There is no Problem

In a quick summary of Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus tells us that worry robs us of life because when we worry it shows a lack of faith, "...O you of little faith." Jesus tells us that we are not to place our  affections on material things, not even our very life, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?"  What He does tell us, is that our focus is to be on "seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." Why? Because "your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." Jesus also tells us that we are of more value than all other created things.

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul addresses the same issue, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6) Although to be anxious can be, in a sense, a good thing such as, "I am anxious to do the outreach that we have scheduled on Saturday," the Apostle Paul is using it in the context with, experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome, worry. The Amplified Version puts the first portion of Philippians 4:6 this way, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything..."

The next part of Philippians 4:6 in the Amplified Version tells us, “...But in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.”(AMP) Therefore, a believers response through faith should be, "Father God, you said do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, so I am going to commit myself and my circumstance to you and do what Your Word tells me do. I choose not to fret or have any anxiety about anything. This problem is no longer mine, I give it to you and I thank you that you will work it out, in Jesus Name. I also stand on your promise,  "...that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

If we apply faith, this is an easy thing to do. However, for most believers it really isn't easy. Many believers have been raised where a parent, family member or someone they were close to were worriers and they themselves have adopted the same habit. We also know that the devil will use his arsenal to rob people from believing God. He used deception, although not specifically worry or anxiety, all the way back in the Garden of Eden to get the woman to reason that maybe God was not being completely honest. The devil deception continues today whether believers accept it or not. This is why the Apostle Paul reveals to us, that believers are to "Cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Although the devil may try to use worry and or anxiety to sway the believe from faith in God's Word, we simply apply faith to God's Word, and boldly say to the devil, "Satan, worry and anxiety are not from God they come from you. So you take these things and leave me in the name of Jesus. I choose to cast my care upon the Lord because He affectionately and watchfully care for me."  We say this with all confidence in God's Word because God also promises, "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

As believers take a more aggressive part of no longer focusing upon problems, but on, "seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" and "fighting the good fight of faith," they will enjoy more of the abundant life here on earth that Jesus said He came to bring. God's Word has the solution to any and every problem that believers may face, "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness..." (2 Peter 1:3)    So, if the devil tries to put worry or anxiety on you, simply respond to God's Word, "So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 AMP).

Glorious God

In His final instruction to His disciples concerning all believers to come, Jesus said, "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me..." (John 17:24) The word "behold" in this verse means more than to perceive with the eyes, but moreover, to enjoy the presence. Jesus would not have said this if it were not possible for believers to encounter. It is important that we understand that Jesus was not simply talking of His glory as the risen Lord now seated in heaven, but also His glory manifesting on earth. This should be a desire of all believers, that is, to have and enjoy the glory of the Lord manifesting in the here and now on earth. Why? 

The glory of God releases and produces something in the hearts of people that cannot be received directly through hearing teachings, reading books, or receiving an anointing through the laying on of hands, even though these are good things to do and can point us to the glory. However, if we sincerely want to be changed and transformed, we must have an insatiable desire to enter into His glory, into His presence. The Psalmist David said, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." (Psalm 100:4) and "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy..." (Psalm 16:11) It is in His presence where believers will experience things that are, "...exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think..." (Ephesians 3:20) It is the place where we "all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18) 

However, to experience continuous transformation, we also need to know how to respond when the glory of God manifests. There is no formula, method, or manual regarding how to do this, but we must be prepared for His presence to come. Sometimes, His presence comes to heal or deliver, and people are aware of it, but they do nothing about it; they don't respond in faith. Even though God acts according to His sovereign will concerning this, our part is to worship Him, or to say, "Lord, I receive my healing. I receive my deliverance." We have to respond to Him when His presence comes. If we have wrong attitudes towards His presence, we may find ourselves missing His coming. This very thing happened to Jacob, "Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” (Genesis 28:16) Even worse, we may find ourselves grieving the Holy Spirit. 

As we see, it is possible for us to be in the same place where the glory of God is present and not realize it. His presence is a gift so, let us not ignore or reject Him. God does not manifest His presence where He is simply tolerated, He comes where He is celebrated. We need to remain sensitive to how the Spirit of God is moving. The next time we recognize His presence, we can respond in faith and worship Him. When Jacob did realize that God was with him, he set up a pillar, marking the place, and anointed it with oil. (Genesis 28:17-18) 

I believe God is raising up a new generation of people of all ages who will know how to respond to His presence. A people who thirst for His glory to manifest on earth. The darkness in the world will become denser each day, and wickedness will multiply, but the manifestation of God on earth will also become more powerful with each passing moment, "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." (Matthew 6:10, 13) It will be in this generation of believers, of every age, every nation and tongue, that will impact the world and gather the greatest harvest of souls ever seen. 

I believe that entire cities and nations will be shaken by His glory and we will see some of the greatest miracles, signs, and wonders taking place where they will recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior. My question to you is this; are you willing to be transformed and be a part of the new generation? If your answer is yes, God will take care of everything because He does not want His people to waste their time following religious norms. He wants us to enjoy the highest dimension of His glory. So, let us move on to perfection in and through His glory. 

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." Jude 24-25)

God's Word Is Life

In defining what faith is, the same verse of scripture also defines hope, "Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]." (Hebrews 11:1 AMPC) The biblical concepts of faith (belief; a sure persuasion or conviction of the truth of God's Word) and hope (confident expectation of good in the future) are entirely distinct. We see this revealed by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul, "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Notice again, that faith and hope are quite distinct. Faith is the substance, here and now in your heart, of things that you are hoping for in the future. It is the assured confidence, it is being fully convinced of the reality of things not seen, and those unseen things are what God says in His Word. We also know that faith comes exclusively through the Word of God, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Looking at the Proverbs of Solomon, we find some wise words that show us just how important God's Word is. Although there is much revealed in Proverbs concerning God's Word, our main focus here is only three verses. "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh." (Proverbs 4:20-22)

There are four distinct things to be aware of; Give attention; Incline your ear to God's sayings; Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart. First, "my son, give attention to my words." When God speaks to us, we need to give Him our full and undivided attention. To receive from God comes down to one key point, how we listen. Are we listening with undivided attention to God's Word or are we listening to something else? Giving attention to God's Word is not only the key to opening His promises and blessings, but is the key to receiving and or increasing in faith. Many people read the Bible and never hear God because their minds are on other things. We must put ourselves into a position both spiritually and mentally, that enables us to hear what God is saying.

Second, "Incline your ear to my sayings."  Incline here means to bend or bow down, your ear. One cannot bend their ear without also bending the head. Inclining your ear, therefore, means that you are actually inclining your entire head. This implies an attitude of humility as well as one of being teachable, one who is giving attention. An essential requirement for receiving God's Word is to lay down our preconceptions and prejudices, open our ears, and listen carefully to what God says. We must also guard our hearts from rejecting His Word because it doesn't agree with some things that we have been taught as being true. This is why we must look into God's Word  without preconceptions and prejudices. We should come to God and say something like this, "Lord, You are the Teacher, I am the student. I am willing to let You teach me, so I bow down my ear, and I listen to You."

The third thing is, "Do not let them depart from your eyes." The key thought here can be summed up in the word focus. With natural eyesight, incorrect focus causes blurred vision. In the same way, unless we focus our spiritual eyes, we will always have a blurred vision of spiritual reality. Jesus said, "The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness." (Luke 11:34)  We must read the Bible with a good eye that affirms, "This is what God says, this is what He means, and I believe it the way it's written."

The fourth thing we see, "Keep them in the midst of your heart." The purpose of giving attention to God's Words, inclining your ear to His sayings and not letting them depart from your eyes, is so that Gods Words and sayings will reach the inner person, the heart. When His Words get to the heart, they will do what is promised. In the natural world, for some medicine to be effective, it has to be released into the bloodstream, or it will not do what it's supposed to do. Spiritually, God's medicine is effective only when it's released in our hearts so that it can flow to every area of our lives. What one has in their heart will determine the course of their life, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23) Jesus tells us, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)

Simply put, if we have the right things in our heart, our life will go right. If we have wrong things in our heart, our life will go wrong. So, let us keep God's Word in the midst of our heart not just in the midst of our mind, because it is going to affect the entire way that we live. Therefore, if we take God's Word according to how He has prescribe it, He guarantees us that His Words "are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh." God has given us free will, the right to choose. It is up to every believer to decide whether they will take the prescribed medicine, God's Word, in the way He tells us, that we may find life and health which God has pledged to gives us...

Contrary to Hope

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13) Much time has been spent on understanding faith and love, but Paul shows us that hope is also valid and necessary in the believers life. Paul tells us to "abide" in these three, which means to remain and or continue in. In this verse it denotes remaining in a place or in a state or condition of not changing. In other words, when the other things pass away, such as prophecy, tongues, and knowledge, (1 Corinthians 13:8), the sense here is that faith, hope, and love will always remain and of course the greatest and most important of these three is love. 

Looking deeper at this verse, notice that faith and hope are quite distinct. Faith is the substance, here and now in your heart, of things that you are hoping for in the future. It is a sure persuasion and non-negotiable conviction concerning the reality of things not seen, which things are what God says in His Word. The Apostle Paul tells us, "But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation." (1 Thessalonians 5:8) We see that faith and hope are located in different areas. The breastplate, being in the realm of the heart, reveals faith is from the heart, whereas, the helmet the hope, covers the head, shows us that hope is of the mind.

With that said, it is crucial for us to understand the difference between faith and hope, knowing that hope is important to round out the Christian life. Again, the difference between faith and hope is, faith is something that you have right now and hope is directed toward the future. Faith is being fully convinced "now" of the Truth, God's Word, while hope is the confident mental expectation of something good in the "future." This is why the position for the believer is to "guard our heart and mind." Jesus said, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45) The Apostle Paul tells us, "...be renewed in the spirit of your mind." (Ephesians 4:23)  Therefore, believers are to have hope in their mind for the future, and faith in their heart in the integrity of God's Word for the here and now.

Looking closer at faith and hope, we also see a spiritual connection between these two spiritual realities. The Apostle Paul reveals the connection through the life of Abraham, "Who, (Abraham) contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, so shall your descendants be." (Romans 4:18) Abraham believed, and, as a result, he hoped. Notice that believing, that is, faith, came first, and hoping, or hope, was the product, or the outcome of what he believed. We see this as revealed by the writer of Hebrews, "Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]." (Hebrews 11:1 AMPC)

We can say that faith is the full assurance on which hope is supported and therefore, faith, produces hope. Again, faith is in the heart, while hope is in the mind. Faith is in the now, while hope is for the future. Both are essential, but we must have them in the right place and in the right relationship. Next, notice, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) God is not only the God of power, of righteousness, grace, promises, blessings, etc., but also, the God who inspires or produces hope in the believer through the working of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul reveals a sobering verse of scripture concerning hope and the unsaved, "that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:12)

This verse show us that the unsaved are without three things; without Christ, without hope, and without God the Father. When you are without hope, you are without Christ and without God the Father. It is very sad when we consider this, especially when considering people who we know, who are not born again. However, on the other side of the coin, "the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:26-27) We see here that the gospel centers on this great and wonderful revelation that was kept secret from ages past, but is now revealed to believers, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. When we were lost, we were without Christ, and without hope. But when we have Christ in us, we have the hope of glory, that is, hope for the future as well as hope of eternal life.

The one who has Christ in him/her has hope for a glorious, radiant, confident expectation of eternal glory with almighty God, the holy angels, and the redeemed of all ages. That is what a person has when they have Christ. So, yes, hope has and important part to play in the believers life, but let us not confuse it with faith. Finally, although there is much to say about love, I leave you with this, "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5) 

On Earth As It Is In Heaven

Although faith is one of the most important aspects of the Christian life, I have found that it is one of the least taught subjects in most church circles. The word faith appears in the King James Version of the Bible 243 times; two times in the Old Testament; 241 times in the New Testament; with 29 times in the Gospels; and 210 times after the Day of Pentecost. We would think that it is a very important word that should be investigated, taught and understood. In fact, one is not born again without it, "For by grace you have been saved through faith..." (Ephesians 2:8). Because faith is absolutely essential to the believer, I would like to focus on four basic truths about the nature of faith.

We begin by looking at a phrase used four times in the Bible, "The just shall live by faith."   (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38) First of all, faith is individual. The righteous person lives by his/her own faith. They do not live by the faith of someone else, but must live by their own faith. This is the responsibility of every believer. Although God will honor the faith of another believer praying for you as a temporary substitute, He expects everyone of His children to acquire and live by their own, personal faith.

Second, we need to discover how all inclusive the statement, "The just shall live by his faith" truly is. Living includes everything about us, such as, breathing, thinking, eating, talking, walking, working, praying, everything. However, for the believer, faith is the only acceptable basis to God for any kind of activity. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "...for whatever is not from faith is sin." (Romans 14:23) This includes all activities, not simply religious ones. The Holy Spirit through the writer of Hebrews tells us, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6) All the works that believers can do, if it is without faith, it is simply that, works, and it will not please God. 

Third, we need to see that the life of faith is progressive. It is not static, it is not to ever plateau, nor is it some condition that believers can take or leave. Misunderstanding this aspect of faith is the greatest snare of the majority of Christians. Many believers often feel they can come to a place where they are able to say, in a sense, "this is it, I really do not need to go or grow any more in faith." This is what is referred to as, cruse control Christianity. It is the place where believers see no need to have greater faith, because they feel as though they have acquired enough. Yet this is not what the Bible teaches. Like natural life, maturing from infant to adult, the spiritual life or the life of faith is also something that is progressive, it never stands still. The writer of Hebrews reproves believers for staying in an infantile state, "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food." (Hebrews 5:12) 

Although in the natural, people do have an element of faith, however, it is not the faith that is required to receive salvation and live in the power of God. The natural kind of faith is solely based upon what the five senses, seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling, can understand and assimilate in the mind. However, if one of these senses is removed or severely altered, it becomes a difficult task at best to understand and live, because this kind of faith relies on physical evidence alone. Natural faith gives birth to many achievements in the natural, but is a poor substitute for true faith, that is revelation faith. This brings us to point number four.

The fourth thing we need to see about faith is that it is based solely and exclusively on the Bible, the Word of God, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Faith comes by hearing the Word, understanding the Word and having the Word become a part of us. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James tells us, "...receive with meekness (humility) the implanted (grafted in) word, which is able to save your souls (mind, will and emotions)." (James 1:21) Faith also comes by knowing that God's Word, like He Himself, does not change, "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89) "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8), because He and His Word are One, "For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one." (1 John 5:7)

Observing these four things should bring us to understand that our faith is not based on circumstances, emotions, feelings or symptoms. It must be based simply and solely on the Word of God apprehended without the five senses and then acted upon. "Nay, some one will say, "You have faith, I have actions: prove to me your faith apart from corresponding actions and I will prove mine to you by my actions." (James 2:18 WEY) As we see, saying I have faith without corresponding actions is not the kind of faith that pleases God. Faith then is the result of God's Word, not simply committed to memory, but dwelling in us, lived and practiced. As we think deeply in it and feed on it, it becomes a very part of ourselves, building in us confidence and assurance knowing, "...that what God had (has) promised He was (is) also able to perform." (Romans 4:21)

Good Fruit From A Good Tree

The born again nature does not need to strive to produce righteousness. All it has to do is be or stay united with Christ. So, the Christian life is to be a life of yielding, not struggling; union, not effort. Jesus reveals a beautiful analogy during His final instruction to the disciple before His returned to the Father, He says, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." (John 15:1) He tells us that He Himself is the true vine. The word "true," here, is used in the sense of real, genuine. From Him, as with a natural vine, comes all the proper nourishment to all the branches, whether large or small. Therefore, Jesus is the real, genuine source of all strength, ability and grace to all, especially believers. 

Next, He tells us, "My Father is the vinedresser." The vinedresser is the one who has the care of a vineyard. Taking care of the vineyard entails nurturing, trimming, and protecting the vines to insure their proper growth and welfare. In this analogy, we see that the Father gave, or appointed his Son Jesus, to be, the one and only source of all blessings to man and for believers, those who are united to Him by faith, He gives the ability to bear much fruit. Jesus goes on to say, "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:2-5) 

Branches are the fruit-bearing part that need very careful pruning. If the branches are not pruned, and are not pruned at the right time and in the right way, they will cease to bring forth fruit. The same life that is in the vine flows through the branches and the life in the branches brings forth the appropriate kind of fruit. Jesus also gave us a warning that is very important. He tells us that we have to expect to be pruned. With that, let's look at some real life scenarios in the lives of believers. Some believers have problems because they are not bearing fruit. They struggle with situations that are the results of their bad decisions and or actions. On the other hand, other believers experience problems because they are bearing fruit. The reality is, those believers who are experiencing problems while bearing fruit are simply being pruned. If you have ever seen a vine pruned, the process seems almost ruthless. The branches are cut back so far, you would think the vine would not be able to produce branches that would ever bear fruit again. But the next year there is more fruit than the year before. 

Another notable thing that we see in this analogy, is the work of the entire Godhead. We see that the Father is the vinedresser, Jesus is the vine, but also the Holy Spirit as the One that flows through the vine and into the branches. The life of the Spirit flowing through the vine into the branches is what brings forth fruit. Keep in mind that this is not the fruit of our best efforts, nor the fruit of religion, but the fruit of the Spirit. When the Father is pruning us, we must not give up in the midst of the process, but remember our oneness with the vine, Jesus; the purpose of the Father's pruning, to bear more fruit; and the work of the Holy Spirit, feeding the branch with the nutrients to bear more fruit. This process comes by us recognizing that we must abide in, that is, remain united to Jesus by faith and live our Christian life completely dependent on Him. 

In every area of the Christian life we are not to rely on our natural ability of doing what God requires. Let's be honest, most believers live according to the natural realm trying to do things on their own, yet, Jesus tells us, "for without Me you can do nothing." He tells us this because He is "the (only) way, the (only) truth and the (only) life." (John 14:6) So, let us come to the place in our lives (if we are not there yet) to, "Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMPC), or as Jesus said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." (John 15:7-8) Amen...

Pray Without Ceasing

The most remarkable and most moving prayer spoken by the LORD Jesus Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane. After celebrating the Passover, Jesus and His disciples, minus Judas Iscariot, sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30) Jesus' earthly ministry as the Son of Man is winding down. He knew why He had come from God and He knows what is about to happen. He takes His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He then takes Peter, John and James a little further into the garden to pray and says to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." (Matthew 26:38) Jesus then leaves Peter, John and James, goes a little farther into the garden, falls on His face and begins to pray. These men have seen Jesus pray many times but something was different. They must have noticed the sorrow and distress that was upon Him. What they didn’t know, was Jesus was facing the fact that He would soon be made sin. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us…” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Next, "Jesus came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:40-41) He warns them to watch, literally, to abstain from sleep; to be vigilant, to guard against danger, and pray that they do not enter into temptation. He knew the danger that was coming and how the flesh might possibly give in to temptation. He knew that He was about to take the place of every human being and endure the punishment that was required to meet man’s greatest need, redemption.

In the incarnation, deity and humanity came together. Jesus was not mortal or immortal, but a perfect human being as Adam was before the fall. However, as man’s substitute, He would become mortal the moment sin was placed upon Him in the same way that Adam became mortal when he sinned. Jesus knew that the moment He would be made sin, He would experience what Adam experience when he himself sinned. He would spiritually die, be forsaken by the Father and then physically die. He knew that as Adam’s sin made him subject to Satan, it would be the same for Him. He knew that He would suffer in hell until the entire debt that humanity owed justice was paid in full.

Some may have trouble comprehending these things, but they are facts, "And they made His grave with the wicked, but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand." (Isaiah 53:9-10) The word death is plural in the original Hebrew and like Adam, Jesus died twice, spiritually and physically. Isaiah also tells us, "He has put Him to grief…" The word grief here means, to make sick, to be diseased, to afflict. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.)" (Galatians 3:13) We see that Jesus was made sin with our sin, was made sick with our sicknesses and a curse.

This should gives us a greater understanding as to what Jesus was going through in the Garden. "Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." (Luke 22:43-44)  He alone must pay the penalty for humanity or humanity would be eternally lost. Did you ever notice that angels never came and ministered to Him while He was on the cross. I believe there was more spiritual agony here, than there was on the cross. Three times He prayed a prayer of dedication and consecration, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." (Luke 22:42) A more literal rendering would be, “If it be possible, take this cup from Me, not my will, but yours be carried through to completion and save humanity.”

After Jesus finishes praying, "He came to His disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand." (Matthew 26:45-46) As Jesus emerged from prayer He had already won the the first part of the battle. He was no longer in sorrow and distress, but He was the Conqueror. He was ready for the trial; He was ready for the scourging; He was ready for the cross; He was ready to conquer sin and death; He was ready to redeem humanity from the hands of the enemy; He was ready to destroy sin, disease, poverty and everything that was set against humanity by Satan all due to Adam's transgression. Jesus emerged from prayer as the righteous, conquering King of kings and Lord of lords.

The apostle Paul tells us, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) As conquerors our prayer is to be one that is rooted in the Word of God. It is based on the believer knowing that their faith in Christ has already given them the victory over the circumstances that life may bring. It is one that is conceived within the believer that gives them the confidence that in Christ they are independent of their circumstances and, in a personal sense, "can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) It is the assured confidence that God is able to do what He said He would do. (Numbers 23:19) So, let us pray like Jesus our Conqueror, especially when we are faced with seemingly insurmountable circumstance, knowing that we can, "Cast the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7 AMP)  

He Hears Our Prayer

Our Heavenly Father desires to be a part of our daily lives. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle's Paul and John tells us, "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:9); "that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3) As we see, God's great desire is to have fellowship, that is, companionship; to partner with; having joint interest; communion; intimate familiarity with each of His children. Naturally, the best way for us to accomplish this, is spending ample time in His Word which opens the door to a joyful, productive prayer life. So what is prayer? 

Prayer is our need crying out for help; it is the voice of faith presenting His Word along with our petitions to the Father in the name of Jesus with the calm assurance that what we ask according to His Will, His Word, He will hear us, answer us and the need will be met. (1 John 5:14-15) It is going into the presence of the Father and the Son in an executive meeting, laying our needs before them and making our requests for His ability, His strength, for grace, healing, financial, etc., for ourselves and or for others. It is searching His Word where we find His promise and then speak His Word through the lips of faith. It is as though He Himself is speaking, because He and His Word are one. (John 1:1, 14; 1 John 5:7) 

God backs His Word with His very throne. So, think of prayer from this perspective. If we were to take a loan from a bank and offer collateral to make the note good, in a greater and more confident way, we know that God has the ability to make His Word good. Simply put, prayer is facing God with the assured confidence that as we offer our needs and the needs of other to Him in Jesus' Name, His promise is to meet those needs. (Matthew 6:31-33; John 14:13-14, 16:23) However, we must ask with faith, not doubting, Jesus tells us, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (Mark 11:24) He also tells us, "...that men always ought to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1) Another translation says it this way, "Men ought always to pray and not cave in." You see, prayer is not a hit or miss thing or a when we get some time in our schedule or even when we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. It is recognizing that we are always in His presence and His presence is always in and with us. It means that we have an open and standing invitation to come boldly into the throne room, right into His presence. (Hebrews 4:16) It is a constant communion with the Father and Son that enriches us in every way.

One the the wonderful features concerning prayer is that it reaches to the uttermost parts of the earth. We see this very thing as the power of God's Word was released from the Savior lips recorded in Matthews gospel, "Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed...Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. (Matthew 8:5-8, 13) 

Though Jesus was not praying, we see in this example the power of God's Word, when released from the lips of faith, that it releases the very presence of God upon people even when they are not in our midst. God through the believer is ruling over all the demons and evil forces all over the world. His Word really becomes the sword of the Spirit, and it is waging a war against demoniacal forces who rule over people. God's Word through your lips dominates these world forces in the same manner and with the same power as we see in the life of Jesus. Jesus said, "In my name they shall cast out demons..." (Mark 16:17) This means that God through you, can defeat the power of darkness over the lives of others in Jesus' name. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "We then, as workers together with Him..." (2 Corinthians 6:1) How can we labor together with the Lord? Of course through ministry, but also through a marvelous prayer life. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter tells us, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood..." (1 Peter 2:9). The moment a person is born again, they immediately enter the royal priesthood and as a priest they become God's voice, His spokesman, His ambassador, in Jesus' Name. 

According to Genesis, God gave Adam dominion over all creation. (Genesis 1:26-28) That dominion was restored to us through Jesus, but it is of no value to us unless we, use His Name. Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18) The church is His Body, therefore, His authority has been  given to us as members of His Body. In the same manner that Jesus exercised that dominion during His ministry on earth as the Son of Man, ruling over the wind and the sea; over all manner of sickness and disease; feeding the multitudes and raise people from the dead, we to can exercise the same authority in the same manner. We must believe that when He said, "I am with you always, even unto the end of this age" (Matthew 28:20), that He is indeed with us in the Word, in His Name, and in the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

He has made us sons and daughters; He has given us the power of attorney to use His Name; He has given us the Holy Spirit; He has restored all that Adam lost, which make us masters over demons and all the powers of darkness. All of His promises are ours. Every believer has a place in prayer. There isn't a useless member in the physical body nor in the spiritual Body of Christ. The moment one is born again, you have a place in which to function. If any one thinks that because of lack of training or any other reason that he or she hasn't a place, it is the lie of the devil to keep you from exercising your authority against him. In Christ, you have a place. However, with that place comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes a reward or demerit. If you do not take your place in the Family of God, in the Church, and begin to function, the body of Christ is weakened because of it. Therefore, take your place. Give yourself to prayer and the Word. Don't allow anything to stand in your way.  

So, let us join forces with the Lord in our prayer life letting our authority loose to bring liberty to the lost captives and to be a blessing to all people, in His Name. Let's connect with God daily and regularly. For everyone who is born again, the Holy Spirit is always in us and with us...PTL

My Sheep Hear My Voice

The Bible shows us a story of a boy named Samuel who, "ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation." (1 Samuel 3:1) Although, there was no widespread revelation at the time, a wonderful thing happened, "The Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am." (1 Samuel 3:4) Though Samuel, according to the first-century Jewish historian Josephus, was about 11 years old at the time, and was not familiar with the voice of the Lord, he was directed by Eli as to how to respond, "Therefore Eli said to Samuel, Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, Samuel! Samuel, and Samuel answered, Speak, for Your servant hears." (1 Samuel 3:9-10) 

Often the Lord calls to us, and like Samuel we are not always sure of His voice. This is not a bad thing, but the Lord wants us to hear Him speak and respond, so He can direct our path. (Proverbs 3:5-6. Many believers look at Gods Word and see a scripture like, "My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen) carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body" (Proverbs 4:20-22 NLT) and simply marvel at the promise(s) of God. However, let's begin to see Gods Word as facts. We see within God's Word a wonderful promise made concerning His very nature, will and character, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Number 23:19) 

Because God tells us this concerning Himself, it is very important that we look closely at His Word and get it into our hearts. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Therefore, we conclude it is God's Word that not only creates and atmosphere of faith, but is what faith is to be built upon. In Luke chapter five, we find one of numerous passages of scripture that paints a clear picture of hearing the Word of God and responding to it as truth, reality, fact. In this passage of scripture, we find a leper who asks Jesus if He is willing to heal him. Jesus said, "I am willing, be cleansed". (Luke 5:13) Here we see Gods willingness to heal this man. As we continue on, we find an important key, "However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities." (Luke 5:15)

We see here in Luke 5:15, that a multitude heard His report, believed and were healed. However, in Isaiah 53:1, John 12:38 and Romans 10:16 we see the same question presented, "Who has believed our report?" This very question becomes a reality concerning God 's Word, later in Luke five, "Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. When He saw their faith, He said to him, Man, your sins are forgiven you. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:17-21) 

Notice, "the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason." Reasoning is most likely the greatest enemy, the greatest hindrance to faith. The writer of Hebrews tells us concerning many Jews, "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." (Hebrews 4:2) A good example of this is found in Numbers chapters thirteen and fourteen where Moses reveals Gods promises to Israel and they did not mix it with faith, that is, receive the Word of God as fact and act upon it. Their unbelief caused a generation to die in the wilderness. Israel did not believe the promise that God gave to them concerning Canaan, the Promised Land, how He had given it to them and it would be a place of rest for them in the same way, Christ is the ultimate promise of rest, to those who believe in Him. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Today, when the Word of God is preached the same danger exists. If believers who hear God's Word, do not let it penetrate deep into their hearts to take root, unbelief becomes the end result, and believers become unfruitful. (John 15:1-11). In the Parable of the Soils, revealed in Mark chapter four, Jesus shows us the three main reasons why people, including believers, will hear God's Word, not allow it to take root in their heart where faith grows, and act upon it, that is, bear fruit. The Parable reveals that God's Word is seed that must be planted in good soil, the heart. When this is accomplished over and over, receiving God's Word in a willing heart, it produces faith which yields  a harvest. Jesus said, "But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:20) 

Going back to Samuel, we find that he heard the Lords voice and responded. In fact, Samuel was the last Judge of Israel, but moreover, one of the greatest prophets of all the prophets. So, let us be a people who spends time with the Lord, that is, reading, studying and meditating in and on His Word. As we do this more and more, we will come to know God in an intimate way thereby doing great things for Him in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. "...but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits." (Daniel 11:32) 

He Does Not Change

The Holy Spirit through the Prophet Malachi reveals a very important aspect of God, "For I am the Lord, I do not change." (Malachi 3:6) God is immutable. He does not change. He is unchanging. He is unable to be changed. Nothing or no one is capable of changing Him. I labor this point due to the questions that arise concerning whether or not certain aspects of the church were only enacted over a particular space of time which we will look at. The primary meaning of the name Lord, is Jehovah, the "self-existent One who reveals Himself." (Exodus 3:14) The word God in Scripture, El, Elah, Elohim, suggests certain attributes of His Deity, such as His strength, whereas Lord reveals His essential being.

The first appearance of the name Jehovah in Scripture follows the creation of man. It was God, Elohim, Creator, who said, "Let us make man in our image." (Genesis 1:26) However, in the second chapter of Genesis, when man was formed and was given authority over creation, it is the Lord God, Jehovah Elohim, who acts. This clearly indicates a special relationship of Deity, as Jehovah, to man. We see this emphasized throughout the Scriptures. Jehovah is distinctly the redemptive name of Deity. Why do I say this? When sin entered and redemption became necessary, it was Jehovah Elohim who sought Adam and the woman, (Genesis 3:9-13), and clothed them with coats of skins. (Genesis 3:21) This is a beautiful type of righteousness provided by the Lord God, through a sacrifice, which pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26)

The first distinct revelation of Himself by His name Jehovah was in connection with the redemption of the covenant people, Israel, out of Egypt (Exodus 3:13-17). Since it is God's redemptive relationship to us that these names reveal, they must each point to Calvary where we were redeemed. The blessing that each name reveals must be provided in redemption, which the Scriptures clearly teach. These redemptive  names, point to God's continuous and increasing revelation of Himself to man. In His redemptive relationship to man, Jehovah's redemptive or compound names reveal Him as meeting every need of mankind from Adam until the end of time. These compound names which are revealed in Scripture, are...(not in any particular order)...

Jehovah-Jireh: "the Lord will provide" (Genesis 22:13-14); Christ is the offering provided for our complete redemption... 

Jehovah-Nissi: "the Lord our banner" (Exodus 17:8-15); It was Christ's triumphed over principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15) that He provided for us, as our Substitute, the redemptive privilege of saying, "Thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)...

Jehovah-Shalom: "the Lord our peace," (Judges 6:23-24). This reveals to us the redemptive privilege of having His peace. Accordingly, Jesus says, "My peace I give to you." (John 14:27) This blessing is in redemption because "the chastisement of our peace was upon him" (Isaiah 53:5) and confirmed when "having made peace through the blood of His cross." (Colossians 1:20)...

Jehovah-Rohi: "the Lord my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1) Jesus became our shepherd by giving His life for the sheep (John 10:11-15); therefore, this is also privilege provided in redemption...

Jehovah-Tsidkenu: "the Lord our righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6); Jesus became our righteousness by bearing our sin; therefore, our privilege of receiving the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17) is a redemptive blessing...

Jehovah-Shammah: "the Lord is present" (Ezekiel 48:35) The Lord is present revealing to us the redemptive privilege of enjoying the presence of Him who says, "Lo,I am with you always even until the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20). This blessing provided in redemption is proven by the fact that we "have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13)...

 

Jehovah-Rapha: "the Lord that heals" (Exodus 15:26); This name is given to reveal to us our redemptive privilege of receiving the healing which was provided by Christ, our Substitute. Isaiah, in the redemptive chapter, declares, "he has borne our griefs (sicknesses), and carried our sorrows (pains) (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew. 8:17)

 

Jehovah M'Kaddesh: "the Lord Who Sanctifies" (Exodus 31:13) It signifies that God sets apart believers for His purposes and works within them to make them holy. (John 17:17)

 

The redemptive names of God, were given for the purpose of revealing God's relationship to all of us under each of these titles. These redemptive names also belong to Christ. (John 1:1, 14) It is under each of these seven titles that He "is the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) Jesus says to all who come to Him for any of these seven blessings, "He that comes to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37) This is the Good News that God wants preached to all the world, so that every person may have the privilege of enjoying "the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ." (Romans 15:29) There is nothing of God's Word more "settled in heaven" than His redemptive names. No one has a right to change God, "I AM" to I was!

 

The Holy Spirit, who is sent to execute for us the blessings of redemption, is our Helper and He is ready to help us press through and beyond all of the obstacles that try to keep believers from all their redemptive rights through Jesus Christ. These blessings are pledged to us in His seven unchanging redemptive and covenant names of God. So, I want to encourage us all, if we need provision, Jehovah-Jireh will provide; if you need victory, Jehovah-Nissi, has provided it; if you need peace, it is available now through Jehovah-Shalom; we can rest in the fact that Jesus is Jehovah-Ra-ah our shepherd; by virtue of becoming a New Creation in Christ, Jehovah-Tsidkenu is our righteousness; we never have to feel that he has forsaken us, for Jehovah-Shammah is ever-present; if you need healing now, today, Jehovah-Rapha, is the healer of spirit, soul and body.

 

Finally, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8) These redemptive names of God and everything they represent belong to you now! As we have seen, the Scriptures reveal, "For I am the Lord, I do not change." (Malachi 3:6) and "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) So, do not wait. By faith take hold of all of His promises. They belong to us NOW...

Now Faith Is

Trying to appropriate the blessings and promises of God in ones life has become a struggle for many believers today. The main reason is a lack of true Bible faith. I say, Bible faith, simply because, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) However, many have not been brought into a clear understanding of faith due to words that have created doubts wondering if it is God's will to continue giving gifts, promises, healing and blessings for the church today. So, words that contradict God's Word create doubt not faith. With that said, it is impossible for anyone to receive the gifts, promises, healing and or blessings from God if one is not certain God offers them. These things can only manifest where the will of God is known. When I say the will of God, it also means the Word of God. His will and His Word are one and the same. Let's look at an example of this...

It would be next to impossible to get a sinner to "believe unto righteousness" before he or she was fully convinced that it was God's will to save them. Therefore, faith begins where the will of God is known. Faith must rest on the will of God alone, not on our desires or wishes. Appropriating faith is not believing that God is able, but that He is willing. In Matthew's gospel we see a leper ask Jesus, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” The first thing that Jesus does is correct the lepers thinking, his belief, his theology. "Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed. Immediately his leprosy was cleansed." (Matthew 8:2-3) This very thing is what stops God from overflowing the church with blessings, that is, not only knowing God is able, but knowing that He is willing. 

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter tells us, "...the Lord is gracious." (1 Peter 2:3) That is, God is, favorable; kind; benevolent; merciful; disposed to forgive offenses and impart unmerited blessings. Therefore, to not know God's will, which is found in His Word will always hamper believers from walking in the promises of God. To take this one step further, to change or adjust God's Word, that is, saying that certain gifts, promises, healing and or blessings that He has given to the church are not for the church today, presents two things. One is that God showed more grace and mercy in the early church than he does in the church today; secondly, God showed more grace and mercy to Israel, when the children of Israel were under a lesser covenant, when the Bible clearly shows us that the church throughout all ages has a better covenant, "He (Jesus) is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6); My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. (Psalm 89:34) "For I am the Lord, I do not change..." (Malachi 3:6) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." (Mark 13:31) "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) Therefore, until a person knows God's will, he or she has no basis for faith. Faith is expecting God to do what we know it is His will to do. When we know it is God's will, it is not difficult for us to believe that He will do what we are sure He wants to do. 

Another example of this can be seen in a mother telling her six year old daughter on a Wednesday, "Honey mommy is going to take you to the store on Saturday and buy you a new dress." The little girl's faith for a new dress comes by hearing the words her mother spoke to her. Although the little girl has no physical proof that she will get a new dress, she is still excited and may even tells her friends. Again, the only proof of the dress is her mothers words. The little girl could not, and would not be expected to have faith for the new dress until her mother told her daughter her intentions, her will or her word. So, in the same way, believers cannot, nor are we expected, to have faith for the gifts, promises, healing and or blessings of God, until faith comes by hearing the Word of God. However, the problem that tends to arise is when believers, unlike the little girl in the story, need proof that God's gifts, promises, healing and blessings are His will for today. Unfortunately, for many, His Word is not enough proof as Thomas they need to see to believe. Of course this is not faith at all, because faith works independent of our senses. Also, one does not need faith if for something that they can see, taste, touch, hear or smell.

Faith always blows the ram's horn, before, not after, the walls are down. (Joshua 6:1-20) Faith never judges according sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) It is the evidence of things not seen but promised. If you really think about it, faith rests on far more solid ground than the evidence of the senses, because it is the Word of God, "which abides forever" that our faith rests upon which also builds our faith. Our senses may deceive us, but God's Word will never fail us! (Isaiah 55:11) When the little girl in the above story is promised a new dress on Wednesday, faith is the actual expectation that she already has it before Saturday arrives. Real faith always has corresponding actions (James 2:18) as seen in the little girl telling her friends about a dress that she does not have in her possession. When Saturday comes and she sees the new dress, faith for the new dress stops. 

The little girl is not afraid to testify in advance that she is to have a new dress. When her friends say, "How do you know you are?" she confidently replies, "My mommy said so!"  We believers should have even more faith and a better reason for expecting the gifts, promises, healing and blessings of God to manifest in our lives than the little girl had for expecting a new dress. Why? What would have happened if something unexpected had come up and the mother could not get her daughter the dress? Simply put, whether the mother could have avoided the situation or not, the promise was broken and to the little girl, her mother lied. However, God never breaks a promise, because "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19) 

So, let us put our confidence in this. Our proof is God's Word alone not in the things seen or felt. Now, because you may not have not received God's gifts, promises, healing and or blessings instantly, does not mean that God is not faithful to perform His Word. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23) So, do not lose heart, but believe God's Word. It is His will for us, yesterday, today and forever. PTL!

By Grace Through Faith

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul presents some of the most important news for the liberation of the believer. We are told to, "Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24 AMP) This is not accomplished by self effort or by entertaining a barrage of rules and regulation, but by grace through faith. Yes, the same principle that one is saved, is the same way that we live our Christian life, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

A biblical definition of grace is, "[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." (Philippians 2:13 AMP) and a biblical definition of faith is, "Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]." (Hebrews 11:1 AMP) So, grace is God's favor, ability and or strength at work in believers giving them the power and desire to do His will. Faith, is completely trusting in and acting on what God says (His Word) without any proof in the natural realm, even when the natural realm is completely contrary to God's Word. Therefore, to put off the old nature, which grows corrupt and put on the new nature which is created in God in true righteousness and holiness. So, we look to His Word and simply believe, receive and act on what God's Word says. Let's begin with Romans chapter six...

Romans 6:1-2 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" If a believer is "dead to sin," it is impossible for him or her to live in sin. If a person lives in sin, then he or she is not dead to it and knows nothing of the true grace of God. The aspect of death is not only physical but also a spiritual state, (not to mention, eternal state) and is spoken here as being "dead to sin," that is, separation from sinful living. Therefore, the expression "dead to sin” speaks of the way that the believers spiritual state is separated unto God from the sin in which he formerly lived. Notice that Paul never states that "sin is dead to us" but that we are "dead to sin." The law of sin or the principles of sin is still present in the believer, but it can be rendered inoperative as the believer walks after the higher law, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2)

Now Paul asks another question, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?" (Romans 6:3) In asking ourselves the same question, also ask, do we truly believe this? The believer became "dead to sin" by being united with Jesus Christ, that is, baptism into Christ. Baptism here refers to immersion into His death. Believers are to see in Calvary not only Christ’s death for him or her, but also his or her death with Christ. Every believer by spiritual union with Christ, enters into His death and in water baptism, testifies his or her identification with His death. Next... 

"Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4) Christ was raised up from the dead by the power of the Father. (Ephesians 1:19-21) The believer is also raised up. Christ arose to walk in newness of life. The believer also rises to walk in newness of life, not in the oldness of the old life. Knowing this, gives us a key to the believers new nature. Believers are to lay aside, renounce, render inoperable the old man, by God's grace through faith in what He says. Newness of life was instantly imparted at the moment of regeneration and we now are called to walk in this new life. Look at our oneness with Christ... 

"For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." (Romans 6:5-6) If one can believe that they were united together in the likeness of Christ’s death, then we are to also believe that we are in the likeness of His resurrection. Notice the tense here. Not is crucified with Him, but was crucified with Him. The same truth is brought out in Galatians. 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ…" This is very important to grasp; the old man (old demonic, fallen, spiritually dead, sinful nature) was crucified with Christ!!! The Centenary Translation puts it this way, "For this we know, that our old self was crucified with Christ, in order that the slave of sin might be destroyed; so that we should no longer be in slavery to sin.” (Romans 6:6)

This verse is a declaration to ourselves by faith, we can say, "I died with Christ, that is, the o1d man, the sin nature that was a partaker of spiritual death, died with Christ." By nature, we were born as slaves to Satan and sin. Now, the believer is no longer a slave to Satan and sin but servants of God, even sons and daughters of God in Christ. (1 John 3:1) The word destroyed in the above Centenary Translation means, made void, made without effect, to bring to naught, vanish away, put away, put down, abolished, to cease, rendered inoperative, or inactive. When the body of Jesus was crucified, died, and was rendered inactive, inoperative, so the believer's body of sin should be the same because of his or her union with Christ, in His death, no longer serving sin but serving Jesus.

"For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him." (Romans 6:7-8) This literally means "he that has died" in a physical sense. Note that the physical truth points to the spiritual truth. Freed means, justified, acquitted, absolved. That as Christ was once dead but now lives to God, and will no more die, so we, being dead to sin, but living unto God, should not obey sin, but should live only to God not only in the next life but now! So far, we see that the believer has, died with Christ; was buried with Christ; is united together with Christ; is raised with Christ; was crucified with Christ; and is alive with Christ. To say goodbye to our old nature, believers need to see not only Christ’s substitution in these things, but also our identification with Him in these things. Paul continues... 

"Knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts." (Romans 6:9-12) To reckon means, to not imagine or count something true that is not true. Verse eleven is another faith declaration; "I conclude that it is true, I am dead to sin, and I am alive, I have life in Christ Jesus my Lord." The believer is to allow Christ, as King, to reign over him or her, not sin. The law of sin has not yet been eradicated from the believer simply due to believers having a mortal body that is subject to physical death. Physical death is the last enemy to be destroyed. (1 Corinthians 15:26) There is the constant need to say no to sin and yes to life in Christ Jesus. (Remember, this is talking about the law of sin, not the nature of sin) 

"And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God." (Romans 6:13) This is our identification with Christ’s death and resurrection. Sin is a spiritual law and needs a person, their body, as an instrument to express itself. The heart of the whole matter concerns yielding the body's members as an instruments of sin or instruments of righteousness. The Holy Spirit through Paul also gives us the solution to this, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2) Paul gives us another wonderful nugget of truth... 

"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." (Romans 6:14) There it is. Paul is clear that the believer can live a victorious life in Christ. Sin does not need to have dominion (reign as king) over the believer. The believer can have dominion (reign as king) over sin. This does not mean that the believer has reached a state of sinless perfection, but rather the believer no longer needs to be ruled or dominated by sin. The believer is not under the law (that is, the dominion of the law of sin as the context is dealing with), nor is the believer under the law which was given to Moses (as Romans seven points out), but the believer is under a higher and stronger law, grace, which is actually being under the law of Christ, that is, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2) "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17) PTL!!! 

What we have seen here in Romans chapter six, is the sanctification and identification of the believer in and with Christ. Sanctification is the operation of the new law of life in Christ Jesus, a higher spiritual law, which makes us free from the law of sin and death. So, in the mind of our Heavenly father, when Christ was crucified, we were crucified; when Christ died, we died; when Christ was buried, we were buried; when Christ spent three days and three nights as our substitute in Sheol/Hades, we were in Him; when Christ met the claims of justice, our old satanic, sinful nature was put away; when Christ was raised, we were raised; when Christ ascended, we ascended; when Christ sat down on the throne with all things under His feet, we also sat down on the throne with all things under our feet (Ephesians 2:6); as Christ lives, we also live; we are no longer slaves of sin; we have been freed from sin, and should walk in the newness of life!!!

In the mind of the Father, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, brought us into a perfect oneness with Christ. Just as Jesus conquered death by submitting to it, (John 10:17-18), we, the new creations in Christ, conquer Satan by submitting to the Lordship of Jesus. So, say goodbye to your old self and exceedingly rejoice, for Christ has truly set us FREE!!!

Sowing Seeds of Righteousness

In Mark's Gospel chapter four, Jesus teaches us the Parable of the Soils. In it He talks about seed being sown on four type of soils. In His explanation of the Parable He tells us the seed sown is the Word of God. In other words, God's Word is the seed of the divine life. It is life giving. Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) Until one puts faith, unwavering trust in God's Word, they will being trying to reap a harvest where there is no seed planted. It would be senseless for a farmer to have faith for a harvest before he has even planted the seed. In the same way, it is not God's will that there be a harvest without the planting of the seed, that is, without His will, His Word, being known and acted on.

For instance, for a sick person to know that it is God's will to heal them, it is necessary for the seed to be planted in their heart where the power of God's Word can convince their mind. The seed is not planted until it is known, received and as I had mentioned, having unwavering trust that what God says is absolutely true and that He is both willing and able to perform what He says (Jeremiah 1:12). In the same way, no person can become a Christian before he or she knows that it is God's will to save. It is God's Word sown, trusted and acted upon which recreates the spirit and also heals both soul and body. God will always be limited in a persons life until he or she knows God's will in a matter. It is the Gospel, which the Holy Spirit says through the Apostle Paul, "is the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16) which applies to all its phases, physical, mental (mind, will, emotions and intellect) and spiritual.

The power of God's Word is not to be applied by prayer alone. Seed is powerless until it is planted. So, if we are unsure of God's Will, instead of saying, "Pray for me" we should first say, "Teach me God's Word", so that we can intelligently cooperate with the Holy Spirit and receive the promises of God. Within the Apostle Paul's prayer for the church we see, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:17-18) After the eyes of our understanding are sufficiently enlightened, our attitude toward sickness, disease, sin and all the works of the devil should be the same as the Lord Jesus', "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8) 

We can be sufficiently enlightened by the promises of God by simply believing that our prayer is heard before we have experienced the answer, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:24) God's promises work there wonders while we see and act on eternal realities, that is, on His promises, on His faithfulness, etc., but we must stand on His Word and refuse to be affected by temporal things to the contrary. God always fulfills His promises when He can get the right cooperation. (Hebrews 10:23, 11:6) He always accepts us and undertakes for us when we apply Mark 11:24 to our daily lives.

To take this out further, let's look at Proverbs 4:20-22. "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh." God's Word cannot be health to either soul or body before it is heard, received and attended to. Notice here that the Words of God, spoken through Solomon, are life only to those who find them. If one desires to receive life and healing from God, they must take time to find the words in the scriptures that promise these results. When God's Word becomes health to all our flesh, our sickness and or disease will be gone.  Unfortunately, because many believers today have failed to find and attend to God's Word for their need(s), the promises that the Father has and is willing and able to give His children do not manifest.

As we see in this Proverb and when we respond to it, His Words are "Life and health to all our flesh." The Holy Spirit through the Apostle James tells us, "...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:21-22) We also see that God tells us exactly how to attend to His Words, "Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart. Therefore, having your eyes on your circumstances and being occupied with them, will cause God's Word to "depart from your eyes." So, we are to look at, consider, meditate on God's Word and like Abraham, we also become strong in faith looking at the promises of God and nothing else. (Romans 4:17-21)

As the only way a seed can do its work is by being kept in the ground, so the only way that God's imperishable seed can effectually work in us is by it being "kept in the midst of our heart." This does not mean occasionally, but continuously. This is most likely the main reason why many have failed to receive the wonderful promises of God. When we attend to God's Words by not letting them depart from before our eyes and by keeping them in the midst of our heart, the seed takes root in good ground. This is the kind of ground in which, Jesus says, "But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:20) This is the crux of the message revealed in the Parable of the Soils.

Therefore, after we have planted the seed, God's Word, which give promise and solution to our circumstances, we simply believe it is growing even though we do not see it growing. This is faith that is, as the writer of Hebrews says, "the evidence of things not seen." By looking to Christ, by looking to God's Word, we have perfect evidence for faith. Any person can get rid of his or her doubts by looking only at the evidence that God has given for our faith, His Word. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Seeing only what God says will produce and increase faith.  By continuously, "giving attention to God's words; Inclining your ear to His sayings; not letting them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; we will find life, light, liberty, love, joy, guidance, wisdom, understanding, provision, perfect health and so much more. God's Word provides everything that we could ever possibly need in this life. (2 Peter 1:3)

So, let us take these final words to heart, as it has been said, "Don't doubt your faith; doubt your doubts, for they are unreliable." Therefore, from this day forward, let us permit the Holy Spirit to fill us with grace, peace, wisdom and revelation of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ and as sow the seeds of righteousness which will open the eyes of our understanding and transform our lives like never before. Amen?