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?  

Completely New

With the new year almost upon us, many see New Years day as not simply the beginning of a new year, but as a new beginning for themselves. We see the reality of this by the many resolutions that people make on New Years. A New Year's resolution is basically a decision to do or not do something in order to accomplish a personal goal or break a habit. It comes at a time when people look back at the past year and make an effort to improve themselves as the new year begins. Unfortunately, statistics reveal that only 8% of people who make New Years resolutions succeed in keeping them. This means that 92% of all New Years resolutions fail. Why? Mostly, people make unrealistic resolutions and or they are not really prepared mentally to fight off fleshly desires and continue with their goals. But what about believers? Should they make New Years resolutions? There is certainly nothing wrong with making New Years resolutions, but the same conditions that bring failure still exist, unless believers put their trust fully in the Lord.

The Bible tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) Even the Apostle Paul learned a lesson of trusting the Lord in a greater way while he was being buffeted by a messenger of Satan. The Lord revealed to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12: 9) Paul's response is quite interesting, "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

All believers, like the Apostle Paul must rely upon God's grace to get them through every area of life not only New Years resolutions. A good definition of grace found in the Bible goes like this, "[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, "Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]." (Ephesians 3:20 AMP) 

Another area to consider is to fully know and understand who believers are in Christ; who Christ is in the believer; and how the Father sees them. When believers come to a full knowledge of these three things, they will understand what Jesus meant when He said, "nothing is impossible to those who believe." (Mark 9:23) Knowing these things sets believers free from shame, condemnation, guilt, unworthiness and inferiority. They will walk in a freedom that will cause them to not make resolution but to rely on God's grace to overcome and live victorious. For instance, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ.." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)  "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 6:6) 

The old nature, the old person that you were, prior to your salvation is gone. The Bible shows us that God has not made any provision for the old nature but to crucify or executed it. You have been made completely new in Christ and have right standing with God. (Keep in mind that it is one's spirit, not their soul, IE, mind, will, emotions and intellect, and not their body that has been recreated) These things only come one way, "by grace through faith." (Ephesians 2:8) This mean, every believer one day must come to the place where their own faith has grown and has brought them to know without doubt, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (1 John 5:14-15) This is actually a realm of Christianity that few believers come to. Not because they do not desire to have this level of faith, but, it is mostly due to a lack of studying and meditating on God's Word which builds the believers faith and renews their mind. (Romans 10:17, 12:2)

When believers apply these things in their life it will change their behavior and thought patterns which in turn will cause them to have the desire and ability to accomplish the purposes and will of God. This is grace in action. These things are not self imposed, but Holy Spirit inspired. The Apostle Paul tells us to, "...Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16) So, you see we do not have to make New Year resolutions to only have them fail. We can live in the power, favor and ability, the grace of God, everyday through faith in Jesus Christ to overcome every obstacle of life and do the impossible where others may fail. So this New Years, do not make a New Years resolution per se, but, "...lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of you." (Philippians 3:12) My prayer for you, as the Apostle John said, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 2) Have a safe and Happy New Year...  

Peace and Goodwill

Christmas is celebrated throughout the world with many traditions and various ways (to many to share hereon). Although the holiday itself has some dark history tied to it, our focus is from a more joyful, traditional perspective. It is both a cultural and deeply religious occasion celebrated by billions of people around the world. From the inclusion of the Christmas tree to the annual gift-giving, the feast day that spans through modern history has many traditions, myths, and stories that resonate around the globe. For instance, the evergreen fir tree has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals (pagan and Christian) for thousands of years. Pagans used branches of it to decorate their homes during the winter solstice, as it made them think of the spring to come. The Romans used Fir Trees to decorate their temples at the festival of Saturnalia. Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God. However, nobody is really sure when Fir trees were first used as Christmas trees.

In America, communities around the country honored the day in different ways. Some observed Christmas as an important Christian religious day, honoring the birth of Jesus. Others celebrated the day with parties, music, drinking and eating. However, some communities did not celebrate the day at all. It was during the early 1800s that Americans began to reinvent the holiday. They started combining ancient Christmas traditions with modern American influences. Religion played a big role in how an American might celebrate the holiday. Calvinist Christians banned the celebration of Christmas. But groups such as Episcopalians and Moravians honored the day with religious services and seasonal decorations. By mid-century, Christian groups began to ignore their religious differences over the meaning of Christmas and honored the day in special ways.

Though the celebration of Christmas is not a biblical concept, the early church, in an attempt to get rid of a pagan holiday, declared December 25th to be the day to celebrate the birthday of the Son of God, though the Bible does not reveal the actual day or date that Jesus was born. Many historians think that Jesus was born sometime in the spring because the shepherds were in the fields at lambing time. It seems quite appropriate that the "Lamb that takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:19) would have been born during the time that all of the lambs destined for sacrifice in the temple were also born. Since it is also a fact that the very hour Christ gave His life for the sins of men, all over Jerusalem the Passover lambs were being slain (John 19:14). It would not be coincidence, but the timing of the plan and purpose of God. It was not until 1870 that December 25th was declared a federal holiday in the United States. With this said let's look at what we call the real reason for the Christmas season... 

"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:1-7)

The census that was ordered by Caesar Augustus was the first of its kind. It was done because the Roman government wanted to make sure that everyone in the Roman Empire was paying their taxes correctly. The census was carried out over the entire Empire. For Jews in Palestine, it meant that families had to register in the their historical tribal town rather than where they lived. This also meant that Joseph and Mary, (Mary now pregnant with child), would have had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, as this was town that Joseph's family originally came from, a journey that would have taken about three days.

History reveals that during that time period there were no such things as motels or inns, such as we have today. People who traveled would have normally stayed in the homes of either extended family or friends. Due to the census, many people would have traveled to Bethlehem, so it was most likely that most, if not all of the houses, were filled with guests, especially the upper levels of houses, which were the guest rooms. So Joseph and Mary probably had to sleep with the animals on the lower level where it was common to have a manger cut into a wall where you put the animal food or they could have possibly been in a stable, cave or even a covered market stall that sold animals. 

It was the custom in those times to wrap a new born baby very tightly in long bandages called swaddling clothes. The arms and legs of the baby were also wrapped, so they couldn't move. This was done because they thought it helped the baby to grow strong, straight limbs. And as no proper crib was available, the new baby boy was placed in a manger, or feeding trough. At the birth of Jesus we also see the angel of the Lord make the most wonderful announcement, For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11) Then the heavens were filled with rejoicing, ...And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:11, 13-14) So, let us remember that the Incarnate One is come, Christ the Lord. Have a very Merry Christmas...

The Real Deal

When we look at creation, we can draw the conclusion that man was the reason for creation. We can say this because everything was created before and for man, Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth...and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food." (Genesis 1:26-29) "...what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen, even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas." (Psalm 8:3-8) 

Although this wonderful work of creation was for and to benefit man, in his one act of disobedience to only one command, "Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:15-17) man forfeited his dominion, his ownership, over all creation to God's enemy, Satan. (Luke 4:5-7) However, Gods desire and His great love for His crown Jewel, man, to be redeemed, immediately after the fall, put into action His plan for the redemption, the buy back of man. 

Through Jesus Christ, God the Word becoming flesh, God Himself would become liable for mans sin and rebellion. He would take it all upon Himself in order that the demands of justice be completely and lawfully satisfied. Through Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection, the just for the unjust, God had legally redeemed man once for all. Now God can on legal grounds give eternal life to man. Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." (John 5:24) For everyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and receives Him as Savior, there will be no judgment nor will there be any suffering in Sheol, Hades, like there was for Jesus. Yet in  all the glorious things that the Father did through Christ from the incarnation to His seating at His right, I believe the greatest miracle happens when a person receives Christ and instantly goes from being a child of the devil to becoming a child of God. "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love." (Colossians 1:13)

The reality of who and what a born again person is in Christ, is nothing short of a miracle. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

This became a reality the moment Jesus carried His blood into the Holy of Holies in heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father. These things are not progressive or future events, but a current reality. Now a person can accept Christ and know that the moment he or she does, they becomes a new creation. The o1d things of life have passed away, and behold all are become new; and all these things are of God, who has reconciled that person to Himself through Jesus Christ. Do you see why the new creation is a miracle? A person upon receiving Christ in a single moment goes from a convict, to a redeemed child of God. (1 John 3:1) Not only that, but also notice, “He who knew no sin, became sin, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." A person upon receiving Christ in a single moment also becomes the righteousness of God in Christ.

Let us look at what the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul reveals, "Therefore, since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).  Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2 AMP)

As it is in 2 Corinthians 5:21 we see here also; upon the confession of Christ as Lord and receiving Him as Savior we are declared righteous by God. This is emphatic. God Himself declares this. Is goes on, "who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised up because of our being declared righteous." (Romans 4:25 YLT) In other words, after three days and nights of unimaginable suffering in Sheol, Hades, by Jesus our substitute, the very moment that justice was satisfied, in the Father’s mind, sin was dealt with, mankind was declared righteous, and then Jesus was raised from the dead. Yes, all of mankind in the mind of God has been given right standing. There is no problem with sin in the mind of God. Sin was dealt with in Jesus Christ. However, there is still a problem with sinners. Though mankind has been declared righteous, it only becomes a reality to an individual when they receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Next, Jesus reveals to us in His conversation with Nicodemus, "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18) God does not condemn the sinner, they condemn themselves for not believing on Jesus. We see "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17) This is why it is so highly important that believers know who they are in Christ, who Christ is in them and how the Father truly sees them.

In the natural sense, it’s like a person having a debilitating disease that is life threatening. Someone has freely paid the price to provide the cure. Because someone took it upon themselves to provide the cure for free, in a sense the disease is already cured. However, if the diseased person knows what needs to happen for the cure to become a reality and does not pursue it, in a sense they have brought the end result, death, upon themselves. To compound the matter, those who have received the cure may have other types of diseases attached to them, such as, fear, doubt, unbelief, guilt, unworthiness or a sense of inferiority, and though they themselves have received the cure, they do not tell other diseased people what makes the cure a reality. Unfortunately, this happens all the time because most believers do not have an assured confidence as to who they are in Christ, who Christ is in them and how the Father truly sees them.

The way to freedom on both of these fronts is to apply faith to the unchanging Word of God. Abraham did not have a complete revelation of God as we do today in what we call the Bible, yet it says of him, "He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:20-21) This is why the writer of Hebrews encourages us to, "hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23) The Apostle Paul tells us, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might...Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand..." (Ephesians 6:10, 13-14) 

Believers are now in Christ and the reality of this means, He is in us and we are in Him; We are new creations the old has passed away; We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ; He has not left us to live on our own; He is living His life in us; He is acting in us, through us, and with us; We can continue the work here on earth that He modeled for us; We are now His burden-bearers; We carry His load with His strength; We do His will with His ability. So, let us come to a greater revelation of the truth as to who we are in Christ, who Christ is in us, and how the Father truly see us. Our new life in Christ is not simply a path to follow; It is not a theory; It is not a doctrine; It is a reality; it is life.

Many Dogma's and Doctrines have lost their significance. They are the worn-out shells, old wine skins of yesterday which have held believers in bondage for years. So, let us become God inside minded. Let us never forget, who we are in Christ; who Christ is in us; and how the Father truly see us. The days of condemnation, guilt, unworthiness, weakness, failure and inferiority are over. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle John Tells us, “…because as He is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17) Glory to God!!!

The Old is Gone

I believe that the two greatest struggles for most believers is being fully convinced concerning God's Word and receiving our inheritance now. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) When we know what our Redemption in Christ truly means, and what it means to the Father, not simply a place in heaven when we pass from this life to eternity, then we pass out of the realm of worry, fear, doubt, unworthiness and inferiority and into the rest that God has provided in Christ.

The Apostle Paul recognized this so much that he tells us, "Not that I speak in respect of want, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therein to be independent of circumstances." ( Philippians 4:11 TCT) Why or how can believers be independent of circumstances? Paul goes on and says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me." (Philippians 4:13) You see, redemption in the mind of the Father means a new creation, not a new renovation or a hybrid, but complete sonship with al1its privileges. It means that we have come into God’s family and have all the family rights and privileges now as His Children. Paul tells us, "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…" (Romans 8:15-17 ) What a remarkable promise...

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle John tells us, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God…" (1 John 3:1-2) We could stop here, because this should be enough to cause us to walk in newness of life free from the old nature understanding who we are is in Christ; who Christ is in us and how the Father truly sees all of His children. Jesus tells us, "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26) and, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11)

How about this, "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:9 ) For some, it may take some time before the reality of this scripture becomes more than simply a nice scripture. The great God and Father, the Creator of all things, has called us into fellowship with His Son, because He sees us as new creations in and with Christ. It is important that all believers recognize these truths, because the Father sees us as being one with Him in Christ. Oh, it goes even further, PTL.. 

"For if, through the transgression of one individual, death made use of the one individual to seize the sovereignty, all the more shall those who receive God's overflowing grace and gift of righteousness reign as kings in Life through the one individual, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17 WEY) We are now reigning as kings in the realm of life. We have become Masters; We are more than conquerors; We are set free; we are no longer held in captivity; We were slaves, defeated, conquered, held in bondage but LORD has taken us to His throne, and in the name of Jesus we become the bondage breakers for the rest of the human race.

Paul tells us, "Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind." (Colossians 2:18)  Paul tells believers not to let anyone deprive them of their due reward. The only way to secure the prize was to hold on to the truth of God's Word and not yield to the philosophy of the world or the teachings of the Jewish leaders, who would try to defrauded Jews of their reward in Christ. The same can happen today and is happening today. Many of God's children are being cheated out of their inheritance through faithless teachers who teach the traditions and doctrines of man, rather than the unadulterated Word of God which builds faith (Romans 10:17) and produces life. (John 6:63) So, hold your position in Christ and stand on His truth, as Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32) Amen...    

Ever Increasing Faith

With the holiday season upon us which not only includes Christmas but also the closing of a year and the beginning of a new year, let us prepare ourselves now with high expectations of God manifesting His Kingdom, Power and Glory like never before. Let us remember that Jesus gave humanity a complete and eternal redemption which provides us with life and that more abundantly, now. Let us "lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:1-2) Let us move beyond churchianity into true Christianity by letting the Holy Spirit loose, bringing us to the place where the supernatural power of God is released through us in the Name of Jesus. (Mark 16:17-18) Let us exercise more faith in God and His wonderful Word and works than we every have. Of course we will have a fight on our hands. But not a fight against Satan, for he is a defeated foe. 

The greatest battle that any child of God will ever fight is the battle of faith. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul reveals this very thing, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12) We often wonder why it is so hard for so many believers to truly believe God. There are several reasons. Some of these are; we are surrounded in an environment of an antagonistic world that is presided over by the enemy of all righteousness, Satan; we live in his unreal world; we are surrounded by the currents of unbelief so subtle that most seem unable to realize them and rise above them and the corruption and demonic evil that surrounds us can lead believers in to a place of fear and anxiety that erodes faith.

To believe in God for most anything seems to be a continual struggle against the selfish, greedy, materialistic currents that buffet us. To believe in Christ for victory over sin is a battle during every hour of consciousness, with the spiritual hosts of darkness seemly and relentlessly opposing all that is good and righteous. To believe in God for healing the physical body when one is ill is to put up a battle against the centuries of trusting in medicine. So it is not at a1l strange that so many break down in their faith life. For those who press through these things we must caution ourselves to not be harsh or critical against our brothers or sisters in Christ who fail when scripture tells us, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:1-2) So, let's take a moment and look at what the Bible reveals concerning faith. 

To begin with faith is a noun whereas believe is a verb. Believing, being a verb, is an action word. To believe in a Biblical sense means "to take," or "to grasp." To believe Jesus means to take Jesus for all that the Scriptures declare Him to be. To clarify this, to believe on Christ as a Savior, is to take Him as the One who saves, delivers, redeems, sustains, preserves and makes whole; the One who has opened the way to everlasting salvation, eternal life. It means to take Him and recognize Him as your healer, provider, protector, basically, our all in all. In other words, believing is an act of the will. When I believe, I have acted, having acted, I have reached what is called faith. Faith is a noun. I take a step. Having taken the step, I have arrived, therefore arriving in this sense is faith. 

To believe then, is to act on the Word of God. So then, faith is action, that is, not believing only but acting on God's Word. The Apostle James says it this way,  "...I will show you my faith by my works (corresponding actions)" (James 2:18) Doubt or unbelief is refusing to act on God's Word. This brings us to the next point. There are two kinds of unbelief: first, a refusing to act on the knowledge of the Word that we have. This can be called unpersuadableness. It is refusing to act on what we know to be true in the light of knowledge. The other kind of unbelief arises when one does not know, therefore he/she cannot act. In other words, if we do not understand or know something to be true, we are afraid to act or we do not know how to act. The cure for this is knowledge; the cure for the other is obedience. 

The writer of Hebrews tells us, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) For many, although this verse is describing or defining faith it seems to be somewhat obscure. So, to break this down to more understandable terms, it can be said; Faith is the title deed for things you have hoped for, the putting to proof of things unseen, that is, faith is the title deed to the property you know you possess, even though you have not yet seen it. Think about it from this perspective. You are given the deed to a property. You have never seen the property, however, the deed is the legal document and the only proof required, that guarantees and proves your ownership. In the same way, we apply faith in God's Word (the deed) which God Himself guarantees that what He says is true and that He is able and willing to perform. In other words, faith is expecting God to do what you know He has said in His Word that He will do, or, faith is believing that God speaks the truth, period, therefore, no matter what the circumstances may be, I am convinced that God is willing and able to do what He says. 

When it comes to acting on God's Word, that is, releasing faith, always remember, God has never asked that we exercise faith for something that He has not first promised or that He will not do for us. In other words, first, He gives us a promise. Then as our faith grows it produces actions, then He fulfills His promise. The Apostle Paul tells us, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) Although Jesus paid the price for sin, a person must act in faith, confess and believe, before God fulfills His promise, "you will be saved." This same principle applies across the board. Faith is believing and acting on God's Word. So, always remember, God never asks us to believe He will do something for us unless He has promised to do it first. We also need to remember, "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) 

Solomon tells us, "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) Let us do what we see in this Proverb concerning God's Word. In the natural, when a farmer puts seed into the ground, he does not dig it up to see how it is doing. He believes that the ground and seed have begun their work. Similarly, we are to, "Keep them (God's Word) in the midst of your heart" and believe that it is doing its work. So, let us have the same faith in the imperishable seed, God's Word. The Apostle Peter tells us, "having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." (1 Peter 1:23) 

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus tells us the seed that is sown is the Word of God. (Mark 4:14) He also tells us in the Parable of the Growing Seed, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how." (Mark 4:26-27) Therefore, after you plant seed, (God's Word) believe it is growing even before you see any results. As we see above, we may not understand how the Word grows (our faith), we simply believe. This again is faith, which is the evidence of things not seen. Any person can get rid of their doubts by looking steadfastly at the evidence which God has given for our faith, His Word. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) It is God's Word that produces and increases faith. So, do not doubt your faith, but simply doubt your doubts, for they are unreliable. 

As we approach 2026, let us commit to doing the following three things on a daily bases. First, saturate ourselves with and in the Word of God. Let it prevail over fear, doubt and unbelief like never before. Simply put, let's believe and act on God's Word. Second, let our confession be the Word of God. 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) Remember, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Thirdly, spend time conversing (praying) with the Father in the Name of Jesus. Not only offering up our petitions and requests, but also given thanks in all thing, keeping in mind, that to converse is to have a conversation, a two way conversation with the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit. "truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3) 

Finally, let us not make vain New Years resolutions, where according to statistics, approximately 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February. Instead let us truly commit ourselves to the Lord, His Word and His way's, in doing so, the church will once again takes its place in every society turning the world upside down, glorifying the Father and magnifying the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12) My prayer for us all was spoken by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 2) PTL  

Thanks be to God

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Taken from the Greek, the word everything means; all things; every kind or variety; in the highest degree; the maximum; with all boldness. The Holy Spirit is our helper and comforter (John 15:26) and no matter what circumstances of life we may find ourselves facing, let us remember that He is with us always. The attitude of giving thanks for every believer should go beyond Thanksgiving Day, which we celebrate this year on November 27, 2025. Simply put, Thanksgiving is not just a holiday every fourth Thursday in November where believers join with family and friends and share what they are thankful for, but everyday ought to be Thanksgiving Day for believers and as Paul tells us "In everything give thanks."

The Psalmist says, "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) One of the things that we see concerning giving thanks, is, "Make a joyful shout to the Lord." For most there seems to be no problem with shouting at sporting events or even various forms of entertainment, but what about shouting thank you to the Lord. As we see in the beginning of this Psalm, our lives are meant to be joyful. God wants us to get excited about who He is. We all need to exercise the fruit of joy and shout joyfully to God. He has won the victory for us through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We also see that we are to, "Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing." The word serve not only indicates to labor, but also to worship as we see "Come before His presence with singing." The usage of the word gladness talks of glee; exceeding gladness; joyfulness; rejoicing. The reasons for this are obvious. Jesus has saved me; He is merciful to me; He lives in me; He is a present help in time of trouble; He is healer; deliverer; provider; He loves me without conditions; He will not cast me away; on, and on, and on. Just keeping these things in mind and confessing them at all times should cause us to serve the Lord with gladness and with a song coming forth from our lips.

Next, we are called to, "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." This verse shows three of the many attributes of God. He is Lord. We are to let Him be Ruler, Master, Lord of our lives. He is Creator. When a person creates something, though we simply use the created things of God to invent or make things, that person is greater than the thing created and they have every right over that which was made. (Romans 9:20) The Apostle Paul tells us, "Or 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) He made us. We are His. He is the our Shepherd. He guides us to the place of security, plenty and rest. Like sheep, we are to be totally dependent on God.

Next, we are to "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." Here is the epitome of what Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the kind of thanksgiving that flows out of a thankful heart. In Luke chapter seventeen we see a heart of thanksgiving revealed through a Samaritan who was healed of leprosy by Jesus. 

"Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.  And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11-17) 

Notice, that out of the ten lepers, the Samaritan was the only one who returned to Jesus, "and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. In doing so, he was showing us just how thankful he was for what Jesus did for him.  Why? "For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." Let's be honest, Jesus has done exceedingly great things for us, we, more so than the Samaritan, should be thankful to God for what He is and what has done for us. So, this Thanksgiving with all the preparations, events and excitement, let us be truly thankful, with shouts of joy; with gladness; with thankfulness and gratitude and with a heart dependent on Him. Happy Thanksgiving...