Your Life is Your Witness

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1 Thessalonians 5:14-23

5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
5:16 Rejoice evermore.
5:17 Pray without ceasing.
5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
5:20 Despise not prophesyings. 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
5:23 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.

14
When you witness to the world, different people will need a different approach. Some will receive a message based on love. Others will want to reason out their salvation. Some will have to be driven by the fear of God.

Jude
1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

We are each also suited to deliver the gospel in different ways. Start your witnessing by listening, and let the Spirit guide you on the path that will best help your brother or sister.

15
Jesus told us to love our enemies and do good toward them. We cannot witness to someone that is mad at us. Try to not strike back at people, but rather let God deal with them (no matter how much you think they deserve it).

Romans
12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Remember: the first step to really helping someone is to listen. You can’t do that is everyone is mad.

16
God doesn’t want us to go around with a painted on smile. That’s no witness. Everyone can see through it, and won’t listen to you if they think you aren’t being real. Instead, always try to remember all the blessings God has given you. The joy will then come naturally.

James
1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

If you’re in such a tough place that it’s hard to remember any other blessings, you can always look back and know this; Jesus came to save you from your sins and bring you back into the family of God.

17
God is in everything. Whatever you encounter in a day, God put it there for a purpose. Try to keep that in mind and pray to thank God for it. You may also need to ask Him how He intends for you to use it. Perhaps it’s a blessing you’re meant to pass on. Maybe it’s a lesson. Sometimes, it’s both at the same time.

Philippians
4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Don’t worry about your circumstances. Trust God and let Him use your situation for the purpose He sent it.

18
The verse doesn’t say “in all things you like give thanks”. It says “in every thing”. I know it can be hard. One of my challenges right now is adjusting to my new medicines. They drain my strength and energy. However, this has allowed me to accept and appreciate the help of others more. I’ve been on the other side of that too. When I didn’t have anyone I could trust to help me. Then, the blessing was learning to lean on God. Even the world says “every cloud has a silver lining”. Everything has a blessing in it. It’s a double blessing when you can find it. Even trouble is a blessing if we let it drive us closer to God.

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

No matter what happens remember, the God and ruler of the universe is on your side and He has allowed this for some good purpose.

19
When you’re saved, the Holy Spirit comes to guide, strengthen and comfort you. He is a person and one part of the Trinity of God. You can draw away from Him and deny yourself access to His help. You do that by doing things that displease God.

Ephesians
4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

If you’re not feeling the Spirit it’s you that’s moved. He will also help you pray for forgiveness and help you find your way back to God.

20-21
There are so many false prophets about that I used to think the gift of prophesy had ceased. However, you can apply the same tests to modern day prophets as God first prescribed.

Deuteronomy
18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 18:21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

To prophesy doesn’t always mean to tell the future. Sometimes it just means to speak the Word of God. The same thing applies. If someone preaches something that doesn’t follow from the Word, be very careful of them. It might be an honest mistake on their part, or a misunderstanding on your part. Whatever the case, the written Word of God has been given to us so we can know the truth.

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22
The world is watching you. Your first witness is the way you walk. If you appear no different than those around you, what do you have to offer them?

1 Corinthians
8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your’s become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

We are God’s witness to the world. Just because we know something isn’t a sin doesn’t mean we should do it. We have to be careful that we don’t do something that spoils our witness. We are the light of the world. We can’t afford the appearance of darkness.

23
The Father planned and directed, the Son came and died, the Holy Spirit protects and guides. You have been redeemed and sealed.

1 Peter
1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

We Have To Work While it is Yet Day

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02/28/21 – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
5:7 For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1
I am amazed every day how much more wicked the world has become from the day before, and how much more brazen the evildoers grow. We also see more signs of the Lord’s hand at work, but the lost ignore that because they don’t want to know the truth.

Matthew
16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. 16:2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

This incident took place just after the times that Jesus fed the multitudes. The Pharisees had seen that and many other signs, but they wanted Jesus to give them a sign on their terms.

I had a friend I worked with years ago that was about to lose his job. The company we worked for had already let me go and they were about to close the plant. The economy wasn’t doing very well at the time either. A lot of people were looking for work. I asked him one day how his search was going. He told me that he had three job offers, but he was waiting for a sign from God. I told him God was offering him a choice, but he was too busy looking for a sign. Often when God opens a door, He expects us to take a step to go through it.

2
People think they have all the time in the world. Some say they believe in God and may even say they plan to follow Him someday. They may say they’re just sowing their wild oats while they’re young. None of us have the promise of tomorrow. We have to get about our Father’s business while it is still day. We can’t get sidetracked thinking those around us are getting ahead or because we see the wicked appear to prosper.

Psalm
37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 37:12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. 37:13 The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

I expect we all know people that have done wrong by us or other people we love. It can be easy to let that fester into hate and wrath. We can’t do that. We have to turn those people over to the Lord. He will either put them through a rough enough time to save them, or He will repay them far more than we ever could.

3
Along with all the advertisements for sin and indulgence, we hear the message that man can save himself; that peace can come about by the efforts of men; that science will solve our problems, feed the hungry and heal the sick. One day, all these lies will be centered on one person. He will tell the world that he has all the answers, and many will be so brainwashed by our society that they will believe him.

2 Thessalonians
2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

The world we know is melting away day by day. There is a new world rising based on the belief that man is his own god, and whatever each of us believes is right. That is, unless you believe that God is right. Then they don’t want to hear you.

4
The day is not yet lost. There have been dark days before in history and God has granted revival and pulled us back from the edge. We all have the light of God’s word inside us. We have to share that light with those around us.

John
12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

In many parts of the world, it is illegal to talk about God and Jesus. People risk their lives every day to spread the word. It seems almost unbelievable that could ever happen in this country, but look at the news. If you believe there is one standard of what is right and what is wrong, then you are labeled as a hater. They say you can believe anything you want, but that only applies to those who believe the same way they do.

5
All through time, some have used the word of God as an excuse to war and hate. We can’t do that either. There are battles to be fought, but we are not to fight them using the tools of the enemy. Hatred and violence don’t help people see that God loves them. We have to stand on the word of God and allow that light to reach those who will listen.

1 John
1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Many look at the outside world and think they should shut them out because they’re sinners. We are all sinners and only by the grace of God are we able to say anything different. We can’t judge others no matter how they look to us. The world is drowning in false beliefs. We have to reach out the hand of truth. What they do with it is on them. We are responsible for what we do with the light we’ve been given.

Ezekiel
33:7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 33:8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 33:9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

6
Keep your eyes open. The world is trying to fill your mind with the lies of the enemy. Get into the word. It will guide you in how to protect yourself and how you are to help others. We are each given some measure of the light. We have to be faithful to be working in that light.

Luke
12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 12:38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

The sky could split open any minute and we’d all be caught up with Jesus, or we could have something happen and not make it to see tomorrow. Either way, we have to be ready because we don’t know when our time will be up.

7
The world thinks that God isn’t real or doesn’t care because He hasn’t acted in their lives. They mistake His patience and longsuffering for license to do what they want. They think they can hide their wicked actions if no one see them, but the darkness of their own sin keeps them from seeing the light.

John
3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

While it is day, that is while we are here, we have to let the Spirit guide us to clean up our sinful nature. The more we can put aside our own pride and the desires of the flesh, the more we’ll be able to stand in the light without fear.

8
We will fight many battles while we’re here. We have to use the armor God has provided and He will keep us safe. The breastplate of our faith in God and His love for us will keep our hearts safe, and the knowledge that we’re saved through Jesus will protect our minds.

Ephesians
6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

We said earlier we’re not to use hatred and violence to fight. However, we are to stand in the power of God’s might. When we take our stand and let God fight our battles, He will prevail.

9
God doesn’t want any of us to fail. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. The world just doesn’t want to accept the free gift they’re being offered. God loves and cares for all of us and has already paid the price to redeem us.

Acts
17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

The Pharisees were seeking a sign, and in the end they got the biggest sign they could have asked for. They still rejected Jesus, and many today still reject God in spite of all the obvious signs around us.

10
We don’t have to wait until judgment day or when we die to enjoy our new life in the Lord. Even though we may have battles yet to fight here, we can rejoice even in hardship because we know that God has already won the victory.

Psalm
118:16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. 118:17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. 118:18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. 118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: 118:20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. 118:21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. 118:23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Each day and each hour is a gift from God. We have to keep our eyes open so we can find the purpose He has in giving it to us.

11
We are not alone. God is with us, and so are all other fellow believers. We are all one in the Spirit and we should remember that. Anything we do that hurts someone else hurts us, and anything we do that helps them is also helping ourselves. We all stumble and fall sometimes. We have to help those around us stand when they trip and lift them up when they fall. I often remind myself that I’m not perfect and I know that some days I’m the one that needs lifting up.

Ephesians
5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Whether we’re talking about the end of this world or the end of our own lives, we’re all a little closer to that day than we were yesterday. We have to be working while it is yet day because the night is coming.

There is Only One Sacrifice

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02/21/21 – 1 Peter 2:1-10

2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings,
2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

1
When we come to God, we can’t sit on the fence. We have to put aside our old ways and let God mold us into the new person we will become.

Matthew
9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

Jesus told Nicodemus “Ye must be born again”. That is where we’re at. When we’re saved, God has given us a new life. We get to put away the things of our old life and start again from the beginning.

2
Babies when they’re born need milk to grow. In the same way, we need to be taking in the Word of God. The more we take it in and make it a part of who we are, the stronger we will become.

Matthew
18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 18:3 And he said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

One of the first lessons of faith is that all strength and wisdom comes from God. In our own strength we can do nothing, but in God’s strength we can do all things. As long as we let the pride of life rule in us, we are limited to what we can do in our own power, which is nothing of any lasting value.

3
Once we can humble ourselves and set aside that sin of pride, God is willing and able to extend His grace to any of us. We just have to be willing to accept His word and will in our lives.

2 Peter
3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

We sometimes look at other people and wonder why God doesn’t act on the sin in their lives. We sometimes look at the sin in our own lives and think we’re getting away with it. Either way, God is just being patient. He’s giving us a chance to realize we’re wrong and to repent.

4
God has provided one way to return to Him. If we listen to Him, that foundation will give us sure footing as we walk through this dangerous world.

1 Corinthians
3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Whatever we do, it has to start with the cornerstone of Christ. No other foundation will last.

5
The sacrifices of the Old Testament were to pay for sins. If you came to the temple to offer a sacrifice, you were supposed to be repenting of your sin and doing it in obedience to God’s word. If you just brought something to be seen of men, or to try and bribe God, it was worthless. God knows our hearts and our motives and that’s where He wants us to obey Him.

1 Samuel
15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

All sin is equal to God because it all starts with the pride of thinking we know best. The first act of obedience God is looking for now is for us to admit that we’re sinners and accept the sacrifice of His son. After that, we have to begin to turn away from the sin in our lives and allow God to rebuild us from the inside out.

6
Just as people would go to the temple and go through the motions thinking it did something for them, many people go through the motions now and think they are ok with God. Many of them are what we would think of as good people, but we can only judge the outside.

Matthew
7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

God has provided one path and one foundation that we can use to build our lives. Anything else will be swept away when the storms of life come.

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Many in this world consider the Bible a book of fables. They may say Jesus was a good man, or even say they try to follow His principles in their lives. They think they are too sophisticated or too civilized for the cross.

Others think the path of the cross is too simple. That they have to clean themselves up before God will accept them. We have to realize, there’s nothing we can do to save ourselves. God has already made the ultimate sacrifice to save our souls, and only He could do it. Once we know that, we can truly see how much He loves us.

1 Corinthians
1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

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Jesus often confronted the Pharisees about their mistaken beliefs. They didn’t want to believe Him because He was going to take away their position, power and pride. Many people don’t want to believe Him today because they don’t want to give up whatever pet sin they hold.

Matthew
21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

When we surrender and fall on the stone of Christ in repentance, He will break the old man and allow us to begin our new life. If we try to stand on our own pride, one day that stone will fall and show us how small and powerless we really are.

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We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We have to begin to show love to the world by first showing it to other believers. In First John we’re asked, “if we don’t love our brother that we have seen, how can we love God that we haven’t seen?” We’re given a blueprint for our behavior in First Peter…

1 Peter
3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

We’ve all heard “Charity begins at home”. In God’s word, charity means love. Our love has to begin in the household of faith, and then extend to the unsaved world.

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Through Christ, we are all united into a single family. We all have the same Father, and we all have our jobs to do. We should also remember that we have a common enemy and we are to help each other in time of need. Even in those times of trouble we can still have peace. We know that God is in control and He is working everything out for our eternal good and His glory.

1 Peter
5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Know Where Your Strength Lies

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02/14/21 – Romans 12:1-9

12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

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Sometimes when we’re lost in the woods it can be hard to find blessings to thank God for. The enemy uses the cares of this world to blind us. We have to open our eyes and hearts. Just pick anything and start counting your blessings and they will build up fast. God has given us each new day, the people we love, the food on our table and the very planet we live on. Beyond that, He has given us His Son and through Him the promise of eternity.

Acts
17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

God is not far off and high above. He is with us and around us every day and He cares what happens to us.

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The flipside is; often when things are going well, we can get our focus too much on the things around us and forget where they came from. We can’t think that we’re right with God just because things are going the way we want. Any good thing we have has come from God, but we may not always know what is good and what is bad. If we judge by the standards of this world, we will often be wrong. We can’t have our confidence in anything of this world.

Philippians
3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Basically, what Paul is saying is; if anyone can save himself he did it. He grew up in a Godly nation. He was raised by God fearing parents. He lived out his religion to the best of his own power and followed the commandments perfectly as far as he understood them, but watch what he says next…

3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 3:8 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, 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 3:13 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, 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

It doesn’t matter where you’ve come from. Paul took part in the stoning on Stephen and was probably present during Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, but God used him. It doesn’t matter where you are. God knows you’re not perfect. What matters is who you’re following and where He will lead you. When you follow Jesus, God will use your circumstances and those around you to mold you into the person He knows you can become.

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Often we try to judge others in order to make ourselves feel better. If someone else appears to be doing worse, it can make us feel better about our own shortcomings. We have to be honest with ourselves and know that we’re no better than the worst sinner we know. Only God’s grace stands between us and Hell. As they say, the first step to solving a problem is to admit you have one. We all have a sin problem, and there is only one way to solve it.

2 Corinthians
4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

We can’t lose faith when we fail. In our own strength, we are frail and weak. We are here to learn how to lean on God’s wisdom and strength. When we’re in the midst of a struggle and we can remember to trust in The Lord, He will give us His peace. Nothing that happens here is permanent. Everything is for our instruction and training.

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Part of the comfort of God’s peace is that we are to know that we aren’t alone. Everyone that is saved is part of the same body of Christ. When you’re saved, the Holy Spirit moves into your heart. This isn’t a private thing. There is only one spirit that we all share.

1 Corinthians
12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.

We are all sharing the same spirit, but we don’t all have the same work to do or lessons to learn. We all have our own special place God is calling us to be and works He has called us to do.

5
Just as we can’t judge someone else’s sin, we can’t judge someone else’s works either. We don’t know how important any given job is in God’s plan. Every thing has a part. Many people look down on garbage collectors. In the 1980s there was a garbage strike in New York. I remember seeing pictures on TV of mountains of garbage lining the streets. In just 17 days so much trash piled up that it was declared a public health emergency and the city was forced to reach an agreement to end the strike. New York learned then that every job is important and deserves respect. Whether we look down on someone else or if we don’t think much about what we have to offer God, either way we’re wrong. Little is much with the Lord.

Ephesians
4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

If we’re looking to the head of the body, that is Jesus Christ, then we can be content in the work He has given us and appreciate the work of our brothers and sisters around us.

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Whatever gift you’ve been given, it is from God and is to be used for His purposes. No matter what your gift is, it won’t prosper unless you use it according to God’s will.

John
15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

We are to be using God’s gifts according to His will, in the spirit of His love. He has given to us freely and abundantly and that’s how we are to share it with others. ?
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A ministry can be any job that needs to be done. We are all ministers to serve God by serving the people we can reach and showing them His love.

Matthew
10:42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 10:43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

We are to follow Jesus’ example in our service. He didn’t come here reluctantly and drag around doing His work. He didn’t do what He did to be seen of men. Often, Jesus did witness to multitudes, but when He witnessed to the Samaritan woman at the well, everything was over by the time His disciples got there. He did everything with energy because He knew His time was limited and He knew who He was really working for. We should know those things too.

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Whatever you do during each day, keep your eyes open as to how God would want you to use it. Everything that happens to you is for a reason. Some of you may be surprised to hear it, but by nature I am a very impatient person. God has taken me through some hard lessons to get to where I am now, and I still get new lessons every day. However, I learned a long time ago to stop getting too wound up if I get stuck in traffic or something else like that happens. It could be saving me from an accident down the road.

You’ve probably heard this interesting example in recent news. A lot of people up north were stranded on the roadway by snow. Along with them was a group of doctors transporting COVID vaccine. Since the vaccine has to be stored below a certain temperature, it was in danger of going bad. Rather than let it go to waste, the doctors gave the shots out to their fellow motorists that were stranded. For most of those people, they wouldn’t have had a chance for the vaccine for several months. Only God knows how many lives were saved by this.

When you’re stuck in any situation, stop and look for God. If your car dies in the middle of nowhere, maybe God has something to say to you and that’s the only way He can get you to be quiet enough to listen. Whatever we’re doing, God wants us to keep our focus on Him and His will and not to be doing things to serve ourselves or to be seen by other people.

Matthew
6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

We’ve all heard that God knows our secret sins. He also knows our secret obedience. Some say the definition of character is what you do when no one is looking. God knows your true character no matter how good or bad the world thinks you are.

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This means we are to make sure our love and our works are pure. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. If we’re doing things for people because we hope to make some gain from it, then we’re acting out of selfish motives. Check your own motives and desires. Sit down with God and His word. He will help you see the parts of you H e wants to change. It won’t happen overnight, but God will clean us from the inside out. That begins when you surrender your life to God through Jesus and it ends when it’s your time to go home. God wants to work in you and through you for the rest of your life. It is a process that happens every day and every hour of the day.

James
3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 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. 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 4:2 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. 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Faith not Flesh

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02/07/21 – Romans 8:5-11

8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

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Going along in our daily lives, it can be easy to get our focus set on the needs of this world. When you’re hungry, that gets a lot of your attention. When you’re cold, it can be hard to think about anything else. We have to learn to look past the comforts and discomforts of this present world, and set our sights above.

2 Peter
3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

These bodies, and even this entire world are temporary. One day, they will fade away. We have to learn to follow God and perform our work while we’re here, so we’ll have something that will last later.

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If we focus too much on the carnal things of the flesh, we will miss the blessings and lessons God is trying to give us. This world is a training ground. God is teaching us how to handle the spiritual gifts He has in store.

Luke
16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

God has given us all gifts and placed us in a position to use them. The more we are faithful to perform the work He has given us, the more He will provide. If we only use what He has given for ourselves, or aren’t grateful, we will lose something, either here or on the other side.

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In our flesh, we cannot please God. We can’t drum up some work we want to perform and tell ourselves that we did it for God. Anything we do in the flesh is going to be motivated by fleshly motives. We will do it to somehow make some gain. Maybe we even think if we do certain things, we will make God obligated to give us what we want. We have to set aside our own pride and willfulness and let the Spirit guide us.

Romans
6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6:6 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. 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

We are presented with many choices every day. The body will clamour and cry to get what it wants. The Spirit will speak to us in that still, small voice. We have to turn our back on the flesh so we can hear what the Spirit is telling us.

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We can’t fight the flesh with the flesh. We can’t try and convince ourselves to do right. Anything we do in the flesh, even denying ourselves fleshly desires, is doomed to fail. We have to learn to lean on God and let Him fight our battles in His strength.

2 Corinthians
10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Only by allowing the Spirit of God to rule in our hearts and minds can we have any real victory.

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The most sure way to find the will of God is to get into His word. In it, we’ll find the one true way to salvation and eternal life. If you have any doubts about your salvation, take them to God. I used think I was saved, but I wasn’t always sure. It felt like I was doubting God if I questioned it. If you have any doubt, it’s not God that’s weak, it’s your flesh. God won’t mind if you confess your sins and ask Jesus to save your soul a second or a tenth time. He wants to make sure your heart is right. We should want that assurance too. Many think they’re saved, but they aren’t believing in the right things.

Luke
13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

The more you study God’s word, the more you will find you’ve had wrong. That’s part of what spiritual growth is about. We have to find and remove the dead wood of our false beliefs. If we start with Jesus Christ and Him crucified, we can build on that foundation.

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Just because we’re saved, that doesn’t mean the desires of the flesh will stop. The enemy will still use the flesh to attack us. He will try to use it to distract us from our work and to ruin our testimonies. We have to guard against the flesh and let God rule our lives.

Romans
6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

The desires of the flesh are strong, but God is stronger when we learn to turn everything over to Him.

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Just as God was powerful enough to break the grip of death and raise Jesus from the dead; He is able to break the grip of sin and raise us up from our dead works and lives. He has already won the victory. All that remains is for us to let go of that old dead life and grab hold on the new life He offers.

John
10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 10:30 I and my Father are one.

Keep Your Focus on Jesus

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01/31/21 – Isaiah 55:1-7

55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
55:2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
55:4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
55:5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

1
God through Jesus has issued an open invitation to the entire human race. All we have to do is accept His free gift. There is no price we can pay ourselves.

John
7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

When we’re saved, the Holy Spirit moves into our hearts. As long as we’re in fellowship with God, He will provide renewal and strength. We are to hunger and thirst after His word, and we will be filled.

2
We spend our time, energy and money chasing the things of this world. God knows we need to eat, but He tells us that isn’t to be our focus.

Matthew
4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

We have to put our focus on things above. The best way to do that is to read, study and pray. The word of God will teach, correct and guide us in all things.

3
Jesus came in the line of David as a sign to verify who He was. His blood has paid the price for our sins and is the foundation of the New Covenant we have with God.

Matthew
26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

We have to take the bread, that is, the Word into our hearts. When we open our minds and hearts the Spirit will guide us to understand how the whole word is one message. We can’t pick and choose. We have to take all of it.

4
Especially in these times, we have to keep our focus on Jesus. He is the author of our salvation and should be the captain of our souls. If we believe the Word of God can save our souls from Hell, shouldn’t be also believe that it can guide us in our everyday lives? Jesus and God can’t just be a Sunday thing. We have been given a new life through Jesus. We have to live that life in Jesus.

1 John
1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Jesus died for the saved and for the lost. The price has already been paid. That’s what makes it a true choice. Everyone was lost before He paid the price. There’s nothing special about me that allowed me to be saved. I am a sinner saved by the grace of God. Anyone that thinks they are saved on any other basis is fooling themselves.

5
The Jews were used of God to bring Jesus into the world. They were far from perfect, and yet God used them. Even though we are each far from perfect, God can use us to bring the word to those around us.

Romans
15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Whether the time of the end is upon us or not, we all have a limited time. We are given each day and our portion of work to perform in it. We have to be obedient to God and do what He asks when He asks.

6
We are all blessed to be born in this Age of Grace. However, this age will one day come to an end.

Romans
13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Everyone since Paul has been looking for Jesus’ return, but the fact that it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean that it won’t.

Matthew
24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 24:46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 24:47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

7
We have a choice to make. We can live for ourselves, or we can live for God. When we live for God, He will use us to spread His light into the lives of those around us. If we live to ourselves, we will spread our own darkness into them. Humble yourself before the Lord and He will not turn you away.

Psalm
51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 51:15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

God’s Word is Eternal

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1 Peter 1:12-25

1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

12
We kind of jumped into the middle of this, but the “unto whom” are the Old Testament prophets. This is saying that those prophets, and even the angels in Heaven, didn’t fully know what the messages meant that God had given them. Yet, they trusted God and passed it on to us. Some of them spoke prophesy that came to pass many thousands of years ago. Some gave prophesy to testify as to who Jesus is, and some spoke into times yet to come. Together they show us that God’s word is to be trusted and will not fail.

All God has ever asked of man is that we believe His word. When we do that, we allow Him to work in our lives. In ages to come, we will be on display in Heaven as a testament of His grace and power. He is able to save even wicked, weak little creatures like us when we trust in His word.

Ephesians
2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

13
Just because He has done all the work doesn’t mean we don’t have work to do. God has a purpose in all things, including in each and every one of our lives. We have to read and study His word and pray that He will guide us in His plan.

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

Once we’re saved, the Holy Spirit will begin to clean, guide and teach us. We have to make use of what limited time we have here to learn all we can. Just like earthly children, the more we can learn by hearing, the less we have to be corrected and learn the hard way.

14
It doesn’t matter where we were when God found us. What matters is where He is leading us.

Ephesians
4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

We have to let go of the past. We can learn from our old mistakes, but we aren’t to live in them. God has forgiven us, so we have to lay those things aside and live today with the goal of becoming what God has in mind for us tomorrow.

15
Conversation here means your entire lifestyle. We should try to do everything in a way that will please God. Most people at least say they believe that nothing in too big for God, but nothing is too small for Him either. As they say “the devil is in the details”. How we act and live in the smallest details of our lives builds up to effect everything and everyone around us.

Ephesians
4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

We can’t hold on to anger and bitterness. It is a poison in our souls, and it will contaminate everything in our lives. God can help us lay that aside.

16
We can never approach the holiness of God, but when we let the love of Christ work in, on and through us, we can be better every day.

Romans
3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

The only true righteousness we have, we have inherited from Jesus. We have to set aside any vain pride that tells us we can be good enough in ourselves. Then we can let go and let God work in us.

17
We can’t be saved by following some set of rules. God didn’t give the Law to save men’s souls. He gave it to show us that we can never measure up on our own and we need a savior.

Romans
2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

We can’t just read the Bible as words on a page. The word has to get into our hearts so we can know when God is speaking to us, and obey.

18
If all you’re doing is following rules as a show for yourself and others, then you haven’t gained a thing. You have to accept that God has spoken to man through His word, and believe what He has said.

1 Samuel
15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

19
Faith means you believe God’s word. The first thing He tells us is that we’re all sinners and have fallen short. We have to offer a sacrifice, but we don’t have anything we can offer. We have to start with faith in Jesus. Only His sacrifice can pay the price for our sins.

Ephesians
5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

20
Even though the prophets and angels didn’t have any idea, Jesus and His sacrifice was part of the plan from before time began. Jesus knew when He came, but offered Himself willingly, because He loves every one of us that much.

John
12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

21
Now, faith in God also means faith in Jesus and His accomplished work. Only His sacrifice was sufficient to pay the price for our sins. By accepting His sacrifice for us, we make peace with God and accept His free gift of salvation.

Romans
5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Many look with fear at the end of times as shown in Revelation or when we look at the end of our own lives. The unknown is scary, but we can take comfort in knowing, God is already there waiting for us, and Jesus has prepared the way. Then we can say as John did “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

22
God loves us so much that Jesus came and died for us. He wants us all to love and care for our brothers and sisters here in the same way.

John
13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Jesus gave His life for us in love. Very few of us will be faced with the actual choice of giving our lives for one another. However, we can set aside our own comfort or goals or pride in order to show our love for someone else. That’s how the world is supposed to see that we’re different; because we put others ahead of ourselves.

23
We have to plant the seed of the word of God in our hearts. We have to soften that soil so it can take root. Then the water and light of God’s love will help us grow.

Matthew
13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

When you’re planting a garden, sometimes the soil is tough and your hoe just bounces off. You have to keep working at it until you break through that hard crusty layer and reach the good ground. Just because you try to read, study and pray and you don’t see any effect, don’t give up. The more of the word of God you take into your mind, the more it will begin to work on your heart and soul.

24
This world is not our home. One day, we will leave. Eventually, even the very earth is going to removed and replaced. Anything we build that only lives here is going to fade away some day. We have to invest our time and energy into the things that are permanent. The only things that we know are permanent are God, our own souls and the souls of those around us. Listen to God and let Him use you to plant seeds that will grow into true fruit.

2 Peter
3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Whether He comes for us one at a time or all at once, we don’t know when our time here will be done. We should want to be found faithfully watching and working when that time comes.

25
God and His word don’t change. He has always asked the same thing of us all from Adam and Eve on down. He wants us to believe His word and trust Him enough to do what He says, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. God knows all things from the beginning and is working on fulfilling His plans. We have a choice. We can believe God and follow what He says, or we can choose to try and go our own way. We have a free choice, but God’s plan will be accomplished and we will serve our part in it.

Isaiah
55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Don’t Believe the Lies of the Enemy

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1 Timothy 6:3-12

6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
6:10 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.
6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
6:12 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.

3
We’ve talked many times about how there is a lot of false doctrine in the world. Whether it’s coming from TV, on the radio, the internet, a book, or a pulpit, we have to guard against this and make sure we’re following the true Word. The first test is always Jesus.

1 John
4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

The world has itching ears and they’re seeking people that will tell them what they want to hear. Don’t be like them. Look to the word first as the source of truth. Let it guide and cleanse you, rather than trying to use it as a salve or makeup to cover things up.

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4
They can make it sound very convincing. They can pull out a verse here or a word there and twist it to make it sound like they’re right. That’s why you have to get into the word for yourself, and not just part of it. The whole word holds together as one complete message. You can’t take one little piece and make it say what you want. You can’t know it all at once, and you’ll learn that you have some things wrong as you go along your way, but the Spirit will guide you if you open your heart and mind.

Isaiah 28:9-13
28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

When we take the whole word into our hearts, it gives us rest and strength because it tells us how Christ has already won the victory and prepared a place for us. If we just look at the Bible as a book of rules, we can build a fine looking house of cards, but it won’t hold up in times of trial because it doesn’t have the right foundation.

5
One popular lie going around now is what some call “abundance ministry”. Basically, they teach that if you are doing what you should, then God will bless you with worldly goods. Some even go so far as to say that God has to bless you, like you are somehow forcing God.

God may give you blessings here on Earth, but whatever He gives you is for one purpose. God’s goal is to save your soul and prepare you for eternity, not to pamper you while you’re here. These folks are a perfect example of taking a part of one verse and twisting it out of recognition.

John
10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

So you see how they lifted one part of one verse out, but pay attention to what Jesus is really saying.

10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Just because there’s a wolf at the door doesn’t mean God has abandoned you, or that you have done something wrong. It may mean that He wants to show how He can save you from the wolf.

6
When we trust the Lord, we can have His peace in all situations. It can be scary and hard to let go of the reins when we seem to be heading toward a cliff, but we have to turn everything over to God and let Him rule our lives.

Philippians
4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

One of the biggest lessons God wants us to learn here is to let go and let God work in our lives. He will provide what you need. That may not look at all like what you want. We have to trust His word and know that He will take care of us.

That’s not to say that we’re to just sit back and do nothing. You see Paul is saying that he has also learned to be hungry. We have to want to seek His will and follow where He leads. To update an old saying “When a farmer prays for rain, God expects him to say Amen with his tractor”.

7-8
It can be easy to get our focus on the things of this world. When we’re cold or hungry or scared, those are powerful drives. Fear of want can also make us slaves to worry. Worry is a sin, because it shows that we don’t trust God. We have to let God work in us. He will help us learn to lay our troubles down before Him.

Matthew
6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 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.

If you’re looking at some great problem and you don’t think there’s any way you can solve it, you’re probably right. You have to take that problem and compare it to how great God is. He is interested in every one of us. Whether your problem is given to you by God or you’re just reaping the harvest of some seed you’ve sown, God will help you reach the other side.

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9
People chase after the things of this world thinking that will bring them happiness. They say
“ If only I had that new job, or a new car or a new house I’d be happy”, but that is a lie of the enemy. You are made to be in fellowship with God. It is built in to every heart. When we try and replace God with things, it can never bring any lasting joy. We’re told that covetousness is idolatry. That is, when we focus on what we want or have instead of God, that becomes the same as a heathen bowing down to a lump of wood or gold.

Romans
6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield ourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

We are not to be servants, that is slaves, to the dead things of this world. We are to yield ourselves to God and He will guide us into true life.

10
Many read this and think it’s just a warning to the rich. You don’t have to be rich to worship money. I know when I had the least money in my life, chasing it consumed a lot of my thought and energy. Whatever we have in this life is just a tool. If God has given you money, you need to thank God and find His purpose in it. If He has given you lean times, you need to thank God and find His purpose in it. God doesn’t care what we have. He’s trying to teach us to properly use what He has given us.

Luke
12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

The rich man thought he had safety in his abundance. Rather than seeking God’s will for the bounty He had provided, the man sought to use it to live a life of ease. There are times God will have us store up provisions. He had Joseph building barns in Egypt for seven years. The key is to seek and follow God’s will in whatever He provides.
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11
The flesh offers us pride, hatred, lust, envy, and greed. The Spirit operates in truth, love and humility. We have to look at our motives and what we’re allowing to drive us. Before you make some hasty decision or take some rash action, talk to God about it. If He doesn’t answer you right off, step back and take the time to wait for an answer. Very few things are as urgent as they may seem in the moment. Above all, make sure whatever you choose to do lines up with the word of God. You can be certain that God won’t direct you to do something that goes against His word.

Ephesians
5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Don’t take some person’s advice just because it goes along with what you want to do. If you don’t know what God’s word says about your situation, dig into it and find out. Then you’ll be able to recognize true, Godly counsel.

12
Living for God is often not easy. You’ll sometimes be asked to make some hard choices. Always remember what the true stakes are. This world is just a training ground. When you compare some small price you might pay here against the benefit you’ll receive throughout eternity, there is no comparison. We are living in dangerous times. The evil one is roaming about looking for the weak and injured. We have to trust God and help each other to weather this storm.

2 Thessalonians
2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God Can See Things We Can’t

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Isaiah 40:21-31

40:21 Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?

40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

40:23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

40:24 Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.

40:25 To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.

40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

40:27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?

40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

21

When we’re going through hard times, we sometimes question God. We can’t see all He sees and know all He knows. We have to trust His judgment that He will give us what we need, even if we don’t like it sometimes. At the end of Job, God breaks forth and starts telling Job and his friends how He has made all things…

Job

38:5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 38:6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 38:8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 38:9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,

38:10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? 38:12 Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; 38:13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? 38:14 It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. 38:15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken. 38:16 Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? 38:17 Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?

We can’t begin to understand how big God is, and yet He cares for each one of us. We have to trust that He knows what’s best and accept it.

22

God knows where you are and what you need. He knows those around you too, and He puts everything and everyone into your life for a purpose. We are meant to learn something and grow somehow through every trial and every blessing God gives us. God doesn’t waste His efforts.

Isaiah

55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

God’s purposes will be accomplished in each of our lives. The sooner we can start seeking and following His will, the better it will be. Jesus told Saul on the Damascus road, it’s hard to kick against the pricks. That is, it’s hard to fight against God’s will. As we’ve said before, the people in the Bible shows us how God blesses those that follow His will, and how the disobedient fall to their own devices.

23

God created countries and governments and uses them the same way He uses people. He raises them up for His purposes, and He rewards those that follow His will.

Romans

13:1 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.

Whoever your favorite president has been, God put Him in office. However, He also allowed Stalin and Hitler to reach their positions too. Every generation has to be shown there is a difference between good and evil, because we have such a short memory.

24

Just as God has allowed bad rulers to come into His world, He has allowed trials and temptations to enter into each of our lives. Often, this is done just so we can see that God is willing and able to bring us through the hardest circumstances.

Romans

9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

Both Pharaoh of Egypt and Moses were part of God’s plan. Each had their part to play in displaying the power and glory of God.

25

In spite of appearances, God always wants what’s best for each of us and for all of us. He proved that when He sent His son to die on the cross for our sins.

Matthew

13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

We are that hidden treasure and that pearl of great price. Jesus thought we were worth the price He had to pay.

26

Jesus was there in the beginning with the Father. He will be there in the end when we need Him most. He has all the power and wisdom we will ever need if we trust Him.

John

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Get into the Word. Read study and pray. The more we let God’s light into our hearts, the more darkness will be cast out and the more we’ll be able to see the blessings of God.

27

We sometimes think we can hide things from God. We can more easily hide things from ourselves than we can hide them from God. He knows us better than we know ourselves, but He loves us anyway. That’s because He also knows what we can become. He has planted a seed within each of us. When we seek His light, we help that seed to grow.

John

3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

God wants us all to walk in the light of His love. That is one of His purposes in our lives; to show us that we can trust Him.

28

We can’t hide from God. We can’t fool Him or bargain with Him. He’s told us plainly what we have to do. We have to step out in faith and follow His word.

Mark

4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

“A good man gone bad is usually a bad man found out.” We all know our hearts and our faults. God does too, so we may as well confess them to Him and let Him help us. He knows where we are and where we’ve come from. More importantly, He knows where we’re going and the path we need to follow to get there.

29

God knows we are powerless in ourselves. That’s why He’s told us to let Him fight our battles. Many things are beyond our strength, and most things are beyond our wisdom.

Matthew

11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jesus has already borne the burden of our sin debt. He has paid the price. We were never meant to bear that alone. We have to lay it down before the Lord and accept the Mercy and Grace He has so freely given to us.

30

We can’t fight our battles alone. The pride that tells us we can is just another lie of the enemy. It doesn’t matter what you have. If you don’t have God in your life, there’s an empty spot in your soul and nothing in this world can fill it. Look at all the examples of the rich and powerful people in this world that have led miserable lives, because they tried to fill their soul with the wrong things.

1 Corinthians

1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

We all have sinned and fallen short. We don’t receive the gift of salvation because we deserve it. It is a free gift of God. It is to His glory that He is able to save sinners like us. He gives us His righteousness because we don’t have any of our own.

31

We try and push and pull and make things happen on our schedule. God does things in the fullness of time. He knows when the time is right to give us the things we want. He also knows how long to make us wait on the things we don’t need. When we try to get ahead of God, we often grab things that aren’t intended for us and which do us harm. Part of learning to trust in God is to also learn to trust His timing.

John

10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 10:30 I and my Father are one.

God has all the time in the world. He has eternity behind Him and before Him. When we wait on His timing, He will help us through our trials and help us to learn the lessons He has in everything He gives us.

Know Your Enemy

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Ephesians 6:10-18

6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

10
We all face many challenges each day. If you’re trying to live for God, some of those challenges have been sent by the enemy to try your faith or weaken your testimony. You are not expected to fight your battles alone. Our pride tells us we can handle our own problems, but God wants us to learn to lean on Him.

James
4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

When my trials drive me to my knees that’s when I can begin to stand. We see a lot of versions of this idea, but that is the point. When we reach the end of ourselves and reach out to God, He will lift us up.

11
The enemy is real. He knows the battle is real. He will attack us in many ways. The main way is through lies. He will try to make us doubt God and ourselves by lying to us. Just as God uses those around us to help us and build us up, the devil will use others to do his dirty work.

1 Peter
5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

As you go through each day, you have to resist the urges of the flesh to be angry or to judge or otherwise to be harmful to the people you meet. Just as you’re going through your battles each day, they are too. We are to let God’s love and word work in us to help one another.

12
The enemy is largely in control of this world. When satan was tempting Jesus in the wilderness, he offered to give Him all the kingdoms of the world if He would worship him. Jesus didn’t tell satan the kingdoms weren’t his to give, but told him that only God is to be worshiped. It’s fairly easy to see that the enemy has strong influence in government, media and even some churches. When you watch TV, browse the internet, or read the paper, the tools and lies of the enemy are there. Be aware of it and guard against it.

John
8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 8:47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

We need to be hearing God’s words. They are our defense against the lies of the enemy.

13
“Take unto you the whole armor”. We like to pick and choose. We’ll read some part of the scripture for comfort, but we are to consider the whole word of God. It all hangs together. If you read one part and you think it disagrees with another part, maybe you didn’t understand either part correctly. We have to open our hearts and minds and get into the word. The Spirit will then open the scriptures to us so we can understand what God is saying.

1 Corinthians
2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

We have to start with Jesus. His sacrifice makes everything else possible. After that, get into the word. If you don’t understand something, don’t let that stop you. Maybe that part isn’t for you at this time. The more of the word you take in, the more it will clean you and the more you will understand.

The word of God is a living thing. Yes, there are words on the page in the Bible. That’s not all there is to it. The Holy Spirit will help you understand and apply those words. This isn’t the first time these verses in Ephesians were given to me for the message, but this is very different than the last time, and if we are brought back to this passage again, the message may be different then too.

14
Jesus tells us He is the way the truth and the life. Any truth has to start with Him. Any righteousness we have comes from Him. We have nothing to offer on our own, but His sacrifice allows us to stand in His righteousness.

Romans
3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

When we’re saved, Jesus becomes part of us, and we become part of Him. We have to learn to trust in His truth, righteousness and grace to stand when we face trouble.

15
We have to prepare to stand. Our foundation must begin with the word of God. It is the only sure thing in this universe we can stand on.

Psalms
18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. 18:31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? 18:32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. 18:33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. 18:34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

The whole word is given for out instruction and benefit. Whatever you’re facing, someone in the Bible has faced the same thing. Sometimes we’re shown how following God leads to victory. Sometimes we’re shown how following man’s desires and wisdom lead to destruction. Once we take the truth of the word into our hearts, we can know that God is on our side. He won’t allow anything to happen that isn’t for our ultimate good. His strength is shown through our weakness.

16
Faith isn’t blind. We don’t just believe something because we want it and wish it would happen. Faith means we believe what God has said and we trust Him to be true to His word. That kind of faith gives us a rock to stand on when the world around us is shaking. God’s word is truth; it is eternal; and it will never fail.

Romans
5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Before we ever knew God or thought we needed a savior, He had already made preparation for us. No matter what we’re going through, God has already made preparation to bring us out on the other side. What’s more, He wouldn’t have allowed it unless there was some value in it to make us better.

17
Read the word. Think about God and what He means. The more we study, the more light God will shed on His word and our lives. It’s not enough to know the words. You can memorize the entire Bible and it won’t do you any good if it’s just word on a page. You have to accept that His word is true. When you know in your heart that God is real, it changes how you look at everything around you.

Hebrews
4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus has paid the price and opened the doors of Heaven for us. It remains for us to rest from our own efforts and enter into that work.

18
God is always around and is involved in everything you do. It’s good to set aside special time for prayer and to pray about special things, but we should be always aware that God is near and speaking to Him and listening for His voice. God doesn’t want to control you. He wants to nudge you into doing the right thing at the right time. He knows what we need to do and when we need to do it. We have to be obedient when He calls.

Galatians
6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

We are to be the hands, feet and voice of God in this world. We can’t let the lies of the enemy keep us from doing God’s will. Once we take that first step of faith, God will guide and strengthen us for the battle ahead.