Category: Faith

Law of the Land

4/21/2015

Romans 3:28-31 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (29) Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: (30) Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. (31) Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (KJV)

We have been talking this week about the difference between the old law or covenant, and the new law of faith which is established by our belief in the work Jesus Christ accomplished for mankind to bring reconciliation to a fallen world. There is still a law in place that even though we are under the new law we still need to obey the laws of the land. Despite the fact that we live by faith, we need to stay obedient and diligent to laws here on earth, so that we don’t end up with total chaos and be distracted by it.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (KJV)

We are reminded to keep all those in a place of authority in our prayers daily so that we can serve our time here in a quiet and peaceable life. Not only do we pray for them, but it is up to us to be doers of the word of God also; living honestly and in a godly manner, being examples of the believers that in nothing the ministry would be blamed. So remember, just because everyone else is going over the speed limit doesn’t mean you are excluded from the laws of the land; and if you get caught it is not pleasing to our Father either.

Romans 13:1-5 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (KJV)

These powers and ordinances that are being referred to in the above verses are things like police, fire departments and other services that help keep order. God has established these services to render assistance and to try to protect society from being overtaken by ungodly people; which would get to the point of riot and total chaos if we didn’t have these departments in place. So remember, if you break the laws of the land, even if you don’t get caught the first time, Father is watching; and so to keep your conscience clear you need to obey them even when the authorities aren’t watching. I know that laws have changed over the years and that they bend with society and tend to favor certain individuals more than others, but it is the only way to maintain some kind of order here and even though it is not a perfect system it is better than none at all. The fact that they are ordained of God for our benefit, it is important that we establish these laws and abide by them.

Romans 13:6-8 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (KJV)

This is what I am going to call my sound off section, something that I see happening in the so called church that doesn’t line up with the word of God. The tribute mentioned in the verses above is referring to taxes. If we are receiving the above mentioned services, no matter who we are, or who we think we are, we are all required to pay for them. So how come we have religious organizations that have these tax free exemptions? If their building gets vandalized or it starts on fire, who are the ones they call for help? The Bible says the workman is worthy of his hire, and that we are not to withhold wages to them they are due; so the fact that these are ordinances of God, why are these religious organizations exempt? If what they are doing is truly the work of God, is He not capable of supporting it then? Or maybe it is just another loophole so that these wannabe preachers can pocket more of the loot. Was not the Lord Himself our example that we are to follow and if so, didn’t he pay taxes?

Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (26) Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (27) Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV)

Here we see the Lord Himself didn’t argue or fuss about it, but knew who His source was and did what was required so not to offend. Let me ask this question; is there any group or organization that is more adamant on getting their fair share and supporting financially their ministers than the so called church we see today? It seems more and more the messages I hear coming from these groups focus more on the financial upkeep rather than the spiritual upkeep of the congregations. Truly where the treasure is, there will be the heart also. I see a total double standard; those that receive services that are ordained of God and require a financial upkeep are ignored by the people of God that should be living above the standard of man. The so called church and its preachers demand their fair share and in many cases well beyond that, and then neglect their duty to distribute what is fair for services rendered in their own communities, which is hypocritical.

Proverbs 3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. (KJV)

Next time a preacher stands up and teaches on giving, on how important it is that you all do your part, ask him or her before you give to their organization, if they are doing their part and paying their taxes according to the word of God. Just because man says that it’s ok and finds a loophole in the system, doesn’t mean God says its right; in fact His word is quite clear where He stands.

Jeremiah 22:13 Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; (KJV)

Have you ever heard the phrase or muttered the words ‘where’s a cop when you need one’? Isn’t it nice to have someone to call when there is an emergency, that at times is life threatening? How about our war veterans that lay their lives down so that we can have the freedom to worship our Lord; are they not worthy of their hire? How many times have we seen in the news where they don’t get the medical services and such that is required for them because of a lack of funds; have they not earned this right?

James 5:4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. (KJV)

Talk about frauds; you may have found loopholes in man’s systems, but it won’t get through Father’s system. And many of those that stand before Him and claim to be preachers and teachers of the word of God will find out that they sold their souls for cheap loopholes and didn’t practice what they preach.

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

Say What?

3/16/2015

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV)

Did you ever realize there is power in the tongue? Are you aware of how important words are, and that they are described as either death or life? Are the words you are speaking bringing life to you as well as those around you, or are they tearing you down and keeping you in bondage?

Matthew 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (KJV)

Are you speaking in line with the word of God, so that the Word can go forth and produce spirit and life to the situation you are speaking to, or are you speaking words of doubt which bind the Lord from working in the area you have need of? You have the power and ability by your own words, to allow God the opportunity to work through you, or to allow the enemy to stop the flow of living waters from proceeding from your mouth.

Mark 11:23-24 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (KJV)

A mountain can be anything that appears big in our walk that needs to be dealt with in order to continue on the path of life. Sometimes it can be an obstacle in front of us that needs to be dealt with, or it can be something from our past that needs to be cast down and left in the sea of forgetfulness. No matter how much of a mountain of doubt we have allowed to come in view and try to block our vision, speaking words of life and believing that God is able to do what He promised will eliminate this distraction.

Hebrews 11:3 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)

Faith is our ability to hear the message delivered by Christ, and walk in the framework of the victory God intended for us. Think of God as an artist, who painted a picture of you and the life He intended for you to live. As long as you stay within the framework of the Spirit, you are able to see the picture of the blueprint He drew up for you before the foundation of the world. It’s when we step out of the framework of faith, that we enter a realm of doubt and confusion; then life becomes an uphill struggle, without ever reaching the top or able to see a victorious conclusion. The children of Israel wandered around the mountain for forty years because they allowed doubt and unbelief into the camp.

Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; (KJV)

As one matures in the Lord they become steadier in their walk, and not so many ups and downs as when they were younger. It’s a lot easier walking a straight path, on a level surface, than wandering back and forth and up and down, living in doubt and confusion. You learn to cast all your care upon the Lord; not only casting it upon Him, but leaving it in His hands, and not trying to handle things on your own. Words like I can’t believe it, or I doubt it, will open the door for the enemy to step in with a mountain of doubt and confusion to block the path of life the Lord has set for you to walk in.

Psalms 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. (KJV)

Remember, when you see the word ‘perfect’ it refers to a mature person; one that has learned to speak in line with the word of God, no matter what comes along their path. A person that is willing to walk by faith and not by sight, or any of our other physical senses, is the one that keeps His words within the framework of the Spirit, and does not speak anything contrary to sound doctrine that will bind the Lord from working within them, and through them, and for them. The peace of God, which goes beyond your understanding despite what the outward circumstances may try to dictate will take you to places in your walk above and beyond what you could have ever asked or thought of. That is why we need to let the peace of God rule in all our decisions; letting the word of God be a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path.

Proverbs 4:20-24 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. (22) For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (23) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (24) Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. (KJV)

The tongue is an extension of our heart; so what we allow into the heart is what is going to come out of the mouth, which is either going to be life or death. If you don’t like what has manifested in your life, you need to ask yourself ‘what kind of words have I been putting out?’ Words of life will open the windows of heaven and allow the Lord to pour out for you a blessing; words contrary to Him will shut that opportunity, and reopen the door for the enemy to come in and steal our joy and peace. Death and life, for or against Him, you have the choice of which fruit you are going to partake of this day; so if you don’t like what is coming up in your spiritual garden, it would do you well to check what kind of seed you planted in it.

Proverbs 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (KJV)

A breach in the spirit means there has been a break or a fracture in the relationship; and what was a person speaking words of life, is now entered a realm of death. You need to take the time to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, so that there will be no break in your relationship with the Father, and He doesn’t have to ask you some day, ‘say what?’

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

Victory Lap

3/4/2015

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (KJV)

You know Church, sometimes we just need to stop and count our blessings, and take the time to realize that we win. We not only are on a winning team, but are able to be led by a winner, a forerunner for us, Jesus Christ. You have the choice of what you are going to hold to as truth; what you see with your outward vision, or what you allow your spiritual eyes to behold as truth. Sometimes when I listen to certain people who profess Christianity they come off like a one legged man in a butt kicking contest, always on their backside. But you know Church, this is a friendly reminder for all, not only do we win, but we are more than conquerors; and the more you realize this the more you will start acting like it. Are you persuaded that nothing, or no one this day is going to come between you and your heavenly Father, and that you will not allow anyone to separate you from His love?

Deuteronomy 28:12-13 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. (13) And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV)

Do you go into a situation expecting the best, or thinking the worst? The Lord promised us a total victory before we ever stepped out on the field, so why do we act at times like He has let us down, or has a losing track record? You are not the tail, so quit acting like the tail end and start moving forward. According to the word of God, He will bless all the work of your hand. The only question is will you hearken to His word, and follow through with what is promised, and what is rightfully yours. The reason we have a hard time holding fast is because we know we haven’t done all to stand, and by giving a half hearted effort we end up hoping and not expecting the victory.

Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (15) And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (KJV)

It was the fall of man by the influence of the devil which led to his separation from God. It is by the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ and His victory over the power of death, that we are able to triumph and be overcomers by faith in Him to partake of a new life of peace and reconciliation with God. We have been delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into His kingdom so that we too are able to walk in the same victory that He did.

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)

We think we have it rough some times; here’s a man that was crucified and left for dead, and yet was able to rise again with the keys of hell and death so that those gates of hell would no longer hold us in bondage. So are you partaking of this victory, or still hoping someday it will happen?

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (KJV)

Are you fighting the good fight of faith, doing whatever is necessary to receive the prize? One will receive this prize, and those that are a part of the body of Christ and are one with Him will run this race and endure to the end, not accepting anything less than total victory. Are you faithful in little areas so that you can mature, and be faithful and victorious in bigger ones as well? Are you shadow boxing and missing the mark, or are you throwing a knockout punch every time the opponent tries to get in your way?

Philippians 3:13-15 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (KJV)

The prize is before us and not behind us. Those that live in the past will find themselves off course and running in circles. Those that are perfect, mature in Christ, will put their hand to the plough and not look back to see what others are doing or saying about them. You become settled in the fact that One has already run this race, and in order for you to share in victory and celebration you will have to become single minded in the things of God in order to find the path of life. Though many will try to show you a different way, or try to achieve salvation through shortcuts and quick fixes, it’s only by the Lord revealing Himself to you personally that you will be able to keep sight of the prize and hold fast to the end.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (KJV)

So cheer up Church, although we are surrounded by trials and tribulations of a fallen world it doesn’t change God’s plan of salvation for you, and the victory which is yours for the taking. So hold fast your profession of faith without wavering so you too can take an eternal victory lap of celebration with your heavenly Father as well.

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

Please Don't Quit

2/2/2015

Good morning dear brethren, in the January 2015 issue of The Costco Connection was the article below about being positive, persevering, and remaining in now.

By Wally Amos: Be Positive
DON’T QUIT. This idea came to me this morning during my prayer time. It felt like a plea.

In Napoleon Hill’s legendary book Think and Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill Foundation 2012: not available at Costco), he writes about a miner who quit inches away from one of the richest gold strikes of that time. Acres of Gold. How many times have you quit just inches away? You will never know.

Not quitting means you constantly live where the action is, in the now. There simply is no place like now. It is the only time there is. You cannot get out of now.

Also, the only place you can ever be is here. Wherever you go, that is where you are: here. To me that means you have everything to gain if you keep going, and nothing to lose.

If you keep going you will not live a life of regret, saying, “if only,” or “I wish I had.” That is living in the past, which is nothing, and gives no rewards. Life is about constantly making positive decisions here and now, in the present.

For me, this last year has been a year of one setback after another during the launching of another cookie company. The Cookie Kahuna. Often it felt like I would climb up the hill, almost reach the top, then slide back down.

There have been some disappointing times, but at no time did I consider quitting. I knew if I quit it would be a definite “no, it’s over.” Yet, if I just found the courage and fortitude to keep going, I knew I would succeed. Which is exactly what happened.

Life is never what it appears to be; it is always more. Just hold on to your vision, and have faith. We are human beings, doing things. My company is now up and selling cookies online, and all kinds of great things are happening because I refused to quit. Whatever you are working on, please, don’t quit! (Article from Costco Connection, January 2015)

Now, although this was in pursuit of something in the physical sense, Wally was encouraged to press forward and not to quit; but how much more are we encouraged to do the same daily for spiritual things? Those things that will build you up spiritually and encourage you in pursuit of peace, and to walk by faith and not sight so that you can overcome your old fleshly nature and walk in victory. Remember the example given us; our Lord Jesus Christ who through faith pressed forward against all that was contrary to God, and having suffered for us He overcame the world victoriously and is now seated at the right hand of God our Father.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Hebrews 1:11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)

Let your faith be in the ‘now’; live in right now, today, this moment where His strength is and…

Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV)

Don’t be anxious about all of the tomorrow’s that haven’t yet come as it steals from the strength that you have been given to get through today. Keeping your focus on today will enable you to hear the Lord’s counsel for what you have need of in the ‘now’ so that you are strengthened and encourage to hold fast; to move forward having your steps directed by Him; and to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Brethren, now, don’t let the external circumstances disappoint, overtake or sway you, and please don’t quit as you might just be inches away from victory. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life and don’t’ let go. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Seeing is Believing

1/29/2015

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.

Word of Encouragement

1/19/2015

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.

Word of Encouragement

12/18/2014

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance (firm trust) of things hoped (expected) for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen. (KJV)

Romans 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (25) But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (26) Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)

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)

Romans 8:15 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” (from The Message translation)

My beloved brethren, be adventurously expectant when you wake up each morning, and greet God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”, and continue forward, walking in now faith knowing that you have sought first His kingdom and righteousness and all that you have need of Spiritually and physically shall be added unto you.

As well, hold fast the profession of faith without wavering; keep your focus on and press toward, the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus; and walk in an attitude of heart and mind that in all things you will expect nothing less than the best from our Father in heaven, because your heart’s desire is to give Him your best in return.

Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (KJV)

2 Corinthians 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV)

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

How Am I Known to God

12/11/2014

Galatians 4:6-9 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (7) Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (8) Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. (9) But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? (KJV)

How does God view you, and what is your standing with Him? Well He actually considers you a part of His family, wow. But how could that be? Well simply put, God Himself is a Spirit, and sent the Spirit of His Son so that you could be adopted in as well. So in essence it is not you, or should I say the carnal man, that God is looking at, but rather the Spirit of His Son within you is what He gives credence to and so should we. Pleasing our Father can only be in Spirit and according to truth; and the only way that we will know that is by establishing a relationship with our Spiritual Father through another Spiritual being, that being His Son. So how well known you are to God is determined by how well you know His Son and the message God is delivering through Him.

Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) 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. (KJV)

It doesn’t matter what your physical lineage is or any other outward thing, but rather God is looking to the heart to see if He can find someone in agreement with Him, that being Christ in you the hope of glory. The only reason that you are a part of the family of God and the only thing that will keep you a part of His heavenly Spiritual family is your faith in Christ; you know, that part about being doers of His Word and not hearers only?

Hebrews 3:6-8 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. (7) Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, (8) Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: (KJV)

Hey don’t forget to read the fine print folks so that you don’t fall from grace and be so easily removed from the truth into some perverted version of the gospel. One of the biggest words in these verses is the word ‘if’; and the ‘if’ part is on our end and not the Lord’s. You allowed the Lord into your temple which is now considered the Lord’s, and you are now considered one of God’s sons; now you need to let the Lord continue to be the Head of your house if you desire to be firm and steadfast to the end. Are you listening to the voice from above; you know, that one from your true Father, or are you letting the father of lies try to talk you out of your inheritance?

John 8:34-36 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (35) And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. (36) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (KJV)

In the past we were the servants of sin and not a part of the Heavenly family. It was when the Son was sent on our behalf and delivered us from this bondage that we were then adopted back into the family of God. If the Son shall make you free; well, the Spirit is willing it’s the flesh that is weak, and so are those that choose their own desires over the Lord’s. The Son has set us free; the question is, ‘will you stay in that realm of freedom, or will you fall from grace and back to being a servant of sin?’

from Barnes' Notes
John 8:35 [The servant abideth not ...] The servant does not, of course, remain forever, or until his death with his master. If he is disobedient and wicked, the master sells him or turns him away. He is not the heir, and may at any time be expelled from the house of his master. But a son is the heir. He cannot be in this manner cast off or sold. He is privileged with the right of remaining in the family. This takes place in common life. So said the Saviour to the Jews: "You, if you are disobedient and rebellious, may at any time be rejected from being the people of God, and be deprived of your special privileges as a nation. You are in the condition of servants, and unless you are made free by the gospel, and become entitled to the privilege of the sons of God, you will be cast off like an unfaithful slave." Compare <Heb. 3:5-6>.

Hebrews 3:14-15 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (15) While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (KJV)

Your adoption papers, your justification is only found in Christ and your ability to hear His message of truth and respond accordingly. Again the warning about hardening the heart, because today you need to make the choice of who you will actually serve, and not just with lip service, but in deed. A hardening of the arteries in the physical realm will shut down the heart and lead to death if not dealt with properly. The same holds true in the spiritual realm; keeping the life of Christ flowing through you so that you can continue to be a partaker of Christ and the adoption that He provided for you. Basically what we are seeing over and over again is the fact that how well known we make ourselves to God, by being willing and obedient, is how well known we will be to Him and still be considered a part of His family.

Hebrews 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV)

Why are you drawing back when you should be drawing near to God? How could you ever expect to know God let alone be known of Him unless you are hearing how to operate in the realm of the Spirit, which is the realm that He operates in and so do His people. The only way you as a child of God can do those things that are pleasing in His sight, is by hearing His message through Jesus Christ and then following through with what He is asking of you this day, right now. So how am I known to God? Well that depends on how well you make Him a priority in your life; letting Him be your Father and you the adopted son or daughter. Look at it this way, there is the Son that is seated at the right hand of God who has been here and who has done what was needed. So with that in mind, can you think of anyone better to be getting your heavenly instructions from?

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

Make These Qualities Yours

10/15/2014

2 Peter 1:3-8 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4. By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature. 5. For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution or determination, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), 6. And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control (in knowing the truth there is self-control), and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety, commitment & obedience), 7. And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection (laying down your life), and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love (Christ formed in you). 8. For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full, personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one). AMP

These are all attributes or characteristics of the divine nature which was formed, brought to maturity, within Jesus of Nazareth. He decreased by dying daily to the wants and desires of his fleshly nature (the nature of man) so that Christ (the attributes or characteristics of God) would increase and over take the old corrupt fleshly nature. Jesus Christ left us an example to follow: to put off the old man, and put on of the new man who is renewed in the knowledge of Him who created you, and to do this continually.

As you do these things (put off the old, put on the new) the more you see who God is; you begin to understand His nature through experience in your own life in Christ; you begin to understand His love, His grace, and His mercy for us and how lovingly He provided us the way of fellowship with Him, and escape from this corrupt and dying world through Jesus Christ.

As you do these things you will not be blind to the truth, the full personal knowledge of God and Jesus Christ who He sent; and you have His promise that you shall never fall.

2 Peter 1:9-12 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: (11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. (KVJ)

My beloved brethren, I pray that you will continue to make these qualities yours and let them increasingly abound in you, so that you are not idle or unfruitful in your walk but that you do come to a full personal knowledge of the truth that is in you.

Your Faith

7/10/2014

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (5) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (KJV)

In all things Paul did not want anyone’s faith to stand in the wisdom of man; his spoken words, his wisdom, or even his example, but rather that their faith should stand in the manifestation of the Spirit and of the power of God in their own lives. That which the Spirit revealed personally unto them, not man.

There are too many Christians today whose faith stands in the wisdom of man; be it in traditions, or in doctrines of man, both of which corrupt the pure Word of God and the simplicity that is in Christ. Many don’t take the time to rightly divided the word of truth and then apply the truth in their own lives so that they can trust and depend on the power of God to overcome the world and its ways that try to come in and corrupt their house which was cleaned and swept by the loving mercy and grace of God.

Don’t let your faith stand in anyone’s words or wisdom, but let the Spirit of God bear witness to that which is spoken or that which is done by revealing the truth and wisdom of God personally to you. Let your faith stand in that alone. If you do, then you have the power of God to sustain you in and through all trials and tribulation that you may suffer for Christ’s sake.

Your personal relationship with God through Christ, the manifestation of the Spirit and of the power, is where your faith should stand. Jesus Christ said that the words that He speaks unto us are Spirit and they are life; so let your faith stand sure (firm, nothing wavering) in Him; in this the power and wisdom of God will keep you and death is swallowed up in victory.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (KJV)

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