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Good morning. This week's video Will of God, is on the topic of, they that do the will of God abide forever. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous week in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:23-24 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. (24) Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation of 1 Corinthians 7:23-24 23. You have been bought and actually paid for; stop becoming slaves to men. 24. Brothers, each one must continue close to God in the very station in which he was called. Have you ever heard the term live within your means? Now translate that into the realm of God and ask yourself, do you truly know what that means? Like with a prepaid phone card you are given an allotment of minutes to use and speak with, something that has been prepaid and determined beforehand. You too have been bought and paid for with a price, that being the sacrifice of Jesus Christ once and for all to ransom us back to the Lord and provide fellowship with our Father again. Today I would like to cover the financial aspect of these verses, keeping in mind too that we are bought with a price, that our Lord has all our need covered, spirit, soul, and body. Did you realize that like with a prepaid phone card you have been given an allotment to live by from our heavenly Father; in other words as long as you live within His means then you will never come up short? Remember, no man can serve two masters; we cannot serve God and mammon or riches at the same time, so we need to make the choice and stay with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-11 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) 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) Let’s be honest today; haven’t we all thought at times that if we just had more money it would solve all our problems? In the realm of this fallen world lotteries are a big hit because those that win them do have part of their problems solved, that being the financial one. But that is not the answer to a spiritual issue, one that many of God’s people are actively pursuing after and have gotten out of balance thinking it will solve all their issues as well. Have you ever given thought to the fact that like a parent with a child, you have been given an allotment for which you are to live with, something our heavenly Father chose for you before the foundation of this world? So anytime we wander off the path of life and go pursuing after the things of this world as we see in verses 9&10, then we have stepped out of the will of God and into our own will. Then that life you claimed was committed to the Lord is now taking on a life of its own, with a love of God being drowned out by a love for this world and the things of it. We are no longer living within our Father’s means and what He intended for us to live peaceably in, but rather having the life choked out of us with the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things have entered into the heart and blinded us spiritually. In essence, by going out on our own and trying to improve, or what we think is improving ourselves financially, the reality is we are telling God He is a liar and didn’t provide our need. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV) Oh but I prayed and prayed, and nothing happened, doesn’t God care for me? Well He does and He did before the foundation of this world; He planned your life and the provisions that it would take to get you through it and into His eternal kingdom, but did you follow through with what He is asking of you, or how He is asking it of you? Are you and the Lord still in one accord, you know of one mind and one heart, or has there been some waffling and staggering on your part, maybe some double minded doubt has crept in, or you decided to take matters into your own hands to try and work your way out of a situation instead of being still and letting patience have its perfect work. Sometimes the wisdom of God really does go beyond our way of thinking because He is not limited to this carnal realm, but is able to do things that are impossible to man, but totally possible to those that believe. So, is God truly your source, and are you living within His means of what He is asking today, or have you stepped out of the realm of faith and into doubt and fear? Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (26) Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (27) Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV) The above example shown gives us an accurate illustration of someone that knew their rights and authority in the word of God as well as the promises of God. This man Jesus Christ knew that by seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness that anything that was needed here on earth was provided, no matter how or what manner. This man, Jesus Christ, lived by faith knowing God was His source, and that He had a plan for His life before the foundation of this world; and by knowing He was on the path that God chose for Him, God would confirm His word and supply all His need. The question today is, are you on the path God chose for you; and is the kingdom of God which is spiritual your first priority as well, or have you stepped out of the realm of faith and into a realm of darkness and despair? Luke 16:10-13 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (11) If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (12) And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? (13) No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV) What mankind says is so important is actually least important to God; while what God says is the most important is actually considered least to mankind; you know, like the last shall be first and the first last? So what is your priority today and what is it that you are seeking first and foremost; is it the things of God and His kingdom, or are you more concerned with building up your own little kingdom on earth? God promised to supply all our need, the most important need being spiritual; now the question is, are you living within His means and still walking the path He chose for you before the foundation of the world, or have you stepped out of His will and are building a foundation on the shaky sandy one of this fallen world? People, if there is a shortage or what you consider a shortage, keep in mind it is not on our Father’s end, but rather may just be a reflection of a lack of commitment on this end. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 5:25-26 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (KJV)
Picture this if you would, there is a knock on the door, dad gets up from his chair and answers to a young boy nervously standing there asking if the daughter is ready to go out on a first date. Dad himself is a bit nervous, checking the young boy out to see if he is right for his daughter, which in reality no one is, but giving him the once over to make sure this is someone who can be trusted with his precious offspring. Point is guys, remember that woman you went courting after years ago; you know that woman you just couldn’t live without? So how are things going these days, is there still a love for that woman; you know like how Christ loves His church and puts the need of the Church first and foremost, or has that love waned a bit, like a candle flickering in the wind? Oh by the way, that woman you dated and then decided to marry, that Christian lady is someone’s daughter also, someone who is always checking you out to see if that godly woman is being treated the way her Father in heaven expects her to be treated. So again gentlemen, how is that marriage and home life going these days; is there still a love for that woman like you pledged to her and her Father in the beginning, or has it been put on the back burner for something else? Hey guys, aren’t you glad God isn’t as fickle as you are, you know the fact that His love for you doesn’t change just because you have aged and maybe added a few pounds to the temple? Isn’t it comforting to know that His love for us won’t change or be altered by other younger, and what may appear more seemingly, attractive people according to the outward appearance? 1 Timothy 3:1-6 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (2) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (5) (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) (6) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (KJV) So you want to be a bishop, an overseer of the flock as well as an example of the believers, not only in word but in deed as well? That is a good thing, but how is that home life going for you these days, and is there anything that is being overlooked and taken for granted; you know like that wife you chose, and those children you chose to bring into this world? Unless you have your house in order, and loving your wife the way Christ loves His church you have no business being in that position. While you may have had a strong desire to serve the Lord in a larger capacity, that being a bishop, you need to keep in mind the commitments you have made already, like with that woman that has the same last name as you, before the Lord will put you in a position of authority in the Church. Are you willing to be a servant, not only for the Church but at home as well; you know like in the beginning when you did all you could to impress your wife and treat her with nothing less than the utmost respect and honor, especially the fact that she is a child of God and one of His precious daughters? All those promises you made to her in the beginning to win her over; are they still being carried out, or has she become the servant and you think you are the master? You know it may sound a bit petty or unimportant, but if you are not going to be faithful in the least, or what you may consider the least, though at one time it was huge, then you won’t be faithful in much else either. Simply put, if you are not following through on your marriage vows the way you promised our Lord and His daughter in the beginning of your marriage, what makes you think He is going to trust you to oversee and make vows to others when you have taken for granted your home life? John 15:11-13 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (KJV) Do you really understand the love of God? You know putting others and their needs first and foremost even before your own? Jesus Christ died for us while we were yet sinners, outside and separated by sin, so how much more should we be dying to self for those of our own household? So if you are fickle, flighty, giving half hearted efforts at home and not building up your wife in the word of God, but rather criticizing and tearing down; or if you were to become a bishop in the Church, how long would it be before you lose interest and treat the congregation the same way? Do remember guys, you know when your precious little daughter came home from her first date and you quizzed her about her whereabouts and what took place? There is a God in Heaven that is quizzing you right back about the whereabouts of His daughter and what is taken place spiritually under your watch also. Aren’t you glad God isn’t as fickle as we are and that His love doesn’t change for us, but that He loves us unconditionally for who we are? With that in mind, can you honestly compare your love today for your wife on the same level as what Christ has for His church, or maybe there is room for improvement? Something to ponder before you decide it is time to move up in your walk; something our Lord definitely is watching before He would appoint you, or anyone else to the position of an elder, deacon, or bishop of His church. The bar has been raised gentlemen, raised up and in heavenly places; so for today can you honestly say that your love for your wife truly compares with the love Christ has for His church? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 23:25-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. (26) Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. (27) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. (28) Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (KJV)
What if you woke up one day and asked yourself honestly, are all these big religious groups all they say they are, or is it more of a show than reality? What if you honestly looked in the mirror and asked yourself, ‘am I really where God wants me to be in my walk and cleansed in His sight, or am I just blindly, ritually following some big name organization because people say it is the right thing to do?’ What if I was more concerned with the inward than the outward, and the blessings I am now partaking of are more spiritual in nature and not limited to just the outward manifestation or what appears to look good? Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (KJV) What if I realized that a church is not just a building or some big name organization, but that I am the Church, the temple of the living God, and that I can walk with the Lord and let His word be my guide and not some big name hot shot preacher who is more concerned with the love of money than the love of God? 2 Corinthians 6:16 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. (KJV) What if there was something called living waters, something that would cleanse me from the inside, would that be of more value than some old ceremonial washing and other dead end carnal ordinances? John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (KJV) What if I could live my life free from guilt or sorrow, is this something that is available today, right now? Ezekiel 36:25-27 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. (26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (27) And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (KJV) What if the majority of people don’t believe in the simple truth of God’s word but rather make it more complicated than it really is; would I be wrong for not following the crowd? Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? (4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. (KJV) What if I am not just talking about a few though, but rather a majority of people who don’t believe, does that make me weird or as some say self righteous? I John 5:19-20 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. (20) And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (KJV) What if I am not as popular as before my conversion in Christ, does that make me wrong if I don’t fit in with the old crowd or even my family? Matthew 10:34-37 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (35) For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (36) And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. (37) He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (KJV) What if the Lord is asking me to move on and is separating me from certain situations, or certain people that are no longer healthy and building me up, would that be something He would actually be asking of me? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) 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) What if every time a question came up, or a situation arose in my walk, that I could go to the word of God and find the answer; would I take the time to do it, or would I keep looking in the carnal realm for a spiritual answer? 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV) What if you knew the word of God, and were able to respond with the word every time the enemy would come against you, who would that resemble? Matthew 4:3-4 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (4) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV) Instead of what if, how about what is? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:3-7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (KJV)
Light the candles, break out the cake, let’s all gather around and celebrate an occasion that’s only half right and only half the equation, that being the physical birth into the realm of the flesh. While it is a blessing to be born into this realm healthy, it is the second birth or rebirth that is so much more vital yet so overlooked. Now that you have arrived and have been a part of this physical realm, unless you are reborn into the realm of the Spirit you cannot see or give an accurate account of what is happening in that realm. Happiness is an emotion, one based on happenings, while the joy of the Lord is our strength, one that will only be found in the realm of the Spirit. Once one is born again, which the Bible says all heaven rejoices when one sinner repents, talk about a party with your spiritual candle being lit so that you can see the path of life and walk in the love, joy, and peace of God, as well as receiving the gift of life which is eternal. With that in mind which realm are you operating in today and which birth has priority in your life, the physical or the spiritual? 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (KJV) The Lord has set a table for you and provided a spiritual meal as well to celebrate your new birth into the realm of the Spirit. Keep in mind though, that this only takes place in the realm of the Spirit, a realm our Lord operates in and desires for you too as well. Unless you are able to see clearly for yourself the things of God, how could you ever give an accurate account of what is taking place, and what God has done to provide salvation and a new birth for you? While many are so caught up with physical traditions and doctrines of man, being half right does not make you all right, but rather leaves you on the outside trying to see through a veil. Just like these people that get saved and then think it is their duty to witness to the cults, or what they perceive as cults, by reading other peoples scripts on how to handle these situations. Talk about dumb and dumber; unless you can see and know for yourself what the word of God truly says and means you have no reason engaging in these endless strivings and contentions that pull you down rather than build you up. Just like when you were born and had parents that celebrated your arrival into this realm, you have a spiritual Father in heaven that wishes to give you of His kingdom by opening your eyes to His truth so that you can walk in the liberty of Christ. So while many observe days, and months, times and seasons, some in the form of birthdays, keep in mind that there needs to be a rebirth day if one really wishes to have something to celebrate. And you parents that are quick to run out and buy gifts to please the child, have you given them the greatest gift and presented them with the eternal gift of life available in Christ, or are you just focusing on temporal things that never last? Every year when a certain date comes along you are quick to remind, and I am sure you are reminded by the child that their birthday is soon, but are you as quick to remind them as well as yourself how important it is that they partake of the new birth in order to receive the gift of life? Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV) You know these children you claim to love and want nothing but the best for them, are you showing them the things of God and the importance of His gift, or are you more concerned with putting on a good party? As a parent you warn your child of the many dangers in the physical realm, but do you teach them the consequences of the spiritual one, you know that realm that lasts for eternity and not this temporal one? Yet with this in mind, if I was to ask you honestly which one gets the most attention I would be willing to say that most of the focus was on cake and ice cream, and not spirit and life. Next time you decide to gather around and start singing happy birthday ask yourself if there will really be a celebration of birth, a rebirth into the realm of God to see all that He has provided for His people. The gift you give and focus your attention on, is it really the gift of God which leads us to eternal life, or is it on the temporal, keeping the attention and focus limited to the carnal fallen realm of mankind? 1 Peter 1:22-25 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (24) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: (25) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (KJV) With our lives being described in the book of James as being a mist or a vapor that appears for a short time then vanishes, as well as a flower that blossoms for a short time and then withers way, which realm are you looking at today to keep yourself pure? Again we see the word purified, which refers to being free from carnality, believing the pure word of God which allows us to see His true meaning and intent for our lives. With a life in the flesh so short lived and yet so useless in its way of thinking, why do so many still point more to the physical realm than the spiritual? You see for yourself how in order to be purified it takes living spiritual waters to cleanse the soul and keep it pure from manmade additives and doctrines. So with this in mind, next time certain dates come along and you are reminded of certain births, which one will you be pointing yourself as well as others to; something temporal or eternal? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
Have you ever had a favorite sports team you cheered for? How about these big cities that have their franchises, teams that have been around for a long time and have a big following, ever notice how fickle the fans are if the team starts losing? Oh boy, once they get on a roll and make it to the finals then the fans come out of the woodwork and jump back on the popular bandwagon again, acting like they never left. Well if you notice in the above verse, team Christ is made the Head, in other words they are always in first place and they never have to take a back seat to anyone or any circumstance either. Do you always keep this in mind, or are you acting like someone just kicked your tail end? The Lord made you the head, He didn’t put you in last place nor are you last on His priority list either. But He chose to die on your behalf even when you were a sinner playing for the other team. Now that you are part of His team, how much better is your life, knowing you are in first place and have the opportunity to remain there as long as you are willing and obedient to His word? The Bible says if God be for us then who can be against us. Would you like to take on God and see how you fare? Well, many have throughout the Bible, and have failed miserably I might add. In fact weren’t you quite miserable yourself before you knew the Lord, and were enemies and alienated from the life of God by your carnal thinking? With this in mind, hopefully a renewed one, why do so many of God’s people walk around acting like the tail and not the Head, acting like they are in last place instead of first? Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (KJV) Hey speaking of head, how many hairs did you count on yours today? How about that sparrow that keeled over in your back yard, were you aware of that? Our Father in heaven was aware of it, just as He is aware of you and your need as well. So what was that hair count this morning, or did you lose count? Yet with this in mind we still doubt God or act like He doesn’t hear us or love us anymore, sounds rather birdbrain don’t it? A God that feeds sparrows and keeps an accurate head count of them is certainly not going to forget you is He? No, if fact your value is much more than a birds, just like one of your children would have more attention put on them than the birds in the backyard. So why all this fretting and fussing when you can’t even count the hairs on your own head, yet you have the audacity to doubt our Father in heaven? If you don’t like the results in your life then maybe you best be checking the direction you’re heading in and make sure it is the path our Lord intended for you to be on and not some dead end you chose to follow. Luke 12:24-26 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (25) And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? (26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? (KJV) You ever wonder how the leaven got into the bread of life; subtly snuck in there when you weren’t looking or paying attention to details? Again we see an example of the birds, this time ravens which the word says God feeds them; did you ever stop and think about that? Are you not of much more value than these fowls? Yet that is how you act at times or think God sees you. Which of you being a parent would feed the birds and starve your children? That would be criminal and insane, yet that is how easy it is to drift off the path of life if one doesn’t keep a watch on the heart and monitor the mind bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. Consider the ravens; when is the last time you saw one drop over from heart failure because the stock market took a dive, or the price of fuel just rose another ten cents a gallon? Are we not better than these fowls, which is what is being asked in the above verses? In other words, when you cast all your care upon the Lord then do you leave it with Him letting Him do the caring for you? Or do you cast your cares upon the Lord and then like a fisherman reel them back in and reevaluate them thinking you can handle it yourself? Sound to simple, yeah that is the part we miss though, that simplicity. You know, instead of watching some hot shot preacher on TV tell you how to live, and how much better you could live if you show them the money, turn off the tube and look in the backyard and consider what is around you, right in front of you, and how simple the Lord would like us to live if we would only let Him be the Head of our life. Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV) ‘Come unto me’, get steered in the right direction, go to the Head if you wish to be the head and remain in first place. How did things get so complicated, how did you get weighed down with so much burden and heaviness? Well it started ever so simple, so subtle; just snuck right by you while you were looking elsewhere to find rest. Do you remember where they put the yokes? Yup right around the neck which is attached to the head. All this excess weight and baggage you have been lugging around was it something our Lord asked you to carry, or is it something the enemy packed on while you weren’t looking? The Lord’s burden is easy; in fact it is light, otherwise He wouldn’t have said it. But that only applies when you let Him have it and not try to carry the load yourself. Ever hear of the two-headed monster? Well, that’s what happens to people when they become yoked with something of this world, double minded and unstable, unable to do what the Lord is asking because they are too weighed down with the cares of this life. The yokes on you; now it would do you good to make sure you put it on the Head, and not the tail end or you will end up with a big mess. Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV) Remember what comes out of a cloud? Did you know you are surrounded with a cloudburst, ready to rain down on you in the form of living waters? Let’s get rid of all this excess baggage which is a result of sin; sin being unbelief. Let’s start looking above to a man that is seated at the right hand of God, the man being Jesus Christ who not only authored but finished our faith, providing all that was needed so that we could run this same course, the course that is heading home. A spiritual race requires a spiritual leader, so why not follow one that ran this race and is in first place so that you will be also, and all those that follow His lead. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:12-13 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (13) And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
Stop and think for a moment where the head is located on the body? Isn’t it interesting that it is located at the top, and not say the foot area, or the tail section. By putting the Head in its proper place it gives one a better line of sight, a much better viewpoint to see the path in front of them. As a hunter in the past I would walk through a valley or coulee as they are referred to in Montana, and would be limited to what I could see. However, if I was to climb to the top I would get the total viewpoint and know what was there. You have access to the total picture, a vantage point from above and not below so that spiritually you can see and understand the total picture of God’s plan of salvation and how to walk in it. Simply put, if you wish to get ahead and move forward in your walk with the Lord then you need to go to the Head and hear the message He has for you personally so that you can walk the path He designated for you before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 3:17-20 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (KJV) Do you know why Christ is able to do above and beyond what we could ever ask or think of? Because that is the realm He operates in, above and beyond the fallen realm of man, one so much higher and greater than our carnal minds could ever comprehend. Are you operating in His realm today and tapping into the well of life, a dayspring of living waters so that you can get results in your walk above and beyond what you thought of? I know some of you are thinking “yeah right” not much is happening in my life, why don’t I get these results? Well it starts with verse 17, Christ dwelling in the heart by faith, not your head. Have you taken the time to renew your mind today, letting the message of Christ take hold in you, or were you to busy with something else that has taken hold of you and what you claimed was a total commitment to our Lord? Were you still long enough to know that He is God, letting patience have its perfect work, or after you made your request to God through Jesus Christ you went out chasing the answer instead of letting it overtake you? The only way He can do above and beyond all that we could ask or think is if we hold the Head to be true above and beyond all the lies and doctrines of a fallen mankind. Again, where your treasure truly is there your heart will be also. So if you desire something better in your life then you need to look above and not below to get those results. Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (KJV) When you see words like treasure or rain, do you see the spiritual implications which go above man’s thinking, or are you like so many that limit God and His blessings to just the carnal realm? What we see in the outward realm mirrors, or reflects the spiritual one. So the more one trains themselves with this thinking the more one is able to see the total picture, like getting the view from above; above and beyond all that we could ever ask or think of. Man’s thinking is limited and so are his expectations; while the Lord’s people are renewing their mind on a daily basis and able to see into an unlimited realm where the word impossible is no longer a part of their vocabulary. A former life stuck in the realm of the flesh and limited by words like ‘I can’t’ as well as endless excuses and finger pointing, is now replaced with an I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. A life of so close and yet so far is replaced by a new life of victory, because for once in your life you are able to finish and bring to perfection things you started and were never able to accomplish in your past. As a Christian, a Christ like person, you need to continue to think and expect to be a winner in all things, as our Lord promised we are more than conquerors, but that only works through Him who loved us, that being Jesus Christ our one mediator that gives us access into this realm above. Isaiah 55:7-9 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (8) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV) Oh that stinking thinking of ours at times! We start letting the mind drift off to the valley of the shadow of death, then the next thing you know we are speaking all these negative words, words which our Lord said should be spirit and life not carnal and strife. The Bible says we shall have whatever we say; then you wonder why you don’t see these results that our Lord said He was able to do which is so much more above and beyond what we could have ever asked or thought of? You want results in your life that are complete; then start thinking in that realm and speak the words that will bring life and not more strife. Words that should be opening the windows of heaven are now opening the floodgates of the enemy to come in and drown people in destruction and despair. Come on people, get out of this muck and get up to the higher ground, and replace those thoughts of doubt and fear with truth, a truth that will set you free and allow you to partake of what the Head has for you and not what is coming out of the tail end. Isaiah 55:10-13 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: (11) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (12) For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (13) Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (KJV) Without rain and snow there would be drought, dry conditions, which are ripe for wildfires. Spiritually, God has opened the windows of heaven and is raining living waters on His people; the question is, ‘are you partaking of it, or has your field dried up’? Are you going out today with the joy of the Lord letting His peace rule in your life, or has doubt and confusion crept in? What does your field truly look like; is it cultivated and the weeds pulled, or is it a breeding ground of worthless weeds that look like plants? With all that is available in Christ; with all the promises we have in Him; Church, don’t settle for anything less than what He intended for you, a complete and total victory in all things, not just some things or sometimes, but always expecting the best because you truly serve the best who truly has your best interest in heart. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:12-13 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (13) And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
It is the Lord’s desire that you are made the head, Christ like, is another way of describing it. In order for one to be a part of the body and be an imitator of Christ it is imperative that they know who the Head is and how He operates. How about getting into His head, the Bible says we have the mind of Christ, one that opens the eyes of our understanding so that we can see beyond the veil of the flesh and into the realm of the Spirit. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ; that which is unseen to the carnal yet readily revealed to the spiritual one. Ephesians 1:17-23 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (20) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (KJV) God set an order to His church and how it would operate. Christ is the Head of the Church, which you are, and which He should be in order for you to access all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are in Him. So where do you go looking for your answer when in time of need, do you seek first God’s take on how to handle things, or are you standing around the tail end getting soiled with man’s interpretation of what they think and not what the Lord knows and what His people should know? If God decided that Christ is the right man to be the Head of the Church isn’t it time you came into agreement with that plan as well? After all we are either with Him or against Him, so if any man has not the spirit of Christ and a working knowledge of Him then they are none of His, which would put them in the position of antichrist, heading downward instead of upward. Heads we win, tails we lose, and so does anyone that tries to alter and change God’s plan of salvation or the order He put His people in. Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV) So many different names that mankind comes up with, so many different denominations mankind tries to label God with and put Him in their carnal boxes limiting Him according to their carnal understanding and not the wisdom available to those in Christ. God has narrowed His path and provided the one name that will lead to salvation, that being Jesus Christ, while anything less leaves one in the back of the line and on the outside. There is no other name under heaven, this is it, the one name above all other names; one name will get you home and to the Head while anything less will leave you dead. Are you using this name so that you can go to the Head and access all that God has for you, or are you trying some other path that will leave you short and stuck tail gating another blind person heading for the ditch? One name, one Lord, one faith, one Head of the Church, it all points to Christ because that is the way God intended it to be so that you could partake of all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that He has for His people. Ephesians 5:23-25 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. (25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (KJV) What do you think life on earth would be like if man just followed God’s simple plan of salvation and didn’t try to alter what He put in place? Like the old song says, “what a wonderful world this would be”. Again we see a simple order of what the Lord intended, just as He did back in the book of Genesis a man and a woman is the only union He blesses and acknowledges, while anything else and they are on their own, outside the realm where He blesses. So with all this talk going around about alternative lifestyles, the only thing being alternated is a lie for the truth, which if continued will result in hell instead of heaven, an alternative God did not intend for His people. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. So if you desire the peace of God in your life then you need to come into agreement with His plan of salvation and the order He set for His church. 1 Corinthians 12:18-21 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (19) And if they were all one member, where were the body? (20) But now are they many members, yet but one body. (21) And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. (KJV) If God set the members and the order of His body of believers in a way that is pleasing to Him then who are we to tell Him different? Our physical bodies can be amputated and certain parts cut off in order to live, but once you cut the head off it’s all done, and death will be the result. Given the fact that the spiritual realm is so much greater than the physical one, would it not do you well to heed the word of God so that you don’t cut off the Head of the Church from your life and end up dead also? Heads up people, our salvation draws near, keep looking above and you won’t get so entangled with the things below, things below God’s standards. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)
If one desires to be the head and operate in the realm where the head of the Church is then they need to know who the Head is in order to stay ahead and not beneath, or lowering themselves to the standards of this fallen realm. Christ is the head of the church of God so anything else or any other doctrine contrary to the doctrine of Christ will keep one below or beneath the standards God set for His church to operate in. Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (KJV) We that were stuck in this fallen dead realm are now able to partake of a new life in Christ because of the mercy of God, who was gracious enough to send the Son on our behalf. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ brought reconciliation to God and mankind so that the fellowship could be restored and that God could open up His good treasure and allow us to partake of all the spiritual blessings we now have access to in Christ. We at one time were dead spiritually because of sin, but have now been resurrected and allowed access to sit in the realm of the heavenly to hear the message of Christ and understand God’s plan of salvation for His people. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (KJV) If one wishes to partake of spiritual blessings then they need to operate in a spiritual realm to do so; walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling your own lusts or desires of the flesh. Many people limit blessings to the financial area thinking that is the answer to all of life’s problems. They that are in the flesh cannot and will not be pleasing to God because they stay stuck in the carnal realm limiting Him, and settling for the tail and not what the Head had intended for His church. There is a vast unending wealth of spiritual blessings to those that are in Christ and remain in the realm of the Spirit; those that bear and partake of the priceless fruit of the Spirit; the love, joy, peace as well as freedom from fear and bondage. So what realm are you operating in today; are you seeking first the kingdom of God which is located above and not found in this fallen one or are you settling for second hand versions of what man thinks is blessings? Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (KJV) Does it seem like you are always behind, not able to catch up, but always seeming to come up short? Maybe the reason you are still behind is because you are on the tail end and not the Head. The Lord promised He would bless all, not just some of the work of our hand. So if that is the case then why are you always having to borrow, which includes spiritually, instead of having your cup running over with living waters and able to give to anyone that is athirst? Maybe it is because you don’t know who the Head is, or you are not allowing Christ to be the head of your life, and instead of partaking of His good treasure you are settling for man’s cheap knockoff imitations. Colossians 2:1-4 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (2) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (4) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. (KJV) Ever wonder why Paul experienced so much conflict? The enemy didn’t like seeing God’s people rise to the head of the class, but rather enjoyed keeping them in bondage to this world and kicking their tail ends. What riches and treasures are waiting for us in the heavenly realm; what a joy it is to know the mystery of the gospel, to have a full not partial understanding; as well as assurance of who we are in Christ and all that is available too His people. All this treasure of wisdom and knowledge is not found here on this earth or in the carnal realm around carnal people teaching carnal doctrines, but rather it is hid in Christ; and those that desire to rise to a new level in their walk seeing the picture from above are no longer limited to the view from below. Where your treasure is, is where your heart will be also. So, is your affection set on things above, or are you being shortchanged and settling for the things below, things below the standard God intended for His people? Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (KJV) Christ is seated at the right hand of God and He is not moving, nor is He going to lower Himself to man’s standards. So if you wish to partake of the kingdom of God and partake of His divine nature then you need to be looking above and not in this fallen realm. With all that is available to God’s people through Jesus Christ, His one and only mediator, why would anyone settle for less? Williams Translation Colossians 3:1-2 1. So if you have been raised to life in fellowship with Christ, keep on seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2. Practice occupying your minds with the things above, not with the things on earth; Practice makes perfect, or in our case mature, growing up in what God says is heading in the right direction, seeking those things which are above. So if you wish to get a head then look to the Head, Christ, so that you won’t have to end up the tail. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:11-14 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. (12) The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (13) And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (14) And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. (KJV)
When flipping coins to determine an answer or outcome for a situation one is subject to however it bounces and where it lands in order to determine an outcome. For those in Christ that truly know their rights and authority in the word of God they are not subject to chance, or luck, or any bounce of a coin they hope will go their way, but rather one is able to know for sure they can be the head and not the tail. Even in times of fuel shortages, rising prices all around us, and any other manufactured thing man comes up with to make more profit, the Lord promises to supply all our need and allow us to rise above any situation that comes along, as long as we hold Him to be true above and beyond the outward circumstances. If one goes back and reads the first 14 verses of this chapter you see a simple life of blessings which the Lord promised His people, while after verse 14 life becomes quite complicated and unpleasant to those that choose to be the tail. The reason people end up at the back end and not the head is in many cases they don’t know who the head of the Church is and how to access Him in order to stay in that position. Rather than being seated in the heavenly realm to hear the message of Christ they stay entangled in the affairs of this life and end up with, for lack of a better phrase, crappy results. We all get one life to live, that’s it, and what a shame that so many people waste their opportunities the Lord provides, and not partake of the Lord’s good treasure He has available for any or all that would call upon His name and be obedient to what He is asking this day. Which realm are you partaking of today; is it truly the one the Lord promised or are you settling for second hand cheap imitations of the devil and your life resembles more of what comes out the tail than the head? Psalms 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (3) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (KJV) Remember this Psalms which we hear recited over and over again? Notice the first thing that has to take place in order for the rest to follow? Is the Lord really the shepherd or head of your life and calling the shots, or are you allowing the devil to get in cheap shots? There are times that we are confronted with situations which can overwhelm our minds, and the outcome seems like we are walking right into a valley of darkness and death, but that is where you realize that God has not given His people the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind that holds fast to a sound victory. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives as long as we allow the Lord to be the head of our life. 1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (KJV) We see a simple order of how God set up His church to operate, and what allows these blessings to be in play for His people so that they can stay assured they are one of His despite all the turmoil going around them in this fallen world. Anytime this order is changed or altered by mankind, then they are no longer able to partake of the Lord’s good treasure, but end up back at the tail section receiving whatever comes out that end. If one wishes to be the head then they need to know who The Head is so that they can hear His message and learn to be imitators of Christ. Mankind alters and changes the message God sent through His Son thinking they will find peace. But in the end, and that would be the rear end, they end up with a pile of steaming strife and confusion fresh from the bowels of hell. While on this subject, apparently there seems to be a lot of confusion about marriage these days, somehow man no longer accepts the concept of a man and woman, but rather they think they can incorporate their own ideas into the equation. The Lord is quite specific on what He blesses and approves of and what gets sent to the back of the line, and nowhere in the His word does He alter from the man and woman concept. The above verse is clear to point out the head of man is Christ, not another man as some think or try to alter into a different lifestyle our Lord didn’t intend as an alternate. 1 Peter 2:6-8 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. (7) Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (8) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (KJV) Many are called but only a few chosen, because the many try to build their house without the Chief corner stone in place, and that stone would be Christ. Many are confounded, which means disgraced or put to shame, because they try to alter God’s plan of salvation to fit their lifestyle rather than rising up and sitting with the head giving ear to how He would have His church built, which you just happen to be. Today, this moment, you have the opportunity to rise above this fallen world through the victory that we have in Christ so that you can be the head and not settle for the tail end of this fallen world. God bless. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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