you from being persecuted for the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (13) Indeed, the very men who let themselves be circumcised do not themselves observe the law. But they simply want you to let yourselves be circumcised, so that they can boast of you as members of their party. (14) But may it never be mine to boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world! (15) For neither circumcision nor the lack of it has any value, but only a new creation. (Williams translation)

Today we see the same thing going on as was in the early church; rather than hold to the simple truth that it is of faith and not of works, so many cave in to peer pressure, because rather than take a stand they fall away into a realm the Lord said was destroyed and done away. The devil and his workers would like nothing better than to see the simplicity of the gospel of Christ perverted and complicated with a bunch of man-made doctrines and rituals, rather than have the simple truth in Christ. Many today try to seal the deal with these outward rituals so that they too can boast that you are one of theirs because of something they accomplished, and not what the Lord accomplished on their behalf. So what is your priority this day; is it feeding and nurturing that new creation within you, or are you still trying to establish a spiritual relationship based on some outward show?

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. (17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (KJV)

This is what we have been talking about all week, even though we knew Christ according to the old law and its fleshly or carnal ways, we are no longer to observe Him that way. Once one becomes a new creation in Christ all those old things which He took out of our way and nailed to His cross is passed away; dead, died, and buried. Now our only concern should be for that new man within us and how to do those things that are pleasing to God despite what mankind may think or comprehend as being godly. We should be renewed in the spirit of our mind, having access to the mind of Christ, so that we can continue to walk in this newness of life and not the oldness of the letter of the law which is death. After all, when you stand before the judgment seat of Christ someday what is it that will truly give you access into His eternal realm; the works you thought would impress Him, or allowing Him to do a new work in and through you?

Romans 3:20-22 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (KJV)

Here is your justification, a simple faith in what our Lord Jesus Christ did on our behalf, not by some works of the law that we think still needs to be accomplished on His behalf. Where is your faith truly rooted and grounded in people; in something you are going to do, or in a belief in what the Lord is doing in you? This is a faith that will keep you in good standing with our Lord so that you no longer will fall away back into the realm of the flesh, but learn more and more how to stay seated in the realm of the Spirit. Haven’t you heard enough testimonies of people that constantly backslide; people that truly had a zeal for God but obviously it wasn’t according to His knowledge? Many fall away and find that they are not being renewed because they are still under the works of the law where there is still a knowledge of sin, and not a confidence in the work the Lord is doing within them, they are still looking without for the answer. And while there are those that are promising them liberty, many are still the servants of corruption because of their lack of faith in Christ, and the only justification they will find in Him.

Romans 3:23-28 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (27) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (KJV)

Justified freely by His grace, that is it; that simple folks, nothing else. We are saved by grace through faith and not of works, which truly eliminates any boasting on our part. You have been given a first class ticket to the heavenly realm so that you can escape the corruption of this world and walk in the newness of life that God intended for you. Now all that is left for you to do in order to board this flight is to pass through security, and provide the proper password and documents to get you home. Jesus Christ said that He was the only way home by the truth which will set you free and give you this new life in Him, above and beyond what you could have ever asked or thought about. All aboard?

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A New Realm

7/14/2015

1 Corinthians 12:1-7 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. (2) Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. (3) Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (4) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (KJV)

First of all I would like to make note of the fact that the word ‘gifts’ in verse 1&4 are both added words, they were not a part of the original text. The reason this is mentioned is because the key to all these verses is that everything that takes place in this context is a manifestation of the Spirit, which is singular. While many think they have only a certain gift that God can work through them, the truth is that it is similar to our bodies, we all have the body parts to make our bodies function, and growing up it was just a matter of developing and learning how to use them, whether it be walking, talking, or any other function. It is up to us as individuals to find out what our calling is, where we fit in the body of Christ and allowing the Spirit of God to work and manifest through us as He chooses, and not as we think we should be dictating it.

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (KJV)

Now rather than limit the working of God through its members by thinking that to only one member is given wisdom, or to another any other endowment, which is what the word gifts refers to in Verse:9, Paul is showing how the Spirit can manifest through the members of the body to provide what is needed for each situation. Think of it this way, if you broke your arm and went to the hospital it would not do the attending physician much good to be working on your leg or checking your ears. So when there is a need in the body of Christ, and we are dealing with someone seeking a spiritual answer to their need, it is a matter of letting the Spirit have its way and manifest the answer that is needed for each and every individual situation we will encounter. While some may be more developed in certain areas of their walk, again like with children growing up, some learn to talk or walk quicker than others, all the workings of the Spirit are similar in the fact that once you received this Spirit within you, all the things in the above verses are available to those that are a willing vessel and allow God work through them. Although some think they can determine ahead of time how the Spirit is going to operate, say for instance those that claim they are going to have a special healing service, or if you show up on Sunday there will be miracles, the simple truth be known is that those that are truly operating in Christ will keep themselves out of the way and allow Him to have His way.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (14) For the body is not one member, but many. (KJV)

Remember, we are now talking about a Spiritual body of believers; so in order to be a part of it one has to be baptized Spiritually, immersed in the living waters of Christ, to become a part of as well as remain an effective working member of it. It is important now for you to find your place in the body of Christ and to learn to function the way the Lord intended for you to, and not what you have seen others do.

Romans 12:4-7 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: (5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (6) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (7) Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (KJV)

Strong’s definition for gifts:
5486 charisma (khar'-is-mah); from 5483; a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, i.e. (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty: KJV-- (free) gift.

When we see the word ‘gifts’ it is referring to a free gift (Christ), God having sent His only Son on our behalf; as well as a qualification of where is the Lord asking us to operate in His body. So whatever your calling, whatever place the Lord is asking you to serve in, it’s learning who you are in Christ and how you can most effectively serve Him. So until you know and are not just guessing it is best for you to wait on Him until you are sure how He operates. Many people try to dictate to God how He is going to operate, and what their place in the body is rather than let Him have His way and allow His purpose to manifest through them.

Ephesians 4:7-12 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (8) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (10) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) (11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (KJV)

Everything we talked about today is a result of the gift of Christ, the manifestation of His Spirit which is given for us to profit in. The gifts He gave unto men is manifested in the people mentioned in Verse 11, those that have answered their calling and are now working to edify the body of Christ, to teach them who they are in Christ.

John 4:10-11 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (11) The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? (KJV)

God’s gift to mankind is Christ, and those that have answered His call and are working on His behalf will know their place in the body, and will be ready to provide the Spiritual answer to all that would ask of the hope within them, as we see in the above verses. God gave us the good and perfect gift from above. Now will you take the time to read the instructions and learn how it operates for yourself? After all, you are now in a new realm.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Many Called Few Ch0sen

6/8/2015

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (KJV)

Thayer’s definition for ‘which corrupt’:
2585 kapeleuo-
1) to be a retailer, to peddle
2) to make money by selling anything
a) to get sordid gain by dealing in anything, to do a thing for base gain
b) to "trade" (traffic) in the word of God; to try to get base gain by teaching divine truth
c) to corrupt, to adulterate; peddlers were in the habit of adulterating their commodities for the sake of gain

So if many have been called then why are there so few left to deliver God’s message of love? Could it be there is a different love and affection that has snuck in and taken over, a method that isn’t approved of God but a big hit with mankind? Even in the time of Paul’s ministry we see the word of God corrupted and peddled to the highest bidder; those that were called of God are now answering to mankind and catering to the highest bidders. As we see in the above verses it just wasn’t a few doing this stuff but many had sold out and allowed a breach in the Spirit, a spiritual virus that was infecting the early Church; and quite frankly as I look around today, has only gotten worse.

Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (KJV)

When looking at these verses one can see two points being made and the comparison being implied, like a parable. As moth and rust corrupt the physical riches over time, by getting caught up in this doctrine one has allowed the thief to break through spiritually and steal the truth, replacing it with heartache and misery. As rust can eat away and distort riches, so does the love for them eat away and distort our vision of what will truly bring peace and joy to the believer. So where your treasure is will determine the direction of the heart and its true intentions will be manifest.

Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (24) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV)

If your vision is not kept single, seeking only the things of God that will bring joy and peace, as well as a confidence and boldness to speak His word, then one will be walking in darkness; and what many have thought would bring them the answer ends up to be a dead end. The word of God is quite specific that no man can serve two masters because a double minded man is unstable and unable to receive the things of God or be entrusted with the truth to be used of Him. Remember it is the love of money, not money itself that is the root of all evil; and those that look to the things of this realm to find joy and peace will find that they have erred from the faith and are now drowning in destruction and despair.

John 2:13-16 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, (14) And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: (15) And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; (16) And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. (KJV)

Since when did the temple of God become a place of trade? The Lord set the example and quite emphatically let the people know where God stood on this doctrine of making merchandise of His word. And yet today as I look around, or flip through the religious channels, it is quite apparent that mankind has decided to set the tables back up with their endless money pitches and gimmicks. Folks if it didn’t work back then why would one think that God approves of this nonsense today? Remember that you are the temple of the living God and He dwells within you. So what is your true love today, and what is it you truly treasure in your life? Just because mankind decides that it’s okay, and just because someone has a big TV following doesn’t make it right; and according to the word of God it is not something our Father approves of either.

2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV)

Oops, remember the many that were called? Well now we are seeing what happened to their calling and how they chose to respond. When I see the word feigned which means to fabricate, I think of all these phony hundredfold return doctrines that are promised to people that donate to these ministries preaching them; which in simple layman’s terms is nothing more than a pyramid scheme, where those on top get rich, and well we all know what runs downhill. Just because others have sold out and set up their tables in the temple doesn’t mean you have to fall for their guilt trips and pity party sermons of how much more they could do if they only had the loot, when they should be answering God’s call and teaching the people what God has already done on their behalf.

Titus 1:9-11 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (KJV)

You know folks, you can’t buy your way into the kingdom but you can sell out. What is it going to profit you if you gain the whole world but lose your soul for an eternity? Many that have been called of God may have begun in the Spirit with good intentions, but tried to perfect it in the flesh by supposing gain was godliness, which the Bible says we should withdraw from, which includes our support. So put away your TV remote control and grab your Bible; start partaking of the true riches of the kingdom of God and don’t be taken in by these cheap hucksters who promise liberty but they themselves are the servants of corruption.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Where Is It Written?

5/13/2015

Hebrews 8:9-10 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. (10) For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: (KJV)

In the Old Testament the commandments were written on tablets of stone which reflected the stony hearts of the people and how quickly they could be broken, which in fact took place before Moses returned from receiving them. Today we still have many stiff necked and hardhearted people that continue to try to serve our Lord according to the old law and not the new covenant our Lord brought forth to His people. There are those today that put a lot of credence into Bible memorization, thinking the more scriptures they can memorize the more effective they will be. You may have a head full of knowledge but if it doesn’t get into the heart, quite frankly you’re dead. In fact the more one can stay out of their head and the old carnal thinking the better off they will be. Like with a blood transfusion, if it never reaches the heart then it is of no value and will lead to death. As the heart is such a vital organ to our physical man, it is a vital part of our spiritual being also; and just as the heart pumps the blood to the body, it gives life to the believer as well. A half hearted effort will leave one falling short in this realm whether in a marriage, job or anything else we engage in. The same holds true in the spiritual realm, if one is not giving our Lord a whole hearted effort then they too will come up short and not reach their intended goal.

2 Corinthians 3:2-6 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: (3) Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (4) And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: (5) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; (6) Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (KJV)

Has the word of God gotten into your heart? Is it an actual part of your being, pumping life into you daily? Do you understand the Word for yourself so that when you read the Bible you are not just reading accounts of God working through and in other people’s lives, but that you can relate to their situations as well having experienced the same thing in your walk, or are in the process of experiencing it, seeing for yourself how to walk by faith and not by sight? This is a living spiritual Word that is written with the Spirit of God in the heart, and as long as you keep your heart protected from the lies and deceptions of the devil it will not be lost or stolen from you. Many people are familiar with the letter of the law and can quote scriptures based on head knowledge, but it is only those that have truly allowed this Word to be written personally in their own heart that will experience the love, the joy, and the peace of God that goes beyond our understanding.

Luke 4:5-8 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. (6) And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. (7) If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. (8) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV)

The same question the devil asked Jesus of Nazareth is the same one he will ask and has asked all of us; ‘where is it written?’ Now the devil is not asking for chapter and verse of where it is written but rather checking to see if it is written in the heart, something that is actually alive and real, a part of your own being. As we see here in the above example, as well as other parts of the New Testament, our Lord Himself taught the people as one that had authority, one that knew what He was talking about, and was not like the other teachers and preachers. The Lord knew from the heart who He served, as well as the truth and what His calling was, and what it would take to fulfill it as well. Anything less than a whole hearted belief and commitment, taking a stand for the truth, and you will end up falling for a lie. When the devil tries to paint you a pretty picture of all the things in the world you are missing out on, and what could be yours if you are willing to seek the glory of this world rather than your heavenly reward, you will end up duped like many others unless you have allowed the word of God to be written in your heart.

Acts 19:13-16 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. (14) And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. (15) And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? (16) And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (KJV)

This is a classic example of what happens when the word of God is not real and alive to someone, but rather a second hand account of something someone else did in their walk. These exorcists were trying to imitate Paul, having seen God work through him. So when they tried to stand on their own knowledge they ended up taking a beating. These evil spirits were quite familiar with the Lord Jesus and Paul himself because they found out first hand that the Word was written in their hearts with the Spirit of the living God, and it was the evil spirits that ended up fleeing from them instead of the other way around. So how well armed are you today? When the enemy comes a knocking will you send him fleeing or will you be the one on the run?

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)

Ever see the old classic movie the Wizard of Oz where the girl is walking down the path and is confronted by the lion? The lion made a lot of noise and threats, but when resisted with the truth turned out to be nothing more than a lying coward. For those that know the truth of God from the heart, they are able to see this same thing for themselves; and rather than be sidetracked with lies and deceptions they continue on the path of life by resisting the devil with the truth. Whom resist steadfast in the faith; our ability to hear the message delivered by Christ, and allow God’s word to be written in our own hearts. Faith is by hearing and hearing the word of God; which means doubt and fear can only come by hearing as well, giving ear to the lie more than the truth.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (KJV)

There was a commercial that asked the people ‘what’s in your wallet?’ When the devil comes around to ask you what is in your heart, will you have an answer that will send him fleeing, or will you be fleeing from the truth and chasing a cheap lie and imitation of his? So what is truly written in your heart? Because where your treasure is will determine where your heart is, and which direction it is going.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prove It

5/4/2015

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. (17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (KJV)

Up to the point of our conversion we were limited in our thinking and only able to discern things according to what we were able to see, hear, and touch; basically limited to our carnal senses. Once you became a new creation, which can only take place to those that are in Christ, you are now able to see things through the eyes of the Spirit and look into a whole new realm and a whole new way of thinking. Every day should be a new day. Like with a child, they continue to learn more about the things around them, the things of this realm that they recently entered into themselves. Your old way of thinking, the way you determined things and made judgments based solely by outward appearances is passed away; you are now able to discern and make judgments according to what the Lord says, who knows the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (22) Abstain from all appearance of evil. (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)

Thayer’s definition for prove:
1381 dokimazo- 1) to test, to examine, to prove, to scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals 2) to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, to deem worthy

Before you put your stamp of approval on something, or I should say God’s stamp of approval on it (after all you are now a representation of Him), do you take the time to check it out to see if it lines up with the word of God before you get involved in something that He doesn’t approve of? If there isn’t peace in the situation that would be the first indication that it is not of God. Secondly, it has to line up with His word before you should proceed forward, otherwise you may find yourself like the prophet Balaam who ended up blaming the wrong ass for the ungodly situation he put himself into. Case in point, 5 months ago when many said it was Christmas time many jumped on the bandwagon and went for a worldly ride. But the truth be known, which by the way it is available to those that are willing to listen, is that it is nothing more than a cheap hoax, a worldly retailers celebration, supposedly in the name of Christianity. Not only has this abomination evolved into an ungodly mess, if you take the time to go back to its origins you will find that it began as a pagan ritual which a bunch of half baked milk toast Christians adopted and imitated; which sad to say, not much has changed over the years. So if you desire the peace of God in your life and someday plan on presenting yourself to Him wholly and blameless, spirit, soul, and body, then you need to be more watchful about the doctrine you allow into your spirit and the things you put your stamp of approval on so that you don’t allow a little leaven to leaven the whole lump.

Isaiah 5:20-21 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)

This is exactly what takes place when someone doesn’t take the time to rightly divide the word of truth; when someone jumps into a situation just because it looked good and sounded good by the outward appearance, but inwardly was an abomination to the Lord. What you put your stamp of approval on can have dire consequences if it is not of the Lord and a misrepresentation of His word. So like the old song says, ‘look before you leap do waters run deep’ otherwise you may find that the so called pool you’re diving head first into is nothing more than a mirage. The devil painted a pretty picture to Eve back in the Garden of Eden and made it sound too good to be true if she would just partake of the fruit. The same deceiver is still out and about portraying himself as a minister of righteousness, with cheap watercolors that can be easily erased when doused with the living waters of truth. What a pretty picture he will try to paint in your mind, showing you the highlight reel of what you are missing in the flesh so that he can get you living in an imaginary realm of deception and lies. So before you enter his studio, take the time to hear the Lord’s answer and discern the truth; before you allow the devil to paint you into a corner.

2 Timothy 2:15-16 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (16) But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (KJV)

I have seen so many people try to imitate other people that they considered godly, and miss the mark because they were more concerned with mans’ approval and not the Lord’s. You have entered a whole new realm people, which is completely opposite of the one you lived in the past. So in order to walk in the Spirit you have to start thinking in the Spirit, and that will only take place as you renew your mind in the word of God on a daily basis. Otherwise you find yourself back in the realm of the flesh which should be dead, died and buried to those in Christ.

Commentary:
In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until it was liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins were comparatively soft and of course many people shaved them closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens, to stop the practice of shaving down the coins then in circulation. But some money-changers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money. They were men of honor who put only genuine full-weighted money into circulation. Such men were called "dokimos" or "approved". --Donald Barnhouse

Oh how the world keeps such a close watch over their treasures to make sure they don’t get shortchanged. How much stronger would the Christian be if they made their spiritual life as much a priority as their financial welfare or even beyond. I have seen many people who study cults, then go out and about getting in debates over their doctrines. Now with people in banking today, they don’t waste their time studying the phony bills but rather study the genuine bills; that is how they are able to spot the counterfeit ones and there is no debate, case closed. The Bible says it is the truth that will set you free so that you can be free indeed. So how much time have you spent today in the word of truth so that you can know the truth and be approved of God as genuine and the real deal?

Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. (KJV)

Are you truly a Christian? Prove it.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Right Back At You

3/24/2015

Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that ye be not judged. (2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (KJV)

Why is everyone so concerned about everyone else’s business? Did you reach some point of perfection, that now you can go out and analyze everyone else’s walk and tell them how to live? Have you ever heard the verse, he that is without sin can cast the first stone?

James 4:11-12 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. (12) There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? (KJV)

Let me ask this question, that thing you spoke about behind someone’s back, is it something you could have said to their face? Or possibly it is something that should have been said to their face, before you decided to say it to everyone else’s. How many times have you got all worked up and excited about confronting someone, only to find out that when it came time to deliver the message, it came out completely different than what you thought? That’s called imaginations, which the Bible says we are to cast down, not entertain and speak out on, especially against the brethren, God’s people. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. So if you are not able to speak it face to face, then like the old saying goes, ‘if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all’.

Galatians 5:15-16 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. (16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (KJV)

Did you ever see the poster of a bunch of wolves disguised in sheep’s clothing, and the one takes his mask off and realizes there are no more sheep left, only wolves. That basically sums up what happens when the Church is no longer walking in the Spirit, but in the flesh, and making judgments based on their own carnal thinking and no longer in line with God’s. So eventually what goes around, comes back to bite you. So if you have been backbiting, it won’t be long before you get the same in return.

Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. (KJV)

The Lord doesn’t think to highly of those that make false accusations against His people, and if you don’t obey His rules you will find yourself in contempt of His court and will be asked to leave. There is one judge and one lawgiver who wrote the book and is the author and finisher of our faith; so unless you think you can do a better job than Him, you might well leave it to Him to handle judgment.

Matthew 7:3-5 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (4) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? (5) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. (KJV)

Oh my, you have all the answers except one, how to live your own life and walk a walk that is pleasing to the Lord. So just about the time you decide to judge others and straighten them out, the Lord comes right back at you and says, ‘hey hypocrite, just possibly that thing you see in someone else is actually a reflection of yourself, and that is why it is irking you so much’. So before you decide to clean out someone else’s closet, make sure you got all the skeletons out of yours first, and then you will see clearly how to handle the situation in love and not anger.

1 Corinthians 4:3-5 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. (4) For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. (5) Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. (KJV)

Do you know that sometimes we are our own worst critics? Sometimes we sell ourselves short because of what others think of us, or have said about us. Did you ever stop and think that the Lord doesn’t even want us to judge ourselves, but rather leave that to Him as well? Now true, there are those that think more highly of themselves than they should, and are what is referred to as legends in their own minds. You too can sell yourself short and miss your calling, because you try to compare yourself with others and how they walk, rather than realizing God made you unique, and has a calling and a place in the body of Christ that only you can fill. Without you being in the place that He would have you be, you rob Him the opportunity to bless you the way He intended. Like Paul himself wrote, ‘it is so small and trivial what others think of me, or how I am judged by them, because it is only by the Lord’s standards that I am justified’; because of that attitude God was able to use him to write a good portion of the epistles.

Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? (4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. (KJV)

Just because others don’t believe the word of God, will you let that affect you? Just because others judge by the outward, and are more concerned with pleasing man than God, are you going to let that affect you? Come judgment day you will pass or fail by one standard; I chose God and His word to be true above and beyond what anyone else thought or said and let man be the liar; or I chose to believe man and called God the liar.

Galatians 6:1-3 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (2) Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (3) For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (KJV)

Will you react in the flesh, or respond in the Spirit? The fact that God is a Spirit, then only those that serve Him and worship Him in spirit and in truth will God use to bring about healing and restoration to situations that arise in the body, which will be based on His judgments and love, and not some condescending self righteous attitude. So it’s your decision this day, choose who you will serve, because with what measure you put out, is what is coming right back at you.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How Do You Measure Up?

3/12/2015

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (KJV)

What do you consider your measuring stick, and what do you compare your life with, the spiritual measure or how man measures themselves with each other? I have heard this topic come up over the last few years, and for myself can’t quite come to terms with mans’ reasoning on who are you accountable to? Mainly which pastor or organization do you give account to? Many people compare themselves with other people, and limit themselves to mans’ idea of how to live a Godly life in the Spirit; which has unlimited potential for those that choose to follow the Lord and not end up carbon copy, cookie cutter assembly line Christians. After all, in the end who is it that you are really accountable to, and who’s judgment seat are you going to have to stand before, before you are given access to your eternal home? Wouldn’t now be a good time to start living up to His spiritual standards and quit selling yourself short by following mans’?

Romans 12:2-5 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (3) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (4) For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: (5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (KJV)

Most of what I see out there concerning ministries and ministers is based on worldly standards, rather than holding fast to the truth of God’s word. They bend with the times; they compromise on certain issues; and are more concerned with pleasing man than God. So instead of taking the measure of faith that was dealt to each of us, and letting God have His way so that we can see more and more of the gift of life He gave us, many fall short by measuring themselves with each other, thinking large numbers equals success with God. The most important thing for a Christian to know is who they are in Christ, where the Lord has placed them in the body, and fulfilling this duty no matter where or what our Father is asking of them. Once you establish this relationship with the Father, building up a trust and commitment by hearing the message of faith for yourself, you will find the true path of life is not that heavily traveled, and the ones that are building up numbers for the most part are the ones preaching the ear tickling feel good doctrines of man.

2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV)

The Lord considers His church the pearl of great price worth dying for. Despite all this, those that have put themselves in a place of teaching and preaching the word of God, doing it for personal financial gain, making merchandise of people rather than building them up and teaching them who they are in Christ, despicable. I can assure you God does not take too kindly to seeing His children treated like this, anymore than you would want to see your children treated this way. The reason many follow their pernicious, filthy shameless ways is because rather than take the time to listen to God for themselves and hear the message of faith delivered by Christ, they let someone else dictate this message for them, then try to measure up to their standards, and not the standard set forth in the word of God.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (KJV)

How much of yourself are you willing to give to the Lord? Is He a priority in your life, so that the first thing you do in your day is take the time to stop all that you are doing, so that you can hear His message of love for the day? The measure you put out to the Lord is what will be returned to you; so much that it has to be pressed down and shaken together to make room for more, because the living waters are flowing out of you and watering those around you. There is an old saying, in order to keep it you have to give it away. How much of this measure of faith have you put into practice in your life, and what are you basing and comparing your walk with; someone here on earth, or someone seated at the right hand of the Father? Some say the sky’s the limit, but with Christ I say that it is just the beginning. By the way, give doesn’t just refer to money as so often is taught, but rather how much of your life are you willing to lay down for the brethren so that the life of Christ can manifest through you. Whosoever shall lose his life shall find it.

Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (KJV)

The purpose of those that are called within the fivefold ministry is to build up the Church, which are the people of God, not the building, and to teach them how to measure up to the stature, maturity of Christ. Those that are able to come to an understanding of the knowledge of the Son of God will be able to grow and mature according to God’s standard and not some manmade self serving one.

Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV)

When we were children we all thought of certain people that we wanted to grow up too be like, and imitated them. Those that truly mature in the Lord will not be trying to imitate other people, but rather seek to follow Christ and the person He intended for us to be. So grow up Church, and let’s put away childish things. Set your standards according to God’s word and seek those things which are above, and don’t settle for less. It’s time to raise the bar.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Deadbeats

2/25/2015

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (KJV)

Who you associate with; those that you put your stamp of approval on; whether ministers or ministries does make a big difference to God, and if the warning is not heeded, will have eternal consequences. Once you have attached yourself to someone or some organization, you get the whole package, whether it is a blessing or a curse. And though you may have good intentions the package you took delivery of may have come C.O.D, curse on delivery. So be on the lookout, because it is up to you to rightly divide the word of truth so that you will know the difference and make the necessary changes.

Numbers 19:13 Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him. (KJV)

Just like with a virus, or any other germ that can attack the body, many times it is not visible, but enters in unknowingly. So the quicker this is identified the less damage it will do to the body. In the Old Testament there were certain laws pertaining to the handling of the dead because of the threat of disease that existed. Today the same holds true spiritually. There are a lot spiritual deadbeats, wolves in sheep’s clothing, who spiritually are decomposing and riddled with unhealthy doctrines. So unless one keeps their spirit man sprinkled with the living waters of separation, they might find themselves unclean as well. In fact, one of the punishments in the Old Testament would be to strap a dead body to the person being punished, which if one can imagine would not be to healthy or pleasant. Eventually the living person would end up like the one strapped to him, inheriting all the uncleanness associated with that body.

2 Corinthians 6:16-18 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. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV)

We have been adopted into the family of Christ, and are now the Sons of God by faith in Him. Do you want to continue with Him? Then you will need to rid yourself of any unclean habits, as well as unclean influences if you wish to walk a healthy spiritual path. So if the Lord points out certain areas, or certain individuals or an organization you thought was healthy, will you do what is necessary to stay clean, or will you keep dragging the old fallen nature around until it overcomes you as well? Who and what you associate with may not seem like a big deal, but it can have deadly consequences if it is ignored. That which looks good to man, may just be an abomination in the sight of God; knowing the difference is vital to our spirit man.

Romans 1:30-32 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (KJV)

To have pleasure in them, simply means to agree with, or assent to. Are you always sure of who and what you are agreeing to? Those that you take spiritual counsel from, is it the doctrine of Christ, or has it been twisted and perverted to fit their lifestyle, which in many cases ends up to be the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Inventors of evil things; remember the root of all evil is the love of money, which many have coveted, and they err from the faith. We have all seen these larger than life ministries, their money pitches and pyramid schemes and other slick twisted perversions of the pure word of God. Some are more obvious than others; but either way, they are still deadbeats, heading in the wrong direction, a dead end to those that follow. But why do they continue, and who is supporting their folly? The answer is simple minded, lazy immature people that rather than take the time in the word of God on a daily basis, rightly dividing the word of truth, they look for shortcuts, like a fast food drive through restaurant they pay the bill and eat on the run. But beware, because not only will the false prophets suffer eternal death and separation from the Father, so will those that put their stamp of approval on their organizations, and support them in misleading the flock.

2 John 1:9-11 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. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV)

What are you allowing entrance into your temple, which is the temple of God? What doctrine are you giving your stamp of approval to? If it is anything other than the doctrine of Christ, you have just attached something dead to yourself, as well as those around you.

Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (KJV)

Mark them means to take a look at, regard and consider. Many assume that just because something looks Christian, sounds good, and is approved by many it has to be of God. But beware so that you don’t end up like many simple unsuspecting Christians, who rather than mark and avoid unhealthy doctrine, end up a target and a bullseye of the devil.

Isaiah 5:20-21 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)

Proverbs 21:16 the man that wandered out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. (KJV)

Jesus Christ, don’t be caught dead without Him.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Drawing The Line

12/10/2014

1 Corinthians 11:28-30 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (30) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (KJV)

You know, it’s up to you personally to hear the message being delivered by God through Christ so that you can know for yourself what the true meaning of it is. There is a line if you would, where once you cross it there is no going back, at least not in peace. Those that entered the Lord’s realm did so because they examined themselves and realized that they were in dire need of something better, that being our Lord and His truth that would set them free. When people don’t discern or rightly divide the truth, the meaning of the Word of God, then they enter a realm of darkness, where if continued in makes them weak; some become spiritually sick as well, and some are sleepwalking, claiming to be serving our Lord but yet they are still walking according to the flesh. For many they just blindly accept whatever is thrown their way in the form of man’s doctrine and then wonder why they don’t get any real results, something of substance.

Hebrews 5:11-14 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV)

Nothing will pull a person down quicker than a lousy diet and a lack of exercise. Spiritually the same holds true; those that should have been teaching needed to be re-taught themselves because they had become dull in their hearing, that being, hearing the Word of God. Many do hear things that many claim to be of God, but only a few really take the time and effort to seek for themselves the true meaning and interpretation of the Word.

Strong’s definition for ‘dull’: 3576 nothros (no-thros'); from a derivative of 3541; sluggish, i.e. (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid: KJV-- dull, slothful.

Not a very pleasant picture, someone that should have been strong in the Lord and the power of His might is now basically useless, you know, like when the salt has lost its savor? Verse 14 uses the term ‘strong meat’ which would make one strong if they are partaking of it. However, if one is not properly exercising their Spiritual senses instead of rejecting the unhealthy things, they accept them wholeheartedly and end up weak and sick. Isn’t that one of the first things that you as a parent try to teach the children, how to eat a healthy diet so that they don’t end up sick? Well, for those that should be leading by example, what kind of spiritual diet have you been partaking of, and is it something that is building you up or pulling you down?

1 Corinthians 11:30-32 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (31) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (32) But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (KJV)

Hmmm, there is that word ‘many’ again; you know, like many false prophets that would arise and deceive many? How about the many that are called and yet only a few are chosen; so what happened to the ‘many’? Well many are bedridden, having not shown up for their spiritual calling, but rather they called in sick because they have become weak, weakened by doctrines that are man-made with man-made unhealthy additives, shortcuts would be another way of describing it. Many are asleep as well, because rather than give ear to the Lord and His correction (chastening is another way of putting it) they spend more time trying to appease man rather than God which is why they are in the category of ‘the many’.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 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)

God did His part and sent His Son so that we could be furnished with everything needed to walk His path of life. Oh it is so nice to hear about the blessings of God and all the good stuff that goes along with them, but how about some of the other things, like reproof or correction, you know, like when you were a child and would rather have the dessert instead of the broccoli? Well, just like with all those sugar coated doctrines that we have out there, the payoff is that they are not healthy, and neither are those that partake of them and don’t take the time to rightly divide or get the Lord’s true take on the meaning. For many they hear only what they want to hear and discard the rest, which is like watching children in a school cafeteria, most of what is discarded is what is the healthiest.

1 Corinthians 3:1-4 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (2) I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (3) For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (4) For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? (KJV)

The scriptures were to inspire us, to make us perfect (which means mature), not stuck in the carnal realm acting like a bunch of babies. Many people associate themselves more with an organization rather than the Word of God. They become dependent and stuck on the doctrine or denomination, and can quote their beliefs more than the truth. When I hear many claim that they are associated with a denomination it tells me that they hold more to man than God; after all, what denominational name did the Lord attach to Himself? Ever hear a child trying to speak their first words? Most of what they say is something they hear from others.

1 Corinthians 13:10-11 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV)

There is a line drawn that separates soul from Spirit, a realm that separates the men from the children. One has come, a perfect sacrifice, so that we could have a perfect mature understanding for ourselves of God’s plan of salvation; which by the way, one of the definitions of salvation is health. What kind of health spiritually are you in today, and what kind of diet are you partaking of? If it is Spiritual then it will bring life as well as a healthy walk with the Lord, while anything else will leave one weak, sickly, and basically sleeping like a baby.

God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Vanity

7/16/2013

2 Timothy 2:15-16 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (KJV)

Whenever you see that word vain or vanity it is associated with the term empty or worthless. The enemy cannot pull you out of the kingdom of God physically; however, he tries to get people duped into wrestling with flesh and blood, people and issues, things that are of no importance as far as the kingdom of God is concerned. It is up to you personally to get to know God and His voice so that you can discern between what is of God, and what is not. Pick your battles so to speak so that you are not like a prize fighter expending a lot of energy throwing a punch, but never hitting your target.

2 Timothy 2:3-5 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strives for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. (KJV)

Imagine entering the ring getting ready for your match and being tangled in your robe and unable to get free. We all desire to be crowned someday, but that will only take place for those that live the way the Lord intended; in spirit and in truth. A fighter not only knows how to throw a punch, but as verse 3 states sometimes we need to know how to take a punch and keep our feet. It’s really easy to accept the blessings and enjoy them, but persecutions are a part of the package as well.

John 18:35-36 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (KJV)

If you notice the Lord didn’t get pulled into something that His Father wasn’t asking of Him because He knew the difference between what was of God and what was of man. The Lord also knew that some of these people were not seeking a closer relationship with His Father, rather they were just looking for something to pin on Him, and given the fact that this man lived a life without sin it would have been difficult to say the least. Ask yourself honestly today ‘are some of the things that I get worked up and irked by really worth it?’

Matthew 26:50-52 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. (KJV)

Take note that if you get too caught up in something the Lord is not asking you to pursue you to will not last. Many of God’s people perish for lack of knowledge because they don’t know how to discern, or rightly divide the word of truth.

Dearly loved, don’t let your labor of love today be in vain by getting entangled in the affairs of this life; instead rightly divide what is of truth and what is not. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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2 John 9