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James 1:2-3 You must consider it the purest joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, for you surely know that what is genuine in your faith produces the patient mind that endures; (Williams New Testament)
Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition for ‘genuine’: Etymology: Latin genuinus innate, genuine; akin to Latin gignere to beget -- Date: circa 1639 1 a : actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character b : actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author <the signature is genuine> c : sincerely and honestly felt or experienced <a deep and genuine love> d : actual, true <a genuine improvement> 2 : free from hypocrisy or pretense : sincere That which is real and alive in your walk with the Lord; that which is revealed personally to you from our Father in heaven is what is genuine. It is able to produce the peace that passes all understanding and keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus our Lord. Where there is peace, there is patience; and the mind of Christ which endures and has overcome. Hebrews 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (KJV) Examine yourself, and consider what is genuine in your faith today. Is it of man or of God? For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 19:24-26 And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (KJV)
Given the fact that salvation was God’s plan in the first place, it would be safe to say that He is the only one that can get us home. Today lotteries are real popular with mankind because they make it appear to be the end of all to their problems. This mindset seems to have carried over into the so called church because their doctrines are based on the same principal, once you give enough and get a hundredfold return you have it made. Well, our Lord illustrates quite clearly throughout the Bible that this get rich scheme of man will not fly through His radar, and if you are not led by the Spirit then you will not make it to your eternal reward. Philippians 3:7-8 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (KJV) Do you really desire to grab all things? And no, I’m not talking about the things of this world, but all the things that our Lord died to give us access to. Well if you want all these things, then you need to let go of all things here on earth. Seems like there is always a catch doesn’t it? 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (KJV) God gives us richly all things to enjoy, because now we can do it in the liberty we have in Christ and not be in bondage to this world. We enjoy all things because we no longer take things for granted because we realize a price was paid for all of it. Remember, it is not money itself that is the root of all evil because it is something we all need to deal with, rather it’s when our love and affection is shifted from the things above to the things here on earth that we put a distraction between us and our Lord. 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) Where are you going to find love, joy, and peace anywhere else other than in our Lord? If you truly desire to get a hold of all things new then let go of all the old baggage and you will find a much better life. By letting the peace of God rule in your walk you will have that peace based on the inward realm of faith and not the fluctuating outward realm of this world. Don’t let outward things dictate your walk any longer. 1 Timothy 6:5-7 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (KJV) Paul realized the things man said were of great gain were really a dead end. If you desire to make forward strides in your walk you will find that the only place you will discover joy and peace is in Christ and not in outward things anymore. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 4:19-22 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (KJV)
Your walk today with the Lord, is it on the straight and narrow path or did you get a bit tipsy and are staggering around to and fro? Verse 21 uses a term that keeps one grounded and settled and that word is persuaded. The same God that made promises to Abraham has made them to you as well, the question is are you of the persuasion that you won’t settle for less? 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 daylong; 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) If someone told you that salvation is an easy path, then they were someone who truly hasn’t walked the walk. There are a lot of fun loving good time doctrines and people pleasers who make salvation look like a picnic in the park. However, the reality is that the closer you draw to God, the more opposition you will encounter. Are you really of the persuasion that none of these things will separate you from the love of God? Romans 4:22-25 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (KJV) When reading the scriptures and the things that God’s people endured you should be able to relate to them personally and understand that even though these people were victorious in their walk, there were times of trial and tribulation. The things that have been pointed out the last couple of weeks in Romans Chapter 4 is so that you can eliminate things that are now considered to be vain and dead, and concentrate on what really works, which is grace through faith. Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (KJV) Stick with things that work, live by faith in what our Lord is asking of you personally and don’t waste your time with a bunch of dead lifeless works that man says are still in play. Instead concentrate on walking by faith and not by your outward sight. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 4:16-18 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickened the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. (KJV)
Despite what many think, or how they portray God and His plan of salvation, the reality is that it has more to do with God and less with man. However, mankind has it backwards thinking salvation is based on what they do, which eliminates grace from the equation. How did we end up with so many silly denominations when our Lord was so specific to point out that He would only give credence to one faith? Isaiah 42:8-9 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. (KJV) There is only one Lord that can show you new things, but that only happens when you let the old stuff pass away. You can’t incorporate your old life with the new one, it just doesn’t work. In order to walk in a newness of life you have to let go of the old one; and yes some of the old people from your past that are no longer likeminded. Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV) Do you think cutting corners or pulling a fast one to get your way is going to work anymore? That old nature needs to have the life choked out of it so that someone new can resurrect and take over. Once you put on that new man then our Lord can start declaring new things in your life. Sometimes our walk seems a bit stale and it’s like we are walking the same treadmill, exerting a lot of energy, but not moving forward. That happens when we hang onto our old nature and its desires rather than seeking the things of the new one. Romans 6:4-7 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. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV) What is the real baptism our Lord gives credence to? Well it certainly is not based on dunking someone in water and then thinking something spiritual has happened, that is just watered down doctrine. Our Lord has declared a whole new realm and a way of life for you to walk in; however, your old way of thinking has to die first. If you’re tired of not getting results and you sense your prayers are not getting answered, it’s most likely because you are not willing to die to self to walk in this newness of life. Ephesians 3:19-20 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (KJV) Do you know how to experience the fullness of God instead of the bits and pieces you have settled for in the past? There is a lot going on in the realm of the Spirit, a lot more than you could have ever thought of or imagined. Why not find out what path God declared for you to walk in before the foundation of the world. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 4:16-18 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickened the dead, and called those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. (KJV)
God is able to call things into existence because He is not limited to the carnal realm. You too should be able to share the same vision because you are no longer limited to the carnal; rather you have an unction from the Holy One and know all things, carnal and spiritual. When the Lord asks you to step out in faith, will you spend more time analyzing things or move forward? Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 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: (KJV) A daily renewing of your mind will put you on our Lord’s turf, a place where nothing is impossible anymore. You will be more apt to trust in a God who is the only one that can declare the end result right from the beginning. With odds like that what could possibly go wrong? Matthew 14:27-29 But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. (KJV) There is an old song that talks about how our Lord didn’t teach His people to swim to let them drown. As we see Peter was called to walk on water which he did for a while, but then something happened to alter his forward progress. Matthew 14:30-31 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. (KJV) We all sin and fall short of the glory of God; or another way of looking at it is that we all miss the boat at times. You will find that when you step out in faith the enemy will come at you with many winds of doctrines to get you to sink in despair and doubt. The more you learn to walk by faith the less likely you will be blown off course. Psalms 89:8-9 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? Or to thy faithfulness round about thee? 9 Thou rules the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. (KJV) There are a lot of new wave doctrines being let loose that come in the form of man’s denominations which are pulling many under and drowning them in perdition. Dearly loved, hold fast the profession of faith in the gospel of Christ and be not tossed to and fro by the many winds of doctrine. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 4:16-17 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were. (KJV)
Abraham, because of old age, was considered dead and unable to procreate; yet despite that, God kept promising him a son. You too were called even though you were dead in sin and God promised you a Son also. God would like to call forth things in your life, the question is will you step out in faith and allow it to manifest, or will you sit tight waiting for it to happen first? James 4:6-8 But he gives more grace. Wherefore he says, God resisted the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (KJV) Notice that the first step is on our end. We are the ones that need to draw near to God. Those that have let pride get in, which we are all guilty of, have decided that they know better than our Lord, or have hardened their heart a bit until they get their way. The enemy will try to plant seeds of doubt in your mind so that you won’t draw near to God; he would like to see you withdraw and not follow through to the end where your reward is waiting. Hebrews 10:36-39 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man drawback, 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) I am sure Abraham would have liked to have taken a different path when it came time to offer up his son. I would think Noah had to be a bit bewildered when told to build an ark because of an impending flood. There are times things are going to appear a bit bleak and impossible in the outward realm; however, that is when you need to rely on the inward one to be victorious. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at. 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) Many preachers today like the big stage and the bright lights of fame; however, few are willing to walk by faith looking only to please God. Can you imagine the heckling Noah would have had to endure building an ark and then warning the people of a flood? And you think you have it rough at times. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 4:16-17 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were. (KJV)
Abraham was considered a father of many nations, as well as a father of faith. We have discussed what doesn’t work concerning salvation, now we will look at what does work and what is required on our end to get results. James 2:20-22 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 See thou how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect? (KJV) We pointed out the works according to the old law are no longer in play; however, there is a work or an action on our part that needs to take place for our faith to be made perfect. When you are asked by our Lord to step out in faith, it is required you do so in order for anything to manifest. As a side note, the Lord will only ask you to do things, He never tells you what to do; obedience is up to you. Can you imagine being promised a son and then waiting for it to happen, only to be asked to offer him back to God? Yet, we fuss and whine if the Lord tries to get us up a half hour earlier in the morning, or to study the Word a bit longer so that we could have a word of encouragement for someone we are about to encounter. James 2:22-24 See thou how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (KJV) There are many who believe in God, including demons; however, few of God’s people are willing to step out in faith and walk the walk. Many of God’s people are called, but many fall away, and only a few who have not been frozen by fear and doubt are chosen. This is where we see the separation, because many are all in when it comes time for the blessings, but no shows when it comes time to step out in faith despite what it may cost them. Hebrews 11:6-7 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. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (KJV) The Lord is asking His people to build their own ark today, one which has a firm foundation and will hold up through the storms of life. Will your ship float, or end up dead in the water? What would have happened to Noah had he only believed God, but did not step out in faith and act on what he heard? Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (KJV) The only way to find out the Lord’s reward is to follow His leading, and that can only be accomplished by walking in faith. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:6-7 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (KJV)
Paul had barley left the Galatians only to find out how quickly they were being swayed away from the truth. This happens more often than many Christians realize, and is the reason why we have so many silly, farfetched denominations today. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (KJV) Notice the faith that some are departing from is singular; anything outside of ‘the faith’puts you back on the devils turf, and many times it’s because Christians just get lazy and dull of hearing. The enemy can’t pull you out of the kingdom, but he will show a highlight reel of this world, which in the end turns out to be unreal. 1 Timothy 6:10-12 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. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (KJV) Many of God’s people are getting knocked unconscious because they were a first round knockout. Anytime the enemy can get you to chase after something carnal, then you are no longer a contender for the crown. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 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) A fighter is taught to keep his guard up or he could take a shot to the chin. By keeping the body in subjection to the Spirit you won’t be falling so quickly for things that end up too good to be true. Jude 1:3-4 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) Church, in the end only the winners will be crowned; while all others will be sent away empty. So ask yourself honestly today, am I a contender or just another pretender? God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 28:19-21 He that tilled his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent. 21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. (KJV)
This week we have talked about faith, your ability to hear the Lord for yourself, and then stepping out in faith and seeing His results. The flip side of faith is unbelief, where one becomes fickle and easily swayed with things of this life. That’s where taking up your own spiritual cross and dying to self will go a long way toward experiencing an abundant life in Christ. Mark 4:16-19 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (KJV) Fickleness and double mindedness is on our end and not the Lord’s. You can take faith and salvation as far as you can, or you can allow it to suffer a premature death by looking for results in the outward realm. A life in the past spent trying to appease the outward man should be traded in for a new life in Christ where you no longer allow the outward to dictate anymore. Mark 4:20-22 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. 21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. (KJV) This week we have talked about the abundant life that we have access to in Christ, and as you can see we can take this as far as we desire, or we can shut our spiritual ears and become blinded by the veil of the flesh. Take note of verse 22, there is nothing hid anymore. The Lord would like to show you personally all that He has made available to you. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (KJV)
Strong’s Definition for Faithful - 4103 pistos (pis-tos'); from 3982; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful: KJV-- believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true. Isn’t that what you have been looking for all your life, someone as well as something trustworthy that you can rely on? We left off yesterday talking about someone greater to trust in, Christ, who is described as our only hope of glory. He is your only ticket out of this fallen world and into an eternal realm where all things are now possible and should be expected by the believer. II Thessalonians 3:3-5 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. (KJV) Thayer’s Definition for Stablish - 4741 sterizo- 1) to make stable, to place firmly, to set fast, to fix 2) to strengthen, to make firm 3) to render constant, to confirm (one's mind). God sent His Son so that you could be delivered from the evil of this present fallen world; not tossed around like some tumble weed in the wind. Some of the heartaches and misery you suffer could be avoided. Instead of entertaining all those imaginations and illusions why not give ear to some words of faith which will keep you built up and not moved away from the hope of the gospel. Deuteronomy 7:7-9 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people. 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh King of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; (KJV) What a deal we have access to! You are able to serve a God who promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us, and has given a book full of promises that shows you the end result; and guess what Church you win! He is faithful; now all He asks in return is that you follow suit. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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