Out Of His Belly Shall Flow Rivers Of Living Water; Explaining Why The Joy Of The Lord Is Our Strength - Part 2500

"For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace ..." (Hebrews 13:9)

"And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."  (John 1:16-17)

When we look at these two scriptures separately from the rest of the first chapter of John, we are seeing yet again a division between the old covenant and its ordinances and the new testament. That is, the law was given by Moses. But for grace and truth, we need Jesus the Christ.

For those who may need a refresher, the law was given specifically to the Israelites. The law was not given to the Gentiles. The law was about judgment. The law was black and white. The law consisted of 613 laws in total -- albeit, we are (for the most part) only familiar with the ten commandments written on stone tablets.

In the context of the new testament, we come to understand that the law was intended as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.

As the scripture saith, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3:24-25)

Therefore, when we come to the risen Jesus -- as both Lord and Christ, we come to understand grace -- and the abundance of grace that includes forgiveness. That as well, the process for us to be forgiven of all our sins (past, present, and future - our sins red as crimson but now as white as snow) can only come through the Lord Jesus -- the Great Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for His sheep. His family. His beloved body of Christ church.

Up until this point, truth was virtually non-existent which means that without truth, we have no perspective. Why? Because truth provides the plumb line. Within this context too, true life can only be found in Jesus -- for He is the life that is the Light of men. He is the Light that shines in darkness and the darkness comprehends it not. (John 1:4-5)

This is why Jesus did not tell His disciples-- I have the truth so come to Me and I'll show it to you -- ,but rather Jesus said, "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life." (John 14:6)

Jesus said, "Follow Me!"

" ... declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ ..." (Romans 1:4-6)
This is why our faith journey should be about knowing Jesus.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus, The Great I AM Who Is Still Inviting Us To His Wedding Feast - Part 2499

Throughout the new testament gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus often speaks in parables, wherein He asks questions that force us to think outside of both current and historical societal norms. Interestingly, it is in this context that Jesus intentionally sets us apart from the world in our faith journey - so that we can increasingly become like that city on a hill for Him in everything that we do. 

In Luke 14, Jesus is asking a number of questions to the lawyers and Pharisees, and when these could not respond, draws conclusions that should have changed their perspectives; transformed their minds and hearts. Indeed, toward the end of the chapter, Jesus says to them, "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; [but] men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke 14:28-35)

But we are getting ahead of ourselves here. First, the context. Herein, Jesus has went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, and when He did, the lawyers and Pharisees watched Him. And behold there was a certain man before Him which had the dropsy. So Jesus asks the lawyers and Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?" But they did not respond.

Not surprisingly, Jesus heals the man, saying to the Pharisees, "Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?" Note that they did not have an answer to these things. (Luke 14:1-6) 

Jesus does not stop there. He then asks about those who are bidden to a wedding feast -- eventually concluding that whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. In this example, Jesus is offering an invitation that is outside the norm, and one that the Pharisees would not understand. That is, when ye make a dinner or supper, we are not to call upon our friends, or brethren, or kinsmen, or rich neighbour to attend -- because these all have the means to call you back and repay you for your kindness. To offer recompense for your kindness.

Instead,  Jesus is instructing those of us who believe in Him by faith, and have taken on His precious, holy Name in water baptism to be different. That when we make a feast, we should be calling the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and that, when we do, we shall be blessed. Let's read Jesus' instructions here again -- specifically from His Word.

Jesus said, "But when thou make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind; and THOU SHALT BE BLESSED, for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:14) 

How many are now turning the page? How many have said that these instructions are just for the lawyers and Pharisees? Or for that particular moment in time -- when Jesus walked this earth? 

What happens next? 

"And when one of them sat at meat with Him heard these things, he said unto them, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." Then said He unto him, "A certain man made a great supper, and bade many; and sent His servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, "Come, for all things are now ready;."

And they all with one consent began to make excuses. One said, "I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused." And the second, "I have bought five yoke of oxen and I go to prove them, I pray thee have me excused." And another, "I married a wife, and therefore I cannot come." (Luke 14:18-20)

The servant comes back and shows his Lord these things -- the people's excuses for not being able to attend. [Please note that the reason that I capitalize the L in Lord is because Jesus is speaking from His own perspective here.]

What does the Master of the house do? He asks His servant to go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, "Lord, it is done as Thou commanded, and yet there is room." And the Lord said unto the servant, "Go out into the highways and hedges, and COMPEL them to come in, that My house may be filled. For I say unto you -- that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper." (Luke 14:21-24)

Note what happens -- then drew unto Him all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him. All the while, the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." Jesus goes on to speak in numerous parables -- a good read -- about the parable of the lost sheep, the lost piece of silver, the lost son, and then the unrighteous steward. (Luke 14-15-16) 

Throughout the scriptures, we are encouraged to understand that no weapon formed against His anointed, His blessed body of Christ church -- can prosper. And that, also, this same Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and He will come again -- "and receive you unto Myself; that where I AM, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:3-4)

Don't ever lose that first love that we had for the Lord Jesus, when we first came to Him -- for He is still inviting those who are lost to come to His wedding feast -- even in the midst of such turmoil -- or as the world suggests -- living in unprecedented times -- but the Lord, well, He knows our hearts, and He is forever stretching out His hands so that we might find abundant life in Him. 

Stand in the offering plate.

He Shall Feed His Flock Like A Shepherd; He Shall Gather The Lambs With His Arm - Part 2498

" ... who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24)

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood ..." (Acts 20:28)

In prophesy, the Lord God spoke of a time when "this day" His salvation plan for all would be revealed. As the scripture saith, "This day have I begotten Thee!" And when that day had come -- when the Lord stretched out His arms on a cross, shedding His precious, holy blood, His body maimed and sword in His side for you and I -- He paid the ultimate price once and for all, becoming a sacrifice for each and every one of us -- so that we might find abundant life in Him. Indeed, on that day, God became our Saviour. (Isaiah 9:6; I Timothy 3:16)

After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)

And when He did, He also said that He would feed His flock like a shepherd, and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young -- this same He who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hill in a balance. (Isaiah 40:11-12)

But in today's world, there are many who have turned away from the greatest most precious gift offered to the human race, in favour of worldly trinkets of little value. That this same God who loves us beyond measure was willing to pardon our iniquity once and for all -- when the gory of the Lord was finally revealed, and all flesh saw it together -- for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken.

"Behold the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him." (Isaiah 40:10)

Thus, lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things -- the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth faints not, neither is He weary -- and it is He that gives power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increases strength. For they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

This is the God we serve -- and in this current dispensation of grace, His Name is JESUS -- who willingly laid down His life for the sheep. He is the Great I AM, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last.

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Is The Light That Shines From Within When We Accept Him Into Our Hearts - Part 2497

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)

But for those who believe in Jesus and have taken on His precious, holy Name in water baptism, we know in whom we have believed and consequently, are fully persuaded that our God is able to keep us from falling into the deceptiveness of this world Why? Because it is He that shall present us faultless before His majesty with exceeding great joy!

The ghostly presence of the Spirit of God persuades us that we are sitting together with Him in heavenly places, and we understand that sitting identifies that the work of our redemptive salvation is totally complete. For we were not delivered from the dark night of sin by works of righteousness which we had done but because of His sacrifice on the cross. (Acts 20:28) For truly, we of our own selves were lost, walking down that road called Broadway -- the road well recognized and yet well worn pathway to sin.

But JESUS our Creator came to our rescue. God who has at different times and in various manners endeavoured to speak to us through prophets, which for the most part have gone unheeded. And then God added a Law, which Law endeavoured to awake us from the darkness of sin. But similarly, the Law eventually also became unheeded. Note that the Law of itself was perfect but we dwelling in prone to sin bodies found ways and means to negate the Law. Indeed, we dressed up sin in fashion that sin would not appear as sin but would be something to be sought after and desired.

Further, the Law was a covenant between two parties -- God and man. And being a covenant it contained demands. But again, because the demands were not adhered to God simply walked out. Even today the other party known as the Israelites/Jews have not come to the realization that God has walked out. 

[For clarity, the Israelites/Jews hardened their hearts against God, preferring instead to worship worldly gods - so it wasn't God's desire to turn away - but rather that His people had already turned their backs on Him. A perfect example is witnessed in Moses -- when he came down from the mount, the people were already worshipping idols -- and in this example specifically, a golden calf.]

Finally, as a last resort God made a conscious decision to become as a man so that we might be saved.  God would become flesh and dwell among us -- again, so that we would have abundant life in Him. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Isaiah 9:6) This God did! However, as before, we rebelled against JESUS -- even as we had previously done to the afore running prophets. This reaction even though JESUS worked miracles, signs and wonders in their midst as had never afore been seen. This response to someone who healed the sick among them. And this hatred even though Jesus turned teh water into the best wine the wedding hosts had ever seen, and fed the multitudes from as little as five loaves and two fishes.

Here was JESUS shining the light of God in their midst, and yet man hated the light for the light shining exposed their sin and they loved darkness much more than light. So they crucified JESUS who was God manifest in the flesh as a Son. In unison, they cried crucify Him, crying "Crucify Him - we will not have this man rule over us."

Still, JESUS was conceived of the holy Spirit being God with us. The Holy Ghost (which is new testament) overshadowing Mary so that she could bring forth a son.

Throughout the centuries, Jesus has loved His creation with an everlasting love. Recall when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden and they hid among the bushes? God upon visiting the garden seemingly could not find them. Then, upon being discovered God exclaimed, "What have you done?" And from that moment on, God set in motion plans to redeem man and woman from a world of sin and rebellion. At the same time, the devil who had earlier been cast out of heaven ruled the world to which Adam and Eve through adherence to the devil's deceptive words had become captives.

But we were never left stranded. JESUS being the Word of God, which Word declared that the SEED of a woman would bruise the serpent  -- this same JESUS bruised the devil’s head. In so doing, JESUS exposed man’s real enemy. In fact, He made an open display, casting demonic spirits out of individual lives and healing all that came to Him.

Read the scriptures for yourself. Come and experience His peace and mercy and grace, wherein guilt and shame is cast aside -- and in exchange, you are filled with His abundant love that bubbles up on the inside -- and so much so, that your life is transformed forever.

To learn more, read what the apostles said in Acts 2:36-47 -- in response to the question -- what must we do to be saved? It's a wonderful read, and even more so offers a glimpse into the peace and joy that the Lord Jesus wants each and everyone of us to  possess - His Spirit dwelling within us.

Stand in the offering plate.

For Therein Is The Righteousness Of God Revealed From Faith To Faith - Part 2496

" ... who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24)

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood ... for I know that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." (Acts 20:28-29)

Not everyone understands that Jesus has set us free. And sadly, even more critical are the many who fail to understand that because of Jesus -- the world can be sustained without the law -- because He has written those laws in our heart. Thus, when the scriptures state that the law (the 10 commandments / the 613) is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, it is so that come to the knowledge of His goodness and mercy and grace. 

This is why Jesus summarized the ten commandments into two. That is, "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is one. Lord. Love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength, and love one another." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

And of course, there are the four additional instructions to the Gentiles -- to keep ourselves from idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication (the worship of other gods). (Acts 21:25; Acts 15:21, 29)

But there are professing believers who have concluded that without the law, the world (and the body of Christ church) will become totally corrupted. However, this is not what the scriptures state. Why? Because when Jesus is in your heart, and you make His purposes your own, then you will love one another -- the foundation (that when we take hold of His truth) it binds us to the laws that He has written in our hearts.

These include -- the law of love and faith. Consider the following scriptures. I would encourage you also to study the context of thee scriptures so that we can all come into one accord on matters that have had (and still have) the power to divide. 

" ... but, with perfection, the partial is abolished." (I Corinthians 13:10) 

"Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: but their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 

But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3:12-18) 

Therefore, when death was being distributed (carved in letters of stone) it was a glorious thing -- so glorious that the children of Israel couldn't look at Moses face because of the glory -- a glory which was to later be abolished. 

"But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious." (II Corinthians 3:7-11)

You see, the hearts and minds of the Israelites was hardened. And that same veil lies over the reading of the old covenant right up to this day -- for those who do not have the promised Messiah in their heart. Only with Jesus, can the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. Our salvation is in Jesus, and when He dwells within, and our purposes are in Him, then He has set us free from the entanglements of the law. 

By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves -- it is the gift of God.
 

"For He is our peace who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle of the wall of partition [between us] having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace -- and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby ... but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner[stone]; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord, in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:14-22) 

You see the Lord God Himself pitched the tent when He destroyed the barrier -- the veil -- that kept us from Him. He tore the veil from top to bottom -- from heaven to earth - so that we could come to Him with all our brokenness so that He could make us whole again -- setting us free from the entanglements and bondage of the world. So that instead of standing on the outside of the body of Christ, that we can be confident in our salvation -- because we desire the Lord's heart in our own. 

"By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among the nations -- for His Name -- among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:5-6)

As apostle Paul wrote -- "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, the just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17)

There are so many more scriptures including Hebrews 9:8, 15-18 that will lead and guide you into all truth. 

On a different note, given the times and seasons in which we live, understand that no weapon formed against His anointed, His blessed body of Christ church -- can prosper. And that, also, this same Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and He will come again -- "and receive you unto Myself; that where I AM, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:3-4)

He is the Great I AM, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, and He willingly clothed Himself in flesh so that we could be set free. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Because Daniel Had An Excellent Spirit Within - Part 2495

Many of us have heard about Daniel in the lion's den, and how the Lord shut the mouths of the lions -- much to the glee of the king. But the best of Daniel's life example is found in the details. Herein, we find the motives of men that led to King Darius making the decree. We also discover how the Lord turns everything into good for those who love Him.

From Daniel 6:

It pleased Darius to set over the whole kingdom a hundred and twenty princes, and above these three presidents. Daniel is listed as the first. The king structured it this way so that the princes might give accounts, and the king would have no damage. In time, this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because "an excellent Spirit was in him" -- and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

But as we know, some were not happy about this. So the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault. There was no reason to blame Daniel. Why is this true? As the scripture states, "Forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him." (Daniel 6:4)

Then said these men -- "We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God."

A couple of things come to mind. First, Daniel was faultless. Second, in order to find an occasion against Daniel, the blame they wanted to use against him had to concern the law of his God. Not the law of the land, or the rules of the whole kingdom, but had to be found in the law of his God. Obviously, the presidents and princes seeking to find fault with Daniel did not believe in his God.

So, the presidents and princes assembled together with the King, telling Darius that all the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, the princes, the counsellors and the captains have consulted together to establish a royal statute. A firm decree.

"That whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of Medes and Persians, which alters not." (Daniel 6:7-8)

So the king signs the writing and the decree.

When Daniel finds out what the king has signed into writing, what does he do?

He goes into his house, and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneels upon his knees three times a day and prays, giving thanks before his God -- as he had always done aforetime. Please note that Daniel's response was not against the new decree, but rather, he continued to do as he had always done. (In our time, we would call this grandfathering in -- but I digress)

So those that convinced King Darius to sign the decree assemble to find Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then these men spoke to the king concerning the king's decree, asking, "Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the lion's den?" (Daniel 6:12)

The king new this to be true, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians - which alters not. Then answered they before the king, "That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regards not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but makes his petition three times a day. Note that the king, when he heard these words was sore displeased with himself and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him.

"And he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him." (Daniel 6:14)

Then these men assembled unto the king and said unto the king, "Know O king that the law of the Medes and Persians is, -- that no decree nor statute which the king establishes may change." That sold the deal -- at least for Daniel's accusers.

What happens next? The king commands for Daniel to be cast into the lion's den. But before so doing, the king says to Daniel -- "Thy God whom thou serves continually, He will deliver thee!" (Daniel 6:16)

And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords, that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace -- and passed the night fasting -- his sleep taken from him. The king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried with lamentable voice unto Daniel -- "Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God is thy God, whom thou serve continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?"

And Daniel replied, "O king live forever! My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lion's mouths, that they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt."

You could imagine how exceedingly glad the king was, as he commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. Note that no manner of hurt was found upon him -- because he believed in His God. (Daniel 6:22-24)

It turns out that the king made a new decree -- "That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for He is the living God, and steadfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." (Daniel 6:26-27)

Daniel goes on to prosper in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyprus the Persian.

Why is this important for us this day? Because we are living in troubled times, when the world wants to accuse those of us who believe of things that are not right, just and true. Just like Daniel, these want to speak untruths and condemnation.  But like Daniel, we know in whom we serve. And we should also know -- like Daniel -- that no weapon formed against those who believe in the living God -- the one and same God who willingly became our Saviour Jesus the Christ shall prosper.

Stand in the offering plate.

And To Jesus, The Mediator Of The New Covenant - Part 2493

"Who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on hand ..." (Hebrews 1:3) 

"See that ye refuse not Him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaks from heaven: whose voice then shook the earth ... but now He hath promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven."

And this Word, "Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain." Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear - for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:25-29)

Thus, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us ... looking unto Jesus -- the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

He who shed His own precious, holy blood so that we might have everlasting life in Him. (Acts 20:28) 

Wherefore, even in the midst of persecution and tribulation, lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet (lest that which is lame be turned out of the way) ... but let it rather be healed. 

And from another place, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10) 

Stand in the offering plate. 

It's Time For Sowers To Go Forth To Sow Because The Harvest Fields Are White But Labourers Few - Part 2492

"Therefore, every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasures [things] new and old." (Matthew 13:52)

Jesus often went to the sea side, wherein great multitudes of people would gather so He could teach them. (Matthew 12:1-2; Mark 2:13) And He spake many things unto them in parables, saying, "Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Matthew 13:3-9)

But these parables puzzled the disciples so they asked Jesus, "Why speak Thou unto them in parables?" Jesus answered and said unto them, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand." (Matthew 13:10-14)

There are a couple of things that stand out. First, Jesus speaks specifically to His disciples -- those who believe in Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and also flow His love through to one another. -- when He reveals the underlying message within the parables. Second, Jesus speaking in parables at this time was the fulfillment of an earlier prophecy in Isaiah. Third, we are living in new testament times, when the Lord said He would do a new thing - so that we who believe would have a more in-depth understanding than even the prophets and righteous men of old. (Hebrews 11:39-40; I Peter 1:23; Revelation 6:11) Fourth, Jesus teaches numerous parables concerning the kingdom of heaven -- citing day-to-day examples that we are familiar with -- so that we who believe can be strengthened and edified with His understanding. 

But sadly, not everyone is a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, as we understand from Isaiah's prophecy.

"And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, "By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." (Matthew 13:14-15: Isaiah 6:9-19; Mark 4:12)

Lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with ears, and understand with their heart -- so that they would be converted, and the Lord could heal them. But Jesus' disciples do not fall into the category of those who can't see, or are dull of hearing because their eyes/ears are closed.

"But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, "That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." (Matthew 13:17; John 8:56; Hebrews 11:13) 

So what does Jesus say? He invites us to hear the parable of the sower so that when we enter into the harvest fields, we can understand how the enemy comes in and sows tares among the wheat while we are sleeping, and so that we who are called His disciples -- His beloved bride -- would not be caught unawares.

"Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one hears the Word of the kingdom, and understands [it] not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that hears the Word, and anon with joy receives it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dures [endures] for a while: for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the Word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful.

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that hears the Word, and understands [it]; which also bears fruit, and brings forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:18-23; Matthew 13:8; John 15:16; Philippians 1:11; I Timothy 6:9-10, 17; Matthew 11:6; Hosea 6:4; Isaiah 58:2; Ezekiel 33:31-32; Matthew 4:23; Matthew 13:38)

As we know form this chapter, Jesus teaches more parables concerning the kingdom of heaven -- including, the kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sows good seed in his field, and that the kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, or that the kingdom of heave is like unto leaven. 

Indeed, all these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables and without a parable spake He not unto them. Why? That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 13:35; Psalm 78:2; Romans 16:25-26)

Jesus then sends the multitude away, entering the house and teaching His disciples about the parable of the tares in the field. (Matthew 13:36) 

Indeed, He that sows the good seed is the Son of man, the field is the world, the good seed are the children of the kingdom and the tares the children of the wicked one. Meditate upon these parables this day and remember, like those in His hometown who asked, "Whence hath this [man] this wisdom and these mighty works/" we also should be understanding with our hearts -- what Jesus taught us by His example.

Stand in the offering plate. 

He Shall Baptize You With The Holy Ghost And With Fire - Part 2491

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Matthew 3:11-12) 

John answered, saying unto them all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His garner; but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable." And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people." (Luke 3:16-18)

In the last days, as described in the scriptures, perilous times and ominous dark clouds of ism‘s manifest satanic propelled disturbed minds of evil power. Evil isms arising with a mindset that if they kill anyone who opposes their fanatical beliefs that they would be serving God! Indeed, God's Word of truth declares that the times would become so turbulent that except those days be shortened, no flesh would be saved.

Therefore, this is a good time to examine yourselves -- to see if you are really in the faith. Or, is your walk with God just a vocation, a 9 to 5 thing, like a wage? The story of the goose and the golden egg comes to mind. What would you rather have -- the goose or the egg? Well, some choose the golden egg for obvious reasons -- for immediate and personal gain. Other more informed humans choose the goose. Why? Because the ones who choose the goose will reap the benefits from a goose producing a lot more eggs, for a longer period of time.

Therefore, the message herein (as the scriptures invite) is for us to labour not for the things which perish, but labour instead for the things that endure -- such as everlasting life. Yes, sinning might pay wages but as it is written, the wages of sin in the long-term is death.

The same example can be used in both individual and national contexts. While we are born into this world with a blank slate, admittedly, evil already exists. If we are the offspring of parents who delight in doing evil, chances are we can be directly impinged and drawn into this spiralling downward life cycle. In a broader context, if we are born into a country where good is the rule of law and wherein hopefully the spirit of the law is still embedded constitutionally, then the nation prospers! As the scriptures state, any nation that honours God, God will exalt that nation. Conversely, however, any nation that rejects the counsel of God, will be turned into Hell.

It is in this context that light has come into the world, known as an inner light. If man endeavours to walk in that inner light, then that man or woman will not stumble. Unfortunately, man has inherited a fallen nature so that when he would do the right thing, invariably he or she is deceived and tempted through the temptation of sin that indwells his body. This causes them to succumb and often influenced by the prevailing customs of their surroundings.

But the good news is that the light of the world is seen in full display in Jesus! Yes, Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins! Seeds of the Spirit of God were implanted into Eve and Abraham’s seed bank. A new blood line flowed in Jesus veins, the flesh covering the fetus that was sin prone, bringing to the Holy Ghost fetus all the temptations common to all men. The fetus blood, bone and Spirit were of God and are God. The one God who made all things. You and I are His workmanship.

Man cannot by himself keep the law. He can do so only if the presence of God’s Spirit dwells within us as the inner light. God impresses on our conscience that we need a saviour. We need a comforter. We were created to have fellowship with God. Fellowship is not a form. Fellowship is friendship and companionship in the most comprehensive fashion.

As such, associate yourself directly with God by standing in the offering plate. Be baptized by immersion -- not sprinkling -- and into the name of Jesus. In return, the inner light Jesus will immerse you in His love! Love the Lord your God, Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Most of all, seek to serve the same God who loved you so much that He would take our place on the cross.

Stand in the offering plate.

The Fruit Of The Spirit Is Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith - Part 2490

Given the government's determination to put us all back under umpteen laws, it's important for us who believe to understand that the Lord has set us free! 

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

Paul goes on to define liberty -- "for brethren, ye have been called unto liberty --- only use not liberty for an occasion but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:13-14) 

But there will be those who will try to bring us back under the law -- because like those who accused Daniel, they will be envious of our faith -- those of us who live in the Spirit and also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25; Galatians 5:16)

So here are some scriptural promises that counter that law perspective -- for your edification and learning.

The law was given to the Israelites. The law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. The law was fulfilled when Jesus shed His precious holy blood on the cross. (Hebrews 9:8-9; Hebrews 9:15-18)

The law in the new testament side (wherein God levelled the playing field for all peoples -- Jew and Gentile on the cross) consists of -- "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One Lord. Love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength, and love one another." (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4)

The Gentiles were given four additional instructions (James Barnabas and Paul) which seemed good to the Holy Ghost. That is, that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. (Acts 15:29; Acts 15:20; Acts 21:25)

The laws in the new testament side will be written in our hearts and not tablets of stone."

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can NEVER with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.Wherefore when He comes into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldst not but a body has Thou prepared Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me) to do Thy will O God ..." (Hebrews 10:1-8)

For more learning, I would suggest taking the time to read Hebrews 9 and 10, and the book of Galatians ... and then rejoice, for we know in whom we serve.

Stand in the offering plate.

That By The Grace Of God - Part 2489

"Thou hast put all things in subjection under His feet. For in that He put all in subjection under Him, he left nothing that is not put under Him. But now we see not yet all things put under Him.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:8-10)

Stand in the offering plate.