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Mark 4:23-24 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (24) And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. (KJV)
How vital is our hearing; not only getting the message, but knowing who it is coming from as well? Like with a cell phone, a dropped call can change the message; not getting the message through in its entirety, changing and distorting the message being delivered. I compare our spiritual hearing with a radio, it takes a while to dial into the right frequency, getting rid of the static and noise of other channels in order to get the station with the information you are listening for. Along the way you will catch bits and pieces of other conversations, loud music, loud talk radio, before you find the easy listening channel with the information you are seeking. James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (KJV) Knowing the voice of the Lord, and dialing into His frequency will help you understand who the message is coming from, and what the spiritual meaning of it is. So if you get some loud, boisterous, finger pointing, condescending, voice coming at you trying to remind you of the past, or anything else that is not peaceable, change the channel. 1Kings 19:11-12 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: (12) And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (KJV) There are many winds of doctrine out there; lots of earth shattering fire and brimstone preachers out there that rant and rave thinking they will be heard for their much speaking. But after all the noise and distractions, all the static and distortions of the world, it’s that still small, loving gentle voice of God that we should be listening for, and tuning out the rest of the noise. How many parents would talk to their children like that, yelling and hollering all the time, and telling them how worthless they are? How many children would want to listen to a parent ranting and raving all the time as well? Granted, God does discipline and correct us, but it is done in love, for our benefit. So who are you listening to? Is it building you up spiritually giving you the confidence and peace you are seeking, or is it pulling you down with doubt and confusion? If so, you need to check the number and dial again. It’s important to take the time to pray and talk to God; but be ready to hear His answer as well, so that when He calls back he doesn’t get a busy signal from our end. Isaiah 30:9-10 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: (10) Who say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: (KJV) Some people have selective hearing. Rather than hear the message delivered by Christ, they would rather hear things that fit their lifestyle. Ever wonder why there are so many different denominations in this country alone. What’s wrong with just being a Christian? Christ like, was the intention I believe. Oh, but all these man-made titles and doctrines are like going to a clothing store, if it doesn’t fit we can alter it and make it look good. Whatever happened to one Lord, one faith? Kind of like a telemarketer, the devil uses the lines of communication to distort the message and steal your identity in Christ. Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV) The Lord is standing at the door of your heart, ringing the bell. Like a pizza delivery man, He has a hot spiritual meal ready to serve to those that will open up and let Him have access to their house. So get the door, this time it is not Dominos. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 13:15-16 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (KJV)
Did you ever stop and ponder the fact that as your physical body has senses, sight and sound being so vital; your spirit man has senses as well. And if you have ever wondered how important the sense of sight is, just take some time blindfolded, and try getting from one point to another. Just imagine how difficult it is spiritually as well, trying to find the narrow path of life that leads to Father’s house, and not able to see where you are going. Mark 4:33-34 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. (34) But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. (KJV) One of the keys which you will find valuable in understanding the Bible for yourself, and eliminating any doubts or gray areas, is how much time you spend alone with Father on a daily basis so that your spiritual eyes will be enlightened. Parables are not a couple of animals standing in a farmer’s field, although sad to say there is a lot of bull being shoveled around, but rather a symbolic analogy, the correlation between something in the physical realm and the spiritual meaning of it. Understanding with the heart, seeing the hidden meaning of the scriptures, is what will enlighten the path of life for you, and allow you to see God’s true meaning and intention for your own walk as well. Romans 1:20-22 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (KJV) Many start out with good intentions, but somewhere along the line they end up sidetracked and misled; mostly because they don’t take the time themselves to establish a personal relationship with the Father on a daily basis. When the blind follow the blind, they both end up in a ditch and are no longer walking the path of life which is the way of escape from this present evil world. 1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (KJV) Many people buy water filters for their home use, it filters out the impurities and leaves you with the pure water. The Holy Ghost is like a purifier as well, it takes the hidden meaning of the parables and removes the cloud or veil of the flesh, and you are left with the pure word of God, the simplicity, a clear understanding revealed; comparing or interpreting the spiritual things with spiritual people. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (KJV) It’s when we lean to our own understanding that we miss the intended purpose of the Word of God; the understanding becomes darkened, and we miss the interpretation. Ever try to get directions from a person who is from another country, someone that speaks another language? Without an interpreter you might as well have a snickers bar, you’re not going anywhere for a while. The same holds true in the spiritual realm as well. You entered into a whole new life, a whole different realm than what you had been living before. And without an interpreter to help you along, you will end up misguided and led astray as well. Proverbs 4:18-19 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (19) The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. (KJV) So which way are you headed? Who are you getting your directions from? Jesus Christ walked the path of life to victory; are you following in His footsteps? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 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. (KJV)
Whenever there is an outbreak of a deadly virus, the first priority is to find the root cause of the deadly disease. Though many misquote this verse, saying money is the root of all evil, it’s not the money that caused the destruction, but rather the love of it, that is the downfall of many. So if money itself is not the problem, then why do so many think that money itself is the answer? After all who hasn’t turned on the TV, or a radio program, only to be indoctrinated with money pitches and schemes, especially the religious ones? Even this seed faith doctrine, which is based on the more you sow, the more you will reap, is basically nothing more than a pyramid scheme; those on top get the gold, and the others get the shaft. The reality is that there is only one seed according to the Bible, and it is not a physical one. Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. (KJV) Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (KJV) They that sow to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; in other words those that try to manipulate and twist the truth to fit their own greedy lifestyles in the name of God are in for a world of hurt when they have to stand before Him and give an account of how they pilfered and stole from His people. 2 Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (KJV) The Lord Himself warned us about the many false prophets, wolves in sheep’s clothing that would rise up and deceive many. Be on the lookout, because if we allow something to overcome us because we were asleep at the wheel, that same thing will keep us in bondage until it is dealt with and pulled up by the roots. Many of these preachers, who end up being nothing more than auctioneers selling the word of God to the highest bidders, are prisoners of their own devices. To quote an old phrase, a fool and his money are soon parted; so don’t be fooled or lulled into sleep by these cheap hucksters. Haggai 1:5-7 Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. (6) Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. (7) Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. (KJV) Years ago when I got into a financial situation which had become a burden and was pulling me down; my first thought was ‘God give me more money’. My thinking was that if I got more money, looking to something physical again to solve my spiritual problem, then I would be home free. The answer I received was quite different than what I expected; why would I give you more so you could go farther in debt? In other words, if you can’t manage what you have now, acknowledging who truly is your source and walk in Father’s wisdom, why would God fill up a money bag full of holes? In conclusion, the answer wasn’t more money, but rather seeking God’s wisdom on how to manage what He provided and not allow myself to be overcome in this area again. James 1:5-7 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (KJV) In the end it wasn’t a lack of money that was the problem, it was a spiritual issue that needed to be addressed and dealt with in order to move forward in my walk with God. Don’t be afraid to ask God for help, that is what He is there for. In fact His word says that we have not because we ask not. Spiritual issues require a spiritual answer; and if you look to the physical for the answer you will end up on a not so merry go round spinning in circles and dizzy. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 14:29-30 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (30) A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. (KJV)
Another manifestation of wrath comes in the form of envy. Envy is described as a jealous anger, as well as contentious rivalry. James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (KJV) When all is said and done, and in many cases more is said than done, the bottom line is these distractions, ill wills and contentions were things you allowed in; unhealthy decisions based on personal gain rather than what is best for the body of Christ. The mindset of the world is to climb the corporate ladder to get to the top no matter who one has to step over, which is the opposite of what the word of God teaches us. Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (KJV) Are we really as concerned about the things of others as we are for ourselves? The Bible speaks of the first being last and the last first; in other words when we put ourselves first, we end up last on the list, out of order so to speak. So why all the fussing and fighting? If you don’t like the person you see in the mirror, you have a choice to do something about it. But blaming others or being envious of what someone else has is not going to get you where you need to be in your walk. James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) And by the way, don’t blame God for your own situation. You have a choice each and every moment of the day; you can react in the flesh, or respond in the Spirit. The words that we speak are either Spirit and life or just the opposite; as the tongue is described at times as, unruly evil full of deadly poison. 1 Corinthians 3:1-5 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (2) I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (3) For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (4) For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? (5) Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (KJV) Even in the church, somehow someway, mankind decided serving the Lord was going to turn into a contest. Wasn’t the whole idea of the church in the first place to build up the people, not man’s personal shrines, in many cases worshipping the creation more than the Creator? Just like when I see people that put their own names on ministries; which basically tells me whose image and likeness people are following. Brother so and so’s worldwide ministry, which I agree is their ministry and not Father’s. Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (KJV) What kind of path are you walking this day? What things do you truly desire, the things of God or that of man? One is a path of life; the other is a path of the blind; which one will end up in a ditch spinning their wheels? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. (KJV)
A good healthy spiritual diet is what will keep one strong in the Lord and the power of His might; allowing in anything contrary to sound doctrine is like food poisoning. One of the definitions of sorry refers to anger, and being consumed with anger can easily lead one astray and steal the joy from the heart. James 1:19-20 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (KJV) Will you react in the flesh, or respond in the spirit? Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (KJV) Ready, shoot, aim, oops, that will leave a mark. Ever spend time watching children? If they get angry, they lash out; if they have something to say, they just speak it. Those that mature in the Lord will take the time to hear the whole matter, to listen to Father’s response, not blame others. Oh but he made me mad, or that makes me angry. The Lord said you are made in His image and likeness, a new creation, old things are passed away. Is it so much that someone else made you mad, or was it more your choice to allow that into your temple, and let anger and frustration of your own life drown out the voice of God? Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; (KJV) Bitterness is like a poison, it doesn’t take much, but if allowed into our spirit can consume a person, by which many have allowed themselves to be defiled. Sometimes we don’t like what we see in others, because it reflects things we know in our own walk that need to be dealt with. Ever see a warning label on a product? If it is a hazard that can lead to death, like a poison, it is marked with the skull and cross bone label. Understanding the fact that wrath and anger are a big Yuk as well, will keep the channel of communication alive and well within us also. I have seen people on the news who call themselves Christians, who go out and protest against issues, pointing the finger at people with threats of hell and destruction to those that sin. It is true that there will definitely be consequences for these actions, but protesting in anger and threats, is not the love of God that will win people over; especially when the Lord Himself said that he that is without sin could be the one to cast the first stone. Sufficient to say by the way, that not a stone was thrown after that statement. Mark 11:25-26 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (26) But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. (KJV) Have you ever made a mistake, knowing you blew it, and asked the Lord for His forgiveness? Even to the point of Lord please, I won’t let that happen again. Are you as willing to forgive others as you would want to be forgiven? Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? (22) Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (KJV) If you multiply 7x70, you end up with 490. Does that mean that after 490 times you don’t have to forgive anymore? Or rather might it be an illustration? Even after we have forgiven someone, or have been forgiven ourselves, how many times does the enemy come back and try to remind us again of the trespass, and try to re-grow a root of bitterness that was pulled up and thrown away? So stay on Guard, be alert, watch and pray always; and don’t let these things enter in again and choke the life out of the new creation working in you. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their workship. God is sheer being itself – Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration. (The Message John 4:23-24)
My dearly loved brethren, don’t let the world and its ways shape you; instead simply be yourself and who God desires for you to be in Christ. This is where you will find and follow God’s will, being your true self before Him in Spirit and in truth. Stop living in accordance with the customs of this world, but by the new ideals that mold your minds, continue to transform yourselves, so as to find and follow God’s will; that is, what is good, well-pleasing to Him, and perfect. (Williams New Testament Romans 12:2) I beg you, therefore, brothers, through these mercies God has shown you, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies as a living sacrifice, devoted and well-pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. Stop living in accordance with the customs of this world, but by the new ideals that mold your minds continue to transform yourselves, so as to find and follow God’s will; that is, what is good, well-pleasing to Him, and perfect. (Williams New Testament translation Romans 12:1-2)
So I mean this and now testify to it in the name of the Lord: You must now stop living as the heathen usually do, in the frivolity of their minds, with darkened understanding, estranged from the life of God because of the ignorance that exists among them and because of the stubbornness of their hearts; for in their recklessness they have abandoned themselves to sensuality which leads to excessive practices of all sorts of immorality. But this is not the way you have learned what Christ means, if, as I take it, you have heard Him and in union with Him have been taught the truth as it is seen in Jesus, to lay aside, with your former way of living, your old self which is on the way to destruction in accordance with its deceptive impulses; and to have a new attitude of mind and put on the new self which has been created in the likeness of God, which fruits in right and holy living inspired by the truth. (Williams New Testament translation Ephesians 4:17-24) Dearly loved, as encouraged in the scriptures …live like children of light, for the product of light consists in practicing everything that is good and right and true; keep on following God’s example, as dearly loved children of His, and practice living in love, just as Christ loved you too and gave Himself for you as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Williams New Testament translation Ephesians 5:8-9; 5:1-2) Share His love today; God bless and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
The beauty of Christ is that of a sunset shared with all. And all those who are attentive will be blessed with an unspeakable gift given just for them. The beauty of Christ is that of a droplet of rain or dew on a flower pedal that is shared with all. And all those who are attentive will be blessed with an unspeakable gift given just for them. I say unspeakable because, have you ever tried to explain the beauty of a sunset or the beauty of a droplet of rain or dew on a flower, to someone who has not seen it? There are not words to describe it, a person has to experience for themselves to understand that beauty. The joy, peace, love, and beauty that we were blessed with when we accepted Christ is unspeakable; and trying to explain it to someone who has not experienced it will fall on deaf ears and blind eyes. No man, who has not the Spirit of Christ, can see the things of God neither can He know them for they are Spiritually discerned. Instead of trying to describe the love of God, why not let others experience it through you, by your manner of life in Christ, so that they might seek and desire to see and experience His love on a continual basis for themselves. Our Father in heaven makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. God desires that none would perish but that all would come to repentance. That all would desire His love in which He loves us, Christ His Son, an unspeakable gift given just for them. John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. So today and always my beloved brethren… be a ray of sunshine, a droplet of rain on a dry and barren earth that life may spring up and glorify our Father in heaven. Till where He asks you to till, plant where He asks you to plant, water where He asks you to water, but let Him give the increase. God bless. John 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory; (KJV)
There are many today that boast of what they are doing for God, speaking of their own works, being puffed up in their own minds of all that they are doing to glorify God; and yet, all they are seeking is their own glory to be seen and praised of men. They speak little of what God through His Son Jesus Christ has done on our behalf having made a way of escape for us from this present evil world, and how to overcome the evil one through the faith, hope, and power that we have received in Christ so that we are able to stay on the path of righteousness which leads us home to our Father in Heaven. Jesus Christ spoke… John 7:28…and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true John 8:50…and I seek not my own glory: John 8:54…Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing; it is my Father that honoreth me, And even when they tried to call Him good master, Jesus Christ said that none is good but God. Who was He pointing the people to? Himself, or God the Father? Was He trying to glorify Himself and all that He was doing for God? NO...and neither should we! My dearly loved brethren, we are encouraged not to do our alms before men, but to enter into our closet and when we have shut the door, pray to our Father which is in secret: and our Father which seeth in secret, shall reward us openly. So please, don’t be as the many who openly do their alms before men; but be as the few who seek to worship our Father in Spirit and truth, so that in the end you will stand justified in His grace, in His presence, in His house, glorified forever more before Him in Christ. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for ‘stand’: eimi – to be, to exist, to happen, to be present Where does your faith stand? In the wisdom of men, or is it in Christ, the power and wisdom of God? Christ is that sure foundation, the Rock in which we are to be building our faith upon, not on the sand of man’s wisdom which will leave you washed away spiritually, unable to receive the things of God let alone know them. Faith, to be present in Christ is more needful for your Spiritual health and well being, than to let it be present in the worldly wisdom and things that will perish. So my beloved brethren, I encourage you to hold fast the profession of faith (stand) in Christ and be not moved by the wisdom of men; for the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power, and in this you are to stand. God bless. |
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