An Old Testament Promise for the Righteous

Below is an old testament promise that God gave by way of David to His people at the time, Israel:

A Psalm of David.

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (Psa 37:3)

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

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psa 37:5)

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. (Psa 37:6)

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. (Psa 37:7)

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. (Psa 37:8)

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. (Psa 37:9)

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psa 37:11)

A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. (Psa 37:16)

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous. (Psa 37:17)

The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. (Psa 37:18)

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. (Psa 37:19)

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. (Psa 37:21)

For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. (Psa 37:22)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (Psa 37:23)

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. (Psa 37:24)

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (Psa 37:25)

He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. (Psa 37:26)

Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. (Psa 37:27)

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. (Psa 37:28)

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. (Psa 37:29)

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. (Psa 37:30)

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. (Psa 37:31)

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. (Psa 37:34)

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

But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. (Psa 37:39)

And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. (Psa 37:40)

Look at God's heart for his people! Just look at what God will do for those that serve Him! They will inherit the earth, will not slide, and they will be delivered! God's heart is even more clear for us today! God's greatest will is for us to be blessed and to be living with His abundance! Listed below are several verses that explain this more clearly than I ever could. There are more, but they can be found later if you choose to study this on your own.

Ephesians 1:3-6  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  (4)  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:  (5)  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,  (6)  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Eph 1:11-14  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:  (12)  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.  (13)  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed (absolutely sealed, with a seal that cannot be broken by works or by anything else) with that holy Spirit of promise,  (14)  Which is the earnest (token, small trinket that is like a down payment until the fullness is come, which will not come until the days of the final paradise) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

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

 God promises that it will take ageS for him to show us the extent of His grace and kindness to us. We have a token of our inheritance in our holy spirit within at the time of the new birth. What we can have in this life is incredible! There are so many promises in God's Word that it would take several lifetimes to list and understand them all. We can claim God's abundance, eternal life, power, a high standing in Christ, and a host of other things! All we have to do...is God's Word! He couldn't have made it simpler!

An answer to a question

Recently, I was asked a question about The Way International's teachings. The question was basically, "what makes you guys so different from all of the denominations that are teaching people today about God? My answer was simply this, "we teach about God from His Word because we absolutely believe that it is his will." Our beliefs and teachings, as much as is humanly possible, are accurate according to the rich Word that God inspired holy men to speak and write. We firmly believe:

2Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

God's Word also says about itself that:

 Psalm 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

If God magnified His Word above his name, it's got to be important! God loves us enough to leave us a road map so that we are not simply adrift in this life with no manual or way to get to Him and claim his abundance.

Ephesians 4:13-15  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:  (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;  (15)  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

In this ministry (again, I'm not saying that we are perfect) we teach God's Word accurately to the best of our ability. We strive to ensure that our teachings and examples line up with God's Word in it's perfect accuracy. That is why I will continue to fellowship in this ministry and have committed myself to it.

Let's Talk About Love!

What is love? It's not just the subject of sappy songs or emotions that one can feel. Love is something that God gives in varying ways. The type of love that is the subject of this teaching is the love that is translated from the Greek word "agape." The definition of this word, "agape," is "the love of and for God in the renewed mind in manifestation."

What does that mean? How do we employ that love? What the heck does this have to do with us? Let's look at God's Word for the answer.

Known as "the love chapter," I Corininthians 13 gives a great starting point for this study.

I Corinthians 13:1-13 [Young's literal translation]

If with the tongues of men and of messengers I speak, and have not love, I have become brass sounding, or a cymbal tinkling; and if I have prophecy, and know all the secrets, and all the knowledge, and if I have all the faith, so as to remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing; and if I give away to feed others all my goods, and if I give up my body that I may be burned, and have not love, I am profited nothing. The love is long-suffering, it is kind, the love doth not envy, the love doth not vaunt itself, is not puffed up, doth not act unseemly, doth not seek its own things, is not provoked, doth not impute evil, rejoiceth not over the unrighteousness, and rejoiceth with the truth; all things it beareth, all it believeth, all it hopeth, all it endureth. The love doth never fail; and whether there be prophecies, they shall become useless; whether tongues, they shall cease; whether knowledge, it shall become useless; for in part we know, and in part we prophecy; and when that which is perfect may come, then that which is in part shall become useless.When I was a babe, as a babe I was speaking, as a babe I was thinking, as a babe I was reasoning, and when I have become a man, I have made useless the things of the babe; for we see now through a mirror obscurely, and then face to face; now I know in part, and then I shall fully know, as also I was known; and now there doth remain faith, hope, love--these three; and the greatest of these is love.

This is wonderful!...If understood. Let's break this down. Verses one through three state very clearly that it doesn't matter what I am doing, if I'm not doing it with God's love, there is no profit. Thinking about this, it doesn't seem to make sense, does it? If I'm giving to people, regardless of my attitude, they are still getting that stuff or those services, right? They are. Other people my benefit from my giving or serving, but if I'm not doing it with that agape love, I get no benefit. That's not God's will. God's will is for me to have the more abundant life! That means that God wants me to grow and be blessed as I give. This can be clearly seen both in the immediate context of I Corinthians 12-14 as well as in the whole Word of God. In John 10:10 we see that God sent his son so that we could have a life more than abundant. In Ephesians 3:20 we see that God will do for us things that are exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ever ask or even think. We see various promises throughout The Word that state that God will answer our prayers. We see that God wants the best for us! In Malachi 3:10, God tells his people that if they even just tithe, he will pour out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it. With this knowledge, it is clear that God does want us to benefit from our giving. Let's look at an extremely clear and vivid example of a person not giving in love and not getting any benefit from their giving.

Acts 5:1-10 (KJV)

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

They gave. They had indeed sold one of their possessions, and they did give of that to the church. Would you say though, that they benefited from that giving? I would say...NO!!! Ananias and Sephira had a heart problem in this section. Their actions were not fueled by love, not at all. They were giving for unloving reasons, and in this case, that actually opened the door for the adversary to do some very destructive things. They even died! Peter said, "Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." They lied to God and to men. Remember what it says about love in I Corinthians 13? Let's look at verses five and six again:

[Love] doth not act unseemly, doth not seek its own things, is not provoked, doth not impute evil, rejoiceth not over the unrighteousness, and rejoiceth with the truth;

Would you say that Ananias and Sephira were rejoicing in truth or behaving themselves in a seemly way? Would you say that they were seeking the things of others first instead of their own things? Certainly not! Their giving was not motivated by love, so they did not receive the benefits of their giving and the final consequence of their broken fellowship with The Father was that He was not able to protect them, and the adversary was able to get into their hearts and kill them.They had a heart problem that led to a fatal end.

Now, if they had been honest and had been giving the same part of what they had received, if their actions had been the same, but their hearts were right, this story would have gone very differently. If they had been acting in exactly the same manner, but with hearts motivated by love, God would have been able to bless them greatly! If they had been acting in love, they would not have lied. When we give in love, there is no reason to lie. There just isn't!

The Word doesn't expound on the thought patterns that led up to their deception. They may have been fearful of what the elders would say if the elders knew that they hadn't given all that they received for the sale. They may have been searching after glory. They may have really needed the amount that they kept from the sale. The bottom line is that the Word doesn't say. What God's Word says about this is that they forged an agreement together to lie to the men of God about how much they received and say that they were giving to the church 100% of what they received rather than the portion that they were actually giving.

From this section, we saw a clear example of what giving in love is not. What is an example for us to follow? There are several in God's Word. The greatest example, of course, is Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 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.

John 15:9-13

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Mark 12:28-33

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

 Very clearly, we see that God wants us to love Him and others. He has given a tremendous example for us to follow in that love, namely his Son Christ Jesus.

How do we do this?

Romans 12:9-18

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil [detest the things that don't line up with God's word]; cleave to that which is good ['to glue, to glue together, cement, fasten together'-Thayer's Critical Lexicon]. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient [' to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments'-Thayer's] in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

God gives a tremendous blueprint for us in how to love one another and Him. We do our best and check ourselves to see if our actions are or are not motivated by love and make changes accordingly. When we are acting out of love for one another, ourselves and The Father we are going to be blessed. It's a beautiful thing!

How are we known by God?

God is very clear in His Word about how He sees us and how we can see ourselves. He is so clear, in fact, that He authored seven epistles just to tell us who he has called us to be and how he sees us!

What God's perspective is our state. Our state, once we are born again and are God's children, can never, ever change. According to God, all of the members of the body of Christ are His wonderful children!

Ephesians 1:4-6

According as he hath chosen [selected, picked, called] us in him before the foundation [(Greek word) katabolē: overthrow or destruction] of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having [by His foreknowledge since he is all-knowing] predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Our standing, however, can and does fluctuate. Just like my mother will always love me regardless of my actions, and I will always be her daughter, we will always be loved by our heavenly father. There are times, though, when my mother doesn't approve of the things that I do. My actions don't affect whether or not I am her daughter (anyone that looks at our faces can clearly see that). They do affect the quality and sweetness of our relationship. Our relation doesn't change, just the relationship. The relation took very little effort. All that had to happen for me to be her daughter was for me to be born. The relationship takes work to maintain and keep sweet. This concept applies directly to our standing with God. The quality of our actions directly affect our standing, our relationship, with God.

If we know what our state is by reading the Church epistles (Romans through Thessalonians), how do we find out about our standing and whether our relationship is sweet with the Father? Let's go to the Word to find the answer.

John 15:5,8

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.- Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

 Philippians 1:9-11

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

 Matthew 7:17-18, 20

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.-Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

 The context of the passage from Matthew is in light of false prophets, but this is true of people in general. The fruit being referenced is the manifestation in the senses realm of the effect that those people are producing. It's what can be seen in their walk day by day and moment by moment. It's the effect of their thoughts, actions and words. We know people's fruit and are able to get insight into what is going on behind the scenes in their lives. What type of fruit is there, and what does that fruit indicate?

God's Word gives very clear answers.

Galatians 5:17, 19-23

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.-Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness (unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence), Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance (always changing or disagreeing with the truth), emulations (an envious and contentious rivalry, imitation or mocking, jealousy), wrath, strife (conflict or competition), seditions (rebelliousness), heresies (lying or blaspheming), Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings (letting loose, rioting), and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

  When we are observing ourselves and others in the body, we can look at the fruit we or they are producing. If the thoughts and motivations behind the actions we take are godly, the fruit that we produce will reflect that. We will be manifesting the more than abundant life in our quality of living and love. The opposite is also true. When we miss the mark and our deeds and words are being motivated by less than godly influences, we will not be manifesting the more than abundant quality of life. God is wonderfully clear! We are always his children, and that never  changes, but we can use our 5 senses to see what is going on in our walk with the Father. All that we have to do is look at the fruit!

so, I know that it's been a while...

Life has simply been tremendous and a push lately. In the area where I live, The Word has been moving very quickly and dynamically. We ran a Defeating the Adversary class, and it was awesome! The Word that was taught was prepared so simply and wonderfully that it was inspiring to the students that were sitting through the class for their first time as well as those that were taking it again. At the close of the class, one of the teachers of the class shared with the students a challenge. This challenge was to speak God's Word mightily and dynamically and to reach people that were hungry for the truth of God's Word. The goal of the challenge was to unify the body of people there in the aspect of outreach. The desired effect was the growth of the individuals in our area as well as the growth of the body of believers in this area. One measurement of this goal was the upcoming foundational class that we are going to run in April. The teacher that laid down this challenge said that we want to reach enough people that are really wanting The Word NOW, and to be able to sign the number of students necessary to run this class in a short period of time...two weeks. That would mean that we would be registering at least one person for the class every two days.

The gauntlet was laid, and the race began. It has been so fulfilling and amazing to see the lives of the believers increase in quality as they have worked to satisfy and meet this goal! Seeing people really get excited about speaking for God and being His ambassadors has been both wonderful and inspiring. God's Word really does stand always!

 Php 3:12-15

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. 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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect [mature], be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

p.s. I'll let you know later how the class goes...

Ephesians 3:9 ~ The Administration of the Mystery

Ephesians 3:9 (KJV)

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

The phrase "by Jesus Christ" cannot be found in any Greek text except the Stephens text from which the King James version is translated. Since these words don't appear in the other 12 critical Greek texts, it should certainly be disregarded and deleted from this verse. "Men" was added by the translators also, so "men" can also be deleted. Therefore, this verse should read, "And to make all see what is the fellowship of they mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things."

The Greek word that was translated as "fellowship" in this verse is koinōnia, which means " fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse, the share which one has in anything, participation." This basically boils down to fully sharing. Backing up within the chapter, verses 5 & 6 give the mystery in detail. It says:

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.

There is tremendous unity within the Body of Christ due to the mystery in motion in this administration of grace. This unity was hidden from the world and everyone to preserve the possibility of the mystery. What was not hidden was that there was going to be something between the suffering and glory of Jesus Christ. The subject of the whole Word of God, in fact, is Jesus Christ and what he would accomplish for the Judeans.

Ephesians  3:11-12

According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

The mystery was hidden because it was God's eternal purpose. Think of what had to happen for the mystery to be initiated.

For this, let's establish first that Jesus Christ was the subject of God's Word. Then we'll look at what that has to do with the mystery of grace, then we'll look at our response by considering that we take the place of the absent Christ.

Jesus Christ was the red thread (the subject).
John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word (God), and the [revealed] Word (that would later be penned by holy men that spake as they were moved by revelation from God) was with God, and the Word (His Will) was God.

 (For more on John 1:1, read the chapter entitled "Who is the Word" from The Word's Way.)

John 1:45

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the (legal, not biological) son of Joseph.

 Philip knew that that the Moses and the prophets wrote about the messiah who would come for Israel. They were waiting for Christ. He was their hope.

Luke 24:44-49

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye he endued with power from on high.

 He taught his disciples about himself and that unlocked the scriptures for them. This prepared them for the day of Pentacost when they would get born again of incorruptible seed.

John 1:11-18

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

 Grace and truth came because of Jesus Christ's birth, sinless life, death, resurrection, and ascension. God gave grace to us through His only begotten son. Our big brother, Jesus Christ gave so much for us. That is why Christ being the subject of God's Word is so important. Hebrews 12:2 says that Christ is the author and finisher of our faith.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 Jesus Christ gives insight into our lives as members of the body of Christ. That means that knowing who Jesus Christ is tells us who we are today. Who God says that we are.

Colossians 1:18-20

and he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

 Colossians 2:9-10

For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead ( HeadGod) bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.

 That is who we are in Christ. Christ is also in us!

Colossians 1:27

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

 Without understanding Jesus Christ, confessing him as Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, we cannot understand the mystery. Without him, there would be no mystery.

II Corinthians 5:17-6:1

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

Our response to God  giving us this grace through His son is to know who we truly are and be ambassadors for Christ. What does that entail? An ambassador is (according to dictionary.com), "a diplomatic official of the highest rank, sent by one sovereign or state to another as its resident representative." An ambassador carries with him the rights, authorities and privileges that he has in the country that he represents. It's the same with our Christian ambassadorship. Everywhere we go, everything that we do, we are witnesses and ambassadors. We always have those rights and responsibilities because we are resident representatives for our lord and savior Jesus Christ. We have Christ in us, and we literally take the place of the absent Christ in this world every single day. It's up to us how good we are going to be at our job. Where we are, there also is Christ. When we talk, Christ is talking also. If a diplomat goes to another country, he speaks for the country that he's representing. His actions are on behalf of his country. It's exactly the same with us in this grace administration. So, what exactly do we need to do to be good ambassadors?

John 14:12

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

What are those greater works?

II Corinthians 5:17-6:1

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

 As we operate our ministry of reconciliation, we are literally saving people for all of eternity!

Romans 10:9-15, 17

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!...So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 I Corinthians 12:27

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

We have been called today to be God's ambassadors and members in particular in the Body of Christ. IN this fellowship (full-sharing) of the mystery, we are ambassadors of Christ reconciling others and showing them how to live abundantly, sharing fully in God's matchless grace!

Let's bring this back to the beginning now with this further understanding:

Ephesians 1:3-4 & 3:9, 11-12

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:...And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things...According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Kind of blows your mind, huh?

Jesus Christ is the red thread. God created us and had foreknowledge of this fellowship of the mystery before the foundation of the world. Everything from before the beginning was leading up to this, the mystery of grace. "Everything" includes (but is not limited to) all of the prophecies about Jesus Christ, how God has worked in people leading up to Christ (King David, various prophets, Ruth, Samuel, John the baptist, etc.), the life and accomplishments of Jesus Christ, the victory in his resurrection and ascension, and the day of Pentecost and the beginning of this administration as well as the making known by revelation to Paul the understanding of the mystery in the Church epistles. It's all led up to right now, this moment, where we can live the mystery together as the body of Christ and as his ambassadors!

Getting Casual

My roommate/running partner and I didn't go running faithfully the past two weeks due to weather and being tired. One morning though, we went running and started with the workouts that we were scheduled to do last week. Our workout that morning was one that we had previously done, and the first time we had done it, it seemed relatively easy. That morning, however, I felt strained and she really had to push me so I could get through it. In addition to the added difficulty, I was also much slower than I had been. As we were talking, she shared with me something that her high school track coach had said, "missing one workout can set you back a whole week." I thought about how true this was as I was plodding up the stairs to our apartment, and I thought about how this concept applies to so many categories of life.

When we don't continue to be faithful in situations,  it's easier to not do that action. Once she and I missed one workout, it was easier to miss two. Once I slept in one day, it was easier not to get out of bed on-time the next day. One we don't soak our heads in the Word one day, it's easier to skip it the next day too!

God says that when we are faithful in little things (like dishes, reading The Word, practicing good hygiene, etc.) we can be given more responsibility to be faithful in much (moving The Word, delivering people from the hands of the wicked, leading God's people, etc.).

Luke 16:10-13

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. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?  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.

 It's so important to not get casual with God or each other but to be faithful to exert the effort. We endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). We walk circumspectly with wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-16). We continue to renew our minds to the Word and get busy serving to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:2). It's hard work, but we get rewarded for doing it (James 1:12, II Timothy 4:7-8)! We faithfully take heed to ourselves and continue in the doctrine that we have been given (I Timothy 4:16).

As we are faithful and don't get casual about doing The Word, we get abundantly blessed and it's easier to remain faithful. We keep the momentum going to go far and fast with our heavenly father!

three blessings

One day, on my lunch break from work, I went to a local buffet (after much indecision on my part) for lunch. Three things really blessed me from this lunch.

The first was that I had been craving a variety of foods, and they were each included in this particular buffet. This particular buffet also gives a 10% discount to my coworkers and I at our particular employer which makes it a better deal than any of the other restaurants that would have had the types of foods I was wanting. That in itself made this an Ephesians 3:20 lunch!

In addition to that, the second thing that really blessed me was that the people working at this particular buffet all wore smiles on their faces. And girl even smiled bigger whenever she saw that there was something for her to do. I even heard her humming joyfully as she cleared dishes and wiped tables! It was such a blessing to see people willing to work and to find joy in it! God created us to be able tot work. Somewhere along the way, many in our culture have become "me-minded" and have decided that work is a bad thing or a burden. God states that we should work and have joy in work.

Romans 12:6-13

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 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. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 

 Ephesians 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Colossians 3:17, 23, 24b

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and hte Father by him... and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men...for ye serve the Lord Christ.

 (for more on this, read "Laborers Worthy of Our Hire" by Rev. Gene Bianchi in the most recent Way Mag.)

The third big blessing was that I was able, using my pohone, to read my friend's blog (that's similar to this on, and that actually inspired me to start mine). It was amazing to me that while I was eating lunch by myself at a restaurant on my lunch break, I was able to receive wonderful and simple teachings from God's Word by a friend of mine that lives an 11-hour drive away from me! God's Word is so accessible in our day and time, but God has been ensuring that people have always had access to His magnified Will!

Psalms 19:1, 3, 4

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork... There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard...Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun.

 Hebrews 1:1-2

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets...Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

 Throughout history, God has worked in men and women to ensure that His Word is available to all that need it. It started when God taught Adam, and has yet to stop. He always makes known His Will for His people, and He is always. there. God is so faithful!!!!! He does the real work by making His Word accessible to be known. all we have to do is learn it and do it!

All in all, it was a wonderful lunch...

Part two

Psalm 27:1, 11

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?...Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 

 Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee....Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

 David trusted God to be his light and for God to discern the way that he should go. David even wrote by revelation how much he trusted God to do this. We can have that same trust in God to tell us what is or isn't right. One of the things that helps us do this in this day and time is leadership. God works in people to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). This is especially true in members of leadership.
Romans 13:1-6, 12-14

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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing... 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. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

 This section clearly states that disciples are to be subject to ministers who are ordained of/by God. Now, this isn't to say that people are perfect just because they are in a leadership position, far from it! The Word says that scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, and correction, not people (II Timothy 3:16). However, when the men and women that have committed their lives to leading and serving God's people give people the rightly divided truth of God's Word, their words hold weight. Regardless of who is speaking the Word, it has weight; God works in people to speak the right words. He works mightily in leadership to see the things that are going on behind the scenes. God sees the heart and motivations of individuals, and he tells leadership when things need to be addressed. The gift ministries were given to the church and are operated by individuals who have made the commitment to make their lives gifts to the church.

Ephesians 4:11-15

And he gave some apostles; ans some prophets; and some evangelists; ans some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a stature of the fulness of Christ. 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; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ;

 The gift ministries are how God ensures that the household continues growing and maturing. Without them, the household is missing an incredibly important part. The impact that these men and women have because of their stands and hearts to give are forever intertwined with their ability to function. Without them functioning, giving, serving and leading, their functioning is null. Without people with which to function, to whom to give, who they could serve and lead, they are unable to contribute to the church, and the body doesn't grow and mature as God designed. People are the members of the body of Christ. Nothing happens without leadership, and the people are necessary for leaders to lead. Leaders stand up for their people and work hard to keep the household clean (free from negative influences and darkness).



Again, this doesn't mean that the people in positions of leadership are perfect, but it does mean that the rightly-divided Word that they speak and apply is. The Word of God is perfect. It is always perfect, regardless of the source. When leadership is acting based on understanding, inspiration or revelation from God, it is important to listen. I have found that this is an invaluable resource that God has made available, and it helps because personal understanding can sometimes be limited and clouded. God gives perspective to leadership as he works in them to will and to do of his good pleasure. God works mightily in mature believers, and men and women that have been called to lead God's people are mature believers within whom God works. The Word works. It discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. The Word is what cuts the crap in life. It's what discerns whether something is good or evil. It's what tells whether something is in or out of the realm of God's will. I know that this was a long series, and that it sounded like I was on a soap box, but this is what I've been working, and what has been on my heart.

a recess...

I've been on a recess from this blog for a while. It's been a crazy and fantastic time seeing God go to work in my life and the life of others. I've been seeing God bless me by opening up a possible new source of employment working with a believer. I've been living my life on the give and have seen God open doors of learning and growth for me and those around me. It's been incredible to see one particular disciple who I have been undershepharding grow in her ability to discern good from bad and right from wrong based on the Word. God has really been making his Word and will apparent. Hebrews 4:12 says:

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.

When we apply the Word in life's situations, it's easier and easier to see what God's will is in those situations. In Ephesians 1:17-18, Paul prays by revelation for them that God would give them spiritual wisdom and revelations knowledge, that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened and that they would know the hope of the calling and inheritance that they would have in the mystery. We can also have that prayer for ourselves to know the spiritual wisdom and revelation knowledge in life's varied situations, not just as they pertain to our calling or inheritance, but in every aspect of life. We can seek knowledge and allow God to let us know what is the correct choice for us and for others in our life. God can direct our steps by making our way plain.

Psalms 119:104-105

Through thy [God's] precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The Word shines as a light that makes our way plain. It illuminates our lives and gives us insight into choices and situations. God's word also shines light in order to dispel darkness. The first time that we see this is in the beginning of this world. 

Genesis 1:2-4

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

He was able to, just by speaking, dispel the darkness. Just with four simple words (in English at least), God completely dispelled the darkness that was upon the face of the deep. The darkness originated when the angel of light, Lucifer, fell from grace. That cataclysmic event brought the darkness, but God ensures that His light is always available. All that we have to do is flip the switch. How? We go to God.



II Samuel 22:29-35

For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

David looked to God, and God came through for him every time. David screwed up every now and again,  but God was his light and shield.

Psalm 27:1, 11

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?...Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 

 Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee....Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

 David trusted God to be his light and for God to discern the way that he should go. David even wrote by revelation how much he trusted God to do this. We can have that same trust in God to tell us what is or isn't right.

all about perspective

3:23pm EST, Sunday, November 27, 2011. On that day, and at that time, I had a thought that I never expected, and would have never thought would ever, under any circumstances (with the exception of being chased), ever think. This thought was: "I need to go running."

This may seem silly, but it's true! I have always detested physical exercise, and always thought it would be something that I would never do faithfully. Whenever I have done any exercising in the past outside of working, it has always been grudgingly and with a firm, unwavering negative disposition.

About two months ago, my roommate and I began a workout program. At first, I had the same perspective that I always had, along with a secret hope that my roommate would flake out on our plans so I wouldn't be responsible for not continuing faithfully (I'm so thankful that didn't happen!). However, after I decided to look to the Word about this, I began to think about how me being faithful to our running plan is a great metaphor in the five senses of me faithfully and freely running to serve spiritually, and that I was applying the principle of making my body an effective vehicle for moving the word. With this new perspective, the running itself got easier (it felt as though a weight had been lifted), and the time spent was more and more enjoyable. Now, I look forward to our morning runs!

 God's perspective is higher than ours. 


Isaiah 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.

When I chose to look to God's perspective rather than my own, not only were our runs easier, but they became more fun. This applies to more than just physical exercise. When we live life with love, God says that His commandments are not grievous.


I John 5:3

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 

We do our best and live with love, and God helps us out. Life is exciting!!!!!!!!!!

Faithfulness

As born again believers, we all have the same measure of faith as a part of our "holy spirit package." That measure at faith is by grace, not by works. However, the measure of our faithfulness is dictated by our works.

How is our faithfulness measured? It is measured by our words and deeds. Now, is this our others perceive us? Let's look at this example of Jesus talking about being faithful to pray.

Matthew 6:1-6

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. 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. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 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. 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.

If Jesus was teaching to be faithful to pray when we're alone, do others' opinion dictate how faithful we are? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's all about the heart


Luke 16:10, 13-15

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...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. And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

God blesses us for being faithful.

Psalm 31:23

O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

Being Watchful/Protecting Ourselves

Proverbs 4:23

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

The word "keep" here means to guard or protect with watchfulness. We are to guard our hearts because that's where our lives are! From what are we to keep our hearts?

Let's look at the context:
Pro 4:14-19, 24-27

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble... Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. 

We guard our hearts from wicked ones and evil. We are in a spiritual competition instead of the spiritual war of the old testament, but we still see this principle in the church epistles and books that pertain to the church of grace.

I Thessalonians 5:21-23

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 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.

I Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

 Now that we know from what we are to keep our hearts, but now, with what do we keep our hearts?
Proverbs 4:1-13, 20-22

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life....My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 

Proverbs 5:1

 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

Phillippians 4:6-7

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

God's peace reigns and our hearts are kept with WORDly wisdom. We put on the word diligently and apply it, and that's how we keep our hearts. What is that word, "diligence?" It means (from dictionary.com) "constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistant exertion of body or mind. proper attention or care."

See the emphasis that God puts on wisdom? Wisdom is knowledge applied. When we learn what the Word says, we have knowledge. When we apply it, we have wisdom. That wisdom is what keeps our hearts and lives. The Word is practical! The best knowledge to turn into wisdom is the Word for our time in the seven church epistles! Do it diligently!

be especially good/iron sharpening iron

This morning (er...that morning, it's been a while) my roommate and I went running and were pleased to see the police academy students at the track. In particular, this morning I started paying close attention to how they treated one another. I was amazed to see how they worked together and pushed one another to succeed and grow. At one point, I saw one of the men pushing himself beyond what was simply asked of him in order to help and push one of his classmates. This man was running nearly twice as hard as he needed to! As I watched, I was so inspired and touched by this simple act that exemplified many of the qualities that we in God's household exhibit as we walk faithfully with the Love of God.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Just like those students, we can help each other get stronger and go further. Strength builds strength within the household and within families and within any group of people. Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

In the household especially, we give to one another and serve one another to build each other up and add to the strength of the body of Christ. These verses are within the context of Jesus Christ talking with his disciples and answering their question of who among them would be the greatest. Matthew 23:11-12

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.  And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

We don't vaunt ourselves up or focus on ourselves when others have needs. When we live life on the give, God gives back to us, and the household is stronger! We get bless and so do those around us! There is no downside to giving.

I often joke about how my roommate kicks my butt when we're exercising, but I've always been thankful for it ( a fact that I tell her often). We are members in particular, and God gave us specific functions in the body to serve, yes, but He also gave us those functions to help raise each other up and to add to the body's overall strength.

Ephesians 4:7-8, 12-15

 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men... For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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: 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; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

We function for the perfecting or maturing of the saints! We have no reason to ever not grow as we stay in the household and in fellowship with the Father because we can push ourselves and each other.
THAT'S SO COOL!

faith/believing

Hebrews 11:1,3,6

Now faith is the substance [proof] of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.---Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.---But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The word "faith" in these verses is better translated "believing." God puts so much focus on believing in His Word! Believing must be important. What is believing though? Let's look into this a little bit.

The Greek word used here for faith/believing is the word pistis. In Bullinger's Lexicon, the definition given is, "firm persuasion on, the conviction which is based upon hearing, not upon sight or knowledge; a firmly relying confidence in what we hear from God and His Word. (believing)."

When we look at the root word for this word, pitho, we see that its definition is, "to persuade, win by words, influence, to speak with winning words...to be persuaded or convinced...to yield assent to, trust him, obey him, to have assurance concerning, to confide or trust to."

Knowing the definitions of these two words according to biblical usage can bring such clarity and light to this subject. Pistis is being fully persuaded on what we hear. On what are we to be fully persuaded? We get great results when we get fully persuaded on the truths in God's Word. On the other hand, we also hear things from the world. It's up to you and me to decide what we choose to "believe."

Once we are fully persuaded on something that we hear, we act on it. If I hear that a man is handing out $100 bills on the corner of my street, and I choose to believe the person that told me, I'm going to go down to the corner of my street for some free money! It's the same with what we "hear" from God's Word! We can get so fully persuaded on promises from The Word that we act on it and claim the blessings!

More noble than those

Acts 17:11

These were more noble than those [unbelieving Judeans] in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

These wonderful, noble believers were esteemed because they legitimately received the word and they took the time to consider it and make it their own. They took the time to learn and grow. They didn't passively take it in or let it go in one ear and out the other. Their focus and love for God and His Word are inspiring examples for us to follow today. God doesn't desire for His people to be passive with the study of His Word.

II Timothy 2:15

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.

 The word "study" in this verse is to expend diligent effort with the brevity of time in mind. It is to make the most of your time in God's Word. For most people, the time that they spend in God's Word is the only time of day that they get to devote solely to spending time with God. Reading the Word for enjoyment is a wonderful and beautiful thing, but in order to really get blessed by it, we need to be thinking about it and mentally digesting it.

Jeremiah said, "thy words were found and I did eat them, and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart." The word "REjoicing" means to joy again. He continued to think about those words. We can rejoice in the words of the Father as we continue to consider, think about, analyze, and seek to understand deeply what we read and study. To simply spend time looking at the words will do nothing (or at least next to nothing) for our lives. It's when we make it our own and retain it with conviction! 

we are spiritual athletes

In the old testament, the people who stood for God fought literal battles for Him (vivid illustrations of this can be found in Exodus, Joshua, Judges, First and Second Samuel, First and Second Kings, First and Second Chronicles, Nehemiah, etc.). For instance, the following is a word of praise that the Isrealites sang to God after being delivered form Pharaoh and his men:

Exo 15:1-3  Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.

There are a lot of gruesome battles that were fought in the old testament because the competition for them had to be fought in the senses realm. In this day and time and administration, we are no longer limited to our 5 senses. We have ready access to our heavenly father's strength and resources. The competition in which we participate is not one of war but of athleticism.

Eph 6:10-12  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.

We no longer fight physical battles. We wrestle and compete in the arenas of our minds and hearts. The allegory of God's people being athletes is found in several places in the Church epistles.

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

2Co 10:2-6  But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

 This morning, as is our custom, my roommate and I went to the high school track near our apartment to exercise. We are working to complete a running plan to build cardiac endurance and health. The workout to be completed today involved pushing myself to alternate between walking and jogging for a total of 2 miles (only a half mile to be walked). Twice in this particular workout, the goal was to jog at an even pace without stopping for a half mile. This may be easy for some, but it was definitely a test of my endurance and proved to be far more strenuous than anything I have done in recent years.

The workout finished with the second half-mile jog, and I was feeling tired. As we finished lap number 1 in this last stretch, the muscles in the back of my leg began to cramp. Shortly after we started lap number 2, the cramping was so bad that it felt as though someone was pulling apart my leg at the knee. My roommate had been encouraging me with phrases like, "you're doing great," "keep it up," and "just a little more." As she saw the pain in my face, she said that if I needed to, I could stop. The pain increased to the point that I couldn't keep going, so I paused. In that moment, she asked me if I wanted to keep going. My mind and body were both screaming "no!" However, I began to move anyway. I made the decision to prove God. I began to think about promises in God's Word like, "God has given me all of the things that I need, including the energy to be my best for Him," and "my body is subject to my mind, and my mind is subject to the Word." Before I knew it, I was beginning to jog again. I was telling myself things like, "There is no way that I'm going to stop competing in this life. There's no way that I am ever going to stop running to serve. God has given me everything that I need to succeed in every situation. etc."

As we rounded the last curve and only had the last straight-a-way to finish, I heard God's still, small voice tell me, "I have not only given you the energy that you need to finish this; I have given you the energy to sprint to the end." I was tired, but I made the decision to believe what He said and claim it. We crossed the line that began the last stretch that would be about 100 meters. Determined, I picked up speed and began to sprint. Before I knew it, I had left her behind and was crossing the finish line. Out of breath but proud and excited because of what God had just done for me, I slowed down and walked to the place that we had set our sweatshirts and where we would stretch. As my heart rate returned to normal, and I caught my breath, my roommate told me how proud of me she was. As soon as I was able to speak, I told her about the victory that I had just had as I claimed God's promise to me. We rejoiced together, and it was a wonderful start to our day.

God taught me this morning about the spiritual competition and how He is able and willing to help us endure and claim victory in the face of adversity. It was wonderful to have this reminder and phenomenally illustrated example directly for me of how we don't have to succumb or stop or faint in our minds to pressure. God both willing and able to help us and to teach us as we claim His promises. How Great! Our bodies our subject to our minds. As we keep our thoughts aligned with The Word, there is literally nothing good in this life that we cannot do!

I Thessalonians 2:4

I Thessalonians 2:4

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel [good news] even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth [proves] our hearts.

I was sitting in session 2 of our ministry's foundational class last night, and we went to this verse. It really blesses me whenever I see the notes that I have made either in my personal study time or from teachings. One particular note that I had written from my in-depth study of faith/believing a few months ago (more on that study later) was that the phrase "to be put in trust with" in English is the one word pisteuo in the Greek. This is interesting because the definition of that word is (from Bullinger's Lexicon), "be persuaded, rely upon, to trust, to the new testament concept of faith is (i) a fully convinced acknowledgment, (ii) a self surrendering fellowship, (iii) a fully assured and unswerving confidence." The root word of pisteuo is the word pitho which means (from the same source), "to be persuaded by winning words." God loved us so much that we have the amazing privilege to have and speak the good news of the gospel.

What is this good news? When we read the context we see clearly that this gospel is the teachings of the mystery, the revelation that Paul received of God. We see detailed especially in Thessalonians the mystery in regarding our hope, Christ's return, and that as born again believers we have eternal life (along with a lot of other wonderful things).

From what we know about this now, the verse could read:

But as we have the tremendous privilege from God [to be put in trust with the gospel (good news of the mystery, especially the hope)/to be able to get fully persuaded of the good news of the mystery to the point that we are fully assured and reliant upon it because we have been won by its winning words] even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth [proves] our hearts (because He is the searcher of hearts).

God works in you. Let Him!

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

John 5:17,19-20

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

Col 1:26-29

Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

1Thessalonians 2:13 

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

God clearly wants us to know that He both can and will work in us to accomplish His will. The only thing that can ever stop God from doing what He desires to do is our believing. God is such a gentleman that he limited himself. He gave us freedom of will. What God freely gives by grace He never takes away. We always have and always will have the freedom to choose what we want to do. This includes the ability to choose whether or not we are going to do His will.

God's will is perfect, so why would anyone ever not want to do His will? Well, as much as God desires to work within us, the adversary wants us to not let Him. The adversary will do whatever he can to pleasure or pressure us off of God's word, away from God and away from God's household. What do we do to keep this isolation from happening? Study God's Word, assimilate it into our lives, and live life on the give.


What does it mean "live life on the give?" I'm so glad you asked! It means to serve and give whenever you have the opportunity and means. We love people, and as long as we continue to love people, it is easy to give to them. Think of the last time that you gave something to someone or did something for someone simply with the intention to bless him or her. What was it? Was it blessing someone with food or a beverage that you purchased or made? Was it sending someone a text or message on facebook with encouraging words? Was it praying or speaking in tongues for someone? Was it manifesting in fellowship? Was it spending time with someone? These (and other simple things) are all ways that we live life on the give. Believe it or not, these are also some of the common ways that God can work in us! Sometimes it's as simple as giving someone a hug or even a smile! There have been times that God has worked in me to simply smile at someone or make them smile, and it turns that person's whole day right-side up!

Most of us have heard the saying, "God is in the little things." Clearly God is in the big things (ex: raising people from the dead, healing, other miracles, etc.), but I (and others too probably) often forget to look for God in the little things. He's that still small voice (I Kings 19:11-12), remember? It's a tremendous journey and walk with the Father to learn how he Works within us.

The gift of holy spirit within each of us is individually crafted and created by God to fit our unique bodies and souls. We can't expect God to work in us exactly the same way that He works in others. We can learn and grow in an understanding of where we fit within the body of Christ and how God works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure. The best (and only) way to do this is to serve and give within the household. As we do this, the household gets built up, our relationships get sweeter, and we rack up rewards in heaven. There is no downside!

God will work within you. You can choose to let Him!