When Ye Shall Search For Me With All Your Heart, Saith The Lord, Ye Shall Find Me - Part 2528

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," saith the Lord, "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Here is the Lord our God reassuring us that the thoughts He has toward us (His plan) or purpose for us are thoughts of peace. And herein, Jeremiah (an old testament prophet) is revealing how this same Lord God -- the  Author of peace wants to fill our hearts to overflowing (till our souls bubble over with His love and joy) because He has (from the very beginning) had our best interests in mind. Indeed, the proof of how much He loves us is found in the cross, wherein He shed His precious, holy blood so that we might have abundant life in Him -- when God became our Saviour.

His name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)  

Psalm 35:27 tells us that He takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servants. Imagine the same Spirit of the Lord God who spoke the earth and all creation into being thinking of us as the apple of His eye. Why? Because we are His beloved. He created us in His image and as such, He loves us beyond measure. He wants nothing but the best for His people. 

Moreover, He wants to give us an expected end -- His purpose and love flowing through us to others so that He receives fruit into His kingdom. His banner over His body of Christ church being love, joy and peace. Thus, in essence, we can expect great things. Our vision doesn't have to be connected to the material things of this world, because His purpose is one that He placed in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb -- His ultimate plan wherein we can be at peace, knowing He is leading and guiding us.

Know too that He created us in His image, but totally unique in this world. One of a kind -- our eyes and fingerprints as evidence of our distinct uniqueness in Him. In fact, there is no copy of what we should look like -- and I believe, intentionally so -- in order that we could become more like Jesus. 

The One whose desire is to commune with His people. 

Equally important, His thoughts toward us are not of evil. He assures us that when we shall call upon Him, communing in a personal relationship with Him -- God our Saviour -- He opens the windows of heaven for His people. This is why it is so critical that we choose to seek the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength because we have heard (and responded to) His call -- the "hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) 

And, as a consequence, we are no longer beholden to the world because we know we can call on Him for our sustenance -- our daily bread -- for Jesus is the Bread of Life. We are assured from His Word that we can take our counsel from the Lord and He will never fail us. He is the author of promise -- and in fact, so many promises that when we are in perfect alignment with God's will, we can be assured that our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. 

Still, we are given a choice -- whether to continue along the world's path, declining into spiritual bankruptcy (where our souls inwardly sigh under the weight of worldly burdens) or instead, to search for His spiritual prosperity where we can know the Rock which is Jesus. You see, the caveat in Jeremiah 29 is -- "search for Me with all your heart!" 

Or as Jesus said, "Seek and ye shall find; knock and the door will be opened!"

Yes, the Lord Jesus is inviting us into His fold today. The great Shepherd is inviting us to partake at His wedding feast wherein He is the bridegroom that is calling. To this day, He is still inviting us to "come" -- come and dine at His table.

If you haven't already, today is the day to ask Jesus to be both Lord and Christ in your life. Ask Him to lead and guide you away from the shifting sands of this world (where the standard is a continual moving target) to the Rock -- the Rock which is Christ Jesus -- wherein we can stake our lives on Him .. on His goodness; His abundance of love; His mercy and grace. 

If you have made a decision to follow Jesus, take the time to read Acts 2:36-41. This is the salvation message given by Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost -- wherein the first 3,000 souls saved on the new testament side of the cross entered into the body of Christ church. 

Some other scriptures for your edification?

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love." (I John 4:18)

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15)

"... but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (I Peter 3:15)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Let Us Come Before His Presence With Thanksgiving, And Make A Joyful Noise Unto Him With Psalms - Part 2527

Jesus said, "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30) 

Making an observation may help to clarify this discussion. God fathered all His children in a son’s body saying that you must be born again of water and of His Spirit to be a member of the body of Christ. What is it that the scriptures say? He that has the Son has life. God was in Christ. Jesus said, "He that has seen Me has seen the Father, and know Him." (John 14:6-12)

Indeed, as Jesus stated repeatedly, I am in the Father and the Father is in Me.

Moreover, God explained His status numerous times when He dwelt here on earth. The Father sent the son to be the Saviour of the world. The Spirit of God was manifest in the flesh as a son. And all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Jesus. Even more so, how many times did the scriptures state the Word was veiled in flesh, a body have you prepared for Me?

"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) 

If we look at this from our own personal experience, we must recognize that God has given us a body. But in essence, you and I are spirits veiled in a body. Whether we are fathers or mothers, all of our children appear in the body of a son or daughter. To some extent, our word too was veiled in the flesh with all our fullness - whether as a son, father or spirit. The word within us required a body. The word manifest in a son or daughter's body. It is our spirit speaking through our body. The body without the spirit would be dead.

So, in reflecting upon our own life, are we three persons? These three persons co-existent, co-equal as the man-made religious institutions and creeds would have us believe. This, unfortunately, is the message advanced by trinitarians or triad believers who believe God had three heads, and they fight over who will be in authority when. And that you are indeed three distinct and separate persons but all in one. Does this even make sense? 

Of course not because we in one body have revealed ourselves as a son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, individual male or individual female. In these varying capacities, we voice our opinions and commentary in the same respective roles - as a son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, individual male or individual female - and all from the same body. But as one. Remember, God made us in His own image.

Another way to look at this is from the perspective of who is speaking? Isn't it your spirit life that was prompting you to speak? For the body could not live without the spirit. You and I accomplish all of this as a son or daughter in the flesh ,and yet we dare to think that God was incapable of revealing Himself to mankind in a like manner. Much learning has made them mad. 

The Lord Almighty had this to say. "I am the first, the last, the only God. There is no other God beside Me."

So, is there any other god? A trinity of three persons? A tri-une god? 

The very first commandment teaches us to -- "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord" -- in both Deuteronomy 6:4 and Mark 12:29-31) So why have we forgotten the very principles that God has taught us -- In the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) 

He has made all things when the earth was without form, and void -- the firmament, the waters divided into Seas, the fruit yielding fruit after his kind, and the two great lights -- the greater to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. (Genesis 1:1-23) 

And yet, if we listen to the religious, they would have us believe )from the creeds, catechisms, traditions of men) that this same God who virtually spoke paradise into existence for our enjoyment, shedding His precious, holy blood so that we might have life, could not have done this by Himself. He needed two other gods beside Him. What do the scriptures state? To come out from among these heathen teachings so that He can receive you -- the One and Only God who willingly became our Saviour. (I Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9; Titus 3:4-7; Revelation 1:8, 11) 

Indeed, the Holy Spirit of God who was in the man Christ Jesus who loved/loves us so much that He laid down His own life as a son to birth us out of the house of Adam’s fallen race. Our Saviour. Jesus is His name. The name above every other name. (Philippians 2:9) The only name whereby we must be saved in this current dispensation of grace. (Acts 4:12)

Thus, whether He portrays Himself in the scriptures as a father, son or spirit, He is still (and always was) the one God over all who loves all who adore the Lord Jesus. He is the true light that enlightens every man and woman  that is born into this world.

"For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods, In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His and He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart ..." (Psalm 95:2-8)

Peace to all who are in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

For The Earth Is The Lord's And The Fulness Thereof - Part 2526

"What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory ... but not before God. For what saith the scripture: Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4:1-3)

Apostle Paul herein is writing to the beloved of God, called to be saints in Rome. Note that these saints are still alive -- not dead one hundred years before earning the title of saints - as some man-made religions like to declare. Paul also declares himself "a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God." (Romans 1:1)

This gospel of God (the definition of godliness according to I Timothy 3:16) is the same gospel which He promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures concerning His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. As we read in the prophets, God prepares for Himself a body so that He can bring us salvation. For unto us a child is born. (Isaiah 9:6) "The Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23) And that will happen on the day that God came forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13)

"And He shall pass through Judah; He shall overflow and go over, He shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of His wings shall fill the beneath of Thy land, O Immanuel." (Isaiah 8:8)

"And His breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity ... and the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of His arm." (Isaiah 30:28-30)

Again, the good news gospel of God wherein He robed Himself in flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have abundant and eternal life in Him. His name in this current dispensation of grace - JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

"... which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh ... and 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 1:1-6)

Thus, we are not receive God's gift of salvation by/through good works but we do know that good works will flow through those who believe. We also know that the promise, that Abraham should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. (Romans 4:13)

Why is the promise of salvation not through the law? Paul states, "For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect .. because the law works wrath; for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore, it is of faith, that it might be of grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all (as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations) before Him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were ... [and] who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be." (Romans 4:14-18)

You see, Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, even though physically he was 100 years of age. Rather, Abraham was fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was also able to perform. And for this reason, it was imputed to him for righteousness.

But Paul makes it clear that it was not imputed to Abraham's sake alone or that it was imputed to him only, but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25)

"But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and [therefore] the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:5-6)

"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)

He shed His precious holy blood on a cross so that you and I could be redeemed -- so that we no longer had to search elsewhere for that healing of our soul. Indeed, Jesus paid the price once and for all so that we might have abundant life in Him.

His plan of salvation -- "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (I Peter 2:25)

Stand in the offering plate.

Go; Make; Baptize; Receive: Sharing The Good News Message - Part 2525

"The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord; and Thy saints shall bless Thee. They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, and talk of Thy power; to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations." (Psalm 145:8-13)

So many times, we forget how merciful, how gracious, how long-suffering the Lord God our Saviour is -- how abundant He is in goodness and truth; keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving our iniquities and transgressions -- to the point of clearing the guilty. Slow to anger because His love is abundant and beyond measure for His creation -- you and I.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," saith the Lord, "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)

As a consequence, we have been allotted a mission statement -- to go and preach the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all of creation. In bringing those who are lost to our beloved Saviour, we are to feed them with the meat -- His sustenance -- so that these too can become disciples of Jesus. An example of what this looks like can be seen when Saul met the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul (breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord) was intent on binding any believers he had found as he journeyed back to Jerusalem.

On the way, Saul was blinded by the light of the Lord. Those that accompanied him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. (Acts 9:1-7) As instructed, these men took Saul to Ananias, who made sure that Saul was baptized, strengthened with the meat, receiving his sight, and being filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 9:8-19)

Interestingly, it was important for Saul to be baptized. Water baptized. In the same way, that throughout the new testament we are instructed to repent, and be water baptized every one of us in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins -- so that we too can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)

The great commission (as Matthew 28:19 is often referred) speaks of going into the world and teaching all nations. The two verbs going and teaching. There is a responsibility attached to these -- instructions that will help us to occupy until He comes. But there is a third verb -- baptizing. Just like Saul, we are to be baptized in the water. Just like the other apostles, we are to be water baptized. And as Peter (standing with the eleven) said on the day of Pentecost, those of us who believe that this same Jesus is both Lord and Christ are to repent, and be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that we shall receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)

In the name. The same name of Jesus which we pray and stand in the gap for others. The same name whereby the Lord heals all who come to Him. The same name used for casting out devils. The name that is above every other name. (Philippians 2:9) And the only name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) And the same precious, holy name whereby every single believer in the new testament (after the cross) were baptized. Water baptized.

So the next time some religion tells you that water baptism is not necessary (or delivers a contrary message to the scriptures such as water baptism is not the answer of a good conscience toward God as outlined in I Peter 3:21), ask them how then does one become clothed in His righteousness, with His garment of love and peace making you/us complete?

"Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41)

Yes, in the name. The name which the angel of the Lord gave when ushering in the new testament. That is, "Ye shall call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

All the way through the new testament, those who believed were water baptized. And after the cross, believers were water baptized in the name that God our Saviour has given His people in this current dispensation of grace.

For other scriptures on water baptism, study Romans 6:3-4; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:5; Acts 8:36; Acts 22:16. Recognize that Jesus too was baptized as an example to us. (Matthew 3:13-14) Indeed, in Mark 16:16, Jesus said, "... he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned."

And then know that we (having received His grace and mercy, His kindness, the One who is  and slow to anger, abundant in grace and truth) we share His good news gospel with those who have still to meet Jesus face to face -- the King of kings and Lord of lords.

More to come. Stand in the offering plate. 

Imagine Waiting Eight Days For The Lord Jesus To Appear - Part 2524

But Thomas, one of the twelve called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus first appeared. The other disciples therefore said unto him, "We have seen the Lord." (John 20:24-25)

Many of us have heard of Thomas in the scriptures -- also known as 'doubting Thomas.' The circumstances in John 20 is that the risen Jesus has appeared to Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses and the mother of Zebbeddee's children, and Salome. Remember, they had come with spices to put on Jesus' body in the tomb. When the women arrived, the tomb had been rolled away. Jesus' resurrection occurred at the end of the sabbath -- on the first day of the week. (Matthew 28:1; John 20:1; Mark 15:40-41, 47; John 16:9; Luke 23:49; Matthew 27:55-5) Jesus was in the tomb for the same amount of time that Jonah was in the belly of the fish -- three days and three nights. (Matthew 12:39)

By now, Jesus has also appeared to His disciples, who were glad when they saw the Lord. (John 20:20) The disciples had been in a building with the doors shut -- for fear of the Jews -- when the risen Jesus came and stood in the midst. Jesus said unto them, "Peace, be unto you!" (John 20:19; John 14:27) Indeed, Jesus says, "Peace be unto you!" several times in the course of this meeting. He also saith unto them, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22)

As an aside, Jesus said earlier that the Holy Ghost could not come whilst He was still clothed in flesh. But He said that when the Comforter is come, whom He will send unto them from the Father -- the Spirit of truth  -- which proceeds from the Father, "He shall testify of Me, and ye also shall bear witness because ye have been with Me from the beginning." (John 15:26-27; John 14:26) But I digress somewhat.

Nevertheless, in enters Thomas, and the disciples tell him that they have seen the Lord. Imagine what Thomas could be thinking at this point. That he missed seeing the Lord? That's certainly a possibility. But in this case, what he was thinking on the inside came out. As we learn from this account in the scriptures, Thomas said to the disciples, "Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." (John 20:25)

An interesting statement -- given that Thomas was one of Jesus' disciples. I can only imagine what he was thinking. Not just in that particular moment but as we can see from the scriptures, in the eight long days he had to consider what he said -- before Jesus would appear again. During that time, Thomas must have wondered how the Lord received his words -- that he did not believe that Jesus has risen until he could put his own finger into the print of His nails, and his own hand in His side.

Consider too how Jesus' disciples would have received his comment? We can all think of groups of people and their reaction when a comment like this  -- "except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails ... I will not believe." In some cases, there would be a loud gasp. Although not stated here, that could have been a reality as well.

Remember, Thomas was one of the twelve disciples. Thomas had walked with Jesus, witnessed the many miracles, the signs and wonders, and watched people's lives around him transformed. Thomas had heard the life giving words of Jesus, listened as He shared  parables, watched Jesus throw the moneychangers out of the temple, and saw Jesus walking on the water.

But now, as we see, Thomas was adamant that he could not believe that Jesus appeared to the disciples until he had his own personal experience with the Lord. So again, for eight long days, Thomas and Jesus' disciples had time to consider Thomas' words. Watch what happens next!

Thankfully, after eight days when again His disciples were within (including Thomas this time) Jesus stood in the midst and said, "Peace be unto you!"

Then turning to Thomas, Jesus said, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side; and be not faithless but believing." (John 20:27)

Think about this for a moment. Jesus would have known what Thomas had said earlier to His disciples. He would have known the disciples' reaction and how they must have prayed. Indeed, Jesus would have searched Thomas heart ... and that he wouldn't believe --  and yet Jesus forgave Him and loved him anyway.

This is the kind of God we serve. A Lord God who loved us enough to willingly shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I, knowing that without the shedding of His precious, holy blood, there could be no plan of salvation for His people. No forgiveness for our sins. No grace when we make mistakes.

But what we are witnessing here with Thomas is the second chance Jesus gave Thomas ... that much needed second chance for Thomas to believe. "Be not faithless," saith the Lord to Thomas, "but believing."

The same Jesus that Thomas had journeyed with for years -- but now risen -- was asking Thomas to believe. What was Thomas response? Thomas now understood who the risen Jesus was - and as Thomas stated, "my Lord and my God!" (John 20:29; Isaiah 7:14; I Timothy 3:17; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:10-11)

And for this, Jesus said unto him, "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed. Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

From another place -- "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [Him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the salvation of [your] souls, of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow." (I Peter 1:8-11)

It's safe to say that Thomas got to witness the glory that should follow ... after thrusting his hand into Jesus' side. And that very same message is being extended unto you and I this day. That is, be not faithless but believing. Take hold of the King of kings and Lord of lords in your life today -- the risen Jesus who loves you for who you are -- and does so beyond measure. He has a purpose for you. And He is willing to lead and guide you into His peace and joy and love.

Stand in the offering plate.

Where The Spirit Of The Lord Is, There Is Liberty - Part 2523

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."(Galatians 3:26-28)

There are many who desire the new testament to be an extension or an add-on to the old testament. In that mindset, we would still be under the Law -- not only the ten commandments but the 612 laws given to the Israelites. These include the ordinances and sacrifices referred to in Hebrews 9.

The good news -- as we learn from studying the scriptures is that the new testament is not the old plus some extra instructions for us to chore away at, but rather the Lord Himself doing a brand new thing -- wherein we can be saved by His grace and mercy and love.

In the old testament, the Lord speaks His Word through the prophets. One such prophet is Isaiah who writes, "Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." (Isaiah 42:9)

In the new testament, He shares His salvation message -- "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17)

This same Jesus who was crucified has risen. Indeed, death could never hold the King of kings and Lord of lords. Moreover, the apostles on the day of Pentecost identified this same Jesus "whom ye have crucified" as both Lord and Christ. And John in his vision on the isle of Patmos speaks of Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.

Therein, Jesus states, "I will make all things new!" (Revelation 21:5; Revelation 1:8; Acts 2:36)

As we also know from Hebrews 9, the Holy Ghost thus 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 make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience [which stood] only in meats and drinks, and diverse washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation." (Hebrews 9:8-10)  

Therefore, the new -- the way into the holiest of all could not be made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. 

Apostle Paul explains it this way -- "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." (II Corinthians 3:13-15) 

The good news? "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." (II Corinthians 3:17)

Continuing in Isaiah, the Lord declares that He is the Lord, and besides Him there is no other. And when we come to Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (His Name JESUS in this current new testament dispensation of grace) we understand that there are no other gods but Him. No other Saviour could save us from our sin. No other redeemer loved us enough to shed His precious, holy blood on a cross for you and I. (Acts 20:28; Titus 3:4-7; II Corinthians 5:19) 

"Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, AM the Lord; and beside Me there is no Saviour. I have declared, and have saved and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "that I am God." Yea, before the day was I am He; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand: I will work, and who shall let it?"

"Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, "For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. I AM the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King." Thus saith the Lord, which makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters; which brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honour Me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen. This people have I formed for Myself; they shall shew forth My praise.

But thou hast not called upon Me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of Me, O Israel. Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

"I, even I, am He that blots out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put Me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou may be justified. Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against Me. Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches." (Isaiah 43:1-28)

There is so much to understand herein but the takeaway is that each and every one of us have been invited to "Come" unto our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ and experience His abundant love in our lives. And when we do, our hearts and minds change to the point wherein we willingly make the Lord Jesus our all in all. Meditate on these things in the days ahead.

Stand in the offering plate.

Hear Ye The Word Of The Lord, And Be Blessed - Part 2522

For when the holy Spirit of truth is come, He shall lead and guide you into all truth. He shall bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever "I have said to you." For another foundation can no man lay, other than that which has been laid. This is why Jesus the Christ is the cornerstone and His chosen apostles are the foundation. For the apostles by His holy Spirit have expounded to us the first principles of the doctrines of Christ. It also explains why the Word was given of God. The Word sent to us -- written and confirmed of God -- so that no man can deceive those who believes that the written gospel is indeed the Word of God.

For there are many who have departed from this faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils who deceive people simply because new believers have not read the scriptures and discerned the teachings for themselves. Therefore, we ought to give more earnest heed to the things which we have both seen and heard lest at any time we should let them slip away too. For if this gospel is hid it is hid to them that are lost because of their unbelief. Unfortunately, many unbelievers stagger at the simplicity of faith being exercised in the Word of God!

Still, God has a people which He foreknew even before anything was created. That's right. God foreordained a people to be His elect chosen of God! He did so because God is the Father of all spirits. He is the Alpha and Omega -- likened to a potter. As as a potter, God creates one vessel to honour while another vessel dishonours but each vessel of itself fitted of God to serve whatever purpose is required. In unfolding the universe, God orchestrates all things after the counsel of His own will. That said, no one has been His counsellor.

But God is not unrighteous. Neither is He unmerciful. God has chosen to create a visible kingdom -- visible in all ways and yet similar to His unseen (to us) spiritual kingdom. ‘Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." The things which are created visibly display the power and majesty of God so that all men are without excuse for their willing denial of God’s presence. For it is in God that we all live and move and have our being. God is altogether merciful toward man and is long suffering to man’s foolishness and willing ignorance.

This is why we read in Genesis that man was made in God’s image a visible expression of God to be manifest in a body of flesh whilst the life within man displays the inward life outwardly. We also read here that Adam was a created son of God. Adam sinned the sin of disobedience and was put forth into a world outside of the garden of Eden with a death penalty resulting from disobedience. Adam was forewarned not to partake of a certain fruit. However, setting himself apart from the Word of God, Adam brought upon himself the wages of disobedience which is spiritual and physical death. As Adam’s offspring, we inherit the penalty which is why there is none righteous in the world today. No, not one.

But God did not plan to leave us helpless in this state. God loved His creation. Even though it appears that God had lost the battle resulting through the craftiness of the devil in beguiling Adam to indulge in disobedience, the battle was not lost as we know from the New Testament today. God planted into Eve a pure SEED adding that, ‘this SEED of the woman would bruise the serpent’s head ( power)’ for in this SEED will all the nations of the earth through the exercise of faith. 

Be blessed. Stand in the offering plate.

Keeping Oil In Our Lamps, Keep Them Burning - Part 2521

"And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, "Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell." And he answered, "Go ye." And one said, "Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants." And he answered, "I will go."

So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, "Alas, master! for it was borrowed." And the man of God said, "Where fell it?" And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, "Take [it] up to thee." And he put out his hand, and took it ..." (II Kings 6:1-6 King James)

Because some say the King James version is too difficult to read, they've opted for rewritten versions (like the NIV) that the authors then copyright and make money on. Thus, for clarity, I looked at this same scripture from II Kings 6:1-6 in the New International version to see if it differed. Interestingly, less words but noticeable changes. From the NIV:

"The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.”And he said, “Go.” Then one of them said, “Won’t you please come with your servants?” “I will,” Elisha replied. And he went with them.

They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water. “Oh no, my lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!” The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. “Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it." (II Kings 6:1-6 NIV)

What do you see? What I find most interesting (and likely those who work in the construction sector would as well) is how the notable beam used for building a larger place for them to stay (a beam in the KJV) is reduced to a pole. But didn't the sons of the prophets (not "company of prophets" as the NIV states) begin cutting down wood/trees when they arrived in Jordan? Unless of course, the re-writers were thinking of a tent, wouldn't it be difficult to make a pole from a tree?

Moving forward, the other notable point between the translated and the revisionist version is that in the first. Elisha the prophet simply tells the servant to "take [the axe head that had fallen in the water] up to thee!" But in the NIV, the miracle of finding the axe head was attributed to Elisha -- for making the axe head float.

The question then -- who performed the miracle? Is it Elisha or the Lord God Almighty? 

Most certainly, I know the answer to that question but I have to wonder why the authors of the NIV did not, particularly given the history between Elijah and Elisha (son of Shaphat) -- "when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee." And Elisha said, "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy s/Spirit be upon me." (II Kings 2:9) 

Elisha wanted the same Spirit of the Lord God to be upon him too, but a double portion. Therefore, it would be safe to say that it was the double portion of the Spirit of the Lord God that lifted that axe head out of the water, and not Elisha. Further, the events that followed made it apparent. 

"And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, "The s/Spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha." And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him." (II Kings 2:15)

What else should we know?

Well, in II Kings 2:22, the waters were healed according to Elisha's saying. This happened just after the waters parted so Elisha could cross. (II Kings 2:15) And some time later -- "Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, "Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou know that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen." 

What does Elisha ask the woman? "What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house?" And she said, "Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil." And Elisha instructs the woman what to do with the oil -- to sell the oil and pay the debt, and live thou with thy children on what remains. (II Kings 4:1-2) 

In fact, there are many more miraculous occurrences in Elisha's life. But the rationale for referring to II Kings 6:1-6 is two-fold: first, to focus on Elisha's faith, and second, to obtain clarity from the scriptures through a "translated" Bible -- wherein, each word is translated into the english language. But I digress somewhat. 

Certainly, Elisha knew in whom he served. Elisha knew that when he stepped out by faith, that the Spirit of the Lord God was with him, and upon him, and would bring forward the necessary miracles. 

Moving forward until today -- we who proclaim to believe in the risen Jesus by faith, and have been water baptized in His precious, holy name according to Acts 2:36-41 should have some idea of what that double portion of the Spirit of the Lord w/c/should look like manifesting in our own lives -- "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." (I Corinthians 2:4)  

As we know, apostle Paul writes extensively on the gifts of the Holy Ghost -- the same Spirit of the Lord God that was in the old testament, still desiring to dwell within us, so He can comfort us, strengthen us, edify us, teach us, and guide our steps. His invitation asking us to "Come" extends to the last page of Revelation, indicating how very much the Lord God loved us -- to willingly become our Saviour. 

As we grow in the faith, we begin to understand how much the Lord Jesus wants to flow through us -- giving to each and every one of us His gifts, the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Not just one but as the scriptures state --"severally as He will." (I Corinthians 12:11)  How do we know? Apostle Paul would not have us ignorant concerning spiritual. Thus, Paul explains the diversities of gifts, operations, and the differences of operations, aides, that are gifted to us when we focus on the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

And this manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Did you catch that? The same Spirit of the Lord God that Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion from -- is the One and Same Holy Ghost who wants to pour out His Spirit on you. 

So, what are these gifts? From I Corinthians 12, these include:

The word of wisdom; the word of knowledge; faith; the gifts of healing; the working of miracles; prophecy; discerning of spirits; divers kinds of tongues (tongues of men and tongues of angels); the interpretation of tongues. These are in addition to aides, prophecy [preaching the good news gospel]; administrations, offerings, and operations.  All these gifts are given by that one and selfsame Spirit. 

And the same Spirit will ensure that within the body of Christ church, there will be apostles, and prophets, and teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are we all one and the same, like cardboard cutouts? Of course not. But we are made in His image and He knows what we need even before we ask. Nevertheless, an important component of receiving is that our hearts desire spiritual gifts.

Apostle Paul reaffirms that we who believe are to covet earnestly the best gifts, not forgetting charity -- where we flow through the love of the Lord Jesus to one another. 

One final point, Paul writes, "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (I Corinthians 12:3; John 13:13; I John 4:2-3) 

That should provide some further study of the scriptures this day. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Be Ye Transformed By The Renewing Of Your Mind, That Ye May Prove The Acceptable And Perfect Will Of God - Part 2520

"If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." (I Corinthians 9:12-14)

We are the temple of God, the temple of the very same God who willingly became our Saviour. And when He dwells within, we can do all things through Him which strengthens us. His name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace -- "For He shall save His people from their sins!" (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Following are some scriptures concerning our bodies -- which is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in us - when we come to Jesus. Meditate on these verses, understanding that we are bought with a price -- a hefty price -- wherein God prepared for Himself a body so that we might experience abundant life (and love!) in Him.  

"What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s." (I Corinthians 6:19-20) 

Jesus referred to His body being a temple, and when we have taken on the precious, holy Name of the Lord Jesus in water baptism (according to Acts 2:36-41)and we are filled with His holy Spirit, our body becomes the temple of God.

Why? Because the risen Lord Jesus has clothed us in His righteousness. Just as God placed His name on the temple in Jerusalem (I Kings 8:29), and placed His name on the temple of Jesus’ body (Matthew 1:21-23, John 5:43), He also places His name on each and every one of us -- who declare His name -- as the temple of God.

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

"That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My name is called," saith the Lord, "who does all these things." (Acts 15:17)

"Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (James 2:7)

Just as God’s Spirit dwelt within the temple in Jerusalem in the days of Solomon (II Chronicles 5:14), God’s Spirit dwelt in the temple of Jesus’ body (John 1:1, 14, Colossians 2:9), God’s Spirit also dwells in us as the temple of God.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (I Corinthians 3:16-17)

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (II Corinthians 6:16)

"What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

Just as the temple in Jerusalem was a place of sacrifice (II Chronicles 7:12), Jesus body was a place of (was the) sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews 9:26), our body as the temple of God is a place of sacrifice.

"... 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: n whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:20-22)

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)

Stand in the offering plate.

Enter Into The Holiest Of All Which Has Now Been Made Manifest For You and I - Part 2519

" ... so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:1-28)

From Hebrews 9:

"Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; and over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 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; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that he should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:1-28)

"... but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."

Stand in the offering plate.