What does it mean to you…

 

                         “…seated with him in heavenly place in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6)

To be seated with Christ in Heavenly places can be unimaginable, but for the Christian it is a promise. First, one must look to see where they are; “Abide in me (Jesus) and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in me" (John 15:4).

We must above all else be abiding in Him, and when we find ourselves abiding in Christ, it means we have been given new life, we have been purified, washed, and cleanse from our sins. It is through the blood that we have been justified, we have received this atonement as we are raised from a death of sin to a life of righteousness.  Also, we must hold fast our faith and a good conscience; and let no trials turn us aside from the truth. “And I will abide in you”—ye shall receive every help and influence from me (Christ) that your souls may require, in order to preserve and save them to eternal life.   These two things are absolutely, necessary to our salvation:

1. we must continually be closely united to Christ by faith and love, and live in and to him

2. As we continually receive from him the power to do good; for as the branch, however good in itself, cannot bear fruit from itself, through its own juice, which it has already derived from the tree, and can be no longer supported; than it continues in union with the parent stock, neither can ye, unless ye abide in me. As the branch partakes of the nature of the tree, it is nourished by its juice, and lives by its life, so ye must be made partakers of my Divine nature, be wise in my wisdom, powerful in my might, and pure through my holiness.
[Adam Clarke's Commentary] 

If we are abiding in Christ, we have the vital nutrients being supplied to us continuously each and every day. He is our source of strength in every storm, He is where our fruitfulness flows from, His Divine nature gives us access to all that He is. And because we abide in Him, we have the privilege of being called Children of God.

To be raised up, we must have been raised from death to life when we received Christ as Savior. So close is our connection with Him that His resurrection made ours certain as heirs. “And made us sit together…”

“and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him” (Rom. 8:17 (NASB)

So close is our connection with Him, that we shall partake of His glory. 

“In heavenly places…”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” (Ephesians 1:3 (NASB)

The meaning is, that he has gone to the heavenly world as our Head and Representative. His entrance there is a pledge, a promise that we shall also enter there. Even here we have the anticipation of glory, and are admitted to exalted honors, as if we sat in heavenly places, in virtue of our connection with him.  With the pure doctrines of the Gospel, and the abundant gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, justifying, sanctifying, and building us up on our most holy faith.
(Adam Clarke's Commentary)

In Christ Jesus - It is our connection with him that we are therefore exalted, and thus filled with joy and peace. The meaning of the whole is,” We are united to Christ. We die with him, and live with him. We share his sufferings, and we share his joys. We become dead to the world, to the flesh and we become alive unto God in virtue of his resurrection. On earth we are exalted to honor, peace, and hope, in virtue of his resurrection; in heaven we shall share his, glory and partake of his triumphs.”

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

So, here you have it. Because of our connection to Christ as our Savior and the fact that in order to live we must die, God has granted us the privilege of sitting with Christ in heavenly places even while we are still here on earth.  Now this privilege does not entitle us to walk in a prideful or arrogant way and neither does it allow us to look down on someone. As Christ had walk when He was here so must we.  And how did he walk? He walked in love, peace, truthfully, prayerfully, faithfully and with great humility. Let His ways be the example that we look too and that each of us strive to imitate. Since we abide in Him, and since He is our perfect example to follow, we do not walk this journey alone:

“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21 (NKJV)

Heavenly Father, thank you for the faithfulness of Christ, how He was true to you and a perfect example of your Love to us. May we always abide in Him and may our walk be pleasing in your eyes. Thank you, Father for adopting us into your family and giving us the rights and privileges as your natural Son.  Lord Jesus you have given your life for us, you have saved us from an eternal death and you have cleans us from all our sins and iniquity. There are not enough words in any language to say how grateful we are, I thank you my Lord and Savior as I give you my life. therefore, I will abide in you always for I know that I can do nothing without you. in the blessed name of Jesus Christ, I ask and pray, amen.

  Chosen2Prayer

Watchman call…

As children of God, we must learn to obey our Heavenly Father, for obedience to the Father is a beautiful position to be in. There is no fear, no doubt, no contention, only a willingness and hearty desire to do His will.  Since we have been created in His image, God gives us the freedom to choose whether to obey or not. He wants and desires to use His children to bring His Word to the nations; “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (Mt. 28:19-20).

 By far to obey is better for the consequences of His favor is beyond comprehension.  But the opposite of this is disobedience, whether one choose to wait before obeying or flat out refuse to obey, the consequences can be devastating. As you study the Word, it becomes truly clear that God has empowered His children with many attributes that help aid us on the path He has chosen. His word has given us many great and faithful warriors, prophets, women and men as examples who found the strength to endure much hardship, persecution, even death. God has provided so much for each of us, we have been covered in the blood, we have been filled with the Holy Spirit and He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us and we can go to Him in prayer any time of the day or night. Now keep these promises in mind as we continue.

There is another facet that is important for all true believes, and yet we have vaguely looked at it. Could it be that we attributed it be for ministers or prophets or apostles only? Or maybe that it never crossed our minds that it was meant to be for us. I can truly say that this was something that never crossed my mind, not until I started reading Ezekiel. Nevertheless, it is a call for all believers to be a “Watchman”.  This is a responsibility that many will not take up nor will they want such a duty. 

Now, many of us love the Word of God and I know that we are willing tell anyone that it is the absolutely the truth from Genesis to Revelation. And I’m sure that there have been some pretty interesting discussions about God’s Word with those who truly do not understand. This call is not just for me, but for all believers of Jesus. It is up to the believer to be the watchmen that God has call us all to be. To tell everyone how much God loves them, and what Jesus has done for them and that we are getting closer each day to Jesus’ coming back. As the conditions of this world continue to deteriorate we need to hang on to our hope and be the watchman God needs.

The definition of a watchman is one who is a guard, a caretaker, to keep guard and a night watchman. One more definition is: Watchman -- one who looks out or sees from a height, with the view to warning of impending danger or to give any information, good or bad (Dake's Annotated Ref Bible).  Throughout history there has been many unnamed guards that have walked the high walls watching out for the enemy. Those who have been diligently faithful to their post. Also, there are those that have blown many trumpets warning others of impending armies and of coming dangers against them. The watchman was one that the towns people depended upon, they felt safe as long as he was doing his job, but if he fell asleep on duty it would be disastrous for all. But the watchman we are talking about here is one call to proclaim the availability of repentance and salvation in God.  

Ezekiel was a prophet and a priest that God call to be His watchman and through various visions and acting out the Word he left the people of Israel an astonishing picture of coming judgment and the glory that is to come. He was one who chose to obey God, for he served also as a Jewish “street preacher” for over 20 years in Babylon. His message was for the Jewish people as well as the surrounding nations. He proclaimed what God said, that if they would not turn from their wicked ways, from their rebellion, idolatry, and indifference, the judgment of God would come upon the people and the land. God will always punish sin, whether we believe it or not. The stain of sin can never come into the presence of a Holy God; for He hates sin. And those who dare to mock God today will also face a terrible fate. We must commit ourselves to obey God whatever, wherever, and whenever He asks.

As God called Ezekiel He said; “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me” (Eze. 3:17; 33:7).  As a watchman Ezekiel knew that God knows and sees the true condition of the hearts of man. God knew that the hearts of the people were “impudent and hardhearted” just as many are today. He knew that they would not listen or obey His words, for He said; “But the house of Israel will harken unto thee; for they will not harken unto me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted” (Eze. 3:7). But God has a strategy to combat their stubbornness: “Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house” (Eze.3:8-9). 

God’s Word is so perfectly clear, as you read it you can see even in your own life that there is always a tendency to fall from our righteousness. Or maybe we’re not ready to accept the solution on a particular circumstance we are facing and in our stubbornness, we continue to seek another way. Sin has a subtle way of creeping in our thoughts, our heart and our actions. The Word says, “Submit therefore to God resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).  We are to always be on “Sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking who he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).  As a watchman your mission is to warn those who were not living in a way that was pleasing to God. As a watchman we are responsible for blowing the trumpet to a nation, a people, a neighborhood and even a home. There are some who have lost their zeal even though they are believers. We must pray, teach, talk, encourage them to get back to their “first love”.  “When I say unto the wicked; O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou does not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity…” (Eze. 33:8).

Consequences of disobedience to the command of God was that the blood of the wicked would be required of Ezekiel “…but his blood will I require at thine hand”.  Yet if the wicked person does not turn from his ways after being warned of the pending danger then “…he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul” (Eze. 33:9) for you have done what God said to do. Yes, there is a cost for the watchman if he fails to do what God has called him to. Souls are at stake and we must begin to shout from the mountain top that the “day of the Lord is coming”. We must remind those who have become laxed in their faith and tell those that have yet to receive Him that Jesus saves.  God in His gracious mercy has delayed in bringing about His judgment, for “the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Because He “will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4).

The Word is true, and this is what God desires for all His children. And as we who believe now, it is our time to be that watchman on the wall. We are the voice like John the Baptist, calling for the un-save to repent, we are the voices of the Disciples teaching and proclaiming the Gospel of God to a wicked and perverse generation. Whether we are on the street corners, standing in the pulpit, or teaching on television or social media or among friends, coworkers and family – it is time that our voices be heard above all the chaos and confusion. We “must work the works of him that sent me (us), while it is day the night cometh when no man can work” (Jn. 9:4).

This is not a calling of comfort and peace, but one of love for our God and for being obedient to His command to “love one another”.  There will be naysayers, there will be those who are obstinate, those whose hearts have been hardened, the unmoved, and those who are inflexible.  Even those who are lukewarm wanting everyone to live and let live as long as they do not bother their lives, because they say;“…I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: and (they) knowest not that thou are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev.3: 17). We must pray for these people, ask God to give you “holy” boldness to fulfil His command and be that watchman.

Now the question is, are you willing to be a watchman for God? Are you ready to warn the save and the un-save of the day of the Lord?  Are you willing to endure hardship against the obstinate and hardhearted? My sisters and brothers we will not walk in this calling alone, God is with us the Holy Spirit is in us and the Blood of Jesus coves us. Remember “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (1 Peter 4:13).

Heavenly Father, thank you for the call to be a watchman to your people. Holy Spirit empower me to proclaim Jesus and the gift of salvation you freely give. When I open my mouth Holy Spirit, fill it with thus saith the Lord. Lord, I need to be strengthen for what is ahead, even though the enemy will come against me, it is in you that I look to, for you are my Rock, my Fortress, my High tower and a place of Refuge. And under the shadow of your wings I can find rest from all tempest . Father, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).  Thank you, Father for I know that I do not walk alone, for you are always with me, as I answer your call show me where you want me to start. It is in Jesus name I pray, amen.

Chosen2Prayer

It’s a known fact that one cannot walk with God and live a life of darkness. And that no one can claim to be a Christian and still live in evil and immorality; and there’s no way that one could love God and court sin at the same time. We see this thought revealed in 1 John 1:6 where John says: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:”.  When we walk in the light as the Bible tells us we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sins (1 Jn. 1:7).  Also, God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all, and God’s Word is true, for He leads us out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. Light brings clarity, reveals truth, and dispels darkness, where light exist no darkness can remain. In darkness, good and evil look alike, but in the light, truth is revealed. So, it is with sin for it cannot exist in the presence of a Holy God. 

Understand that “if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 Jn. 1:8). “Because you say, I am rich and increase with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked:” (Rev. 3:11); for self-sufficiency is the fatal danger of a lukewarm attitude.  If one desires a relationship with God, they must put aside their sinful ways of living. And to claim we belong to Him but then to live out our lives for ourselves is hypocrisy and we are no more than liars. All sin breaks our fellowship with God, it interferes with our worship, it hinders our prayers and it can stop the ears of God. It can be difficult, however, for many people to admit their faults and shortcomings even to God.  It takes humility and honesty to recognize that we have weaknesses and shortcomings but most of us would rather pretend that we are strong and are never seen as weak. You see, God already knows all about our sins, so we don’t need to fear telling Him anything about us. But humbly come to Him with a heart of repentance, God will never push us away – no matter what we have done.  

Throughout the Bible, God instructs us to confess our sins, to acknowledge our iniquity which we have transgress, and confess and forsake them. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 (Wesley NT). Also to “rend your heart and not your garments." Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness And relenting of evil” (Joel 2:13 (NASB). Now, do you think God is trying to tell us something?  

Confession is supposed to free us to enjoy fellowship with Christ. But many Christians do not understand how it works. It should ease our conscience and lighten our cares, but there is still a feeling of guilt, so we continue confessing the same sins over and over.  There are even those that believe that God forgives them when they confess, but if they died with unconfessed sins they believe that they would be forever lost. These do not understand that God has already forgiven them even the present and future sins. We do not need to confess old sins and add to it sins of today, He allowed His Beloved Son to die just so He could offer us a pardon and free us from the bondage of darkness.

When we come to Christ, He forgives all the sins we have committed or will ever commit. His precious blood has washed us clean “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” (1 Peter 1:18-19). So, we don’t need to confess the sins of the past all over again and there is no need to fear that God will reject us.  Our relationship with Christ is secure. Now when it is true confession it is also a commitment not to continue in past sins again. There must be a complete turning away from the old and walking a new walk. We wouldn’t be genuinely confessing our sins to God if we were planning to commit them again and we just wanted temporary forgiveness. So, pray for strength to defeat the temptation when sin arises.

So, don’t let darkness hold you or keep you in bondage, “We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men (Isa. 59:10), “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:11).  He who hates is not following Christ, therefore he walks in darkness and are subject to demon spirits controlling them.  The result of darkness is, God’s presence is absent, spiritual forces of evil are all around, it hides our evil deeds, depression and sadness dwells there and all hope seems lost.

Remember that “…God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1Jn. 1:5). And as Jesus said “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).  Father, I ask that you search our hearts, try us and know our thoughts and Lord, if there be any wicked way in us, please lead us in the way everlasting. Lord, speak to us of any hidden sins that we may have forgotten or that we may not know is sinful in your eyes. Wash us and make us clean as you help us to walk in the light. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, amen.

Chosen2Prayer

The Power of Love

How many of us have ever stop to think about this statement “God is Love”?  if you think about what love is and all the goodness that you feel about love, that IS God. To understand the depths of His love for us would take an eternity and even then we would come to no end. Are we capable of loving the way God has loved us and are we willing to love as Jesus has shown us?  Well, let’s see what the Bible has to say of love.

In the Song of Songs 8:6-7 (NLT) “Place me like a seal over your heat, or like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, and its jealousy is as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many water cannot quench love, neither can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with everything he owned, his offer would be utterly despised.” This heart of a young bride who eagerly awaits her mate sends her to contemplate the depth of her love. One that is strong as death; that cannot be destroyed by time or disaster; and it cannot be bought at any price. The intense power of love affects the heart and mind of those in love. Love is freely given and it is priceless, there is no price in all the world that can buy true love. You must accept love as a gift from God and shared within the guidelines that He provides. Love is strong, quenchless, indestructible and invaluable.

In the Lord’s teachings of the guidelines of love, we must remember most of all that “love is an action” word; “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” Luke 6:27-31 (NASB).  Jesus was telling the people to love their enemies, but such words were hard to hear especially since the Jews despised the Romans for the oppression of God’s people. In our own strength, we can’t love as Christ instructed, we need the power of the Holy Spirit to help us love our enemies. Most of us can’t even begin to love our enemies, because the things of the past are still fresh on our minds. Some of us consider another race their enemies, then, there are those who would not be obedient to the words of Christ because of unbelief and harden hearts. Love cannot grow as it should in darken, harden, rebellious hearts.

What Jesus was teaching is that, love is an act of your will, to do what God has commanded, and this kind of love takes a conscious effort and a yieldedness to the Holy Spirit. If you remember the mess of your own life and how God loved and forgave you, then loving our enemies means acting in their best interest. And the way we can do this is that, we can pray for them, we can ask God to forgive them and bless them and we can treat them the way we want to be treated. Jesus said; “You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Mat. 5:43-44 NKJV).  We need the Holy Spirit to guide us as well as help our understanding of God’s will. Even though some of us would like to get revenge on our enemies, it’s not necessary for God says, “…avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19).  God did not instruct us at any time to get revenge on those who have wronged us. He knows just how to deal with those who have hurt us, so what we must do is follow His command.

Think of how Jesus was treated the time He spent here on earth, He knew that men’s hearts were evil, yet He loved them, He gave His life for them and He wants all men who believe to be saved. Now we are not Jesus, I know this, but we have put our faith in Him, we have surrendered our lives to Him and now we must conform our lives to walking in the Spirit. For He says; “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Mat. 5:45). By loving and praying for our enemies, we can overcome evil with good, and by loving our enemy as Christ loved us and treating them well, we will truly show that Jesus is Lord of our lives. For Romans 12:20 says it so clearly: “therefore if thine enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”  If we loved as Christ loved us, we will be willing to forgive our enemy, we will be willing to pray and we will be willing to show compassion. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as you Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Mt.6:48).

Again, loving our enemy is not easy, our task is not to please self, nor hold others in condemnation, but it is to do God’s will. Look again at Luke 6:27-31 above, for our instructions are:

1.       Love your enemies

2.       Bless them that curse you

3.       Do good to those that hate you

4.       Pray for your persecutors

As believers, we are all call to excel, to rise above our weakness of living in this flesh, and become strong in Spirit by much study of the Word, and walking in obedience to the will of God. The true test of love is when your enemy becomes your friend, when you can see your enemy through the eyes of Christ, their need to know a Savior who can love them and forgive them. Now, you have that opportunity to deliver the gospel of Jesus Christ to them, to share the love that was shed on you. Because we choose to walk in love, and in forgiveness by giving our enemy a drink, we’re not excusing their misdeeds we’re only recognizing their need for Christ, their need for forgiveness, and their need for love in spite of their sins – just as Christ did for us. Our hearts must be changed from vengeance, anger, malice, and even hatred, love was given to us while we were walking dead in this flesh. He came and taught us God’s ways, He showed us God’s mercy, and love gave His life for all people, and all who now and will believe, have been cleansed by His atoning blood. Love has redeemed us from the grip of death, and love has given us eternal life.

Love and forgiveness was given to you when you accepted Christ, then, who are we to deny showing God’s love even to our enemies? You are the light of the world, allow God to use the light in you to draw desperate, hurting, despondent soul to your light. Don’t let the enemy steal from you any longer, your peace, your joy or your love for God. Rise above your feelings and allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in your life, through teaching, guiding, humbling you and showing you how to love your enemy.  “And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13)

Father, help us to love as you love us each and every day. Help us to forgive our enemies as we show compassion and love towards them and as you have shown to us. Let us not dwell on past hurts and injustice, but we choose to dwell on your goodness, your love and your mercy.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Chosen2Prayer

The Door

One night I couldn’t sleep, I laid in bed in the darkness tossing and turning, I prayed, I talked with God for a while and yet I couldn’t sleep. I looked toward my room door that was shut and there was an outline of light which was coming from the kitchen light over the stove. I keep this on at night so that I won’t bump into things if I needed to get up. Well, it got me to thinking about something and when I get inspiration I have to get up and write it – so here it is.

A door stands in front of you a sliver of light penetrates the top and side, you wonder what’s on the other side. But then you hear someone say; “if you go through that door blessings are waiting for you”, but before you do, you are also told that “God will require something of you”.  A puzzle look comes over your face, then you ask, “what is it that He will want of me?” You are then told “you must first walk through to know the answer.” Your mind begins to race on what it could be, your blood pressure starts to rise as well as your heart rate. The thought that God would want something of me, was more than you could imagine. What is it that I have that He would want of me? images start to run across your mind, is it my heart, my home, my family, my life, what could it be?

You began pacing back and forth contemplating what it might be. But as soon as you are willing to take that chance and you resolve to go through the door, here comes another voice, the voice of fear, pride, and doubt. “I wouldn’t go through if I were you, He might want more than you’re willing to give up”. You begin to reason this thought, that it makes sense to you and you stop and listen to more “what if He wants all that you have worked hard to achieve, your money, your house, He might even want you to quit your job and do something less attractive”. You begin to ponder how you have worked hard in school, getting your dream job, you have a beautiful new home and a family that depends upon you. The voice begins to say, “you can make this decision later, you have time” and as though the voice was standing right next to you, you turn in the direction and say, “Right, maybe later, after all I’m still young and anyway, I want to enjoy life and all that I have accomplish”. But what you don’t see is that image of that voice smiling a devilish smile and his arms crossed in front of him with a satisfied look, for his goal was accomplished.

How many times have we talked ourselves out of what God has wanted to do in our lives? When we wanted to go left but God was drawing us to the right, because our eyes was more focus looking at the left with all its enticements and goods and choosing our own path. The left, had everything we desired and wanted. Why would we even reason that “our achievements” were greater or better than what God has? Because our minds have been blinded with get rich quick schemes, or have this new body by summer, or buy the newest sports car, build a bigger house, or take a luxury vacation, all the enticements we see people doing and we think this is life at its best.  When our focus is drawn to these things and not God, we have taken our eyes off of Him and put them on things of this world.

When we begin to accept this kind of thinking and reasoning we have come in agreement with the father of lies. His ways of deception are subtle and before you know it, you have dug a deep pit that you can’t climb out of. You’re swimming in debt, the stress of your job has increase, things at home are not going well and now you’re experiencing some physical problems. When we being to turn away from the ways of God and be more accepting of the things of the world, the Word of God has given us a choice, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and thy seed may live” (Deut. 30:19).  God does not force anyone to surrender to Him, we are all free to choose life or death, but also understand that “therefore this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else” (Deut.4:39).  God is God no matter where we are or what we think and If we rationalize why we choose death and why we believe the lie instead of the truth, it’s because our hearts have been harden and we believe the lie that we have all the time in the world to make a choice.

 God said, “I command you this day to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply: and the Lord your God shall bless you in the land whither you go to possess it” (Deut. 30:16). There are blessings and promises here when we make God our God and obey His Word.  For “…behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam 15:22). The next verse deals with the person who feels that they have time to make the decision later on in life “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…” (1 Sam 15: 23).  Rebellion and stubbornness are serious sins which the only fruit that it bears is death. Just as David prayed we too, must pray with repentance “Do not withhold your compassion from me, O LORD. May your mercy and your truth always protect me. Countless evils have surrounded me. My sins have caught up with me so that I can no longer see. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost heart. O LORD, please rescue me! Come quickly to help me, O LORD!” (Ps. 40:11-13 GW)

All our accomplishments that we achieve come from God. Somehow along the line we began to think that “we” are the ones responsible for all that we achieve. Wisdom comes from God; our understanding comes from Him and our gifts and talents also. For “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever: (Psalm 111:10 NASB). Is there a Godly fear among us anymore?  No matter what the world says, we can do nothing without God.  Even the unsaved and the unbelieving are partakers of His grace and mercy “for God is no respecter of persons…That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt. 5:45).  “The Lord is not slack concerning [His] promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2Pe 3:9 NKJ).  In other words, God will wait for you to come back to your right mind, but He won’t wait forever, and before it becomes too late you must make a choice.

Those who would walk through the door have completely resolve to give up everything not just for the blessings but because of the love that has been freely given to us so, “Take diligent heed to…love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all you soul” (Job 22:5; Deut 11:1, 13,22). And because our love for the Father, and the Son is more precious than anything we could ever hold dear. “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love...” (Eph. 3:17 NASB).

 We can’t repay Jesus for what He has done for us, but if it means giving up this whole world and all that we were able to gain here, those who believe – would do it, “and those who use this world as not misusing [it]. For the form of this world is passing away” (1Co 7:31 NKJV).  This world is passing away and as believers, we should not get bogged down too much with the cares of this life, God has given us instructions to “cast all our cares upon Him…” (1 Peter 5:7). We are to trust Him with our whole heart, mind, strength and body.

Consider your choice, look about you and see the numerous blessing already in your life, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).  Now are you willing to walk through that door and give to God whatever He asks of you?

Chosen2Prayer

Our Power for Ministry

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” [Act 1:8 KJV]

When Jesus gave this commission to His disciples it was sealed with a promise with the anticipation of the coming Holy Ghost. God has given us this precious gift to abide with us forever, “Peter said…repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). The disciples were instructed to “…wait in Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high” (Lk. 24:29). Before the disciples started their ministry (or commission) they were instructed to wait for the power to come upon them, and if you remember, even Jesus had received the Holy Spirit before He went into His ministry and we too, need the Holy Ghost before we do what God has called us to do.  For He, the Holy Ghost is our companion, our teacher, our guide our help and our closes friend. He helps us to remember God’s Word, He bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God (Rom.8:16), He is available to all believers, there is no condemnation with Him, and when we don’t know how or what to pray He prays for us – the list is limitless.

This commission is also our directive to follow and receive the gift of God “…how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?” (Lk. 11:13).  Now many of Christ followers today, may not be able to become a traveling evangelist, or stand amongst thousands preaching the gospel, or have a large T.V. ministry, but with the advancement of technology we can now reach nations world-wide and as close as our own family.  We need the Holy Ghost help since we have accepted this commission, we need His help in witnessing, preaching the gospel, healing the sick, casting out devils, and an array of other skills that He possesses. We don’t have to do this alone or in our own strength or power, and we don’t walk alone any longer. The Holy Ghost is with us even when we forget that He is there, and even when we forget to call for His help.  

I pray that the information below will be helpful in how to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. God says “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Mt. 7:7). Remember the Holy Spirit is a gift from God, receive this precious gift with great love, search the Bible concerning the Holy Spirit, for He is a wonderful person to know.

How does one receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

*Conversion must come first – “A new heart also 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 I will give you a hear of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.  (Eze. 36:26-27)”.   “Jesus answered and said unto him, verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (Jn. 3:3,5)”.

*You must become converted and as little children – “…Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven (Mt. 18:3)”.  “Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein (Mk.10:15)”.

*Obey the great commandment – “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Mt. 22: 37-39)”.  “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 neighbor as thyself (Lk. 10:27)”.

*Obey God – “And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him (Acts 5:32)”.  Obedience is better than sacrifice according to (1 Sam. 15:22).  

*Have Faith to receive – “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place…there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house…And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4)”.

*Let your faith stand in the power of God, and not in the wisdom of men – “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Than your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (1 Cor. 2:4-5)”.

*Determine to know only Christ crucified – “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified (1 Cor.2:2)”.  “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12)”. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11)”.

*Relax and surrender every bit of yourself to God, especially your mind and your pride in intellect and worldly wisdom, for they mean nothing to God and are foolishness to Him – “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent (1 Cor. 1:17-19)”.  “But he giveth more grace.  Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (James 4:6-8)”.

*The laying on of hands sometimes helps but is not always necessary – “Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:17)”. “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word (Acts 10:44)”. “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied (Acts 19:6)”. “wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands (2 Tim 1:6)”.

*Finally, ask the Father, and He will give you the baptism in the Holy Spirit – “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto you children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirits to them that ask him? (Lk. 11:13)”.

We have been given this wonderful gift of God and He comes to live in every believer forever.  He gives us the power to stand courageous when rebuking sin “but truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgressions, and to Israel his sin” (Micah 3:8). He’s mightier than any physical force “…this is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Host” (Zech. 4:6). The Spirit enables us to speak with authority “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33).

Whatever doubts that come to your mind about receiving the Holy Spirit, cast them out immediately. The adversary – the devil, will cause you to think that nothing has happen. You receive your salvation by faith and therefore you receive the Holy Spirit by faith in what God has promised us in the Word. When the devil comes to make you doubt, do as Jesus did by saying; “it is written” (Mt. 4:3-11) use the sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God.  Humble yourselves into His hands so that He can help you in every area of your life, it is in our surrendering to Him that we are strengthened to live and walk in this darken world. Keep God’s Word before your eyes daily and in your ears, worship and praise Him for every victory, live each day expectantly, love one another and cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you.

Father, thank you for your perfect gift of Jesus Christ, who gave His all for us. Thank you for the promise of the Holy Spirit who will be our comforter and constant companion forever. I ask you to come Holy Spirit, have your way in my life, lead me, guide me, teach me, strengthen me and help me to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ. Teach me to worship God for it is written “but the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth; for the Father seek such to worship him. God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth” (John. 4:23-24).  Show me how to have a full and effective ministry that will reach millions for Christ and that I may boldly proclaim the gospel of God in the power of the Holy Ghost with signs following. Thank you, Father, for loving me and all your children. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray amen.

Chosen2Prayer

A Father’s discipline

“It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.” Hebrews 12:7-8 (NASB)

It seems funny to me when you hear people say, “I’m grown” as if it’s not noticeable already. But does that mean that everyone else are children?  God sees us as His children, and as such we must endure His chastening from time to time.  Correction is something that grown folks don’t take to kindly too, but we hand out correction to our children, in order to direct them on the right path.  God does the same with His children, we have all had days, even months when at every turn there seems to be a battle waiting to confront us, and there are reasons why we just can’t seem to get ahead of all the troubles. One important thing to remember before I go on, is we can’t live as we please or do what as we please or treat others as we please knowing we are His Children. The seeds that we sow will one day come to full harvest and we will reap what we have sown. God’s Word has given us an answer for our rebellious ways and the reason for our chastisement:

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His corrections. For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” (Prov. 3:11,12)

God’s purpose for discipline is when He sees that we are depending upon the worlds way of handling things more than upon Him.  Or that we have become lax in our spiritual walk and our old ways are beginning to pick up strength, like a car going downhill. Teaching is necessary to help us go the way God desires for us and discipline is necessary to render that teaching to be effectual. Correction is mandatory to bring our minds into submission, without which it cannot acquire knowledge. Never reject the procedure or process of God, only humble yourself under His mighty hand.  It is no use trying to rebel, for every act of rebellion against God, is a wound to your own soul.  God will either end you or mend you; the choice is yours.

He loves us and He wants the best for His children. “…we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits, and live? (Heb. 12:9). It is never pleasant to be corrected or discipline by God. But this discipline is a sign of His deep love for each of us. When God corrects us, you must see it as poof of His love.  How we respond to His correction has a lot to say; again we can accept it with resignation, we can accept it with self-pity, we can be angry and resentful toward God or we can accept it gratefully, as this is the appropriate response – the choice is yours.  

“As many as I love, I rebuke: and chasten be zealous therefore, and repent” (Rev. 3:11)

God is not only a disciplining parent but also a demanding coach who pushes us to our limits and He requires our lives to be discipline. We may not feel strong enough to push on to victory, but as long as we keep following Christ we can draw upon His strength to make it through. Most of our thinking is not all that great and we tend to make choices out of fear, anger, jealousy, spite and so many more emotions that leads us down the path of bad choices, which then leads to more intense correction from the hand of God. Matthew Henry said it best and in a clear and precise way that one cannot miss the true meaning of the scriptures above.

“There is a proneness in believers to grow weary, and to faint under trials and afflictions; this is from the imperfection of grace and the remains of corruption. Christians should not faint under their trials. Though their enemies and persecutors may be instruments to inflict sufferings, yet they are Divine chastisements; their heavenly Father has his hand in all, and his wise end to answer by all. They must not make light of afflictions, and be without feeling under them, for they are the hand and rod of God, and are his rebukes for sin. They must not despond and sink under trials, nor fret and repine (complain), but bear up with faith and patience. God may let others alone in their sins, but he will correct sin in his own children. In this he acts as becomes a father. Our earthly parents sometimes may chasten us, to gratify their passion, rather than to reform our manners. But the Father of our souls never willingly grieves nor afflicts his children. It is always for our profit. Our whole life here is a state of childhood, and imperfect as to spiritual things; therefore, we must submit to the discipline of such a state. When we come to a perfect state, we shall be fully reconciled to all God's chastisement of us now. God's correction is not condemnation; the chastening may be borne with patience, and greatly promote holiness. Let us then learn to consider the afflictions brought on us by the malice of men, as corrections sent by our wise and gracious Father, for our spiritual good.” (Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary)

If truth be told, we bring on God’s chastisement because we persistently ignore His guidance, and insistently take our own path. Even though that still small voice deep within us says not to do that, we turn a deaf ear and proceed down destruction avenue. We should never listen to the voice that goes against the will of God or that puts an uneasy feeling within us. Our faith is not in figuring a way out or listening to the counsel or advice of others, but we must humble ourselves under His hand of judgment. We must look to Him for direction and guidance as children. However, He chooses to bring correction, it is imperative that we keep our faith in the promises of God, we must keep our focus on Him, we must remember how much He loves us, we must repent of our wrong and we must endure chastisement till our hearts are turned and our minds renewed by His Word and by His loving hand. Claim the promises of God, resist the devil who walks about like a roaring lion, and never give him any place in your life.

For God tells us: “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him…”       2 Samuel 7:14-15 (NASB) 

Father, sometimes I don’t understand the “why” of situations that happen in my life and I know that I may have caused much of my own suffering by going and doing what I thought was right, without acknowledging you. I ask your forgiveness for my wrong thinking, I ask your forgiveness for not taking heed to the voice of your Holy Spirit. I ask forgiveness for being foolish to think my way was better than yours. I know that when I am judge I will be chasten of you Lord, that I may not be condemn with this world. For you told me clearly, be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son who he receiveth. Thank you Father, for I am your child, for if I endure chastening, I know that you deal with me as your child.

Chosen2Prayer…

The Hope of Glory

We are living in an age of anxiety, many are paralyzed by fear of anything and everything, except God. Have you ever seen someone who looks as though they have it all together? Everything about them says they know how to live life and we may even envy them for how together they are. But if we had the eyes of God to see into their hearts, you would see that they are a nervous ball of fears, uncertainty, anxious thoughts, strained emotions.  What is shown on the outside is a false front, design to disguise what is truly going on in the inside. You see, even as Christians we struggle with self-issues that we don’t want to deal with since we have moved on. Nevertheless, underlying issues remain and the more we keep the outside clean and shiny, the darker and dense the inside becomes.

Oh, how wonderful God is when His light has begun to shine on the dark and dense places on the inside. All who are Christians remember the moment when you decided to choose Christ as your Lord and Savior, the moment He became your deliver, and your redeemer.  Life w

as better, there was a feeling of joy and finally peace, but as the days moved on you found yourself moving back toward your old way of thinking and the fears have come back. The only way to fight the enemy is to get into the Word of God, it is time to fight the good fight of faith through the Word. it’s time to seek out what God says belongs to us as being His children. We need to remember that our old man has been crucified with Christ and that we have been freed from sin (Rom. 6:6,7). 

Our hope for growth, meaning and fulfillment as a Christian is based on understanding who we are – specifically, our identity in Christ as a child of God. The Bible is our source book to seek, understand and Learn who we are and all that has been bestowed upon us since we are now in Christ.  Study the following scriptures, meditate upon them, let them soak deep within your soul and Spirit. Read them daily so they will flow from your tongue as you wield the sword of the Spirit – the Word; so, when the devil comes to tell you otherwise, your sword stands ready.

Knowing who we are in Christ is like an eternal light coming on in the inside of you. Our old has gone, and we are new creatures in Christ, as we embrace our adoption, let us understand all that this privilege has given us and let us walk accordingly. I want to reiterate what I said above, don’t let the devil get to your mind and you start to doubt the Word of God. Don’t give him a chance to talk you out of what Christ has done for you. He will try to bring your old ways and thought patters back, he will try to make you dwell on past failures and fears. So, embrace the truth as God begins speaking to you personally, because the devil doesn’t want you to know who you really are.  He knows that when you start to embrace who you are in Christ, his attempts to deceive you makes him a defeated foe and he has no power over you any longer – but that will not stop him from trying to get into your head to make you doubt.  There is power in God’s Word and there is power in your mouth, receive these and other scriptures as truth, for God cannot deny His Word. This list of “who you are” is one that is inexhaustible, so as you study these scriptures and think on them add to your own personalize list as God shows you who you are.

Scriptures

I am a child of God - John 1:12                       I am Christ’s Friend – John 15:15

I have been justified – Rom. 5:1                     I am united and one spirit with Christ – 1Cor. 6:17

I have been bought with a price                     I am a member of Christ’s body – 1Cor.12:27

1 Cor. 6:20                                                      

I am a Saint -Eph. 1:1                                      I have been adopted – Eph. 1:5

I have direct access – Eph. 2:18                      I have been redeemed and forgiven – Col.1:14

I am complete in Christ – Col.2:10                  I am free from condemnation – Rom. 8:1,2

I am assured that all things work together for good – 8:28

I am free from any condemning charges against me – Rom. 8:31-34

I cannot be separated from the love of God – Rom. 8:35-39

I have been established, anointed and sealed by God – 2 Cor. 1:21-22

I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected – Phil. 1:6

I am a citizen of heaven – Phil 3:20                I am hidden with Christ in God – Col. 3:3

I have not been given a spirit of fear -2 Tim. 1:7

I can find grace and mercy in time of need – Heb. 4:16

I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me – 1 John 5:18

I am the salt of the earth – Matt. 5:13           I am the light of the world – Matt. 5:14

I am part of the true vine – Jn. 15:1,5            I am chose to bear fruit – Jn. 15:16

I am a slave of righteousness – Rom. 6:18     I am enslaved to God – Rom. 6:22

I am a joint heir with Christ – Rom. 8:17        I am a temple of God – 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19

I am united to the Lord and am one spirt with Him – 1 Cor. 6:17

I am a member of Christ Body 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 5:30          I am a new creation – 2 Cor. 5:17

I am a son/daughter of God – Gal. 3:26,28       I am God’s workmanship – Eph. 2:10

I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved – Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4

I am a son of light and not of darkness – 1 Thess. 5:5

I am one of God’s living stones, being built up in Christ – 1 Peter 2:5

I am a holy partaker of a heavenly calling – Heb. 3:1

I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation – 1 Peter 2:9,10

I am an enemy of the devil – 1 Peter 2:11     

I am an alien and stranger to this world in which I temporarily live – 1 Peter 2:11

I am born of God, and the evil one-the devil-cannot touch me – 1 John 5:18

God bless

Chosen2Prayer