Category: Works

Boast

9/15/2015

Ephesians 2:7-10 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV)

Here is a fool proof plan of salvation that eliminates our works and gives credit where the credit is truly due. Some today boast of their works they claim to be doing for God; in fact now I see where they use the infomercial approach, hand picking people to do interviews that say what they want said concerning their ministries, which by the way is just that, their ministries and not the Lord’s. If the Lord is not leading you this day, if you are not walking in the Spirit in the work He had ordained for you to do, then you are none of His.

Are you letting the peace of God rule in all your decisions and the path you are walking this day or are you following one that is more people pleasing? Now if you really wish to boast about something then why not boast about the work that the Lord is doing and has done for His people, and the joy and peace you are experiencing because of His good work. A true minister of God is one that will point the people to the Lord and teach them all that is available in Christ, while many pretenders are just patting themselves on the back and diverting the attention toward their own works and what they think they are accomplishing for the Lord, like He really needs our help. Last time I looked, we being all mankind, were like helpless sheep headed for the slaughter until God so graciously sent His Son on our behalf to redeem us from our destructions. Remember a guy named Job, who when he kept his mouth shut long enough was able to hear his answer from the Lord when God basically asked him if he knew better than He did. Job chapter 38 on gives a good account of what happens when man thinks he can now instruct God and give Him counsel and advice.

1 Corinthians 1:27-31 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. (30) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (31) That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (KJV)

Strong’s definition for glory & glorieth:
2744 kauchaomai (kow-khah'-om-ahee); from some (obsolete) base akin to that of aucheo (to boast) and 2172; to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense):
KJV-- (make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice.

God chose the foolish things, things that are nought or nothing, to work through and manifest Himself in. God didn’t choose you because you were so smart or because you had your life so together, but rather just the opposite was true. Many people don’t think they need God in their life and consider it a sign of weakness when others seek the Lord for strength. The wisdom of God is foolish to mankind because their carnal mind is enmity with God and unable to see or comprehend the things of His realm, many times because it is just so simple.

If you are looking for something to glory in, or even boast about, then why not boast about what the Lord is doing and give Him the credit not only for the good work He has begun in you, but is willing to perform in you unto the end. I am wearied with all these religious organizations and their larger than life performances, which remind me of the movies that come out these days with all the special effects, and portray their imaginary account and views of salvation that are not based on reality.

Psalms 34:1-4 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (2) My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (3) O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. (4) I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (KJV)

God so graciously gave us access into His kingdom which is based on His love and mercy and certainly not by our own merit. Pride always proceeds a fall; so rather than being humble and keeping that mindset many decide to take back control of their lives again and end up worse than they were in the beginning. God has a perfect plan for each and every person who is willing and obedient to walk a narrow and straight path that leads to eternal life. Many think they can help God and make His plan more effective by their works. While God’s word is quite specific to point out throughout the Bible that His word has gone forth throughout the whole world, mankind thinks it is their duty to deliver His message through satellites and TV, and that God is waiting for them to deliver it before the Lord returns. Didn’t we have an example of this back at the tower of Babel when man thought they could get closer to God through their own devices? God is not waiting on or relying on mankind to deliver His message, or carry out His plan of salvation, however, He is able to speak through those that are humble enough and realize their salvation is based on grace and certainly not of their works. God knew the one man He could send and rely on to deliver His message and lay down His life for the perfect sacrifice, that being Jesus Christ. So when God chooses to use man to speak or manifest His plan of salvation, He does it through Jesus Christ and those that hear His message and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (KJV)

I know, I know, someone you saw on TV or heard on the radio said you need to give money to their organization so that they could go to a place where no one has heard or had to opportunity to hear the word of God. And yes I know we have been given the great commission to go into all the world. Now it is a matter of hearing the Lord of where our place in the body of Christ is, what office He is calling us to, and then learning how and where to deliver His message so it will prosper in the thing where He sent it. The good works we should be zealous of is the good work that He has begun within and desires to perform and perfect in all the believers. The teaching and the message we need to be delivering should be pointing the people to God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ and not toward mankind and its fallen nature and ideas.

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (18) For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. (KJV)

Many are called and seek their approval and praise from mankind, while few are left that God has chosen to work in and through to deliver His message of love. It wasn’t mankind that got you into the kingdom of God, and it is certainly not mankind that will keep you in that realm, but rather a love for the Lord based on what He has done and not what others try to take credit for. So let’s give credit where the credit truly is due; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me because truly He that is within me is so much greater than those that are still stuck in the realm of the world and its fallen ways.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Doctrine

7/24/2015

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit. (KJV)

Hebrews 6:1-3 So then let us once for all quit the elementary teaching about Christ and continue progressing toward maturity; let us stop relaying a foundation of repentance from works that mean only death, and of faith in God, (2) of teaching about ceremonial washings and the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and final judgment. (3) And we will progress, if God permits. (Williams NT)

Thayer’s definition for doctrine:
1322 didache-
1) teaching
a) what is taught
b) doctrine, teaching, concerning something
2) the act of teaching, instruction

We have all grown up and heard different versions of Christianity, whether through things we saw on TV or heard on the radio, as well as any denomination we were brought up in and told to be truth. Some of us may have been given sound doctrine early on and given a foundation to work with; while others like myself were thrown a curve ball right from the start, being indoctrinated into a belief that although it has a huge following in this country is very far removed from the truth. I was brought up in a doctrine that claimed of all things, that in order to pray to God it had to be done through a woman named Mary; which as I found out later was the mother of all lies, and totally contrary to sound doctrine and what the word of God clearly tells us concerning who the one mediator between God and man is, Christ Jesus. The only way for one to grow and mature in the Lord and get past these dead works is to know the doctrine of Christ, the one doctrine which God acknowledges as truth which will set you free and allow you to progress in your walk and mature. Many are still holding to the basic principles that Christ taught during His ministry because they haven’t discerned the spiritual meaning or implications of His doctrine. This is what the writer of Hebrews was bringing across to the people, and why he writes what he did in the end of chapter 5.

Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV)

There are a lot of people that you will see hanging around certain fellowships and organizations that claim they know God and have known Him for a long time, and they base their salvation more on seniority, because of having spent so much time in a church they consider themselves mature Christians. The truth be known though, many of these self proclaimed teachers actually need to be reeducated themselves, because rather than coming to an understanding of the mystery of the gospel which is only found in Christ, they have held and continue to hold to the outward rituals, not understanding the spiritual implications of those things the Lord spoke of. The Lord spoke in parables, describing and using examples of things in this realm to explain the things that were to take place in the spiritual realm, the place we should now be operating and maturing in. Many still hold to the old way of thinking; and rather than letting go of the old they still hang on, and are not truly able to partake of the new. The doctrine of Christ differs greatly from what man has and is continuing to teach and preach, because for one to operate in the realm of the Spirit they have to die to this one, which is where many draw the line and no longer continue moving forward. Do you know for yourself what is sound doctrine; what the spiritual meaning and implications of the word of God truly is for yourself; and how you need to be learning to walk more in the Spirit on a daily basis, relying more on the spiritual senses and less on your physical ones? Are you truly growing and maturing in the things of God on a daily basis, or has your walk been stagnant, and you have been settling for the ‘whatever will be, will be’ mindset? There is strong spiritual meat available to those that are truly seeking it; and there is a doctrine that will truly bring life to those that are willing not only to be hearers of the word of God but doers also. So are you hanging around some back alley organization like youngsters waiting for something to happen, or are you looking for an escape from the dead end doctrines you thought would bring life but have only led to another dead end?

2 John 1:7-11 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (8) Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (9) 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)

Ever wonder why it is a spirit of antichrist and not antijesus? It is Christ in you the only hope of glory that we should be looking for as our answer, and no longer looking to the outward to find the truth. While there are so many doctrines and teachings that surround us on a daily basis, the Bible is quite clear to point out that it is only the doctrine of Christ that God gives credence to and acknowledges to be His. So if someone comes to you like we see in verse 10 with any other doctrine, don’t allow it into your spiritual house or temple, but rather cast it aside. We are to no longer know no man after the flesh but after the Spirit; so no matter who this person claims to be, or even if it is someone we are close to or familiar with, we need to see them from the eyes of the Lord and know if it is a spirit of antichrist approaching us in the form of mankind claiming to be speaking and teaching on behalf of God. This Church, is what separates the men from the boys, those that have the eyes of their understanding enlightened because they are looking at the teaching and doctrine to see if it lines up with the word of God. If it is not the doctrine of Christ then they do not welcome it into their house, as well as those that wish to preach it; which sometimes can end up to be those that have been near and dear to you physically, but are not edifying to you spiritually. Another hint that lets you know if it is the doctrine of Christ is what Paul said himself, that if he seeks to please man then he cannot be the servant of Christ, but is nothing more than an ear tickling people pleaser.

So where are you looking for truth and what is your source to find it; will you continue looking to man and his numerous ways and doctrines, or will you seek it from the source Himself, Jesus Christ, the only way of escape from this present evil world by His truth which will set one free and bring life to our spirit man which will make one complete and whole in Him?

In conclusion today, how do you judge a situation or a person; by the outward or the inward? While many make their determination based on the phrase ‘he is a nice guy’, be reminded the devil comes at people with a slick nice guy approach bringing a doctrine that is too good to be true, which in the end is not based on the truth, but a fabrication of it. The devil has been playing this nice guy approach from the beginning, which will be the end for those that give ear to it and fall for a cheap imitation and not the real deal, Christ in you the only hope of glory. Besides, remember where nice guys (people pleasers) finish?

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Impossible

7/23/2015

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV)

Do you remember how you were first saved, and entered into the realm of the Spirit? This new found life of love, joy, and peace; was it something you did that made it happen, or was it someone you believed in that made it happen? So if you entered this realm with this simple thinking, would not it be safe to say that in order to remain in this realm it would take a simple faith in Christ to keep you there? And yet with as simple as God made His plan of salvation why do so many fall away again, backslide as some say, and are putting the Lord’s plan of salvation for them to an open shame because they are no longer operating in His realm, but are trying to mix faith and the works of the law, which is like the term awfully good. The carnal mind is enmity with God and cannot be renewed into the things of God because it is foolishness to those that are in the flesh. Some people don’t like pointing the attention to our heavenly Father, but rather enjoy keeping the spotlight on themselves and their works, thinking God needs their help to accomplish His work.

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (16) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV)

When one is still trying to operate in the things of God according to their own thoughts and ways they will miss the mark and fall away. If one is not able to receive the things of God then obviously they are not going to do those things that are pleasing to Him, but rather they will continue in their quest to satisfy their own carnal desires. Again we see the word discerned; it’s this lack of discernment that causes many to fall back into the abyss of the flesh and its dead end desires. While many should be teaching and instructing others in the realm of the Spirit they have need that one teach them again the spiritual meaning of the word of God. And rather than operating with the mind and understanding of Christ, they are no longer able to function in His realm.

Romans 10:1-5 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. (2) For I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. (3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (5) For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. (KJV)

Have you ever gone back and read what the Lord thinks of our own righteousness? How about the term self-righteous; which is not very flattering either? So why do so many miss the mark and enter this realm of mission impossible? Once again we see that their carnal thinking gets in the way and distorts the true meaning of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Rather than submit themselves to right standing with God, which is only in Christ and that new creation being brought forth, many fall away again by trying to establish their own. As we see in verse 4 Christ is the end of the law, because He fulfilled it without sinning so that we wouldn’t have to be held in bondage to it any longer. But as one sees in the end of verse 4 it only works by a simple belief, nothing else. So in the end, those who try to establish a relationship with the Father by the law are those that choose to live or try to live in something that is dead and should be left for dead. Again Church, without faith it is impossible to please God; and once you have stepped out of the realm of faith, or try to add anything else besides faith, like works, you have now fallen under the title of a transgressor.

Romans 6:3-6 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (KJV)

When you think of baptism, do you just think of the water ritual, or are you able to discern the true meaning of what our Lord was demonstrating, and the spiritual implications of it? Again, we see similar to circumcision that it is not the outward one that the Lord is looking to, but it is that new creature or creation within you that is important. When you are baptized into Christ you are immersed into His plan of salvation, a new way of life that the believer should be eating, drinking, and partaking of spiritually, not just some one and done ritual. You have now been baptized, and have entered a whole new realm of thinking as well as living, a realm of faith no longer based on your works. You have been planted like a seed into the fertile heavenly ground so that the living waters could bring life to the new creation within you, so that Christ could again be resurrected within you and do those things that are pleasing to God through you. You no longer have to be a servant of sin, falling away into sin, but rather a new creation in Christ. Is your old nature buried with Him and left for dead so that you can be a partaker of the new nature, or are you hanging around the graveyard and digging up the dirt? Remember our God is not a God of the dead, spiritually, but a God of the living. So where are you finding life today; is it in Christ, or are still trying to do it by the works of the law which are no longer alive and in play, but dead and nailed to the cross of Christ?

Galatians 3:27-29 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV)

Have you truly put on Christ, or are you just a put on? Those that have truly been baptized, immersed in His living waters, will be walking in a newness of life and not the oldness of the letter which kills and causes one to fall away. If you are truly Christ’s then it can only be by believing in His promise of salvation, and not of works.

Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (KJV)

As we saw in Hebrews 6, that one of the things that was causing people to fall away, was their lack of discernment concerning the doctrine of baptisms. While many still hold to the outward ritual, which one do you believe our Lord is concerned with? Paul narrowed it down to one baptism, which can only be established by one faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you truly baptized into Christ and have put Him on which makes all things possible to them that believe, or are you still holding to the old laws and rituals that make it impossible to please Him?

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV)

I will let you decide and discern for yourself so that you no longer will have to fall away, but be able to stay seated in the heavenly places in Christ. God bless and hold fast.

Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

First Class

7/22/2015

Galatians 6:12-15 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. (13) For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. (14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (KJV)

Whether the old law and its rituals manifest in the form of circumcision, water baptisms, or any other outward events, the only thing that matters to God is that new creation within the believer. If one goes back through the Bible, especially the book of Acts, you will see that most of the persecution came from those that claimed to be believers; the problem they had with Paul is that He was bringing forth a new doctrine apart from the works of the law. As we see in verse 14 the only thing Paul was holding to was the work the Lord did on our behalf, and anything else was dead and crucified unto him, as he considered himself to be crucified unto any worldly doctrine of man. It’s no longer about the outward man that is going to bring peace, but rather that new creation in Christ is what has brought forth the restoration and a confidence in His work, and not ours.

Galatians 6:12-15 These men who are trying to force you to let yourselves be circumcised simply want to make a fine outward show, only to keep you from being persecuted for the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (13) Indeed, the very men who let themselves be circumcised do not themselves observe the law. But they simply want you to let yourselves be circumcised, so that they can boast of you as members of their party. (14) But may it never be mine to boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world! (15) For neither circumcision nor the lack of it has any value, but only a new creation. (Williams translation)

Today we see the same thing going on as was in the early church; rather than hold to the simple truth that it is of faith and not of works, so many cave in to peer pressure, because rather than take a stand they fall away into a realm the Lord said was destroyed and done away. The devil and his workers would like nothing better than to see the simplicity of the gospel of Christ perverted and complicated with a bunch of man-made doctrines and rituals, rather than have the simple truth in Christ. Many today try to seal the deal with these outward rituals so that they too can boast that you are one of theirs because of something they accomplished, and not what the Lord accomplished on their behalf. So what is your priority this day; is it feeding and nurturing that new creation within you, or are you still trying to establish a spiritual relationship based on some outward show?

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. (17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (KJV)

This is what we have been talking about all week, even though we knew Christ according to the old law and its fleshly or carnal ways, we are no longer to observe Him that way. Once one becomes a new creation in Christ all those old things which He took out of our way and nailed to His cross is passed away; dead, died, and buried. Now our only concern should be for that new man within us and how to do those things that are pleasing to God despite what mankind may think or comprehend as being godly. We should be renewed in the spirit of our mind, having access to the mind of Christ, so that we can continue to walk in this newness of life and not the oldness of the letter of the law which is death. After all, when you stand before the judgment seat of Christ someday what is it that will truly give you access into His eternal realm; the works you thought would impress Him, or allowing Him to do a new work in and through you?

Romans 3:20-22 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (KJV)

Here is your justification, a simple faith in what our Lord Jesus Christ did on our behalf, not by some works of the law that we think still needs to be accomplished on His behalf. Where is your faith truly rooted and grounded in people; in something you are going to do, or in a belief in what the Lord is doing in you? This is a faith that will keep you in good standing with our Lord so that you no longer will fall away back into the realm of the flesh, but learn more and more how to stay seated in the realm of the Spirit. Haven’t you heard enough testimonies of people that constantly backslide; people that truly had a zeal for God but obviously it wasn’t according to His knowledge? Many fall away and find that they are not being renewed because they are still under the works of the law where there is still a knowledge of sin, and not a confidence in the work the Lord is doing within them, they are still looking without for the answer. And while there are those that are promising them liberty, many are still the servants of corruption because of their lack of faith in Christ, and the only justification they will find in Him.

Romans 3:23-28 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (27) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (KJV)

Justified freely by His grace, that is it; that simple folks, nothing else. We are saved by grace through faith and not of works, which truly eliminates any boasting on our part. You have been given a first class ticket to the heavenly realm so that you can escape the corruption of this world and walk in the newness of life that God intended for you. Now all that is left for you to do in order to board this flight is to pass through security, and provide the proper password and documents to get you home. Jesus Christ said that He was the only way home by the truth which will set you free and give you this new life in Him, above and beyond what you could have ever asked or thought about. All aboard?

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Class Dismissed

7/21/2015

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit. (KJV)

The spirit is willing, it’s the flesh that is weak and still holds on to the weak and beggarly elements of this world that keep one in bondage, and not in the liberty God intended for us. It’s only the truth that sets us free; and this truth is only found in Christ, which gives us our permission slip to leave the basics and move on to perfection.

Galatians 3:23-26 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (KJV)

Before we had access to the throne of God by faith we were kept locked in the realm of the old fallen nature, unable to access the new man in Christ. But now that we have access by faith into this new realm, why would someone want to go back to the old to try and establish this new relationship? Now that you are a child of God by faith, which is in Christ Jesus, you are now dismissed from the old law and its rituals, which could never make one mature in Christ but rather kept them in the first grade so to speak.

Strong’s definition for schoolmaster:
3807 paidagogos (pahee-dag-o-gos'); from 3816 and a reduplicated form of 71; a boy-leader, i.e. a servant whose office it was to take the children to school; (by implication [figuratively] a tutor ["paedagogue"]): KJV-- instructor, schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:23-26 But before this faith came, we were kept locked up under the law, in preparation for the faith which was to be unveiled. (24) So the law has been our attendant<n> to lead us to Christ, so that we might through faith obtain right standing with God. (25) But now that this faith has come, we are no longer in the charge of the attendant. (26) For all of you are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Williams translation)

When I first started school I needed someone to take me there and show me the basics. Once I became accustomed to these basics I was able to walk on my own. The old law served its purpose, and kept an order to things until the time of Christ, who set us free and allowed us to walk in the newness of the Spirit, and not by the old law. The Holy Spirit should be your new guide to show you the things of God and how to walk in them, no longer needing someone else to teach you. The more you rely on your spiritual senses the less likely you will be deceived by your physical ones. By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified because those that are in the flesh cannot please God. So who and what is instructing you today, what are you allowing to be your guide in everything you do? Is it according to the word of God, or is it more in line with the popular opinions of man?

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV)

You know what happens when you take a simple faith and try to combine it with the works of the law? These chapters above give a perfect example of how so many fall away again, even after having partaken of the heavenly gift of Christ. What many are basically telling God is that He didn’t do a good enough, as well as a complete work through His Son, but that there is still more left to be done by the works and rituals of the law. Once one has fallen away back into the realm of the flesh, which is not the one the Lord operates in, they will not be able to come to an understanding let alone a renewing of the mind of how the Lord operates and what He is asking of them. What the Lord Himself said was crucified and nailed with Him to His cross, is now pulled back into play by those that think they can establish a relationship with God based on works and not on faith. This is why it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; because what the Lord said was destroyed and buried, mankind is digging up again and trying to build a foundation on the works of the law, and they end up crucifying the doctrine of Christ and distorting the simple meaning of His plan of salvation. Are there dead things and rituals you are still hanging onto; that rather than having been left for dead you continue to keep alive? By the way those holding on to dead things will end up in the same condition.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)

Here we see the word impossible again; so anyone outside the realm of faith is going to find it impossible to not only please God, but also to try to establish any kind of close personal relationship with Him. What greater reward is there than to find the love, joy, peace, and a confidence, as well as boldness and assurance in the work that has been done on your behalf to provide this access, and how you can see more and more on a daily basis into the measure of faith that was dealt to you. It’s impossible by our own works to get out of the first grade or move onto perfection until we come to an understanding of what Jesus Christ has accomplished on our behalf, and the liberty we have in Him.

Romans 8:3-8 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (KJV)

The carnal laws and rituals were until the time of reformation; which as we see in the above verses has already taken place. You are no longer under a schoolmaster or tutor, but are now walking by faith. It’s our carnal mind and the realm of the flesh that is not pleasing to God; and for those that continue to be stuck in that realm will find it impossible to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Class is dismissed, and was when Christ fulfilled the old law so that we wouldn’t have to be stuck in bondage of it any longer. Now move forward, and go to the head of the class, and let the author and finisher of our faith be your guide.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Basic Summation

7/20/2015

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit. (KJV)

As we discussed last week it was needed that one be taught again the first principles of the oracles of God. Now today we are talking about moving past the first grade and graduating to a deeper more mature knowledge of God. The reason one has to learn again the first principles is that they need to be reminded of the spiritual implications of the doctrine of Christ, and not to hold to the outward rituals any more. Simply put what you see here in the first two verses refer to things of the old law, rituals and such that no longer have any reason to be continued in, being the fact that Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin and completed the work that was needed to reconcile us to God. What we basically see in the first three verses is that in order to move forward, which we will do as God permits or gives liberty (which knowing the truth sets one free), one needs to leave the works of the law dead and buried. What Paul was seeing, and what many of those in the early Church were dealing with, was people who were still trying to keep the old law and the works of it in play; which when you try to combine the two doesn’t allow for the growth that is necessary.

Galatians 2:16-18 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (17) But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. (18) For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. (KJV)

Actually, in order to move forward one has to make it simpler; which comes down to faith in what Jesus Christ has accomplished on our behalf, and not what we think still needs to be accomplished on His. If I start rebuilding something that was destroyed for good reason, being the old law and its ordinances, I have now transgressed and gone backwards instead of forward. While many claim to have known the Lord for a long time, the reality is that many are still stuck in neutral or the first grade, because rather than realizing it is faith that is pleasing to God they still try to access Him and establish a relationship with Him based on their works and not on His completed one.

Colossians 2:14-15 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV)

You know, the Lord took these ordinances and the handwriting of the old law out of the way for good reason, because it was working against us and not very edifying. Isn’t this life enough of a challenge trying to walk in the Spirit without adding a bunch of laws and rituals the Lord eliminated for our benefit? So rather than making things complicated Church, get rid of the excess baggage and keep it simple; a simple faith and belief in what the Lord is asking of you, and not what man keeps saying is important. The Lord spoke in parables and used analogies of things in this realm that had a spiritual meaning, so now it is time for you to discern what the meaning is spiritually and operate in that realm.

Hebrews 9:7-10 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: (8) The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: (9) Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (10) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV)

You know folks, when I was in first grade I did things more because I was told what to do, not because I knew better. But as I grew and matured I was able to decide and discern for myself what was best for me, and what I was best suited for, although I didn’t always make the wisest choices. Carnal ordinances, certain foods and drinks, and washings which would definitely come under the term water baptism, were all imposed unto the people until the time of reformation which took place once the Lord paid the price for sin and released us from these old stale harsh rituals and doctrines. Once you have been released from this ball and chain, why would anyone desire to go back to it again, trying to build a foundation on something that was destroyed and nailed to a cross? Again, how much would you benefit from going back to the first grade and trying to learn from that literature? Now that the way into the holiest of holies has been made available for us by the blood of Christ and not the works of the law, why do so many hold more to the old rather than to the new? You have a clear path to the throne of God so that you can boldly go before Him and get the things you need which are spiritual on a daily basis; why would you make it more difficult and complicated than what the Lord made it? In fact the Lord laid down His life so that we could have a clear path; so by adding all this other stuff to His simple terms and conditions of salvation, are we not telling Him He didn’t do a complete work?

Ephesians 2:13-18 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (17) And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (18) For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (KJV)

Right now you have an open door in Christ to walk out and graduate from the old, and move on to perfection (maturity). That partition that has kept us stagnant and stuck in the old has been knocked down, and now we are able to leave these first principles of how the Lord was introduced to the people by the law behind us, and now move on to a deeper understanding having our spiritual eyes enlightened by the truth which sets us free. A basic summation; we have been reconciled to God, and that peace you have experienced and should be continuing in, is a result of faith and not of works, so that none can boast.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In It For The Long Haul

6/2/2015

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.

One True Love

6/1/2015

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I could speak the languages of men, of angels too, and have no love, I am only a rattling pan or a clashing cymbal. (2) If I should have the gift of prophecy, And know all secret truths, and knowledge in its every form, and have such perfect faith that I could move mountains, but have no love, I am nothing. (3) If I should dole out everything I have for charity, and give my body up to torture in mere boasting pride, but have no love, I get from it no good at all. (Williams Translation)

Think about what people are truly looking for in life; that one true love that will make them complete. How many endless songs, movies, and novels have been written describing those that find that one true love, or those that lose a loved one, how empty their lives are? For those that experience a love relationship it is very exciting in the beginning; then as reality sets in for those that decide to marry they realize in order to maintain a quality relationship it has to be from the heart, with the right motives in order to be long lasting. The same holds true with serving the Lord, once you have tasted and partaken of the goodness of the Lord nothing else will ever come close or satisfy that void that was in our lives. In order to maintain this relationship it has to be from the heart, with the motive of love for our Lord as well as His people. So just like with our earthly marriages, anything less than a commitment based on love will not last, but end up going by the wayside.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV)

Only those that do the will of God from the heart with the motive of love will be allowed access into our Father’s eternal kingdom. That is why the word of God says ‘blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God’, because without this vision the people perish. We see in the above verses that many thought they were serving our Lord, and may have had a zeal for Him but it was not according to His knowledge, or a faith in Him which only works by love. Many still think that they need to help the Lord out with their own versions of the gospel, and never come to a working knowledge of our Lord and how He intended His word to be ministered. So although many can quote the scriptures backward and forward, and claim they are doing so much for the Lord, they fail to teach the people the mystery of the gospel which is the only truth that will set them free. For myself I am quite tired of the endless works of man who act like God takes orders from them. A true preacher and teacher of the Lord will instruct the people of the love of God that was shown toward mankind, which is based on the completed work our Lord did on our behalf, and not what so many think they are doing on His behalf.

Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (KJV)

There is a wise man teaching this parable; Jesus of Nazareth taught the people how to operate in the wisdom of God by building our foundation upon a rock, the name of Christ and His doctrine. Those that come to a working knowledge of Christ are able to understand the love of God so that when the winds of doctrines blow through they will not fall for mankind’s cheap imitations and perverted doctrines. Those that do not know the love of Christ will be on shaky ground and fall for man’s self serving doctrines which are based more on the love of money than the love of God.

James 2:14-17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (KJV)

If you found a child out in the elements without proper clothing and food would you not do something out of a love for that child to make sure they got what they needed and required to keep alive and healthy? So if you look at the spiritual implications of these scriptures, how many times do we come across the path of God’s children who are in the same predicament spiritually? Are you prepared and ready to give them what is needed, or will you leave them in worse shape than you found them? Faith which works by love is what will give the body of Christ what is needed to restore them; spirit, soul, and body. As harmful as it is to our physical body to bear the elements without proper clothing and food, how much more devastating is it to the spiritual body if one is not able to provide what is needed for them spiritually? This is where many miss the mark, they are more interested in building themselves up than the people; what may have started out as a love for God has now grown cold trying to maintain the outward image instead of ministering to the inward.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV)

So whose works are you operating in today? Are you in harmony with the completed work God did on your behalf and ordained for you to walk in, or are you trying to impress people with your own works and how you think God operates?

Strong’s definition for workmanship
4161 poiema (poy'-ay-mah); from 4160; a product, i.e. fabric (literally or figuratively): KJV-- thing that is made, workmanship.

You are a product, the offspring of a God of love. Only those that establish a relationship with our Father based on a true loving commitment will seek those things that are pleasing to Him and trust more in His work than their own vain empty attempts. Who loves ya? Our Lord endlessly, eternally, and unconditionally based on your willingness and obedience to His plan of salvation that was drawn up for you before the foundation of this world.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I Rest My Case

5/26/2015

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)

God rested the seventh day from all His work, not because He was tired, but rather everything that needed to be done and accomplished was completed. God saw His creation and came up with a plan of salvation for mankind, and a way to present His spiritual evidence to us so that we could operate in His image and likeness. Although His plan has been rejected at times, even by us the believers who sin and fall short of the glory of God, His mercy and forgiveness provided a way of escape from our fallen nature, and restoration back to His path of life. Take note of verse 31, which tells us that God saw everything that He made, and from His standpoint it was very good. That everything He is referring to includes you the individual believer, who our Father considers precious in His sight. Have you ever looked at yourself and thought, if you could only be someone else or look like someone else? I know I have in the past, and I have tried to imitate other people, thinking if I could be that someone else I would find peace. The peace and confidence I was seeking wasn’t found until I let the Lord show me who I really am, and where my place is in the body of Christ. The more I was able to look to the inward man, Christ in me the hope of glory, the less I was concerned about my outward man. Now that doesn’t mean we just let ourselves go and not maintain our temples, good health is important, but that begins spiritually and then manifests in the physical. The problem is that sometimes people concentrate more on the outward than on the inward, and find themselves lacking and not at peace with the Creator, thinking He made a mistake with the creation. God did not make a mistake with you; He saw you as a very good creation of His; now it is a matter of allowing Him to have His way by entering into His rest and ceasing from your own works.

Isaiah 29:15-16 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? (16) Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? (KJV)

Have you ever seen the people that work with clay, how they set it on a wheel and spin it and shape it? They basically mold it into the intended design that they had pictured the finished product to be. We are like that clay which needs a dose of water to keep it pliable, soft enough to shape and mold. We can also resemble the clay by not getting enough water, or living waters, becoming hardened, and the Potter is no longer able to work with us. That is exactly what we do when we question and doubt the working of the Lord in our lives, we start second guessing Him and become double minded, which the Bible says is unstable and unable to receive the things of God. Some people don’t find their place in the body of Christ that the Lord intended for them because they have preconceived notions or a desire to be the head or the leader, when in reality they are still acting like the tail end. We need to learn to be faithful in what many may consider least or trivial things, before the Lord will move us on and allow us more responsibility. But just like going to school, you didn’t start out in college but had to work your way up. We have those in the ministry who think they are college grads, but operate like preschoolers and brats. Are you willing to let the Potter work with you, or have you jumped off His wheel and your life is broken in pieces?

Jeremiah 18:1-6 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, (2) Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. (3) Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. (4) And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. (5) Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, (6) O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. (KJV)

We all sin and fall short of the glory of God at times. Now it is not a matter of wallowing in our shortcomings, but rather getting back to the Potter’s house and letting Him continue His work. We are all a real piece of work in the Lord, and every time we try to be someone else, or desire to look like someone else, we are calling God a failure, telling Him He made a mistake with us. Sure you might look in the mirror and realize you may have added a little too much clay to the vessel, but ask the Creator how together with Him you can mold and shape the vessel back to its intended size. I have found for myself that the reason I was carrying a bit too much weight around in the past is because it was a result of some spiritual weight and baggage I had been hanging onto. Once I was able to hear the Lord and eliminate the excess spiritual baggage it was then that the physical came in line as well. Now keep in mind that it is not a matter of how much weight one can lose, or trying to go over board and get to thin, but rather finding that just weight and balance the Lord intended, what He considers healthy and not mankind’s ridiculous standards. No matter what area the Lord is working with you on it is a matter of staying put, and holding fast your profession of faith without wavering, so you don’t get caught up in the lies and deceptions of the devil by making you think you should be or resemble someone else. The more you stay seated in the Potter’s house, which is located in the heavenly realm of faith, the more you will resemble and act like one of His people.

Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (13) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (KJV)

The word work means to accomplish, finish, or fashion. It is up to you on a daily basis to spend time in our Father’s house and let the spiritual Potter shape and mold you into His image and likeness; no longer being conformed to this world and what man decides is a success. God did rest His case on the seventh day, and would like you to enter into that rest as well so that you can cease from your own works and allow Him to complete His work in you. Don’t show up for your heavenly trial and get your case and you thrown out for lack of evidence, but continue in the faith, the real substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen by the carnal sight or mind.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Rested Development

5/25/2015

Hebrews 4:1-3 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. (2) For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (3) For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (KJV)

Let us fear or give reverence to the fact that some fall short from entering into the rest of God because of simple unbelief. Call it a surrendering if you would, where you surrender your thoughts and cares unto the Lord and leave them there at the throne, then proceed to walk in the works of God that He personally ordained for you before the foundation of the world. Entering into His rest is not just something that takes place at the end of our walk when we receive the reward of inheritance, but rather it is a rest, an abode in the realm of God where we are no longer telling Him how we think things need to be done, but rather are now walking the path He has chosen for us before the foundation of the world.

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)

The Lord’s counsel will stand, and has withstood the test of time. It will endure forever, and so will those that come into agreement with it. Declaring the end from the beginning; I compare that to buying a bag of seed from a store, they have a bright colorful picture on the package of the completed plant, what the seed will grow into. Now think of yourself in the same framework; God saw you personally before the foundation of the world, saw what He made was very good, which included you, and provided everything that was needed to make you picture perfect in His sight. So just like the package of seed we bought from the store, if you don’t take the time to plant and water the seed, and follow the instructions, then the end result will not be what was pictured. Rather than grow and mature in the things of the Lord many stay trapped in the realm of the flesh because of unbelief, believing more in the outward sight instead of allowing their inward vision to become enlightened to the completed work God did on their behalf.

Philippians 1:6-11 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: (7) Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. (8) For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. (9) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; (10) That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; (11) Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (KJV)

Remember it is God that began that good work in you, and only He can perform it, which means to accomplish or bring it to a finish. Just like with the package of seed, He saw His creation within you and what it would take to bring it to a finish. Now the question is, will you allow Him to have His way with you so that you can grow up into Him in all things, and let this picture He had for you blossom and develop into a full grown mature Christian? This was Paul’s prayer for the people, not only to see them begin in the Lord but to continue to grow more and more in the knowledge of God, by no longer leaning to their own understanding and limited carnal thinking. I have seen many people over the years get all excited about someone giving their lives to the Lord and accepting His plan of salvation, but that is just the beginning folks. It’s not those that begin the race that receive the prize, it’s only those that endure to the end that will be saved and receive the reward of inheritance. In other words, many get a glimpse and a picture of what the Lord intended for them, but just like with the seed packages, how many will follow the instructions and allow the seed to grow to maturity in the image and likeness our Lord intended for it? God saw from the beginning the end result, and that everything He made was very good; but only those that are able to see themselves in this plan of salvation having their spiritual eyes enlightened will follow through to the end, and stay within the framework of God’s intended plan and purpose for their lives.

Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV)

What framework are you operating in today? Are you still trying to conform to the things of this world, or are you allowing God to change and transform you into the things of His realm and framework by the renewing of your mind? Are you more concerned with how man portrays you and what is pleasing to people? Or are you seeing yourself more and more being changed into the image and likeness of God, bearing His resemblance, and allowing His picture perfect plan of salvation to develop? God runs a tight ship, and heaven is a high security area; and only those that have the proper identification will be allowed access into it. Some day when you leave this realm and enter into His presence you will need a picture ID to enter in, and only those that show God the picture He intended for them will be given access and allowed into their eternal inheritance. Only those that are able to show Him a spiritual ID with the family name and resemblance will be recognized, a rested development; all others will be rejected because of their lack of belief in His completed work, relying more on their own ways and thoughts which are empty and vain.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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