The Joyful Heart by Jim Hughes

Curse of the Law

2013-02-06T04:01:00.001-07:00

Galatians 3:13

(KJV)

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

(AMP)

Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified);

(MSG)

13-14 Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse. And now, because of that, the air is cleared and we can see that Abraham’s blessing is present and available for non-Jews, too. We are all able to receive God’s life, his Spirit, in and with us by believing—just the way Abraham received it.

(CPV)

10-14 People who try to observe the taboos and customs are really in a bad way, for society says, "Woe to that man who doesn’t abide by everything prescribed by our Southern heritage and way of life." Yet it is as clear as day that nobody ever got right with God by the traditions, because "God’s man shall stand on his faithfulness." But customs are not based on faithfulness to God but on a strict adherence to the customs themselves. Christ liberated us from the damning effects of the customs by letting them fall on him instead of on us, just as they say, "Whoever gets strung up on a tree is a damned fool." The inner purpose of his doing this was that Negroes might be accorded the dignity of white men in the Christian fellowship, and that we all, by our faithfulness, might receive the assured support of the Spirit.

*Barnes:

From the curse of the law - The curse which the Law threatens, and which the execution of the Law would inflict; the punishment due to sin. This must mean, that he has rescued us from the consequences of transgression in the world of woe; [Christ] has saved us from the punishment which our sins have deserved. The word, “us” here, must refer to all who are redeemed; that is, to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.

The curse of the Law is a curse which is due to sin, and cannot be regarded as applied particularly to any one class of people. All who violate the Law of God, however that law may be made known, are exposed to its penalty. The word “law” here, relates to the Law of God in general, to all the laws of God made known to man. The Law of God denounced death as the wages of sin. It threatened punishment in the future world forever. That would certainly have been inflicted, but for the coming and death of Christ. The world is lying by nature under this curse, and it is sweeping the race on to ruin.

*Matthew Henry

The apostle [Paul] having reproved the Galatians for not obeying the truth, and endeavoured to impress them with a sense of their folly herein, in these verses he largely proves the doctrine which he had reproved them for rejecting, namely, that of justification by faith without the works of the law. This he does several ways. [below from 2 of Henry’s original 4 points]

II. [Paul] shows that we cannot be justified but by faith fastening on the gospel, because the law condemns us. If we put ourselves upon trial in that court, and stand to the sentence of it, we are certainly cast, and lost, and undone; for as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse, as many as depend upon the merit of their own works as their righteousness, as plead not guilty, and insist upon their own justification, the cause will certainly go against them; for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them, Gal_3:10, and Deu_27:26.

The condition of life, by the law, is perfect, personal, and perpetual, obedience; the language of it is, Do this and live; or, as Gal_3:12, The man that doeth them shall live in them: and for every failure herein the law denounces a curse. Unless our obedience be universal, continuing in all things that are written in the book of the law, and unless it be perpetual too (if in any instance at any time we fail and come short), we fall under the curse of the law.

The curse is wrath revealed, and ruin threatened: it is a separation unto all evil, and this is in full force, power, and virtue, against all sinners, and therefore against all men; for all have sinned and become guilty before God: and if, as transgressors of the law, we are under the curse of it, it must be a vain thing to look for justification by it. But, though this is not to be expected from the law, yet the apostle afterwards acquaints us that there is a way open to our escaping this curse, and regaining the favour of God, namely, through faith in Christ, who (as he says, Gal_3:13) hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, etc.

A strange method it was which Christ took to redeem us from the curse of the law; it was by his being himself made a curse for us. Being made sin for us, he was made a curse for us; not separated from God, but laid for the present under that infamous token of the divine displeasure upon which the law of Moses had put a particular brand, Deu_21:23.

The design of this was that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ - that all who believed on Christ, whether Jews or Gentiles, might become heirs of Abraham's blessing, and particularly of that great promise of the Spirit, which was peculiarly reserved for the times of the gospel. Hence it appeared that it was not by putting themselves under the law, but by faith in Christ, that they become the people of God and heirs of the promise. Here note, 1. The misery which as sinners we are sunk into - we are under the curse and condemnation of the law. 2. The love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ towards us - he has submitted to be made a curse for us, that he might redeem us from the curse of the law. 3. The happy prospect which we now have through him, not only of escaping the curse, but of inheriting the blessing. And, 4. That it is only through faith in him that we can hope to obtain this favour.

III. To prove that justification is by faith, and not by the works of the law, the apostle alleges the express testimony of the Old Testament, Gal_3:11. The place referred to is Hab_2:4, where it is said, The just shall live by faith; it is again quoted, Rom_1:17, and Heb_10:38. The design of it is to show that those only are just or righteous who do truly live, who are freed from death and wrath, and restored into a state of life in the favour of God; and that it is only through faith that persons become righteous, and as such obtain this life and happiness - that they are accepted of God, and enabled to live to him now, and are entitled to an eternal life in the enjoyment of him hereafter.

Hence the apostle says, It is evident that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God. Whatever he may be in the account of others, yet he is not so in the sight of God; for the law is not of faith - that says nothing concerning faith in the business of justification, nor does it give life to those who believe; but the language of it is, The man that doeth them shall live in them, as Lev_18:5. It [the Law] requires perfect obedience as the condition of life, and therefore now can by no means be the rule of our justification. This argument of the apostle's may give us occasion to remark that justification by faith is no new doctrine, but what was established and taught in the church of God long before the times of the gospel. Yea, it is the only way wherein any sinners ever were, or can be, justified.

References:

*King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

**Barnes' Notes on the New Testament (Barnes) by Albert Barnes Published in Philadelphia, August 25th, 1832

**Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible written in 1706 by Matthew Henry

The Gospel Of Grace

2012-12-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

What does the Bible teach about the Gospel of Grace; are there other Gospels?

Acts 15:10-12

(KJV)

10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke [The Law was considerd to be a yoke of bondage (JPH)] upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Romans 8:14-16

(KJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Nowhere in the Bible does it teach that we are to be under bondage again to fear God!

Galatians 1:3-10

(KJV)

3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

(AMP)

6 I am surprised and astonished that you are so quickly [a]turning renegade and deserting Him Who invited and called you by the grace (unmerited favor) of Christ (the Messiah) [and that you are transferring your allegiance] to a different [even an opposition] gospel.

7 Not that there is [or could be] any other [genuine Gospel], but there are [obviously] some who are troubling and disturbing and bewildering you [b]with a different kind of teaching which they offer as a gospel] and want to pervert and distort the Gospel of Christ (the Messiah) [into something which it absolutely is not].

8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!

9 As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

— * Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament

a. Galatians 1:6 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.

b. Galatians 1:7 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.

Galatians 3:20-27

(KJV)

20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Hebrews 8:7-13

(KJV)

7 If that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of

Israel

and with the house of

Judah

9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of

Israel

after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

— *Barnes’ (Word Pictures in the New Testament)

If that first covenant had been faultless - It is implied here that God had said that that covenant was not perfect or faultless. The meaning is not that that first covenant made under Moses had any real faults - or inculcated what was wrong, but that it did not contain the ample provision for the pardon of sin and the salvation of the soul which was desirable. It was merely “preparatory” to the gospel. Then should no place have been sought for the second - There could not have been - inasmuch as in that case it would have been impossible to have bettered it, and any change would have been only for the worse.

[It’s not that the first covenant was faultless, it was perfectly conceived to be a schoolmaster. But it wasn’t blameless—it couldn’t bring salvation of the soul—(JPH)]

— Blue Letter Bible

(KJV) Verse 7—Strong's Greek translation for faultless G273 – amemptos

1) blameless, deserving no censure, free from fault or defect

Authorized Version (KJV) Translation Count for G273 — Total: 5

blameless 3: Luke 1:3; Phl 2:15; Phl 3:6;

unblameable 1: 1Th 3:13

faultless 1:Hbr 8:7

Hebrews 8:6-13

(MSG)

But Jesus’ priestly work far surpasses what these other priests do, since he’s working from a far better plan. If the first plan—the old covenant—had worked out, a second wouldn’t have been needed. But we know the first was found wanting, because God said,

Heads up! The days are coming

when I’ll set up a new plan

for dealing with

Israel

and

Judah

I’ll throw out the old plan

I set up with their ancestors

when I led them by the hand out of

Egypt

They didn’t keep their part of the bargain,

so I looked away and let it go.

This new plan I’m making with

Israel

isn’t going to be written on paper,

isn’t going to be chiseled in stone;

This time I’m writing out the plan in them,

carving it on the lining of their hearts.

I’ll be their God,

they’ll be my people.

They won’t go to school to learn about me,

or buy a book called God in Five Easy Lessons.

They’ll all get to know me firsthand,

the little and the big, the small and the great.

They’ll get to know me by being kindly forgiven,

with the slate of their sins forever wiped clean.

By coming up with a new plan, a new covenant between God and his people, God put the old plan on the shelf. And there it stays, gathering dust.

— Jim

One argument against the Gospel of Grace is, “What if I sin? Don’t I need to repent and do some kind of good deed to get back in God’s favor and be in right standing with Him?”

Jesus paid for all of our past, present and future sins on the cross. We will always be in fellowship with God the Father forever thru the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross! That would be like saying, “I have to help dear old God out because His Son’s sacrifice didn’t pay for my sin I committed just now.; I have to do some kind of sacrifice myself.”

Another argument against the Gospel of Grace is, “What about those who have so seared their conscience that they have thrown away their salvation? 1 Timothy 4:2. Their consciences are seared and they cannot hear from God any longer, they are not aware of sin.”

I say, “Stop it! Stop looking for loop-holes in the Gospel of Grace!”

The Bible says that these hypocrites (imposters-they never were believers) are branded, like Cain was after murdering his brother Abel. Cain forever had his sin before his mind, he was incapable of forgetting his sin. He will be tormented in Hell for his sin. He was not a saint, neither are these imposters.

—Thayer's (New Testament Greek-English Lexicon)

1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

καυτηριάζω kauteriazo {kow-tay-ree-ad'-zo}

1) to mark by branding, to brand, branded with their own consciences

1a) whose souls are branded with the marks of sin

1b) who carry about with them the perpetual consciousness of sin

2) seared

3) in a medical sense, to cauterise, remover by cautery

— *Robertson’s (Word Pictures in the New Testament)

Branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron (kekaustēriasmenōn tēn idian suneidēsin). Accusative case suneidēsin retained with the perfect passive participle of kaustēriazō, a rare verb only here and once in Strabo. Branded with the mark of Satan (2Ti_2:26) as Paul was with the marks of Christ (Gal_6:17). Agreeing in case with pseudologōn.

To repeat, those under the old Mosaic Covenant (The Ten Commandments) had no way of keeping the Law. So God instituted sacrifices to cover their sins. They had to do something—they had to obey the Law.

But under the new Covenant God does it all! as we read earlier in Hebrews 8,

12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Plus I repeat, Acts 15:10

We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved.

The Gospel of Grace is this:

All we have to do is BELIEVE the Good News (the English translation of the Greek word Gospel.) That thru Christ’s sacrifice, God’s eternal mercy turns our being unrighteous into being in right standing with God and we are forever forgiven of all sins; and the sin nature has been dealt a death blow at Calvary! We are no longer slaves of sin but servants of God and our fruit is unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (Romans 6:22)

That’s it, or as the acronym says, KISS—Keep It Simple Saints! Just BELIEVE, Be a Believer!

References:

Thayer's (New Testament Greek-English Lexicon) Based on Grimm's Wilke's Clavis Novi Testamenti, tr., rev. and enl. by Joseph Henry Thayer; Published by New York American Book Co. in 1889. Retrieved from http://lexiconcordance.com/

*Barnes' Notes on the New Testament (Barnes) by Albert Barnes Published in Philadelphia, August 25th, 1832

*Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament; Published in 1886 by Marvin R. Vincent

*Word Pictures in the New Testament; by (AT) Archibald Thomas Robertson; Published 1n 1930 by Broadman Press in Nashville, Tenn.

King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

New Critters

2012-06-18T18:51:00.001-07:00

1 Corinthians 2:14

(AMP)

The natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

(Geisler)

It's not that we are so dead to perceive the truth, we're just so separated from God that we are unwilling to receive the truth.

John 3:3

(AMP)

Unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.

Genesis 2:17

(AMP)

Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and blessing and calamity you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.

Adam and Eve died at the exact moment they ate the forbidden fruit. But their death was spiritual, their spirit man died. This means they were spiritually separated from God now; but they were still able to see and talk with God, even in this new fallen state.

Genesis 3:9-10

(AMP)

The Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? Adam said, I heard the sound of You [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.

Now fallen man was banished from freely accessing God, banished from God’s presence. That’s why Jesus we must be born again, regenerated into a new creation, start over again from scratch.

2 Corinthians 5:17

(JPH)

If anyone is in Christ they are new critters! Aliens, a whole new species from another planet, Heaven!

Now the new critters can welcome and accept into their heart the things of God!

Ezekiel 36:26

(AMP)

A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

So how does this regeneration happen?

Romans 10:17

(AMP)

So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).

Ephesians 2:8

(AMP)

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([a]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;

Ephesians 16:30-31

(MSG)

The jailer asked, "Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved, to really live?" They said, "Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live—and everyone in your house included!"

That is how to live like we were originally meant to live with God! So, how are we saved—born again—and regenerated and become children of God? We are to receive and welcome Jesus!

John 1:10-13

(AMP)

He came into the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him [did not know Him]. He came to that which belonged to Him [to His own—His domain, creation, things, world], and they who were His own did not receive Him and did not welcome Him.

But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— 13 Who owe their birth neither to bloods nor to the will of the flesh [that of physical impulse] nor to the will of man [that of a natural father], but to God. [They are born of God!]

References:

Norman Geisler - Why I Am Not A 5 Point Calvinist, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNm54hlfhcw

In One Accord

2012-04-10T17:05:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I find it’s just time to be still and listen to the gold that others have dug up!

Philippians 2:1-4

(AMP)

1 By whatever [appeal to you there is in our mutual dwelling in Christ, by whatever] strengthening and consoling and encouraging [our relationship] in Him [affords], by whatever persuasive incentive there is in love, by whatever participation in the [Holy] Spirit [we share], and by whatever depth of affection and compassionate sympathy,

2 Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.

3 Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].

4 Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.

Barnes' Notes on the New Testament - Analysis of Philippians 2:1-2:

Verse 1. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ. This, with what is said in the remainder of the verse, is designed as a motive for what he exhorts them to in Philippians 2:2 -that they would be of the same mind, and would thus fulfill his joy. To urge them to this, he appeals to the tender considerations which religion furnished—and begins by a reference to the consolation which there was in Christ.

The meaning here may be this: "I am now persecuted and afflicted. In my trials it will give me the highest joy to learn that you act as become Christians. You also are persecuted and afflicted, Philippians 1:28-30; and, in these circumstances, I entreat that the highest consolation may be sought; and by all that is tender and sacred in the Christian religion, I conjure you so to live as not to dishonor the gospel.

So live as to bring down the highest consolation which can be obtained-the consolation which Christ alone can impart." We are not to suppose that Paul doubted whether there was any consolation in Christ, but the form of expression here is one that is designed to urge upon them the duty of seeking the highest possible. The consolation in Christ is that which Christ furnishes or imparts.

Paul regarded Christ as the source of all comfort, and earnestly prays that they might so live that he and they might avail themselves in the fullest sense of that unspeakable enjoyment. The idea is, that Christians ought at all times, and especially in affliction, so to act as to secure the highest possible happiness which their Saviour can impart to them. Such an object is worth their highest effort; and if God sees it needful, in order to that, that they should endure much affliction, still it is gain. Religious consolation is always worth all which it costs to secure it.

If any comfort of love. If there be any comfort in the exercise of tender affection. That there is, no one can doubt. Our happiness is almost all centered in love. It is when we love a parent, a wife, a child, a sister, a neighbor, that we have the highest earthly enjoyment. It is in the love of God, of Christ, of Christians, of the souls of men, that the redeemed find their highest happiness.

Hatred is a passion full of misery; love an emotion full of joy.

By this consideration, Paul appeals to them, and the motive here is drawn from all the joy which mutual love and sympathy are fitted to produce in the soul. Paul would have that love exercised in the highest degree, and would have them enjoy all the happiness which its mutual exercise could furnish.

If any fellowship of the Spirit. The word "fellowship" κοινωνια—(koinōnia )means that which is common to two or more; that of which they partake together. Ephesians 3:9; Philippians 1:5. The idea here is, that among Christians there was a participation in the influences of the Holy Ghost; that they shared, in some degree, the feelings, views, and joys of the sacred Spirit himself; and that this was a privilege of the highest order. By this fact, Paul now exhorts them to unity, love, and zeal-so to live that they might partake, in the highest degree, of the consolations of the Spirit.

If any bowels and mercies. If there is any affectionate bond by which you are united to me, and any regard for my sorrows, and any desire to fill up my joys, so live as to impart to me, your spiritual father and friend, the consolation which I seek.

Verse 2. Fulfil ye my joy. Fill up my joy so that nothing shall be wanting to complete it. This, he says, would be done by their union, zeal, and humility. Comp. John 3:29.

That ye be likeminded. Gr., That ye think the same thing. 2 Corinthians 13:11. Perfect unity of sentiment, opinion, and plan would be desirable, if it could be attained. It may be, so far as to prevent discord, schism, contention, and strife in the church, and so that Christians may be harmonious in promoting the same great work-the salvation of souls.

Having the same love. Love to the same objects, and the same love one for another. Though their opinions might differ on some points, yet they might be united in love. 1 Corinthians 1:10.

Being of one accord, σύμψυχοι—(sympsychos) of one soul; having your souls joined together. The word used here does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means a union of soul; or an acting together as if but one soul actuated them.

Of one mind. Gr., Thinking the same thing. The apostle here uses a great variety of expressions to denote the same thing. The object which he aimed at was union of heart, of feeling, of plan, of purpose. He wished them to avoid all divisions and strifes; and to show the power of religion by being united in the common cause. Probably there is no single thing so much insisted on in the New Testament as the importance of harmony among Christians.

Now, there is almost nothing so little known; but if it prevailed, the world would soon be converted to God. John 17:21 or John 17:21.

References:

Amplified Bible (AMP)—Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation; Retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com/ BibleGateway.com © Copyright 1995-2010 Gospel Communications International

Love Covers A Multitude Of Sins

2012-03-24T21:37:00.001-07:00

1 Peter 4:8

(KJV)

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

v7-11 (in Context - MSG)

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully.

Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

Hebrews 10:24-25

(AMP)

24 And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,

25 Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.

(MSG)

So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Jude 1:20-25

(AMP)

20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [[d]make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;

21 Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)--[which will bring you] unto life eternal.

22 And refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and doubt.

23 [Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality.

24 Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]--

25 To the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it).

Jude 1:17-23

(CPV)

17 But you-all, my dear, dear people, constantly bear in mind the things you were told previously by those sent out by our Lord Jesus Christ. They told you, "When time runs out there will be men who make a joke of their religion and follow their own insolent desires." These are the segregationists-kooks without a conscience. But you, my loved ones, deepen your commitment to your most sacred way of life. With spirit-filled prayer keep yourselves in God’s love. Always be eager for the kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ which leads into spiritual life.

22 You must deal gently with some people who are wavering but others you are to save by actually snatching them from the fire. Still others you must handle with gloves, as much as you may dislike their clothing messed up by their own filth.

James 5:13-20

(AMP)

13 Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God].

14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord's name.

15 And the prayer of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest [hot-to-boiling] (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working] [– like a dynamo, a nuclear power plant, as it where, able to generate and make tremendous power available].

17 Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. [I Kings 17:1.]

18 And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual]. [I Kings 18:42-45.]

19 [My] brethren, if anyone among you strays from the Truth and falls into error and another [person] brings him back [to God],

20 Let the [latter] one be sure that whoever turns a sinner from his evil course will save [that one's] soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins [[a]procure the pardon of the many sins committed by the convert].

(MSG)

Prayer to Be Reckoned With

13-15 Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you've sinned, you'll be forgiven—healed inside and out.

16-18 Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.

19-20 My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.

(CPV)

13 If any one of you is suffering abuse, let him pray. If any one is happy, let him sing. If one of you is sick, let him send for the church leaders, and let them pray for him and wait on him in the name of the Lord. Faithful devotion will restore the sick man, and the Lord will make well. And if he has done some sin, this too shall be forgiven him.

16 Be honest with one another about your sins, and pray for each other that you might get the victory over them, for the petition of a truly good man is powerfully effective. Elijah, for instance, was a human being just like us, and he earnestly prayed that it might not rain, and not a drop fell for three-and-a-half years. Then he prayed again and it poured, and things began to grow again.

19 My brothers, if one of you should stray from the truth, and another guides him back, you may be sure that he who guides an erring one away from his false course, will literally save his life and shield him from a lot of sins.

References:

**King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

Able and Just

2012-03-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

1 John 1:9

(KJV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Apostle John was facing some big challenges when he returned to Ephesus after being boiled in oil and exiled to the island of Patmos. John was the last of the original twelve disciples for the rest of the apostles had all been martyred.

With no apostolic supervision the church got into error. There was a deadly doctrine being circulated that Jesus was not really a man but just a spirit. John addressed this in his epistles that Jesus was both man and God.

1 John 1:1-4

(KJV)

¹That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

²(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

³That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

⁴And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

In these opening verses John is saying that he and the boys would roughhouse with Jesus along the shore of Lake Galilee. Can you imagine? Hugging the Creator of the universe!

But to get to the key text of verse nine I had to give the context of the verses in this study. I’ve heard it said that a text without a context is no text. Many a doctrinal error has been based on verses of the Bible taken entirely out of context; and these false teachers use their “proof texts” (verses out of context) to “prove” their doctrines. Most of the time these verses have been misquoted and the average person doesn’t study the Bible enough to know the difference.

Every verse in the Bible is true and accurately recorded, but not everything spoken is true.

For example: “Money is the root of all evil.”

1 Timothy 6:10

(KJV)

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Money isn’t evil, it’s the “love” of money that’s evil; making money our god. But as believers we are to love God with our whole heart and soul. So back to our text,

He is able and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This study is going to blow our natural thinking away and rock the boat of those “out of context” beliefs we have that tell us we need to be afraid of God and always walk in shame because we are sinners.

When Jesus died on the cross, He took the punishment for our sins that His Father intended for us upon Himself. He was faithful in His assignment and fulfilled the legal and just requirements to pay for that punishment.

And because Jesus rose from the dead He now has the legal right to forgive anyone of their sins. He is now able to create in us a new heart with the same resurrection nature that He has. We are not regular human beings anymore, we are new creations! (See 2 Cor 5:17)

Our earth suit (our bodies) might look the same as it did before salvation but we have been changed on the inside. We might look like other humans but we aren’t human anymore; we are aliens from another planet, Heaven!

The original human heart created for Adam in the garden was perfect; but it was never intended to be broken with sin. Once sin entered it could never be fixed. It could never be whole again.

God had to create brand new hearts that can be fixed whenever we sin. The way they are fixed is by admitting to the Father that we have sinned against Him and Him only! Jesus then accepts that confession and as our Heavenly lawyer stands before the Judge, His Father, and pleads our case.

Based solely on the blood that Jesus shed for our sins, He presents our confession and immediately we are not only forgiven but because we have that new fixable heart we are rejuvenated and cleansed from all unrighteousness! We are immediately in right standing with God the Father!

Romans 5:1

(KJV)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Immediately we become justified (justified—just as if we have never been sinners) before our Heavenly Father, the Judge; and technically—every sin we will ever commit has already been forgiven at the cross, so this process can be repeated over and over!

So in closing, we have learned that can walk in absolute faith knowing that nobody can point an accusing finger at those of us in Christ Jesus who pleads on our behalf before the court of heaven.

Romans 8:31-39

(MSG)

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.

We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Romans 8:31-33

(CPV)

³¹How, then, shall we respond to all this? If God is rootin’ for us, who can win over us? If he didn’t hold back his own Son, but put him in the game for us all, won’t he even more gladly, in addition to his Son, equip us with all we need to win the game?

³³Who shall reject us when God has elected us? God accepts us into fellowship; who banishes us? Does Christ Jesus, the Killed One, or rather, the Risen One, who is God’s "right-hand man" and speaks out for us? What shall drive a wedge between us and the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or drought or poverty or danger or war?

(NLT)

³¹What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? ³²Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? ³³ Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. ³⁴Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

References:

**King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

Walk In The Spirit

2012-03-15T06:42:00.002-07:00

Galatians 5:16 (in this study the word “soul” is substituted for the word “flesh”)

(KJV)

16 Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the soul.

17 For the soul lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the soul: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Galatians 5:16

(KJV)

I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 4:24

(KJV)

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Romans 8:5-7

(AMP)

⁵For those who are according to the soul and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the soul, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.

⁶Now (in this life on earth before the hereafter) the mind of the soul [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].

⁷[That is] because the mind of the soul [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law; indeed it cannot.

Do you want soul peace? If you’re like me you sure do. We must remember that we are comprised of three parts to our existence. We are a spirit, we have a soul and we live in a body. God is a spirit and we are a spirit. We have been made in His image, His likeness. We are the closest thing that God could make if He were to make a god; He couldn’t come any closer! We have the ability to create just as He does. No other being has that ability. We have cognitive abilities (the ability to reason and solve problems) and we have emotions that no other beings have.

With that being said, we cannot trust our soul. The soul is our mind, will and emotions. The soul left by itself will always be hostile towards the Spirit and always tries to take control of our being. That is why we need to be led by the Spirit of God.

Romans 8:5-7

(MSG)

^5-8 Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life.

Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored.

Romans 8:9-14

(AMP)

9 But you are not living the life of the soul, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God].

10 But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you].

11 And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.

12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, but not to the soul [we are not obligated to our carnal nature], to live [a life ruled by the standards set up by the dictates] of the soul.

13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the soul, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Romans 8:1-12

(CPV)

1 There is, then, no charge outstanding against those who are in (wedlock to) Jesus Christ. For the Spirit’s law of new life in Christ Jesus released you from the claims of the law of sin and destruction. For when it became clear that legalism was a failure, due to its weakness in dealing with humanity, God sent his own Son, in an exact replica of a man of sin and for sin, and dealt effectively with human sin.

He did this in order that the just aims of the commandments might be realized in us who live not on the level of man but on the level of the Spirit. For they who are man-centered think along human lines, and they who are Spirit-centered think in terms of the Spirit. For man-centered reasoning deadends in destruction, but Spirit-centered reasoning leads to life and space.

Man-centered reasoning is hostile to God, because it does not subordinate itself to God’s plan nor indeed can it do so. People who are man-centered just can’t get along with God. But you all, you are not man-centered but Spirit-centered - provided, of course, that God’s Spirit permeates you. If one doesn’t have Christ’s spirit, he isn’t Christ’s man. But if Christ is in you, the self, because of its sin, is stone dead; but the Spirit, because it is good, is throbbing with life.

And if the Spirit of the God who made Jesus to live again permeates you, then this same God will also give life to your hell-bent egos by means of his Spirit that permeates you.

12 It's a fact, then, brothers, that we are under no obligation whatsoever to live a man-centered life. If you do live that way, you re gonna blow yourselves to smithereens. Yet if by the Spirit you utterly smash your selfishness, you will live. For God’s sons are they who are led by God’s Spirit.

So let’s once again be led by the Spirit, let us be quickened in our hell-bent souls to live a life in spirit (in “spired”) and we will not fulfill the lusts of the soul!

References:

**King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

New Testament Obedience Means To Trust God

2012-03-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 11:6

(KJV)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

In the New Testament, to Trust, and, to Obey, are one and the same thing. To conjure up a doctrine foreign to the Spirit of Christ is to say that all one has to do to please God is to obey His commandments. [Jim]

Dictionary.com

o·bey [oh-bey] verb (used with object)

1. to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of: to obey one's parents.

2. to comply with or follow (a command, restriction, wish, instruction, etc.).

3. (of things) to respond conformably in action to: The car obeyed the slightest touch of the steering wheel.

4. to submit or conform in action to (some guiding principle, impulse, one's conscience, etc.).

To trust God is the New Testament form of the word to obey. Other forms of the word would be, to BELIEVE, to have FAITH

But without FAITH it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must TRUST. . .

According to Jesus, what is the greatest commandment?

Luke 10:27 (KJV)

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

According to Jesus, to LOVE is the greatest commandment! Not following the 10 commandments. It is impossible to follow the commandments God gave. Nobody can. Why would the Apostle Paul say he was the chief sinner?

1 Timothy 1:15 (KJV)

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Notice, Paul says, “I am” not “I was”; He still is a sinner. The man who wrote 2/3 of the New testament is still a sinner. Paul also wrote,

Romans 7: 17-20 (KJV)

But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

Paul says, “I can will it, but I can't do it.” For someone to harp on obeying the commandments to keep your salvation is heresy! Paul further says,

Galatians 3 (MSG)

Trust in Christ, Not the Law

¹ You crazy Galatians! Did someone put a hex on you? Have you taken leave of your senses? Something crazy has happened, for it's obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives. His sacrifice on the cross was certainly set before you clearly enough.

^2-4Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God's Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren't smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it? Did you go through this whole painful learning process for nothing? It is not yet a total loss, but it certainly will be if you keep this up!

^5-6Answer this question: Does the God who lavishly provides you with his own presence, his Holy Spirit, working things in your lives you could never do for yourselves, does he do these things because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust him to do them in you? Don't these things happen among you just as they happened with Abraham? He believed God, and that act of belief was turned into a life that was right with God.

^7-8Is it not obvious to you that persons who put their trust in Christ (not persons who put their trust in the law!) are like Abraham: children of faith? It was all laid out beforehand in Scripture that God would set things right with non-Jews by faith. Scripture anticipated this in the promise to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed in you."

^9-10So those now who live by faith are blessed along with Abraham, who lived by faith—this is no new doctrine! And that means that anyone who tries to live by his own effort, independent of God, is doomed to failure. Scripture backs this up: "Utterly cursed is every person who fails to carry out every detail written in the Book of the law."

^11-12The obvious impossibility of carrying out such a moral program should make it plain that no one can sustain a relationship with God that way. The person who lives in right relationship with God does it by embracing what God arranges for him. Doing things for God is the opposite of entering into what God does for you. Habakkuk had it right: "The person who believes God, is set right by God—and that's the real life." Rule-keeping does not naturally evolve into living by faith, but only perpetuates itself in more and more rule-keeping, a fact observed in Scripture: "The one who does these things [rule-keeping] continues to live by them."

^13-14Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse. And now, because of that, the air is cleared and we can see that Abraham's blessing is present and available for non-Jews, too. We are all able to receive God's life, his Spirit, in and with us by believing—just the way Abraham received it.

Bingo!

References:

King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain

2012-01-20T13:31:00.010-07:00

“Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6)

This verse by Paul is packed with a gold mine of information. Today there seems to be questions about what true godliness is.

Paul explains in another verse,

Physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.(1 Timothy 4:8;AMP)

Peter says godliness is— a life of pleasing God.

Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. (2 Peter 1:3-4; MSG)

[God] hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness (KJV)

We have everything we need RIGHT NOW to live life to the fullest! Everything we need to please God! WOW! What more do we need if we have everything?

I can hear some saying, “Yes, I understand, but. . .?” It’s time to put our buts away! In other words if you still don’t understand what godliness is, you have no contentment, right? Isn’t that what you are questioning? You thought you would be in la-la land as a Christian!

About contentment Paul writes,

And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. . . Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.

(Philippians 4:6-8, 11; AMP)

We should all be saying that in whatever condition we find ourselves in that we have learned the secret of how to be content! I can still hear some of you saying, “Yes, I understand, but, does that mean I have to live in a cave and be a hermit like you?” Well, of course not! But I’m content to live wherever I am, are you?

Paul was sayin he has a sense of inward sufficiency, “Great gain!” This means he was rich, a billionaire, in his eyes! Is that how you feel, do you feel like a billionaire? I do! Because I have great gain!

[And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain.

(1 Timothy 6:5-7; AMP)

Jesus says the reason He came was,

I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10)

Is your life overflowing? That’s Great Gain! An abundant life! Do you have an abundant life? To the full, till it overflows? I do! Godliness, a life pleasing to God! Maybe you’re not pleasing God, because He is waiting to reward you for pleasing Him, to pour out His abundance on you!

Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6; KJV)

What have you been asking God for? Maybe you’re not asking in faith for the contentment you seek. It’s impossible to please God without faith! You are NEVER going to receive anything from God if you are double-minded!

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

(James 1:5-8; MSG)

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. (v5; AMP)

So get off your rusty butt from being so afraid about life and godliness and show some courage! Start by asking God for the godliness and contentment in this life that He has already given to you at Calvary! We are complete in Christ!

Ye are complete in Him (Colossians 2:10; KJV)

You are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power]. (AMP)

Maybe you need to start speaking out loud what you have in Christ. Faith comes by hearing the Word. Our minds have to hear the Word of God to produce faith!

Look up the verses in the Bible that speak of being “In Christ” and “In Him” and “With Him” and “Through Him” etc. . . Learn about the prepositions, in, of, with, through, etc. The Pauline Epistles are plastered with prepositions. Prepositions are locators in time and place. They are RED Flags! Every time you see one concerning who you are “In Christ” then stop and speak it out loud to YOURSELF of what that preposition is telling you of who you are or what you have “In Christ” ! Faith comes by hearing the Word of God! Why do you think the man who wrote 2/3 of the New Testament was so powerful? He knew who he was “IN Christ!” This is what he taught in all the churches!

1 Corinthians 4:17 (AMP)

For this very cause I sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and trustworthy child in the Lord, who will recall to your minds my methods of proceeding and course of conduct and way of life in Christ, such as I teach everywhere in each of the churches.

(The following verses are from the KJV unless noted)

Romans 6:4

We are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:6

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Romans 6:8

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.

Romans 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Romans 8:37

In all things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Romans 9:33

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 10:11

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 10:14

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Romans 11:36

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

[And we are “in Him” so where all things are of Him, then we have all things necessary for life!]

Romans 15:12

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

1 Corinthians 1:5

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge.

1 Corinthians 1:9 (AMP)

God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:21 (AMP)

For when the world with all its earthly wisdom failed to perceive and recognize and know God by means of its own philosophy, God in His wisdom was pleased through the foolishness of preaching [salvation, procured by Christ and to be had through Him], to save those who believed (who clung to and trusted in and relied on Him).

1 Corinthians 1:30 (AMP)

It is from God that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin].

1 Corinthians 8:6 (AMP)

For us there is [only] one God, the Father, Who is the Source of all things and for Whom we [have life], and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through and by Whom are all things and through and by Whom we [ourselves exist].

2 Corinthians 1:19-20

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

2 Corinthians 1:17-19 (MSG)

Are you now going to accuse me of being flip with my promises because it didn't work out? Do you think I talk out of both sides of my mouth—a glib yes one moment, a glib no the next? Well, you're wrong. I try to be as true to my word as God is to his. Our word to you wasn't a careless yes canceled by an indifferent no. How could it be? When Silas and Timothy and I proclaimed the Son of God among you, did you pick up on any yes-and-no, on-again, off-again waffling? Wasn't it a clean, strong Yes? [Yes – all the promises of God are – for you!]

2 Corinthians 5:15

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

2 Corinthians 5:17

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 6:1

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

There’s a gazillion more, but I want to end with Paul’s entire epistle of Ephesians to give you an example of how thoroughly and extensively Paul wrote about who we are “In Christ!” It’s very important to read the Bible in context! And not just key verses to memorize.

Study the Bible so you can rightly handle the Word of God. Study to “show yourself” that you are approved unto God. . .

2 Timothy 2:15 (AMP)

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

Ephesians 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance [the down payment] until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephesians 2

1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein [in which place] in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us [made us alive] together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. . .

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 3

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

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

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. [So let it be]

Ephesians 4

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 5

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, [leave all family members and start a new family] and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Ephesians 6

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord [as unto the Lord]: for this is right.

2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness [of being right with God];

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, [of who we are in Christ]

20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Amen, Let it be! Let us learn who we are “In Christ” Go over this list over and over and over! and learn that godliness [spiritual traing] with contentment is great gain!

References

King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

This Is The Refreshing

2011-12-24T04:35:00.001-07:00

Isaiah 28:11-12

(KJV)

¹¹For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. ¹²To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

(AMP)

¹¹ No, but [the Lord will teach the rebels in a more humiliating way] by men with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people [says Isaiah, and teach them His lessons]. ¹²To these [complaining Jews the Lord] had said, This is the true rest [the way to true comfort and happiness] that you shall give to the weary, and, This is the [true] refreshing--yet they would not listen [to His teaching]. (MSG)

But that's exactly how you will be addressed.

God will speak to this people

In baby talk, one syllable at a time—

and he'll do it through foreign oppressors.

He said before, "This is the time and place to rest,

to give rest to the weary.

This is the place to lay down your burden."

But they won't listen.

What is this refreshing? It’s praying in tongues – your prayer language. Paul the apostle explains,

1 Corinthians 14:20-21

(KJV)

²⁰Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. ²¹ In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

(It’s interesting to note that Paul calls the book of Isaiah, “the Law.” I thought it was one of the books of the prophets.) The Corinthians were fighting over what their “new” Christmas toy from God (their prayer language) was to be used for.

(AMP)

20 Brethren, do not be children [immature] in your thinking; continue to be babes in [matters of] evil, but in your minds be mature [men]. 21 It is written in the Law, By men of strange languages and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and not even then will they listen to Me, says the Lord.

Your prayer language (singing, speaking and praying in tongues) is meant for charging you up spiritually,

Jude 20

(AMP)

But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [[d]make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;

(MSG)

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit.

Praying in the Holy Ghost builds you up!

1 Corinthians 14:4

(KJV)

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.

How do you get built up by praying in tongues? You are speaking to God (verse 4). Speaking in tongues is God’s intimate love language; His native language – the Spirit – spirit words! Don’t ever think you have to understand in this earthly realm everything that goes on in the spirit realm!

Anytime you are having an intimate encounter with God you are in His presence; and in His presence is fulness! (Psalm 16:11). God fills you to the full with His fulness! Hallelujah! You charge yourself up when you pray in tongues! It’s like using a battery charger for your car when the battery runs low because of some drain on the system.

We all get drained out during the day’s activities. Well, a car has a generator and an alternator that charges the battery while the car is running. But, once in a while you might leave the lights on while you go shopping and come back to find a dead battery. You call AAA and the come give you a jump. That’s what you get with tongues, a jump from God’s jumper cables, Tongues!

When I first got baptized in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues I read that I could sing in tongues. WOW, I wanted that!

1 Corinthians 14:15

(AMP)

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Just as there are different kinds of charges from a battery charger, there are different kinds of charges from the Holy Ghost. If you have the time to place you battery on a charger all night while you sleep that’s fine, but you can’t do that in the parking lot at Wal-Mart. You need to get home!

When you speak in tongues you are slowly charging your spirit up, but when you sing in tongues, you are getting a quick start in the Holy Ghost! Boom! A tremendous charge of energy! Then once you get going about your day, the alternator of God (The Word of God, the Bible) keeps you charged up as you are moving. Try not to leave your lights on (your testimony) all the time; this will drain your spiritual battery. Sometimes you need charging up! Start singing in tongues! This is the refreshing!

References:

King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

Prayer Of Faith

2011-12-13T21:47:00.001-07:00

I just prayed the prayer of faith over my dog Junior. He’s been under the weather today and he turned down a dog biscuit. He never turns down dog biscuits. He does flips for dog biscuits. So I knew something was wrong! When things go wrong the Holy Spirit comes to our aid to pray the perfect prayer because we don’t know how or what to pray. Praise God! I need the Holy Spirit’s help when I pray, how ‘bout you? – Jim

Romans 8:26

(MSG)

The moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

I just can’t take the credit when it comes to crisis’s in my life as if I know what to pray!

(AMP)

So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.

But there is one caveat, ALWAYS pray in faith believing what you pray for will come true!

James 1:5-8

(AMP)

5 If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.

6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.

7 For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord,

8 [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].

So let’s stop being wishy-washy with our prayers

James 5:14-16

(AMP)

14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord's name.

15 And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him;

16 The effectual fervent <G1754> prayer <G1162> of a righteous man <G1342> availeth <G2480> much <G4183>.

[the effectual fervent, hot-to-boiling, prayer]

Greek Strong's Number: 1754

Greek Word: ἐνεργέω

Transliteration: energeō

Phonetic Pronunciation:en-erg-eh'-o

Root: from <G1756>

Cross Reference: TDNT - 2:652,251

Part of Speech: v

Vine's Words: Effectual, Work, Wrought

Usage Notes:

English Words used in KJV:

work 12
show forth (one's) self 2
wrought 1
be effectual 1
effectually work 1
effectual fervent 1
work effectually in 1
be might in 1
to do 1
[Total Count: 21]

from <G1756> (energes); to be active, efficient :- do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).

ζεστός

Greek Strong's Number: 2200

Greek Word: ζεστός

Transliteration: zestos

Phonetic Pronunciation:dzes-tos'

Root: from <G2204>

Cross Reference: TDNT - 2:876,296

Part of Speech: adj

Vine's Words: Hot

Usage Notes:

English Words used in KJV:

hot 3
[Total Count: 3]

from <G2204> (zeo); boiled, i.e. (by implication) calid (figurative fervent) :- hot.

—Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary

So, the Lord wants us either hot or cold:

Rev 3:15-16

(KJV)

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

References:

King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

Deep Calls To Deep

2011-11-09T12:10:00.005-07:00

Are you down in the dumps? Remember everything you know about God; then you will be singing with Him songs in the night! – Jim

Psalms 42:6-8 I rehearse everything I know of you

(MSG)

When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse

everything I know of you,

From

Jordan

depths to Hermon heights,

including Mount Mizar.

Chaos calls to chaos,

to the tune of whitewater rapids.

Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers

crash and crush me.

Then God promises to love me all day,

sing songs all through the night!

My life is God's prayer.

(AMP)

⁶O my God, my life is cast down upon me [and I find the burden more than I can bear]; therefore will I [earnestly] remember You from the land of the

Jordan

[River] and the [summits of Mount] Hermon, from the little mountain Mizar.

⁷[Roaring] deep calls to [roaring] deep at the thunder of Your waterspouts; all Your breakers and Your rolling waves have gone over me.

⁸Yet the Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

(NLT)

6 my God!

Now I am deeply discouraged,

but I will remember you—

even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the

Jordan

from the land of Mount Mizar.

7 I hear the tumult of the raging seas

as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.

8 But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,

and through each night I sing his songs,

praying to God who gives me life.

(NLV)

⁶ O my God, my soul is troubled within me. So I remember You from the land of the

Jordan

and the tops of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. ⁷ Sea calls to sea at the sound of Your waterfalls. All Your waves have rolled over me. ⁸ The Lord will send His loving-kindness in the day. And His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life.

(CPV)

So take another look at him who put up with so much opposition from “the good-people-of-this-town.” It’ll keep you from getting blue and down in the dumps. After all, you haven’t stood up to the point of shedding any of your blood in the struggle against sin. Perhaps you should recall the passage which refers to you as “sons”:

“My son, don’t minimize the value of a celestial spanking,

And don’t let it get you down when you’re bawled out from on high.

For the Lord has got to love you to spank you,

And he uses the belt on only a son.”

Hebrews 12:3 Think, Study, Rehearse

(GNT)

Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up.

(MSG)

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed. . .

(AMP)

Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself—so you, yourself will know!

(KJV)

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

(AMP)

(CPV)

Now as for you, son, take your stand on the things you’ve learned and have been assured of, recognizing that you’ve studied various subjects and that from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures which can wise you up to the salvation that comes through the kind of faith that was in Christ Jesus. Every God-breathed writing is helpful for enlightenment, for guidance, for correction, for instruction in right living, so that God’s man may be outfitted and fully equipped for performing any good task.

References:

**King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

Having Done All

2011-10-27T10:41:00.003-07:00

There comes a time when temptation is too hard to handle. I do well for a season resisting temptation, living a disciplined life, then I give in and now all I can think about is that temptation. As the scripture says, lust just never quits!

Proverbs 27:20

(MSG)

Hell has a voracious appetite, and lust just never quits.

Once that floodgate is opened it’s pretty hard to plug it up again. But thank God for His Word!

Ephesians 6:13

(MSG)

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet.

I remember a parable that Mark Hankins tells about when driving down the road and you start swatting at a fly and lose focus on what you’re doing and crash into the ditch. Sometimes it’s just better to put up with the annoyance for a while until you can pull over and deal with the pest!

Ephesians 6:13

(KJV)

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Having done all—that’s the key! Having done all you can possibly do to withstand the devil’s onslaughts—that’s the key to resisting temptation. Let’s face it, we are tempted by something we love, something we are lusting after. It’s not something we dislike. Yes, lust is evil – it’s the evil day spoken of in our text, but it doesn’t present itself as evil. It comes after me as the most prized possession I desire!

Like I’ve said in other studies, I’m retarded. God knows that, he made me that way. There’s nothing I will do that will ever surprise Him! But, when faced with temptation I need to listen to God’s still small voice in the midst of the shouting of that temptation and just be still!

Elijah was having a pity-party and got alone to seek God (sounds real religious doesn’t it – just because you have your devotions and time to pray doesn’t guarantee that you won’t be caught up in selfishness). He had just slain all the prophets of Baal with the sword.

1 Kings 19:1-18 (MSG)

^1-2 Ahab reported to Jezebel everything that Elijah had done, including the massacre of the prophets. Jezebel immediately sent a messenger to Elijah with her threat: "The gods will get you for this and I'll get even with you! By this time tomorrow you'll be as dead as any one of those prophets."

^3-5 When Elijah saw how things were, he ran for dear life to Beersheba, far in the south of

Judah

. He left his young servant there and then went on into the desert another day's journey. He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all—to just die: "Enough of this, God! Take my life—I'm ready to join my ancestors in the grave!" Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush.

Suddenly an angel shook him awake and said, "Get up and eat!"

⁶ He looked around and, to his surprise, right by his head were a loaf of bread baked on some coals and a jug of water. He ate the meal and went back to sleep.

⁷ The angel of God came back, shook him awake again, and said, "Get up and eat some more—you've got a long journey ahead of you."

^8-9 He got up, ate and drank his fill, and set out. Nourished by that meal, he walked forty days and nights, all the way to the mountain of God, to Horeb. When he got there, he crawled into a cave and went to sleep.

Then the word of God came to him: "So Elijah, what are you doing here?"

¹⁰ "I've been working my heart out for the God-of-the-Angel-Armies," said Elijah. "The people of

Israel

have abandoned your covenant, destroyed the places of worship, and murdered your prophets. I'm the only one left, and now they're trying to kill me."

^11-12 Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by."

A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.

^13-14 When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he muffled his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave, and stood there. A quiet voice asked, "So Elijah, now tell me, what are you doing here?" Elijah said it again, "I've been working my heart out for God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies, because the people of

Israel

have abandoned your covenant, destroyed your places of worship, and murdered your prophets. I'm the only one left, and now they're trying to kill me."

^15-18 God said, "Go back the way you came through the desert to Damascus. When you get there anoint Hazael; make him king over

Aram

. Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi; make him king over

Israel

. Finally, anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Anyone who escapes death by Hazael will be killed by Jehu; and anyone who escapes death by Jehu will be killed by Elisha. Meanwhile, I'm preserving for myself seven thousand souls: the knees that haven't bowed to the god Baal, the mouths that haven't kissed his image."

We have to stop the pity-party that we are the only one's who have ever been tempted this way and have got to start training ourselves to listening for that “still small voice” that “gentle and quiet whisper” so we may be able to do all we can to stand in our moments of temptations!

Ephesians 6:13

(GW)

For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. [Or “when the evil day comes.”] Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground.

(AMP)

Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

Amen! When we have “done all the crisis demands” we can stand firmly in our place.

Nehemiah 8:10

(MSG)

Ezra continued, "Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don't have anything: This day is holy to God. Don't feel bad. The joy [you have in] God is your strength!"

The joy we have in God is what the devil’s after. Don’t let him have it!

King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

Do you know what the secret of life is?

2011-10-24T16:08:00.006-07:00

We all remember the famous line from the 1991 film City Slickers:

Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is? [points index finger skyward] This.

Mitch: Your finger?

Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don't mean shit.

Mitch: But, what is the "one thing?"

Curly: [smiles and points his finger at Mitch] That's what you have to find out.

Thankfully we don’t have to find out by watching City Slickers, we can find it in the Bible.

Luke 10:42 One thing is needed

(GW)

There’s only one thing you need.[a] Mary has made the right choice, and that one thing will not be taken away from her.”

^aFootnotes: Luke 10:42 Some manuscripts and translations read, “But of the few things [worth worrying about], there is only one thing you need.”

(NLT)

There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.

Mary had chosen intimate fellowship with the Lord—that’s the one thing needed in life! All else pails in description compared to being intimately united to Christ in everything we do. Do you have a job to do? Do it whole heartedly as unto the Lord:

Colossians 3:23

(KJV)

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

(MSG)

22-25 Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.

Martha wasn’t doing shoddy work physically but in the soulish realm – in her mind. She was full of anxiety and worry! Two of the worst conditions of heart that one could find themselves in. Jesus was always nailing the disciples over worry:

Matthew 6:25-29

(MSG)

25-26 If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

27-29 Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

30-33 If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Luke 10:41

—Adam Clarke's Commentary

Thou art careful and troubled—Thou art distracted, μεριμνας, thy mind is divided, (see on Matthew 13:22 note below), in consequence of which, τυρβαζῃ, thou art disturbed, thy spirit is thrown into a tumult.

About many things—Getting a variety of things ready for this entertainment, much more than are necessary on such an occasion.

Matthew 13:22 The Parable of the Sower

He also that received seed among the thorns—In land ploughed, but not properly cleared and seeded. Is he—represents that person who heareth the word, but the cares, rather the anxiety, η μεριμνα, the whole system of anxious carking [distressful] cares.

The parable of the sower is about the state of mind of believers:

Mark 4:14-20

(AMP)

14 The sower sows the Word.

15 The ones along the path are those who have the Word sown [in their hearts], but when they hear, Satan comes at once and [by force] takes away the message which is sown in them.

16 And in the same way the ones sown upon stony ground are those who, when they hear the Word, at once receive and accept and welcome it with joy;

17 And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away.

18 And the ones sown among the thorns are others who hear the Word;

19 Then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless.

20 And those sown on the good (well-adapted) soil are the ones who hear the Word and receive and accept and welcome it and bear fruit--some thirty times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some [even] a hundred times as much.

In verse 24 Jesus gives a very important clue to what was going on in Bethany at Mary & Martha’s house:

24 And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. [This is the kind of carefulness God wants] The measure [of thought and study] you give [to [the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you – and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.

Mary was giving concentrated thought and study to what Jesus was saying while Martha was just sticking her head in every once in a while. Let’s not be found guilty of just sticking our heads in and out of fellowship with the Lord only when it’s convenient to do so; it is always the most needful thing to be listening intently to the Lord in our hearts whether we are at home having devotions or at work making hamburgers!

References:

City Slickers Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

Your Loving Voice

2011-10-12T08:25:00.004-07:00

Psalm 143:8

(MSG) If You wake me each morning with the sound of Your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in You.

I’ve been waiting to do this study for a while now; it’s been on my heart for over a month while I’ve been in transition spirit, soul and body! Just let these verses from the Message and the Amplified Bibles speak to your heart – Jim

John 10:4, 14, 16

(MSG)

4 The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. 5 They won't follow a stranger's voice but will scatter because they aren't used to the sound of it.

14 I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. 15 In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father.

16 You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd.

Familiar/know – intimate

John 18:37

(MSG)

Then Pilate said, So, are you a king or not? Jesus answered, You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.

John 7:16-17

(AMP)

16 Jesus answered them by saying, My teaching is not My own, but His Who sent Me.

17 If any man desires to do His will (God's pleasure), he will know (have the needed illumination to recognize, and can tell for himself) whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking from Myself and of My own accord and on My own authority.

Isaiah 54:13

(AMP)

And all your children shall be disciples [taught by the Lord and obedient to His will], and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children.

Prov 3:6

(MSG)

Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.

Prov 4:20-22

Dear friend, listen well to my words;

tune your ears to my voice.

Keep my message in plain view at all times.

Concentrate! Learn it by heart!

Those who discover these words live, really live;

body and soul, they're bursting with health.

Well, I hope you are as blessed and even more so as I was while typing this study! God Bless!

References:

The Righteousness Of God Without The Law

2011-09-13T09:39:00.001-07:00

Romans 3:21 God’s new plan—righteousness by faith, not through the Law

(KJV)

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

(AMP)

But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets (PHP)

21-26 But now we are seeing the righteousness of God declared quite apart from the Law (though amply testified to by both Law and Prophets)—it is a righteousness imparted to, and operating in, all who have faith in Jesus Christ. 1-4 You should look upon us as ministers of Christ, as trustees of the secrets of God. And it is a prime requisite in a trustee that he should prove worthy of his trust. But, as a matter of fact, it matters very little to me what you, or any man, thinks of me—I don’t even value my opinion of myself—but that doesn’t justify me before God. My only true judge is God himself. is no distinction to be made anywhere: everyone has sinned, everyone falls short of the beauty of God’s plan.) Under this divine system a man who has faith is now freely acquitted in the eyes of God by his generous dealing in the redemptive act of Jesus Christ. God has appointed him as the means of propitiation, a propitiation accomplished by the shedding of his blood, to be received and made effective in ourselves by faith. God has done this to demonstrate his righteousness both by the wiping out of the sins of the past (the time when he withheld his hand), and by showing in the present time that he is a just God and that he justifies every man who has faith in Jesus Christ.

These words just kept coming to me when I overheard someone going thru the Bible on TV, But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested... But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested... But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested... I know I sound crazy!

Please don’t try to fix me – I’ve bumped my head pretty hard this time! I’m ruined!

2 Corinthians 5:13 If I’m crazy – it’s God’s fault!

(AMP)

For if we are beside ourselves [mad, as some say], it is for God and concerns Him; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit,

(MSG)

If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted overly serious, I did it for you. Christ's love has moved me to such extremes.

(CPV)

For whether we’re off our rocker, it is for God; or whether we’re sober as a judge, it is for you.

1 Cor:1-4 (PHP)

You should look upon us as ministers of Christ, as trustees of the secrets of God. And it is a prime requisite in a trustee that he should prove worthy of his trust. But, as a matter of fact, it matters very little to me what you, or any man, thinks of me—I don’t even value my opinion of myself—but that doesn’t justify me before God. My only true judge is God himself.

References:

*King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of

England

Complete Christ's Law

2011-09-04T07:17:00.003-07:00

Sometimes I just want to hear what the Word says, and less of me flapping my lips – Jim

Galatians 6: 1-10 Nothing but the Cross

(MSG)

1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

4-5 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

6 Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience.

7-8 Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.

9-10 So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

(AMP)

1 BRETHREN, IF any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also.

2 Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it].

3 For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another's load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.

4 But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor.

5 For every person will have to bear (be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own [little] load [of oppressive faults].

6 Let him who receives instruction in the Word [of God] share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his support].

7 Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.

8 For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers].

References:

Jubilee

2011-08-31T19:52:00.025-07:00

Jubilee was the most anticipated event Old Testament Jews looked forward to every 50 years! During the time of Jubilee all debts were forgiven; lands that were sold were returned to the tribal owners (every inch of Israel is partitioned off for each of the 12 Tribes of Israel – the sons of Jacob)

Leviticus 25:8-17 (MSG) "The Fiftieth Year Shall Be a Jubilee for You"

8-12 "Count off seven Sabbaths of years—seven times seven years: Seven Sabbaths of years adds up to forty-nine years. Then sound loud blasts on the ram's horn on the tenth day of the seventh month, the Day of Atonement. Sound the ram's horn all over the land. Sanctify the fiftieth year; make it a holy year. Proclaim freedom all over the land to everyone who lives in it—a Jubilee for you: Each person will go back to his family's property and reunite with his extended family. The fiftieth year is your Jubilee year: Don't sow; don't reap what volunteers itself in the fields; don't harvest the untended vines because it's the Jubilee and a holy year for you. You're permitted to eat from whatever volunteers itself in the fields.

13 "In this year of Jubilee everyone returns home to his family property.

Jubilee therefore effected the Jewish economy! For instance, if you sold your land with just 3 years to go before Jubilee then the price would be very low; for buyers know they would have to give the land back!

14-17 "If you sell or buy property from one of your countrymen, don't cheat him. Calculate the purchase price on the basis of the number of years since the Jubilee. He is obliged to set the sale price on the basis of the number of harvests remaining until the next Jubilee. The more years left, the more money; you can raise the price. But the fewer years left, the less money; decrease the price. What you are buying and selling in fact is the number of crops you're going to harvest. Don't cheat each other. Fear your God. I am God, your God.

Ezekiel 46:17 (AMP)

17 But if he gives a gift out of his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his until the year of liberty [the Year of Jubilee]; after that it shall be returned to the prince; only his sons may keep a gift from his inheritance [permanently].

Loans were very high; loaners know that the debts would be forgiven in Jubilee. This is God’s economy! The way He set it up for His nation, Israel about 1,500 years before Jesus, [See Leviticus reference below]

Deuteronomy 19:3 (AMP)

You shall prepare the road and divide into three parts the territory of your land which the Lord your God gives you to possess, so that any manslayer can flee to them.

People were allowed to flee to cities of refuge for their crimes instead of going to prison.

Joshua 20 (AMP)

1THE LORD said also to Joshua,

2 Say to the Israelites, Appoint among you cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses,

3 That the slayer who kills anyone accidentally and unintentionally may flee there; and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.

4 He who flees to one of those cities shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city and explain his case to the elders of that city; they shall receive him to [the protection of] that city and give him a place to dwell among them.

5 If the avenger of blood pursues him, they shall not deliver the slayer into his hand, because he killed his neighbor unintentionally, having had no hatred for him previously.

6 And he shall dwell in that city until he has been tried before the congregation and until the death of him who is the high priest in those days. [or the Year of Jubilee] Then the slayer shall return to his own city from which he fled and to his own house.

7 And they set apart and consecrated Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.

8 Beyond the Jordan east of Jericho they appointed Bezer in the wilderness tableland from the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh.

9 These cities were for all the Israelites and the stranger sojourning among them, that whoever killed a person unintentionally might flee there and not be slain by the avenger of blood until he had been tried before the congregation.

The criminals were allowed to go free in the Year of Jubilee!. Don’t get mad at me, this is exactly what Jesus did!

Luke 4:16-21 Jesus announces Jubilee!

(MSG)

15 Jesus conducted [a practice of] teaching in the synagogues, being recognized and honored and praised by all.

16 So He came to Nazareth, [that Nazareth] where He had been brought up, and He entered the synagogue, as was His custom on the Sabbath day. And He stood up to read.

17 And there was handed to Him [the roll of] the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened (unrolled) the book and found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives [living in cities of refuge] and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

19 To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [The Year of Jubilee; the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound.]

20 Then He rolled up the book and gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were gazing [attentively] at Him.

Do you want to see this economy turn around? Declare Jubilee! Make your mind up to live in the economy of Jubilee!

References:

Leviticus is approximately 3553 years old! Jerome's Chronicon (4th century) gives 1592 BC for the birth of Moses, the 17th-century Ussher chronology calculates 1619 BC (Annals of the World, 1658 BC) Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses#cite_note-6 So using Jerome’s calculations and doing the math, 1592 – 40 = 1552 BC; 40 years old when Moses fled to Median. And another 40 years when he became a shepherd for 40 years. 1552 – 40 = 1512 BC. And another 40 years in the wilderness wanderings, 1512 – 40 = 1472 BC. Moses died about this time as he read from the Book of Leviticus. Add the time of Jesus, 30 AD when he was teaching and you get 1472 + 30 = 1502 years before Jesus; or 1572 + 1981 (the time since Jesus’ teachings) and you get Leviticus was written 3553 years ago! 3553 / 50 = 71.6 Jubilees since Jesus declared it that day > but in all actuality we now live in a continual Jubilee! A perpetual Jubilee! PTL!

Amplified Bible (AMP)—Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

P.S. As I was about to click the publish button TBN broadcasted Joel Osteen's, "Night Of Hope" in Chicago. During his introduction, he spoke about - Jubilee! WOW! Thank you Jesus for Your confirmation! PTL!

Dialog

2011-08-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Always be ready to have dialog with those around you, keep your ear attentive to their cry! To converse, not dictate. Friendship not war!

1 Pet 3:15

(MSG)

Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.

(WMD) Dialog: a conversation between two or more persons; an exchange of ideas and opinions

(KJV)

Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

(WMD) Reason: (noun) – the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational way – a sufficient ground of explanation or of logical defense

(verb) – the faculty of reason so as to arrive at conclusions:THINK

– to take part in conversation

– to discover, formulate, or conclude by use of reason

Reasonable: not extreme or excessive, moderate and fair, inexpensive – having the faculty of reason – possessing sound judgment [wisdom]

(AMP)

Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.

Remember don’t dumb down those you are dialoging with! People are a lot smarter than you think!

(WMD) Dumb down: (noun) – to lower the level of difficulty and the intellectual content of (as a textbook); also : to lower the general level of intelligence in <the dumbing down of society

References:

**King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of England

Pursue Me

2011-08-29T15:42:00.004-07:00

Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Jesus says,
Are you weary and laden with a heavy load?
Come after Me! Chase after me! Pursue Me!
Get intimately involved with Me!
Pursue Me daily!
Deny yourself daily!
Pick up your cross daily!
Don't follow rules, rituals and regulations to find Me!
Pursue Me!
Drop everything and fall in love with me!
My arms are open wide!
Variation based on 8.28.11 TBN program www.notafan.com

Our Love For Each Other

2011-08-25T08:00:00.002-07:00

1 John 3:14 (CEV)

Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life.

Do you ever doubt your salvation? Do others make you cringe when they approach you? No? WOW! What’s your secret? What is it that makes us run and hide from others on a daily basis? It surely isn’t the life of Christ! Oh yeah, I’m bipolar, I have an excuse for wanting to tear your face off if you look at me cross-eyed!

What? You don’t have excuses for not being happy? There’s no excuse! There is none good! So how can any of us be happy?

Romans 3:10 (KJV)

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one

Psalms 53:1-3 (KJV – See: Psalms 14:1-3)

¹The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. ²God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. ³Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Jer 17:9 (KJV)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

What can we do?

Rom 7:15 (AMP)

For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns].

1 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)

My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

Paul says that his conscience is clear, so is mine! But it still bugs me. What am I to do?

1 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)

My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

It’s not me that makes me innocent and happy. PTL! If it was up to me I’d be frying in hell right now! It’s what Jesus has done in and for me, not what I have tried on my own to be good.

Outside of Christ I don’t have love in me! I don’t have joy in me! I don’t have peace in me! It’s Christ in me the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27) [the hope of Christ and His glory – His presence in me] It’s the love of Jesus in me that makes me love others.

I am a new critter in Christ – old ways of doing things has stopped, all new ways of being – of behavior based on a new nature have begun. (2 Cor 5:17) We’re not wearing church masks, hiding our flaws from others.

No! I still mess-up; but what is new is that every time I slip I can get right back up because the new heart I have can be fixed. The old critter I was had to die – he couldn’t be fixed, he had to die – he couldn’t be fixed.

Once you throw a brick thru a plate glass window it’s busted! It’s broken; but it’s the same as if you shoot a bee-bee thru the window – it’s still broken, maybe not as bad as the brick but it’s busted just the same.

So it was with that old sinful, wicked heart, it was broke the moment we took our first breath. Now we have a new birth, a new heart. We’re creatures from another planet. Our earth suits might look the same as everybody else’s earth suit but we are different. We do things different. We don’t hide our flaws!

2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (MSG)

Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we're not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.

Don’t let anybody pull the wool over you – it’s pretty hard to live on open display, right out in front of the world, like in a fish bowl. Everybody sees your poop floating around! We need someone to scoop the poop! So instead of poop we now have proof that we have passed from death unto life! Thank You Jesus for scooping my poop! Now I can love others thru Your love, thru Your joy, and thru Your peace!

Reference:
Translations retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com/ BibleGateway.com © Copyright 1995-2010 Gospel Communications International
Amplified Bible (AMP)—Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
Contemporary English Version (CEV)—Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society
King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of England
The Message Bible (MSG)—Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995 by Eugene H. Peterson
New International Version (NIV)—Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Jim Hughes (JPH) — Copyright © 2011 The Joyful Heart

Make A Joyful Noise

2011-08-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD

(KJV)

¹Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. ²Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. ³Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. ⁴Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. ⁵For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

[It don’t get better than this – Jim]

(GNB)

¹Sing to the Lord, all the world! [all the nations – Jim]

(MSG)

^1-2On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,

sing yourselves into His presence.

(NLT)

¹Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

[I’m feelin’ better already!]

Down In My Heart

I've got the *joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart (Where?)

Down in my heart (Where?), down in my heart,

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart (Where?)

Down in my heart to stay.

And I’m so happy, so very happy,

I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart, down in my heart

And I’m so happy, so very happy,

I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart, down in my heart

2. *I’ve got the Peace that passes understanding...

3. * I've got the Love of Jesus Christ My Savior down in my heart...

References:

**King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of England

God’s Decree for me & my family

2011-08-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

[Today is my youngest son’s birthday! Happy B-Day Michael! These following verses are promises given personally from God for me & my family!]

Isaiah 54: 13-17 God’s Decree

(MSG)

All my children will have God for their teacher—

what a mentor for my children!

We'll be built solid, grounded in righteousness,

far from any trouble—nothing to fear!

far from terror—it won't even come close!

If anyone attacks us,

we won't for a moment suppose that God sent them,

And if any should attack,

nothing will come of it.

God created the blacksmith

who fires up his forge

and makes a weapon designed to kill.

He also created the destroyer [the devil]—

but no weapon that can hurt us has ever been forged.

Any accuser who takes us to court

will be dismissed as a liar.

This is what God's servants can expect.

He'll see to it that everything works out for the best."

God's Decree. Who is like unto thee!

(AMP)

13 All my children shall be disciples [taught by the Lord (Himself) and obedient to His will], and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of my children.

14 We shall establish ourselves in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God's will and order): we shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for we shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near us.

15 Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me [says the Lord]. Whoever stirs up strife against us shall fall and surrender to us.

16 Behold, I have created the smith who blows on the fire of coals and who produces a weapon for its purpose; and I have created the devastator to destroy [says the Lord].

17 But no weapon that is formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against us in judgment we shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which we obtain from the Lord [this is that which He imparts to us as our justification], says the Lord.

Acts 16:30-31

(AMP)

30 And (the Philippian jailer) brought them out [of the dungeon] and said, Men, what is it necessary for me to do that I may be saved?

31 (Paul & Silas) answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [give yourself up to Him, [take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and your household as well.

(CPV)

"Sirs," the jailer said, "what must I do to be liberated?" They told him, "Put your faith in the Lord Jesus, and you and your family will be liberated."

[Just as the jailer saw with his own eyes that Paul & Silas were saved & liberated I have the same promise! Today Lord, I am renewed with joy by Your promise of liberation for my whole family!]

Start out References this way by cut & paste from below line

References:

No Sniveling

2011-08-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:11-12 (AMP) The Secret of being content

¹¹...I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.

¹²I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.

[I was thinking of being content when a truck passed me with this bumper sticker “No Sniveling” – Jim]

Dictionary (D)

snivel:

a weak, whining, or pretended weeping; a hypocritical show of feeling: a sentimental snivel.

[I wish I could say my thoughts were always happy but seconds before the truck passed me I was mad because so many drivers speed along the road endangering bike riders and pedestrians – then I saw the bumper sticker]

August 20th Completeness (Ozzy)

"And I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Whenever anything begins to disintegrate your life with Jesus Christ, turn to Him at once and ask Him to establish rest. Never allow anything to remain which is making the dis-peace. Take every element of disintegration as something to wrestle against, and not to suffer. Say - Lord, prove Thy consciousness in me, and self-consciousness will go and He will be all in all. Beware of allowing self-consciousness to continue because by slow degrees it will awaken self-pity, and self-pity is Satanic. Well, I am not understood; this is a thing they ought to apologize for; that is a point I really must have cleared up. Leave others alone and ask the Lord to give you Christ-consciousness, and He will poise you until the completeness is absolute. [emphasis mine]

[This is the secret of being content!]

References:

Translations marked with ** are retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com BibleGateway.com

Thank You—Jesus

2011-08-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 5:19-21

(KJV)

¹⁹Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; ²⁰Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ²¹Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

[Giving thanks always for all things – Can you imagine what it would be like if we consistently lived in an attitude of thanksgiving - giving thanks daily in everything we experienced? – Jim]

(AMP)

²⁰At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

[At all times and for everything giving thanks – WOW!]

Philippians 4:5-7 (KJV)

⁵Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. ⁶Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

[So how am I to give thanks when everything inside me says to cuss and give up!]

Job 2:9 (MSG)

[Job's] wife said, "Still holding on to your precious integrity, are you? Curse God and be done with it!"

[We were given the secret in the first verse we read today!]

Ephesians 5:19

(KJV)

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

[Speak to yourself! How? People come up to me and ask me how I can remember scriptures – I just tell them I put into practice this verse. What’s the easiest way to remember something? Put it song! Why do you think they all have jingles? Guess what? That’s just how advertisers educate us in commercials. Remember this song: Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun – this was describing the Whopper!]

Philippians 4:5-7 (CPV)

Always be glad you are Christians. I say it again, be glad. Let your gentleness show through to all people. The Lord is close by, so don’t fret over anything. Rather, as you thankfully pray, let God in on all your needs. Then God’s peace, which is beyond anything you have ever experienced, will stand watch over your mind and emotions in Christ Jesus.

v4 (MSG)

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them.

References:

**King James Version (KJV)—Public Domain/ 1604, King James I of England