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Romans 5:5-8 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (KJV)
Mankind bases love on a ‘what have you done for me lately’ mindset. A love based on conditions, a conditional love. God’s love is an unconditional love based on who you are; that unique one of a kind creation that only you are, and only you could be. People compare themselves many times with others, thinking that they answer the call of God so much better, and that I could never be that pleasing to God. The truth be known, no one could ever answer the call better than what the Lord is asking of you, the unique person in Christ that He created and didn’t make a mistake with, despite what you may think. Our Father’s realm is not like the world where they play favorites and give preferential treatment to those that can give them back something in return, but rather it is based on an unconditional love for ones willingness and obedience to His word. Christ loved us and died for us when we were still in sin, and even died for those that He knew would choose to stay in sin and unbelief. So before you down play your calling, or think the love of God is based on works, understand the fact that the Lord loves you and created you for His own purpose, only you can carry out the calling He chose and selected for you personally. Luke 6:31-35 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (32) For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. (33) And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. (34) And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (35) But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (KJV) As we would like people to treat us is the standard we need to live by. It doesn’t say they will reciprocate the love of God we show to them, but we still need to hold to our same standard. Many today still try to compare the love of God with how they had been taught all of their lives, a conditional love based on the ‘what have you done for me lately’ attitude. Greater love has no man than to lay down His life so that the life and love of God can be shed abroad in their hearts, and be a light to those that are around them. Sometimes we think God loves us less because maybe we are not dealing with large numbers, or because we haven’t been called to pastor a big congregation; but your calling and your obedience to what the Lord is asking does not diminish the love of God one bit in your life. You may have had people come and go in your life, and walk out on you for whatever reason, or blame you because they are unhappy and unfulfilled; but the love of God is eternal and is no comparison to the love of man which is conditional. Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (KJV) To know the love of Christ is not something we can comprehend with the mind; it passes our knowledge and doesn’t make sense. So the more one can stay out of their head, and not lean to their own understanding, the more they will become rooted and grounded in this unconditional love of Christ which is shed abroad in the heart. When watching TV there will be advertisements that promote websites where one can go find their soul mate in life. For many of these people that are looking for love, they will compare pictures and base their choices on outward appearances as well as their financial status, which basically means that if there is a change in any of these situations then the love that was there in the beginning will be like a flame that flickers and burns out. All of us have experienced the heartache of a breakup or lost love at some point in our lives, which was painful at the time because we wondered what we did wrong or how we could have kept the flame burning. Many times it wasn’t anything you did wrong, it’s just that it wasn’t right in the first place and didn’t have a solid foundation. At the time you may have been devastated, not realizing that God had something or someone better suited for you, something that would be long lasting based on a real love with a solid foundation. Once you truly experience the love of God you realize that everything God does on your behalf is for your benefit so that you could have life and have it more abundantly. 1 John 4:16-19 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (17) Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (19) We love him, because he first loved us. (KJV) Our love for the Lord is made perfect as we mature in Him, and realize that everything that He has done on our behalf is so that we could have fellowship with Him, and walk in the realm of the Spirit. The fear is eliminated when you realize that you are trusting more in what the Lord has done on your behalf, and not in what you think you should be doing on His behalf. We realize that God loves us for the unique individual that we are, and that no one else could carry out the calling and the place in the body of Christ that He has set us in. While some preach only fire and brimstone, and portray a God of anger and vengeance, it’s because they still hold to the letter of the law which kills and keeps the love of God from flowing to their heart. Psalms 45:1-2 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (2) Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. (KJV) Inditing means to gush; letting the love of God that has been shed in the heart flow through you and water those around you. Out of the abundance of our heart the mouth will speak; our tongue being an extension of it. Have you experienced the love of God? Are you able to give an accurate account of how that love is shed abroad in the heart, which will gush out of you like a fire hydrant and douse the fiery darts of the enemy? There is no comparison. 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. Galatians 1:3-4 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (4) Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (KJV)
The word deliver in verse 4 means to rescue; and being that we live in a fallen world we are constantly surrounded by its influences and cheap imitations of what we think will bring peace and fulfillment to our lives. Where you look and what realm you look to, will be the determining factor of where you will spend your eternity. So will you continue looking to this world for the answer or will you seek those things which are above, to find an eternal one? It is the Lord’s will that none should perish but that all would come to repentance. So now the question is, are you willing to continue in this plan of salvation or have you been sidetracked with the cares of this life? What would you think if you saw one of your own children drowning and when you threw them the life preserver they ignored it and perished? Basically that is what mankind has done to their heavenly Father; they ignore His plan of salvation and His spiritual life preserver that was sent to us, and they end up over their head drowning in destruction and despair. So how are you doing today? Are you keeping the ship afloat and heading in the right direction, or have you gone off the deep end and going under? 1 Timothy 6:6-9 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (KJV) Have you forgotten how you arrived in this realm, wearing nothing but a smile? All those things you have been fussing and fighting over, not a one of them are going with you when it is time to depart this realm either. Have you learned to be content with the fact that today you have food and raiment? If not, just try going a day without them and see how overlooked and taken for granted some of these simple things we have are discounted as nothing. The food and raiment is not just limited to the physical either; have you taken the time to seek your spiritual meat as well as being dressed in the full armor of God so that you can quench all the fiery darts the wicked one will fire your direction? Stop and ask yourself this honest question, are the things that I am so concerned with today, the priorities I have established in my life, really leading me to a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father? Or is it something in this realm that may actually be drawing me away from Him; something that I am getting so wrapped up in, and has nothing to do with my eternal life? Matthew 16:25-26 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (KJV) You have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realm in Christ, and yet do you hang onto the things in this world thinking it will fulfill and bring peace and joy? Can you even imagine for a moment what it will be like to stand before our Father some day and see all that was available in His kingdom only to find out that you missed out on it because you decided to hang onto the things of this life? Can you name one thing that is really worth hanging onto in this world that would keep you from inheriting your eternal reward? It’s only those that are willing to let go of their own life and desires that will find a new life in Christ and be able to inherit His eternal reward; those that were willing to look above and beyond what this world would ever have to offer. So can you honestly say that the will of God, His desire for you and your desire to serve Him are one in the same? Or are you still hanging onto something in this world that is choking the life from you slowly but surely? Is it worth exchanging your soul, which translates to eternal separation from God? A question that is not only being asked today, but one that will be asked again someday when we stand before Him and give an account of how we walked in His plan of salvation; was it truly a walk, or just a lot of talk. Ephesians 3:19-21 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (21) Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV) You wonder why your life seems stagnant and unfulfilled at times, it’s simple, you keep looking to stagnant and unfulfilling things to bring you joy. Right now, this moment, there is a God who is able to do above and beyond what you could have ever thought or imagined; but how would you ever know this or experience this unless your priority is with the spiritual things which are above and beyond anything you will experience in this realm. When you pray and seek God and His answer, are you truly expecting the best, are you experiencing the love of Christ which goes way beyond our knowledge and limited carnal thinking? Do you know God hears you, and do you expect nothing short of victory in your life? Or are you still settling for the leftovers of this world and whatever they are willing to hand out? God has never failed His people and never will. So why are so many still hesitant to seek His counsel and deliverance from this present evil world; hanging onto the anchor instead of the life preserver? Are you yoked together with Christ today, letting Him handle the burdens, or have you unhooked yourself having decided you can handle things by yourself, and then wonder why you are so worn out and frustrated? Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV) Do you desire better results? Do you seek a more confident prayer life? Then start looking above and don’t limit yourself to this realm if you truly wish to have our Father’s results which are above and beyond anything we could ever ask for or think of. We as humans had been limited to this carnal realm, and could only operate according to what our outward vision and senses would dictate. But now in Christ we are able to see the things of God, and operate in a truly higher dimension; one that will bring joy, peace and an eternal victory to those of us that look to the Lord for His answer. Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (KJV) In order to be risen with Christ it means you have let go of your life and its desires, and to have chosen a new life in Him. We are in this world, but we don’t have to be in agreement with it, or limit ourselves to what this world has to offer and its cheap imitations. Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. So if you wish to experience something that is out of this world, then start looking beyond this realm so that the Lord can open the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing above and beyond what you could have ever thought or asked for. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV)
There is still only one gift given that will bring life to the spirit and bring forth an everlasting joy and peace to those that receive it. Do you know the Son that is given to us so that you can reap this bountiful unending reward of joy and peace to all that know how to operate in His realm? 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; (5) That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; (6) Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: (7) So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: (8) Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV) Jesus was the child born of the flesh, the vessel God used to house His gift from above, Christ the Son of the living God. Those that receive this gift and have knowledge of His Son given, will be able to walk in the grace of God and give you an utterance of this testimony which is being confirmed within those that continue in this fellowship of the gift given by the Father through the Son. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (KJV) This gift has come gift wrapped in the form of an earthen vessel, which is ready to be unwrapped and revealed to those seeking its contents by the Spirit. Many look at the gift of God and see the outward package and the promises of what it can deliver, but never unwrap it and put it to use. Until this gift is revealed personally and put to use being utilized properly the way it was intended, most will walk away and look for something else and neglect the gift God gave to all mankind. John 4:9-14 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. (10) 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? (12) Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? (13) Jesus answered and said unto her, (14) Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (KJV) Many today still judge by the outward and miss the opportunity to partake of the gift of God that is being presented right in front of them. Many still seek to fulfill the physical need first, leaving the spiritual seed within dehydrated and thirsting for living waters. The gift of God is Christ, the Son within the vessel of Jesus of Nazareth, who was speaking on behalf of God to give this woman access to the gift of life. Are you still looking in the outward to find this gift, or will you seek within the realm of God for His living waters which quench our spiritual thirst? Do you know the voice of God and who it is you are getting your instructions from today so that you can effectively access this gift and utilize it correctly, or are you like many running to and fro to a bunch of dry polluted stagnant wells that are drawing the life out of the believer rather than drawing them nearer to the living well of life? Life is a gift, that’s why they call it the present. So how are you presenting His gift? Are you showing others how to unwrap it and reveal its inward contents? Acts 4:8-12 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, (9) If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; (10) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV) Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost was able to demonstrate this gift, having seen an impotent man made whole. Though mankind has put many labels on the gift of God and wrapped it up in many colorful and different packages, there is still only one name given and no other way to access this gift except by the name of Jesus Christ. So try and try as mankind will, no matter how many times they try to go to the well of life they will come away empty and thirsty. The only way one can tap into this gift, the well of eternal life, is with an eternal name that will reveal its contents and allow you to drink freely. 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) Remember how you received this gift by hearing and not by works? As you minister this gift of eternal life, it is only by the ability that God has given so that you can see His results. There is a well of life springing forth from within you, and the only way you can tap into this giver of life is through His Son Jesus Christ; God’s true gift given to all mankind. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (KJV)
The two births are a result of two different seeds, one is of the flesh and one is of the Spirit. As one grows and matures in the Lord they wean themselves from the things of this world and become more dependent on the things of the Lord. As children in the flesh, our desires were things that appealed to the flesh without any thought of its consequences. Whatever looked good, sounded good, and appealed to the outward is what we pursued after. You have a spiritual seed within you that was brought to life and resurrected by your hearing the word of God, the living waters that are able to nourish a spiritual seed. It is vital now that you learn how to nurture that seed within and to be able to discern what it takes to bring it to maturity. The effort and diligence you put in the past to feed the flesh and its desires will now have to be redirected to the inward seed if you wish to see this seed grow to maturity. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (KJV) Jesus of Nazareth was a man born of the flesh after the seed of David and the first to be reborn in the Spirit to manifest God’s plan of salvation to all mankind. This is a great mystery and continues to be to this day because so many are looking to the outward for some great savior, when in fact this Savior will only become a reality to those in the Spirit. Of these two, God is able to make one new man so making peace; bringing the plan of reconciliation to a fallen world. Romans 8:15-17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV) It takes one to know one. In other words, are you allowing the Spirit to bear witness with your spirit, to give an eyewitness account to the things of God, to give life and nourishment to the inner man so that you can receive the reward of adoption? Do you take the time on a daily basis in the word of God so that you too can be justified in the Spirit, despite what you may suffer from those that seek their justification from man? You are now a joint heir with Christ, the first born of all creation, so that you too can be glorified with Him and receive your eternal inheritance. Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; (4) And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (KJV) One is born of flesh, Jesus of Nazareth; the other seed is the Son of God (Christ) which is where our power source comes from. If any man has not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His and is unable to walk in the newness of life given them. Just as we have parents in the flesh to nurture their newborn child, we have a Father in heaven that is ready, willing and able to nurture and feed His newborn offspring as well. As we require daily nourishment for the outward man, it is vital to feed the inward man also if one is to grow strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Adam was put in the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it. You have a spiritual garden as well that takes a constant maintenance plan so that you don’t end up on the outside looking in. Do you know the difference between the flesh and the Spirit? Do you seek the things that will feed your spirit man or are you still chasing cheap, short lived, emotional fixes that only appease the flesh and not the Spirit? You wouldn’t abandon your own offspring and leave it for dead; so why do many abandon God’s offspring and leave it for dead? A parent in the flesh can be tried and convicted for child abandonment, and someday you will have to give an account of what you have done with the seed of God that was reborn in you; and hopefully when the going got tough you didn’t bail out on the Son either. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (KJV) In December each year when so many talk of the birth of the Savior, we see much of the attention focused on the physical seed and not the spiritual. A child that was born in this realm was Jesus of Nazareth and the Son given to us is Christ which is in you and is our only hope of glory. So, where is your focus today and what realm are you looking into in order to nourish the new birth within you? Are you blindly following the traditions and doctrines of man which claim some days are more special than others, or are you walking in the peace of God that is available to any and at any time for those that seek to worship Him in Spirit and in truth? God is not a god of the dead and their dead end doctrines, but a God of the living, those that live in the Spirit and seek their justification by faith. John 8:31-37 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (33) They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? (34) Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (35) And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. (36) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (37) I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. (KJV) Many still claim they are of God according to their physical birthright and end up neglecting their spiritual one. It doesn’t matter to God what your family name is in the flesh, its only those that are joint heirs with Christ and follow His example that are born free and continue in the freedom of knowing the truth set forth in the word of God. Once you have been set free it is up to you to continue walking in the liberty in Christ and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. (KJV)
You know that thing about reaping what you sow, with what measure you are willing to hear, is what is measured back at you, it’s true. If you don’t like our Lord’s message of salvation, and turn away and do your own thing, then the Lord doesn’t want to hear your excuses for allowing sin in your life. God has done all that is needed to bring you His plan of salvation and how to maintain a walk in the Spirit on a daily basis. And until you are willing and obedient to His plan, He will not listen to those that choose another path. However, if one is a doer of His word as well as a hearer, the line of communication is wide open to those that worship Him in spirit and in truth. John 11:41-44 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. (42) And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. (43) And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. (44) And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. (KJV) How would you like to have this confidence and boldness to know that God does always hear your prayer, and then be able to expect His results as well? The words that we speak should always be life, and bring new life to those around us as well; resurrecting those areas in our walk that have bound us up and left us for dead also. The word of God is living and powerful and able to remove the stony heart from the dead, and give them a new life with a heart that is able to receive the things of God. Sometimes however the heart becomes hardened again and calloused to the voice of God, and we end up dead in our sins and trespasses because we don’t always like and agree with what God is asking of us. 2 Peter 3:3-6 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (4) And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. (5) For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: (6) Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: (KJV) When you are willingly ignorant and choose to ignore God, did you realize that He does the same in return? God warned the people back in the time of Noah, and was longsuffering enough to give them one hundred and twenty years time before he brought the flood upon them. Today we have many scoffers who stand in the pulpits and claim to be of God, who tickle the ears and preach doctrines based on blessings without any concern for consequences or personal responsibility of the believer. As long as people attend certain organizations and follow guidelines and standards which are beneficial only to the leaders and not the congregation, they will find that these self-serving doctrines of man which look good and sound good to the outward man, are nothing more than an abomination to God, and they will be ignored by Him until they choose to follow His path. Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. (KJV) Have things seemed stale in your life at times? Does it seem like you are in a holding pattern, ready to move forward but stuck in the mud? Are you like Lazarus, all bound up and things that were once alive in your walk now seem dead? Basically your life stinks. Do you have confidence in your prayers, knowing and not just hoping or guessing the Lord hears you? Some think that God is holding back on them, or that He plays favorites, when the reality is that He is ready, willing, and more than able to respond to those that are willing to respond to Him; doing the walk as well as the talk. Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (KJV) Think of it this way, as long as you cover your ears and are not willing to listen, neither will God listen to you. God has a path of life for you to walk on, which He ordained for you before the foundation of the world, and will only fellowship with those that are willing to walk with Him on this path. He will not alter and change His plan for anyone; especially the creation that thinks it knows better than the Creator. Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (KJV) What if you were out at sea in a boat and fell overboard, and someone threw you a life preserver, but you chose to ignore it because it wasn’t a color you liked. People get that way with God; the way of escape is always available, the opportunity for salvation is always there, but they don’t like the answer they received, or are not willing to do what is necessary to keep them from drowning in destruction and perdition. If you don’t like God’s plan of salvation, I can assure you there is not another ship coming along to bring you anything better. The fact is that most of the ships that set sail these days in the name of the Lord, have large gaping holes in their doctrines, and are headed for shipwreck. Isaiah 1:15-16 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. (16) Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; (KJV) Have you ever seen a child that doesn’t want to hear a parent’s instructions? They plug their ears, close their eyes, or make noises to drown out the voice of the parent. From the parent’s point of view, how do you handle the situation when the child demands something from you, having been just ignored? Be not deceived, God is not mocked, what you sow is what you reap, and you will not get a response from Father until you are willing to respond to Him, only this time try it with some humility. 1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (KJV) Wouldn’t you rather know that He hears your prayer, and not just guess or hope maybe you caught the Lord in a good mood this time? God is not moody like man, nor does He play favorites with anyone, but is longsuffering toward all of us, not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance so that He can work effectively in each and every one of us. So remember Church, if you turn a deaf ear to Him, don’t expect to be treated any differently in return. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 13:44-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (45) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: (46) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (KJV)
What would you do if you won the lottery? You would double, triple, quadruple check your winning numbers over and over, again and again, making sure it was real. You would then imagine the new life you could be living, a life of freedom to do what you want when you want however you want with no concern about the cost. You might hire a lawyer, seek financial counsel, basically you would do all you could to collect on the winnings, and protect your investment. Spiritually you have a winning ticket, Jesus Christ is the first born of many brethren, which gives you access to all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge from above, an eternal life of joy, peace and freedom, your debt completely paid in full. How much do you treasure this gift, and what are you willing to do to maintain your winning ticket? Are you willing to sell out and let go of anything and anyone that would stand in your way and hinder you from collecting your winnings? Which do you hold in higher esteem, the short term self interest rewards of this earth, or the eternal things of the spiritual realm? Where your treasure is there will your heart be. Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV) Could you imagine if you were poor and struggling trying to raise a family, knowing you had a winning lottery ticket that would take care of all your financial need, only to find out you misplaced it or lost it by neglect, and could not collect on the reward? Now think of the spiritual realm which is much greater than this physical one, to have access to an eternal inheritance, only to find out that you let it slip through your hands, and be blown away with winds of doctrines? You too would be put to an open shame, knowing what you had access to, what was rightfully yours, knowing it was your choice to fall away and not follow through with the terms and conditions set forth to receive your reward of inheritance. Salvation is there for the taking, this day, right now. Have you done all to stand this day and follow through with what He requires so you won’t fall away? Just like with a lottery ticket, no one is going to print you up a new one; the same holds true with salvation, the Lord is not going to rewrite His plan, or bend and change so you can fit in. God is not going to send another Saviour. If you don’t accept His plan, you don’t get His reward. Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. (KJV) If you wish, you may go back and read the whole account of the unjust steward, it basically refers to a person who had control of a rich man’s finances, and how he was wasting it. So when the time came to give account of it, he had to correct it by being diligent with what he was in charge of. I use verse 8, because of the second part of it, comparing the children of the world to the children of light. We as Christians are the children of light; what a statement to make to the Church; yet it is due to our own lack of diligence at times for the gift of life we have been given. Let me share this example… Luke 16:8 [Children of light] Those who have been enlightened from above-- who are Christians. This may be considered as the application of the parable. It does not mean that it is more wise to be a worldly man than to be a child of light, but that those who "are" worldly show much prudence in providing for themselves; seize occasions for making good bargains; are active and industrious; try to turn everything to the best account, and thus exert themselves to the utmost to advance their interests; while Christians often suffer opportunities of doing good to pass unimproved; are less steady, firm, and anxious about eternal things, and thus show less wisdom. Alas! this is too true; and we cannot but reflect here how different the world would be if all Christians were as anxious, and diligent, and prudent in religious matters as others are in worldly things. (from Barnes' Notes) Have you ever seen the casinos in Las Vegas, how well protected they are. They have to upgrade their security on a daily basis to keep up with the con men and thieves of this world. How diligent they are to protect their riches, and how quick they are to confront and remove those that would try to steal from them. And yet for the gift we have been given, are we as a Church anywhere near as diligent, to protect ourselves with the armor of God, and quick to confront and cast out anything that would try to come into the Lord’s temple and steal our treasure? How about a bank, with all the security and bank vaults, how well protected they keep their banks to insure themselves from being robbed. Unless one stays alert and upgrades their spiritual protection on a daily basis, they will end up being robbed and pilfered of all the treasures the Lord gave His life for to provide for His children. So what is it you truly treasure this day, and what are doing with your winning ticket to heaven? Luke 16:9-11 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. (10) He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (11) If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (KJV) If you are still hanging on to the things of this life, you will not be able to inherit those of the next one. Do you choose personal wealth over the wealth of others? If you had a choice of a multimillion dollar lottery ticket or a ticket to heaven, which one would you really choose? Which would you consider of more value? Are you willing to let go of the old so that you can partake of the new? Many fail because they choose the things of this life over those of the next one; loving money and falling into covetousness which the Bible says is idolatry. What would the Church be like if we were as diligent to protect our spiritual assets, as the world is to protect its financial ones? Which prize are you truly pressing toward, and are you willing to do all that is required to receive it? It’s your pick. 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. Isaiah 46:10 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: (KJV)
GPS navigation systems are installed in vehicles to help the people navigate to their destination. The coordinates are predetermined and set to give instructions from an above satellite so that one could get from a starting point to their destination. God’s personal salvation will do the same thing; seek spiritual instructions from above so that you too can walk a path of life predetermined for you before the foundation of the world. So now the question is, are you dialed into the right frequency to receive your instructions, and are you following through on your commitment to make it to your destination? If you make a wrong turn or end up on a dead end, you can quickly tap into your source from above, and get back on the road you need to take. However, just like with a satellite communications, which works for anyone who knows how to access the information and follow the instructions, if one doesn’t make it to their destination it is not the fault of the communication system, but rather the person that didn’t follow the predetermined correct path. Some try to take short cuts; others get sidetracked with what they think is an easier road to follow; while some just give up and quit moving forward, or settle for the path of least resistance following the crowd on a dead end trail. Ephesians 1:5-6 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV) You have a spiritual navigation system in heaven, ready to be tapped into with the coordinates to show you the way to the kingdom. You have access to this by the name of Jesus Christ, so that you too can follow the same path that He walked to an eternal inheritance. Are you taking the time on a daily basis to hear the instructions and then follow this path that leads to life, or are you waiting for someone else to show you the way? Will you step out in faith, letting the Lord confirm His word with the right road signs assuring you that you are still on the correct path? So, just like a navigational satellite system with the coordinates predetermined and locked in, this will work for whosoever is willing to call upon the name of the Lord and follow the instructions set forth in the Bible. Galatians 3:3-4 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (4) Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. (KJV) Many start out on the right path with good intentions, only to end up way off course and shipwrecked. Is your system still operational, or have you shut it off and are now on what you consider auto pilot, letting your own desires and lusts take over? They that are in the flesh cannot please God, and will most certainly not inherit His kingdom. Even though it is our Father’s will that none would perish, it’s not His fault if we don’t follow His spiritual course set out for us before the foundation of the world for any and all that are willing. Ephesians 1:11-12 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (KJV) Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He has been there, done it, having wrote the book on how to follow His Father’s instructions, being led by the Spirit and not the flesh. He is the firstborn, the first one to enter God’s kingdom to ransom us back to an inheritance so that we too can be adopted into the family of God, following the example of His Son. Are you tuned in this moment, not taking thought for tomorrow, and yesterday is now behind us, but looking forward and taking your next step of faith leading you to your heavenly destination. Ephesians 1:17-18 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (KJV) Your calling is a divine invitation; you as well as all mankind have been invited into the kingdom of God to partake of His spiritual inheritance, and find the joy and peace for all of His children. Are you learning to walk by faith; not by what your outward vision would dictate, but rather by what the inward eyes of your understanding are now showing you, and the direction the Lord is pointing you in? Or are you still holding fast to what the old man feels comfortable in, not willing to leave your comfort zone? Do you know if the directions you are following this day are coming from above, and not some stranger’s voice that would try to lead you astray, or what you perceive as being the right way? 2 Peter 1:10-11 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (KJV) The kingdom of God is up and operational; the line of communication is wide open to any that would call upon His name. Are you tapped into His navigation system, letting His spirit lead and guide you, allowing the peace of God to rule in all your decisions this day? If you make sure of this, you need not fall short of the glory of God or His reward. 1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (KJV) In my many years of truck driving I had faced all kinds of weather and road conditions which could change quickly. I would have to navigate through these in order to make it to my destination, sometimes in conditions that were blinding. Like with truck driving, unless the load made it to its destination, there would be no reward of a paycheck. Though at times the storms in life may make it seem hard to see the victory, or the purpose of the Lord in those particular situations, you need to grab the steering wheel with both hands and don’t let go until you reach your goal as well. At the end of our spiritual path on this earth is the salvation of our soul, an eternal destination, a reward promised to all that would follow His course set in motion before the founding of this world, and ready to be revealed to all that would call upon His name. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (10) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (KJV)
A heavenly calling has gone forth to all mankind, and the question is, who will answer. The Lord’s plan of salvation was drawn up before the foundation of the world, knowing that mankind would fall, and what it would take to bring about the restoration. Did you ever realize that this peace you now experience in your life, is a result of you answering the call of God, and now walking in His plan of salvation, a personal blueprint that was drawn up for you before the this world began? It brings a whole new meaning to trusting in the Lord with all our heart and not leaning to our own understanding. You begin to realize that nothing in your walk happens because of luck or chance, or some strange coincidence, but it is actually a divine plan of salvation for you to walk in. So are you answering the call this day, or are you putting the Lord on hold? Romans 8:28-31 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (29) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30) Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (31) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (KJV) Did you know that God was for you, making a plan of salvation before the foundation of the world? And not only for you (the fact that He is no respecter of people and doesn’t play favorites), but a Saviour was sent for the whole world. Some think that predestination means that God chose only certain people, whether they wanted to follow Him or not, they have no choice, God decided they were going to inherit His kingdom. The truth be known Church, salvation is like a telephone call to give directions; one has to take the time to receive the message and then follow the instructions. Even though at times we may get blown off course by winds of doctrine, by redialing our heavenly Father, reestablishing an open line of communication, it can get us right back on course. So the more you keep the line of communication open, the more familiar you will become with the voice giving the directions, the clearer the path of escape will become. The more you choose to follow the Lord, the more He will reveal Himself to you. Mark 4:24-25 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. (25) For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. (KJV) God made the call, now who is answering, who will make the Lord a priority; His message being the determining factor in all our decisions, which simply put is either life or death. Your choice this day, right now, is the determining factor of which way you are going. Are you growing closer to the Lord and able to hear His voice clearer, or are you wandering off on your own and not following a predetermined path of life which leads to our heavenly Father? God would that none should perish but that all would come to repentance, and follow a path of life chosen just for them; the same spiritual path Jesus Christ walked to lead us home to victory. So before you go blame God, or claim He only picks and chooses certain individuals, remember that you have the opportunity to answer the call just like anyone else written in the Bible; and the reason people are used of the Lord is because they respond to His calling. Romans 10:11-13 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (12) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (KJV) The Lord made a calling to all mankind, sending the Son to heal us and deliver us from all our destructions. Now He is waiting with open loving arms to see who will answer the call and return His message of love. Don’t be taken in by those that claim only certain special people or denominations are chosen of God, or even those that specify a certain number of individuals that God chooses as well. The simple fact is that I consider myself a ‘whosoever’, so that gives me a right to respond to the message delivered by Christ, and to walk in the plan He designed for me before the foundation of the world; no ifs ands or butthead doctrines of man are going to separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (KJV) Please stop for a moment and take the time to see these verses in a different light. When you see a word like ‘we’ start seeing your own name there, and look at the word of God as more of a personal letter of love from the Father to you. Realize that if you were the only one on planet earth, and had fallen from grace, God would have still sent the Son on your behalf so that you would have access to His plan of reconciliation. 1 John 2:1-3 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (KJV) Christ died to the sins of the whole world, not just for a certain few that think they have certain rights and privileges with God based on their own man made doctrines and interpretations that fit their lifestyle and not a spiritual one. So are you taking the message to heart; personally sent from God through Jesus Christ this day so you too can partake of the heavenly calling, and give the answer of salvation to any that would ask? Remember, the call is free. The charges against us have been dropped, so there is no excuse for not dialing a toll free direct line to the Father through Jesus Christ. Your outcome is based on how well you listen to the message of truth and allow it to set you free from doubt and confusion. The simple truth is this; God is calling all that would like to partake of His free gift of salvation which has been sent to all the world. Will you answer His call? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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