The Enemies Of The Cross Of Christ

Philippians 3:1-21, 4:1

"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST; whose end is destruction, whose glory is in their shame - who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved." (v.17-21, 4:1)

Who are these enemies of the cross of Christ? Could be those who have "confidence in the flesh". Paul writes, "if anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I (Paul) more so: (he was) circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things (all those things he listed from which confidence in the flesh ensues) and COUNT THEM AS RUBBISH, that I may gain Christ." Those "confidences" Paul listed became as rubbish compared to what every word of God has brought him!

Paul warns the Phillipians to "beware of evil workers". I doubt these "workers" would promote discernable demonic activity, but would not foster the cross of Christ in the the life of the "saints in Christ Jesus"(v.1). Their "god is their belly" and they "set their mind on earthly things". Philippians 3:1-21, 4:1 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:38,39) An enemy would attempt to thwart, knowingly or not, what the cross of Christ works in us - becoming one with the Father and the Son Who are One! (John 17:20, 21)

According to Whom?

 

Ephesians 3:20,21; Philippians 4:4-7

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20,21)

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand (available). Be anxious for nothing but in everything, by prayer and supplication(humble and earnest request), with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which SURPASSES ALL (your) UNDERSTANDING (making your understanding fruitful in His), will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)

In the previous paragraph, third sentence, gentleness is well defined as forebearance: the refraining from taking action. Let your refraining from taking action be known to all men. Your requests should be directed by that which comes according to the power that works in us: the Holy Spirit Who awakens us to ONLY those things that Jesus Christ says. Anxiety in attaining anything is not from God. He ministers in peace that guards from Satan's temptation and our desire for what we think we want.

We have seen people excitedly discussing their plans for this or that, only to see much less enthusiasm later on. Everybody has done it. But He exceeds abundantly what we ask or think, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US, binding us to His perfect will, and through our willingness to refrain from "our works", he looses the completion of it, manifesting it in the realm where we, and others, may see. That's how the elders of the faith obtained "a good testimony"!

Call For The Elders

 1 Corinthians 11:27-32; James 5:14,15

"Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner, eats and drinks judgement to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep (are dead). For if we would judge ourselves (discerning the Lord's will and acting accordingly), we would not be judged (Jesus Christ is the righteous judge!). But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world."(1 Corinthians 11:27-32)

"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will SAVE the sick and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:14,15)

The elders of the church, by their understanding/willingness to walk in the Lord's inspiration, along with the anointing oil which calls our attention to all things in His name by the working of the Holy Spirit, pray for those who had been unwilling to hear, bringing them back to sanctification/consecration in Christ Jesus. Remember! The Lord's will for His body, the church, is to "be strong (in Him) and the power of His might" and "in health just as your soul prospers". So, when we are not strong, healthy and alive, call for the elders. The Lord's chastening goes to show us that we are partaking unworthily of communion with Him; and whom to call upon so we may understand and willingly act!

The Power Of Godliness

 

2 Timothy 3:10-17

"But you (Timothy) have carefully followed my (Paul's) doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra - what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you (Timothy) must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

"But you must continue in the things you have learned and been assured of....", not like those who have a form of godliness but deny the power of godliness (the understanding of and willingness to continue in that which serves to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus) who are always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth; who will progress no further due to their unwillingness. (The discussion in this paragraph comes from 2 Timothy 3:5-9)

Interestingly, Paul mentions Jannes and Jambres - magicians in Pharoah's court. They worked sensational supernatural acts. The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses devoured, literally, those supernatural activities. Why would Paul mention these men to Timothy, a young pastor? Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so will people resist the power of godliness: the willingness to continue in that which Paul writes in verses 10-17, 5-9. Timothy must understand that Satan uses unholy sensation to wrest our attention from the our God's calling to us in Christ Jesus.

When He Gave Thanks, He Broke The Bread

 

1 Corinthians 11:23,24


"For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when HE HAD GIVEN THANKS, HE BROKE IT and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' "

As we head to our Thanksgiving celebrations, many are brought to consider what we are thankful for: family, health, more than enough, friends, are common responses. But, when Jesus GAVE THANKS, He BROKE THE BREAD as a symbol of He Himself, the "bread of God", the "bread of life" (John 6:33-35), about to be BROKEN to make salvation to God available to all!

Be thankful for those good things that God has provided to you. Be thanks-GIVING to the Father by allowing Jesus Christ to show you what you must do, in remembrance of Him, so others may see Him!

Be Assured So You May Become Complete

James 1:2-4; Philippians 3: 4-6, 8-11; 15,16

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith (in Christ) produces patience(perseverance). But let patience (perseverance) have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) AND complete, lacking nothing." (James1:2-4)

"Yet indeed I also count all things (v. 4-6) loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things (v. 4-6), and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ, and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to (arrive at) the resurrection from the dead."
(Philippians 3: 8-11)                         

Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind."
(Philippians 3: 15, 16)

Mature. Perfect. Complete. In the dialect which I am familiar, perfect holds the most intense meaning. In fact, many times have I heard ministers say "you are never going to be perfect". "Perfect" to those who say such things means "entirely without any flaws" (Webster's). Another Webster's definition for "perfect" is "assured".

Assured to become complete. Perseverance, through its perfect work, causes the one who is assured (through faith in Christ) to become complete. That one will lack nothing. Even Paul says that he has not already attained completion, but presses on! That one is assured by the revelation of Jesus Christ, and that assurance holds those who will persevere through to completion! Must be some revelation.

This is where I will mention what I am impressed that the Lord made real to me. Paul says, "the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:16,17)


Suffer how? Count anything you have accomplished (training); the pillars of your opinion; even YOUR RELIGION as rubbish at the revelation He brings; His way, His truth, His life; as He brings it! Paul greets the Philippian church and rejoices in their "fellowship". They were assured that they must count as rubbish what they thought they knew, attaining what Jesus knows and becoming complete in Him.

The Gates Of Hades Shall Not Prevail Against It

Matthew 16:13-19


When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of man, am?"  So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said,
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven, and I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will BUILD My church, and THE GATES OF HADES SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Jesus surely is building His church, "sanctifying and cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."
(Ephesians 5:26,27)

God the Father raised Jesus Christ up from the dead.........."and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."
(Ephesians 1:22,23)

If you ask a wood craftsman to build a piece of furniture, he would gather the necessary components for completion of the task, and with the wisdom which he had attained through experience and successful completion of other projects, he would finish the task. He has the understanding to make a nice piece of furniture from spiritless components. As Jesus builds His church, He works through the spirit for the soul. We have a decision to make. Wood, nails, glue, stain or paint have nothing to say about their future. We must agree to receive Him as He comes; to surrender so He may build.

What He is able to build in us individually and corporately, by way of our understanding and willingness to surrender to Him completely, will sustain us just as the Father did Him as He finished at the cross. All know that the gates of Hades could not keep Him from finishing!

Thank God For His Judgement Which Chastens

 

1 Corinthians 11:27-33


".....strengthened with might according to His glorious power......" Colossians 1:11


".....that you may be in health even as your soul prospers." 3 John v.2


No question regarding these New Testament promises. Good things available to His church!


"Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgement to himself, not discerning the Lord's body (which was broken for the salvation of mankind). For this reason many are weak (not strengthened) and sick (not in health) among you and many sleep (die). For if we would judge ourselves we would not be judged. BUT WHEN WE ARE JUDGED, WE ARE CHASTENED BY THE LORD, (so) THAT WE MAY NOT BE CONDEMNED WITH THE WORLD. Therefore, MY BRETHREN, when you come together to eat, wait for one another."

With the communion elements that remind us of what Jesus Christ did in obedience to the Father for mankind, we should wait as each examines himself. Communion, or common union with Him, means we aim to understand and willingly surrender ourselves to Him, also for the sake of man, to the glory of God! He will speak as we wait in examination of ourselves.

I am impressed His judgement comes to make us aware of where we are falling short. Weakness and sickness are not where He wants us to stay, but those circumstances SHOULD make us WAIT and EXAMINE ourselves. No question - communion with Him, partaking worthily, brings forth the righteousness of God. He wants us to be strong, healthy and alive as bondservants of His!

In Whatever You Pray, Make Sure You Believe This!

Mark 11:22-24

.......because if you will believe this that Jesus is introducing to us, meaning that you devote yourself to it consistently, your prayer life will be changed as "this mountain" is removed. We know that it is possible for us to "ask amiss" (James 4:30). His counsel to remove "this mountain" takes away that which causes us to ask from a foggy perspective. Let me ask you: has everything you have asked the Father for, in the name of Jesus Christ, come to pass? What about what you say, have those words become fruitful? If not, our understanding may need refining. What it took Jesus three verses to explain turns out to be lifelong endeavor for His church! The good news is this: "this mountain" shrinks as you devote yourselves to this passage!

"Have faith in God, for assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to THIS MOUNTAIN, 'be removed and be cast into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart (for this HIGH THING is in you), but believes (so) that those things he says (the removal of THIS MOUNTAIN) will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive and you will have".

I think we should consider to understand it this way: Therefore, Jesus says to us, in whatever things you ask for when you pray, believe that which you have received from Me in verse 23 and you will have it! Could He be saying: no matter what THING you think is important enough to ask for, THIS that I am attempting to get across to you is more/most important! With it you will be able to see Him more and more clearly and, eventually, face to face. Thanks and praise be to God in the name of Jesus Christ- this is a daily devotion and a faithful saying for me.

"He Will Have Whatever he Says"

Mark 11:23

"For assuredly, I say unto you (Jesus assures those who have inclined their ear to hear what He was saying: His disciples and ANYONE else who will listen), whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things that he says will be done, HE WILL HAVE WHATEVER HE SAYS." Clearly, having whatever you say is contingent upon removing "this mountain". It seems that "this mountain" refers back to the scribes and chief priests unwillingness to receive Him (Mk.11:18) when He came - their unwillingness to humble themSELVES under His ministry.

If we say to "this mountain" that would stand between us and becoming a fruitful branch in Him: "be removed and be cast into the sea", and doubt it not in our hearts but believe so that "this mountain" shall be removed, we will have whatever we say because what we will be saying will be what He is saying! For those who are willing to receive Him AS He comes to them and willingly humble themselves under His mighty Hand, that which impedes us from knowing Him as He knows us will be removed and His way to us(and our's to Him) will be made straight! "This mountain" stands between us and becoming one with He and the Father who are One! (John 17)

We know that Jesus said nothing unless He heard His Father say it, and whatever He said came to pass. Jesus commended the centurion for understanding that Jesus need "only say the word and it will be done". In fact, Jesus said that the centurion's understanding of the matter was greater than what His people(Israel) had come to understand.

You can reach the writer of this blog at ngm0811gdh@gmail.com.

"The Kingdom of Heaven is Like..."

"The kingdom of heaven is like"...........a buffet restaurant, where everything you think you like to eat is so perfectly done that you are willing to TASTE EVEN THOSE DISHES THAT YOU THOUGHT YOU WOULDN'T WANT, and. because you couldn't possibly taste EVERYTHING OFFERED on any one day, you go back DAILY.


Now that my family is done laughing due to my affinity for buffet - style restaurants, we may proceed. For sure, physically and spiritually healthy people eat!

"I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and FILL UP IN MY FLESH what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church." (Colossians 1:24) Yep, just what I was thinking about when I received salvation to God through Jesus Christ- "filling up in my flesh the afflictions of Jesus Christ" for the sake of others!   No, I was interested in helping ME with what I thought was GOOD. It is imperative to understand that we christians CANNOT help others with what we have not partaken of.

I heard a minister say, "we must be willing to believe what we read, not read what we believe."
(John Bevere, Messenger International)

He Chooses The Fast

 Isaiah 58:1-14; 59:1,2; Revelation 3:17-19

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear........."(Isaiah 59:1,2)

"Cry aloud (God commands Isaiah), spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

                   

YET THEY SEEK ME DAILY, AND DELIGHT TO KNOW MY WAYS, AS A NATION THAT DID RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND DID NOT FORSAKE THE ORDINANCE OF THEIR GOD. THEY ASK OF ME THE ORDINANCES OF JUSTICE; THEY TAKE DELIGHT IN APPROACHING GOD.

 

 'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls and You take no notice? In fact, in the day of YOUR FAST, you find pleasure, and exploit all your laborers. Indeed, you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. YOU WILL NOT FAST AS YOU DO THIS DAY, TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON HIGH. Is it a fast that I have chosen," (paraphrase) for a man to choose how he fasts?

"Because YOU SAY, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing - and DO NOT KNOW that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked - I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be eager and repent (in the fast that God alone chooses)".


The words capitalized above represent the understanding Israel's children had regarding their approach to God - and the words written sound good. They thought they knew the way, which resulted in their questioning of God as to why He wasn't noticing. They needed the eye salve only He can bring. If you fast, by your order, you become the lord of your fast - ending it when you think it's over, or, you may compromise to escape your fast. The fast that He chooses won't end until you hear what He is saying and are willing to surrender: with it He "looses the bonds of wickedness, frees us from oppression, breaks every yoke. He shows us how to do things His way: how to "hide not ourselves from our own flesh".

When we have received what He wants us to understand through the fast that He chooses, "your light shall break forth as the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, your righteousness (in Christ Jesus) shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard".

When you find yourself in an uncomfortable place, cry out to Him in the faith He has given you. You are in the fast that He has chosen.

What Makes "Stony Ground" Stony?

Mark 4:3, 5-6; 14,16,17

"Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow, (and it happened as he sowed) some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away."

"The sower sows the word. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, IMMEDIATELY THEY STUMBLE".(Luke 8:13 states "in the time of TESTING fall away")

How is it that, after having received the word of God with gladness, one falls away? What has changed about that which has made one glad?

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'this man began to build and was not able to finish". (Luke 14:28-30)

"So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple."(Luke 14:33)

"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate ......HIS OWN LIFE, (they) cannot be my disciple".(Luke 14:26)

"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be My disciple."(Luke 14:27) Jesus DIED on HIS cross.

People receive God's salvation because, by the Holy Spirit to our souls, we understand that it is right. Entering in is joyous; so is every victorious step of God's proving it in us! He writes that persecution arise FOR the word's sake, not against it. It may seem like it is against because each step requires a dieing to ourselves, as we see life, for what He knows is so. Stumbling will not prevail if we understand this as we approach salvation in Jesus Christ.

Strengthened By His Spirit For Increased Faith And Love

 

"To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus..."
(Ephesians 1:2)

"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers..."
(Ephesians 1:15,16)

A good report card for these folks!

"For this reason I bow my knees to the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth has been named, (so) that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be STRENGTHENED WITH MIGHT THROUGH HIS SPIRIT IN THE INNER MAN,(so) THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH, (so) THAT YOU, BEING ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE, MAY BE ABLE TO COMPREHEND WITH ALL THE SAINTS WHAT IS WIDTH AND LENGTH AND DEPTH AND HEIGHT- TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST WHICH PASSES KNOWLEDGE; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations , forever and ever. Amen."
(Ephesians 3:14-21)

We should consider that, even though these saints of God clearly were upright and blameless in that they were faithful in what they had heard from Paul and others, there was more to be done. Although they had faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints, Paul was encouraging them that there was a strengthening through the Holy Spirit available for increased understanding and even more love resulting in a glorious church by Christ Jesus- walking, through intimacy with He and the Father, just as He walked!

I live in a physical home that has been finished completely. No element of weather is able to get in. There is furniture and other amenities for comfort. The yard is neatly kept. It looks like someone lives there. I see other structures that are in the process of building - those structures look like they are being well-built but are not yet ready for complete living.  

"Coming to Him, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, ARE BEING BUILT UP A SPIRITUAL HOUSE, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
(1 Peter 2:4,5)

Bear With This Exhortation

 

Hebrews 13:20-22; 12:5,6

"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. And I appeal to you brethren, BEAR WITH THE WORD OF EXHORTATION, for I have written to you in few words."

Webster's defines bear as "to carry in mind and heart".
(One of many definitions)

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews, presumed to be Paul, informs them in chapter 12:5,6:

"And you have forgotten the EXHORTATION which speaks to you as to sons: 'My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives'." Exhortation is used only twice, within the space of two chapters, in the epistle. We must consider that Paul is admonishing the Jewish believers, as well as latter day Christians, to carry this truth in mind and heart. Why? Because if we don't, we are more likely to reverse ourselves in "the race that has been set before us"(12:1) as we are confronted with "various trials"(James 1:2).

The Jewish believers had been tempted to reverse their course in Christ when their countrymen began to persecute them. When a threat to comfort or fellowship arises, carry this exhortation in your heart (and don't forget it); looking to Him Who is able to make you complete in every good work to do His will! His fellowship and comfort never wanes!

Whatever Things You Ask, Believe!

Mark 11:22-24

"So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things that he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, WHATEVER THINGS YOU ASK WHEN YOU PRAY, BELIEVE that you receive them and you will have them."

Jesus tells us in the second sentence of this portion of scripture that we must have faith and then believe it. We MUST have the/a revelation of Jesus Christ and then work out that portion of our salvation to bring it to pass. Can't do it without the revelation for "without faith it is impossible to please Him".  Can't fulfill it without the working that is of that revelation for "faith without works is dead". All of it comes forth from Jesus as He is the "Head of all things to the church". He inspires you; gives you the tools; shows you how to use them. It is everlasting truth brought to manifestation by our willingness to hear and obey! With it we glorify the Father through and in Christ Jesus!

Now. Jesus goes on to say that WHATEVER THINGS YOU ASK WHEN YOU PRAY, BELIEVE. Again, what makes one a believer is the desire to hear and willingly obey. Ananias shows us this with his hearing and willingness to minister to Saul/Paul by the admonition of Jesus Christ, even though he knew only of Saul's persecution of Christians. I ask you to consider that Jesus Christ, One with the Father, wants to tell you what to ask for and then give it to you, proving He and the Father are able to keep what we have given over to Them! It is God's desire to show us the way to righteousness in Christ Jesus, all the while adding what we need and giving what He knows we desire. It is the way to oneness with the Father and the Son who are one!

A centurion came to Jesus for the sake of his servant. The servant was said to be paralyzed and dreadfully tormented. Jesus offered to come and heal him. The centurion KNEW that Jesus had only to SPEAK A WORD AND IT WOULD BE DONE; that Jesus had all authority to do whatever was good in the sight of the Father. Jesus responded, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel". Jesus rejoiced in the centurion's understanding and willingness to act accordingly, saying, "go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done to you".

Pray That Their Faith Shall Not Fail

Luke 22:31,32


"Simon!!!!!! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."


What faith was Jesus talking about? We know that Peter had left his trade as a fisherman and followed Jesus. We know that Peter had received the revelation from the Father that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the Living God". Peter had seen and heard enough of Jesus to be willing to follow Him. What Peter did not yet understand was that Jesus had come to make a way for man to become the righteousness of God, in Him, through His death. There was a gap between what Peter understood and what would happen next.


We know that Jesus, on occasion, corrected Peter for his faulty assumptions regarding the life that Jesus lived in the flesh, and how it would end. We saw how Peter denied that he even knew Jesus or walked with Him. God, Who knows the end from the beginning; and Jesus Who is one with Him, warned Peter. Although surely falling into despair regarding his actions, Peter returned to Jesus and strengthened the brethren! What was revealed to Peter stood through the fiery trial. What Peter had formulated about the Jesus was burned up by the trial. He was now in a position for Jesus to continue to build a place to dwell in His fullness.


"God has dealt to each one a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3). Who is each one? Every human or just those who have entered into the Lord's salvation. I am impressed that this "measure" precedes the new birth as the scripture reports that we "are saved by grace through faith". This measure is the template by which God predestines, calls, justifies and glorifies.


We know that there are people who have not responded to this measure of faith. We see people who have responded falling short of the glory of God. Just as the educational process begins in pre-school and finishes when you have satisfied what is required to meet the standard, so is it in God's Kingdom. What about praying for all men, outside and in the church, that the faith that God has given them would not fail? When faith fails not, more will be given, and ultimately they could have in abundance, just like Peter did in the end.

Competing According to The Rules

2 Timothy 2:1-10


"You therefore, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone COMPETES IN ATHLETICS, HE IS NOT CROWNED UNLESS HE COMPETES ACCORDING TO THE RULES. The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say and the Lord will give you understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."

Compete according to the rules; hard-working farmers partaking of crops(as His revelation comes, they must be the first to receive and do so others may do likewise); soldiers entangling not themselves in affairs other than that which is for good for battle. Paul is comforting Timothy with the truth which serves to strengthen and rooting out that which serves to weaken. 

Who knows what the rules are? Clearly Paul has good command of them as he was charged with writing so much of the New Testament. But, he knows from Whom he received them, as he gives glory to God in Christ Jesus. "The life that I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God". Timothy "must share in hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ". If he does so he, like Paul, he will behelping those who are willing to obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory- he will be partaking of the crops so those he oversees may do likewise. 

I've not been a soldier, but I doubt they walk among the enemy as if walking a dog in a park. They are focused and ready to fight. Their life, other's lives and the cause depends upon it! Consider His word and He will give you understanding in all things. Understand the cost His kingdom requires and be willing to pay it! On your next trip to a merchant, offer to pay substantially less than the cost. See if what you receive exceeds abundantly what you are asking for. Yet in His kingdom we are promised just that, in Him. 

Considered Yourself Charged

1 Timothy 1:15-20

 

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

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, AS A PATTERN FOR THOSE WHO ARE GOING TO BELIEVE ON HIM FOR EVERLASTING LIFE.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

This CHARGE (all longsuffering) I commit to you son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you might wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, CONCERNING THE FAITH HAVE SUFFERED SHIPWRECK, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme."


Charged with longsuffering so that Jesus Christ may show in any believer (clearly Paul was the first), for other believers to see, so they may do likewise. Longsuffering means to patiently endure or persevere. We, in Christ, persevere by the prophecies made concerning us: those spoken by christians who pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and the more sure word of prophecy - the living Word of God!


As Timothy, a "true and beloved son in the faith", was seemingly very close to Paul, so should you be with a church that "pursues love and desires spiritual gifts". Your must regularly read the bible, seeking Jesus Christ in it. When you despise prophecies (the Lord's attempt to edify, exhort and comfort) and have not faith (a revelation of who He is and how He does things) because you think you know better, shipwreck may result.

For Blamelessness In Holiness

The First Epistle Of Paul To The Thessalonians

"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything..........(1:2-8)

"....when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." (2:13)

Concerned for their faith, Paul sends Timothy to know how the Thessalonian church were faring. He receives "good news of their faith and love." They are steadfast in what they have heard.

Pretty good report card! Well done, thy good and faithful servant, you are entering into the joy of the Lord! What you have received from Him (through the gifts God has given to men that build up the body of Christ), you are devoted to. Yet Paul tells them that he would like to see their faces and "perfect what is lacking in their faith" (3:10); .....Paul prays that "He (Jesus) may establish your hearts BLAMELESS IN HOLINESS before our God at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints."(3:13)

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification.....; that each if you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor." (4:3,4)

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you COMPLETELY; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, will also do it." (5:23.24)

"But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath (the wrath that is certainly yet to come upon the earth), but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ..." (5:8,9)

Why is Paul discussing that we, to the extent that we are walking in Christ like the Thessalonians, should be "hoping" and "attaining" that which so many Christians say they have already attained, when, it appears salvation culminates when He comes to receive His church, those alive and dead, to Himself prior to the wrath that will come upon the earth? It is clear - even the most devoted must press toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Paul and the Thessalonians are!  

Enemies Of The Cross Of Christ

 Philippians 3:17-19

"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that THEY ARE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST; whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame - who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven,......."

Enemies of the cross of Christ. Initially, we would say, "I know who those people are; they are against Christianity. They are atheists or from other religions. They fight against christian activity in schools, government, the town square, etc."  Not so fast!

Paul is addressing the Philippian church, the saints in Christ Jesus there. Without doubt, they knew who was sympathetic to the cause. They understood, as we do, that there is a difference between those who have entered into the Lord's salvation and having not entered. It is how we allow Jesus Christ, the head of all things to the church, to build upon that entrance where the challenge lies!

Paul says to these saints:  direct your walking as followers of his example. Many walk, but not after the pattern Jesus has established/is establishing in Paul. I think we must consider that these enemies of the cross of Christ are amongst the church. They don't argue with Jesus' cross, just theirs. In fact, I have encountered few men, inside or outside the church, who are willing to argue Jesus' crucifixion. When the discussion ensues, they reject the notion- their religion has no room for it. Now they are enemies of the cross of Christ.

"And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you AS to sons:

'My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord; Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves (His church) He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.'

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have BECOME partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons."

Ask yourself what you think (for as a man thinks, so is he) about the application of the cross of Christ in your life. Are you an enemy or a friend to the application in your life?

Saints In Christ Jesus

 Philippians 1:3-11

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with all joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, INASMUCH AS BOTH IN MY CHAINS AND IN THE DEFENSE AND CONFIRMATION OF THE GOSPEL, YOU ARE ALL PARTAKERS WITH ME OF GRACE. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."


At this point, I would encourage that you return to the beginning of 1 Corinthians/Galatians and read how Paul starts the conversation, comparing the apparent joy with which he greets the Philippian church. You will see that the Corinthian and Galatian churches are not PARTAKERS with Paul of grace (Jesus' all-knowing plan to inspire and empower to righteousness to the Father through Him) for they have either rejected His development by way of the Living Bread or they have stepped away from it - suffering so many things in vain. These Philippians are with Paul, having provided for his needs while he was ministering to the Corinthians and, more importantly, are willingly partaking of the Paul's chains, by example, as our great High Priest ordains.


Paul is an example of man going on to completion in Christ Jesus- more complete in Him than most! These Philippians were willing to surrender as Paul was surrendering. Paul steadfastly confesses that his chains are in Christ; chains that He is not looking to separate himself from!

You can reach the writer of this blog at ngm0811gdh@gmail.com

Raised To Preside And Fill

Ephesians 1:15-23; 11,12

"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may (may be able to?) give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He worked in Christ when He RAISED HIM from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power, might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and GAVE HIM to be head over ALL things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of HIM WHO FILLS all in all."


We can see what the Most High has in mind for those who have faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints: with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, those might have enlightened understanding regarding His calling for this life, His glorified inheritance toward us, His power to resurrect. This truth is available to all BELIEVERS. But, what the Father gave specifically to Jesus will not be available to another: Head over ALL things to the church. The good news is that Jesus, the head over all things to the church, has a resurrected place for each believer. It appears that Jesus was not given His place by the Father UNTIL He laid His life down for friends.


"In Him, also, we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory."


Ask the Lord to increase your faith in Him and love for all the saints. He will show you how to prepare, gird yourself and serve, in Him!

 

You can reach the writer of this blog at ngm0811gdh@gmail.com

The Law As Tutor (As The Backboard Helps the Shooter)

Please Read Galatians 3:19-25

 

"What purpose then does the law (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept (confined) for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor (in a household, the guardian responsible for the care and discipline of the children) to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor".


The promise is the availability of everlasting life, the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus to/in those who believe. Faith is the understanding (like the inherent knowledge within that we must eat to live. Babies even, while understanding little else, know that they are hungry) that Jesus Christ is, and accompanied by the works of that understanding (if we are willing to obey His inspiration), Jesus Christ builds His church, and the gates of Hell shall NOT prevail against what He is able to build in us, individually and as a body.


The game of basketball, most people know, is played on a rectangular "court". The goals are anchored to a backboard - a solid, hard surface that assists in shot-making and also keeps errant shots from rolling far away from the GOAL. Young players are directed to "use the backboard" for their shots. As players develop, they use the backboard less and at the highest levels of play, the backboard is used in a small percentage of shots taken - the players have become proficient in scoring the ball WITHOUT the backboard. The coaches hardly bother to recommend it.


The Galatian church had become tempted to go back to the backboard, the tutor, as the scripture describes. But, the tutor had been made obsolete by the indwelling of the Righteous One- Christ in us, the hope of glory!


Paul asks them, "This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:2) "Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:5)


God has manifested Himself to man through supernatural occurrence from the beginning; from the initiation of the writing of His Book to the finishing of the same. Only don't be tempted to go back to what was the tutor and try to find or experience Him. The new wine comes from Jesus' words in the gospels and the words He inspired through man.


The Galatian church was a new testament church in every regard yet they were tempted, probably by peer pressure from the Jewish people who were against Jesus as the Christ, to make themselves more like those who were being tutored according to the law. You see, life would be easier for them without the gnashing teeth of unbelievers. This exercise exposed the Galatian's will and, ultimately, the correction by Paul. There was an assault by satan-inspired thieves to steal what the Holy Spirit brings - a life of victory in Christ Jesus.

You can write to the author of this study at ngm0811gdh@gmail.com

Not Unqualified, Disqualified.

2 Corinthians 13:1-6

"This will be the third time I am coming to you. 'By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established'. I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare - since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives 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. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you are DISQUALIFIED. But I trust that you will know that WE ARE NOT disqualified."

The image comes to me of a track meet - specifically the 100 meter dash. The participants have lined up and are ready to go, so they presume. They have been evaluated and found to be competitive. The starter informs them to take their mark. One or more of the participants jumps out early, trying to gain an edge on the others. That (those) runners have accomplished a false start and are disqualified by the track and field rules. They may not compete for the prize. Those who started falsely weren't UNQUALIFIED but were DISQUALIFIED.

I perceive admonishment in Paul's third approach to the church at Corinth. They seek proof of Christ speaking in him who is not weak toward them but mighty in them. Paul informs them that Christ was crucified in weakness yet lives by the power of God. Paul says the same is true in/for him and, by extension for Christians IF they are willing to allow it. He beseeches them to examine themselves as to whether they are in the faith; to remember that Jesus Christ is in them. To have to be reminded that Jesus Christ is in you might mean that you are not weak in Him but strong to yourself! Your carnal approach to this life in Christ dominates. Truly the Corinthian church had been qualified - born again from above by the Holy Spirit! Yet in that Spiritual empowerment they were DECIDING to ignore Paul's admonishments that represented our God's attempt to bring them stronger meat.

The apostle Paul informs that the Corinthian church should know that he (and those with him) are not disqualified. He is concerned that they (CC) will not stand the test.

 

You can reach the writer of this blog at ngm0811gdh@gmail.com

Transforming Themselves

Read 2 Corinthians 11:12-15; John 10:1,2,12


"But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which we boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works."

The context of this passage of scripture indicates what Paul, in Christ Jesus, was willing to do for the Corinthian church to break them free from their carnality. He was acting as a minister of transformation, compelled by THE minister of transformation, Jesus Christ.

"Most assuredly, I say unto you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up another way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters BY THE DOOR IS THE SHEPHERD of the sheep." Jesus goes on to say that He is the door of the sheep. He says that a hireling, who is not the shepherd (or not sent out from the Shepherd, like Paul) abandons the sheep when trouble comes. Paul didn't abandon the sheep in Corinth - instead he laid his life down for them, just like his Master did for all men.

How did Paul go from one who persecuted believers to one who laid down his life for the sheep? He turned over his reign of his life to Jesus Christ. He trusted Him as He transformed him. In all his ways he acknowledged the King of Righteousness. False apostles were presenting themselves to the Corinthian church. They had a form of godliness but lacked the power thereof. They transformed themselves, and presented themselves as ministers of righteousness. Their end, Paul said, would be "according to their works". Beware of these, Jesus said (Matthew 7:15,16), as they come in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. He said we will know them by their fruits! Ministers who transform themselves inevitably produce after their own kind- fruitless or relatively unfruitful disciples!

We are individually unable to transform ourselves. It must be in and through Him. As we allow Him, he replaces selfish carnality with selfless spirituality. Transformation in/through Him produces fruit that His creation has been designed to partake of.

Open Your Hearts To Us

 Read 2 Corinthians 7:1-16
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+7&version=ESV

"Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one."

"I am filled with comfort, I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation."

"Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you may suffer loss from us in nothing, for godly sorrow produces REPENTANCE LEADING TO SALVATION, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: WHAT DILIGENCE IT PRODUCED IN YOU, WHAT CLEARING OF YOURSELVES, WHAT INDIGNATION, WHAT FEAR, WHAT VEHEMENT DESIRE, WHAT ZEAL, WHAT VINDICATION! In all things you proved YOURSELVES TO BE CLEAR in this matter."

"Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.............and his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything (or every thing)."

"Finally, brethren, farewell. BECOME COMPLETE. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and to the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11)

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The Corinthian church, referenced in Paul's first letter, was UNABLE to accept the meat of the word of God. If it did come, they would throw it up just as a baby would adult food. Adult food requires chewing- you have to work at it! The meat of God's word requires attention, and, even more than that, a clearing of yourself to make room for it. Milk is much easier for the self-fulfilled soul to accept.

In this study, Paul is commending the Corinthian church for their willingness to come to a place where completion may commence. Affliction applied produces the opportunity for repentance leading to salvation. So what did the Corinthian church do to take the path to completion rather than carnality? In the affliction - or godly sorrow - they received Titus, and what he had to minister to them, with fear and trembling. They began to open their hearts to those who were in a position to assist them!

The writer of this blog can be reached at ngm0811gdh@gmail.com.

Being Saved, Being Transformed

2 Corinthians 2:14-16; 3:18

 

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are BEING SAVED and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life LEADING to life."


"But we all, with unveiled face (having turned to the Lord; having made a definitive decision to receive the Father's salvation through Him), beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are BEING TRANSFORMED into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."


When I was accepted into Texas Chiropractic College, having met that institution's REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION, I began matriculation through its curriculum. In retrospect, I knew little about the profession and even less about the school. Through their ACCREDITED curriculum, I heard what they had to offer with regard to that discipline. Upon graduation, I would have told you that I was ready to practice what I had learned. Honestly, at the time of the last professional adjustment delivered, after 19 years in practice, I understood that I was still learning how to correctly administer the discipline; how to perform in such a way as to do no harm to the patient, insurance carriers etc. Without question, the Most High was the Rock behind that understanding. My education, formal and in private practice, TRANSFORMED me from one who, even AFTER acceptance, was immature and unwise in all things in chiropractic to the image of what the public would want from a professional: to help and do no harm.


To many in Christianity, the example of my professional education and practice parallels their experiences, particularly in Christ. The truth is this: the transformation from glory to glory is as real as the home builder who lays a foundation and builds one component at a time. Jesus Christ, the Bread that came down from heaven and still comes by the ministry of the Holy Spirit, builds "line upon line and precept upon precept." Those "lines and precepts" pierce even "between soul and spirit." After the piercing, the same lines and precepts heal, and we come to know Him just as we are already known!

You can reach the writer of this blog at ngm0811gdh@gmail.com.

Tribulation And Consolation For The Sake Of Others

 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation WHICH IS EFFECTIVE FOR ENDURING THE SAME SUFFERINGS WHICH WE ALSO SUFFER. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that AS YOU ARE PARTAKERS OF THE SUFFERINGS, SO ALSO YOU WILL PARTAKE OF THE CONSOLATION.


consolation- the act of consoling (Webster's)
console- to alleviate or lessen the grief, sorrow or disappointment of (Webster's)


"We are joint heirs with Christ if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may ALSO be glorified together (with Him)."
(Romans 8:17)


"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
(Hebrews 12:1)


Who is it that can adequately explain the sufferings of Christ to us? Or the consolation? What form will the sufferings of Christ take? Certainly we know there will be enemies that curse, hate, spitefully use and persecute. Weakness and sickness come, even death if we partake unworthily of communion with Him. He consoles by revealing Himself through the Holy Spirit alleviating the grief, sorrow and disappointment of the soul that knows Him only in part.


As the sufferings of Christ come, documented in the lives of Job, Peter and Paul, so also the consolation abounds through Christ. It is imperative that we, who are being saved, understand how important this process is for our brothers/sisters to see in us. We must be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which we are comforted by God. The consolation or comfort goes hand in hand with the willingness to submit to Him. All are suffering, whether they know it or not. Most are suffering apart from Him, few with Him. Paul writes that he HOPES that we will be willing to partake of the Christ's consolation.

The writer of this blog can be reached at  ngm0811gdh@gmail.com.

Feet Made To Walk On High Hills

Habakkuk 3:17-19

 

Habakkuk was a prophet within the Old Testament, but his words ring as true today as then. He was distressed about the state of the nation of Judah. Rebellious behavior had rendered them worthy of punishment. God raised up the Chaldeans to administer that punishment. Judah is nonproductive and cut off. There is no blossom nor fruit; failed labor and no yield; the fold and the stalls are empty (there are other places Judah wants to be).


Habakkuk's response to this revelation: "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength. He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills." Must be some serious hills to walk on, the feet to which require God's creative formation. I suppose that, out of the Chaldean instrument, a remnant was produced. Habakkuk, and they, carried on in righteousness.

I am impressed that His instruments continue to this day. Now Jesus Christ is the great High Priest to administer the instrument. "I in them, and You in Me; (so) that they may be made perfect in One   (the Father and the Son), and that the world may know that You have sent Me (because of the like testimonies of those who agree with Habakkuk), and have loved them as you have loved Me; .....that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me
(John 17:23,24).


"Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."(Matthew 7:14)

But! The gate is open to all those who are willing.

Consider The Goodness And Severity Of God

Romans 11:19-23, 1 Corinthians 10:1-5, John 15:1,2

"You will say then, 'Branches were broken off that I (Gentile believers) may be grafted in.' "

Well said. Because of unbelief, they (unbelieving Israel) were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the GOODNESS and SEVERITY of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness. Otherwise YOU ALSO WILL BE CUT OFF. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again."


"Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with MOST of them God was not well pleased for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness."


"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away (breaks off); and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."


The story of unbelieving Israel is documented throughout the scriptures. Before the Christ, Israel was disobedient to God. Although "baptized into Moses in the cloud and the sea", most defied God's prophet to them and, subsequently, were broken off as branches of the olive tree, which is a representation of God's kingdom on earth.


Those who have received the salvation of God through Jesus Christ have been baptized into Christ and should understand that means "into His death".  Just as unbelieving Israel, if they were to discontinue their unbelief would be grafted in again to the olive tree, so should we new testament believers be not haughty but fear God. Pruning and casting off (or breaking off) are both done with a knife. Make sure you are on right side of the knife by "being even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble"(2 Peter 1:10). Neither will you be broken off!

Foolish, Weak and Base Things

 1 Corinthians 1-3; Galatians 1-3  

 

Most recently, we read that the churches of Ephesus, Colosse and Thessalonica had received accolades for their "faith in Christ and sincere love for all the saints". Even the church at Philippi Paul commended for their "progress and joy of faith" and "having always obeyed, not as in my (Paul's) presence only, but now much more in my absence".


The churches at Corinth and Galatia do not receive the same congratulations. Without condemning them because of their shortfall, Paul certainly rebukes their quarreling; the divisions amongst them based upon which disciple they are following; envy; their turning away from Him who called them in the grace of Christ to a different gospel, even to the point of "bewitching".


In both accounts, Paul reminds them (and us) that we "preach Christ crucified"; "to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and Him crucified"; "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me". Our crucifixion in Christ does not happen when we receive His salvation, the opportunity begins there. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we "for His sake are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:36,37).


"Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness". To the natural man, our crucifixion in Christ is foolish, weak and base (not high or lofty). Paul knows that we must be crucified in Him so that the churches may continue to be and the natural man may follow.

Faith In Jesus Christ IS Faith In God

Ephesians 1:15,16; Colossians 1:3,4; Mark 11:22,23;

2 Thessalonians 1:3-5

 

"Therefore, I also, after I heard of your FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers......" (Ephesians 1:15,16)

"We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS and of your love for all the saints......" (Colossians 1:3,4)

I would like to examine the likelihood that the church in Ephesus, Colosse and Thessalonica had received (accepted as truth and were willing to walk in the light of) an understanding from God which graduated them, so to speak, to a place where God could continue to build. Foundation; initial floor; subsequent levels from there. Paul seemed ecstatic over what he had heard they "had".

"Have FAITH IN GOD (have the faith of God; have the God kind of faith). For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says" (Mark 11:22,23). The majority of the chief priests and scribes would not receive Jesus for who He is: the Christ Of God. They were unwilling to humble themselves under God's mighty hand and in His sight. The result was fruitlessness in them and those who listened to them. The mountain between them and God was intact. Could Paul be rejoicing because the churches mentioned had recognized the mountain and were speaking to it? Had he recognized that they were speaking to the mountain and doubting not, able to overcome unwillingness through Him? Did he understand that, if they wouldn't, they couldn't become all that he knew God wanted for them?

"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, SO THAT we ourselves boast of you among all the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgement of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.......(2 Thessalonians 1:3-5).

Jesus' teachings will endure forever. They are life to those who find them. Have this faith in Him!

Love Rejoices Not In Iniquity

I Corinthians 13:4-8, Luke 14:28-30

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy;  love does not parade itself, is not puffed up (arrogant); does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; DOES NOT REJOICE IN INIQUITY, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."


Webster's Dictionary defines the word rejoice as "taking delight" (one definition of two); iniquity as "a violation of right or duty"(one definition of two). Could we say that the love of God in us takes no delight in the violation of right or duty of your brother(sister) in Christ?

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it - lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'THIS MAN BEGAN TO BUILD AND WAS NOT ABLE TO FINISH'."


"And when he (Moses) went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, 'Why are you striking your companion?' Then he (the fighter) said, 'Who made you a prince and a judge over us? DO YOU INTEND TO KILL ME AS YOU KILLED THE EGYPTIAN?' " Exodus 2:13,14


Do you think that each statement in bold type could have been replaced with words from the Father which promote the works of His truth? This man began to build, and although I see his weakness, I will do what I can through prayer and works of faith to help him finish. Thank you, Moses, for reminding us not to fight.

Taking delight in the truth that comes forth from God's word brings His quickening, by the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ, who did all these things perfectly and completely! If you are willing to ask the Father in His name to show you how to hunger and thirst after righteousness, you shall be filled. There will be less and less room in your heart to rejoice in iniquity!

Arise And Go To The Street Called Straight

Acts 9:10-17

"Now there was certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, Lord.' So the Lord said to him, 'Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight'. Then Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Your name'. But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake'. And Ananias went................"

It started with a vision from Jesus Christ. It finished just like Jesus said- Paul received his sight and was filled with the Holy Spirit.

"So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void (empty, without fruit), but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

Faced with the threat of imprisonment, or worse, at the hands of Paul, Ananias followed the vision and voice of Jesus Christ. The threat considered was overwhelmed by the words of Jesus upon the good ground of his heart. His blessing was the enduring fruit that came from/through Paul in Christ Jesus. If you have taken steps that have not ended as fruitfully as Ananias', don't give up! Call unto Him and He will answer you, and SHOW you great things, mighty things that you do not know! We can't do things that we don't know. Knowing in part produces error. Steadfastness toward obedience with repentance is the vehicle to knowing Him just as He already knows us!

Making Friends; Influencing Jailers Acts 16:9,10; 16:16-34

 

Please read Acts 16: 9,10; 16:16-34


We read that Paul, Silas and others made their way to Philippi in Macedonia. Paul had received a vision: a man was pleading with him to come and help them. In the midst of their journey to that man, whoever he was as far as Paul knew, the troop was intercepted cunningly by a young girl possessed by a spirit of divination. This girl was indentured to men who made "much profit from her fortune-telling". Paul understood, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that this girl was, essentially, telling their fortune. One could ask, "What did she say that was wrong?" The answer would be, "Nothing". But the spirit that was behind that divination was certainly up to no-good: those spirits never are! It would be like the feeling you get when you know that someone is telling you something they know you would like to hear; and you can just tell they don't mean it!


Paul's act, in the name of Jesus Christ, angered the masters of that girl. The proceeds they would receive from that girl's divination had dried up, at least for a time. They didn't appreciate Paul's intervention. "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe." Ah, yes, thank you so much for your concern for your city. Anyway, the authorities were moved by their concern for their Roman city, beating and then jailing Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas responded with prayers and song to God.


Now, to that man who was crying for their help. In their worship of God, He showed up, through an earthquake, loosing everyone's chains. Instead of running from the prison, they stayed; not exactly the response expected from prisoners. The keeper of the prison saw the prison doors opened and, supposing the prisoners had fled, was about to do himself in. Paul stopped him, assuring him that they were all still there (in other acts by the apostles, they left the prison. But their work wasn't done here!) . The jailer asked, " What must I do to be saved?" Paul and Silas said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household." He and his family believed because Paul and Silas heard (or in this case, saw) and acted in accordance through difficulty.


How many of us have heard (in our spirit, or saw), have started in that direction, have run into difficulty along the way, and stopped or retreated. The jailer's life depended upon Paul's and Silas' obedience. Paul was a mature believer at this point. I think he knew God better than most. Stopping/retreat is a function of knowing in part. Paul and Silas would not stop/retreat in the adversity. As we continue to press toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, we will receive just what Paul received, knowing God just as we are already known (by Him); following Him wherever He goes!