September 2015

"Consider It All Joy"

September 30, 2015

“Consider It All Joy”

Blessings folk!

A simple, profound truth related to “rejoicing”.

Jas 1:2-3
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.


This is a decision.

We decide how to react to trials, tribulations, persecution.

Such will be encounter.

James tells us to consider/count it all joy.

Rejoice in the trials.
Rejoice in the testing.

Why?

Such testing of our faith produces endurance.

Endurance in the faith.
Endurance in life.

Therefore, count it all joy!
The Lord empower us.
Rejoice!

"All the Day, Rejoice!"

September 29, 2015

“All the Day, Rejoice!”

Blessings folk!

Too often we err in thinking that “rejoicing” is strictly based upon situation and circumstance.
No.

Read the following.
In what are we to rejoice?
When?
Why?

Psa 70:4
Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
And let those who love Your salvation say continually,
“Let God be magnified.”

Psa 85:6
Will You not Yourself revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?

Psa 89:16
In Your name they rejoice all the day,
And by Your righteousness they are exalted.


We rejoice…

  • in God
  • in the Lord who revives us
  • in the salvation the Lord has given us…we love it!
  • in the name of the Lord…all day!
  • because He exalts us

Declare today the salvation of the Lord.
Magnify Him above all.
Rejoice in the Lord.

All else will then be put into proper perspective.
We will then be exalted by His righteousness.

"Seek, Be Glad, Exult, Rejoice!"

September 28, 2015

“Seek, Be Glad, Exult, Rejoice!”

Blessings folk!

Rejoice!

It is not always easy to rejoice, yet we are called to do so.

We rejoice in the power of the Spirit.
We rejoice not in the flesh.

Seeking the Lord will bring rejoicing…

Psa 40:16
Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let those who love Your salvation say continually,
“The LORD be magnified!”


Rejoicing can come out of difficult times.

Psa 51:8
Make me to hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

Psa 58:10
The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
He will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.


Therefore…

  • Be glad
  • Exult before God
  • Rejoice with gladness

Psa 68:3
But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God;
Yes, let them rejoice with gladness.

Such is the pattern and practice of the True Believer.
Can it be seen in us?

" 'How In The World?' "

September 27, 2015

“ ‘How In the World?’…

Blessings Folk!

Often, people are asked “how in the world did you…?”
Such is usually related to a particularly troubling situation, challenge, etc.

As a true believer, how should we respond to such an inquiry?

Now, allow me to hasten to say that I know what people usually mean when they say such.
They are acknowledging the difficulty.

Yet, should we as believers ask “how in the world…?”

I think not.

The statement reveals the answers.
The question reveals the intent and understanding.

We as believers are not of this world.
We are in the world, yet not of it.

John 15:19
“If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.


So, “how in the world did you…?” was done through not being of this world.

By faith in the Lord.
By abiding in the Lord.
By resting in the Lord.
By allowing the Lord to walk us through trials and tribulations.

We are not to be conformed to this world.

Rom 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.


We are to live in such a way that no one would ask “how in the world…?”
Rather they would ask “how?”, to which we would declare the glory of the Lord.

How in the world?
No.

Because of the Lord.
Transformed by the Lord.
Yes.

"Rejoice Not At Distress"

September 26, 2015

“Rejoice Not At Distress”

Blessings folk!

It is amazing at how much the Word has to say about “rejoicing”.
We are commanded to rejoice.
We are instructed to rejoice.
We see people determining to rejoice.

Those who are true believers have the joy of the Lord.
We simply allow Him to flow joyously through us.

The Word also shows how there are those who will “rejoice” in evil.
They will “rejoice” in that which is not good.

Psa 35:26-27
Let those be ashamed and humiliated altogether who rejoice at my distress;
Let those be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves over me.
Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication;
And let them say continually, “The LORD be magnified,
Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”


There will be those who rejoice at our distress.
Some of these may call themselves “believers”.
The Psalmist calls for shame, dishonor and humiliation to come upon such.

May we rejoice and seek the prosperity of OneAnother.

3Jo 1:2
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

"Rejoice You Righteous!"

September 25, 2015

“Rejoice You Righteous!”

Blessings folk!

Psa 32:11
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.


As the brilliant, enlightened foolishness of man increases, we can rest in the joy that is the Lord.
As evil increases.
As evil men seek to do good in the name of themselves.

Rom 1:21
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.


Rejoice.

We have life.
We have joy.
We have peace.
We have purpose.
We have… etc.
Such that the world can not comprehend.

Therefore…

Psa 34:2
My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.

Psa 35:9
And my soul shall rejoice in the LORD;
It shall exult in His salvation.


Fear not evil.
Fear not the enemies.

Psa 35:19
Do not let those who are wrongfully my enemies rejoice over me;
Nor let those who hate me without cause wink maliciously.

Psa 35:24
Judge me, O LORD my God, according to Your righteousness,
And do not let them rejoice over me.

"Rejoice With Trembling"

September 24, 2015

“Rejoice With Trembling”

Blessings folk!

So, the pope of the holy see…the “vicar of Christ”, spoke before Congress and the Supreme Court today.

He said exactly what one would expect.
Subtle references to things that are to be inferred.

He is correct in his stance related to…
  • the changing of traditional understanding of family (sodomite “marriage&rdquoWinking
  • the need to “respect life in all stages” (abortion, euthanasia)

He was incorrect on most other stances…
  • poverty
  • “income inequality”
  • “climate change”
  • “immigration”
  • “refugees”
  • Lincoln protecting liberty…nothing could be future from the truth. Lincoln crushed liberty.

The sad thing is this.
This supposed “representative of Christ” never mentioned…
  • sin
  • repentance
  • confession
  • the blood of Jesus
  • freedom and liberty of true salvation
  • etc. etc.

The speech could have easily been given by a Gaia worshipping atheist.

The Gospel was denied by abject omission.

It was “politically sensitive and balanced”.

Great show.
Great pageantry.
Total denial of the true nature of the Kingdom.

The pope is playing Congress and the administration.
The administration is playing the pope.
Congress is clueless.

This I know…

Mat 24:4-5
And Jesus answered and said to them, “
See to it that no one misleads you.
“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.


This I will do…join me…

Psa 2:11
Worship the LORD with reverence
And
rejoice with trembling.

Psa 9:14
That I may tell of all Your praises,
That in the gates of the daughter of Zion
I may rejoice in Your salvation.

Psa 13:5
But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

Rejoice in true salvation.

Keep and eye/ear on the many that will come…the false.

You can read the transcript here…
http://time.com/4048176/pope-francis-us-visit-congress-transcript/

"Rejoice! Be Not Deceived..."

September 23, 2015

“Rejoice! Be Not Deceived…”

Blessings folk!

Yes!
We will rejoice!

Even in the midst of the foolishness of man.
Even in the midst of the evil of man.

Yes!
There are things to observe.

It is not by happenstance that “The Pope and The President” meet on this day - Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement.

It is not by happenstance that “The Pope and The President” gather around the throne of the proven false science of “climate change”.

It is not by happenstance that two of the wealthiest men in the world are speaking of “income inequality”.

Watch the language.
Know the truth.

Yes!
It is interesting that the 266th Pope meets the President on the 266th day of the year.
Normal human gestation period is 266 days.
Is something being birthed?

I would say without doubt.

Is it good?
I would say “no”…without doubt.

Yet, I will rejoice.

We know the final outcome.
We know what will happen.
The details will continue to evolve and be revealed.

Therefore, determine now to rejoice.

As false religion expands.
As the worship of man increases.
As evil has its day.

Remember the Word of the Lord…

Mat 24:4-5
And Jesus answered and said to them, “
See to it that no one misleads you.
“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.


Rejoice!

2Co 13:11
Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

"Yes! I Will Rejoice!"

September 22, 2015

“Yes! I Will Rejoice!”

Blessings folk!

Yes!
We are to rejoice in all things.

Easy?
No.
Yet, we are to rejoice in the Spirit.

Here is an example from Paul.
Note what the situation was.
Note his reaction.

Phl 1:15-21

Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;
the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;
the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.


People were preaching Christ.
Some from good will.
Some from envy and strife.

Those doing so from envy and strife were doing so from selfish ambition.
They hoped to cause Paul distress.
Distress?
Yes.
He was imprisoned.
He could not preach Christ freely.

Rather than envy…
Rather than distress…
Rather than jealousy…
Rather than questioning motives (though he knew them and spoke of the motives)…
Rather than any fleshly response…

Paul chose to rejoice.
He declared, then he “doubled-down”.

It is as if he was speaking to himself….”Yes! I will rejoice”

He rejoiced that Christ was proclaimed.

Will we rejoice in all things?

"Rejoice Always!"

September 21, 2015

“Rejoice Always!”

Blessings folk!

The heavens declare the glory of the Lord.
We as believers rejoice in the Lord.

More on rejoicing…

1Th 5:16
Rejoice always;


Well, that is succinct and to the point.

We are to rejoice always.

Regardless of…

  • situation
  • circumstance
  • feeling
  • understanding
  • etc. etc.

Of course, you note that the verse is only part of a sentence.

Very important.

This sentence actually answers a question that is often asked… “what is the will of the Lord?”

Read the entire sentence…

1Th 5:16-18
Rejoice always;
pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.


In seeking the will of God we are usually looking for an answer, direction, etc.

That is fine.

But, do we do what the Lord states as His will?

Rejoice always.
Pray without ceasing.
Give thanks in everything.

If we are not doing this, then why are we seeking “His will” in any other way?

So, let us do the will of God…

  • rejoice…when? Always.
  • pray…when? Without ceasing.
  • give thanks…for what? Everything.

Do these, then see what the Lord does.

"Heavens Declare"

September 20, 2015

“Heavens Declare”

Blessings folk!

This is the day that the Lord has made.
Rejoice in it.

We are called to joy.
We are called to rejoice.

A few exhortations from the Word…

1Ch 16:10
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

1Ch 16:31-32
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.


Joy/rejoicing come from seeking the Lord.
Seek something else?
No joy.

Glory in His name.

The heavens and earth rejoice.
Yes.
The actual creation of God rejoices.

Psa 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.


So, join with creation today in rejoicing in the Lord.
Declare His wonder.
Declare His glory.

"Blameless With Great Joy"

September 19, 2015

“Blameless With Great Joy”

Blessings folk!

Have you walked in joy the past day?

The walk of joy is a steady practice.
Remember, joy has nothing to do with situation, circumstance nor feeling.

Joy is walking in what we know.
Joy is walking in what the Lord has done.

It is the Lord that brings joy…
It is the Lord that will enable us to stand before Him…in joy…

Jude 1:24-25

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,
to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.


It is the Lord Who makes us stand in the presence of His glory blameless…with great joy.

We are positionally blameless…now.
Walk in it.
Sin not.

Great joy.
Unlimited joy is ours.

We do not create it.
We simply choose to walk in the joy of Lord.

Or, we walk in the ever varying emotions of the flesh.

Choose the walk of joy in the Spirit.

"Walk In Joy"

September 18, 2015

"Walk in Joy”

Blessings folk!

Evil is increasing.
From within.
From without.
It is easy to be distracted by the latest evil of the day.

Do not allow that to happen.

Let us be reminded that we are called to joy.
We are called to rejoice.
We are called to life.

I was reminded of such today when I saw an unusual train shipment of military equipment pass through our town.

This is not the norm.
But it will be soon.

We have foreign enemies.
We have more domestic enemies, especially in leadership positions.

Nonetheless, we are to rejoice.
We are vessels of the joy of the Lord.

Jas 1:2-3
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.


Do you walk in the joy of the Lord in all things?
If not, why?

The small trials of today will pale in comparison to that which is yet to come.

Today is a day of preparation.

Walk in joy in all things.
Rejoice in the Lord.

He is preparing us for greater things.

"Against Such There Is No Law"

September 17, 2015

“Against Such There Is No Law”

Blessings folk!

Reflect upon the fruit of the Spirit…

Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


The Law was given to reveal to man what the Lord considers to be sin, the things we are not to do.

Man was now accountable.

What does “against such things there is no law”?

If we live allowing the fruit of the Spirit to manifest, then there is no law against such.
We are literally fulfilling the Law.
We are literally do that which requires no law.

John 1:17
For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.


Think on this.

Do we want to live by/in the Law?
Or,
Do we want to live in the power of the Spirit and the liberty/freedom the Spirit gives?

"Self-Control: A Fruit of the Spirit"

September 16, 2015

“Self-control: A Fruit of the Spirit”

Blessings folk!

We have been examining the fruit of the Spirit.
Again, note the singular.
Fruit of the Spirit.
Not fruits.

All that is the Spirit is within each Believer.
The Spirit releases His gifts as He desires.
The fruit is available for all to walk in.
An important distinction.
The fruit of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit are not the same.

Now, the last one.
The one that is easy for all…sure!!
Self-control.
The Greek word communicates the idea that one has mastery over personal desires and passions.

Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


There is no “self-control” in the flesh.
Self-control can only occur in the Spirit.
Self-control only happens when we die to self and live to Him.

The desires and passions are not eliminated from our lives.
But, in the Spirit, we master them.
They have their proper place.
We master the desires/passions.
We control them.
They do not control us.

Walk in self-control.
Walk controlled by the Spirit.

"Gentleness" A Fruit of the Spirit"

September 15, 2015

“Gentleness: A Fruit of the Spirit”

Blessings folk!

Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


Gentleness.

  • mildness of disposition
  • meekness (power under control)

We are to be gentle in all we say and do.
We are to be gentle in how we react.

Again, the fruit of the Spirit is in the true Believer.
We choose whether to react in the Spirit…in gentleness…or in the flesh.

Heed some of the rest of the Scriptural insight into gentleness…


Gal 6:1
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

Eph 4:2
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,

Col 3:12

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

1Ti 6:11
But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

2Ti 2:25
with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

Jas 3:13
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

1Pe 3:15
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;


Decide in advance to put on gentleness.
Pursue gentleness. Allow it to manifest.
May our deeds reflect gentleness of wisdom.

"Faithfulness: Fruit of the Spirit"

September 14, 2015

“Faithfulness: Fruit of the Spirit”

Blessings folk!

Are you faithful?
All people are.
It is a matter of “to what” are we faithful.
Most are faithful to their own desires and passions.

Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


We as Believer have a higher empowerment.
We have the fruit of the Spirit.
One element of the fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness.

As with all the fruit of the Spirit, we simply are to walk and abide in it.

This faithfulness is of the Lord.
It is without end.
It is faithfulness that enables us to press on in the faith, in Him.

Walk in the faithfulness of the Lord.
Rejoice that due to His mercy He has not consumed us!

Lam 3:22-23
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Deu 32:4
“The Rock! His work is perfect,
For all His ways are just;
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Righteous and upright is He.

1Sa 26:23
“The LORD will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness;…


Trust in the Lord.
Do good.
Dwell in the land.
Cultivate faithfulness.

Psa 36:5
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Psa 37:3
Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

"Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness"

September 13, 2015

“Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness”

Blessings folk!

Are you allowing the Spirit to manifest Its fruit?

Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


Goodness means “uprightness of heart”, “kindness”, “good”.

Do you desire goodness?

The Lord provides…

2 Thess 1
11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,
12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.


Goodness and the work of faith with power.
Brings glory to the Lord.
An act of grace.

This is not goodness of the flesh.
This is not goodness of man…the good things that man does.

This is an empowering of the Spirit.
A goodness beyond the flesh.
The Goodness of God.

Rom 15:14
And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.


Be full of goodness.

"Kindness: A Fruit of the Spirit"

September 12, 2015

“Kindness: A Fruit of the Spirit”

Blessings folk!

Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


Kindness -
chrestotes - moral kindness, integrity, kindness

We as believers are to be the very manifestation of the kindness of God:

2Pe 1:5-7
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,
and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,
and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.


Brotherly kindness reflects godliness.
Brotherly kindness reflects love.

The Lord has been kind to us.
May we be kind one to another.

Eph 2:7
so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Rom 2:4
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Rom 11:22

Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.


"Patience: A Fruit of the Spirit"

September 11, 2015

“Patience: A Fruit of the Spirit”

Blessings folk!

Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


We have that the Spirit empowers true Believers with love, joy, peace…and now…patience.

True patience is from the Spirit.
“Patience” from/in the flesh will fail.

Here some of what the Word says…

Ecc 7:8
The end of a matter is better than its beginning;
Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.

Man is so haughty.
(Want to know what haughtiness looks like, how it acts? See John Kerry.)

The Lord is patient.

2Pe 3:15
and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you,



Servants of God are patient…

2Co 6:4-6
but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger,
in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,


We are to be patient with one another…in love…

Eph 4:2
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,


We are to follow the example of those before us…

2Ti 3:10-12
Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance,
persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!
Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Heb 6:12
so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.


Press on in the patience of the Spirit.
Much reward will come.
Now. Later.

"Fruit of Peace"

September 10, 2015

“Fruit of Peace”

Blessings folk!

Peace.
A fruit of the Spirit.
If peace is a fruit of the Spirit, then why do so many Believers not experience peace as an ongoing pattern of life?

Be reminded…

Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


I believe the main reason for lack of peace in the life of the Believer is that we do not do this…

Isa 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.


A Promise.
The Lord tells us that He will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him…the one who is stedfast of mind in the Lord…the one who trust in Him.

Yes, we proclaim that we trust and rest our minds upon the Lord, but cares, anxiety, fear and the like betray the truth.

What are we to do?

1Pe 5:6-7
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.


Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God.
Cast all your anxiety/cares on Him.
Understand…

  • He will exalt at the proper time
  • He cares for you

Peace will reign.

"Fruit of Joy"

September 9, 2015

“Fruit of Joy”

Blessings folk!

Joy is fruit of the Spirit.

True joy only comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling within.

Hear what the Word says of joy…

1Pe 1:8
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

Jas 1:2
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

Heb 12:2
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Col 1:11
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,

Rom 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.


Many more could be listed from the Word.

The simple Truth is this.

The joy of the Spirit is within every true Believer.
We are to allow it to be released…at all times.
Quench not the Spirit.
Quench not the joy of the Lord.

"Fruit of Love"

September 8, 2015

“Fruit of Love”

Blessings folk!

Rather than a pattern of the deeds of the flesh, the true Believer is to pursue a walk in the fruit of the Spirit.

Our pattern and practice of life should reflect…

Gal 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


Love.
The Believer will manifest love in all things.

Good things.
Difficult things.

Love will prevail.

Even in corrective measures, love.

Love is primary evidence of the Spirit.

1Co 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails;


One is not being led by the Spirit if love is not evident.

Not the oowy-goowy “love” of the world.
Love that the desires that which is the best for the other.

Not just an emotion.
Truth.

Walk in the love.
Love never fails.

"Pattern of Practice"

September 7, 2015

“Pattern of Practice”

Blessings folk!

The question was asked yesterday.
If someone sins…a deed of the flesh…say, an “outburst of anger”…then does that disqualify them from being restored…from leadership within the Body, etc.

The answers is “no”.

God restores.
We repent.
We confess.
We love and press on.

Yet, many within the Body believe that selected sins, particularly what is called “moral failures”, result in abdicating any possibility of restoration.

The Word does not state such.

So, here is the principle.

We are not to live in a pattern of sin.

If the pattern of behavior of someone is “outburst of anger”, then they will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
They are unsaved and their behavior is the evidence.
Often it is stated that we “are not to judge”.
Untrue.
Yet, it is not a judgment.
It is an observation.
Outbursts of anger as a pattern of life?
Unsaved.

Gal 5:19-21
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you,
that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.


The same applies to other sin.
Is jealousy a pattern of practice?
Will not inherit.

Hear what the Lord said through John…

1Jo 3:10

By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

We are to practice righteousness.
We are to love our brother.
We are to restore.

Be a child of God.
Do not the deeds of the devil.

Press on!

"Deeds of the Tares"

September 6, 2015

“Deeds of the Tares”

Blessings folk!

Yesterday we saw who the “spiritual” are…those who live by the Spirit, those who walk by the Spirit.

Gal 5:22-25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.


But, there is another group.
Another group, that one will find in the organizational church.
Another group, which by definition are not of the true church.
We are not to be surprised. We have been told.
Jesus called them tares…

Mat 13:27-30
“The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’
“And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’ The slaves *said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’
“But he *said, ‘No; for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them.
‘Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”


Here is what a tare looks like…

Gal 5:19-21
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.


Do not the deeds of the tare.

But, what if we do a “deed of the flesh”?

For instance, what if someone in leadership has an “outbursts of anger”?
Should they resign their position?
Why/why not?

…to be continued…

"The Spiritual"

September 5, 2015

“The Spiritual”

Blessings folk!

Yesterday we saw that those who are “spiritual” should do something.
Read again…

Gal 6:1-2
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.


Those who are spiritual are to restore the one caught in a a trespass.
They are to restore in gentleness.

Of course, the question arises.
Who are the “spiritual”?

The context tells us.
Remember, never jump into a passage without seeking understanding of the context and the counsel of the complete Word of God.

In the previous chapter, Galatians 5, the Word tells us that we as Believers have liberty.
We have freedom.

Then there is an explanation of the “deeds of the flesh” and the “fruit of the Spirit”.

Read what we learn about the fruit of the Spirit.

Gal 5:22-25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.


Those who are spiritual are those who are manifesting and living in the fruit of the Spirit.
They are the ones who live by the Spirit.
They are the ones who walk by the Spirit.

They are the ones who will lead in restoration.

Live and walk by the Spirit.

…to be continued…

"Restore..."

September 4, 2015

“Restore…”

Blessings folk!

How are we to handle sin within the Body of Christ?

Usually we go to extreme.
We either ignore the act or we destroy the individual.

Both are wrong.

What should the Body of Christ do in a situation such as the “Ashley Madison” episode?

The Word is clear.

We are not to allow sin.
We are to forgive.
We are to love.
We are to restore.

Where is the Body that is seeking repentance, reconciliation, restoration?

It has been said that the “church” is the only army in the world that executes its wounded.
Some truth there.

Let us look at what the Word says…will take a few days. Happy Happy

Gal 6:1-2
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.


We see that “you who are spiritual” are called to restore the one caught in a trespass.

I hear echoes of the time that Jesus had the woman “caught in the very act of adultery” thrown at His feet.

Remember what He did.

Jesus did not condone the sin.
Neither did He condemn the sinner.
Mercy.
Grace.
Forgiveness.



John 8
1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them.
3 The scribes and the Pharisees *brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court,
4 they *said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”
6 They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.
7 But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
8 Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court.
10 Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”


Those who are spiritual are to restore the sinner in a spirit of gentleness.

Who are the “spiritual”?

Context will reveal.

…to be continued…

"Glorify God In Your Body"

September 3, 2015

“Glorify God In Your Body”

Blessings folk!

Do you glorify God with your body?
Think about it.

The Word tells us about how we as Believers are to live in our bodies.
We are to glorify God.
But do we?

Do we commit sin against the Body?
  • sexual sins
  • gluttonous sins
  • dependency sins

Do we turn to food, drink, pharmakeia to pursue/attain “feelings” that we want?

Such should not be.

1Co 6:20
For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.


As Believers we have been bought with a price.
Do not exchange the power of the blood of Jesus for the attractions and solutions of the world.
Do not depend upon the strategies of man as a replacement for the Holy Spirit.

Remember, a true Believer is…

1Co 6:17-19
But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?


As the vessel of the Spirit of God…
As the very Presence of God wherever you go…

Too many professing Believers are “buzzed on Prozac”…
Too many professing Believers are gluttons…
Too many professing Believers are giving greater heed to psychotropic “solutions” rather than the power of the Lord through the Holy Spirit.

Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…the Lord will move.
The Lord is clear when He states to be anxious for nothing - Matthew 6-7.
He is also clear as to the solution…

Isa 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.


Trusting in the Lord.
Keeping our mind stayed/focused/attuned to Him.
Then, He will keep us in perfect peace.

"Boasting..."

September 2, 2015

“Boasting…”

Blessings folk!

In what do you boast?

As Believers, in what do we speak…boast…proclaim?

Too often we boast…
  • in the things we do for God
  • in the blessings of the Lord

Hear what Paul had determined he was to boast in…

Rom 15:17-19

Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.
For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed,
in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.


There is the word again…”therefore”…a point of conclusion from previous writing.

It is in Christ Jesus that Paul found reason for boasting in the things of God.
Christ alone.
He determined to not presume to speak of anything except Jesus Christ.

How different the Body would be if we did likewise.

Let us do so.

Speak of what He has accomplished.
Speak of His works.
Speak of His power.
Speak of His wonders.

Manifest the deeds of the Lord.
Manifest the power of the Spirit.

As we are going…here…there…everywhere…fully preaching the good news of Christ.

"Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak"

September 1, 2015

“Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak”

Blessings folk!

A couple of more verses related to “speaking”.

Jas 1:19
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

Jas 2:12
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.

Jas 4:11
Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.


Note how we are to react.
Quick to hear…active ears…hearts oriented toward the thoughts of others.
Slow to speak…not quick to present our response.
Slow to anger.

We are to speak…
We are to act…
As those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.

We have freedom.
We have liberty.
Not to harm others.
But, we are free.

We are not to speak against one another.

Speak the truth.