At the Name of Jesus, Every Knee Shall Bow - Part 906

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. Why? Because the peace of God, which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds renewed through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-8)

If there be therefore any consolation in Jesus the Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind ... indeed, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

In fact, He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him -- the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us -- and given Him a name which is above every name. (Philippians 2:6-10; John 1:1-18)

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth, and [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings that ye may be blameless and harmless -- as the sons and daughters of God without rebuke -- in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.

Therefore, holding forth the Word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do you joy -- and rejoice with me ... because as believers, we seek the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:1-30)

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Stand in the offering plate.

Thy Faith Has Saved Thee; Go In Peace - Part 905

Who is this that forgiveth sins also? (Luke 7:50) 

The question of "who" Jesus was (and is) has been raised often in the religious community. Unfortunately, many in the religious culture today hinge their doctrinal beliefs on the changed version of Matthew 28:19, whereby the Roman Catholic church revised the wording around 385 AD.

The problem with believing a trinitarian formula (and including it in a religion's statement of faith) is that the trinity does NOT exist in the scriptures. The mystery of the Godhead becomes even more clear when we study water baptism. For example, the apostles did not baptize anyone in the "name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" as most organized religion does today.

Indeed, EVERY single individual that was baptized by immersion in water in the scriptures was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not the titles.

Therefore, the "name" of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in this current dispensation of grace -- is Jesus. The same name that the scriptures state is necessary for salvation. The same "God with us" that is spoken of in Matthew 1:21. "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

Indeed, if we do not believe in Jesus, we cannot be saved.

Romans 10:8-17 states: "The Word [Jesus] is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach ... that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believes on Him [Jesus] shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Jesus said, "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30-33) "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) He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 22:13)

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8-11) The Word that became flesh so that we might experience His love and mercy. (John 1:1-18)

All power and authority was given to Jesus because He is the great I AM. The Jehovah of the old covenant is Jesus in this current dispensation of grace. (Isaiah 9:6) This same God who created us in the beginning took on sin-prone flesh for you and I. In other words, He loved us enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross for us even before we knew Him.

This is why we believe Jesus is the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. As such, our heart's desire is to become fully clothed in His righteousness. Not another but in Jesus -- the ONLY name given under heaven whereby we can be saved.

Jesus said, "Fear not. I am the first and the last. I am He that lives and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore." (Revelation 1:17-18) 

Trust Jesus today. Believe in the one that John said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He that comes 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." (Acts 3:11) Accept His free gift of salvation. (Ephesians 2:8; 3:21; Titus 3:5)

And when you decide to be water baptized, make sure you are baptized in the precious name of Jesus. (Acts 2:38-42; 8:36-39; 9:18; 10:47-48; 22:16, Romans 6:4; Galatians 3:27) "The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus the Christ." (I Peter 3:21)

Most of all, behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29-31) Walk in newness of life. Stand in the offering plate. 

Also Carried Away With Their Dissimulation - Part 904

Do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness came by the Law, including good works and the ten commandments, then Christ died in vain. From Galatians 2:1-21:

It was fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, that I took Titus with me also. "And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: and that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it makes no matter to me: God accepts no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me. 

But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision -- only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, "If thou, being a Jew, live after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?"

"We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor for I through the Law am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." 

This is why "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:1-21) And the one spiritual conclusion that we can all agree on is that Christ did NOT die in vain. He did NOT shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I so that we could not be redeemed. In fact, Jesus died for our sin while we were yet His enemies.  

So believe on Jesus today and seek His righteousness, and in so doing, do not be deceived by religious or man-made pretence, hypocrisy, or dishonesty. Stand in the offering plate.

But We Have the Mind of Christ - Part 903

The apostle Paul wrote, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:1-2)

Although we often think of Paul as being an apostle who had it all together, we learn here that Paul was human -- just like you and I. In this particular example, note that when Paul preached the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom, he would by his own admission preach to audience in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power ... [so] that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory."

Note that this was the same glory which "none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (I Corinthians 2:8)

But because the princes of this world did not know who they crucified on the cross -- Jesus, the Lord of glory -- we have received His gift of salvation.  As a consequence, we who believe on His name can enter into His freedom, His mercy and His grace.

Moreover, to those that seek Jesus and His righteousness, He reveals the deeper understandings concerning the mystery of God by His Spirit ... for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (I Corinthians 2:10)

Note that this does not justify current religious presentations that suggest that someone had a personal encounter or revelation from Jesus AFTER Jesus ascended in Acts chapter one. (For more on this, read the book of Acts). What it does suggest is that those who seek Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, will find the inner treasure their heart desires, and the Word will be opened to him or her so that the mystery of God can be understood.

God is not the author of confusion. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man BUT the Spirit of God. When we receive Jesus into our lives -- not the spirit of the world -- but rather the spirit which is of God, we begin to know the things that are freely given to us from Him. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

This is why it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him." 

But this we do know. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:16) Praise Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

The Manifestation of the Spirit is Given To Every Man to Profit - Part 902

Concerning spiritual gifts, we are not to be ignorant. Admittedly, in the past, we as Gentiles were carried away unto these dumb idols and thus, led away from the good news gospel of Jesus the Christ and His Kingdom. However, now that our hearts and minds have been renewed in Jesus, seeking His righteousness in all that we do, the Word encourages us to desire spiritual gifts. 

But we must also know that "no man [who] speaks by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed. By the same token, no man can say that Jesus Christ is Lord but by the Holy Ghost. (I Corinthians 12:13) He is our creator, redeemer, Saviour and friend. God who is with us throughout the sands of time even though at times - at least in our eyes - may appear obscure. 

Still, we need to confess in our hearts that Jesus is Lord. We need to recognize that the plan of God on our lives is always prevalent. JESUS not only authored the scriptures but appeared upon earth as a man, displaying healings, miracles, signs, and wonders. But our desire to know Jesus better should go beyond the milk. Thus, the importance of spiritual gifts working in our lives. 

"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit, are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many." (I Corinthians 12:4-14)

Think on these spiritual matters in the days ahead. Covet earnestly the best gifts. Stand in the offering plate.

Through the Knowledge of Him that Hath Called Us Unto Glory - Part 901

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, "Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you; they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:16)

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (II Peter 1:1-2)

How? According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue, whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature. (II Peter 1:3)

Throughout the new testament, we who believe in Jesus and seek to be fully clothed in His righteousness, are encouraged to study the Word so that we can rightly divide the truth. (II Timothy 2:15) As such, our heart's desire should be to gain a knowledge of our Lord God and Saviour so that we are grounded in His love and grace.

Jesus said, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you. But if I depart, I will send Him unto you and when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:7-15)

It is in this context that we are to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and to endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (II Timothy 2:1-3)

"No man that warreth entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that labours must be first partaker of the fruits." (II Timothy 2:4-7) 

So how do we do this? "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, but shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness, and their word will eat as doth a canker of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.

Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal -- the Lord knows them that are His." (II Timothy 2:15-19) Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." (II Timothy 2:7)

Finally, "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things ... " (Philippians 4:8)

Stand in the offering plate.

Father, Glorify Thy Name - Part 900

"For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36) 

In John 12, Jesus had just raised Lazarus, which had been declared dead, from the dead. As a consequence, many people of the Jews knew that Jesus was responsible for raising Lazarus from the dead. 

But as the scriptures point out, "they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also" whom He had raised from the dead. This obviously caused an issue with the chief priests. Together, the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death, because that by reason of him, many of the Jews went away and believed on Jesus.  

The multitudes of people who witnessed Jesus' miracle had a different idea. Indeed, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet Him, crying out, "Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the Name of the Lord." (John 12:13)  

But what is really happening here is not just the people witnessing their Lord and King riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. This event was essential to fulfill the old testament scripture which had been previously spoken by the prophet, saying: "Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King comes unto thee, meek and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." (Matthew 21:4-5; Isaiah 40:9; Zechariah 9:9).

You see, God is not the author of confusion. This is why there is more than one written account of what happened here in the scriptures. The Lord wants us to know that His Word is true, and that every revelation and prophecy from the scripture can be confirmed within the scriptures. In other words, the Word is our foundation whereby we can discern the truth. 

No variance. No eloquent preaching. No saint with a private revelation (claiming to have seen Jesus after His ascension in Acts chapter one) can alter what has been written. Why? Because when we seek Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, He gives us the Comforter.

"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth, for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." (John 16:31)

"Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold the King comes sitting on a donkey's colt." (John 12:15) "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem, behold, thy King comes unto thee. He is just and having salvation; lowly, and riding up an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:25; Isaiah 62:11; Luke 19:38)

"And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, "Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." (Mark 11:7-9)

Certainly, there must have been much commotion at the time -- as Jesus came into Jerusalem, because the scriptures state that "all the city was moved." In fact, they asked, "Who is this?" (Matthew 21:10) The answer?

"This is Jesus -- the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee." (Matthew 21:11) "This is of a truth -- [He is] that prophet that should come into the world." (John 6:14) "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh come -- unto Him shall the gathering of the people be." (Genesis 49:10) 

The one and only -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- who loved us enough to die for us, while we were yet sinners. Glorify His name today. Seek His presence in your life through His Word. Stand in the offering plate. 

Given Unto Us Exceeding Great and Precious Promises - Part 899

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ [and] to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the righteousness of God, and of Jesus our Lord -- according as His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness -- through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue, whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature -- having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (II Peter 1:1-4)

But this is not all. Not only does the divine power of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus give us all the things that pertain unto life and godliness, but through the knowledge of Him, we are called to glory and virtue. And then, as a consequence of seeking Jesus and His righteousness with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we are given -- like a gift --- exceedingly great and precious promises. It is no wonder we -- as believers in Jesus -- rejoice.

"For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God -- who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe." (I Timothy 4:10)

And "we give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father, knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God for our gospel came not unto you in Word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: so that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia." (I Thessalonians 1:1-10)

How did they know?

"For from you sounded out the Word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." (I Thessalonians 1:1-10)

And beside this, you give all diligence, adding to your faith virtue ... and adding to virtue knowledge ... and to knowledge temperance ... and to temperance patience ... and to patience godliness .. and to godliness brotherly kindness ... and to brotherly kindness charity. (II Peter 1:5-8)

For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:8)

"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained ... having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (I Timothy 4:6)

Trust Jesus today. Read His Word, seeking His gifts for your edification. Take steps of faith so that you can experience the goodness of our Lord God and Saviour. Stand in the offering plate.

What God Hath Cleansed - Part 898

"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak the oracles of God. If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ -- to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 4:10-11)

Saul (who is also called Paul) filled with the Holy Ghost had just set his eyes on Elymas -- a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Barjesus. Paul said, "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?" (Acts 13:6-10)

At the time, the sorcerer was trying to stop Sergius Paulus, a prudent man and deputy of the country who desired to hear the Word of God from hearing the gospel of the kingdom. What did Paul do?

He said, "And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." Immediately, there fell on him a mist and a darkness, and he went about seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

When the deputy saw what was done, he was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord, and believed the good news gospel. He was astonished in the same way that the Gentiles in Acts "besought" to hear the same words preached to them in the synagogue on the next Sabbath. (Acts 13:26-44) 

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins , and by Him all that believe are justified from all things."  (Acts 13:26-44) 

Seek Jesus with all their heart, soul, strength and mind ... so that you too can be filled with the Holy Ghost and power according to Acts 2:38-42. Stand in the offering plate!

Hast Thou Not Known? Has Thou Not Heard? - Part 897

"Without faith it is impossible to please Him for he that comes to God must [first] believe that He is, and [second] that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him ..." (Hebrews 11:6) 

In this blog, we often refer to the spiritual benefits of diligently seeking Jesus and His righteousness. "... Seek ye the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Luke 12:31) Matthew wrote it this way: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) There are more promises in Romans chapter eight.

But my point is this. The Lord's desire is to bestow gifts upon those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Interestingly, my starting point today was found in the 40th chapter of Isaiah. The question is "Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard?" You might be thinking -- heard what? 

Isaiah writes ... Have you not known or heard "that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth faints not, neither is [He] weary. [Indeed,] He gives power to the faint ... and to them that have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary and the young men shall utterly fail ... but 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 40:28-31)

Unfortunately, in this day and age, we are forgetting to rejoice and to be thankful for all the blessings the Lord Jesus pours upon us every day. We don't take hold of the fact that we are sons and daughters of the Most High King and His desire -- for you and I -- is that we reign with our Lord God and Saviour both on earth and in heaven. 

So instead, a "form of godliness" that denies the power of our Lord is beginning to taking hold.  We have decided to play church rather than incorporate Jesus into our every day. Still, as believers our heart's desire should be to ever learn and come to the knowledge of the truth in Jesus Christ our Lord. How do we do this?

By seeking Jesus. By pressing into Jesus in everything we do. Why? "Because it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom ... a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts .. for where our treasure is, there will be your heart also." (Luke 12:31-35)

This is why Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, wrote in his second letter to Timothy: "Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." (II Timothy 1:1-2)

He desired that we stir up the gift of God which is in us by the putting on of hands "for God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (II Timothy 1:6)

He wants us to become effectual in our communications, sharing with others the glory and power of the Lord Jesus in our own lives. (Philemon 1:6)

Most of all, "be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord ... but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God -- who has saved us and called  us with an holy calling, not according to our works -- but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began ... but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (II Timothy 1:6-10)

And purposely, let the Lord stand by you and strengthen you so that His good news gospel message of His Kingdom -- the Kingdom of God and the power therein -- might be fully proclaimed to one and all. (II Timothy 4:17)  "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection." (Romans 6:5)

Praise Jesus today for the many blessings in your life. Seek His Word for your knowledge and instruction. Stand in the offering plate.