Fighting the good fight can drain a saint of everything that they have if they are not being still. We know that we fight not with flesh and blood. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms", (Ephesians 6:12). But, sometimes we forget that the fight is not ours, but the Lords!!!
"Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still”", (Exodus 14:13-14).
"You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you", (2 Chronicles 20:17).
“The LORD has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised. So be very careful to love the LORD your God", (Joshua 23:9-11)
"Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” (Nehemiah 4:20)
"Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me", (Psalm 144:1-2)
"Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together." (Isaiah 31:3)
"And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee." (Joshua 1:19)
"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." (1 Timothy 6:12)
As we can see from the beginning, God has been fighting for and through His Children. If He did it then would He not still be doing it today? As the scriptures state in our age we might not fight and lose our life but our fight is one of Faith. We know that our faith is found in Christ and if He is for us, who can stand against us!!! We must position ourselves and stand still, then let the Holy Spirit fight through us!!! Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of being still before the Lord on purpose!!!!!
Psalm 131
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 LORD, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
From this time forth and forever.
Zechariah 2
10 “Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. 11 “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. 12 The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
Soldiers of God
Ever ready for the Charge
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Be Still Volume 1, Issue 2
One of the biggest and most frequent hiccups we face as we journey with the Lord is our straying from His path. Sitting still in His presence gives us the opportunity to understand instruction upon which He specifically has for our lives. The word "still" as an adjective means to remain in place or at rest; motionless; or stationary; free from sound or noise, as a place or persons; silent, which we spoke about yesterday. Today, we will look at the use of "still" as an adverb which means in the future as in the past. We stray from our path because we either stop trusting in God's Word or we soon forget what He once Spoke to us. David said, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand", (Psalm 16:11). "You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way", (Psalm 18:36). Walking the path that God created for you, must "still" be your heart motivation.
We see examples in scripture when our brothers turned from their path because of circumstances or due to unbelief. "“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”", (Matthew 14:29-30). There are many times on our journey where God gives us a command and we start in obedience, then while on that journey our circumstances start to change or because we feel like it is taking more time than what we would like, we start to stray away from the path. We soon forget that God is "still" in control. We have to have a faith that reminds us to be "still" on that path until God sends a message to move. If we are not seeing the results we desire or the changes that we want to come to past, that doesn't mean that God is not at work or that you should change the path He put you on. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts", (Isaiah 55:9). If the reason we want to stray from the path is because of fear, then we already know that that is not of God. We have to understand that life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. God is never in a rush to do anything!!! To be in a rush means to have an exterior force of pressure pushed upon you which produces a time restraint, God is outside of any time restraint!!! There is no Authority greater than God!!! God said through Jeremiah; "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future", (Jeremiah 29:11). The question we have to ask ourselves, "Is God, still saying that to me today"? Today, still follow the path God has for you and believe with all your heart that "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ", (Philippians 1:6)!!! Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of being still before the Lord on purpose!!!!!
Psalm 131
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 LORD, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
From this time forth and forever.
Zechariah 2
10 “Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. 11 “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. 12 The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
We see examples in scripture when our brothers turned from their path because of circumstances or due to unbelief. "“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”", (Matthew 14:29-30). There are many times on our journey where God gives us a command and we start in obedience, then while on that journey our circumstances start to change or because we feel like it is taking more time than what we would like, we start to stray away from the path. We soon forget that God is "still" in control. We have to have a faith that reminds us to be "still" on that path until God sends a message to move. If we are not seeing the results we desire or the changes that we want to come to past, that doesn't mean that God is not at work or that you should change the path He put you on. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts", (Isaiah 55:9). If the reason we want to stray from the path is because of fear, then we already know that that is not of God. We have to understand that life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. God is never in a rush to do anything!!! To be in a rush means to have an exterior force of pressure pushed upon you which produces a time restraint, God is outside of any time restraint!!! There is no Authority greater than God!!! God said through Jeremiah; "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future", (Jeremiah 29:11). The question we have to ask ourselves, "Is God, still saying that to me today"? Today, still follow the path God has for you and believe with all your heart that "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ", (Philippians 1:6)!!! Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of being still before the Lord on purpose!!!!!
Psalm 131
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 LORD, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
From this time forth and forever.
Zechariah 2
10 “Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. 11 “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. 12 The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
Monday, July 25, 2011
Be Still Volume 1, Issue 1
In our society today, it is ever becoming harder and harder to just sit still. Technology has created such an ability to watch and listen to whatever we want, whenever we want from a device that rests in our pocket. The time that we may once had in years past to be still and meditate on the word of the Lord or to just be still in His presence is being disturbed by the influence of technology. While technology has allowed us to be connected to great literature and lectures of God that we would have in other generations not been able to connect with, there is still a great need to sit in front of our Lord and Savior. Sitting and being still in front of our Lord and Savior allows us the benefit to listen to His heart on so many matters that we would otherwise miss. Having no external stimuli to distract us from our thoughts and the meditations of our hearts is a hard place to be.
When our relationship with Him becomes centered in knowing Him in intimacy, we gain such a wisdom and love that cannot be produced in our natural selves. It definitely costs a great deal to sit in front of our Lord, but the reward is greater than we can ever imagine. Standing still before the pure light which is our Lord and Savior exposes the depths of our hearts and minds. Nothing is shielded and we take a sober look at who we are and the impact of Grace and Mercy that was given us. When we sit in front of Him and make Him our high priority, we find that there is always another level that He is calling us to in the sanctification process. In any relationship you have on this earth, if there is not a regular occurrence of face to face time, the relationship is in serious lack. It lacks communication, intimacy, honesty, trust, safety, and love. We must turn off the T.V., shut down the laptops, ipods, mp3 players, notebooks, tablets, and smart phones!!! Today, resolve to spend some face to face time with our Lord and Savior, His schedule is always open, will you make the time for Him? Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of being still before the Lord on purpose!!!!!
Psalm 131
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 LORD, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
From this time forth and forever.
Zechariah 2
10 “Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. 11 “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. 12 The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
When our relationship with Him becomes centered in knowing Him in intimacy, we gain such a wisdom and love that cannot be produced in our natural selves. It definitely costs a great deal to sit in front of our Lord, but the reward is greater than we can ever imagine. Standing still before the pure light which is our Lord and Savior exposes the depths of our hearts and minds. Nothing is shielded and we take a sober look at who we are and the impact of Grace and Mercy that was given us. When we sit in front of Him and make Him our high priority, we find that there is always another level that He is calling us to in the sanctification process. In any relationship you have on this earth, if there is not a regular occurrence of face to face time, the relationship is in serious lack. It lacks communication, intimacy, honesty, trust, safety, and love. We must turn off the T.V., shut down the laptops, ipods, mp3 players, notebooks, tablets, and smart phones!!! Today, resolve to spend some face to face time with our Lord and Savior, His schedule is always open, will you make the time for Him? Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of being still before the Lord on purpose!!!!!
Psalm 131
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 LORD, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
From this time forth and forever.
Zechariah 2
10 “Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. 11 “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. 12 The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
Thursday, July 14, 2011
No Condemnation Volume 1, Issue 4
Psalm 103
Of David.
1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, my soul.
Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing no condemnation on purpose!!!!!
Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Of David.
1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, my soul.
Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing no condemnation on purpose!!!!!
Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
No Condemnation Volume 1, Issue 3
When we are discerning the voice of God in our hearts, we must check the fruit of the voice. The fruit of the voice will bear witness by our own Spirit dwelling inside of us. Does this voice lead me to repentance or to a deep depression? Is this voice tearing me down to build me back up again, or to destroy me? Am I being forgiven of past sins as I confess them with my mouth or am I constantly being reminded of my past sins and failures? Is the voice telling me what I can become or is it telling me what I used to be? Does the voice talk about me being a "new creation" or "just human"? Does the voice lead me to obedience to God's word or to disobedience? As we ask these questions we should see the fruit of the voice that we are hearing in our heart and our head. Always remember, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love", (1 John 4:8).
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails", (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). Along with the host of attributes that our God has which includes but not limited to; Holy, Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Just, Merciful, Graceful, Infinitude, Self-Existent, and Self-Sufficient is Love. If that voice that speaks does not hold up to the definition of Love given in first Corinthians, rebuke it in the name of Jesus Christ!!! That voice has to come from the one who does not know Love which is the evil one!!! The biggest discerning factor of weather the voice is from the Spirit of your Heavenly Father or from the evil one is FEAR. If the voice invokes fear then it is from the evil one and not from God. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love", (1 John 4:18). Today, discern the voice of your Father and rebuke the voice of condemnation from the enemy!!! Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing no condemnation on purpose!!!!!
Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails", (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). Along with the host of attributes that our God has which includes but not limited to; Holy, Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Just, Merciful, Graceful, Infinitude, Self-Existent, and Self-Sufficient is Love. If that voice that speaks does not hold up to the definition of Love given in first Corinthians, rebuke it in the name of Jesus Christ!!! That voice has to come from the one who does not know Love which is the evil one!!! The biggest discerning factor of weather the voice is from the Spirit of your Heavenly Father or from the evil one is FEAR. If the voice invokes fear then it is from the evil one and not from God. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love", (1 John 4:18). Today, discern the voice of your Father and rebuke the voice of condemnation from the enemy!!! Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing no condemnation on purpose!!!!!
Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
No Condemnation Volume 1, Issue 2
If therefore there is no condemnation to those that believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, why do we feel so bad when we sin? There is a major difference between condemnation and Godly sorrow. We all should fell a Godly sorrow when dealing with an issue of sin, the result of that conviction should lead us to repentance. When a brother or sister in Christ is used to bring admonishment and correction, it is to turn us back to the path of God from where we strayed. It is to build us back up and encourage us to keep running our race. "Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death", (2 Corinthians 7:8-10). Okay, so if sorrow comes by the Spirit of God which leads me to repent and be built up and encouraged, why do I feel like I deserve hell and God hates me?
That is condemnation which is a tactic of the enemy who wants to destroy the light of Christ in you!!! He knows he cannot take your salvation, "once saved, always saved". If he can keep you in a place of condemnation for sins committed then he can keep you from moving forward in what God has created you to become. "So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time”, (Revelation 12:9-12). Only the devil tells us that God hates us and wants nothing to due with us based off of our lack of performance. God was not interested in our performance for salvation, while He does want you to pursue holiness, His plan is that it can only be obtained by submitting to the Holy Spirit and pursuing His Son Jesus Christ. We have to continue to consume the scriptures so that deep down inside of our hearts we will have the truth of God's word to defend against the attacks of the enemy. "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world", (1 John 2:1-2). God reconciled us by the blood of His Son because He wants nothing more than to have an intimate and life long love relationship with His children!!! Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing no condemnation on purpose!!!!!
Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
That is condemnation which is a tactic of the enemy who wants to destroy the light of Christ in you!!! He knows he cannot take your salvation, "once saved, always saved". If he can keep you in a place of condemnation for sins committed then he can keep you from moving forward in what God has created you to become. "So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time”, (Revelation 12:9-12). Only the devil tells us that God hates us and wants nothing to due with us based off of our lack of performance. God was not interested in our performance for salvation, while He does want you to pursue holiness, His plan is that it can only be obtained by submitting to the Holy Spirit and pursuing His Son Jesus Christ. We have to continue to consume the scriptures so that deep down inside of our hearts we will have the truth of God's word to defend against the attacks of the enemy. "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world", (1 John 2:1-2). God reconciled us by the blood of His Son because He wants nothing more than to have an intimate and life long love relationship with His children!!! Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing no condemnation on purpose!!!!!
Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Monday, July 11, 2011
No Condemnation Volume 1, Issue 1
Condemnation is defined as the state of being condemned. Condemn is defined as to pronounce to be guilty; sentence to punishment: to condemn a murderer to life of imprisonment. Before coming to Jesus Christ and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior we were all condemned to an eternity of punishment. "He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned", (Mark 16:15-16). Therefore, as we accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ that was preached to use, we were redeemed from the punishment awaiting us for eternity. "He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned", (Galatians 3:13-14). Now we have to reckon God's Word to be truth by faith, that we will in no way suffer a life of eternal damnation based on the completed work of Jesus Christ. Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing no condemnation on purpose!!!!!
Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Spirit, Body, Soul Volume 1, Issue 3
If the war we face is between our flesh and our spirit, which will win? Well, the final answer to this question was answered by Jesus Christ's death on the cross!!! Every child of God will enjoy the ultimate victory of having their body pass away and receiving a new body that will connect with our spirit in Heaven. "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands", (2 Corinthians 5:1). So, if we know that we will ultimately win the war, why fight the battles? Because God calls us to live out our lives in a certain way. To a disciple of Christ, living out this life in the way and manner of Christ's example is just as important as getting into Heaven. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly", (John 10:10). Our Good Shepherd did not lay down His life just so we can be destroyed in this life by sin and the enemy. Jesus died so that not only will we have life everlasting with our Heavenly father, but so that our lives will testify of His glory as we live a life of conquering sin and preaching salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ!!!
This is accomplished by a simple principle that was explained to me a long time ago. It is a simple principle but hard to keep in practice. The principle is best illustrated by this story. An old man had two dogs, a black one and a white one. One day a child comes to him and asks him, "Sir, if you were to allow your two dogs to fight, which one do you think would win"? The old man responds; "the one I feed the most". We have two dogs in this fight, the spirit and the flesh. Now as we first come to God, we have to realize that up until that point the only dog that had been feed was the flesh. Once we gain our spirit, the flesh takes a mighty blow but it doesn't go away. At that point the flesh is still stronger than the spirit because it has had years of eating. Following the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ feeds the Spirit. It is not just enough to feed the spirit but we also have to starve the flesh. Cutting out some music, entertainment, friendships, relationships, and habits that fuel our flesh are necessary in building up the spirit and starving the flesh. See we can't feed both the spirit and the flesh because God's word says; "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth", (Revelation 3:15-16). We must hate what is evil and love what is good!!! Feeding our spirits daily will afford us a solid ground to stand against the enemy. Remember that our lives are not our own anymore, they were paid for by Christ and therefore we are His property!!! Christ gave us two commandments and they can only be fulfilled through the spirit!!! "Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself", (Matthew 22:38-39). Today, starve your flesh and feed your spirit, so that your Father may see your love for Him and your neighbors!!! Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing Spirit, Body, and Soul on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
This is accomplished by a simple principle that was explained to me a long time ago. It is a simple principle but hard to keep in practice. The principle is best illustrated by this story. An old man had two dogs, a black one and a white one. One day a child comes to him and asks him, "Sir, if you were to allow your two dogs to fight, which one do you think would win"? The old man responds; "the one I feed the most". We have two dogs in this fight, the spirit and the flesh. Now as we first come to God, we have to realize that up until that point the only dog that had been feed was the flesh. Once we gain our spirit, the flesh takes a mighty blow but it doesn't go away. At that point the flesh is still stronger than the spirit because it has had years of eating. Following the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ feeds the Spirit. It is not just enough to feed the spirit but we also have to starve the flesh. Cutting out some music, entertainment, friendships, relationships, and habits that fuel our flesh are necessary in building up the spirit and starving the flesh. See we can't feed both the spirit and the flesh because God's word says; "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth", (Revelation 3:15-16). We must hate what is evil and love what is good!!! Feeding our spirits daily will afford us a solid ground to stand against the enemy. Remember that our lives are not our own anymore, they were paid for by Christ and therefore we are His property!!! Christ gave us two commandments and they can only be fulfilled through the spirit!!! "Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself", (Matthew 22:38-39). Today, starve your flesh and feed your spirit, so that your Father may see your love for Him and your neighbors!!! Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing Spirit, Body, and Soul on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Spirit, Body, Soul Volume 1, Issue 2
"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies", (John 8:44). This stern rebuke spoken by Jesus Christ to the unbelieving Jews of His day, still holds fast to this unbelieving world 2,000 years later. The father of this world is Satan and as Jesus stated the father of lies. When Satan got Adam and Eve to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, it opened their mind to the ability to reckon for themselves what is good and what is evil. Satan being the wisest angel to ever be created knew that once they had the ability to think for themselves, he could separate them from their creator were he could then perverse their hearts and minds.
The issue fallen man faces today is the lie that the warfare they face inside is between their body and their mind, in the 'Mind, Body, Soul" model. The true warfare is between the Body and the Spirit!!! They understand that their body wants to do things they ought not to do and so they use their minds to judge what is right and fair. When they perform what is right and fair according to their minds then some believe that they are right with God. While others may also believe that they do not need God because they can do "good" by themselves. See the body was never suppose to be battling with the mind, in the "Spirit, Body, Soul" model. The body was to be just obedient to the Spirit. When we substitute the standard God has set in the Spirit for what we conceive to be just in our minds, we settle for something all together less. When we try to judge the actions of God, we do so with an imperfect ability. Those in the seat of judgment has to be wiser than those being judged and we are not according to His Word. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts", (Isaiah 55:9). This understanding should open our eyes to a couple of things. One we gain a better understanding in the ways in which our enemy attacks us. It is through the thoughts that are exalted to our minds, from our evil hearts, which we place above the truth of God's word. We also gain a more sympathetic understanding of fallen mankind and why it is so hard for them to accept the gospel of Christ.
Satan gets us to fall in the same way that Eve fell and in the same way that he tempted Jesus. "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world", (1 John 2:16). When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food (lust of the flesh) and pleasing to the eye (lust of the eye), and also desirable for gaining wisdom (pride of life), she took some and ate it", (Genesis 3:6). "The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread" (lust of the flesh), (Matthew 4:3). "If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down" (pride of life), (Matthew 4:6). “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me" (lust of the eye), (Matthew 4:9). Jesus escaped every temptation with the written word of God. Today, use the word of God to continue to fight off every thought that exalts itself above the truth of God's Word!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing Spirit, Body, and Soul on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
The issue fallen man faces today is the lie that the warfare they face inside is between their body and their mind, in the 'Mind, Body, Soul" model. The true warfare is between the Body and the Spirit!!! They understand that their body wants to do things they ought not to do and so they use their minds to judge what is right and fair. When they perform what is right and fair according to their minds then some believe that they are right with God. While others may also believe that they do not need God because they can do "good" by themselves. See the body was never suppose to be battling with the mind, in the "Spirit, Body, Soul" model. The body was to be just obedient to the Spirit. When we substitute the standard God has set in the Spirit for what we conceive to be just in our minds, we settle for something all together less. When we try to judge the actions of God, we do so with an imperfect ability. Those in the seat of judgment has to be wiser than those being judged and we are not according to His Word. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts", (Isaiah 55:9). This understanding should open our eyes to a couple of things. One we gain a better understanding in the ways in which our enemy attacks us. It is through the thoughts that are exalted to our minds, from our evil hearts, which we place above the truth of God's word. We also gain a more sympathetic understanding of fallen mankind and why it is so hard for them to accept the gospel of Christ.
Satan gets us to fall in the same way that Eve fell and in the same way that he tempted Jesus. "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world", (1 John 2:16). When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food (lust of the flesh) and pleasing to the eye (lust of the eye), and also desirable for gaining wisdom (pride of life), she took some and ate it", (Genesis 3:6). "The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread" (lust of the flesh), (Matthew 4:3). "If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down" (pride of life), (Matthew 4:6). “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me" (lust of the eye), (Matthew 4:9). Jesus escaped every temptation with the written word of God. Today, use the word of God to continue to fight off every thought that exalts itself above the truth of God's Word!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing Spirit, Body, and Soul on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Spirit, Body, Soul Volume 1, Issue 1
When God created man, He created Him in a three fold being made up of Spirit, Body, and Soul. This three fold being would reflect the likeness and image of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The spirit was to connect man with God, the body was to operate in the earth as this was what we were made from, and the soul was created so that we would have free will so that we could choose to love God. True Love can only take place out of free will, that is why there is no such thing as "I can't help who I fall in love with"!!! When God talked with Adam and had Him name every creature on the face of the earth, it was because Adam had a spirit that could be in fellowship with God. "Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being", (Genesis 2:7). The "breath of life", was the spirit of God, ("of" meaning "out from"). When Adam ate the fruit and became aware of his nakedness, God said that he could not live for eternity with this awareness of "good and evil". When God told Adam "You will surely die", it meant that the source that allowed fellowship with God would surely be taken. Sin entered into Adam and the Holiness of God cannot have fellowship with sin. Eternal life with God would surely be taken. Death of the physical body would be established. Remember, God is Spirit, that is why it is written; "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth", (John 4:24). Only the Holy Spirit can give us the power to worship in Spirit and truth, because He is the Spirit of truth inside of us. "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me", (John 15:26). Without the Holy Spirit, there is no way a human can live out eternal life in the presence of God, and the only way to receive the Holy Spirit is to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior!!!
So as humans all we know and talk about is the fact that we are made up of mind, body, and soul. See the enemy came in and unlocked that consciousness so that he could separate us from God and then control us to make us his slaves. The warfare that he has on our minds is so subtle yet so effective. The fact that we think that we are complete within ourselves is the greatest trick the enemy has performed on mankind. He literally cut out a major piece of our being and filled it in with something much less. He took the diamond out of our ring and replaced it with a cubic zirconia and we have believed that our rings are priceless. Our lives are missing the diamond and we have to choose to pursue the diamond over the counterfeit!!! This is why we must understand the importance of losing this life. Without that the Spirit, it is worthless. "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it", (Matthew 10:39). So he who finds value is this life, will lose eternal life because you have already received your reward. The Spirit you will need to enter into Heaven, you will not have. On the other hand, those who find no value in this life and lose it for the sake of Jesus Christ, will gain the Spirit and their entrance and reward will await them in Heaven. Today, seek the truth in God's word and lose your life for the Love of Christ!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing Spirit, Body, and Soul on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
So as humans all we know and talk about is the fact that we are made up of mind, body, and soul. See the enemy came in and unlocked that consciousness so that he could separate us from God and then control us to make us his slaves. The warfare that he has on our minds is so subtle yet so effective. The fact that we think that we are complete within ourselves is the greatest trick the enemy has performed on mankind. He literally cut out a major piece of our being and filled it in with something much less. He took the diamond out of our ring and replaced it with a cubic zirconia and we have believed that our rings are priceless. Our lives are missing the diamond and we have to choose to pursue the diamond over the counterfeit!!! This is why we must understand the importance of losing this life. Without that the Spirit, it is worthless. "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it", (Matthew 10:39). So he who finds value is this life, will lose eternal life because you have already received your reward. The Spirit you will need to enter into Heaven, you will not have. On the other hand, those who find no value in this life and lose it for the sake of Jesus Christ, will gain the Spirit and their entrance and reward will await them in Heaven. Today, seek the truth in God's word and lose your life for the Love of Christ!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing Spirit, Body, and Soul on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Friday, July 1, 2011
To Glorify God Volume 1, Issue 5
Psalm 34
1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of glorifying God on purpose!!!!!
Matthew 5
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of glorifying God on purpose!!!!!
Matthew 5
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
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