How Much Does It Cost

In every area of life, someone or something determines when enough is enough. When one has had enough to eat; sleep; work; learn and so on. But what about for the believer, especially when it comes to the Christian experience. When does a believer ever forgive enough; love enough; serve enough; give enough, etc.? Although believers have freewill, is it really their decision when they have had enough of the Christian experience? Whether we want to believe or not, the answer is no. Now with that said, God certainly is not going to forbid believers from exercising their own will, but the truth is, "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) 

You see, many believers like the idea that all aspects of salvation such as grace, righteousness, prosperity, healing etc. are all free and they are, meaning that we cannot earn them by our works. However, they still come with a price. The moment that a person confesses with the mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, believes in the heart that God raised Him from the dead and takes Jesus as their Savior, they are instantly born again, (2 Corinthians 5:17), but it does cost a price.  First and foremost, it cost God the Father the greatest expense of all. The death of His only Begotten Son. If one truly takes Jesus as Lord and Savior, then, as Paul tells us, "you are not your own? For you were bought at a price" meaning, you and I have just relinquished our rights to the Lord Jesus.

Numerous times Jesus spoke to His disciple about the cost of being one of His disciples. For instance, Jesus says, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:21); “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23) "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:25-26) Jesus goes on and talks about the cost involved in building a tower and going to war. In other word, believers should never come to a place where they have had enough of the Christian experience. In the world, we work hard to earn a living, to perfect a skill, or to become stronger and better in what we do. But do we honestly put as much effort into becoming a stronger, better, child of God? Do we really desire to be such?

Moses was a man who went from a prince of Egypt, to a shepherd, to a man used of God to perform  miracles. He often had unspeakable encounters in God's glory, from the burning bush (Exodus 3); to receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19 - 20); to meeting with God in the tabernacle of meeting that he pitched outside the camp of Israel (Exodus 33:7) Yet in all of these supernatural encounters with God he was not satisfied. He asks God, "Please show me Your glory." (Exodus 33:18) Honestly, to be in the glory of Gods presence just one time, like the burning bush, would be enough for most believers, but not for Moses. He wanted more of God.

The apostle Paul reveals the same, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:7-11)      

Every thing that most would consider advantageous to get along or even get ahead in the world as viewed from the natural sense, Paul considered them rubbish in what he had gained in his service of Christ. If that was not enough. he goes on to say "that I may know Him." Without doubt, Paul had a close intimate relationship with Christ. We can ascertain this by the "abundance of revelation" that he received from the Lord. (2 Corinthians 12:7) Yet, like Moses, he wanted more. Paul desired to become fully acquainted with Christ's nature, his character, his work, and with the salvation which He had made available to man. This should be the highest desire in the heart and mind of every believer, to know Christ in a deeper more intimate way. To desire to live in the glory of God's presence. 

Although to some this may sound impossible or even far-fetched, but it is not only possible, but a desire of God for His children. Jesus gives us an invitation, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 13:28-30) He also tells us, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit." (John 15:5) What an intimate connection believers have with the Savior. In His prayer for all believers,  He says, "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them." (John 17:22) The writer of Hebrews says, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) The Apostle Peter exhorts us to, "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18) The Apostle John tells us, "truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3) 

As we can see, God has a desire to fill us to overflowing and then some. He is inexhaustible in everything. As a matter of fact, Paul tells us, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." (Ephesians 3:20) So let us never be satisfied with our Christian faith at any time. Let us desire to be in God's presence 24/7. As the Psalmist said, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4) Let our desire be HIM!!!                

How is the Atmosphere

For our uses of the word, the word "atmosphere" is define as, the pervading tone or mood of a place or situation; the dominant mood or emotional tone.What is the atmosphere of your time in the worship of the Lord? Let's look at some things to challenge us in creating and atmosphere in our services for the Lords presence to be in our midst. True worship reveals the existence of God, that is, no one can know or experience genuine worship apart from the one true God because He alone can reveal it to us. True worship is beyond the realm of natural knowledge. Whenever true worship occurs, God will manifest Himself to us. Therefore, true worship reveals the living God; it testifies of
His existence. The Psalmist says it this way, "The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory." (Psalm 97:6)

Another aspect is, true worship focuses on God, not self. Sadly, in many Christian circles today, genuine worship has been replaced with songs with lyrics such as, touch me; bless me; heal me; deliver me, which do not exalt the Lord and His majesty. Songs like these are out of purpose and focus. Some people create these songs so their music can be commercialized, but they don't realize that, in doing so, they are setting God aside and turning the needs of people into an idol. Now I know this may offend some, but true worship is about God alone, what He has done; who He is. If we truly know God's Word and exercised faith, believers would know that He already has and continues to, touch us, bless us, heal us, delivers us. We simply appropriate these things by grace through faith, that is, believing that what God said was, is and will be, period!

True worship brings the presence of God. The primary purpose of worship is to bring the presence of
God in the midst of His people. If the worship leader and or worship team or band (whatever term you use to describe the singers and musicians) loses this objective, we can expect nice songs, nice music and a switch of focus from God, to self. This type of situation will prevent believers from experiencing God's presence, which should be the only thing that we should desire in our corporate worship times. This is why I firmly believe that our purpose in worship is to create an atmosphere that invites God's presence to descend. Only in His presence will we be transformed so that we can take the same power of transformation to others.

True worship exalts the name of Jesus and the Word of God. Today, many worship songs used in churches or played in various Christian circles lack power because they are not based on the Word of God. We must write scriptural songs that exalt and magnify the Lord. Songs that truly minister as to what God has done and who God is. Many of David's psalms are such. Therefore, true worship is also based on the Word of God and flows from an understanding, a revelation, of His Word.

True worship transforms the believer. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "But 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) Although this does not specifically refer to worship, nevertheless, the Lord wants to transform us into His image. Pressing into His presence in worship is one of the ways He can do this. As believers, we do not just worship at a church service. Worship is a lifestyle. As we die to self and offer God love, reverence, and honor, we will experience transformation.

True worship creates intimacy with God. This leads us to our final and perhaps greatest revelation
of worship. Jesus tells us, "I am the vine, you are the branches...." (John 15:5) In this perfect oneness with the Lord we become one with His heart, His plans, His sufferings, His vision, His struggle, and His victory. This is why worship cannot be quick or mechanical. When God's presence does not manifest, it is usually because we have not created an atmosphere where He is welcomed, honored, adored and exalted. The Psalmist tells us,  "But You are holy, enthroned (Inhabits) in the praises of Israel" (His people). (Psalm 22:3) Inhabits is defined as, to dwell; to remain; to sit; to abide. The word enthroned is define as, to exalt to an elevated place or seat.

When we enter into true worship, the Lord touches us, He will dwell with us; He remains with us; as we worship and exalt Him to an elevated place or seat. Through true worship, His presence will
manifest among us, but how can we expect His presence to manifest when we offer Him something mechanical, that is, simply going through the motions of worship or singing self focused songs? I believe the day is coming and in some places is here when worship will not be merely a service
starter in our churches but the most important part of the service because it is what brings God's presence. If we want to live in His presence, we will always have a new song in the spirit playing inside of us. Corporate worship in churches will also become the longest part of the service because the people will enter into His presence and stay there. God will speak to His people, to each person, as a son or daughter. Then the transformations of the heart will accelerate, and, among other things, it will not take years for believers to develop spiritual maturity.

I believe we will see unusual miracles, signs, wonders, and transformations that have never before been seen as the presence of God, in an atmosphere created by praise and worship, through believers who will not settle for less than His presence in their midst. God is ready and anxious to manifest Himself, and all He needs is for us to build the throne. We must give God and His worship top priority. We must take all the time we need to worship Him until His presence manifests, regardless of how long it takes. For many today, it will take the putting away of our agenda's; the turning away from religion; putting a stop to church as usual; and mostly, the dying of self. So, let us pull out the stops, the inhibitions, the limitations, and church as usual mindset and let us create an atmosphere of true worship where God can arise in the midst of His people.

What's The Hurry

I believe the first and foremost ministry of the church, every believer, is that of praise and worship. I am not talking about simply singing songs, but heartfelt, exuberant, awe struck, adoration of the Lord God Almighty. God spoke of David the king as a man after His heart. (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) This has absolutely nothing to do with David being more special to God than anyone else, because we know the God is not a respecter of persons, He does not show partiality. (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11) Showing no favoritism, David still knew how good, wonderful, glorious and spectacular God was (is) and reveals it in his heart of thanksgiving to God. Many of the Psalms that David wrote reflected this in the way he let go of all inhibitions in his praise and worship to God. For instance...

"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." (Psalm 100) Looking at only this Psalm, it should cause believers to at least question ourselves as to why most in congregational gatherings, approach praise and worship emotionless, lifeless and with time restraints. Here we see David, a man like any other man, who was not born again, who the Holy Spirit was with but not in, who was under a lesser covenant with lesser promises, showing us the heart of praise and worship to the Lord.

When David led Israel to transport the Ark of God in the proper, prescribed way, to Jerusalem, he was not embarrassed, he was not concerned what others might say, he simple, "...danced before the Lord with all his might..." (2 Samuel 6:14) There were no hymnals, no smoke or flashing lights and there were no time limits placed on praising and worshiping God. I am not trying to be critical, but thought provoking in the following questions. What is the purpose of believers meeting together in what we call a church service, when we place restraints on praise and worship such as, no shouting, no dancing, no exuberant rejoicing, no clapping, bowing and worse yet, squeezing praise and worship into our time restrictions? Are we truly coming together to experience Gods presence or only having a religious convocation? Are we even expecting God to be apart of our services and manifest His presence among us? Do we believe as David also tells us, "But You (God) are holy, enthroned (Inhabit) in the praises of Israel (your people). (Psalm 22:3)  

I truly believe that God is raising up a new generation of people of all ages who will expect nothing less in a church service than to have the Lord presence. They will not be satisfied by simply singing songs, but have an insatiable desire to meet with the Lord. They will not be concerned with time or what others may say, but will praise and worship the Lord without restrictions and or restraints, knowing that He will show up where is exalted, honored and welcomed. This generation will thirst for His glory to manifest on earth. Although, the darkness in the world may become denser each day; although wickedness may multiply; the manifestation of God on earth will also become more powerful with each passing moment. This will be a generation of praise and worshipers that God will also say, "they are after my own heart." Therefore, this glorious generation who praise and worship the Lord like David, "with all their might" will impact the world and gather the greatest harvest of souls ever seen. 

I believe that entire towns, cities and nations will be shaken by God's glory manifesting and multitudes of people will recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior. I believe that the most remarkable manifestations of His presence will be seen through countless miracles, signs, and wonders taking place. We will see many believers in various congregations where these things are prohibited and even spoken against, who are hungering for these things, being led by the Holy Spirit to congregations who experience these very things now. I believe we will also see many of God's children who have left various congregations, who also are hungering for the Lord's presence, return and become a vital part of those congregations who experience these things regularly. 

Are you willing to be transformed and join this new generation? If your answer is yes, God will take care of everything because He does not want you to waste your time following religious norms nor the new ideas and practices being implemented in many congregations that are used to simply grow numbers and not true followers of Jesus. He wants you to enjoy the highest dimension of His glory. Surely, no change is easy and for most, it is usually difficult and even painful for some. But if that is what it takes to enter into a new and greater dimension of God's presence, then I want it. 

David also tells us, "...In Your presence is fullness of joy..." (Psalm 16:11) Do you want this fullness of joy that only God's presence can bring? The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But 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 3:17-18) Do you also want to be changed under the glory of God? I want to encourage you right now, dare to let go; do not be in a hurry; let God arise; delight in the Lord; and let the freedom and joy that is experienced through worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth, release His glorious presence transforming us from glory to glory! Jesus tells us, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24) God is still searching for true worshipers to worship Him. Are you one that He has found?

So, as David said, let us "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." (Psalm 100) May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fill you... 

From Glory to Glory

The Lord desires to manifest Himself among His children. Jesus said, "...he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21) To manifest is to show, to make appear, to place before the eyes so that an object may be seen. Again, Jesus desires to manifest Himself among His people, to show himself to them that they should see and know that he is their Lord and Savior. He continues, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." (John 14:23) God will manifest himself to believers as a Father and again, Jesus will manifest himself as Lord and Savior. To make their home in believers is a figurative expression implying that the Father and Jesus would manifest themselves in no temporary way, but that believers are to enjoy their presence continually.

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul reveals, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16); "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you..." (1 Corinthians 6:19); "...For you are the temple of the living God..." (2 Corinthians 6:16) As we see, believers can enjoy God's presence continuously because He has set up residence in us. But this goes even further. Jesus reveals to us in His prayer to the Father in John gospel chapter seventeen, a very exciting things for all who would believe in Him  through the preaching of the gospel. He prays, "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one...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; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world." (John 17:22, 24) 

The very glory that the Father gave Jesus would also be given to every believer. What does this mean to the believer? "Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." (Matthew 17:1-2) This is the glory of the Father in Christ being reflected on the outside of Jesus that these three disciples got to see in which all future disciples would come to participate in. Jesus says it this way, "that they may behold My glory which You have given Me." The word behold means, to be a spectator; look at; to view attentively; to see; to perceive with the eyes; to enjoy the presence of. The very glory that the three disciples saw, is the very same glory that Jesus said believers could view attentively, perceive with the eyes and or enjoy the presence of.

For many this may be difficult to believe, that believers can enjoy the very presence of God beyond Him living inside, but to physically see His glory, His presence, manifest among us. This is a part of the tremendous redemption that the Father restored to man through Christ, that Adam had forfeited. It is not difficult to believe if believers will accept the truth without doctrinal prejudices and then learn how to create and atmosphere where God can manifest His glory. In other words, God does not manifest Himself where people tend to carry out an agenda, a predetermined program, or where He is simply tolerated due to poor attitudes during a church service. He will always manifest Himself where people have an insatiable desire to reverence, celebrated and honored Him with their whole heart.

You might ask, "Is it possible for us to be in the same place where the glory of God is present and not realize it? Look at the situation the Jacob encountered, "Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” (Genesis 28:16) As we can see, yes it is possible for believers to be in the same place where the glory of God is present and not realize it. There are many reasons for this, such as a lack of knowledge of such things, teaching that opposes this or not being willing to accept change from the same old order of a church service that we have grown use to. However, most often, it is sin. It could be bitterness, resentment, a lack of forgiveness, poor attitudes, or it may be that we are totally absorbed in our own problems, so that our spiritual perception is completely turned off.  If any of these things are the case, they must be dealt with so that we can be sensitive to how the Spirit of God is moving. 

Although we may be creating an atmosphere for God's glory to manifest, we need to keep in mind, that God alone takes the initiative, to manifest Himself among us. We must learn not to rush or be in a hurry, but to rest in His sovereignty, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and permit Him to have His way in our midst. Our priority should always be to a1low His glory to manifest. Sure, it may be difficult to break free from the same old way of doing a church service, change usually is. It simply comes down to whether we desire continuing in religious rituals or desire the presence of God which is able to transform lives in an instance. In our day, I believe that God is raising up a new generation of people of all ages who will know how to respond to His presence. This generation will thirst for His glory to manifest not only in our church services, but also over the entire earth. 

Although darkness in the world seems denser each day, and wickedness seems to be multiplying, the manifestation of God on earth will also become more powerful with each passing moment. I believe that this new generation of people who hunger for God's presence will impact the world and gather the greatest harvest of souls ever seen. Entire cities and nations will be shaken by His glory and will recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior. I believe that we will see the most remarkable manifestations of His presence through miracles, signs, and wonders that will take place around the world. So, let us be this new generation being assured that God will take care of everything because He does not want us to waste our time following religious norms. He wants us to enjoy the highest dimension of His glory. As Jesus said, "...that they may behold (to perceive with the eyes; to enjoy the presence of) My glory which You have given Me..."

Shout...Glory

Did you know that every believer has been recreated for the habitation of God's glory? The glory of God was a part of man's being in creation, and it is also the inheritance of every child of God. Jesus reveals in His prayer for all believers, "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one." (John 17:22) What a wonderful prayer and truth. When the Bible speaks of God's Glory, it is referring to His very presence. To enter into His presence, is to receive all that He is and has, such as, His love, His grace and His divine power. It is His power, which transforms lives by healing, delivering, providing etc.. It also reveals His majesty. Yet many believers have never experienced God's presence where these things manifest. Many are settling for far less in their relationship with God.

The glory of God, is the spiritual atmosphere of heaven, like air is the physical atmosphere of earth. Because the glory is the essence of who God is, everything is complete in His glory, nothing is incomplete. Looking at creation and especially the Garden of Eden, we see this very thing. Everything in the animal and vegetation realm were made in complete form with the ability to reproduce after it own kind. (Genesis 1:11-13, 20-25) This same glory was the life and environment in which the first man, Adam, lived. God created Adam, out of the dust of the earth, and gave him His "breath of life." (Genesis 2:7) Adam was never an infant, a child, or a teenager. He did not have to undergo the growth process that his offspring, or we ourselves experience. The same was true for the woman. They were created and formed as fully mature adults.

In creation, we can see that in God's glory, again, His presence everything is complete and every need that man could ever possibly have, was met. Therefore, we can say without question, the same applies even today for humanity. However, it can only be realized by faith to those who confess Jesus as Lord and receive Him as Savior. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us,  "and you are complete in Him, (Christ) who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:10) In God's glory we can expect healing, deliverance, and miracles (even creative miracles, such as new organs being formed and even lost body parts completely restored), simply because this is the heart of God of humanity.

Think about this way, Jesus, though surrounded by numerous people, when a woman with a issue of blood stretched out her faith, came behind Him and touch His garment, virtue, glory, power, flowed and she was instantly healed.  (Mark 5:25-30) When the leper approached Jesus, he says to Him, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean. Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed. Immediately his leprosy was cleansed." (Matthew 8:2-5) These wonderful things flow forth in God's glorious presence. Again, this is the heart of our Heavenly Father.

Looking back to the Garden, when man was first created, there was no sickness, poverty, or death because, in God's glory, there is no sickness, poverty, or death. Not only were none of these things present, man himself had no knowledge of them. The Psalmist tells us, "The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord..." (Psalm 97:5) If the mountains melt like wax in the presence of the Lord, then sickness, poverty, death, etc., will also melt, that is, will vanish! Yet, after man sinned by rebelling against God, he had to be removed from God's presence, and he began to experience these dreadful things. (Genesis 3:23-24)

To comprehend what it means to live in God's glory, let's begin by looking at the contrast between the environment in which man lived, in the Garden of Eden before the fall and the environment in which he lived on the earth after the fall. In Genesis one, every aspect of creation on the earth was to prepare the perfect environment, the Garden of Eden, in which God would place man. The word Eden means, pleasure. The word garden means, enclosure and comes from a root word meaning to hedge about, that is, something that protects, defends, covers, or surrounds. When we are in God's glory, it is a pleasure (actually a pleasure beyond human comprehension) and we are protected, surrounded by His presence.

Tragically, man's existence in God's glory did not last. Adam and the woman sinned by choosing to go against what God had told them by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. As a result, they were disconnected from the life of God and were exiled from Eden which, subsequently meant, from God's glory. The very thing that connected them to God, the very thing that gave them direct contact with God, had now become enveloped in their flesh, that is, the mind, will, emotions (the soul) and their body. In other words, man's spirit no longer dominated his soul and body, but now his five senses became the dominating factor of his life. In a sense, he was no longer a spiritual man but a natural man. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)

When Adam and the woman sinned, they died spiritually. However, it took 930 years for Adam's body to stop functioning. (Genesis 5:5) I have no scriptural reference, but I believe the glory of God that was present during creation did not simply leave the earth when Adam sinned, but a residual of God's glory was present and is what kept Adam physically alive for that length of time. I also believe that his descendants lived long lives due to the same residual glory of God that remained on the earth in those days. I say this due to the diminishing years that man experienced from the fall. I believe as time moved forward and sin did its awful destructive work, the residual of God's glory on earth dissipated and the number of years of a man's life on earth also diminished. The Psalmist records, "The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years." (Psalm 90:10)

However, we see, when a person is reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, they receive the Holy Spirit, and their spirit is instantly recreated and restored back to a, "...new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24) Our spirits are brought from death to life, (Ephesians 2:1) and we have access to His glory. (John 17:24) Once again, through faith in Jesus Christ, man can live spiritually in the environment of heaven, that is, in God's glory. Keep in mind, we still die physically because physical death has not been eliminate yet. (1 Corinthians 15:26)

Through the meritorious work of Christ, God's glory is in every believer and Jesus' atoning blood gives us access to the Father and once again connects us with His presence while our bodies wait to be completely redeemed from death. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:10) This refers not only in heaven but by virtue of God living in us in this life, we are sons (and daughters) of His glory. In Christ, we are all carriers of God's glory wherever we go, through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

We know that God is everywhere, all the time, but He doesn't manifest Himself everywhere on earth today. He manifests Himself where He is welcomed and where people are in right relationship with Him. Although the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, every believer must actively seek God
and His glory until the day we are in His glorious uninterrupted presence in Heaven. I want to encourage us all, to always have an insatiable desire to know Him, to know His ways and to desire His glory to manifest in, through and around us. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...

When is Enough, Enough

In every area of life, someone or something determines when enough is enough. When one has had enough to eat; sleep; work; learn and so on. But what about for the believer, especially when it comes to the Christian experience. When does a believer ever forgive enough; love enough; serve enough; give enough, etc.? Although believers have freewill, is it really their decision when they have had enough of the Christian experience? Whether we want to believe or not, the answer is no. Now with that said, God certainly is not going to forbid believers from exercising their own will, but the truth is, "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) 

You see, many believers like the idea that all aspects of salvation such as grace, righteousness, prosperity, healing etc. are all free and they are, meaning that we cannot earn them by our works. However, they still come with a price. The moment that a person confesses with the mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, believes in the heart that God raised Him from the dead and takes Jesus as their Savior, they are instantly born again, but it does cost a price.  First and foremost, it cost God the Father the greatest expense of all. The death of His only Begotten Son. If one truly takes Jesus as Lord and Savior, then, as Paul tells us, "you are not your own? For you were bought at a price" meaning, you and I have just relinquished our rights to the Lord Jesus.

Numerous times Jesus spoke to His disciple about the cost of being one of His disciples. For instance, Jesus says, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:21); “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23) "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:25-26) Jesus goes on and talks about the cost involved in building a tower and going to war. In other word, believers should never come to a place where they have had enough of the Christian experience. In the world, we work hard to earn a living, to perfect a skill, or to become stronger and better in what we do. But do we honestly put as much effort into becoming a stronger, better, child of God? Do we really desire to be such?

Moses was a man who went from a prince of Egypt, to a shepherd, to a man used of God to perform incredible miracles. He often had unspeakable encounters in God's glory, from the burning bush (Exodus 3); to receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19 - 20); to meeting with God in the tabernacle of meeting that he pitched outside the camp of Israel (Exodus 33:7) Yet in all of these supernatural encounters with God he was not satisfied. He asks God, "Please show me Your glory." (Exodus 33:18) Honestly, for most believers to be in the glory of Gods presence just one time, like the burning bush, would be enough for most, but not for Moses. He wanted more of God.

The apostle Paul reveals the same, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:7-11)      

Every thing that most would consider advantageous to get along or even get ahead in the world as viewed from the natural sense, Paul considered them rubbish in what he had gained in his service of Christ. If that was not enough. he goes on to say "that I may know Him." Without doubt, Paul had a close intimate relationship with Christ. We can ascertain this by the "abundance of revelation" that he received from the Lord. (2 Corinthians 12:7) Yet, like Moses, he wanted more. Paul desired to become fully acquainted with Christ's nature, his character, his work, and with the salvation which He had made available to man. This should be one of the highest objects of desire in the heart and mind of every believer, to know Christ in a deeper more intimate way. To desire to live in the glory of God's presence. 

Although to some this may sound impossible or even far-fetched, but it is not only possible, but a desire of God for His children. Jesus gives us an invitation, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 13:28-30) He also tells us, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit." (John 15:5) What an intimate connection believers have with the Savior. In His prayer for all believers,  He says, "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them." (John 17:22) The writer of Hebrews says, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) The Apostle Peter exhorts us to, "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18) The Apostle John tells us, "truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3) 

As we can see, God has a desire to fill us to overflowing and then some. He is inexhaustible in everything. As a matter of fact, Paul tells us, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." (Ephesians 3:20) So let us never be satisfied with our Christian faith at any time. Let us desire to be in God's presence 24/7. As the Psalmist said, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4) Let our desire be HIM!!!                

The House of God

In past, we saw what the scriptures tells us about God the Father and His family, that is, believers. What an incredible privilege it is to receive new birth and immediately become a child of God. Now every believer is a legal partaker of all the promises of God and are now members of the house or household of God. The house of God is often referred to in the Old Testament as a physical Tabernacle or Temple. Many in the church today still hold on to that concept that the House of God is a material building or structure where believers gather together for church functions. However, the Bible paints an entirely different picture. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16) The apostle Peter tells us, "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house..." (1 Peter 2:5) Both Peter and Paul are not talking about an edifice, but believers themselves are the temple, the spiritual house of God, His dwelling place. Paul also tell us, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10)

Here God's Family is given a very choice name, "the Household of Faith." This reveals an incredible truth. All believers are blood-brothers (and sisters). We have partaken of the same nature, as well as being heirs and joint heirs of Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:17) We are not Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Pentecostals, Charismatics or even non-denominational. To those who have come into new birth through faith in Jesus Christ, we are God's sons and daughters, God's Family, His house on earth. As members of the Family, we are to minister to each other and watch over each other in love. Paul tells us, "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." (Ephesians 2:19)  All believers everywhere need to drop everything that we use that separates us from one another and realize this very important fact, God desires to live with His children. He does not want to be simply a guest in our individual lives, no, He wants to have a Father's place in our lives and hearts (John 14:23) and as children of God, we are to be one. (John 17:22)

Think about this. Perhaps the most wonderful fact is, God did not create the whole human race at the same time, but He created one man and one woman and permitted them to be the father and mother of His house to produce for Him more children. This shows the eternal responsibility of fatherhood and  motherhood not only in the natural sense, but moreover, in the spiritual sense. The Apostle Paul says it this way, "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you." (Galatians 4:19) But how can Christ be formed in believers, His house, the church, if we do not want Him. What do I mean by this? No matter what denomination, group of churches or whether an independent congregation, according to statistics, the average church service lasts approximately one hour. 

We may say things like, "we come together to meet with God", "we come together to worship God", but the reality is, for most, we come together to practice our religion in the name of being "sensitive each others time or to those we are trying to reach." We sing songs instead of truly worshiping in spirit and truth. We hear so called relevant sermons that makes us feel good about ourselves, but rarely have any spiritual affect upon those who hear, because they are meant to play upon the emotions and not spiritual transformation. In stead of making disciplines, we fill the church with numerous programs that are simply therapeutic and not spiritually life changing. The sad thing is, we twist the meaning of scripture, to appease our conscience and fit our religious experience so we can justify what we do or not do. Think about it. How many marriages would survive if a husband and wife squeezed each other into a one hour a week meeting? This is why most congregations never experience a true encounter with God in their church services or programs, but equate an emotional response as an encounter with God.  This is not to say that we cannot be emotional, but that emotions cannot dictate a true encounter with the Living God. Transformation is the results of encountering God. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Jesus said, "..."If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." (John 14:23) This is not referring to the new birth experience, but the continuous presence of God in the church. In Jesus' final instructions to the disciples, He also prays for those who will believe in Him through the preaching of the gospel by the disciples. He says, "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one." (John 17:22) He also says, "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold (to look at; to view attentively; to see; to perceive with the eyes; to enjoy the presence of) My glory which You have given Me." (John 17:24)     

The Apostle Paul tells us, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21) This is not about revival, per se, it is about the continuous manifestation of God in His house, the church. Honestly, where is the manifestation of the Lord in His house? Where is the manifestation of oneness in His house? Where is the manifestation of His power in His house? Where is the manifestation of His glory in His house?  Why has the majority of the church become an institution working at pleasing man rather than a living Body seeking to please God? Look at the words of the Apostles Peter and John, "But Peter and John replied to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you (man) and obey you (man) rather than God, you must judge [for yourselves]." (Acts 4:19 AMP) They said this under persecution. They wanted to please God, not man and were willing to face the consequences, be what they may. Look at the words of the Apostle Paul, "For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10) I guess we can say, if Paul were to please man, he would not be pleasing to Christ.

Jesus finish up what we term "The Lord's Prayer" with these words, "For Yours is the Kingdom, Power and Glory forever, Amen." (Matthew 6:13) I certainly cannot speak for all who read this, but I desire the manifestation of God's Kingdom, Power and Glory wherever I am, especially in a church service, than trying to get through religious acts and programs of man that do not transform lives. A congregation that is more concerned about peoples scheduling than desiring the manifestation of God's Kingdom, Power and Glory, should never expect to experience the manifestation of such in their meetings. Jesus tells us, "Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20)

I am certainly not trying to be critical toward any congregation, but Jesus did say, "I will build my church." (Matthew 16:18) So, let's open the door of our heart. Let's open the door of His house and stop trying to fit God into our schedules, but let Him takes us into eternity by permitting Him full access to His house on His terms and on His schedule. Let's throw religion out of the church and let the King of Glory in. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.