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Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part8 is on the topic of who the Son of God is; unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. A mystery is something hidden and the only way to reveal or unravel the mystery is to follow the clues; and bit by bit the mystery is solved; you come the knowledge of the truth of what occurred. And so it is that God spoke unto us through His holy apostles, prophets, and His Son to give us the guide book in solving the mystery of the kingdom of God, which is given unto us to know. He wants us to come to the knowledge of the truth; what truth? The truth that was in Jesus, which is in us also. John 5:39-40 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (KJV) From the beginning the scriptures testify of Christ, the Son of the living God. How few though come to know Him (Christ) after the Spirit. Many only know Him after the flesh (Jesus), because they have chosen to listen to what man says and not search the scriptures for themselves by asking the Lord to reveal who He is and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide them, and enlighten the eyes of their understanding to the truth that was in Jesus, the hidden mystery, but revealed to those who diligently seek to know Him. John 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. (KJV) When you allow the Spirit to remove the vail of the flesh (Jesus), then you shall know Christ, the Son of the living God. And you will come to know how God made this same Jesus, both Lord and Christ. Are you willing to dig deep into this mystery for yourself so that you can say when you stand before God our Father, and He asks you, “Did you know my Son?”, and you can answer “I know the mystery of your kingdom that you gave for me to know; your Son, Christ in me, whom you sent in the likeness of sinful flesh (Jesus of Nazareth first, then in me), being made sin for me, who knew no sin; that I could be made the righteousness of you, Father, in Him”? And the Father will turn to the Son, and say “Do you know them?” and the Son will reply either, “Yes, they were a good and faithful servant” or “No, depart from me ye who work iniquity”. Which would you rather hear? Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) It is not of works, lest any man should boast. It is of the grace and truth of God (for grace and truth came by Jesus Christ), that we will stand on the firm foundation which He gave unto us to know so that we are sealed with the seal of God because we know His name, we know Him, and He knows us for which we name the name of Christ. 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (KJV) You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning, today's encouragement is to keep renewed in the spirit of your mind.
If you would like to download a copy click on the Daily Bread For Life Archive link above to access the link to get your downloaded copy. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Keep Renewed Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls. (KJV) As we wait for the redemption of the body, let each of us be steadfast in keeping our minds renewed on things above where Christ sits at the right hand of God and not on the things on this earth which are temporal, and will perish away. That we be steadfast in working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, or in other words not taking our salvation for granted because judgment will begin first with us; and how much more sorer would it be if we were rejected, having accepted the plan of salvation yet did not take it seriously, than those who never accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Hebrews 2:1-3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (KJV) 1 Peter 4:17-19 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (KJV) Be steadfast and unmovable, grounded and settled, that neither death nor life nor any other creature separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Commit the keeping of your soul unto Him, and keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life; those things that are able to separate you from the love of God if you allow them in, ponder them long enough, and then act on them. A little leaven allowed in will leaven the whole lump if you don’t purge it out by casting down the imagination or high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, the truth of God and His word. If we keep our mind renewed on the things that make for peace and righteousness in God’s eyes, we are armed with the mind of Christ and we can immediately bring our thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ; in this the leaven is caught and removed before it can grow into an imagination that could lead us to sin. James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) Death is separation between you and the Father; the leaven broke the line of communication. Remember, whatever is not of faith is sin. So if you cannot do something faithfully, in the sight of God (who sees and knows the intents of the heart), then it is sin. You are trying to hide that thing. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ and who have truly renounced the hidden things of darkness. You may be able to hide it from man for a season, but you can never hide it from Him. The hidden things of darkness are always brought to light. Our soul (mind) is the seat of the affections and lusts of the flesh (the natural man). Which is why we need the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who died daily to the affections and lusts of the flesh, and took on the sins of the world, and was crucified for us to make the way of escape from ourselves. He gave us access to the mind of Christ. So now it is up to us to continue in the renewing of our mind so that we operate in the mind of Christ where all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are available to us. The natural man (old thinking man) cannot receive the things of God, neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. The mind of Christ is spiritual, not carnal. 1 Corinthians 2:12 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. 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. 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. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV) When we operate in the mind of Christ we are able to be instructed in the things of God. The Holy Spirit is able to lead and guide us into all truth. So dearly loved brethren keep renewed in the spirit of your mind that you may know the things that have been freely given unto you, that you have access to in Christ to make your walk through this life in peace (agreement with God; his thoughts and ways) and with patience having your souls in possession unto Christ. God bless. Good morning, today's encouragement is to come to the knowledge of all things that pertain to life and godliness which God has freely given unto us through His Son Jesus Christ. If you would like to download a copy click on the Daily Bread For Life Archive link above to access the link to get your downloaded copy. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. All Things
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV) 1 Corinthians 2:12 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) We have an unction (anointing) from the Holy One and we know all things. So notice it says in the verse above that “we might know”…it is up to each of us to ask, seek, and knock so that the door or eyes of our understanding would be enlightened to know personally from God those things He freely gave to us by His Son Jesus Christ. Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (KJV) The deep things of God, the depth of both the wisdom and knowledge of God, his judgements, and his ways to the natural man are unsearchable and past finding out because the natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned (revealed by the Spirit, the veil taken away). 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV) When we became a new creation in Christ the old things passed away and behold all things are become new, including the mind. But you need to keep the old passed away and keep the mind renewed in the things of God. The renewed mind is the mind of Christ. If we are operating in the fleshly (carnal) mind the Lord is unable to instruct us, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him?”…But we have the mind of Christ; so if we operate in the mind of Christ the Lord is able to instruct us in the ways of God and reveal more of the Father unto us; seeing Him face to face. Being one with the Lord (in agreement), is to be able to hear His instruction and understand the things of God and all that has been freely given unto you; the exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. So begins your journey of being perfected by God through Christ Jesus. You start out as a child, but it is God’s good pleasure to see you grow and mature in His divine nature, to become who He would have you to be in Christ; a reflection of Him, to know all things, and to be a witness unto the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV) Remember, just because we have been given the mind of Christ, does not mean that we know how to use it, or that we will remain in agreement with it. It takes effort on our part to exercise our faith, to seek out His ways, to be a doer and not just a hearer of those things that please Him, and to remain in agreement with God and His Word; putting away childish things as the Spirit leads and guides us, so that we can grow and mature in Christ, and see our Father and His Son clearly within us, and be well known to God our Father. And as you grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ you begin to see personally more of what you have been given, more of what you know, and more of who God intended you to be from the foundation of the world. All things given so that you are able to continue in the faith and become grounded and settled in the truth of the gospel of Christ, not moved away from the hope that is within you (Christ in you the hope of glory), and receive the end of your faith, the crown of life, the salvation of your soul, a gift of eternity with God our Father and with His Son Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Good morning. Today's video Stay Strong is on the topic of staying strong in the Lord and in the power of His might with warning or reminders for the Church to stay strong. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video Perfection is on the topic of the word "perfection"; what makes us perfect or mature in Christ. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
Have you ever had a favorite sports team you cheered for? How about these big cities that have their franchises, teams that have been around for a long time and have a big following, ever notice how fickle the fans are if the team starts losing? Oh boy, once they get on a roll and make it to the finals then the fans come out of the woodwork and jump back on the popular bandwagon again, acting like they never left. Well if you notice in the above verse, team Christ is made the Head, in other words they are always in first place and they never have to take a back seat to anyone or any circumstance either. Do you always keep this in mind, or are you acting like someone just kicked your tail end? The Lord made you the head, He didn’t put you in last place nor are you last on His priority list either. But He chose to die on your behalf even when you were a sinner playing for the other team. Now that you are part of His team, how much better is your life, knowing you are in first place and have the opportunity to remain there as long as you are willing and obedient to His word? The Bible says if God be for us then who can be against us. Would you like to take on God and see how you fare? Well, many have throughout the Bible, and have failed miserably I might add. In fact weren’t you quite miserable yourself before you knew the Lord, and were enemies and alienated from the life of God by your carnal thinking? With this in mind, hopefully a renewed one, why do so many of God’s people walk around acting like the tail and not the Head, acting like they are in last place instead of first? Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (KJV) Hey speaking of head, how many hairs did you count on yours today? How about that sparrow that keeled over in your back yard, were you aware of that? Our Father in heaven was aware of it, just as He is aware of you and your need as well. So what was that hair count this morning, or did you lose count? Yet with this in mind we still doubt God or act like He doesn’t hear us or love us anymore, sounds rather birdbrain don’t it? A God that feeds sparrows and keeps an accurate head count of them is certainly not going to forget you is He? No, if fact your value is much more than a birds, just like one of your children would have more attention put on them than the birds in the backyard. So why all this fretting and fussing when you can’t even count the hairs on your own head, yet you have the audacity to doubt our Father in heaven? If you don’t like the results in your life then maybe you best be checking the direction you’re heading in and make sure it is the path our Lord intended for you to be on and not some dead end you chose to follow. Luke 12:24-26 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (25) And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? (26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? (KJV) You ever wonder how the leaven got into the bread of life; subtly snuck in there when you weren’t looking or paying attention to details? Again we see an example of the birds, this time ravens which the word says God feeds them; did you ever stop and think about that? Are you not of much more value than these fowls? Yet that is how you act at times or think God sees you. Which of you being a parent would feed the birds and starve your children? That would be criminal and insane, yet that is how easy it is to drift off the path of life if one doesn’t keep a watch on the heart and monitor the mind bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. Consider the ravens; when is the last time you saw one drop over from heart failure because the stock market took a dive, or the price of fuel just rose another ten cents a gallon? Are we not better than these fowls, which is what is being asked in the above verses? In other words, when you cast all your care upon the Lord then do you leave it with Him letting Him do the caring for you? Or do you cast your cares upon the Lord and then like a fisherman reel them back in and reevaluate them thinking you can handle it yourself? Sound to simple, yeah that is the part we miss though, that simplicity. You know, instead of watching some hot shot preacher on TV tell you how to live, and how much better you could live if you show them the money, turn off the tube and look in the backyard and consider what is around you, right in front of you, and how simple the Lord would like us to live if we would only let Him be the Head of our life. Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV) ‘Come unto me’, get steered in the right direction, go to the Head if you wish to be the head and remain in first place. How did things get so complicated, how did you get weighed down with so much burden and heaviness? Well it started ever so simple, so subtle; just snuck right by you while you were looking elsewhere to find rest. Do you remember where they put the yokes? Yup right around the neck which is attached to the head. All this excess weight and baggage you have been lugging around was it something our Lord asked you to carry, or is it something the enemy packed on while you weren’t looking? The Lord’s burden is easy; in fact it is light, otherwise He wouldn’t have said it. But that only applies when you let Him have it and not try to carry the load yourself. Ever hear of the two-headed monster? Well, that’s what happens to people when they become yoked with something of this world, double minded and unstable, unable to do what the Lord is asking because they are too weighed down with the cares of this life. The yokes on you; now it would do you good to make sure you put it on the Head, and not the tail end or you will end up with a big mess. Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV) Remember what comes out of a cloud? Did you know you are surrounded with a cloudburst, ready to rain down on you in the form of living waters? Let’s get rid of all this excess baggage which is a result of sin; sin being unbelief. Let’s start looking above to a man that is seated at the right hand of God, the man being Jesus Christ who not only authored but finished our faith, providing all that was needed so that we could run this same course, the course that is heading home. A spiritual race requires a spiritual leader, so why not follow one that ran this race and is in first place so that you will be also, and all those that follow His lead. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:12-13 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (13) And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
Stop and think for a moment where the head is located on the body? Isn’t it interesting that it is located at the top, and not say the foot area, or the tail section. By putting the Head in its proper place it gives one a better line of sight, a much better viewpoint to see the path in front of them. As a hunter in the past I would walk through a valley or coulee as they are referred to in Montana, and would be limited to what I could see. However, if I was to climb to the top I would get the total viewpoint and know what was there. You have access to the total picture, a vantage point from above and not below so that spiritually you can see and understand the total picture of God’s plan of salvation and how to walk in it. Simply put, if you wish to get ahead and move forward in your walk with the Lord then you need to go to the Head and hear the message He has for you personally so that you can walk the path He designated for you before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 3:17-20 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. (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, (KJV) Do you know why Christ is able to do above and beyond what we could ever ask or think of? Because that is the realm He operates in, above and beyond the fallen realm of man, one so much higher and greater than our carnal minds could ever comprehend. Are you operating in His realm today and tapping into the well of life, a dayspring of living waters so that you can get results in your walk above and beyond what you thought of? I know some of you are thinking “yeah right” not much is happening in my life, why don’t I get these results? Well it starts with verse 17, Christ dwelling in the heart by faith, not your head. Have you taken the time to renew your mind today, letting the message of Christ take hold in you, or were you to busy with something else that has taken hold of you and what you claimed was a total commitment to our Lord? Were you still long enough to know that He is God, letting patience have its perfect work, or after you made your request to God through Jesus Christ you went out chasing the answer instead of letting it overtake you? The only way He can do above and beyond all that we could ask or think is if we hold the Head to be true above and beyond all the lies and doctrines of a fallen mankind. Again, where your treasure truly is there your heart will be also. So if you desire something better in your life then you need to look above and not below to get those results. Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (KJV) When you see words like treasure or rain, do you see the spiritual implications which go above man’s thinking, or are you like so many that limit God and His blessings to just the carnal realm? What we see in the outward realm mirrors, or reflects the spiritual one. So the more one trains themselves with this thinking the more one is able to see the total picture, like getting the view from above; above and beyond all that we could ever ask or think of. Man’s thinking is limited and so are his expectations; while the Lord’s people are renewing their mind on a daily basis and able to see into an unlimited realm where the word impossible is no longer a part of their vocabulary. A former life stuck in the realm of the flesh and limited by words like ‘I can’t’ as well as endless excuses and finger pointing, is now replaced with an I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. A life of so close and yet so far is replaced by a new life of victory, because for once in your life you are able to finish and bring to perfection things you started and were never able to accomplish in your past. As a Christian, a Christ like person, you need to continue to think and expect to be a winner in all things, as our Lord promised we are more than conquerors, but that only works through Him who loved us, that being Jesus Christ our one mediator that gives us access into this realm above. Isaiah 55:7-9 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) Oh that stinking thinking of ours at times! We start letting the mind drift off to the valley of the shadow of death, then the next thing you know we are speaking all these negative words, words which our Lord said should be spirit and life not carnal and strife. The Bible says we shall have whatever we say; then you wonder why you don’t see these results that our Lord said He was able to do which is so much more above and beyond what we could have ever asked or thought of? You want results in your life that are complete; then start thinking in that realm and speak the words that will bring life and not more strife. Words that should be opening the windows of heaven are now opening the floodgates of the enemy to come in and drown people in destruction and despair. Come on people, get out of this muck and get up to the higher ground, and replace those thoughts of doubt and fear with truth, a truth that will set you free and allow you to partake of what the Head has for you and not what is coming out of the tail end. Isaiah 55:10-13 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (11) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (12) For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (13) Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (KJV) Without rain and snow there would be drought, dry conditions, which are ripe for wildfires. Spiritually, God has opened the windows of heaven and is raining living waters on His people; the question is, ‘are you partaking of it, or has your field dried up’? Are you going out today with the joy of the Lord letting His peace rule in your life, or has doubt and confusion crept in? What does your field truly look like; is it cultivated and the weeds pulled, or is it a breeding ground of worthless weeds that look like plants? With all that is available in Christ; with all the promises we have in Him; Church, don’t settle for anything less than what He intended for you, a complete and total victory in all things, not just some things or sometimes, but always expecting the best because you truly serve the best who truly has your best interest in heart. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:12-13 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (13) And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
It is the Lord’s desire that you are made the head, Christ like, is another way of describing it. In order for one to be a part of the body and be an imitator of Christ it is imperative that they know who the Head is and how He operates. How about getting into His head, the Bible says we have the mind of Christ, one that opens the eyes of our understanding so that we can see beyond the veil of the flesh and into the realm of the Spirit. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ; that which is unseen to the carnal yet readily revealed to the spiritual one. Ephesians 1:17-23 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, (21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (KJV) God set an order to His church and how it would operate. Christ is the Head of the Church, which you are, and which He should be in order for you to access all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are in Him. So where do you go looking for your answer when in time of need, do you seek first God’s take on how to handle things, or are you standing around the tail end getting soiled with man’s interpretation of what they think and not what the Lord knows and what His people should know? If God decided that Christ is the right man to be the Head of the Church isn’t it time you came into agreement with that plan as well? After all we are either with Him or against Him, so if any man has not the spirit of Christ and a working knowledge of Him then they are none of His, which would put them in the position of antichrist, heading downward instead of upward. Heads we win, tails we lose, and so does anyone that tries to alter and change God’s plan of salvation or the order He put His people in. Acts 4:10-12 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) So many different names that mankind comes up with, so many different denominations mankind tries to label God with and put Him in their carnal boxes limiting Him according to their carnal understanding and not the wisdom available to those in Christ. God has narrowed His path and provided the one name that will lead to salvation, that being Jesus Christ, while anything less leaves one in the back of the line and on the outside. There is no other name under heaven, this is it, the one name above all other names; one name will get you home and to the Head while anything less will leave you dead. Are you using this name so that you can go to the Head and access all that God has for you, or are you trying some other path that will leave you short and stuck tail gating another blind person heading for the ditch? One name, one Lord, one faith, one Head of the Church, it all points to Christ because that is the way God intended it to be so that you could partake of all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that He has for His people. Ephesians 5:23-25 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. (25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (KJV) What do you think life on earth would be like if man just followed God’s simple plan of salvation and didn’t try to alter what He put in place? Like the old song says, “what a wonderful world this would be”. Again we see a simple order of what the Lord intended, just as He did back in the book of Genesis a man and a woman is the only union He blesses and acknowledges, while anything else and they are on their own, outside the realm where He blesses. So with all this talk going around about alternative lifestyles, the only thing being alternated is a lie for the truth, which if continued will result in hell instead of heaven, an alternative God did not intend for His people. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. So if you desire the peace of God in your life then you need to come into agreement with His plan of salvation and the order He set for His church. 1 Corinthians 12:18-21 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (19) And if they were all one member, where were the body? (20) But now are they many members, yet but one body. (21) And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. (KJV) If God set the members and the order of His body of believers in a way that is pleasing to Him then who are we to tell Him different? Our physical bodies can be amputated and certain parts cut off in order to live, but once you cut the head off it’s all done, and death will be the result. Given the fact that the spiritual realm is so much greater than the physical one, would it not do you well to heed the word of God so that you don’t cut off the Head of the Church from your life and end up dead also? Heads up people, our salvation draws near, keep looking above and you won’t get so entangled with the things below, things below God’s standards. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)
When we see the word careful, it refers to anxious, something opposite of patience, which the Bible says we should be letting patience have its perfect work. The peace of God you are experiencing is a result of knowing that the petitions you have made to God were heard and now it is a matter of thanking Him knowing it is provided even though it hasn’t yet manifested in the outward. Knowing how and what to ask for will help you keep that peace and operate in the realm the Lord intended for you to be in. Proverbs 16:11 A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work. (KJV) One of the things that would be considered just, is operating and dealing with today, not letting the mind drift off into a stormy sea of doubt and fear, but staying beside the still living waters that bring life. Mankind plays on fear of tomorrow, especially in the retail world where many sales are based on bulk and not just what is needed now. So many times instead of purchasing what is needed to get by a person ends up with three times the amount they intended because that is how it is advertised. Of course it is packaged in a way that unless one buys today it will never again be at that price so that you end up making a purchase on emotions. Spiritually many Christians overlook simple areas of their walk and end up with their thoughts drifting way out to sea fueled by winds of doctrine. How much more peace would you have if you only dealt with what the Lord was asking for today and not tossed around with carnal thoughts of tomorrow or any other imaginary event? James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (KJV) Do you know the difference between what is of the flesh and of the Spirit; in other words, rightly dividing the word of truth? That thing you are now entangled with, the affairs of this life which our Lord never intended for His people to be all caught up in, is drawing you away from the Lord rather than closer. Verse 2 uses the word kill; so what exactly is being killed? Well how about that new life in Christ you said was His for the taking, which is now taking a back seat to something of the world and not the word of God. You decided it was time to have something based more on lust than Spirit. So that thing you had to have, the one thing you thought would bring peace is bringing nothing less than heartache and misery where there should have been peace and joy. Give us this day our daily bread, so simple, so peaceful, and yet so complicated when we lean to our own understanding. Exodus 16:22-24 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. (23) And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. (24) And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. (KJV) As we can see there is a big difference between when the Lord is leading and when we are leaning to our own thoughts. The Lord’s way will keep us in peace and not lead to stinking thinking, which I am sure tasted much better without the worms. When we start thinking beyond where the Lord is asking us then we end up with holes in our doctrine, a place for the worms to crawl in and out of. Do you desire peace in your life? Then you need to monitor and keep a close watch on what you are thinking on as well, keeping every thought in obedience to Christ so that you can stay in that peaceful realm of the Spirit separated from this troubled world and its ways. Exodus 16:25-28 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field (26) Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. (27) And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. (28) And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? (KJV) Oh there is one in every crowd isn’t there, you know the bad apple in the bunch. You wonder why at times there is not peace in your life; maybe you or your mind is wandering off in areas the Lord is not leading. Just because the Lord had you do something one way in the past and you got results doesn’t always mean He is going to provide the same answer all the time in that way. The question now is, where is the Lord leading and how is He asking you to gather your daily bread for today? Are you open to what the Lord has for you and where He would like you to be operating today, or are you already into next week fumbling around in the dark? Or as we see in the above verses, are you trying old ways to walk in the new and then wonder why you don’t get the Lord’s results? Take the time on a daily basis so that you can hear the message being delivered by Christ and boldly gather the bread of life that is proceeding forth from the mouth of God. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 3:13-15 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘press’: 1377 dioko (dee-o'-ko); a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb dio (to flee; compare the base of 1169 and 1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute: KJV-- ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute (-ion), press forward. Williams New Testament translation Philippians 3:13-15 13. Brothers, I do not think that I have captured it yet, but here is my one aspiration, so forgetting what is behind me and reaching out for what is ahead of me, 14. I am pressing onward toward the goal, to win the prize to which God through Jesus Christ is calling us upward. 15. So let us all who are mature have this attitude. If you have a different attitude, God will make it clear to you. When pressing or moving forward in your walk with the Lord, sometimes or some situations you will find it a struggle, at times overwhelming to the mind. Like with a long distance runner, at times it seems like their body just can’t take anymore but they know they have to continue moving forward if they wish to attain their goal at the finish line. You will find your walk at times with the Lord similar in the aspect that the Lord is asking you to move forward, whether a job situation, a different fellowship, or He is asking you to answer your own calling in an area He sees as your place in the body even though you may see different. Remember, the Spirit is willing it’s our flesh and our carnal thinking that is weak and limited; so for a season whatever the new area is that the Lord is moving you into it may take a while for your understanding to catch up with the Lord. What’s that saying, “no pain no gain”, well at times change seems painful, grievous; never the less afterward you will see the peaceable fruit of the Spirit manifest as long as you persevere. In order to continue moving forward in your walk with the Lord you will find that some of the old ways and old thoughts that you got by with in the past are no longer effective anymore and thus the need for change is in order to mature. So like we see Paul explaining, he was forgetting things which were behind him, old thoughts and ways that were no longer beneficial to his spiritual growth, and reaching forth or looking forward to find his new life in Christ. The point is, just because you have entered a place in your walk where it may seem to be a struggle for the time being, know that as you persevere and continue seeking the things of God you will adapt to what the Lord is asking, or where He is asking you to operate, and it will yield peaceable fruit. Luke 3:4-6 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (5) Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; (6) And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (KJV) Ever hear the term “making a mountain out of a molehill”? Well those that endure and continue in their walk with the Lord are able to see the mountain turn into a molehill. Things that you thought in the past were impossible are now possible with Christ; and areas in your life that seemed so rough are now smooth and easy to walk in. Now that the valleys are filled in and that thing in your life that seemed like such a mountain is brought low the path is much steadier and your life is not such a roller coaster ride of emotional highs and lows anymore. Just like with a runner, the more they exercise and keep the body fit and built up the more they are able to endure the race that is before them as well as remain healthy. Spiritually these same principles work, by keeping your body in subjection to the Spirit you are able to endure this day the path the Lord has for you and make it to the finish line the way He intended you to. Yes there will be opposition and persecution along this path of life, and there may be times you get knocked down, but it’s not how many times you get knocked down that matters it is how many times you get back up and continue forward, that is what counts. Matthew 17:18-21 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. (19) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? (20) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (21) Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (KJV) A mountain can be anything that is in your path that appears to be a huge obstacle and hard to get past. Sometimes what seems simple to one person can be a huge distraction to another; while others struggle in things and are unable to move forward because they are still holding onto beliefs from their past. Whatever the situation is, it is important to pray one for another that they may be healed and find the comfort and deliverance through Christ. You will find your answer in prayer, continuing to communicate with the Father on a daily basis, seeking your answer in His word. Many fail to stay in communication with the Lord; rather they wait till a crisis arises before they seek His answer, a crisis that could have been avoided had the lines of communication stayed open. While fasting can refer to going without food it also refers to abstaining from anything that is feeding an area of our flesh that needs to be subdued and put into subjection. So rather than starve the flesh one spends more time feeding the flesh and its desires, then wonders why doubt and fear have crept in and kept them from achieving their goal. The more one feeds the Spirit the more they will see spiritual results that cannot and will not happen according to the carnal way of thinking and its dead ways. For you to grow and mature in the Lord you will be constantly going through changes in your life as you continue to step into the new realm the Lord has for you. Now the question is, ‘will you let go of the old childish things in order to press forward in your walk’? 1 Corinthians 13:10-11 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV) When you are able to see and come to a perfect (mature) understanding of what the Lord is asking and requiring of you in order to move forward in your walk with Him, then that which is in part or any obstacle that has been impeding your sight is done away. Many people fail and fall short of the glory of God because they put their hand to the plow but keep looking back to find peace rather than pressing forward and maturing in the things of the Lord. So today, even though something may seem like a huge obstacle or mountainous in size, by pressing forward in your walk and persevering in the Lord you will find that you can do all things through Christ who is strengthening you. Those that have and continue to walk the path of life and grow up into the Lord find that many things that at one time were a distraction and an obstacle were nothing more than a mirage, an optical illusion of the devil. Just like watching old monster movies when I was a child I used to be frightened by the illusions of these movies, but as I grew up and matured I was able to see the cheap silly special effects of imaginary events and beings. God bless and press on. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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