Hold Onto The Word–No Matter How It’s Obtained!

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 NIV)

In the days of the prophets–those used by God specifically to speak what God wanted them to say, they encouraged the Children of Israel to hold onto God’s Word and obey.

Beyond the prophets of old–Jesus and those who followed Him–said the same thing–hold onto the Word and obey.

Near Paul’s end, he encouraged all–not just those in Thessalonica, but all who would believe and obey the Word–whether they heard it directly from Timothy or others sent to them or by the letters he wrote to them.

Today, there is no excuse for anyone to claim they have no access to The Word. The Word is being preached on television, preached in churches on just about every corner, taught in bible studies in homes across America, and streamed on the Internet. Bloggers who are faithful Believers are constantly explicating The Word in order to break it down so all who read can and will understand. Bible apps are available for every type of digital technology, anyone could own. And yet–so many either won’t believe or obey The Word of God.

For those of us who will continue to proclaim God’s Word–we know and understand the consequences of our actions. People may not like us or follow us on social media, but God is pleased and our goal–to please God is obtained.

I’m always amazed at some who follow me on Twitter–especially when my profile clearly identifies me as a Believer and Follower of Jesus Christ. I guess some don’t bother to read the profiles or the posts before deciding to follow me and then quickly unfollow me when I post something that contradicts what they believe or rather–reveals the foolishness of unbelief in the Most High God.

The unfollows don’t bother me–I simply shake my head and smile. But no matter how many people unfollow me–I will hold fast to The Word and continue to explicate it as God directs me. If something is said that convicts others of sin and wrongdoing, Amen! The Word–if taught correctly–should convict all of sin and encourage us to live to please God, and that includes the one who writes the blog. I know what I’ve written has often hit me over the head and made me realize just how much growing in grace I have yet to do. And that’s okay–The Word–sharper than a two-edged sword–cuts going in and out. What He gives me to say is not just for those who read it, but for the one who writes it. Ouch! I’m not immune to convicting power of The Word.

Now, even though I study The Word and profess it, gladly with the least provocation–I realize just how much I have to learn. I don’t think I could live long enough to reach a place where I could legitimately think–I’ve learned it all. So, even though what I write may sting others, it has found it’s mark in me, but I will hold onto The Word, no matter how it’s obtained and allow The Word to wash me, thoroughly cleansing and igniting desire to know more.

This day, I am encouraging all to study The Word, hold onto The Word and obey and get ready to receive God’s promises, fulfilled in your lifetime.

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Are We Praying?

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:2-6 NIV)

When I think about what I might do if I was in chains, I wonder if I would have had the fortitude that Paul had. I honestly don’t know the answer to that because I’ve never been locked away from people or in chains. I can only pray that my devotion to God would enable me to do likewise.

But that’s the key–devotion–totally dedicated and committed to doing what is needful. Although most of us are appalled with the way the terrorist groups treat Christians, we must admit they are totally devoted to their goal–no matter how inhuman it is. They are so committed to accomplishing their goal they are willing to die to see it come to pass.

I don’t want to be involved with taking the life of a another human being, but wouldn’t it be great if the rest of us were as devoted to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the terrorists are in trying to decimate us?

This, then is why Paul encouraged the church at Colosse (and us) to devote ourselves to prayer–being in constant communication with God about everything that concerns us. He cautions us to be watchful–paying attention to the changes taking place around, hearing Holy Spirit when He warns us of things to come, and taking whatever action we need to take to make sure the way of the Gospel is never blocked or closed to all those who desire to hear it.

Let’s face it–we have not always heeded Paul’s advice which is why there are so many changes in our society–and not all of them good. We were not being watchful when Madeline Murray O’Hara decided that her children didn’t need to be exposed to anyone praying in schools. The Body of Christ didn’t think she’d accomplish her goal and did nothing and so today, the school systems all over the country are running amuck because open prayer is not allowed. In other words–the devil won that round. But there are still those who are devoted to praying–and students are leading prayer circles in limited situations. Hooray for the brave, bold students, but what happened to the adults who should have been fighting for the rights of all to hear and agree with the prayers?

Once again, Christian Leadership in the country failed to act on warnings by Holy Spirit and the Supreme Court has led the way for the downward spiral of morality and we shall soon see such decadent immorality that it will make our dead ancestors cringe in unbelief. Were we praying before issues reached the Supreme Court? Were we praying that our elected body of legislators would do their jobs?

Are we praying–even now–or have we become complacent and apathetic–willing to just let things take their course?

My daily prayer includes thanking God for wisdom being poured out upon every leader in this country–that they will hear from heaven and act accordingly. I’m praying that those who made the decision to legalize sin would repent and for those participating in sinful acts would repent and seek God. I thank God for the ability to love, the boldness to teach His Word, and the wisdom to know what to say and when. I thank God for inspiring me to teach my children and grandchildren to learn to please God, not man. And more importantly, I’ve taught them to seek God–communicating with Him on a daily basis–for answers to all their questions and solutions for all their problems.

Are we praying? Are we devoted to seeking God for every situation we encounter–for peace in the world and salvation for all?

Lord, give us insight to know that we will never have the answers for all the world’s problems, but You do. And when You speak to us–directing us in how to help solve them, give us an ear to hear and a made-up mind to do–just as You direct us to do, exercising Godly wisdom at all times. Thank You for loving us enough to give us chance after chance to get things right before You return. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!

Rejoice–The Lord is Near!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV)

I will rejoice, I will rejoice, I will rejoice!

Why will I be glad?  The Lord is near and His peace is guarding my heart and mind--I have no need to fear or be anxious about anything. I know when I place my concerns before Him, He will address each and everyone and respond to His child because He loves me and cares about everything concerning me!

If this is the attitude most people have in life–there would be fewer problems because we know that He is the solution to every problem. We don’t have to know the answer; we just have to know the One who has all the answers.

When we know Him–have a deeply personal relationship with Him and we know His Word–we can relax when trials and challenges rise to defeat us because we know–we have victory in Jesus! Hallelujah! Rejoice! The devil is a defeated foe! Jesus put him under our feet and now it’s our job to keep him there. Remind him of his place every time he raises his ugly head–trying to influence our thoughts, leading to destruction.

Rise up O Believers in the most High God and know that He will never leave us or forsake us. Shout with a loud voice the victory is already won!

We must speak The Word over every situation that attempts to deter or distract us from receiving God’s best! We have the power in the Holy Ghost to keep the enemy defeated, but we must know what we have in order to use it–wisely, never doubting what God has done.

When we pray, our faith must remain steadfast, even when it doesn’t “look” like God is responding. He knows our needs and our hearts desire whether we speak them or not, but He wants us to come to Him, boldly–placing our petitions before Him and expecting Him to act on our behalf.

We have a reason to rejoice in The Lord! We should be glad that He loved us enough to die for us, went into the depths of hell and fought the enemy on his turf and won, rising up from the grave with all power in His hands and then–giving that power to all who choose to believe that He is!

No matter what happens this day or the next, we need to complete this journey called life–knowing that we have a Risen Savior and through Him, we can do all things and with Him, nothing is impossible for us to achieve. We need to act like we Believe His Word on a daily basis and not just be mealy-mouthed people who say one thing, but do another.

I believe every Word of God–know and understand why He inspired men to write it–know and understand why I must love others as He loves me–know and understand why I must obey His Word and because I know and understand His purpose for my life, I can rest assured of my eternity with Him. Not that I am a perfect being, but He is a perfect God and He said, perfect love–loving unconditionally, drives out fear–so I have no need to fear what others may say or think of me.

I have victory in Jesus and I will rejoice in His love for me–and because I love Him, I will live for Him! Hallelujah! I’m declaring every promise fulfilled and completed in this life time, in Jesus’ name for every Believer who is willing to stand–never wavering, but always believing–in faith–right now and it is done!

Taught To Love By God!

“Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your life ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (I Thessalonians 4: 9-12 NIV).

Now, if we have been taught by God how to love–open to receiving His love and in hearing His voice and acting in obedience, we truly know how to love others–unconditionally.  This should be true of every Believer–no matter what banner or domination they espouse, the color of their skin, or nationality. Baptists should love Methodists and Methodists should love Catholics and Catholics should Pentecostals and Pentecostals should love Baptists–a circle of love should truly light up the world of–unbelievers because of our love for one another.

But does it happen this way? Probably not–and the reason that it probably doesn’t is because human nature dictates what we do, rather than the Spirit of God in that everyone wants to be superior to everyone else. No one is, but that doesn’t stop us from trying to be.

Time is far spent and we are closer to His return than ever before–whenever that occurs. While we yet have a chance, we should spend the time wisely, loving one another, promoting the Gospel–not gossip and rumors–so that everyone who sees and watches us will be convinced that we have been taught to love by God–unconditionally.

Loving others unconditionally does not mean we condone sin of any nature. We love the sinner and hate the sin and try by living a sinless life to convince them to love as God loves and obey Him. This is where the naysayers get it wrong. They think because we “hate sin” (all sin), that we cannot love those who sin. If God can love us in spite of our sins, who are we to deny another love? God doesn’t approve of our sin and there are consequences when we choose to sin, but He never stops loving us.

Real love–for another person–always means that we want the very best for them. No one can receive God’s best for their lives if they refuse to obey Him and when we obey Him out of love, rather than fear, He sees and rewards our faith in Him that motivates us to love Him and others.

When we love–we know how to approach others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ–with love, not aggression and violence, and browbeating. That is not to say our message should be sugar-coated, but we can indeed win more souls to Christ with kindness than we can by condemning them.

People living in sin are already condemned by their consciences–they don’t need us piling on more weight to their already heavy burden.  Look at the those who kill others and then kill themselves–their consciences troubled them enough to commit suicide. Some would say that suicide is a cowardly act–and in most cases I would agree, but even being a coward is a result of self-condemnation.

Until we learn to love ourselves–it is impossible to love others–the way God loves us. So, if we really want to learn to love, we must allow God to teach us to love–unconditionally, learn to love ourselves and then we can demonstrate the love we’ve been taught, by loving others in the same way.

Encourage One Another With These Words!

“According to the Lord’s Word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:15-18 NIV)

On a subject that not many care to discuss, but should–death. There is one reality that all must face–we are born to die, unless the Lord returns before that event occurs. However, though there is a physical death, we can look forward to rising upon His return so that we will be with Him forever.

On a secular scale–most people simply see death as a natural occurrence–and it is. But for those of us who are living a Spirit-filled life, we know that physical death is simply part of the transition to getting into heaven.

For those who are truly Believers, death should never frighten us; especially if we have lived our lives to please God. While there are those around us who are dying daily, from sickness and disease, and we’re praying–we should be mindful that when a person dies who has suffered pain and anguish, death is also a form of healing for when they are gone–their suffering ends. 

And while we miss loved ones who go before us–if they knew the Lord, we can be thankful that they, too shall reign with Him when He makes His glorious return.

For this reason–so all will rise at the sound of the trumpet and command–Believers should be a witness of God’s mercy and grace, telling all they can the Good News about the work on the Cross. When we become saved–our job is just beginning–for the Lord would have all men to be saved and once we have accepted the sacrifice Jesus made for us and are living for Him, we should want everyone we know to know the Savior who loves us. And we should keep telling the good news until we reach the stage of our own transition.

Therefore, death as a conformity of life–should not be feared, nor should we spend time grieving over much for those who have made the transition, but we should rejoice in the knowledge that one day–they shall rise and reign with us, all with The Lord. Though our hearts may hurt for a time, our spirits should soar and heal the hurt–remembering all the good things and continuing to spread the Gospel until we are finished with earthly works.

While we yet have time to do so–and we must make the most of every hour we have–we need to share the love of God and encourage all to Believe in our Risen Savior so we won’t have to be sad when they depart this earthly realm. We encourage others to get into The Word of God, develop a relationship with Him, and know that when we’re gone–they will seek The Lord for comfort and be assured of our rising from the dead upon His return–before all who are left alive–whose hearts belong to Jesus.

Therefore, when we experience consoling someone who has lost a loved one or even if we lose a loved one, encourage all with these words–their end is not The End–if they know The Lord.

Believers’ Instructions for Daily Living (Part 4)

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation” Then you will shine among them likes stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” (Philippians 2:12-16 NIV)

Did you ever think about the phrase–“when the cat is away the mice will play” and what it means? In this analogy, the cat is the authority and the mice the subservient to the cat. So, while the cat is in their presence, they do what they must do–play hide and seek to keep from being destroyed. When the cat is away–the mice roam freely and are totally unconcerned about being caught.

Some people honor the authority in their lives only when the authority is present–right there–can’t be missed. Employees will do their jobs while the boss is in their office, but if the boss is out of the office, many can hear a collective sigh of relief and most get lazy and lounge–doing absolutely nothing.

When teachers are out of their classrooms for a day or days–a substitute teacher can count on not getting anything done because the students have determined–the teacher isn’t here and we don’t have to do any work–even if work was left for them to do. I’ve heard all the stories–“the sub lost it; I didn’t know we had to turn it in, the sub didn’t give us any work, I took it home and forgot to bring it back.” Students make up so many excuses for not doing work that they could have saved themselves some time by simply doing the work.

Paul understood that when he was around, the people honored his presence and he’s commending them on doing so and encouraging them to keep on doing the right thing–whether he’s there or not. And that is what all Believers should be doing, right now. Living like we know (because it’s true) that God is present–in our midst at all times–and we should do the right thing at all times.

I know many won’t understand this because they’re thinking on a carnal level. “I can’t be good all the time.” Yes, we can. When we know God’s Word and have a relationship with Him, we can be good all the time. The thing that keeps us from being good is our flesh–when we give in to temptation to fit in with others who don’t know Him. I’m guilty–not intentionally, but guilty nonetheless. Sometimes, my flesh overrides my spirit and I’m immediately impressed by Holy Spirit that I need to repent for the things I allow to escape through my lips. “Grieve not the Holy Spirit” I hear every time I mess up. The bottom line is–I’m more careful to not mess up, but when I do, He reminds me–He’s right there and hears everything I say and sees everything I do.

The biggest problem for Believers is when they tend to act like God can’t see or is deaf. He’s always in the midst of everything we do and yes–He can see and hear it all. Now, we have a decision to make–to honor Him at all times, recognizing His presence or to act like He’s only around in church on Sundays. It’s our choice, and the world needs us to make it right now–for our time on this side of eternity is almost over and we have many souls to introduce to Jesus before He returns. Let’s do all things as unto The Lord, desiring to please Him only!

Believers’ Instructions for Daily Living (Part 3)

“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:15-20 NIV)

How many times or how many ways can those of us who know how God  wants us to live say–BE CAREFUL for the enemy is out to destroy you?

When I think about how many times I’ve heard that phrase or how many times I’ve said it, I can imagine it has been said more times than anyone could count. We hear it all the time–be careful! We tell children–be careful! We tell parents–be careful! We tell teachers–be careful!  We tell students–be careful! In all walks of life, we’re telling people to be careful–of situations, circumstances and certainly the enemy who is a master of deception and the father of liars. We tend to forget that his job is to steal, kill and destroy. And though we are told that angels are encamped around us–we still forget–to be careful.

This admonition to the saints is a standard warning–be careful how you live–especially in front of those who do not know Jesus and yet we proclaim to know Him, but those watching us–wouldn’t know it.

We are to be living epistles–read of men–daily and so it is important that they see us as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. They should not see us slipping and sliding out of motels, out of the bars, out of the strip joints, out of the casinos, or any other place we wouldn’t want exposed–as being part of our lives.  The drug dens, the whorehouses, the church where anything goes and in the midst of family gatherings that have no clue as to who Jesus is and they certainly won’t believe us–if we’re not living the life.

Living a life that is pleasing to God is not easy when flesh is always clamoring for the life we used to know. You know, the one in which we did everything to please us-before we knew what God expected of us. Oh yeah, first we have to admit where we were before we can appreciate what being in a relationship with Him really means. In order to please God, we must kill fleshly desires that are not honoring to God. We must put a muzzle over our mouths and guard our tongues. We must pay attention to the music we hear and the movies we watch or the books we read. Why? Because if our lives before Christ could be enticed again–we stand constantly in the need of forgiveness and make His sacrifice pointless. Jesus sacrificed Himself–once–for all who are willing to turn from sin and live according to God’s Word.

Every time we allow the enemy to entice us back into the pit from which we have been pulled out–we’re saying we need another savior. There is none other than Jesus who saves and we should not make His hanging on the cross a mockery simply because we refuse to discipline our flesh. We can do it–especially when we’re not on drunken binge or high from substances that will eventually clog brain cells and kill the body. If we want to get high–we should get high on Jesus–allowing Holy Spirit to fill us and guide our every move and we will have nothing to fear–no diseases, no sickness, no judgment–just thanksgiving to God for all He has done!

 

(more to come)

 

Believers’ Instructions for Daily Living (Part 2)

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:6-11 NIV).

What are empty words? I can think of a few–political correctness, alternative lifestyles, inclusiveness, living in the moment, just do it, it’s about me, no pain-no gain, God doesn’t care what we do, and the list could go on and on. The fact of the matter is–God cares very much about what we and what we say.

Jesus said, “let your yea be yea and your nay be nay–for anything more is sin.” In other words, our communication with one another should be concise and specific. We should say what we mean and mean what we say.

How many times have people been hurt when they discover the object of their affection–the one who claimed to love them–doesn’t really love them. In fact, they have demonstrated repeatedly that they don’t love themselves and if people can’t love themselves, they certainly can’t love someone else. But they said, “I love you.” Did they even know what that four letter word means? If they used it to persuade or entice to get someone to do something they normally wouldn’t, they are empty words.

Young girls are enticed into having sex with males (and females) when someone says, “I love you.” The same is true for some males when enticed by other males. ALL SEXUAL ACTIVITY OUTSIDE OF GOD-DEFINED MARRIAGE IS SIN! Just wanted to make sure this point is made before I go any further. And for those who want to debate the point, try debating with someone who doesn’t know God. I know Him and I will not debate what He has said since it is so clearly defined and graphically described.

People have been enticed into committing crimes with those words, “I love you.” There are a number of people sitting in jail cells right now because they did something stupid for someone else who led them to believe, they loved them.

People who really love others would not do anything to cause the object of their affection any grief. They certainly wouldn’t want them spending time in prison or in having an incurable sexually-transmitted disease. That’s not love–that’s self-hatred and self-gratification based on fleshly desires.

People who love others wouldn’t encourage anyone to drink and drive or to drive under the influence of any substance. People who love understand consequences–for every action, there is a consequence, whether it is positive or negative. But people who really love others–know this.

Know that the devil loves to use “empty words” to entice and snare those who are unaware of how he works. He has no problem deliberately, miscuing meanings and concepts of words and he’s doing a bang up job deceiving those who believe that same-sex marriage is anything but sin. If in fact, there is any value to the term, there would be no need to define by using the phrase, “same-sex” because God-defined marriage is intended to produce children and in this setting–no children can be produced (they can be adopted–not produced) by the process God intended to use.

Emptiness–having a void that needs to be filled and unfortunately, many people fill the voids in their lives by listening to the enemy who certainly does not love them and is using them for his purposes–to destroy mankind. Don’t be deceived–fill your time with study in The Word and in communication with the Father–who knows best for all of His Children.

 

(more to come)

Believers’ Instructions for Daily Living!

“Follow God’s example, therefore as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But AMONG YOU there must not be even a hing of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person–such a person is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians 5:1-5 NIV)

In every letter Paul writes to the churches, he encourages those who belong to God to live like God would have them to live–using God as an example for living on a daily basis. Notice–he is writing to the churches–explaining how Christians (or rather Believers) should live for he knows that those outside of the Body of Christ will not heed his advice.  If they did listen, they would be included in the Body.

This very simple understanding is key for all Believers–God inspired men to write what He said in order to perfect the lives of those who would believe. If people choose not to believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word, that is their prerogative and they can be assured that they don’t have to believe, but the consequences and the judgment shall be the same for all–Believers and unbelievers. For God is not a respecter of persons–when judgment comes–it rains upon all, saved and sinner alike.

Even though most of us want to see everyone we know saved, it is not our job to try to make people believe. If they are not convinced by The Word, and we are not living examples of The Word, then we will be held accountable for what we do, not what they do.

It is absolutely pointless to debate The Word with an unbeliever. Although many may say they don’t believe God, deep down they know there is force more superior to themselves that holds all power in His hands, they simply choose to be arbitrary about it. And those who profess to believe in science alone–they say so because they do not understand the role of science. Science attempts to explain the existence of things or how they work. God created all that exists and determined how all things would work before man could even coin the term, “science.” This is not to say there is no value in what scientists do because there is great value in what they do. However, until they create all that God created from nothing--they are not gods, but instruments in the hand of God–when they heed Him–led to discovery and invention, not creation.

The directions Paul gives are clear–for Believers–we should not indulge in sexual immorality (and we know all that is referenced for we know our Father); we should not indulge in obscene behavior or conversation; we should not indulge in unwholesome joking (don’t pretend you don’t know what he’s talking about); and greed should never be part of our lives. For if we indulge in these things and do not repent–turning completely away from them–we will not enter into the promised eternity–living in heaven with Christ Jesus.

Are these instructions for you or someone else? The Believer–who is in relationship with God, understands God’s Word and the role of Jesus Christ coming down from heaven–knows the truth. And when we know truth, we should live truth and encourage others to do likewise.

(More to come)

Heirs of The Most High God!

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his suffering in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8: 14-17 NIV)

When parents adopt children they have the same rights as those who are the biological children of the same parents–at least in the families who actually have something to leave to their children.

Those of us who have been adopted into the kingdom of God, understanding that God our Father, has by His Spirit brought us into a right of inheritance with Jesus and all others who are now His children, have an inheritance and right to enter into heaven to reign with Him.

No longer can any group of people claim to have exclusive rights to our Heavenly Father. For all who have been adopted by the Spirit of the Living God, have equal rights as joint-heirs–no one superior or inferior to another. Hallelujah! I am a child of God!

Now–all of God’s children, should know how their Father wants to them to conduct themselves in the presence of Him and others. We should know and understand that His commands are for our protection–not to just keep us from having fun as some would think. As good parents establish rules to protect those they love–so has God and if we can receive the rules of human parents, why can’t we receive the commands of the One who created all things–including humanity.

Within every family, all who belong have a responsibility to the family. Parents have a responsibility to the children and the children have a responsibility to the parents and the household. Most children are raised with established guidelines and chores to make sure that no one is overly burdened by having to do all the work of maintaining a home.

The Body of Christ is the family to whom we all have a responsibility. When we operate in the gifts given and do our part within the Body, we eliminate the burden of any one person or group having to get the job done. What is the job we must do? We must promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ, creating an avenue for all to receive and accept the Work on the Cross and bring them into the family. Once they are brought into the family, we are to teach them as our Father as taught us to do all things to His glory. Even if we are persecuted for our faith–we stand firm in our identity with Christ and allow no one to move us from the inheritance we know in Him–eternity with Him.

It does not matter what the masses do when they rebel against God–they too will have an eternity, but it won’t be with Him since if they are not His children; they have no right of inheritance to all He has promised those who are His.

If we get beyond thinking–that God’s children must act like those in the world, whose father is Satan–then we could accomplish all that God would have us do and we would know success in all things. If we are God’s children, then let us act like His–being the light that draws others to Him–exposing the deeds of darkness.

I am a joint-heir with Christ Jesus and I will not allow political correctness or any other foolishness to entice me into losing my inheritance of eternity with Him. I am an Heir of the Most High God–His precious daughter and I will not relinquish my relationship with Him to appease others.