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Malachi 3:8-11 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV)
Here would be another way to look at verse 10; cast all your cares and bring them to God’s storehouse, which is spiritual, and leave them there, letting Him do the caring for you. Being that our God already knows what you had need of before you asked, which by the way that need first and foremost is spiritual, then who better to cast it upon and leave it with than Him? Now that you have begun your walk in the Spirit, concentrate all your efforts and priorities toward the heavenly realm. You know, if someone in this world told or should I say dared you to prove them, then it would be fitting to think that they were confident and able to accomplish what they said. Are you willing to let your heavenly Father prove Himself in your life, or are you more confident in your own abilities? In looking at verse 11 I think of the many ranchers around Montana whose crops can start out so well but be wiped out with one hail storm. For those in Christ, and those that stay grounded and rooted in His promises, God promises to protect our spiritual crop so that it won’t be destroyed by the storms of this life. Remember people, you are a child of God and not just some credit card number, or someone that is merchandised for someone else’s benefit; so allow the Lord to work in your life and don’t settle for anything less. Deuteronomy 24:7 If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you. (KJV) You know, if someone took one of your children from you, then turned around and sold them to make profit off them, there would be an amber alert to get them back and stop this crime. How do you think our Father enjoys seeing His children going into spiritual captivity because of those that claim to be one of His who are robbing the people of truth and selling out to the way of the world and its thinking? According to Deuteronomy 24:7 it is a death sentence, separation from God, an evil that should be put away from God’s people and not supported by them. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (KJV) When it would please our Father to give them His kingdom, it grieves Him to see it rejected by His own people, robbing Him the opportunity to work on their behalf and bless them the way they were intended to be blessed. Because they forget the law of God they too are forgotten of Him. When they should be bringing their attention and efforts to His storehouse which is spiritual, they are more wrapped up and concerned with the knowledge of this world and miss the mark, exchanging the truth for a lie; those that should be blessed have been cursed and rejected to what was rightfully theirs. John 2:13-16 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, (14) And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: (15) And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; (16) And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. (KJV) You know, if this is the example our Lord set for us while He walked this earth, then what makes people think that just because He left it is ok to make His house, which by the way we are, a house of merchandising? In fact when I look at the above verses and see that He made a scourge of small cords, He obviously was delivering a pretty stern message to the people. Now if this kind of mentality was not acceptable then, why would anyone think it is today? All this effort we have put in the past concerning our physical upkeep and gain should now be cast out, and replaced with a new set of priorities which are now aimed at the realm of the Spirit. Have you ever desired something in this life, and were bound and determined to get it no matter what; whether a job, husband, wife, anything or anyone you thought was going to bring you peace and fulfillment? Now imagine taking that same effort and mindset and applying it to the spiritual realm, letting God open His windows and not just pour out but receive all the spiritual blessings that are available in Christ. You are more than just merchandise to God, as your own children are to you, so don’t let anyone or any organization treat you like you are; because be assured that those that practice this kind of deception will also be met with a threefold cord when they try to gain access to their eternal reward as well. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV) We see again how many rob God, and are robbed of His spiritual blessings because they fall for man’s cheap self serving damnable heresies which deny the truth our Lord delivered through His word, and keep the people in bondage. While it would be our Father’s good pleasure to open the windows of heaven upon those that are His, they keep the windows shut and damned up because of their false teachings. While mankind thinks bigger is better, the more the merrier, God is still looking for those few that are willing to walk that narrow path that leads to life, an eternal life that is rightfully theirs and given to them by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. (14) For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. (15) She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. (16) Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. (17) Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. (18) She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. (KJV) Where your treasure is today is where you heart is and what will determine your outcome. Are you willing to let go of the things of this life so that you can partake of the true riches, or are you robbing God the opportunity to bless you the way He intended? You are more than just a number or a piece of merchandise in God’s sight, and don’t be taken in by those that think and teach otherwise. It is our Father’s good pleasure to give you His kingdom, which is above and beyond anything you could have thought or imagined. So go partake of what is rightfully yours and don’t settle for anything less. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 3:1-2 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (2) For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (KJV)
Before you accept the role of a teacher, or preacher, take thought as to what you say, and make sure you know that what you speak is in line with the word of God and the way He intended it to be taught. It’s one thing for those that choose to walk away from the Lord and ignore His counsel; but it is quite another for those that mislead and help them down the path of destruction by their words. Matthew 18:2-7 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, (3) And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (5) And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. (6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (7) Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! (KJV) What would you think of someone that misled your child, and they ended up dead? Your Father in heaven is not pleased when He sees one of His not only forsake the path of life, but is helped along this slippery slope of destruction by those that profess to know God, but end up to be wolves in sheep’s clothing. The ones that should be teaching the children to swim are actually throwing them off the deep end, and they end up drowning in destruction and despair. Woe unto them. James 3:3-4 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. (4) Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. (KJV) We have all seen how big ships can get; ocean liners and cruise ships have gotten bigger and bigger over the years. And yet they are still turned about by a small rudder, which if turned ever so slightly off course in the beginning, can end up way off by the time it reaches the other side of the ocean. You too have a rudder, a spiritual steering wheel, and if you keep a watch on this at all times, you won’t end up running aground and shipwrecked. Your words are either steering you in the direction of the Lord, or you have been blown off course by a contrary wind of doctrine coming out of your own mouth. Ephesians 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (KJV) When the winds blow, the waves get choppy, and you are in the midst of the storms of life; will you hold fast to your course, or be blown away by some new age doctrine of man? By speaking the truth in love, it will allow you to keep on course and let the Lord continue to navigate the ship just as He did with Noah, rising above the storm. James 3:5-6 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (6) And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. (KJV) When a fire is set, it can cause all kinds of damage and destruction, as well as leading to death. The drier the climate, and the windier the conditions are can cause these fires to spread quickly and cause more damage. Our lower fallen nature is what leads us on this course of hell; and those that speak contrary to sound doctrine will find themselves being charged for spiritual arson. It only takes a little fire, a spark to set off a wildfire of destruction and burn anyone that would get into its path. Woe unto them that start it. Mark 7:15-16 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. (16) If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (KJV) We are surrounded daily by all sorts of things that are contrary to the word of God. Songs, movies, magazine articles, talk radio, and the truth be known many groups and organizations that claim to be of God, but end up defiling themselves with words of destruction. It’s what you allow to come out of your mouth that will either bring life or death to those around you, and you will give account of it someday before the Father. So if you are the one that caused a fire and others got burned, you too will receive the greater condemnation. James 3:7-8 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: (8) But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (KJV) Man has found all kinds of ways to curb or restrain animals, which is what the word tame means, and yet no man is able to tame their own tongue. In order to speak with a new tongue one would need a new heart renewed in words of life in order to keep their words in check. Psalms 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. (KJV) Are you watching your mouth Church? Our old nature is full of deadly poison which is distributed by our tongue, killing any growth within us as well as around us. Our new nature is one that should be speaking words of life, like a fountain of living waters. So set a watch and not a fire, so you don’t get burned. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (KJV)
Who you associate with; those that you put your stamp of approval on; whether ministers or ministries does make a big difference to God, and if the warning is not heeded, will have eternal consequences. Once you have attached yourself to someone or some organization, you get the whole package, whether it is a blessing or a curse. And though you may have good intentions the package you took delivery of may have come C.O.D, curse on delivery. So be on the lookout, because it is up to you to rightly divide the word of truth so that you will know the difference and make the necessary changes. Numbers 19:13 Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him. (KJV) Just like with a virus, or any other germ that can attack the body, many times it is not visible, but enters in unknowingly. So the quicker this is identified the less damage it will do to the body. In the Old Testament there were certain laws pertaining to the handling of the dead because of the threat of disease that existed. Today the same holds true spiritually. There are a lot spiritual deadbeats, wolves in sheep’s clothing, who spiritually are decomposing and riddled with unhealthy doctrines. So unless one keeps their spirit man sprinkled with the living waters of separation, they might find themselves unclean as well. In fact, one of the punishments in the Old Testament would be to strap a dead body to the person being punished, which if one can imagine would not be to healthy or pleasant. Eventually the living person would end up like the one strapped to him, inheriting all the uncleanness associated with that body. 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV) We have been adopted into the family of Christ, and are now the Sons of God by faith in Him. Do you want to continue with Him? Then you will need to rid yourself of any unclean habits, as well as unclean influences if you wish to walk a healthy spiritual path. So if the Lord points out certain areas, or certain individuals or an organization you thought was healthy, will you do what is necessary to stay clean, or will you keep dragging the old fallen nature around until it overcomes you as well? Who and what you associate with may not seem like a big deal, but it can have deadly consequences if it is ignored. That which looks good to man, may just be an abomination in the sight of God; knowing the difference is vital to our spirit man. Romans 1:30-32 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (KJV) To have pleasure in them, simply means to agree with, or assent to. Are you always sure of who and what you are agreeing to? Those that you take spiritual counsel from, is it the doctrine of Christ, or has it been twisted and perverted to fit their lifestyle, which in many cases ends up to be the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Inventors of evil things; remember the root of all evil is the love of money, which many have coveted, and they err from the faith. We have all seen these larger than life ministries, their money pitches and pyramid schemes and other slick twisted perversions of the pure word of God. Some are more obvious than others; but either way, they are still deadbeats, heading in the wrong direction, a dead end to those that follow. But why do they continue, and who is supporting their folly? The answer is simple minded, lazy immature people that rather than take the time in the word of God on a daily basis, rightly dividing the word of truth, they look for shortcuts, like a fast food drive through restaurant they pay the bill and eat on the run. But beware, because not only will the false prophets suffer eternal death and separation from the Father, so will those that put their stamp of approval on their organizations, and support them in misleading the flock. 2 John 1:9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV) What are you allowing entrance into your temple, which is the temple of God? What doctrine are you giving your stamp of approval to? If it is anything other than the doctrine of Christ, you have just attached something dead to yourself, as well as those around you. Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (KJV) Mark them means to take a look at, regard and consider. Many assume that just because something looks Christian, sounds good, and is approved by many it has to be of God. But beware so that you don’t end up like many simple unsuspecting Christians, who rather than mark and avoid unhealthy doctrine, end up a target and a bullseye of the devil. Isaiah 5:20-21 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (21) Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (KJV) Proverbs 21:16 the man that wandered out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. (KJV) Jesus Christ, don’t be caught dead without Him. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. (KJV)
A good healthy spiritual diet is what will keep one strong in the Lord and the power of His might; allowing in anything contrary to sound doctrine is like food poisoning. One of the definitions of sorry refers to anger, and being consumed with anger can easily lead one astray and steal the joy from the heart. James 1:19-20 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (KJV) Will you react in the flesh, or respond in the spirit? Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (KJV) Ready, shoot, aim, oops, that will leave a mark. Ever spend time watching children? If they get angry, they lash out; if they have something to say, they just speak it. Those that mature in the Lord will take the time to hear the whole matter, to listen to Father’s response, not blame others. Oh but he made me mad, or that makes me angry. The Lord said you are made in His image and likeness, a new creation, old things are passed away. Is it so much that someone else made you mad, or was it more your choice to allow that into your temple, and let anger and frustration of your own life drown out the voice of God? Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; (KJV) Bitterness is like a poison, it doesn’t take much, but if allowed into our spirit can consume a person, by which many have allowed themselves to be defiled. Sometimes we don’t like what we see in others, because it reflects things we know in our own walk that need to be dealt with. Ever see a warning label on a product? If it is a hazard that can lead to death, like a poison, it is marked with the skull and cross bone label. Understanding the fact that wrath and anger are a big Yuk as well, will keep the channel of communication alive and well within us also. I have seen people on the news who call themselves Christians, who go out and protest against issues, pointing the finger at people with threats of hell and destruction to those that sin. It is true that there will definitely be consequences for these actions, but protesting in anger and threats, is not the love of God that will win people over; especially when the Lord Himself said that he that is without sin could be the one to cast the first stone. Sufficient to say by the way, that not a stone was thrown after that statement. Mark 11:25-26 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (26) But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. (KJV) Have you ever made a mistake, knowing you blew it, and asked the Lord for His forgiveness? Even to the point of Lord please, I won’t let that happen again. Are you as willing to forgive others as you would want to be forgiven? Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? (22) Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (KJV) If you multiply 7x70, you end up with 490. Does that mean that after 490 times you don’t have to forgive anymore? Or rather might it be an illustration? Even after we have forgiven someone, or have been forgiven ourselves, how many times does the enemy come back and try to remind us again of the trespass, and try to re-grow a root of bitterness that was pulled up and thrown away? So stay on Guard, be alert, watch and pray always; and don’t let these things enter in again and choke the life out of the new creation working in you. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (KJV)
From Adam Clarke's Commentary: [But watch thou in all things] It is possible to be overtaken in a fault, to neglect one's duty, and to lose one's soul. Watching unto prayer prevents all these evils. [Endure afflictions] Let no sufferings affright thee; nor let the dread of them either cause thee to abandon the truth, or relax in thy zeal for the salvation of men. [Do the work of an evangelist] That is: Preach Christ crucified for the sins of the whole world; for this, and this alone, is doing the work of an evangelist, or preacher of the glad tidings of peace and salvation by Christ. An angel from God was first sent to do the work of an evangelist, and how did he do it? Behold, said he, I bring you good tidings of great joy; Idou gar, euangelizomai humin charan megaleen, heetis estai panti too laoo. Behold, I evangelize unto you great joy, which shall be to all people; to you is born a Saviour. Those who do not proclaim Christ as having tasted death for every man, and who do not implicitly show that every human soul may be saved, do not perform the work of evangelists; they, God help them! limit the Holy One of Israel. Yet, as far as they preach the truth in sincerity, so far God acknowledges and blesses them and their labours; they do a part of the work, but not the whole. [Make full proof of thy ministry.] Push all thy principles to their utmost power of activity; carry them on to all their consequences; and try what God will do for thee, and by thee. Neglect no part of thy sacred function; perform faithfully all the duties of which it is composed; and do God's work in his own way and in his own spirit. My dearly loved brethren, watch and pray always that you would not be counted with the many that corrupt the word of God. Endure unto the end, that you having done all to stand, will receive your just reward from our Father in heaven. Remember, you have been given the ministry of reconciliation, and so continue to be an example of the believers in all manner of your life, showing forth the truth of the gospel of Christ which is within you regardless of the external circumstances and what others may say. God bless. |
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