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Good morning, today's encouragement is to be content with such things as you have.
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. Contentment 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV) Contentment in verse 6 means sufficiency. Content in verse 8 means be enough, suffice, or be sufficient. Our sufficiency (ability) is of God. Jesus Christ gave us the ability to become the sons of God; now it is up to us to walk by faith knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. He gave us the ability to overcome the world and its ways just as He did. He gave us the ability to be free from the fear of death; to have that confidence that we are one of His having done the will of God from the heart. This is great gain. So you ask then, what is the will of God? Take some time and read these scriptures (Romans 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 1 Peter 4:1-2, 1 John 2:15-17) knowing that these are just a few that talk about His will; then allow the Holy Spirit to expound on them or add to them, and lead you into all truth of what our Father in heaven is asking of you personally. Knowing this, His will for you is anything that will bring you into a deeper relationship with Him, and that will lead you out of this world and into His eternal kingdom. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation (manner of life) be without covetousness; and be content (suffice, enough) with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV) The eyes of man are never satisfied; the natural man is covetous, it wants not only its own things but also the things of others; it is not satisfied with just food and raiment which is our basic need. If you give it an inch it wants to take a mile; it wants to be first, not last; it wants to be known, not unknown; it wants the approval of man, not of God only; it wants to be admired, not despised; it wants more and more. As Solomon wrote: vanity, vanity, all is vanity. All that is in this life will not satisfy the natural man, which is why we are encouraged to be content with what we have; because as 1 Timothy 6:7 states, we brought nothing into this world with us and it is certain we will carry nothing out. Now think about that, are you satisfied with what you have knowing that all your need (not wants) has been supplied, spiritually and physically by our Father in heaven? And if you don’t have what you need, did you ask? If God knows what we have need of and has provided in advance all that we need, why should we have to ask? Because in this is our Father glorified, through His Son Jesus Christ; and in this we acknowledge that we cannot get through this life on our own and that our Father will know best the need and how to supply it. It keeps us humble to know that our sufficiency is not of ourselves, knowing that without Him we can do nothing. Also remember, that if we don’t get what we ask for right away, examine first if it is a need or a want, is it the best thing for me (I might think it is but does my Father in heaven think so), is it in line with the will of God for my life, will it put me under bondage to this world to have this thing? It might well be that it is not the right time for it to come to pass as yet, because as we know He makes everything beautiful in its time. So seek the Father’s will first and if you believe it is in line with God’s will then continue to hold fast in faith, and remember to always thank our Father that He has supplied the need and for the manifestation thereof, and let patience have its perfect work. Know this also, that our Father in heaven is able to grant you the desires of your heart as long as those desires are not harmful to you spiritually or physically; He is not being mean by withholding, He has a reason, and besides His thoughts and ways are higher than ours; He sees and knows all things before they come to pass. His desire is that you would have life and life more abundantly in and through His Son Christ Jesus. So, is your soul worth selling out to the world for? To follow and seek after the things of man, and not the things of God? Can you be content with food and raiment, and such things as you have? Can you enter into His rest and cease from your own works knowing that God our Father has your best interests at heart? Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV) Having an eye of abundance (the natural man says we don’t have enough), the spirit man renewed in the things of God, will always see that we have enough and more left over, our cup running over. Dearly loved brethren, we have been given an abundant life in Christ Jesus our Lord, all that we need to make it through this life here on earth with strength and wisdom to overcome the world within us and to make our way in patient continuance with contentment in the kingdom and righteousness of God which is great gain in the sight of God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless and remain content in Spirit and in truth. Amen. Good afternoon. Today's video Care Less is on the topic of what gives your Father in Heaven good pleasure. 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 Easing Of The Burden is on the topic of allowing the Lord to help find and ease the burden you are carrying around in your spiritual backpack. Will you let Him? 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 Slow Me Down Lord is a poem of prayer asking the Lord to slow us down so that we can run this race of faith and not be weary, or stumble and fall, nor faint before the finish line of eternal life. 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. This week's video Let God Be True, is on the topic of letting God be true and every man a liar. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous week in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. This week's video Walking on Water, is on the topic of walking on water like Jesus Christ did; walking above the cares and concerns of this life on a firm foundation, keeping your heart and mind on the Lord. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous week in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. This week's video Measure is on the topic of, God has dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3). You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous week in Christ Jesus our Lord. Job 1:6-9 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. (7) And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. (8) And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (9) Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? (KJV)
We shared previously about our place in heaven and the opportunity to go before the throne of grace to find what we need; that first and foremost being the spiritual need. As we also discussed, there is an enemy that patrols the heavenly realm seeking whom he can devour. A wolf, or to use another example, a lion in the physical realm will seek its prey by sight and sound looking for a weakness or weak area to prey on and then take advantage of that. Our enemy to the Christian works in a similar way; while the Lord says we are seated in the heavenly places and able to operate in a realm above and beyond this fallen realm of the world, the enemy is listening in from time to time to find a weakness in God’s flock and to see if he can take advantage of it. While many have wondered at times what happened to Job and why would God test him that way, or so they think God tests His people, remember the scriptures are given for our advantage to learn from and not make the same mistakes; and as we read on further we will see that what happened to Job happens to others who don’t hold their position in the Lord, holding fast their profession of faith without wavering. 2 Timothy 2:12-13 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (13) If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. (KJV) Know this also, that the enemy is described in Revelation 12:10 as the accuser of the brethren, basically running a smear campaign before the Lord to see if the mud he is slinging at them sticks. If it turns out that a believer has fallen and entered back into the fallen realm of the flesh and the enemy challenges their position, God cannot lie, even when it involves one of His people. It is vital that we keep a watch over our mouth making sure the words we speak are Spirit and life, not words that will separate us from our right standing with God. This is why it is so important that you as a believer in Christ know your rights and authority in the word of God so that you can continue strong in the Lord and not become easy prey for the wicked one. Job 1:10-12 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (11) But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. (12) And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. (KJV) Did Job fear God for nought or nothing? Well obviously there was a fracture in the relationship because God could not lie and deny the fact that Job had put himself in the enemy’s realm and was no longer holding to a position of faith. God does not randomly pick His people to go through trials like this just to teach them a lesson, that’s nonsense, but rather it was Job that put himself in this position. Job 1:4-5 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. (5) And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. (KJV) So right before Job’s trouble, obviously there was an area of concern in his life, one that involved his own children, one he continually claimed involved sin and cursing. If we read the rest of this chapter we see the enemy had a field day against Job and even his grown children, which is what the enemy preyed on, his weakness and fear. Why would the word fear have anything to do with this? Job 3:24-26 For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. (25) For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. (26) I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came. (KJV) Ahh hah, all that roaring and sighing that had been pouring out of him; the end result of his calamities then was not God trying to teach him a lesson but rather the fear and doubt he allowed into his life which resulted in the enemy hearing the prey and then pouncing on it like a wounded animal. Are there things in your life that are entering the heart and coming forth in the form of words, words that are not building up but rather tearing down? Do you know how to pray effectively, or have you become an ineffective prey of the wicked one? 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (KJV) The Word says we should be resisting steadfast in the faith, not giving the enemy an open door or a clear shot with his fiery darts. The enemy walks about seeking and listening, especially to God’s people to see and hear where they are at in their walk and if there is any weakness that can be used against them. The devil doesn’t have any power to pull you out of the kingdom of God, however if he can introduce doubt and get the believer to fall for a lie and then their own words will put them on his turf, that which is the artificial turf of this fallen world. Like a lion, as described in the book of Peter, a toothless one to those that know their rights in the Word, while others will be off and running to and fro at the roars of a loud mouth lying beast. Ephesians 3:10-12 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV) This confidence, boldness, and access we have is located in the heavenly realm and is available now to those that choose to operate in it and realize that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. The more you hold your heavenly position the less likely you will be entangled in the affairs of this life. Will you resist steadfast in the faith, or will you be running to and fro with every wind and roaring doctrine of the enemy? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV)
The Lord begins this chapter encouraging the believers not to be troubled but to continue believing. You can expect opposition as you take your place in the body of Christ, because the more grounded you become in the Lord the more of a threat you become to the enemy. You have a place prepared and ready for you to take up residence in, but there is a spiritual enemy who will do all he can to detour you and try and keep you in this fallen realm. Only the truth will set you free and allow you to carry out your heavenly calling so that you can be a true resident of the kingdom of God in Christ. Ephesians 3:9-12 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (10) To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV) Our fellowship with God, our citizenship with Him is described as a mystery, something hidden to the carnal man but readily revealed to those in Christ. There are principalities in the heavenly realm, like with a football team, the defense is stacked up at the goal line trying to deny you access to it. This principality, or as it is described the prince of the power of the air, the devil and his angels, will do all they can to try to talk you out of your inheritance and your rightful place in the body of Christ by attempting to deny you access to His kingdom. But to those that are in Christ and have His spirit bearing witness to their spirit, they will know the truth and boldly confidently access His kingdom by letting these principalities know who they are in Christ, and that these principalities need to step aside because they are going in. The only way one can know all the spiritual blessings they have been blessed with is by entering into the kingdom of God and staying seated with Christ to hear His doctrine of love and liberty in Him. 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) There is spiritual armor available to ward off spiritual resistance, so the more you keep the shield of faith up and operational the less likely you will be hit in the vitals with a fiery dart from the wicked one. Do know that there will be opposition to those that take up residency in their heavenly place, and that there are principalities and powers that will do all they can to pull you back into the realm of the flesh. Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (KJV) Strong’s definition for ‘persuaded’: 3982 peitho (pi'-tho); a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): KJV-- agree, assure, believe, have confidence, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield. Are you of the persuasion that nothing or no one is going to separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord? That no one or no being is going to keep you from accessing your heavenly reward? Those that know their rights and authority in Christ will continue in the faith grounded and settled and not allow themselves to be moved away or evicted from their heavenly place in Christ, but rather they will let the enemy know it is time to step aside as they go forward, and don’t let the door hit you on my way in. Luke 4:6-8 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. (7) If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. (8) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV) Jesus of Nazareth knew who He was in Christ and how to access the kingdom of God despite opposition from principalities in heavenly places. In fact He knew that God promised His people that they would be the head and not the tail, so He put the devil in his place by walking past him and leaving him behind. When you encounter persecution or obstacles the devil tries to put in your path, will you be as quick to respond in the Spirit and put him in his place as well, that being a fallen one, or will you get caught up in petty wrestling matches in the affairs of this life? The more you stay seated in the heavenly realm in Christ, hearing His message, the more you will continue to move forward in your walk with Him and not let anyone tell you different. The Lord has prepared a place for you in His kingdom, now put the distractions behind you and obtain what is rightfully yours. Revelation 12:10-11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (KJV) The enemy is like a little tattle tale, slinging mud at the believers to see if it will stick. Those that know their rights and authority in Christ will be blameless, without spot before Him. Once you have been cleansed by the washing of the water by the word of God it is imperative that you keep clean so that the mud does not stick. While accessing your place in the heavenly realm, do know there will be opposition, but do keep the persuasion and the mindset that nothing will come before your love for God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord who is seated at the right hand of the Father in the heavenly realm with a place for you right next to Him. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV)
Williams New Testament Translation of John 14:1-3 1. "Stop letting your hearts be troubled; keep on believing in God, and also in me. 2. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places; if there were not, I would have told you, for I am going away to make ready a place for you. 3. And if I go and make it ready for you, I will come back and take you to be face to face with me, so that you may always be right where I am. Many times these verses have been read and quoted as something that is going to take place after we leave this earth, but if you notice the end of verse 3 we see the statement made that where I am, there you may be also. When reading these verses we need to realize that this place that was prepared for us is available now, today. The Lord has prepared a place for us and made access so that we could come before the throne of God with our requests and hear where He would have us operate in the body of Christ. The more you stay in the realm of the Spirit the less you will be pulled back into the fallen realm of this world and its fallen ways. Williams New Testament translation of Philippians 3:20-21 20. But we are citizens of the republic in heaven, from which we are eagerly waiting for our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21. He will so change the outward appearance of our lowly bodies that they will be like His glorious body, by the exertion of the power He has to subject everything to Himself. Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (21) Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (KJV) The word conversation refers to citizenship, or residence; and as we see in the above verses it is something that is available now. When you meet someone from another country, or even a different part of your own, you can tell they are different by the way they talk and act, different manners and customs that distinguishes them from your own. Those that are in Christ should be distinguished and different from those of this fallen world, people that have risen to a higher standard of life by giving ear to the message delivered by Christ. Someday there will be a total transformation for the true believers in Christ, who will exchange these temporal vile bodies for a glorified one that will last for eternity, but be assured that the transformation needs to begin today by the renewing of your mind. Ephesians 2:4-6 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (KJV) How are you going to hear a heavenly message being delivered by Christ unless you go personally to the source, today, right now; don’t wait for someday in the sweet bye and bye. The more you sit still and know who God is and what He is asking of you the more you will be a citizen of a heavenly place and not stuck in a fallen hell hole. The reason God sent His Son and delivered us from our death sentence is so that He could raise us up; up to a heavenly standard to live by which is pleasing in His sight. How much time do you spend quietly, first and foremost in a day to hear a personal message of faith for you so that you can walk the path the Lord chose for you to walk before the foundation of the world? You know, if you were called to a corporate meeting with the head of the company and he wanted to implement some changes and policies that would make things run smoother you wouldn’t get up in the middle of the meeting and walk out to do something else, or have a TV on in the middle of the message. When you come before the Father through Jesus Christ you have entered a heavenly place even though our physical body is still here on earth, and are now considered a resident and citizen of His kingdom, so start acting like it. Many people watch the Olympics and see how athletes represent their countries, how well trained and prepared are you to represent your heavenly kingdom? Ephesians 1:3-5 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, (KJV) If you were a citizen of one country and were adopted by a family into another one, you would have to learn the customs and language of the new one in order to live. The same holds true with our heavenly Father; you have been adopted into the family of God by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and now it is time to learn His word and how do those things that are pleasing in His sight. If you desire a spiritual blessing then you need to go to a spiritual source in order to obtain it; which is available right now, this moment. The peace of God; the confidence of knowing we are one of His; understanding His perfect love which casts out all fear; is priceless and eternal. While the so called blessings of this realm are temporal, short term and a temporary thrill; like watching a popular game show where people get all worked up and excited over physical prizes and things they consider blessings. So which realm are you operating in today; and what is your desire; to sit with Christ and partake of His kingdom, or are you still looking for peace and contentment in this fallen one? You know, the more you stay seated in your heavenly place that our Lord has prepared for you the less likely you will get entangled and all wrapped up with the affairs of this world. Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (KJV) Williams New Testament translation Hebrews 9:24 24. For it was not a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, that Christ entered, but it was into heaven itself that He went, in order now to appear for us in the very presence of God. Mankind has built buildings and organizations that they claim are a sanctuary, a safe haven to go and find comfort in time of need. The Lord has prepared a place for you in the heavenly realm with an open door to the Father through Christ. With all that is available to us this day, right now, why would you settle for anything less? The Lord has prepared a place of you in His body of believers so that you can partake of His heavenly gift. Now the question is, ‘are you in the right place to receive it’? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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