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John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV)
We have all seen pictures and paintings of how man sees God and tries to portray Him, mostly based on a physical interpretation. Many people claim they are worshipping God, which is carried out in many different ways, sometimes in songs or hymns, or other times I have seen people look to the ceiling and wave their arms thinking that is a form of worship. The fact is that God is a Spirit; a totally different realm than the one we are accustomed to, something mankind cannot comprehend on his own, but rather needs a personal revelation in order to understand God. Worshipping God is not some song and dance as many think, but rather in order to truly worship or reverence Him it has to be done in deed, or in other words it has to become a way of life in order to have fellowship with Him. Not only is God true to us in His word and promises, but He expects us to be true to Him as well, serving Him in love with the right motive of the heart. While many depict our Lord according to their own understanding, and compare God to man’s standards of how things are accomplished, God’s ways are so much higher and better than ours; something few experience because of their lack of trust in Him. Jesus Christ was a true worshipper of God because He walked according to the Spirit of Christ which led and guided Him on His path of life and brought a message of truth to a fallen mankind, thus the reason for all the opposition. Isaiah 55:8-11 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. (10) 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. (KJV) God’s thoughts, His ways, His timing, is so much higher and better than ours; now the question is, how many will be still long enough to hear His voice and then act on what He is asking, even if it means patiently waiting as well? While the Spirit is willing and is at peace, it is our flesh and its impatient nature that says we need to act now; or with many they think their prayers were not answered because the results didn’t happen the way they thought it should. With many others they follow a predetermined path that is based more on their outward sight than their spiritual insight, thus keeping God in a denominational box and limiting Him. In order to walk in the Spirit you have to start thinking in the Spirit; a realm that is so much higher than ours, and totally different and contrary to the carnal way of thinking. How much more could God work through His people, and give them the confidence and assurance that they are one of His, if only they would let Him? We have all prayed about certain things in our life and were absolutely sure that we couldn’t live without them, so when it didn’t manifest the way we thought it would we think we are failures. Was it so much that you were a failure, or maybe that thing you were requesting wasn’t really what you needed or wasn’t beneficial to your walk, but rather would have been more of a detriment? As one matures in life they realize that there is a big difference between what they want and what they truly need, something the Lord knows and knew before the foundation of the world when He chose a place for us in His body of believers. Now the questions is, will you trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean to your own understanding, letting His peace rule in all your decisions and not the outward appearance of things? Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill 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) Just because you were born again and had a personal experience with the Lord that brought you peace doesn’t mean you are on easy street, rather it is just the beginning of a brand new way of life. While the ways of man are limited by the flesh and its way of thinking, the Spirit of God is unlimited and without any boundaries. Now it is a matter of renewing your mind on a daily basis so that you can see more and more into the spiritual realm and allow God to do a work in you that no other man can do. We have the mind of Christ so that we are no longer under the law of sin and death, but rather under a law of faith which allows us access into the realm of the Spirit which is unlimited and unending to those that continue in it. While the disciples of our Lord were limited in their thinking and told Him they would have to go back to town and get provisions, it was the Spirit of Christ within Jesus of Nazareth that trusted that loaves of bread and a few fish would suffice. While some questioned our Lord concerning His timing and why He didn’t show up in time to save Lazarus, in the end God had a perfect plan and demonstrated His power and love through Jesus of Nazareth, so that not only did Lazarus resurrect from the dead, but it brought life to some of the others that were there and witnessed it as well. So what are you holding to as truth today, will you let God be true, and hold His word above and beyond what man says, or are you leaning more to your own understanding and doubting His word? The Spirit and the flesh are totally contrary one to the other, like a tug-of-war, only you have to decide for yourself which one you will hold to. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 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. (KJV) Do you spend time daily in prayer and in the word of God so that you can let Him renew your mind and receive the things of His realm? God does not take spiritual things and give them to carnal people, because it is foolish to them. However, He does take spiritual things and compares or interprets it with spiritual people who are willing to walk in the Spirit and hold Him to be true, worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. There are many that claim to be of God and speaking on His behalf, that operate according to the natural man and its way of thinking, and may even have big followings also. But remember, that which is highly esteemed among mankind, in others words popular people pleasing doctrines, are an abomination in the sight of God. And what may have started out with good intentions is nothing more than the blind leading the blind into an eternal ditch. Psalms 92:4-6 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. (5) O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. (6) A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. (KJV) A brutish man is referring to a stupid one; someone who thinks they know better than our Lord. Anytime we decide to lean to our own understanding we limit God as well. Have you ever had a small child contradict something you knew to be true, no matter what you said, they thought they knew better? Now compare that with the Lord; in other words, the creation telling the Creator He doesn’t know what He is talking about, or you know a better way, which would fall under the category of brutish. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV) Are you tired of walking in circles or like on a treadmill, lots of effort but you end up in the same place? Or maybe you are bound and determined to have things your way no matter what the Lord thinks, then you wonder why your walk with Him is stale or at a standstill. In order to walk in the Spirit you need to think in the realm of the Spirit, and be willing and obedient to what the Lord is asking despite what the outward would dictate, or how foolish it may seem to the many that hold to popular opinions and doctrines of man. God’s ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours with victory guaranteed beforehand; isn’t it time you mount up and start looking above for your answer? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for effectual: 1754 energeo- 1) to be operative, be at work, put forth power; to work for one, to aid one 2) to effect 3) to display one's activity, to show oneself operative What I enjoy about watching certain personalities, whether an entertainer or a comedian, is their willingness to be open and honest. I have seen some comedians whose routine is based on their own experiences and shortcomings, basically laughing at themselves for certain human traits that they have displayed in life. I have found that the experiences that they share and are open to are things that others can relate to; something they may have done themselves. Sometimes Christians think they have to come off as bullet proof, above reproach, holier than thou comes to mind, rather than just being open and honest concerning their own humanity. In an election year I am wearied by people that are always defending themselves, and putting up these false fronts rather than opening up and being able to relate to the people. Let us consider one another so that when we come together we can provoke unto love and good works; and I have found this works better with some humility, not trying to be better than everyone else but being open and honest concerning things you have dealt with in your walk and how you learned to overcome in those areas. I believe somewhere along the line many that become Christians lose sight of the unique creation in Christ they are; some of those personality traits of yours are of the Lord, something that can be refined and not hidden away or covered up. The Lord didn’t ask you to become a robot when you got saved, in fact He loves you for who you are; so by being open and honest it will keep your prayer life effectual, availing much. Philemon 1:5-7 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; (6) That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. (7) For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. (KJV) Instead of always looking at the negative, we as Christians should be focusing on the new creation in Christ and not always being everyone else’s faultfinders. If I wish to communicate my faith in Christ with others effectually, then it needs to be done in love and not in an overbearing finger pointing manner. The first person you need to learn to communicate with is God, which can only be done through Jesus Christ so that you can come clean before Him. That takes an open honest relationship, because many think that rather than deal with issues of the heart they spend more time and energy trying to cover them up and hide them. If you can learn to communicate with our Father first and foremost, being approved of Him, then you will be able to communicate your faith with His people. Are there areas you are struggling in or have struggled in? By sharing your experience you may just find your answer with someone else who is or has dealt with these same issues. Or maybe by your open and honest approach to those hidden things, by confessing your own faults and shortcoming, it may just provide the answer for someone else in need. Ephesians 4:15-16 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) When working on cars these days they do a diagnostic check of the engine to make sure that everything is working properly. If one part of the engine is out of sync and not working right it can affect the engines performance as a whole. The same holds true with the body of Christ; the Lord sees the hidden things of darkness within the heart and shows us how to make the adjustments so that there won’t be a breakdown. But if it is ignored and not dealt with properly then it eventually can lead to a breakdown. If you have ever been around mechanics they often share their own experiences they have had with vehicles, some good ones and some bad ones, and some just plain hilarious. The more people can be open and honest with their relationship with the Father, the more effectual they will become and learn how to edify themselves, maintaining their own relationship with their heavenly Father. 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; (2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (KJV) How are you representing yourself; are you a manifestation of truth to every man as well as in the sight of God who looks not at the outward but the inward motives? Have you renounced hidden things that offend our Father, things that most of mankind may never be aware of but are things that do not please our Lord? If you have been open and honest with our Lord then you will come off open and honest to His people. But if you haven’t been honest and up front then whatever area you have been overcome by that same thing will keep you in bondage and you won’t be very effective in your communication of faith. I have seen enough plastic people; those in leadership roles who put up these false fronts, these holier than thou attitudes thinking they are God’s gift to mankind rather than being a representation of who truly is that gift to mankind, Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV) Maybe the way of escape that the Lord is providing for someone suffering and struggling in an area is your willingness to be open and honest in sharing some hidden thing you have dealt with yourself. By letting them know that it happened to you, it may just be the liberty they needed to hear for themselves, and enables them to open up as well. Have you ever had a situation happen to you that you thought was crazy, no one else has ever done this or experienced this, only to find out someone else actually had dealt with this same thing and found the way of escape they needed to be able to escape the bondage? Thus the word common. Thayer’s definition for common: 442 anthropinos- human; applied to things belonging to men This is what is called confessing faults, praying for one another, providing an effectual result to set one free, that being with truth and honesty. Many struggle with things and are confused, especially when the devil tries to tell them that they are nuts and no one else has ever dealt with something like that. But the truth be known Church, is that there is nothing new under the sun, and there is nothing you have or are dealing with that hasn’t been dealt with before, a common occurrence to us humans. Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (KJV) By trying to hide things from God you are in turn hiding them from the brethren, because by not letting the truth set you free by being honest with our Lord you will not be of much effect when around His people. Instead of building up others and edifying them, being able to share the victory we have in Christ, you end up being more of a burden than an asset. Psalms 62:7-8 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (KJV) Do you truly trust in the Lord at all times; do you wish to be closer to Him and effectual? If you desire Him to draw near to you then He asks that you draw nigh unto Him first. If you truly trust the Lord then you will open up to Him. Why not pour out your heart unto Him? After all He already sees what your true motives are. The truth will set you free; so by being truthful with our Lord you will be free indeed. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation for Hebrews 4:16 16. So let us continue coming with courage to the throne of God's unmerited favor to obtain His mercy and to find His spiritual strength to help us when we need it. Have you ever seen in a show on TV where someone is walking towards the office of an important person and along the way someone tries to stop them from entering? And rather than heed the warnings the person marching through the hallway walks right in despite being told not to? This somewhat illustrates the boldness we should be walking in as well; a confidence that despite the principalities and powers in heavenly places that would try to keep you from going unto God’s throne of grace, especially in a time of need, you have every right as a child of God to go before His throne of grace with your requests, not only for yourself but for other members of the body, and receive His answer to them as well. So despite the opposition you will encounter, especially the closer you get to God, the more determined and bold you should be to anyone or anything that would try to impede your progress. So continue operating in the manifold wisdom of God, and remind any principality or any prince of the power of the air who you are in Christ and to step aside, as you are going to obtain the mercy and grace you are looking for. Fight that good fight of faith and don’t give in so easily or take a fall, but rather keep moving forward and don’t let anyone talk you out of the answer to your need this day. Hebrews 10:19-24 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (20) By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (21) And having an high priest over the house of God; (22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (KJV) Strong’s definition for boldness: 3954 parrhesia (par-rhay-see'-ah); from 3956 and a derivative of 4483; all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance: KJV-- bold (X -ly, -ness, -ness of speech), confidence, X freely, X openly, X plainly (-ness). You know that if you had legally bought and paid for a ticket to the theatre and the usher tried to stop you from entering, I would imagine you would be quick to point out your right and authority to enter in. Are you as confident, bold, and assured of your right to come before God’s throne of grace through His Son Jesus Christ or are you just hoping that maybe your requests will get through? Your right to the throne of grace has been bought and paid for in blood by the sacrifice of His Son; so now you have every right to draw near to God with a true heart in full of assurance of faith in what His Son accomplished on our behalf. However, if you are not sure and are not holding fast to this profession of faith without wavering, then you will have doubts and fears that your requests are not being heard or responded to. You know this confidence you are building and demonstrating, it can definitely be an inspiration to the brethren also, provoking them unto a love for God and being a doer of His good work. This access, this plan of salvation is yours for the taking, today, right now, so don’t let anything or anyone stop you or your prayers from being heard and responded to by our heavenly Father. Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) 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) Paul knew His rights and authority in Christ and was bold and confident in the fact that no one or no circumstance was going to separate him from the love of God and His eternal reward of inheritance. While some people wallow in pity parties thinking we are just sheep being led to a slaughter, Paul was quick to remind and provoke the brethren unto love and goods works, that in all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us, that love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. So while others may struggle at times and forget the rights and authority we have by the name of Jesus Christ, we are reminded that one of the ways to provoke unto love and good works is to remind and encourage one another of the victory we have by His name. I can tell you boldly, that the people of this world who engage in lotteries and end up with a winning ticket will stop at nothing when it comes time to cash it in and collect on what is theirs. God’s desire for His people is that they would be just as bold and confident to come before His throne of grace as well and receive the spiritual blessings He has for His people which are rightfully theirs, those that call upon His name and respond in faith. 1 John 2:28-29 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (29) If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. (KJV) Again we see that being a doer of the word accompanies our confidence we have in the Lord. You won’t have one without the other; so the more you practice what you preach, the more proficient you become at it. Practice makes perfect, a perfect love which casts out all fear and allows one to continue in a confident relationship with the Father based on a love and trust in His word. So what are you holding fast to today, and what are you confident in, your own works or the good work your Father has begun and would like to continue to perform in you? Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (KJV) Your love and good works that you are building a confidence in, is what Jesus Christ has begun; and I pray is continuing to perform within in you, enduring to the end. So today if you sense that confidence is waning, or maybe you are not quite as sure of what you should be doing, maybe you need to let go and let someone else be in control, letting Him increase and your own thoughts and ways decrease. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thayer’s definition for confidence:
3954 parrhesia- 1) freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech a) openly, frankly, that is, without concealment 2) free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance Confidence, boldness, assurance; where do these come from and how can I maintain this in my walk, knowing who I serve and how to be an example of the believers? Is this something that just happens once in a while or is this something I have access to all the time? Is having confidence in the Lord and the good work He has begun in me something I can continue in or was it just something I experience periodically, is it just for certain special people? Be assured Church, that God would like nothing better than to see His people operate in a boldness and assurance, as well a confidence in their walk and in their prayers so that they can know that not only are they being heard, but answered also. 1 John 3:21-23 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (KJV) You know all those prayer requests you make to God, well He requests things in return, like being a doer of the word of God and not a hearer only. Verse 22 is clear to point out our responsibility in order to receive our requests. Are you as quick to respond to God and His word as you want Him to be when you request His help? Remember, this relationship you have with your heavenly Father is a two way street. He answers you and desires for you to answer Him also. You wonder at times why your prayers don’t seem to be getting answered or maybe you don’t have much confidence in what you are doing. Maybe you are not in place you need to be or maybe you are pursuing a matter that is drawing you away from God instead of closer. The more you are a doer of the word of God, a go to guy that responds to the call of our Father, the more confidence you will have when you make your requests to Him also. Simply put, with what measure you give out is given back your way; so if nothing seems to be coming your way you may need to find out if you are going the right way. Nothing in the realm of God just happens by chance or luck, which by the way none of these two words should be a part of any Christians vocabulary, but rather all the promises of God are a definite done deal to those that are willing and obedient to His word. You will find that the more you respond to God and draw near to Him the more He draws near to you as well; and the closer you get to Him the more confident you become in His word and promises. The farther away from Him you are the harder it is to hear His voice and to know what He is asking of you. So the farther away from Him you are, the more you are removed from the confidence and boldness you may have once had in His word, like the term dull of hearing. Williams New Testament translation for 1John 3:20-23 20. because if our consciences do condemn us, God is greater than our consciences, and He knows everything. 21. Dearly beloved, if our consciences do not condemn us, we come with perfect confidence to God, 22. and we obtain from Him whatever we ask for, because we practice obedience to His commands and do what pleases Him. Before you get all worked up or think God doesn’t answer your prayers because He loves you less, the truth be known He is desiring for you to get to know Him better and accomplish His perfect will in you. However, He does expect you to practice what you preach, to follow through with your commitment with Him. The same diligence you have shown in the past to achieve your earthly desires should now be aimed at His desire and what is pleasing in His sight. You wish to have confidence in your walk with the Lord, then answer His call and walk by faith, and you will find the Lord answering your requests as well. 1 John 5:13-15 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (14) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (KJV) When one believes on the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, then they believe that truly He that is within them is greater than anyone or anything in this fallen world. You trust in the name which is above all names, the only name in which you can have salvation as well as access to the throne of God. Your confidence is built on the completed work Jesus Christ has done on your behalf, and now your only desire is to do those things that are pleasing to God, which is why you know He hears you. You are also confident in this fact that God said that there is one mediator between Him and mankind, that being Jesus Christ. So if I come to my Father through that name, then I now can come boldly to His throne, holding Him to be true to His word. The more you hold God to be true and man the liar, the more confidence and trust you will build with our Father. While most of the world and worldly people are more apt to hold man’s word and interpretations above God, we can clearly see why they are not confident in their walk with Him and why their prayer life is not effective at all. 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) Talk about hitting the tri-fecta, there is definitely three things every Christian should have in their walk, boldness and access with confidence. Again we see this is all a result of the Lord’s purpose for our life, which is being purposed to us through Christ Jesus our Lord. Now be forewarned, you will experience opposition when trying to access the Father, especially from the principalities and powers that would like to keep you in darkness. But it is up to the Church, those that know who they are in Christ and their rights and authority they have by that name, to continue to operate in the manifold spiritual wisdom of God and walk according to His purpose. In all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us; so rather than giving ear to the voice of the enemy and withdrawing, tell him to step aside and get behind you, as you are going to proceed forward and not draw back. The devil is a liar and the father of them; you know the truth that has set you free, so don’t be afraid to remind the enemy who you are in Christ and confidently remind your opponents the victory you have by that name. 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) The closer you get to God, the more opposition you will find getting there. Similar to a football team driving down the field to the end zone, they may move the ball fairly well on one side of the field, but once they get close to the goal line they will find the defense stiffens and will put up a goal line stand. Those that have a heavenly game plan, following the purpose of our Lord, will know the name that will get them past the goal line and into the realm of the Spirit, while others will find themselves sacked and thrown for a loss. Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (KJV) The armor of God is spiritual, by putting on Jesus Christ you are putting on God’s uniform and protective gear, while anything less will leave you exposed and open to injury. Jesus Christ has already punched a trail past the goal line by following God’s plan; now the question is ‘will you follow the same path of a winner, or will you end up a whiner?’ God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:5-10 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (KJV)
Have you made your calling and election sure today? Do you truly know where you stand with our Father, and the fact that you are in good standing with Him according to His word? Like with marriage, many of them fall apart because of a lack of communication, the love that was once there grows cold, and one of the members may start looking elsewhere to fill the void. Your commitment with the Lord is based on a love and trust relationship. We love our Lord because He first loved us, and sent His Son to lay down His life so that we could inherit eternal life. You learn to trust in that love you have for the Lord. And the more you seek Him through His word and prayer, the more He reveals Himself to you in a personal loving manner. As we see in the above verses the wonderful virtues of our Lord are a part of His divine nature in which we are also partakers. Once again we see the word charity in verse 7, which is the same as love. Those that lack in any of these areas are blinded by their carnal understanding, forgetting that they were purged from their life of sin by the grace of God and not by their own works. For one to continue in the Lord and endure to the end they need to take the time on a daily basis to communicate with our Lord so that they can keep their calling intact and secure. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (8) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (KJV) I have failed in many things in my own life because it was not based on the love of God, but rather my own self serving desires of the flesh. I have found that of all the things I have tried, and all the things that I had started and didn’t finish were because I would lose interest and not be content. The only thing that has ever worked for me, the only foundation that is able to withstand all the storms of this life, is Jesus Christ and His love that I have allowed to be shed abroad in my heart. Many people claim virtues based on their own works, and claim to be fine upstanding people because their own abilities and beliefs. I have found for myself the love of God and His virtues, partaking of His divine nature to be the only thing that allows me to finish what the Lord has started within me. I am not a long suffering person on my own, and having grown up in this fallen world, I many times would vaunt myself up especially in my mind though in reality I was nothing more than a legend in my own mind. Patience is a virtue I didn’t like waiting around for. So if I didn’t get what I wanted in the time frame I thought it should be delivered, then I would become easily provoked to think evil. However, only by coming to a knowledge of the truth and love of God, it’s only by His abilities and strength that I can bear up under all things, believe all things, which now includes those of the spiritual realm, hope all things as well, I now have Christ in me the only hope of glory. I can do all things through Christ which gives me the ability to endure to the end; receiving the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls. There are lot people that have come and gone claiming to have known God and spoken on His behalf, but it’s only those that truly know the love of God and are motivated purely for that reason who will endure to the end; and that love will never fail them or forsake them either. Galatians 5:5-6 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (6) For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. (KJV) Without faith it is impossible to please God; a belief in God which only works by a love for Him. Without the love of God motivating us, many do believe in God but won’t walk by faith unless there is something in it for them, something that builds them up and makes them look good, rather than being a servant and building up others. It’s not the hearers of the word of God that are justified by our Lord, it’s the doers as well that will be justified in His sight. A true servant of the Lord is motivated by the love of God; which no love is greater, than for us to lay down our lives for our brethren. So what are your true motives for serving the Lord and how sure is your calling right now? Is it based on ‘what have you done for me lately Lord’, or is it ‘what can I do today Lord that would be pleasing in your sight’? 1 Timothy 6:10-11 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (KJV) There are those that have placed the love of money above their love for God, and in the end fall short. Many think and preach that money is the answer to all their problems in life, and the more money they have the more they have been blessed of God. It’s this deception that keeps many from experiencing the true love of God, replacing it with some cheap imitation of man. When you get hit with these silly money pitches and hundredfold return promises head for the door, put your hand to the plow and don’t bother looking back. Flee these things and establish a firm foundation in Christ which is based on a true love for our Lord by faith, with some patience and meekness for added measure. So many people have gone off the deep end and are drowning in destruction and despair with many sorrows that are attached to these money seeking doctrines. So before you jump in head first make sure the pool is full of living waters and not a mirage. Mark 12:29-31 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: (30) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (31) And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (KJV) As a former long haul truck driver I would need a good vehicle that was well maintained to get me from one side of the country and back again. I have found in my Christian walk that the only thing that will sustain me and keep me on the path of life is the love of God which I have allowed to be shed abroad in my heart. Without this love and trust, like with many things I have begun and didn’t finish, I would not have been able to make it this far nor would I have any thought of enduring to the end. Remember, it’s not just those that begin the race that receive the prize, it’s only those that endure to the end and are in it for the long haul that will receive the reward of inheritance. And it’s only those that are able to experience personally for themselves the love of God that will not be detoured from achieving this goal. God bless, keep the faith, and endure unto the end in the love of God; and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (KJV)
Ever hear the term ‘God’s gift to mankind’? Though many have laid claim to this title, the truth be known, the perfect gift from above came to us and was manifest in the life of Jesus Christ so that we no longer would have to perish in our sin but come to an understanding of everlasting life. God sent His Son not to point the finger at mankind, and threaten them with eternal condemnation, but rather to teach us the love of God, and how to establish a relationship with our heavenly Father based on love and affection for Him. A perfect love, which means mature, is based on trust and communication, not one of fear and doubt. Instead of always wondering what are we doing wrong, or how long before the Lord comes down on us with His wrath, we should be establishing our relationship with God in love and commitment, moving forward in an understanding of His love for us which is unconditional. Of course if you know in your heart you haven’t done all to stand fast in your walk by taking the time to make our Lord a priority, taking time in His word, then you can expect Him to bring the correction which He does in love; doing what is needed for your benefit. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (KJV) Chapter 13 here can be referred to as an inventory list describing the love of God and how to operate in it. As you go down the list, one can do a personal inventory of what their true motives are for serving the Lord, and what it will take to please Him. This list basically separates the motives of the heart, detailing the difference between what man considers love, and what the Lord describes as His true love. There are those that can speak of earthly things, and heavenly things as well, but without doing it from the heart with the motive of love they are like listening to someone who doesn’t know how to play an instrument, it will be a lot of noise without any substance. I think of the times in my life when I have picked up a guitar and tried strumming it, though there is a sound coming forth from it, and I was trying to play a song, it was nothing discernable and certainly not very edifying. The same holds true with many preachers who do not know the love of God, but rather a life of ministry work is more of an occupation than a loving commitment to the Lord and His congregation. The more one pursues this work as an occupation the more they will try to build up themselves rather than the people. So no matter how hard they try, and all the good works they claim to be doing, without the love of God their motives will be wrong and of no profit. Philippians 1:15-18 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: (16) The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: (17) But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. (18) What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (KJV) Paul was a true apostle of our Lord because He understood the love of God, and was more concerned in building up the people rather than a personal following. Paul rejoiced in the fact that Christ, the Son of God, was being preached and that people were coming to an understanding of the mystery of the gospel through His name. However, he could see how there was strife and contentions within the early churches, and how some had mistaken their calling, thinking it would impress the Lord if they could gather numbers and a big following. Today we see the motive and mindset of man, and how it has manifested more into making merchandise of the people rather than showing them how to be more Christ like, and experiencing the love of God. Those that truly know and have come to an understanding of the love of God will preach the truth that will set the people free, without concern for their own welfare; being more concerned with the spiritual, and not the physical. So what is your motive for serving our Lord, is it because of the love that is being shed abroad in your heart, or is it something else that is more self serving than being a servant? Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (2) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (3) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: (4) That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (KJV) Are you looking to be seen of men? Then you have your reward which will only be temporary. Are you only concerned with what our Father sees and asks of you? Then you will have an eternal reward despite what man may think of you. Having watched a big name TV ministry doing one of their endless telethons and infomercials that are nothing more than doing their alms before men, you see how mankind misses the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ by trying to lower God to mans’ standards of marketing and advertising. In fact it is quite fitting that they use the number 700 to identify their ministry, which is about how many money pitches and distortions of the truth one gets per hour. How much more ungodly can it get when only those that give the most money are elevated and given special attention and consideration, while the others are ignored. For the love of God, how did this marketing mindset, and bigger is better attitude, ever sneak past the Christians, and allowed access to the airwaves? Can the blind lead the blind without ending up in a ditch? Take off your blinders Church and let God be true. Just because someone says it’s ok, and they find a bunch of puppets to agree with them, doesn’t mean God approves of this nonsense. James 2:1-5 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (2) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (3) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (4) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (5) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (KJV) Thank God His love is based on the inward motives and not the outward, because I know for myself that I am a complete failure according to my works. God’s love is unconditional, a perfect love, and it is not based on the outward but the inward motive of the heart. So if there is a willingness and obedience, if you truly have a love for our Father, then you can expect to be a partaker of His love which is based upon what is in the heart, and not your wallet. God bless and don’t be taken in by these cheap hucksters who would sell their soul for a buck. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 5:5-8 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (KJV)
Mankind bases love on a ‘what have you done for me lately’ mindset. A love based on conditions, a conditional love. God’s love is an unconditional love based on who you are; that unique one of a kind creation that only you are, and only you could be. People compare themselves many times with others, thinking that they answer the call of God so much better, and that I could never be that pleasing to God. The truth be known, no one could ever answer the call better than what the Lord is asking of you, the unique person in Christ that He created and didn’t make a mistake with, despite what you may think. Our Father’s realm is not like the world where they play favorites and give preferential treatment to those that can give them back something in return, but rather it is based on an unconditional love for ones willingness and obedience to His word. Christ loved us and died for us when we were still in sin, and even died for those that He knew would choose to stay in sin and unbelief. So before you down play your calling, or think the love of God is based on works, understand the fact that the Lord loves you and created you for His own purpose, only you can carry out the calling He chose and selected for you personally. Luke 6:31-35 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (32) For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. (33) And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. (34) And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (35) But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (KJV) As we would like people to treat us is the standard we need to live by. It doesn’t say they will reciprocate the love of God we show to them, but we still need to hold to our same standard. Many today still try to compare the love of God with how they had been taught all of their lives, a conditional love based on the ‘what have you done for me lately’ attitude. Greater love has no man than to lay down His life so that the life and love of God can be shed abroad in their hearts, and be a light to those that are around them. Sometimes we think God loves us less because maybe we are not dealing with large numbers, or because we haven’t been called to pastor a big congregation; but your calling and your obedience to what the Lord is asking does not diminish the love of God one bit in your life. You may have had people come and go in your life, and walk out on you for whatever reason, or blame you because they are unhappy and unfulfilled; but the love of God is eternal and is no comparison to the love of man which is conditional. Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (KJV) To know the love of Christ is not something we can comprehend with the mind; it passes our knowledge and doesn’t make sense. So the more one can stay out of their head, and not lean to their own understanding, the more they will become rooted and grounded in this unconditional love of Christ which is shed abroad in the heart. When watching TV there will be advertisements that promote websites where one can go find their soul mate in life. For many of these people that are looking for love, they will compare pictures and base their choices on outward appearances as well as their financial status, which basically means that if there is a change in any of these situations then the love that was there in the beginning will be like a flame that flickers and burns out. All of us have experienced the heartache of a breakup or lost love at some point in our lives, which was painful at the time because we wondered what we did wrong or how we could have kept the flame burning. Many times it wasn’t anything you did wrong, it’s just that it wasn’t right in the first place and didn’t have a solid foundation. At the time you may have been devastated, not realizing that God had something or someone better suited for you, something that would be long lasting based on a real love with a solid foundation. Once you truly experience the love of God you realize that everything God does on your behalf is for your benefit so that you could have life and have it more abundantly. 1 John 4:16-19 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (17) Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (19) We love him, because he first loved us. (KJV) Our love for the Lord is made perfect as we mature in Him, and realize that everything that He has done on our behalf is so that we could have fellowship with Him, and walk in the realm of the Spirit. The fear is eliminated when you realize that you are trusting more in what the Lord has done on your behalf, and not in what you think you should be doing on His behalf. We realize that God loves us for the unique individual that we are, and that no one else could carry out the calling and the place in the body of Christ that He has set us in. While some preach only fire and brimstone, and portray a God of anger and vengeance, it’s because they still hold to the letter of the law which kills and keeps the love of God from flowing to their heart. Psalms 45:1-2 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (2) Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. (KJV) Inditing means to gush; letting the love of God that has been shed in the heart flow through you and water those around you. Out of the abundance of our heart the mouth will speak; our tongue being an extension of it. Have you experienced the love of God? Are you able to give an accurate account of how that love is shed abroad in the heart, which will gush out of you like a fire hydrant and douse the fiery darts of the enemy? There is no comparison. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 55:6-9 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (7) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (8) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV)
Welcome to the realm of God where everything you thought, where all your priorities and what you esteemed so important, has suddenly changed and done an about face. Things that were important to you, things you thought would bring you peace have been discarded and replaced with the things of God; something completely opposite to what you have been taught all your life and were surrounded with before your conversion. God’s thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours, His reward is unending, with a promise of eternal joy and peace to those that are willing to enter His realm and remain there. Are the things you desire in line with the will of God, or is there a tug of war going on within you, something trying to pull you back into the realm of the flesh? Are you still trying to figure things out according to your own carnal thinking, and won’t accept anything else unless it is according to the outcome you determined? In the end it is our ways and our own thoughts that separate us from God, a God that is a lot easier to hear while He is near and still dear to our heart. I don’t believe mankind can measure the distance between the earth and heaven; which according to the Bible is so much higher than we could ever imagine or think. So with all this power that is available to each and every believer, with a God that determines a victory before one ever engages in a situation, why do we still at times overlook and neglect the only answer for mankind that will bring peace and joy, and provide a permanent escape from this present evil world? Luke 12:22-24 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. (23) The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. (24) Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (KJV) This is your assignment for today, do not take thought for your life or for the outward man, replace those thoughts with what is important to the spiritual man. All that effort and attention that has been put into our physical is going to be directed into the spiritual and what is required in order to please God. Every time you catch yourself drifting off and back into the realm of the flesh, stop, and replace those thoughts with what is needed to keep the spiritual man fed. And if you happen to see a raven or any other bird feeding somewhere, stop, and remind yourself, and ponder the fact that our heavenly Father provides food for His creation; so why would you doubt or think you have been overlooked by God, unless you haven’t taken the time to hear Him, and you have been overlooking simple ways that He has been trying to speak with you? While many people think they will find the deep things of God by reading the book of Revelation, determining the end times and how it will play out, the depth of God is in the simple things that are so often overlooked and missed by man that are right in front of us if we will only listen. Luke 12:25-27 (25) And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? (26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? (27) Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (KJV) A cubit is about 39 inches; a little more than a yard, about the length of a step we take in our walk. So when on this path of life that God ordained and chose for you before the foundation of the world, which of you can take that next step without knowing the direction God is asking, or trying to lead you in? If you are not able to do these simple, least assignments, then why would you be taking thought for the rest of your walk? Reading your Bible is important on a daily basis as well as stopping and listening; hearing God speak with you on an individual basis so that you are able to hear and receive the spiritual message within His word. It’s the simplicity of the gospel of Christ that is missed by many, because they compare the scriptures to what they have learned in the past, thinking it takes someone smart to understand them, when all God asks of us is to be willing and obedient to His word. It is those that humble themselves that are exalted, and able to see and understand the things of God. Like looking at how beautiful the lilies of the field are; they didn’t toil like Solomon and mankind, rather they grew into something beautiful that God had intended them to be without the toiling. Luke 12:28-30 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? (29) And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. (30) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (KJV) Someday this world and its fashion are going to burn up and be replaced with a new one. With this in mind, what is or should be your priority? What is it that you should be seeking after that really has any meaning or eternal purpose? All these things that we have need of our Father has already promised to provide, and already knew what we would have need of before the foundation of the world. Let’s start giving credit where credit is due. After all parents, didn’t you plan on the provisions for your own children once you found out they were on the way and about to be brought into this realm? And yet with this in mind don’t you think God thought of this as well? Not only did He think of it, He has promised to supply all our need as well. Do you think you can do a better job than He can; and with this in mind why do we spend so much time taking thought for something God promised was a done deal? You wouldn’t be so doubtful if you kept God a priority, and didn’t allow all those negative thoughts to take root and become a stronghold; rather you would be casting that out as soon as it manifested, and tried to enter your heart. Luke 12:31-32 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (32) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (KJV) As a parent didn’t you enjoy sharing things with your children, and giving them the best you could? Our Father in heaven has never neglected His own, and promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. Yet how often do we hold Him to His promise, and trust that what He promised He was able to do above and beyond what we could ever ask or think of, like the heavens above the earth? So today, prioritize and get things in order. God first, then these things are added, not the things first then we will get around to the God stuff. Keep it simple. God speaks to us in many ways, and His message goes beyond just what we read in His word. If one is attentive they can hear Him anywhere, anytime, and stay built up in the word of God, and not doubt what the Lord has promised to those that believe. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 4:9-11 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. (10) For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. (11) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (KJV)
You have been issued a cease and desist order from the Lord, which is what the word ‘rest’ means. In order to walk with the Lord you now need to cease from your own works, and walk in the completed work our Lord Jesus Christ has done on our behalf. Another way of putting it, is that your labor now is to enter into His rest, or as Paul wrote keeping our bodies in subjection to the Spirit. Now does this mean that we as Christians should all check into a rest home and not do anything anymore? Not quite. However, we all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling so that we can find our place in the body of Christ, and carry out the calling that He is asking of us no matter what it is or how trivial we may think it is. A labor of love is another way of putting it; once you have entered into His rest, or abode, it is vital that we remain seated in a heavenly place with our Lord and not fall from grace because of unbelief. Genesis 1:31-2:3 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. CHAPTER 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (2) And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (3) And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (KJV) Was God tired, did He have to take a breather? Not at all, actually God saw everything that He made, everything that He planned before the foundation of the world, which by the way includes you and me the believers, had turned out very good. Everything that was needed for mankind was put in place, including His plan for salvation. In fact God knew already, before the foundation of the world, that man would fall and what it would take to bring reconciliation. God rested; which again means to cease and desist; everything that needed to be done was accomplished and put in place. Now the question is, will you find your place in His calling, and cease and desist from your own works? Psalms 46:10-11 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (11) The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (KJV) When praying about certain situations or decisions that you encounter, do you stop everything you are doing, cease and desist from any outside distractions, and take the time to enter into God’s rest to hear the answer? Maybe the reason you are so worn out is because you have been chasing the answer instead of letting the blessings come upon you and overtake you, which will not happen if you are always on the run. The peace of God you have experienced before is still available, but only if you are willing to cease from your own works and enter into the rest of God so that you can hear the rest of His answer. After all, how many hairs did you count on your head today? You think God isn’t concerned with your life and yet He has even the hairs on your head numbered; and we still doubt at times or question Him? Many times people blame God, and say He hasn’t answered their prayers; the truth be known it was that they didn’t take the time to hear His answer on how the prayers would be answered, and what they needed to do to let it be accomplished. Sometimes people get ahead of God, and rather than being still and knowing God, and that God has heard and answered the prayer, they take off running before they get directions. Ready, shoot, aim, and guess who gets blamed when things don’t turn out they way they thought it should, either God or His messengers or both. Isaiah 46:10-13 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (11) Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (12) Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: (13) I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. (KJV) Are you able to accurately declare an outcome before it happens? All the time? God does, because He has seen it before the foundation of the world, then created everything the way He wanted it to be and saw that it was very good. If your life is not very good and your walk is not where it should be, then somewhere along the way you got sidetracked and you need to stop and take a breather, cease from your own dead works and enter into the work of the Lord that He accomplished for you and your benefit (not the one where you end up throwing a fit). God saw you personally from the beginning, He then drew up a plan of salvation, and a path of life for you to walk on that would lead to His everlasting kingdom. God even saw the detours you would make at times, and provided a way of escape so that you could get back on course and enter into His rest. And yet we still doubt and question our Father’s ability at times, or wonder if He is even concerned with us? Parents, how easy is it to carry on a conversation with one of your children if they are always on the go and never stop long enough to talk with you? How sad is that for you to watch when you see them doing things that are not healthy or in their best interest, yet they never take the time to ask for your help or advice, from a loving parent who has experienced the things they are going through? All you wish for them to do is stop, cease from what they are doing, take the time to rest and hear your counsel and advice which would make it much easier for them and a lot healthier. And you as parents, have you stopped and taken the time to hear from your heavenly Father as well, before you end up frustrated and entangled with the affairs of this life by neglecting the things of your spiritual life? John 6:27-29 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (28) Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (KJV) Here is your labor, a labor of love, all that effort you have put into the things of this life is now being redirected to things that pertain to everlasting life. This is the work; the labor of keeping our bodies in subjection to the Spirit, keeping our minds renewed on a daily basis so that we not only enter into the rest or the realm of God, but more and more stay seated in heavenly places in Christ and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel. You are now under house a rest, you are the temple of the living God and are now living a life of faith; a belief in the completed work that Jesus Christ has done on our behalf, and is much better than any work we think we can do on His behalf. God bless, and take a time out on a daily basis and see the very good work God has begun in you and continues to do for your benefit. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus dear brethren. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: (27) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: (29) That no flesh should glory in his presence. (KJV)
Don’t be offended and don’t take it personal that the Lord didn’t call you based on your wisdom and strength. Salvation is not like filling out an application for a job, where the employer is looking for the most qualified employee based on their ability and wisdom. Just the opposite holds true with the Lord; His calling is based on the heart, and what the heart treasures and who the heart truly desires to serve. So don’t think that God chose you because you are the wisest person He could find or because of your standing in the world or in the community, but rather because you realized that you are weak and unable to attain salvation on your own. The more you keep this mindset, humility is another word that describes this, the more God is able to use you. 2 Corinthians 8:10-12 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. (11) Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. (12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (KJV) God called you and accepted you for who you are, not for someone you think you should be; rather now you need to pattern your life according to His will, and walk in the realm of the Spirit. All God asks and will ask is that there is a willingness to follow His path based on His word, letting that be your strength, and not how man measures strength and ability. The more you realize how weak you really are on your own, the more you will find strength in what the Lord has done on your behalf; not like many others who think they are strong because they think they are doing so much on His behalf. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV) Paul had his own issues to deal with, which he described as a thorn in the flesh. What that thorn was, has been speculated for 2 thousand years. One thing we know, Paul had a past that dealt with mistreating Christians, and knowing from my own personal experiences the devil likes to remind people of their past and its shortcomings. So the fact that Paul was able to come to the conclusion that our salvation is based on grace and not of works, which leaves no room for boasting is one reason why God was able to use this man to write a good portion of the epistles. Now being weak doesn’t mean we run and hide, but rather you understand more and more that the Spirit is truly willing it’s our flesh, our carnal mind and understanding that is weak. Paul found his strength in the completed work Jesus Christ did on his behalf, and not the completed work many claim they are doing on the Lord’s behalf. It doesn’t matter how many scriptures you can quote, how many sermons you preach, or how big a congregation you have built, it all comes down to a simple loving obedience to our Lord, and the complete work He has done and is continuing to do within those that are willing to follow His example. You can have all knowledge and faith to move mountains but if you do not have love, a relationship based on trust and commitment with the Father, it will profit you nothing. So where is your strength coming from today; in what the word of God says, a path you are walking by faith, or are you leaning to your own understanding by what you think will make you strong, or should I say head strong as so many are? Galatians 4:12-14 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. (13) Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. (14) And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. (KJV) Obviously Paul had dealt with this infirmity, as we see it written about again, and was humble enough to let the people know that he was just as human as they were. Sometimes those that God has called think they have to come off as bulletproof and invincible which makes it hard for others to relate to them. Yes it is important to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, but being able to relate to the people through your own experiences can be an inspiration as well as opportunity for them to open up and share things that they have had to deal with, their own infirmity and temptation in their flesh. Remember, when it came time for those without sin to cast the first stone no one did. So keep in mind the same compassion God has dealt you; how longsuffering and patience can go a long way to helping someone remove and get past their own thorns in the flesh. 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; (21) To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. (22) To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (23) And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. (KJV) Now you don’t have to go back under the old law or become a Jew to relate to a Jew; but rather you hear the Lord, and put yourself in their place, where they are at, so that you can let the Lord minister through you effectively. To the weak; I am reminded myself of times when I have been weak, and how I trusted more in my own abilities and works than the working of the Lord that He was trying to work in me, or what I call the sins and shortcomings of my youth, when I used to let the devil paint a picture in my mind of all the things I was missing out on, and how much better my life would be if I could have the things I desired. The only problem is that the devil doesn’t show us the consequences, which when the tab comes it’s always much bigger and lasts much longer than the short term thrill ride we took in the flesh. Being weak; staying out of the way, not leaning to your own understanding is a good thing, and one that will allow you to see your calling more clearly, and let the Lord minister through you more effectively. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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