Behold, The Heavens And Earth Cannot Contain Thee, O Lord - Part 2774

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (John 21:25)

"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for [his] only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn." (Zechariah 12:10)

"That they should seek the Lord, if haply, they may feel after Him and find Him, though He be not far from everyone of us, for in Him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17:27-28)

Jesus said, "God is Spirit." (John 4:24) And in the beginning, this same Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2) Later, He asks, "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:24) "Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?" (Psalm 139:7-8)

Indeed, the Word explains that even the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee -- then "how much less this house that I have builded?" (I Kings 8:27: II Chronicles 6:18)

What do these scriptures teach? That God is Spirit. He is the Father in creation that fills the heavens and heaven of heavens, omnipresent, all knowing, and wise. Moreover, God is holy. In Proverbs 1:23, God says He will pour out His Spirit unto you, making known My words unto those who seek Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) "... until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high!" (Isaiah 32:15; Isaiah 44:3; Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:1-4, 17-18, 33, 36-41)

"...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour ..." (Titus 3:4-7)

But some will attest that God is invisible -- yes? Of course. In fact, Jesus tells us that no man hath seen God at any time. (John 1:18; I John 4:12) In another place, no man hath seen the Father. (John 6:46) The invisible God. (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 11:27)

So does that mean Jesus is a separate entity from God the Father? Of course not!

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

Jesus even clarifies, saying, "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father, and know Him." (John 14:6)

John speaks to this in the first chapter of the gospel, when he wrote. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1:1) And the Word became flesh. (John 1:14)

The same message portrayed in Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God ..."

The Word then is the visible expression of God, who spoke the world into existence. Just like we are not separate beings from the word which we speak, neither is God separate from the Word which He speaks -- the same image that we are created after -- the image of God.

Thus, Jesus is the Word made flesh. (John 1:14) The same Word that was in the world and the world made by Him and yet the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

This same Jesus "who is the image of the invisible God." (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3)

 
"... in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (II Corinthians 4:4)

As the Word of the Lord God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, "there is no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10) And similarly,, only God would become our Saviour, as Mary the mother of Jesus acknowledges.

"... and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47)

"... the God of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; Thou savest me from violence." (II Samuel 22:3)

The same God who appeared in visible form to Abraham in the tent. (Genesis 18:1) The same God who appeared in visible form to Moses, and to the elders of Israel. (Exodus 3:2) The same God who Jacob met face to face. (Genesis 32:22-32)

When the Word became flesh, the eternal Spirit clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that He could bring us salvation.

"The fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 2:9)

"... as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God. (I Peter 1:18-21) 

"... giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of hHs dear Son: in whom we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, [I say], whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:12-20)

Stand in the offering plate.

Esteeming Christ Brings Greater Riches Than All The Treasures In Egypt - Part 2773

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy 3:16)

As the prophet declared, "... wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure." (Isaiah 33:16)

Thus,, "forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)

In spite of the whims of a modern day religious culture, the scriptures inform that we are not subject to parroted man-made creeds and catechisms. Rather, our counsel, knowledge and wisdom comes from the Word; line upon line, precept upon precept; knowing assuredly that God is not the author of confusion.
Interestingly, the prophet Isaiah tells us that the scriptures are so purposely arranged that only those who seek the hidden treasure will find -- even though, as the Lord states, He is not so far from us that we can't find Him.

This same message is confirmed when the Lord Jesus (in a parable) said that a wise man, upon finding treasure buried in a field willingly sells all that he has to go buy the field.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hides, and for joy thereof goeth and sells all that he hath, and buys that field." (Matthew 13:44)

Why? Because, as Jesus stated, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Luke 12:34)

This same Jesus who said, "Seek and ye shall find; knock and the door will be opened unto you!" (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9) 

"And ye shall seek Me, and find [Me], when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)

Who are we seeking? To know Jesus personally as both Lord and Christ! (Acts 2:36-41)   

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair ..." (I Corinthians 4:6-8)

"...that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words." (Colossians 2:2-4)

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (I Corinthians 5:17-19) 

This same message of wisdom throughout the scriptures. Not a prosperity gospel as false religious teachers like to preach-- that is contrary to Jesus' teaching --no man can serve two master -- but instead, that every man is given the necessities of life so that he or she can flow through the message of the good news gospel to everyone we meet. According to the measure of our faith, shall it be given unto us. This is the good counsel the Lord desires for us. And that we who profess to believe, are also willing to sell all that we have to buy that treasure in the field.

The treasure is Jesus -- King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending!

"Yea, if thou cry after knowledge and lift up thy voice for understanding; if thou seek her as silver,
and search for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:3-5)

"I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love Me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures." (Proverbs 8:20-25)

"I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: and I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou may know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. For Jacob My servant's sake, and Israel Mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name; I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me." (Isaiah 45:2-4)

So much to learn. Stand in the offering plate. 

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Keep Me True Lord Jesus; Give Us Evermore The Bread Of Life - Part 2772

Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God. I am come in My Father's name and ye receive Me not. If another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:39-40) 

Repeatedly, Jesus told the multitudes that followed Him that He was the Bread of Life. (John 6:35, 48, 51) That He -- Jesus -- was the Light of this world. The Living Water wherein when we taste, we will never thirst again. Throughout the good news gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus proclaimed His love for His beloved, healing the sick, restoring the broken hearted and casting out the demons responsible for tormenting those individuals who were most vulnerable. 

Jesus said, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, for I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)

The Good Shepherd knew beforehand that He would have to lay down His life for His sheep. (Acts 20:28) That God Himself would have to become our Saviour, our Redeemer, who would save us from our sins. 

This then is the mystery that was in the bosom of the Father since the very beginning. The mystery of godliness-- wherein at the appointed time, God would be manifest in the flesh, and dwell among us. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 42:13). 

He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

There had to be an appointed time. 

"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing ... which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him that did the service perfect as pertaining to the conscience." (Hebrews 9:8-9)

Yes, for the redemption of our sins, we would need Jesus, for He alone shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Even though in God's mind, the Son of God existed countless ages before He was ever born of Mary, the Son would only be revealed when the Holy Ghost said, "This day have I begotten Thee." (Psalm 2:7) 

But he religious wanted a King and were unwilling to settle for a babe born in a manger. Nevertheless, when the Jews murmured aloud, Jesus reminded them that the work of God was to believe on Him whom He hath sent. (John 6:29) Moreover, Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees that they had seen Him, - the prophesied Saviour, their salvation coming nigh to them, and yet believed not. (John 6:36)

Throughout the scriptures, we are blessed to see "those things which be not, as though they were." (Romans 4:17)  The Lamb who was lain from the foundation of the world. Grace before the world began. (Ephesians 1:4-5; I Timothy 1:9) 

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you." (I Peter 1:18-20) 

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law. (Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:9) 

In these last days God has spoken to us by His Son -- the visible image of the invisible God-- who created all things by Jesus Christ, by whom also He made the worlds. (Hebrews 1:2; John 17:5; Ephesians 1:4-5; Ephesians 3:9) 

God clothed Himself in flesh (and yet without sin) so that you and I might have abundant life in Him. Stand in the offering plate. 

Thy Throne Is Forever And Ever; A Sceptre Of Righteousness In The Sceptre Of Thy Kingdom - Part 2772

But we see Jesus ...

"For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons into glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:10-18)

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.

For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee."

And again, I will put my trust in Hm. 

And again, "Behold I and the children which God hath given Me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

For verily He took not on [Him the nature of] angels; but He took on [Him] the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto [His] brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.

The greatest love story ever told. Stand in the offering plate!

Blessed Is He That Shall Eat Bread In The Kingdom Of God - Part 2771

"Give, and it shall be give unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38) 

"Jesus said, "Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath." (Mark 4:24)

"And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached Thee, O Lord." (Psalm 79:12)

Interestingly, Jesus speaks often about a flow-through heart. Sometimes, Jesus speaks in parables. Other times, Jesus shares real life examples with His apostles, who later then flow-through the Lord Jesus' love to others. Within the body of Christ church in this current dispensation of grace, the Lord teaches us to stand in the offering plate, in accordance with the first commandment. 

That is, "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord. Love the Lord with all thy heart, all of thy soul, all of thy mind and all of thy strength." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) And from His love flowing through us, we are called to love one another.

Herein, we will look at two scriptural examples. The first highlights the young lad who offered Jesus all he had to feed the multitudes on the hillside. The latter looks at a couple who sold their possession and decidedly chose to tempt the Lord, by suggesting to the believing community that the monies they received for selling a property they owned was for less than they had actually sold it for. 

The contrast between the two is telling. The young lad gave his lunch to feed the multitudes -- his own sustenance to feed the multitudes. I'm sure he knew that his small lunch of five loaves and two fishes would not be enough to feed 5,000 men, plus women and children. However, his child-like faith in the Lord Jesus motivated him share everything -- all he had -- so that others would not be without. (Acts 3:36-47) 

In reading the account, one has to wonder why the lad was the only one in the crowd of people with food. Maybe the lad witnessed Jesus' compassion for the people, and he too was moved by a Master who loved. 

So, as Jesus went forth, He saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed the sick. And when it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, "This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals."  But Jesus said unto them, "They need not depart; give ye them to eat." 

But they say unto Him, "We have here but five loaves and two fishes." He said, "Bring them hither to Me."

And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children." (Matthew 14:15-21)

In the end, the disciples gathered up twelve baskets of food. A good example of how the Lord Jesus multiples in a way that is very different from the world's multiplication tables. 

In contrast, we see the couple determined to keep back some of the earnings from the sale of their land. It is important to note that they did not have to donate the proceeds from their land, but chose to de os in a manner where they profited themselves. The scriptures allude to the two tempting the Spirit of the Lord. A very different account from the heart of the lad who chose to give his all. 

"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife sold a possession and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostle's feet. But Peter said, "Ananias, why hath satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? And afterward it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine own heart? Thou hast not lied unto men but unto God." 

And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost and great fear came on all them that heard these things  And the young men arose, wound him up and carried him out and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife not knowing what was done. came in." (Acts 5:1-7) 

As we know, the same situation happened later with Sapharria his wife. with whom Ananias had agreed together tin their heart to tempt the Spirit of the Lord. The apostles made it clear -- through their questioning -- that the two had other plans in their heart, but still desired the glory that comes from giving. Had they given their all? It is clear from the above example that they did not.

Regardless of which path is chosen for our own lives, it's important to know that the Lord doesn't require our assets, but He does see the desires of our heart. 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another; envying one another." (Galatians 5:22-26)

And let us not be weary in well doing; for in the 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.