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Proverbs 8:17-21 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (18) Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. (19) My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. (20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: (21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (KJV)
What is the driving force in your life today, right now? Is it the things of God and His realm, or do the things of this life still have more pull and favor in your walk and your decisions? Although we are surrounded with the influences of a fallen world and so many cheap imitations of what will bring peace and contentment to one’s life, the true riches and honor are only found with God, the things of the Spiritual realm. Those that seek Him early, like the first thing in the day, will find the peace and confidence to take on the day victoriously no matter what the outward circumstances try to dictate. You will inherit a substance, a now faith confidence and assurance of things hoped for because you chose to follow and believe in the evidence of things not seen to the carnal man but readily revealed to those that are led of the Spirit. Where your treasure is will determine where your heart is. So are you seeking the durable riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge which are hid in Christ, or are you still under the assumption like so many others that the riches of this world will solve all your problems? Luke 4:1-2 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, (2) Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. (KJV) Have you seen those bumper stickers, T shirts, and other things that ask the question ‘what would Jesus Do’? Well the Bible gives us an accurate account of what He did; simply put, this man Jesus of Nazareth lived a life without sin, being obedient to His heavenly Father because He chose to be led by the Spirit of Christ within Him. So if people want to know ‘what would Jesus do’ all they have to do is open their Bibles and find out what He did. Now the question is, what are you going to do, and what is the driving force in your walk? We read in the Bible how Jesus would rise early in the day and spend time alone in prayer. The account in Luke shows what He did before beginning His public ministry, and the forty days preparing for it. How do you prepare for a day, do you spend enough time being still so that you can know God and what He is asking of you today? Don’t be so discouraged just because the tempter comes your way and tries to detour you back to the path of the flesh, because this is a true sign that you are on the right path and you are in good company. So many times we think just because there is opposition we have done something wrong; looking at the above illustration in Luke that is a lie and just what the enemy would like you to believe. So hold fast to your profession of faith today without wavering for God is faithful, and has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. Romans 8:14-18 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (15) 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. (18) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (KJV) Thayer’s definition for led 71 ago- 1) to lead, to take with one a) to lead by laying hold of, and this way to bring to the point of destination: of an animal b) to lead by accompanying to (into) a place c) to lead with oneself, to attach to oneself as an attendant d) to conduct, to bring 2) to lead, a) to lead, to guide, to direct b) to lead through, to conduct (to something) c) to move, to impel: used of forces and influences on the mind We read about the Lord and His preparation for the ministry God was asking Him to fulfill, and we also know the end result of it, that it was not well received by mankind, especially the religious crowd that claimed to be God’s followers. Today it hasn’t changed, in fact the Bible says perilous times await us because mankind’s fallen nature has manifested to the point where people are more in love with themselves and their own works than with the work of God that He accomplished on our behalf. So the more you are led of the Spirit the more you will be paddling up stream against the current, and that being the new wave doctrines of man that appeal to the flesh and not to the Spirit. But keep in mind that these light afflictions are what will seem like a moment compared to our eternal reward that awaits us. So don’t be discouraged or think that you did something wrong, that you brought this on yourself, but rather rejoice in the Lord and in the power of His might. 1 Peter 4:11-14 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. (12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (KJV) When you speak the things of God you don’t have to try to impress anyone with some deep knowledge of the word of God or how the end times will play out, but rather speak from the heart in love the things that will edify and build up the body of Christ. And don’t think it so strange if the devil launches a fiery dart your way, but rather rejoice because you are in good company. The more you come to an understanding of the mystery of the gospel through the name of Christ the more reproach and evil will be spoken against you. But just like a soldier, the closer you get to the front line of battle, and the higher in rank you are, the more of a target you become to the enemy. So keep in mind that we all are still partakers of the spiritual blessings which are in Christ; but with this also comes the opposition to those that allow themselves to be led of the Spirit and are no longer in bondage to the desires of the flesh. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 55:6-9 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (7) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (8) 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)
Welcome to the realm of God where everything you thought, where all your priorities and what you esteemed so important, has suddenly changed and done an about face. Things that were important to you, things you thought would bring you peace have been discarded and replaced with the things of God; something completely opposite to what you have been taught all your life and were surrounded with before your conversion. God’s thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours, His reward is unending, with a promise of eternal joy and peace to those that are willing to enter His realm and remain there. Are the things you desire in line with the will of God, or is there a tug of war going on within you, something trying to pull you back into the realm of the flesh? Are you still trying to figure things out according to your own carnal thinking, and won’t accept anything else unless it is according to the outcome you determined? In the end it is our ways and our own thoughts that separate us from God, a God that is a lot easier to hear while He is near and still dear to our heart. I don’t believe mankind can measure the distance between the earth and heaven; which according to the Bible is so much higher than we could ever imagine or think. So with all this power that is available to each and every believer, with a God that determines a victory before one ever engages in a situation, why do we still at times overlook and neglect the only answer for mankind that will bring peace and joy, and provide a permanent escape from this present evil world? Luke 12:22-24 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. (23) The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. (24) Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (KJV) This is your assignment for today, do not take thought for your life or for the outward man, replace those thoughts with what is important to the spiritual man. All that effort and attention that has been put into our physical is going to be directed into the spiritual and what is required in order to please God. Every time you catch yourself drifting off and back into the realm of the flesh, stop, and replace those thoughts with what is needed to keep the spiritual man fed. And if you happen to see a raven or any other bird feeding somewhere, stop, and remind yourself, and ponder the fact that our heavenly Father provides food for His creation; so why would you doubt or think you have been overlooked by God, unless you haven’t taken the time to hear Him, and you have been overlooking simple ways that He has been trying to speak with you? While many people think they will find the deep things of God by reading the book of Revelation, determining the end times and how it will play out, the depth of God is in the simple things that are so often overlooked and missed by man that are right in front of us if we will only listen. Luke 12:25-27 (25) And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? (26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? (27) Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (KJV) A cubit is about 39 inches; a little more than a yard, about the length of a step we take in our walk. So when on this path of life that God ordained and chose for you before the foundation of the world, which of you can take that next step without knowing the direction God is asking, or trying to lead you in? If you are not able to do these simple, least assignments, then why would you be taking thought for the rest of your walk? Reading your Bible is important on a daily basis as well as stopping and listening; hearing God speak with you on an individual basis so that you are able to hear and receive the spiritual message within His word. It’s the simplicity of the gospel of Christ that is missed by many, because they compare the scriptures to what they have learned in the past, thinking it takes someone smart to understand them, when all God asks of us is to be willing and obedient to His word. It is those that humble themselves that are exalted, and able to see and understand the things of God. Like looking at how beautiful the lilies of the field are; they didn’t toil like Solomon and mankind, rather they grew into something beautiful that God had intended them to be without the toiling. Luke 12:28-30 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? (29) And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. (30) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (KJV) Someday this world and its fashion are going to burn up and be replaced with a new one. With this in mind, what is or should be your priority? What is it that you should be seeking after that really has any meaning or eternal purpose? All these things that we have need of our Father has already promised to provide, and already knew what we would have need of before the foundation of the world. Let’s start giving credit where credit is due. After all parents, didn’t you plan on the provisions for your own children once you found out they were on the way and about to be brought into this realm? And yet with this in mind don’t you think God thought of this as well? Not only did He think of it, He has promised to supply all our need as well. Do you think you can do a better job than He can; and with this in mind why do we spend so much time taking thought for something God promised was a done deal? You wouldn’t be so doubtful if you kept God a priority, and didn’t allow all those negative thoughts to take root and become a stronghold; rather you would be casting that out as soon as it manifested, and tried to enter your heart. Luke 12:31-32 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (32) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (KJV) As a parent didn’t you enjoy sharing things with your children, and giving them the best you could? Our Father in heaven has never neglected His own, and promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. Yet how often do we hold Him to His promise, and trust that what He promised He was able to do above and beyond what we could ever ask or think of, like the heavens above the earth? So today, prioritize and get things in order. God first, then these things are added, not the things first then we will get around to the God stuff. Keep it simple. God speaks to us in many ways, and His message goes beyond just what we read in His word. If one is attentive they can hear Him anywhere, anytime, and stay built up in the word of God, and not doubt what the Lord has promised to those that believe. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (KJV)
Ever watch a detective show where someone shows up at the scene and uses their senses to determine what took place. To unravel a mystery, the clues they look for may be things that are unseen to the naked eye, but revealed with the use of special tools to help them identify the evidence. A microscope can magnify and identify things that were right there all the time but unseen to the naked eye; if properly put to use it can point them in the right direction. Consider yourself a spiritual detective; from this point on you are now assigned to find out the mystery of the gospel, to determine for yourself God’s plan of salvation, and know the difference between the guilty and the innocent. God’s plan of salvation has been hidden to the carnal man, but is ready to be revealed to the spiritual one that is willing to seek Him with all their heart. The word substance means assurance and confidence in the right evidence, which will make it more evident as one matures. 1 Corinthians 2:7-9 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (9) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (KJV) This narrows the list of suspects down and points us in the right direction. Try as so many do, and as we all have been taught prior to our conversion, the answer to this mystery is not in the realm of man. So many have judged things according to their outward sight and vision, which can only give them a partial glimpse at the evidence, and not a complete vision which will keep them on the right trail. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (KJV) Sometimes it can only take some small piece of evidence to crack the case wide open and unravel the mystery that was hidden. Some piece of evidence that was there all the time, yet overlooked and rejected because it seemed too simple or insignificant; basically the way our Lord was treated when He brought this plan of salvation to mankind. Now as verse 12 points to, this evidence is of a spiritual nature and can only be solved by those that operate and walk by a faith; unseen to the outward eye, but quite evident to the inward. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (KJV) Don’t give up; keep on the trail, your headed in the right direction. The enemy will try to detour you with lies and deceptions, planting false evidence that looks enticing but leads to a dead end. As long as you keep gathering the evidence on a daily basis you will build a case that is rock solid and will hold up in God’s court. Remember to keep looking in the eternal realm so that you can allow faith (our ability to believe in the message delivered by Christ) to lead and guide you on the path of life that will bring a victorious conclusion to your case. Will you let His spirit be the deciding factor in all your decisions? Or will you follow man made planted evidence left by a thief and a robber? Luke 10:21-24 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. (22) All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. (23) And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: (24) For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (KJV) A crime took place thousands of years ago; mankind disobeyed the Creator and was imprisoned in the physical realm and cut off from our spiritual Father. God in turn was longsuffering and kind enough to send us His Son, to give us an eyewitness account of the reconciliation that would be manifest in the spiritual realm. When a detective is assigned to a case the first thing he does is try to find an eyewitness so that he can get an accurate account of what took place, and then begin his investigation from this report. Although the evidence may not always point us in a direction we think looks right, it takes confidence and an assurance in the account of what was given in order to stay on the right path. Where are you looking for your answers? Are you still trying to comprehend things with your own thinking, or are you willing to look into the spiritual realm in order to build a solid case that will not fall apart in time of trial? Galatians 3:1-4 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? (2) This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (3) 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) Another crime took place some two thousand years ago. God sent us an eyewitness to His kingdom to reveal His plan of salvation, only to have mankind crucify Him for speaking the truth. Today, many still crucify His doctrine and give out false information, pointing people in the wrong direction by claiming to be walking a spiritual path of life, when in reality they are being misled with false carnal evidence. The devil and his workers continue to try to cover up their crimes, leading people further from the truth which was intended to set them free from the prison of sin. Ephesians 1:17-20 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, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (20) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (KJV) Jesus Christ is your spiritual magnifying glass to magnify the truth in Him, and bring an enlightenment of the wisdom and knowledge of God; which is hid to the carnal man, but quite evident and spiritually eye opening to the inner one. For when the time we ought to be teachers, (for those that have been on the case and have had ample opportunity to solve it and bring an accurate account of God’s plan of salvation to His people with the spiritual evidence that will clear them and set them free) many have ignored His eyewitness account and built their case on flimsy circumstantial evidence that will not hold up. God hid his plan of salvation in plain sight for those that wish to seek Him with their heart and not their carnal mind. Keep looking; continue digging and you will find the clues that will unlock the mystery that eludes mankind, but is ready to be revealed to all that are willing to seek in the realm of the Spirit. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; (2) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; (3) Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; (4) If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; (5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (KJV)
To understand this gift we have been given, it is important to know where it came from and what it takes to keep it functional. The more you understand the gift of life, and what the rewards are, the more you will appreciate it. As diligent as many are to pursue the things of this life, the riches and wealth of man, how much greater treasures are there for the taking for those that seek the things of God. Knowing where to look and how to find these answers is vital if one wishes to continue in a loving, long lasting relationship with the Father, knowing all that has been done on your behalf so you can partake of this gift. John 4:10 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. (KJV) If you knew you had a treasure buried in your back yard, how long would it before your yard would be dug up and searched thoroughly. Now knowing you have a treasure in heaven, how thoroughly have you sought out your spiritual provisions? You have access to the Lord this day, and knowing the gift of God, are you seeking the living spiritual water of life, or are you like the Samaritan woman who’s first thought was to seek the physical? John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: (14) 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) As we read further in this chapter we see the Lord clarifying the difference between the physical and spiritual. One will satisfy and bring life; the other will temporarily quench the thirst of the flesh. When you come to the Lord, what is your motivation and which water are you seeking to find? Living eternal waters which will bring life to our spirit, or is your first thought to satisfy your physical thirst? Granted it is vital that our bodies have water to survive, without which you could die from dehydration, so how much greater is the spiritual need, and how deep are you willing to dig your well of life to find living waters? John 6:26-27 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. (27) 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. (KJV) Many seek the Lord for the wrong reasons, then give up when things don’t go the way they thought they should. If your motives aren’t right, you won’t follow through with your commitment with God, but rather you will end up bailing out in time of trial. Like with a marriage, if it is done for any other motive than love you will eventually end up in divorce. Although some marry for financial reasons, once the money dries up, so does the commitment. Many seek the Lord for the same reason, looking for God to help advance them in this life, rather than seeking what is best for their spiritual life. So when persecution or affliction arises for the Words sake, they are offended and fall away. Many judge by the outward and not the inward; so if the outward doesn’t go the way they want, neither are they willing to go the way they should. Proverbs 3:13-15 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. (14) For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. (15) She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. (KJV) For those that have truly tasted the things of God, the joy, peace, confidence, as well as the freedom from fear and doubt, there is nothing that can be compared to it, it is not something that one can purchase. As high a regard that man gives to silver and gold, of how much greater wealth is the treasure we have access to in heaven, a gift of eternal life to those that seek to operate in the wisdom and knowledge of God, walking by faith and not sight, or what we used to perceive as being of high value? How much effort are you putting forth to find the things of God? What is your motive for finding them? Is it truly to feed and satisfy the spirit, or is it a false front to try and promote the things of this life? A half hearted effort with the wrong motives in a marriage will end up in divorce. The same holds true with your spiritual walk; eventually you will end up cheating on the Lord as well looking for something else to fill the void in your heart. Acts 8:20-22 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. (21) Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. (22) Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. (KJV) There was a man named Simon in the book of Acts who wanted to imitate the disciples, and figured he could buy his way into the kingdom. Today we still have many Simons out there who claim the more money you put up the closer you will be to God. But just because Simon says, doesn’t mean it is so. Don’t be taken in by those that think not only can the kingdom be bought, but that the more you give the more you will get back, thus making you rich. Someone’s going to get rich all right, but it won’t be you, especially if you limit God and think that He only rewards His people with worldly riches. The reason many don’t establish a loving long lasting relationship with the Lord is simply because the motives of their heart are not right. Those that respond to God’s message of love, with the pure motive of love, will be finders of eternal life, and keepers of His promise to the end. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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