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1 Corinthians 12:1-7 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. (2) Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. (3) Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (4) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (KJV)
First of all I would like to make note of the fact that the word ‘gifts’ in verse 1&4 are both added words, they were not a part of the original text. The reason this is mentioned is because the key to all these verses is that everything that takes place in this context is a manifestation of the Spirit, which is singular. While many think they have only a certain gift that God can work through them, the truth is that it is similar to our bodies, we all have the body parts to make our bodies function, and growing up it was just a matter of developing and learning how to use them, whether it be walking, talking, or any other function. It is up to us as individuals to find out what our calling is, where we fit in the body of Christ and allowing the Spirit of God to work and manifest through us as He chooses, and not as we think we should be dictating it. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (KJV) Now rather than limit the working of God through its members by thinking that to only one member is given wisdom, or to another any other endowment, which is what the word gifts refers to in Verse:9, Paul is showing how the Spirit can manifest through the members of the body to provide what is needed for each situation. Think of it this way, if you broke your arm and went to the hospital it would not do the attending physician much good to be working on your leg or checking your ears. So when there is a need in the body of Christ, and we are dealing with someone seeking a spiritual answer to their need, it is a matter of letting the Spirit have its way and manifest the answer that is needed for each and every individual situation we will encounter. While some may be more developed in certain areas of their walk, again like with children growing up, some learn to talk or walk quicker than others, all the workings of the Spirit are similar in the fact that once you received this Spirit within you, all the things in the above verses are available to those that are a willing vessel and allow God work through them. Although some think they can determine ahead of time how the Spirit is going to operate, say for instance those that claim they are going to have a special healing service, or if you show up on Sunday there will be miracles, the simple truth be known is that those that are truly operating in Christ will keep themselves out of the way and allow Him to have His way. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (14) For the body is not one member, but many. (KJV) Remember, we are now talking about a Spiritual body of believers; so in order to be a part of it one has to be baptized Spiritually, immersed in the living waters of Christ, to become a part of as well as remain an effective working member of it. It is important now for you to find your place in the body of Christ and to learn to function the way the Lord intended for you to, and not what you have seen others do. Romans 12:4-7 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: (5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (6) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (7) Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (KJV) Strong’s definition for gifts: 5486 charisma (khar'-is-mah); from 5483; a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, i.e. (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty: KJV-- (free) gift. When we see the word ‘gifts’ it is referring to a free gift (Christ), God having sent His only Son on our behalf; as well as a qualification of where is the Lord asking us to operate in His body. So whatever your calling, whatever place the Lord is asking you to serve in, it’s learning who you are in Christ and how you can most effectively serve Him. So until you know and are not just guessing it is best for you to wait on Him until you are sure how He operates. Many people try to dictate to God how He is going to operate, and what their place in the body is rather than let Him have His way and allow His purpose to manifest through them. Ephesians 4:7-12 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (8) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (10) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) (11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (KJV) Everything we talked about today is a result of the gift of Christ, the manifestation of His Spirit which is given for us to profit in. The gifts He gave unto men is manifested in the people mentioned in Verse 11, those that have answered their calling and are now working to edify the body of Christ, to teach them who they are in Christ. John 4:10-11 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (11) The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? (KJV) God’s gift to mankind is Christ, and those that have answered His call and are working on His behalf will know their place in the body, and will be ready to provide the Spiritual answer to all that would ask of the hope within them, as we see in the above verses. God gave us the good and perfect gift from above. Now will you take the time to read the instructions and learn how it operates for yourself? After all, you are now in a new realm. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 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. (10) 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)
With everything that we have access to, the opportunity to tap into an unlimited source of power and strength, a vast treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge, why would anyone settle for anything less? Mankind wallowed in sin and misery under the old law for thousands of years until the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh. The Spirit of God which is within the believer is willing to show you all things which are no longer limited to this realm. And now we are able to see and operate within the spiritual realm so that we can know the things of God. How much time do you spend on a daily basis seeking the things of God? How much of a priority have you made God in order to come to an understanding of how these things are put into practice, and are a reality in your life? Is the Bible an account of how God has worked in other people’s lives, people we thought at times were special and above reproach? Or are you able to read the accounts in the word of God and relate to them because they are something you too have put into practice within your life? John 16:12-15 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (14) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (15) All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (KJV) Remember what it was like when you would hear people talk of the Bible? Or even having read some of it before you were saved and came to a knowledge of the truth? For me it was boring stories of a bunch of thou shalts and thus saith the Lord, which to me had no meaning and substance without having the Spirit of truth to enlighten. Once I accepted the Lord’s plan of salvation I was given a new heart and able to tap into the things of God which gave me an understanding of things above and beyond this realm. I also began experiencing a joy and peace as well as a confidence I had not known before, above and beyond what I could have ever asked or thought of. But it takes time on a daily basis to stop what you are doing so that you can hear the Lord and His daily instructions; so that He can personally speak to you and give you His spiritual insight. The Holy Spirit is like having an interpreter when the Lord is speaking to you; He will take the things of God and explain it to you in a simple way so that you can understand for yourself what God is asking of you this day, and how to walk in the Spirit and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Another way to put it, it’s like people that are deaf who attend lectures; there is a person speaking and someone next to them doing sign language to deliver the message. We were deaf to the things of God in the past because of sin and unbelief, but now we have the Holy Spirit within us to take the message of God and bring it to our understanding so that we can partake of the things of God. 1 John 2:26-27 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (27) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (KJV) The devil and his workers are out and about with their seducing spirits and doctrines which will lead one astray if they do not become rooted and grounded in the truth of God’s word. The more you are able to hear the Lord for yourself and let Him reveal his plan of salvation to you personally, the stronger you become and the less likely you will be taken in by the wiles of the devil. The Lord does use His people to deliver His message, but beware it is the message we need to focus on and what the Lord is speaking in it, and to not become too caught up with the messengers, putting them on pedestals that they don’t belong on. It is the truth that sets you free. And the more you allow the Spirit to teach you this truth the more you will abide in Him and not be swayed with any winds of doctrine. Acts 10:38-39 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (39) And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: (KJV) That same anointing which God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with is within you; ready, willing and able to teach you the things of God so that you too can go about doing good and bring a message of healing to a sick and dying world. God is with you; for greater is He that is within you, than he that is in the world. So the more you rely on your inward vision, the less likely you will be swayed by outward circumstances. Verse 39 talks about those that were witnesses of how He was able to do all things, not just things of this realm but able to demonstrate the things of the spiritual realm as well. Now you need to take the time to hear His message of deliverance so that you too can demonstrate how you are allowing God to work through you, and not be oppressed of the devil and his lies. 1 John 2:20-21 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. (21) I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. (KJV) What a comfort to be able to know the truth and have access to all things, not just the physical realm but the spiritual also. Think of the Holy Spirit as a water filter, it filters out the impurities and we are left with pure healthy water. For myself I was indoctrinated with a lot unhealthy worldly things which kept me in bondage to fear and confusion. The more I spent time in the word of God and let the Spirit of God show me the things of His realm, the more I was able to filter out the old and allow the new to become a reality in my life. Is the light of the glorious gospel of Christ illuminating your path today, or are you walking in darkness and not sure where you are headed? Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) Do you desire the complete package? Then why not go to the guy that completed the mission of salvation for all mankind, who is now seated at the right hand of the Father ready to reveal Himself too all that wish to partake of His eternal inheritance. The word complete means to make whole, to furnish, to supply and finish. So if you desire to endure to the end then why not seek the counsel and instruction from someone who has already run this race to the end, and who is willing to show you all the things that it takes for you to complete your walk in the Spirit and receive the crown of life. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 4:1-5 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (KJV)
The Lord and His people have been warning us to be on the lookout for not just a few but the many false prophets, who like wolves, prey on the wounded and the weak of the flock. Too many Christians have let their guard down; and like an unsuspecting boxer, end up getting sucker punched by someone they thought was legit. When you listen to these sermons today they focus on worldly areas that many people struggle in; and like with many infomercials you see on TV they promise quick fix solutions to people still in bondage to spiritual ailments; which if they addressed those first, then the troublesome areas in these people’s lives would be more easily overcome. Rather than focus on the spiritual (which is why it is the spirit of antichrist), the one thing that would set them free is ignored; they keep giving worldly solutions to solve a spiritual need and many then end up falling short and discouraged. If any man has not the spirit of Christ, a working knowledge of the Son of God, then He is none of His. Greater is He, Christ in you the hope of glory, than he the spirit of antichrist which is roaming this planet like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour with the cares and distractions of this life. Case in point, at times I see the headline about ministers who complain about opening their books to congress to give an account of their spending habits. These ministers claim government intrusion, the same government they bowed down to in order to get their tax exempt status. If you don’t want them intruding into your business then get out of theirs and just pay your fair share of taxes; which according to God’s word is the obligation of the Church. Wake up people and quit letting the fox guard the henhouse. Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV) Jesus Christ was faced with this spirit of antichrist which would have liked nothing better than to see Him change His message of salvation, soften His stance a bit, and maybe start compromising. Unlike many we see today that think they can mix and match like a buffet table, taking the things they desire and try to match them up with spiritual things, the Lord held His ground knowing that this life is temporary and that the message of salvation is eternal. The Lord knew He could not serve two masters because if He was double minded, like we see and hear in so many of mans’ sermons, then He would have become unstable and unable to receive the things of God. Are you holding fast your profession of faith this moment without wavering? Or have you been sucker punched by a worldly doctrine that you never saw coming because you weren’t watching and keeping your guard up? Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (5) 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) With an unending priceless gift of spiritual blessings, have you even begun to explore all that is available to those in Christ? No wonder the devil comes a knocking. After all, he was at one time seated in the heavenly places but fell because of pride, and let go of his eternal reward. That spirit of antichrist would like nothing better than to keep you focused on the dead end things of this world so that you won’t look into the realm of the Spirit to see all that God has blessed you with. That joy and peace you have experienced is a result of an eternal plan of salvation God has for His people; and by His grace He has made it available for our benefit. So being that this plan originated in the heavenly realm and not this worldly one, then it would only be fitting to say that you can only continue in this new found joy and peace by looking to Christ and not this world. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: (33) But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. (34) There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. (35) And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. (KJV) Here is an area where many let their guard down and get sucker punched. Rather than continue seeking the spiritual blessings in Christ they think the only way they will be complete is to have that special someone in their life. Now granted, God ordained marriage and it is a blessing when it is done according to who He joins together and not what our lower nature becomes attached to. Ever hear the term high maintenance? Well if you marry someone for the wrong reason, and they are still quite attached to the things of this world and not the things of God, you will find it nothing short of a distraction and a hindrance to your walk. I have seen many people who rather than realize they are complete in Christ, they try to fulfill a spiritual need with a physical one and end up bruised and beaten. Any time you look to the world or worldly people to find the answer, you will find that it did not come from God. It may look good and sound good to the outward man but inwardly it is a total abomination, a heartache that could have been avoided. Remember the devil will show you just the highlights and not the consequences. So when the party is over there will be a huge tab to pick up. 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV) The world and its ways are passing away, and so are those that hang onto them. Only those that do the will of God and seek those things which are above will experience a life of joy and peace above and beyond what this world could ever offer. So what is your priority today at this moment? Are you seeking the spiritual blessings or are you still chasing your tail stuck in this dead end realm of misery and heartache? Jesus Christ came that you would have life and have it more abundantly in Him so that you could avoid a world of hurt, and not end up with some cheap imitation of the devil. 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. Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV)
Full age refers to maturity, one that has grown up and has now learned to walk in the Spirit. We die daily, the outward man perishes and we no longer rely on emotions to dictate our outcome. We learn to walk by faith and not by sight, letting the light of the gospel guide our steps on a spiritual path, instead of looking for things that appeal to the flesh. Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (KJV) All of us have tried the things of this world, seeking something in the outward that we thought would satisfy our inward hunger. Try as we did, no matter how hard we looked, it was just never enough. Once you have accepted the Lord into your life, being reborn into the realm of the Spirit, you now have a new set of eyes that are able to find what is necessary to feed the inward man with the spiritual meat to sustain you. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (KJV) Definition for filled: 5526 chortazo (khor-tad'-zo); from 5528; to fodder, i.e. (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance): KJV-- feed, fill, satisfy. There is only one thing that will satisfy our spiritual hunger, and that is a spiritual meal. When you go to a restaurant and are hungry, you are not going for crackers and milk, you want a meal that will fill and satisfy your hunger. As you grow in the Lord and mature, just like growing up physically, you find it takes more of a strong solid diet to continue the growth. So what is it that you hunger and thirst after today? Are you looking in the right realm to satisfy the need or will you keep looking in the outward and find yourself still lacking? Psalms 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. (KJV) It is the younger, less mature lions that are lacking because they haven’t learned to exercise their hunting skill and senses, which is why they still hunger. The younger lions seek for prey, but in the wrong areas and end up lacking or wanting. The same holds true with many younger Christians who are seeking things that will satisfy the heart, yet they too end up looking in the wrong places. Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) Think of your walk as a training camp, or should I say a retraining program. All of our life we are taught to look for things in the physical realm to satisfy our need, when in fact the Lord is pointing us in the opposite direction first. But how many of us are truly willing to trust in Him and build that confidence, knowing that if we seek Him first and look for our answer in His realm, it’s only then that He is able to respond and supply all our need? When situations arise in your life is your first thought prayer, asking God what to do, or do you run in circles chasing your tail in this realm? Like with the younger lions, they make many unsuccessful hunting attempts before they realize that unless they get it right they will die of starvation. Christians are the same way, they keep trying to do things the old way and then wonder why they don’t get new results. In order to operate in the new realm and become successful in your spiritual hunting, you need to rely on your spiritual senses in order to get the meat of the word of God. Remember the term ‘the last shall be first and the first last’? Well, the first place the world seeks after is the last place we should look. And the last place mankind would look too, is the first place we should be seeking for all our need. The just shall live by faith. It is a spiritual path that we walk now, and it takes our spiritual senses to lead and guide us on this path if we wish to endure to the end. Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (KJV) Talk about complete opposites, two completely different realms, with two different outcomes. Call it a tug of war; like Paul wrote, he had to die daily, keeping his body in subjection to the Spirit. Otherwise you will end up misled and walking a dead end path of darkness. What you thought was leading you closer to the Lord was actually misleading you further and further from the truth. Many begin in the Spirit with good intentions, but end up trying to perfect their walk in the flesh and end up dying from malnutrition. Proverbs 4:18-19 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (19) The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. (KJV) Are you able to see God’s plan of salvation for yourself? Do you know how to walk in the Spirit, and how to seek first the things of God that will fill the heart and illuminate the path of life? The more you stay on this path, the clearer it becomes. The more one walks in the Spirit, the more they continue to exercise their spiritual senses so that they can grow strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Like with reading a book, the more you look into it, the more of an understanding you will have as to its contents and the author. The more you look into God’s realm, the more He is willing to show you His insights. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 5:11-14 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV)
Did you ever stop and think about your senses, and what their purpose is? We have these senses that allow us to see, hear, touch, smell, and taste things in the outward realm, but did you know that you also have spiritual sensibility that gives you the same opportunity for the inward? As we see in verse 11 the writer refers to His spiritual insight, in the fact that the people had become dull in their spiritual hearing, and rather than teaching and leading by example, they needed to start over again. A child can only last so long on milk and then they need to be weaned and given solid food if they are going to grow. The same pattern holds true spiritually. If you are going to mature in the Lord then you need to taste the things of God that will provide the growth or you will end up malnourished. Verse 14 shows us that we need to exercise our senses so that we don’t let any unhealthy doctrine into our heart. As your physical body requires exercise to maintain good health, the same holds true with our spirit man, and being the fact that it is our inward man that will live on forever, would you not think it is time to attend to these senses, or should I say doesn’t that make sense? Psalms 34:8-9 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (9) O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. (KJV) You wouldn’t eat rotten food; and watching someone eat out of a garbage can is not to pleasant either, so why would you do that spiritually? Have you ever been told to eat your carrots so that you could see better? Well the Lord has a diet for the heart which requires a daily dose of healthy doctrine, as well as an exercise regimen for those that want to grow strong and healthy. So take the taste test and make sure it is of the Lord, and then partake of His meat which will keep you strong and confident in the realm of the Spirit. Psalms 119:103-104 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (104) Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. (KJV) Once you have tasted the things of God, you find that it is the only thing that will satisfy the heart and fill the void in our lives with an abundance of peace. Don’t be fooled by drive through fast food doctrines of man, which look good to the outward, but are unhealthy to the inward. Luke 14:16-24 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: (17) And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. (18) And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. (19) And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. (20) And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. (21) So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. (22) And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. (23) And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (24) For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. (KJV) What are your priorities? What excuse have you come up with for not partaking of the spiritual meal the Lord has prepared for all His people? Ever wonder why people become weak, sickly, and end up on their backside? In the physical realm the first thing a doctor will tell you is diet and exercise. In the spiritual realm the same holds true. How much of the meat of God’s word are you partaking of, as well as working your spiritual body to keep it healthy on a daily basis? Sometimes things that are healthy for us may not always taste as good as things that are not, and that is where it is up to each of us to discern and base our decisions on what is best for us and not on what is the most appealing. If you were to give a child a choice the menu would most likely consist of candy, ice cream, cakes and other colorful items that although they are the most appealing, would provide the least nourishment. As one matures though, they realize they will need to change their diet if they plan on living a healthy lifestyle. Remember the spirit is willing, it’s the flesh that is weak and would rather have what it wants and not what it needs. John 8:52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. (KJV) The Lord ran into opposition Himself; letting the people know that if they kept His saying and relied on His word to feed their spirit man, then they would never have to taste of death, which means separation from Him. Of course the problem arose with the people here, and still arises with many today because they looked at this from the outward sense and not the inward, which is why the confusion set in. Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (KJV) Our Lord paid the price for us and took upon Himself the sins of the whole world. Because the wages of sin is death, He spent three days and three nights in the belly of the earth separated from the Father so that we could be reconciled to Him and not have to spend an eternity tasting death ourselves. Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (KJV) So even if you happen to drink of something unhealthy and it just doesn’t taste right spiritually, you will be able to filter it out and not let it harm you because you have kept your spiritual immune system healthy by exercising your spiritual senses, discerning between what is good and what is evil. Today, exercise your spiritual senses so that you operate in the sensibility which leads to life. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 4:23-24 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (24) 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. (KJV)
How vital is our hearing; not only getting the message, but knowing who it is coming from as well? Like with a cell phone, a dropped call can change the message; not getting the message through in its entirety, changing and distorting the message being delivered. I compare our spiritual hearing with a radio, it takes a while to dial into the right frequency, getting rid of the static and noise of other channels in order to get the station with the information you are listening for. Along the way you will catch bits and pieces of other conversations, loud music, loud talk radio, before you find the easy listening channel with the information you are seeking. James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (KJV) Knowing the voice of the Lord, and dialing into His frequency will help you understand who the message is coming from, and what the spiritual meaning of it is. So if you get some loud, boisterous, finger pointing, condescending, voice coming at you trying to remind you of the past, or anything else that is not peaceable, change the channel. 1Kings 19:11-12 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: (12) And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (KJV) There are many winds of doctrine out there; lots of earth shattering fire and brimstone preachers out there that rant and rave thinking they will be heard for their much speaking. But after all the noise and distractions, all the static and distortions of the world, it’s that still small, loving gentle voice of God that we should be listening for, and tuning out the rest of the noise. How many parents would talk to their children like that, yelling and hollering all the time, and telling them how worthless they are? How many children would want to listen to a parent ranting and raving all the time as well? Granted, God does discipline and correct us, but it is done in love, for our benefit. So who are you listening to? Is it building you up spiritually giving you the confidence and peace you are seeking, or is it pulling you down with doubt and confusion? If so, you need to check the number and dial again. It’s important to take the time to pray and talk to God; but be ready to hear His answer as well, so that when He calls back he doesn’t get a busy signal from our end. Isaiah 30:9-10 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: (10) Who say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: (KJV) Some people have selective hearing. Rather than hear the message delivered by Christ, they would rather hear things that fit their lifestyle. Ever wonder why there are so many different denominations in this country alone. What’s wrong with just being a Christian? Christ like, was the intention I believe. Oh, but all these man-made titles and doctrines are like going to a clothing store, if it doesn’t fit we can alter it and make it look good. Whatever happened to one Lord, one faith? Kind of like a telemarketer, the devil uses the lines of communication to distort the message and steal your identity in Christ. Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV) The Lord is standing at the door of your heart, ringing the bell. Like a pizza delivery man, He has a hot spiritual meal ready to serve to those that will open up and let Him have access to their house. So get the door, this time it is not Dominos. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 13:15-16 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (KJV)
Did you ever stop and ponder the fact that as your physical body has senses, sight and sound being so vital; your spirit man has senses as well. And if you have ever wondered how important the sense of sight is, just take some time blindfolded, and try getting from one point to another. Just imagine how difficult it is spiritually as well, trying to find the narrow path of life that leads to Father’s house, and not able to see where you are going. Mark 4:33-34 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. (34) But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. (KJV) One of the keys which you will find valuable in understanding the Bible for yourself, and eliminating any doubts or gray areas, is how much time you spend alone with Father on a daily basis so that your spiritual eyes will be enlightened. Parables are not a couple of animals standing in a farmer’s field, although sad to say there is a lot of bull being shoveled around, but rather a symbolic analogy, the correlation between something in the physical realm and the spiritual meaning of it. Understanding with the heart, seeing the hidden meaning of the scriptures, is what will enlighten the path of life for you, and allow you to see God’s true meaning and intention for your own walk as well. Romans 1:20-22 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (KJV) Many start out with good intentions, but somewhere along the line they end up sidetracked and misled; mostly because they don’t take the time themselves to establish a personal relationship with the Father on a daily basis. When the blind follow the blind, they both end up in a ditch and are no longer walking the path of life which is the way of escape from this present evil world. 1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (KJV) Many people buy water filters for their home use, it filters out the impurities and leaves you with the pure water. The Holy Ghost is like a purifier as well, it takes the hidden meaning of the parables and removes the cloud or veil of the flesh, and you are left with the pure word of God, the simplicity, a clear understanding revealed; comparing or interpreting the spiritual things with spiritual people. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV) It’s when we lean to our own understanding that we miss the intended purpose of the Word of God; the understanding becomes darkened, and we miss the interpretation. Ever try to get directions from a person who is from another country, someone that speaks another language? Without an interpreter you might as well have a snickers bar, you’re not going anywhere for a while. The same holds true in the spiritual realm as well. You entered into a whole new life, a whole different realm than what you had been living before. And without an interpreter to help you along, you will end up misguided and led astray as well. Proverbs 4:18-19 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (19) The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. (KJV) So which way are you headed? Who are you getting your directions from? Jesus Christ walked the path of life to victory; are you following in His footsteps? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (KJV)
There is no such thing as another gospel of Christ. Despite the fact that many have put different titles on their faith, doesn’t mean our Lord acknowledges them as legitimate. It doesn’t matter where these lies originate from, or from whom, anything outside the realm of the faith comes from the pits of hell no matter how nice those who are preaching it appear. The fact that it may be coming to you from somebody close to you, including family members, doesn’t change things. Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (KJV) God has provided His people a spiritual coat of armor so that you can be protected from fiery darts which are being shot. If you don’t take the time to get dressed daily before going out, you may find yourself getting all fired up for the wrong reasons. I Kings 13:7-9 And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward. 8 And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: 9 For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest. (KJV) If you go back and read this entire chapter you will see that God had sent one of His people to deliver a message to the king. The Lord gave this man specific instructions on what to do, as well as what no to do. I Kings 13:18-20 He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. 19 So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water. 20 And it came to pass, as they sat at the table that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back: (KJV) The man of God was doing well until a so called prophet came along with a message he claimed was from God. Not everything you hear from the many so called prophets of today is from God; many have fallen for different version of the truth, and the enemy is more than willing to use any vessel to deliver his message, even those that claim to, or have once been of God. I Kings13:23-24 And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back. 24 And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcass was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcass. (KJV) There is an enemy of God’s people today who is described as a lion, seeking who may devour (1 Peter 5:8). The moral of today’s study, exercise your spiritual senses so that you can discern what is of God, and what is not. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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