Carl Stevens Devotions Page 3

Deuteronomy 1:27

In the midst of a spiritual defeat, the children of Israel all went to their own tents (1 Samuel 4:10). Notice that they were defeated and retreated. Also notice, in Deuteronomy 1:27, that the children of Israel murmured in their own tents. To have your own tent is in no way unscriptural; however, it is wrong to use your tent as a substitute for the place of fellowship or as a place to express rebellion toward God´s plan.

The children of Israel, while they were in the wilderness, said, "Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt." Where was the place of their expression? In their tents. So often people retreat to their private chambers, to their private and trusting friends, to relate nothing less than communication of Adam´s rebellion in their hearts toward God and His provision of grace. Why did God bring us out into the desert? Simply, so that all the things we needed would be provided by God and not the world. The problem, however, is the tendency to withdraw instead of drawing near. We ought to give a special place to praise and thanksgiving in the heat of the trial. If we express Corporate Body victory in our tent among our families and peers, then there is no question about that expression in the corporate assembly. Our own tent must be nothing less than a place for Christ.

Psalms 136-138

II Peter 1:4

The "exceeding great and precious promises" of God to his children include every provision necessary for the believer to partake of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The Father is the source of all power, the Son is the expression of the Father, and our earthen vessels are used to manifest Him to the world.

These godly characteristics are produced in our human nature, not in our sin nature. We possess both. Experiential victory increases from faith to faith and from promise to promise as God's divine life literally merges with the believer's human nature. Through the promises, the filling of the Holy Spirit, and a child-like response of faith in our hearts, the objective truth of God's divine substance is received through humility and selflessness at the Cross of Jesus Christ; His death made this possible.

Never stop short of Calvary by accepting satanic projections of pride. Avoid living in self-condemnation, or accepting a poor self-image. When our sense of unworthiness and humility pass through the Cross, we find ourselves resurrected with a new capacity and power for life. Our surrender to the cross and the Holy Spirit causes God's divine nature to flow with rivers of water through our humanity.

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. - 2 Peter 1:4

1 Corinthians 4:9-17

The heart of Paul is a remarkable thing. God has given us a perfect picture of a man of God through the life of Paul as well as through his statements. Imagine and consider some of the startling statements Paul made about himself. Also consider that Paul sent Timothy to the church at Corinth so that Timothy could bring the believers into remembrance of the way the apostle lived. The apostle said, notice the way I live, watch it and observe it, and then imitate it with your own life.

People do not like to think of themselves as followers. They like their individuality. They like to be recognized as a distinct person with a separate identity. Yet, Paul was saying, "Mark my heart and copy it. Those things you have seen in me, those things do" (Philippians 4:9).

There are many things that are legitimate in the Word for believers to do. All things are lawful but not all things are expedient. Expediency means that which has the greatest value to the greatest number of people at a given time. Paul meant he could do anything under the sovereignty of God, but he was very careful that everything he did would build up the Body of Christ. There are many people who can teach us about Christ, but there are not many whom we can pattern our life after. An apostolic ministry gives us a model which we can look upon in all details of life; then, by simple faith, imitate in child-like attitude of heart.

Psalms 133-135

II Corinthians 6:1

The Apostle Paul is a perfect example of a man who derived his self image from the grace of God. In I Corinthians 15:10, Paul said, "By the grace of God, I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."

Paul was not ashamed, because he learned the secret of effectively bearing fruit through grace. In other words, he allowed God to do the producing in his soul, instead of receiving the grace of God in vain, as described in II Corinthians 6:1: "We then, as workers together with him beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain." To receive the grace of God in vain is to continue producing the evil works of the flesh, which result from the natural disposition of the old sin nature.

The grace disposition is the result of properly receiving the gift of grace. Selfishness is excluded from this disposition because of the command given in I Peter 4:10: "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." It is impossible for man, apart from the revelation of the Holy Spirit, to fathom the magnificence of the manifold grace of God!

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. - 2 Corinthians 6:1

1 Corinthians 9:1

Paul made many statements which revealed what grace could do with a man. Notice, Paul had no ill motives in having a large following but rather he said, "I beseech you"-meaning "on bended knee I beg you not to live in the pride of your life in the independence of Adam's rebellion. I want you to observe what the Spirit of grace has done in me and follow it. My afflictions are for your sake. When I am cast into the deep, it is to reveal to you what you can be when you are cast into the deep. He goes before his people as a shepherd."

Paul said many things about himself, but they were not boastful, idle words. They were words said while he was standing in the assurance of who he was in Christ. Over and over again, this principle is seen in the Word of God. God uses people to show us our possibilities through Christ. Paul´s life is a model of our Christianity. There is a difference between Jesus as our example and Paul as one we follow (1 Corinthians 11:1). Both do we follow, but notice the difference-Jesus never sinned, but we do. Jesus was and is grace and truth, so consequently He never had to receive these things. Paul needed to receive grace and truth, and so do we. Paul is our model because of his ability to let grace constrain him and build him up into the image of Christ despite his weaknesses. Jesus is the One we look unto, and Paul is our pattern as how to press toward that goal.

Psalms 130-132

Philippians 4:4-9

The content of the believer's mind will determine the contentment of his soul. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee" (Isaiah 26:3a). The mind occupied with the content of the Word of God is promised perfect peace. This peace is the result of right thinking.

In the passage Philippians 4:4-9, the apostle Paul has explained the process of right thinking. Notice in this passage that it is God who is promising to produce peace in the believer's heart, when the believer produces the action of fixing his mind on the stability of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is possible for contentment to be present in the midst of any and all of life's circumstances.

Although the apostle Paul was in jail when he wrote this, he was content because of right thinking. He was able to rejoice. The Greek word for "rejoice" in verse 4 is chairete, which means that the believer is commanded to produce the action of continuously (both now and in the future) relaxing with God, even in adverse situations. The old sinful, adamic nature instantly produces anxiety, panic, fear, discouragement, unbelief, and other effects of its inherent death. This is the wrong thought process and should be cast down so that thoughts of obedience to Christ can take over the mind (2).

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 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. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. - Philippians 4:6-9

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; - 2 Corinthians 10:5

1 Timothy 5:22

Keep yourselves pure. That's God´s message to His people. If this could be dealt with in the intent and divine calculation of its purpose for revelation, the Body of Christ would have long since been wholesome and resolved to reveal the kind of unity which presents God on earth.

Every step a born-again believer takes is taken in confidence with Christ in the purity of his mind, with a faith that does not doubt Christ. His mental attitude does not challenge God in any phase of His promise, but he simply walks in the purity of a mind that can trust God.

Keeping yourself pure is not talking about avoiding physical or overt sins, because that is not the intent or root meaning of the word. But it is to keep pure by walking in the Spirit with wisdom, love, grace, and peace. A heart that is not single in its response to the singularity of God's promise is never pure. A depressed heart, a murmuring heart, or a fearful heart is an impure heart. These sins result in impure hearts and then lead to other sins in some people's lives to fulfill the gap of impurity which has been established because of unbelief. These overt sins are just a result of what has been lacking all the time in the heart.

Do not believe and then change your mind through disbelief. Do not walk in doubt through unbelief, but walk in an expression of belief and be purified by faith, taking on the purpose mentally, the response emotionally, and the plan physically in God.

Psalms 127-129

II Corinthians 3:18

There is a progression of spiritual principles that must be understood in order for the believer to be transformed into having a mind that is controlled by the word of God instead of his old sin nature. "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6). The unsaved man has no option. The saved man has been united with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (2). The believer's union with Christ's death renders his old sin nature dead to sin. Practically speaking, this means that the old sin nature, reckoned dead with Christ, is made ineffective and inactive for evil. It is freed from the law of sin. Therefore, the body is no longer in bondage to yield to the cravings, lusts, and evil passions of the flesh (3).

Freed from the law of sin through the principle of co-crucifixion, we are then able to share in the resurrection life of Christ. Our freedom from the power of sin enables us to become a servant of righteousness, and live a life that is in conformity with the eternal plan of God in every thought, purpose, and action. This transformation of the human will takes place as we inwardly share the image or likeness of Jesus Christ.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: - Romans 6:4-5

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. - Romans 6:6,712

Joshua 3:17

You may have the laver and have your hands cleansed, but no Ark. You may have the shewbread and eat doctrine, but no Ark. You may have prayer at the altar of incense, but no Ark. You could be Saul and go to worship, but no Ark.

Why do people fear and have comparisons? Why do men go backward? Why do many experiences seem stagnant and cold? When there is a need, why do people not help? When the Body goes through persecution, why do people preserve their reputations and refuse to be counted as transgressors? It is because there is no ark in their lives.

What does it mean to bear the Ark? What does it mean to stand in the Jordan River with the Ark on your shoulders until everyone gets over? What does it mean to be the innocent one standing with no condemnation until the guilty party comes over the Jordan? It means bearing the love of God in identification. It is only unconditional love that can stand in the Jordan until even the weakest passes over into the Promised Land. We as priests bear the Ark of God. We stand-our feet in life with no guilt, no condemnation and no judgment being experienced within ourselves or toward others.

Let´s stand fast in the liberty and others will know that Christ has made us free. Love gives us the capacity to bear love and serve others in love. When the Ark is on the shoulders of God´s people, even the weakest can walk over without judgment because someone will reveal love in bearing the patience, peace and nature of it toward them.

Psalms 124-126

Romans 6:4-7

Although we possess human personality and the depraved, fallen, human nature, we are to follow Christ's example; God is to be our source of life, not the "self." Christ provided for the nullification of self through our co crucifixion with Him.

Romans 6, in its entirety, explains the principle of our baptism into the death of Jesus Christ. As we know, the old sin nature, self-life, and natural disposition cannot be eradicated - the natural man cannot be made righteous. The only provision for dealing with the old man is the positional death of self on calvary's cross. This fact must be reckoned upon and believed in order for self to be rendered dead. Romans 6:3 says, "Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" Colossians 3:3 says, "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

Jesus Christ has provided the means for us to turn from the life of fulfilling our desires (through His finished work and our faith in reckoning upon this positional truth), to being likewise transformed in our daily experience. It is only when we turn from self that we are able to turn our eyes upon Jesus Christ - in the direction and purpose for which we were created.

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. - Romans 6:4-7

Judges 14:14

People live in adversity, but they will not eat the adversity. The adversity is not bread for them to eat. It incapacitates them and it does not create a capacity. If the Lord had His way, the adversity would create a greater capacity to eat His life. But if the devil has his way, he would use the adversity to incapacitate you so you could not eat Christ´s life.

In God´s lifestyle for the believer, you get spiritual indigestion if you do not eat. Eating Christ gives the Body order and a sufficient and satisfying supply. But without eating, you reap the results of your own rational system as it is stimulated by the devil. We may drink the bitter water of a situation; but because of the Cross operating in our lives, the water is sweet. We eat some difficulties, but it turns out in its expression to be patience in us.

People may have all the spiritual trappings to present themselves, but unless they eat Christ they will faint in the battle. People at times will eat anything other than Christ because of what they think they need. But the insufficiencies derived from a poor diet will show up, and a tabernacle without an ark will produce no result. Everything may be in order and everything you could think of is practiced, but without the Ark there is no blessing.

Just as Saul went to Gibeah to worship while the Ark was not there; no matter the sincerity or good intention, God would not bless because the Ark was missing. A person without the Ark never has faith to eat the adversity.

Psalms 120-123

II Corinthians 6:1

The exhortation to every believer is to maintain continuous availability to the Word of God. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2). As the believer saturates himself in the Word with an attitude of being teachable, the Word itself will produce the action of transforming and renewing the mind. It is in this frame of reference that the child of God presents his body a living sacrifice to be obedient and do that which is his reasonable service in light of what he has been given (2). It is the inward transformation of the mind, through the Word of God, that produces a godly life.

The simple mandates of the Word of God are those areas of activity that are a vital part of every believer's life for they are his source of life in order to continue in the Kingdom of God. Disobedience to these general commands results in spiritual blindness because the believer cuts himself off from the avenues God has provided to produce in him divine life.

Church attendance (3), Bible study (4), prayer (5), soul-winning (6), and fellowship (7) all appear in the imperative mood, meaning they are divine commands that cannot be ignored, because they indicate outwardly what is taking place inwardly. When taken heed to, these things produce fruit in the child of God.

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. - 2 Corinthians 6:1

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

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15

Pray without ceasing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. - Mark 1:17

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7

Isaiah 40:8

Hope becomes an anchor for the soul in the storms of life (2). It involves the certainty of prospective and glorious realities that are insured absolutely by the retrospective reality of Christ's finished work and accomplished redemption! Hope is based on the immutability of God -- His inability to change (3); (4); (5) and on two immutable things (6). The first one is, God has promised, and the second, He has sworn an oath that He will save us to the uttermost (7); (8).

This hope is based on Christ's entry into heaven as our forerunner. Thus, it is located not in men nor in our own abilities, but it has entered to that which is within the veil of the heavenly holy of holies, where Christ Himself is appearing for us (9). He is a living guarantee of our certain entry and final glorification. It is no wonder that hope is called "strong consolation," referring to that which does not succumb to resistance and buckle under pressure.

Hope is essential to our lives. It is a fortress against fainting, cowardice, withdrawal, and fear. We need only look to the word of God that stands forever (10) and see that a life built on it will stand the test of time.

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. - Isaiah 40:8

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; - Hebrews 6:17-19

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. - James 1:17

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. - Malachi 3:6

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. - Hebrews 13:7-8

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: - Hebrews 6:18

Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. - Isaiah 5:23-24

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; - Hebrews 7:25-26

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: - Hebrews 9:24

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. - Isaiah 40:8

1 Samuel 20:42

If you seek, you still will die. You are living in the provision of what you went after. But if you eat from Jesus Christ, you will never die because He is eternal. If you have a weakness and it has not been rooted out, then what is the result when it is pointed out to you? Usually you would get embarrassed, hurt, wounded, and then condemned because of comparison, until finally you end up seeking something to correct it. The solution is not seeking for correction, but the solution is receiving revelation. Have it rooted out by Calvary and then eat from God, and you will have life forevermore in that area of need. You will not have to seek after corrective provision, but you will feed on eternal life that will sustain you in every step of your need as God´s own substance for provision in life.

God does not send things to bless you; He came to bless you. He does not give material things to bless you. He is the very substance that makes you blessed. God does not want us to try to get our situation changed so we can be blessed. He wants us to take Him into our situation so He can bless us while the situation goes on. We do not try to escape from the furnace to escape the fire, but we let God be in the furnace with us while the fire rages seven times hotter.

The Lord wants to be between us and our situation, just as He was between the fire and the three Hebrew boys in order that they might not be burned.

Psalms 115-118

Jeremiah 15:16

More important than physical food is spiritual food. "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work" (John 4:34). Paul says about Israel, "They all ate the same spiritual food" (I Corinthians 10:3, NIV). Those who overcome are able to eat from the tree of life and of the hidden manna (2); (3). When we eat of the right spiritual food, we will be strong and prepared for what God wants us to do. "Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee" (I Kings 19:7). "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2). Ezekiel was told by the Lord to eat the scroll, then to speak to the house of Israel (4); he was prepared because he had eaten spiritual food. Jeremiah said, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them" (Jeremiah 15:16a).

When we eat of the right spiritual food, we will be strong and prepared for what God wants us to do. Therefore, we need to have a continual intake of God's Word so that we will be equipped to face what lies ahead. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. - Jeremiah 15:16

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. - Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. - Revelation 2:17

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. - Ezekiel 3:1

John 6:48

Jesus did not say, "I give you bread," or, "I ask you to seek for bread;" but He said, "I am the Bread." If you seek for bread, you may not find Him. You may get deceived in your seeking. But instead, discover Him and you will have the Bread of Life and will not have to seek.

The fathers in the wilderness sought for bread and they died. How many people are seeking after things they think they need? And yet God never told them to seek after these things. If we are always seeking, we will in actuality miss the point of the provision. We will always be in want, never experiencing the fulfillment that is in Christ.

How many wants would people have if they followed Christ wholly in their heart, which would affect every part of their being? God might give them a need, but always He gives them fulfillment in Himself. Then the fulfillment or unfulfilled need is secondary in the situation, God looks upon the heart, and His work is done there before His interest ever is in an outward blessing.

Some people cannot handle outward blessings because there is no humility in their hearts. So the judgment of outward success or blessing is never the issue. How would we view the apostle Paul and his state of spirituality if we knew he was in prison more times than he could count? Lack of convenience and successful situations never show a lack of God.

Psalms 112-114

Jeremiah 48:11

When the average Christian thinks of resting, he thinks of resting in faith. A Christian does rest in faith, that is true, but the Word has not taught that resting in faith is the main issue of life. There is something deeper and more vital to understand for our experience than faith-rest. Of course it is not to minimize faithrest or take away from resting in it, but it is to reveal something much higher.

Imagine how many people could rest in human faith and not allow their life to be dealt with by the Person, Christ. They rest in something they humanly know and are sufficient in that kind of Christian experience. They do not live with God momentarily, letting the Cross invade their life with the conviction that draws them into the victory of fresh revelation. They remain at a standstill, many times separated from God in their experience because they are resting in what they can humanly explain as faith-rest. They feel that if they are free from problems and at ease in their situations and with themselves, then they must be in faith-rest. But faith-rest is an active participation with the heart of God. It never gives me a rest where I can settle on my lees, but instead I am constrained to walk without sight into any adverse or complementing situation and be in God´s faith to reveal Christ.

The issue of my life is not, then, to escape from myself and find some rest termed as religious, but it is to lay down my life unceasingly to trust a supernatural God, resting in His faith that works by love.

Psalms 109-111

John 3:30

Everyday a battle rages between two forces-the wicked and the righteous: natural viewpoint and God's viewpoint; works and grace; and light and darkness. They come against each other with amazing force through thoughts, projections, confessions, works and doctrine.

Through these battles, God builds in our lives something that will last forever. He uses them to conform us into Christ's image and to add another degree of glory to our lives. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Corinthians 3:18).

In order for God to build these things into our lives, we must be willing to accept whatever comes from His hand. Because "the wise in heart will receive commandments" Proverbs 10:8a). We must welcome the voice of our teacher, the Holy Spirit, when He challenges us to take up a cross, even if it is an unknown pathway. We should welcome the crucifixion of our flesh in the same way we would a raise in pay! It is the plan God has for you. As we submit to God's hand in our lives, we will decrease more and He will increase.

He must increase, but I must decrease. - John 3:30

Hebrews 11:13

Why do you want to be successful? What if God used a thing to have you get to know Him and then He let it fail? He crushed it into failure that we might experience resurrection. We do not understand how we can rejoice, but we do rejoice. We have no regrets, only peace. God used the failing to bring us closer to Him. God is not out to make things we do successful. He is out to make us spiritual. He will bless us outwardly perhaps and then if that does not make us spiritual He may crush us to get what He desires and knows is life for us.

You look at a situation. Is God blessing? That is not the question to be asked. The real question is this: Is God blessing you no matter what happens to the thing you are doing?

In Hebrews 11, some had to endure violence, suffering, and trial, not obtaining the promise while others did obtain it. Who got blessed? The people who never obtained the promise but endured by faith were just as spiritual as those who obtained the promise and produced the effects and the outward result in their ministry. Some never got the answer that revealed the blessing but were blessed inwardly by believing in the Living God. The Church prayed and Peter was freed from prison. But James got his head cut off. Who was more spiritual? Just because James got his head cut off does not make Peter any more spiritual. It takes just as much faith not to be delivered and still believe than it does to believe and be delivered.

Psalms 100-102

Proverbs 3:13-18

The believer's relationship to the promises of God determines the degree in which he will become a partaker of the divine nature. The most intimate relationship known to man is marriage. It follows then, that the believer ought to so align his heart with the promises of God that he is literally married to them and committed never to forsake them, no matter what circumstances he may face in his earthly life.

The decision to marry wisdom is a free volitional choice to respond positively toward God. Turning toward Christ always includes turning away from evil, negativity, lust, and the devices of Satan to destroy our capacity to think with God. Marrying wisdom means that the believer learns to think in specific categories of doctrine as they apply to every area of life. Thinking apart from the mind of Christ is often a result of ignorance concerning the teaching of the Word of God.

So, the more your heart is aligned to the promises of God, the clearer and sharper is your discernment in distinguishing between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. The will of God in decision making procedures becomes as a raised highway through the desert. Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. - Proverbs 3:13-18

Isaiah 40:31

An evil heart cannot wait upon God, but if you wait you will renew your strength. To wait speaks of upward strength. To be renewed speaks of inward strength. To run and not be weary speaks of onward strength. To walk and not faint speaks of progressive strength that comes through walking and having God slow you down through sovereignty.

You get inward strength, upward strength, and onward strength through progressive strength. You learn how to rest. If you do not get upward, you will not have inward. If you do not have inward, you will not have onward. People think they cannot make it and blame it on the situation when in reality they have a heart of unbelief and have departed from the Living God in the situation. They get counseled on how to improve things or make them better instead of just believing and taking the promises of God´s Word and going onward because they received a work inward. Because they went upward, they could go forward.

Every believer can have a sound mind and be able to control his thoughts and emotions in circumstances. He is the only person who through belief in the Word and in God and through living by the promises can control his heart. He can live in a finished rest and in the life of the One who did it in the totality of humility through availability to God´s capacity in life. Mix faith always with what you hear and you will spontaneously have what God gives.

Psalms 97-99

II Corinthians 3:4-5

The cross neutralizes the power of self, and sets us free to walk in newness of life. Newness of life is transformation of life through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, which has its source from the Father, not from the self. "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I" (Galatians 2:20a).

As we make God our sufficiency, the soul becomes a habitation for God through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter who, in II Corinthians 1:4, "comforts us in all our tribulation." The Holy Spirit is our teacher, abiding in us continually and bringing to our remembrance the principles of truth and categorical doctrine that have been stored in our memory. He is faithful to bring to mind any area where we have failed the grace of God because He also brings conviction. It is through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit that a new capacity for life is given to the selfless believer. Working miraculously in the heart to conform the believer to the image of Christ is the supreme role of the Holy Spirit. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Corinthians 3:18).

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; - 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

Hebrews 3

It may not seem to be gracious and yet it is true. If people do not believe, they cannot enter into rest. So many people have difficulties and will not rest until they can get their own way in a situation. They imagine that all is going against them when it is a situation that God has allowed to make them spiritual through faith in a cross. Reaction comes and they will not rest because of unbelief. They think that enemies have power over the plan instead of God ordaining the enemies to do a work on them for the plan. God knows people who are not operating correctly and He puts them together with the enemy through His sovereign power.

God brings the enemies in to reveal an unbelieving heart not vertically oriented to grace. It is not what God sends that reveals who I am. It is that I reveal who I am through what God sends.

God will bring out of me what is within me. A bad marriage, though made through the free will choice of two people, will be ordained of God and used to reveal what is within the subjects that are married. If one is filled with faith-rest, the bad marriage will just reveal what is inside.

If a person cannot believe that Christ finished the work, then he has an evil heart of unbelief. Rather than waiting on God for a renewed mind through faith, people try to bring situations to an end in the confines of their own ability, never living in the purpose of sovereignty.

Psalms 94-96

John 10:10

Hope is derived from the Scriptures (2), which contain the many promises of God that are guaranteed because of His immutability (3); (4), His justice (5), and fulfilled by omnipotence (6). Hope is confidence that we will never be severed from the love of God in Christ Jesus (7). It is confidence in God's providence and in God's veracity to honor what He has said He will do (8); (9).

The believer who possesses the inward certification of his election (10); (11), and his sonship (12); (13), also possesses a deep sense of destiny. This sense of destiny is hope. When coupled with the Christian's security based on his orientation to the finished work of Christ, there is a basis for him to love the Lord, and people. Therefore, he is complete in his experience of the abundant life in Christ (1). Faith, hope and love are operative in Him (14); (15).

This Christian who is loved by God permanently, and knows it, in turn loves the Lord (16). He knows he is in the perfect plan of God, and that God does and will work all things together for that believer's ultimate good (9). This establishes great stability of soul.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. - Romans 8:28-29

For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD. - Ezekiel 12:25

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:39

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. - Philippians 3:21

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. - Malachi 3:6

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. - Romans 3:26

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. - Romans 15:4

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; - Hebrews 6:18-19

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. - John 10:10

- Thessalonians 1:4

James 4:10

The last Corporate Revival will be a Word of God Revival. A Word Revival cannot cease because of Matthew 24:35. God will pour out signs also as the manifestation of the power of His Word as it ministers its life toward others to meet their need. It is not a revival based upon a man but based upon a Body quickened with the Word, a Body that allows grace to perform what unconditional love has done.

Jesus Christ needs a place to pour out His Spirit as He desires. He needs a certain kind of habitation because of His character and grace. The root of the problem that would keep God from preparing that habitation is a lack of humility.

God desires a Body of believers who will humble themselves in the Word. The reason there are so many differences among hearts is because humility is lacking. It is a spiritual law of life that the measure with which we submit to God will be the measure of the intensity of God´s anointing.

Our heart is involved in the release of God's life. Jesus will not pour out revival. That is not the real meaning of revival. In Acts 2, He poured out the Spirit, but God will not reproduce that because the Spirit is already here. The Corporate Revival is not a pouring out but a releasing of what has been poured out. We no longer wait for something to come, but we come into agreement with something that is.

Psalms 91-93

II Corinthians 3:17-18

Second Corinthians 3:2b teaches that we as Christians are written epistles, "Known and read of all men." This is a tremendous privilege that every believer is given. There are times that this privilege can be a contradiction because of the body of sinful flesh that every child of God possesses. How then can we be assured that we are representing Christ, and not a mere manifestation of our flesh?

In Proverbs 4:23, we find that out of the heart flows the issues of life. We must at all times communicate God's thoughts and life. We do this by "beholding Him" (II Corinthians 3:18). Too often, we look at our failures and shortcomings and not at Him. When our heart is fixed upon Him, we will find that we are not occupied with ourselves.

It will be an amazing victory to us and to the kingdom of God when situations arise and we reveal Christ because our eyes are focused upon Him. The result of this will be God's life flowing out from us. We do not need to show another side of the natural man to a lost world-they need to see Christ. They can see Him in us, because we have concentrated on Him, and have allowed Him to take over our thoughts. Thus, we become Christians who manifest Christ's life, rather than the life of the natural man, and all of his trivial problems. This can all be accomplished by "beholding Him".

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. - Proverbs 4:23

Love from the Foundation

Jeremiah 1:5

Before Jeremiah came forth from the womb, he had been ordained by God to be a prophet. God was living in the plan of foreknowledge as He spoke to Jeremiah. God knew the possibilities and realities to come because of the Lamb's provision. Jeremiah at this time was holy and without blame in the perfect "is" of the Lamb's provision.

Man can experience life which included him not only in time but in eternity before he ever experienced eternal life personally. Every believer is part of the eternal substance of God's plan. We do not have to go about saying that we have to wait for this or that to happen. We are holy and without blame now. We do not have to wait for an experience. We just live in the experience of love that Christ had for us from the foundation. Why should we occupy ourselves with awaiting experiences in time when the plan of God for eternity has had Christ in us expressing the hope and fulfillment of His glory? Through foreknowledge, God saw the choice of our free volition which gave Him the right to develop a plan to conform us to the desire He has for us in the mind of love.

Christ found it no problem to lay down His life for the world in the act of Calvary. He came to the earth as a slain Lamb. He did not have to acquire an attitude of humility to wash the disciples´ feet. He had been slain before the disciples were born because of the love He bore in His heart.

Psalms 85-87

Philippians 2:1-2

The manifestation of God's divine nature in the virtues of comfort, love, fellowship and compassion is directly related to the measure and degree in which the church participates in this nature.

Philippians 2:1 is the premise upon which the apostle Paul wants the Philippian church to respond to the next several verses. As this series of motivating virtues flow through human nature, the child of God begins to think with God instead of reacting to men. The natural disposition is thereby nullified through selflessness and co-crucifixion as the soul springs forth with life, poise, peace, and wisdom. "Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being of one accord and of one harmonious mind and intention" (Philippians 2:2, Amplified).

Paul is asking the Philippians to live in harmony, have the same content in the soul, be like-minded in thought and purpose, and operate in total agreement. He desired them to have the same vision and purpose, even though the members of the church were at different levels of spiritual maturity and capacity. It is possible for us to function this way as we derive our inner strength from Christ and are motivated to love because of Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with a deep, heartfelt compassion toward others.

If there be therefore any consolation in 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. - Philippians 2:1-2

1 Corinthians 1:18

Unto many, the preaching of the Cross is foolishness, because it comes to destroy all good human wisdom. But unto us, the preaching of the cross is the power of God, because it destroys the old to bring in the new, resurrected mind of Christ. The Cross does not save any of the good sheep even to sacrifice, but it destroys all, that we might know only Christ and Him crucified. If people only knew God after their personal crucifixion with Him, how many would still judge others and evaluate them as those people follow God in the direction of His sovereignty? What would people have said to Jesus when, at 12 years old, He went to be about His Father's business? Jesus knew even at that time what it was to have a cross in His life and what it meant to follow that cross in the sovereignty of the plan of God without giving an answer to people for what He did.

God's answer for humans meddling in the plan of God is to enter into crucifixion and then to know no man after the flesh. The flesh here does not speak of the Adam nature because that was taken care of in the crucifixion. But it means not to know people after what their flesh does in physical body action.

We know no man after what he does in the physical realm as he lives unto God in his actions. The physical body is then free to be led in the sovereignty of the plan, the purpose of specifics, and the provision of Christ´s own desire for us to spread redemption.

Psalms 82-84

Romans 8:28

We do not have any sufficiency within ourselves to evaluate anything from our human resources. This is a difficult concept to grasp, because all our lives we have been saturated with the concept that human goodness pleases God, and we have failed to deal with the truth: "Our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6a).

One example of our insufficiency is evident in our speech. Our words are not few on earth. We can go on a tangent in a minute talking about any subject if we find the right opportunity and the right person. As believers who represent Jesus Christ, we must be very creative in our speech so that we become salt and light to the listener, as well as to the world. Every wife who reads this devotional should be challenged to practice this principle. Purpose to speak words that build up and edify your husband and family. In addressing each husband who receives this message, he should be encouraged to take time to help his wife, laying his life down for her, loving her as Christ loves the Church.

Find a way to encourage your spouse. If you are not married, find a way to bring out the good qualities in a friend. Discover a way to make your children better children-without compromising truth. Make your church a better church, by initiating divine creativity in your thinking and speech.

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. - Philippians 4:15-16

Isaiah 45:9; Romans 9:20

One of the most difficult things is to have old foundations destroyed and to let God establish His foundation. People have been reared up in their foundation. They have spent much time at the Tree of Knowledge. They have lived so long according to natural evaluations and logical conclusions. Then they come in contact with the sovereignty of God, which operates revealing God's plan for every person. His plan may be different for each one, and God does not reveal reasons why He does things a certain way. Why do we, who are just the clay and have no ability to form ourselves, need to question the Potter about His perfect abilities? Sovereignty may want Peter to leave his family without saying a thing (Matthew 4:20). It may want another man not to go home to a funeral, though that is unusual (Luke 9:59-60). It may want a rich man to sell all he has so that he can receive salvation, though we are all saved by grace (Mark 10:21).

People have many difficulties with one another because they misunderstand God's particular plan for a family, for a man, for a woman, or for a church. People live in the foundations that have been naturally rooted within them. They have not been taught the sovereign grace, unconditional love, and the faith that works by love through death to Adam and in life unto God. We discover Christ through the richness of faith when we lose sight of our own thoughts about the plan and live on the sovereign side of Heaven.

Psalms 79-81

Romans 8:28

God knows everything that will take place in a believer's life, and His plan is so perfect that He provides a solution for every detail. No matter how big, no matter how small, God does not leave a Christian with a single problem for which He does not have a perfect provision. He promised to make a way of escape for every temptation (2).

Every detail about the believer is recorded in heaven, even the number of hairs upon his head, according to Matthew 10:30. The Lord designed the life of every person who would ever be born. He is not limited to time and knows the end from the beginning (4).

God is omniscient. Psalm 147:5 states, "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." He is not unaware of the comings and goings of those who believe on Him. Yet, so many Christians spend time questioning, reacting, and worrying unnecessarily about the plan of God for their lives. They fret in anxiety.

Why? Because they fail to acknowledge God's design. They do not realize His provision at those moments, and therefore, they begin to suffer emotionally and mentally.

Regardless of their feelings, Romans 8:28 is still true. All things will work together for good.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. - Matthew 10:30

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: - Isaiah 46:10

Matthew 10:41

Obedience to a prophet brings a prophet's reward upon my life. I can receive for my life the same grace that the prophet has received from God. This means that through obeying the delegated authority of God, I reap what they have reaped from God. God´s delegated authority has been delegated the message of grace. I receive that message, and I receive the reward the prophet has received from God in that revelation.

How many people are self-appointed and live in frustrated difficulty because they are not submitted under the authority of God? They pay a price for their independent self-appointment. They have all kinds of heartaches because they are not receiving the prophet's reward. They are not receiving the Body's covering. The grace received as the prophet's reward hides you in the Body. Hid in the Body, you allow Christ to baptize you in the Corporate cells of His life in experience.

You are hid in one another's love. He has hid us in one another's mercy, which we received as a reward for listening to the government's message from the Head, Christ. In the Body we are hid in a cleansing.

We are hid from what we deserve from immaturity, from the results of our anxiety. In the Body, our reward for being in it is to be loved, covered, and protected by others through the Word of truth in the mercy of grace. We receive authoritative grace for our lives by being under a government of grace as our authority.

Psalms 73-75

John 17:11, 20-23

Believers should thank God for the precious gift of unity, which is a result of the specific prayer Christ prayed in John 17. We are to be of one mind, without haughtiness, as stewards of the manifold grace of God. God forgives us as we forgive others, and gives us His grace: therefore, we can afford to give it to others. We respond to divine grace, without works.

When the disciples were all in one place, power came upon them by the Holy Spirit (2); (3), and this power sent the Church into Jerusalem and Judea as well as to the uttermost parts of the world. The early church was at rest; they edified one another, and walked in the fear of the Lord. They went forth praising God, while dwelling in peace. As they rested in the finished work, the Word of God was multiplied.

Unity will not be established unless individual members of the Body of Christ are filled with the Holy Spirit (4). When a believer is filled with the Spirit, he will not be easily wounded. "Great peace have they that love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Psalm 119:165).

When the Body of Christ experiences this, nothing can stop the cause of the Gospel! Whenever division is destroyed and unity is established for the sake of Christ, believers can proceed unhindered in progress to fulfill the Great Commission.

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; - John 17:11,20-23

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. - Acts 2:1

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. - Acts 4:31-33

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; - Ephesians 5:18

Isaiah 50:1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Reverse your situation through reconciliation. When we have necessity, we take pleasure. God´s grace is sufficient; we are living with God in a "Yea, and Amen" life where there is not a double option of the results of the promises. Not "yea and nay," but in Him, "Yea, in positive fulfilled faith." We are hid in the substance of the promise, yea, and receive in Him the positive fulfillment which causes us to make an affirmative "Amen" without further choice. We have a life with no afterthoughts. We look as far as the promises and see only the perspective of faith. We never have to live without strength. The more we go through, the more we receive. The greater the trial, the greater the gift. The more we fall, the greater we forgive. The harder we go down, the higher we go up. The wrath of men praises Him as the situation is reversed through one heart being reconciled to faith.

Most people have the idea that it is good to be strong. But the weakest people are the strongest when grace becomes the attitude of their life, the expression of the heart, and the only cause they walk in. Weakness humiliates us to the point where only God can help us. We are so devastated that only mercy accepts our case. Many times when placed in adversity and weakness, we reject ourselves through evaluating the summation of our weakness; but it is not through rejecting weakness that we find strength. Strength is in accepting the grace of Christ.

Psalms 70-72

I John 5:2-3

For many Christians, "following on to know the Lord" is both unattractive and painstaking. To continue in the Kingdom of God becomes burdensome to them, to the point of despair. This kind of attitude is in stark contrast to the words of the Apostle John, in his first epistle, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous" (I John 5:3).

The Word of God is teaching us, regardless of our experience, that spiritual progress is not a drudgery, but a delight! God has promised us strength for our days (2), and His joy as the resource of that strength (3). "They shall not gird themselves with anything that causeth sweat" (Ezekiel 44:18b). Sweat is the result of excessive physical and emotional exertion. In the biblical context, it is illustrative of the energy of the mature man trying to accomplish the work of God, and achieve the maximum amount of productivity in their souls, not through sweat but rest. "Let us labor, therefore to enter into that rest" (Hebrews 4:11a).

Our understanding of a faith-rest through Christ's finished work will assure us "that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Peter 1:8).

And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. - Isaiah 5:2-3

Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. - Deuteronomy 33:25

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. - Nehemiah 8:10

2 Corinthians 8:9

God's grace reaps where we do not sow. Grace violates all normal laws of reaping. Abraham did not sow righteousness, but he received Isaac, the promise of God that revealed the substance of God's love through faith. Jacob reaped Numbers 23:21 though he did not sow it. Mary who had seven demons (Luke 8:2) spent much time with Christ and served Him. She wanted to be with Him all the time, and she was the first there at the resurrection. She reaped what she did not sow. It is amazing that though the thief on the cross mocked Jesus, just before death he asked for and received forgiveness.

The thief reaped what he did not sow. The grace of God gives us what we do not deserve. Thousands and thousands are in Heaven in the glory of God's presence, every one of them reaping what they did not sow. God has laid aside the immutable, irrevocable law of sowing and reaping. In redemption, when we stand by grace in total helplessness, we reap what we did not sow. Just by saying, "Lord, save me," we reap what we did not sow, and the same grace that allows us to reap starts abounding toward us.

Jesus Christ knew no sin, but He did all that the Father said, and He did not need grace. When our sins were upon Him, though He was rich in a perfect life, He became poverty-stricken and God allowed Him to die, that through His poverty without grace we could become rich in grace.

Psalms 67-69

Ephesians 2:21-22

Many Christians live in houses instead of homes. A house is where a person lives, eats, drinks, sleeps, etc., but there is no meaningful relationship with those who are living there. They never really get to know each other. Faces may be familiar, but the hearts are far apart. They do not really care and do not really share with each other.

Contrarily, a home is everything a house is, except there are many exchanges with each other and the love of God is present. Many people treat the word of God and Christianity like those in their house. They attend church for conscience sake instead of Calvary's sake.

A child of God must decide to go beyond having a "house" for God. Rather, he starts to become serious about the Word of God.

He realizes that God wants to make His home inside him. Secondly, his body is the temple of the Spirit of the living God. He is knit together with Christ who begins to build a "spiritual" home in his soul.

The Holy Spirit quickens this believer with the Word of God that he has hidden in his mind (2). The home for God includes specific provisions from God for specific details. The Lord reveals that building a home with Christ in a person's soul will go beyond any natural house that one may have erected.

Turn your house into spiritual homes where you enter into communion with Jesus Christ and His people.

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. - Ephesians 2:21-22

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. - Psalm 119:11

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

We are to bring our body under subjection to the government of God´s Body. Do not let your body go its own way in mental ego trips, because that ego nature will cause you to rebel against Christ.

Endure temptation by faith and do not submit to the craving to rebel. There is a key to those who have quit. They are those who have never learned to minister to others. If a person could see his purpose in the building of a living temple, he could never quit God´s ministry. In John 6:66, to leave the Body was to leave Jesus and to follow Him no more. People thought they could leave and worship God on their own terms.

Leaving a soul-winning ministry is following Christ no more. In 1 John 2:19, to leave the ministry in Ephesus was to leave God, the authority, the covering, the plan. It meant to forsake the Person, provision, and covering. Unless one is led out by the Spirit, it is a sin to leave.

Be convinced that you are going to finish your course. Be busy in the arena, fighting the good fight of faith. Finish what you start. Never think of quitting. Be faithful unto death. Make every moment count and never think in terms of running out, because God never runs out of the grace that keeps you strong in every situation. What is more important to us: to be known by men for our ministry or to be known by God as a great minister of His life?

Psalms 64-66

Proverbs 11:30

Jesus states in Luke 15:7, "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance," Paul had this in mind in I Thessalonians 2:20, when he wrote, "Ye are our glory and joy." In Philippians 4:1, Paul writes, "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown." The people you win to Christ will be your joy and crown of rejoicing! Remember, the Lord has promised you the heathen for your inheritance if you ask (2).

What is the governing thing that you hope for? Paul said his hope was for the Thessalonians to experience the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ when He returns. It is interesting to note that when we stand in His presence, we will not remember any of the pressures, trials, etc. that we experienced. "The world passeth away, and the lust thereof" (I John 2:27a). The Lord will reveal to us the lives that we touched by consistently giving a cup of cold water in His name (3).

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. - Proverbs 11:30

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. - Psalm 2:8

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. - Matthew 10:42

John 15:19-25

Instead of listening for the words, "Forsake all you have or you cannot be My disciple," many people want discipleship language streamlined where they can accept it on the basis of common sense. They want to have everything that Adam wants and yet in themselves try to do all that God requires. It is a comfortable Christianity that does not have a mind to suffer. People say they suffer and label it to be so. But, in actuality, it is only that they are suffering from what they reap in their flesh.

What is biblical discipleship as illustrated in the Word of God? The Apostle John endured a season of incarceration on the Isle of Patmos. Jesus called disciples, and they all ended up martyred with the exception of John. Jesus dispelled any thought of ease. It certainly does not make sense, but it is this kind of identification that will make it in the future. Satan wants man to tone it all down to appease the lusts of men. The devil wants to make sure you have security in the temporal so that you will not please God in the spiritual.

How popular was Jesus when He so clearly made the claims of discipleship? How popular will preachers and individuals be when they arm themselves with the same mind? People react to, resent, and attack discipleship as fanatical. Why? Because they are so conditioned to be carnal that the Cross cannot even be mentioned without eliciting a reaction from them. But it will be mentioned, and for some it won´t be comfortable. Result: John 6:66.

Psalms 58-60

The Bible says, "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others" (I Corinthians 10:24, NIV). This type of love in our society has been lost. People choose to gain power, influence people, and fulfill selfish needs. The world constantly teaches this concept, especially through television, which portrays people who fall in love instantly and who place much emphasis on feelings. They imply that there is no cost.

This is contrary to the Christian way, which says that love without will is impossible. God always puts the two together. If there is no sense of commitment, then the love is not real. It is sentimentality. The extreme is will without love or, in other words, manipulation.

Many times, Satan has set up strongholds in a believer's soul to make him occupied with self rather than others. A stronghold is when self is exalted, and God is left in the abstract.

What makes up love today? Where is the Source? In order for you to qualify as having "real love," you must be willing to be selfless. That is unconditional-loving at whatever the cost. "This is how we know what love is" Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers" (I John 3:16, NIV). The world is crying out for us to show them how much God loves them. We must not only tell them, but show them.

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. - 1 Corinthians 10:24

1 Peter 4:1-2

The average Christian has never had to face the suffering that comes upon every effective ministry in the Word of God. This is not speaking of a martyr´s complex, nor does it speak of reaping from what you have sown, but it speaks of the suffering that comes through identification with Christ. Many people magnify small problems and call it suffering, but that is not suffering.

Those who suffer in identification with Christ, suffer for others because of love. They have ceased living for themselves. They have armed themselves with the mind of love, no longer living their lives in the flesh. Their words now speak of living their lives for the purpose of redemptive love.

Consider where Christ was placed because of His Redemptive Love. Love left Christ accused, forsaken, without a place to lay His head, hungered, thirsty, lonely, and suffering because His love was wounded. He loved so much that His life was spent in identifying totally with the needs of weak men.

He always stood in identification when double-minded men forsook His love for a time and even denied they knew Him after He had loved them perfectly. Think of what it means to suffer for the sake of Love. It may mean to go hungry, because of the opportunity to minister to the multitudes. It may mean to be wearied, because of the opportunity to walk those extra miles to win a soul. Divine Love in its preference is always to live in the will of God with no thought for the flesh.

Psalms 55-57

Matthew 24:35

So often "sure things" in life cannot be counted on, and "lasting things" fade away. It is only the eternal things of God that can be counted on to last. The person who hopes in the Lord shall never be ashamed.

In Luke 10:38-42, Mary sat at Jesus' feet hearing the Word. She was occupied with the Savior and was receiving in humility the doctrine that He taught. She was careful to hear the Word of God and to make time in a busy schedule to "receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your soul" (James 1:21b). But the last statement of Jesus in this story is of special interest. Mary had chosen the good part of receiving the Word, which Jesus said, "shall not be taken away from her." She had decided to build her house upon the rock of Christ. Though trials, tragedy or any problem came against her, she would not be moved. The future shakings would come (3), but the provisions that Mary had stored in her soul for the future were to remain.

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the Word of our God shall stand forever" (Isaiah 40:8). Build your life today on the only thing that can be counted on. Everything else in heaven and on earth will pass away, but God's Word will never pass away (Matthew 24:35).

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. - Matthew 24:35

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. - Luke 10:38-42

And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. - Hebrews 12:27

Mark 3:20-21

When we take a step of discipleship, how fast does it reveal our heart attitude toward God? Are we trusting in natural security, or in God by faith? Are we trusting in the grace of God´s provision or trusting in what we provided for tomorrow in the natural realm of preparation? Do we live as if we can do what we want and still maintain a moral upright life as a standard of moral righteousness, or do we live as if Jesus is coming back? Do we dare to go forward and make an investment in a lost world, an investment in a weak system with weak people who need help? Will we receive and live by faith in God´s provision of promise so that we please God and become like Christ with a great faith? Do we realize that God made even His Son, Jesus Christ, live by faith?

People often make an exception in the life of faith when they feel they must be somewhat practical. It is true that we must be responsible in good stewardship, but our practical exceptions should never void our faith toward God in that situation. The world system will always encourage us to slow down and take thought. Jesus will always motivate us to move forward and see faith provide. We are strangers journeying through, dead to the world system. We will not spend the rest of our lives making plans for tomorrow, but through faith we will be in God´s plan for eternity. It will never be what we think in the realm of the natural, but our life will be where God leads us in the supernatural.

Psalms 52-54

II Corinthians 4:17-18

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous" (I John 5:3). If we go through a situation in fleshly works and religious form it is not joyous, but grievous. However, the person who has the love of God does not sense a burden in doing God's will.

This principle, if comprehended in areas of faith, would revolutionize lives and relationships. What the world sees as a tragedy actually brings joy into every dimension of obedience, and we can truly say that Jesus Christ is beautiful for situations. To every circumstance there is a divine connotation and an incomprehensible value. We have to face life knowing that, just as God had the power to raise Jesus in His humanity, it is that same power that makes situations beautiful for us.

Our lives cannot be shaken if we are living in the "faith-world" of Jesus Christ. The bottom will never fall out if the bottom is grace and our fellowship with Jesus Christ will never end if our eyes are focused upon Him through the eyes of the cross. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (II Corinthians 4:17).

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Luke 12:19-21

How many thoughts do we exercise in reason to reveal that we do not trust God? How many barns do we build to hold provision for our future? It is important to realize that in reality we possess nothing, for the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. How many truly can yield to His sovereignty and say, "Blessed be the name of Lord?" People somehow imagine that they can store up for themselves natural provision for security. But natural security can so easily be shaken and removed because it is not contained in the immovable heavenly kingdom.

Man never has to prepare anything if he lives in that which has been prepared in God´s Kingdom. He may seem impoverished in terms of natural securities, but he is rich in his faith toward God. Wouldn't you rather have Heaven open to you because of faith than to have barns full of natural provision because of what you imagined you would need by sight? Live in terms of what God has prepared so you can experience faith in God. The Gospel events could be termed as reckless because of the strange events concerning the lives of the disciples. Men did strange things in natural terms when they were called by God. They had unique obedience. Why? Because they were called by faith. Faith will never call you with normal provision.

Faith will come naked of anything but its own nature of life. Trust in the Person Who gave the call, and you will never have to build another barn.

Psalms 49-51

Leviticus 16:2

In I John 2:1, we find that Jesus Christ is our advocate before the Father. In Hebrews 4:14a, He is the "great High Priest that is passed into the heavens" and in Hebrews 7:24b, He "hath an unchangeable priesthood," for He "ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25b). Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, is able to take this position because He substituted His perfect life for us by His sacrificial death on the cross.

"For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens" (Hebrews 7:26). It is the Son "who is consecrated forevermore" Hebrews 7:28b). He has become the perfect sacrifice. Jesus Christ has finished the work of redemption, rending the veil of separation between God and man forever! "For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified" (Hebrews 10:14).

It is essential for all Christians to understand that Jesus Christ, in His office as High Priest, is for us!

And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. - Leviticus 16:2

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: - 1 John 2:1

Mark 4:38

Jesus was at home anywhere the Father sent Him. Whether it was in fellowship with those He loved or forsaken totally by all at Calvary, Jesus was at home in the plan of God. The reason was that He knew the Father in the plan. How many Christians are driven away by the plan and leave experiential fellowship with God to escape? All the natural forces of the situation that Adam proposes seem real to the individual. Adam´s suppositions make void in the individual the repose of faith wherein all things reveal God as our sufficiency and abundance.

It may not seem practical to rest in faith when a storm is raging, but faith has nothing to do with common sense. Faith must be understood in the light of the Scriptures, not in a natural interpretation of relevant laws of common sense. The supernatural ingredient of faith violates the natural ingredients that go along with the results of Adam.

It is certainly not practical to remain sleeping when your life is endangered by a storm, the boat is rocking, and those on the boat are crying out. But Jesus was resting in faith, and the situation did not touch His emotions. Many people react in their emotions and try to preserve their life in the storm. But in Christ we have our life preserved in rest through the storm as we are at home with God. Though the disciples may panic, God is resting in His redemption for His redeemed ones even if they refuse to be redeemed from their emotions.

Psalms 46-48

I Corinthians 6:11

The recovery principle of I John 1:9 applies to every sin and failure. "If we (freely) admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and continuously cleanse us from all unrighteousness-everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought and action" (Amplified). The measure to which the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ is appropriated by faith, is the measure to which forgiveness and freedom from guilt will be experienced in the conscience.

"You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (I Corinthians 6:11b, NIV). All believers are eternally cleansed and forgiven because of their position in the Body of Jesus Christ, but all must exercise faith in the finished work of Calvary in order to experience mental purity. An attitude of repentance and faith in the forgiving power of Christ will bring victory over sin and failure.

Repentance means that the believer simply agrees with God's definition of sinful behavior, appropriates His forgiveness, and thus is restored by the Holy Spirit into full fellowship and right standing with God!

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. - 1 Corinthians 6:11

Romans 1:17

Without addition there is no revelation. We will in the staleness of our own knowledge without any outworking of that which has been worked in by God. We add faith in the midst of a situation and God multiplies the grace and peace with the result being Christ.

So many want to move on to the next town because they cannot win Christ where God has in sovereignty asked them to reside. You discover Christ where you are and not in the next town. We do not go into depression in the lions´ den. We do not say, "Lord, take us out of the furnace." We rest and trust God, and though the heat is made seven times hotter, we know that God is controlling it and not the furnace. We do not have to worry about inevitable deaths in the jailhouse sentence, but we now rest in eternal life in the situation of the sentence.

Jesus puts us in the situation and works grace, love, and patience into our hearts. We allow the situation to work it out through our consent to the Holy Spirit as the earthen vessel is broken and the treasure is expressed. In situation after situation, the nature of God is revealed, the power of God is expressed, and the conversion of others is produced by what we reveal. God does it all through our situations so others can experience our God and the nature of His grace toward. The average Christian lets God work it in, and then it becomes a theology, a hope, or a fact, but rarely an experience of life. Without the addition of faith, we are left without the garment of revelation-Christ.

Psalms 43-45

Jeremiah 51:12

"Set up the standard... make the watch strong, set up the watchmen..." Christians must learn the meaning of watching with Christ in prayer. The truly spiritual believer has learned to be deeply stirred and moved by the Holy Spirit. He knows the great privilege of spiritual warfare, and therefore, does not become entangled in the affairs of this life (2). He is aware of the eternal effects of his prayers (3).

On the other hand, the believer who does not learn to watch will not be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (4). As he settles for "earthly-mindedness," he will be fooled by the shrewdness of the satanic system of evil. Many today are like the watchmen in Isaiah who were blind (5). It is sad to say that many Christians today settle for this type of life. Few are willing to set time apart for prayer. Instead, they allow menial details to distract them.

One test of true spirituality is the observation of a person's prayer life. It is not a natural thing for a man to pray. The disciples could not even watch with Jesus for one hour in the garden when the conflict became the most intense (6).

Take heed to the words of Jesus to watch and pray (7).

The message in I Corinthians 16:13 is for today, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."

Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon. - Jeremiah 51:12

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. - 2 Timothy 2:4

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. - James 5:16

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. - Ephesians 6:11

His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. - Isaiah 56:10

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? - Matthew 26:40

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. - Matthew 26:41

Romans 15:7

Forbearing in love is a choice we make in our thinking. We know the love of God, therefore we purpose to share the love of God. We have received the Word of love, so we can accept people in love. We bear afflictions (2 Thessalonians 1:4), and we endure hardships (1 Corinthians 4:12).

Forbearance works itself out joyfully, happily, peacefully, and kindly. We forbear because of in-wrought grace, humility, and our retroactive life in the Word and the Spirit. Our state corresponds to our standing; our walk reproduces our talk. We realize that our position has become our condition. Our fellowship with each other relates to our relationship with Christ through the Finished Work.

This is a necessity in our service and in our relationships, but it is something we cannot do in our own strength. The Christian who forbears in love has love working in him. It is a direct result of the Word of God he has received in his heart.

2 Peter 1:2, 5

Many people want their own way in Adam while they confess grace to do it. Grace does not give us our own way in Adam, but crucifies Adam so God can have His way. Separation from God means bondage to Adam. Reconciliation to God means freedom in Christ. If people run away from the provision for reconciliation, they are running away from the life that reconciles in their experience. If people make a provision for self to reign, the best grace can, do is to keep them from going to the pit; grace cannot keep them from living in the pit in their experience.

Man´s system is to divide himself from the situation to keep from multiplied problems, therefore never winning Christ and revealing the Person Who is the victory. But God´s plan is to subtract Adam through death and to enter into addition and multiplication which means reproduction: Christ.

Grace and peace are multiplied as we add. As the circumstances require us to accept grace and peace, grace and peace are multiplied and then we can begin to add through cultivation to what we have in God to reveal who God is in us. What He works in us is worked out through us. If we are not adding to faith through grace, then we will not experience the life of faith to be revealed to win Christ. We add to our faith, and love takes on an expression that makes love more than just a resident but an experience.

Psalms 40-42

II Corinthians 5:16

In John 21, Peter is asked by Jesus, "Do you love me more than all the things of the world?" Peter replied with emotional affection. Peter could only love the Lord with conditional love, which produces a conditional commitment and faith. The life of Jesus exemplified an unconditional commitment - He always gave of Himself - no strings attached. This kind of love takes care of all of the roots of yesterday. Behind the shame, failure, reason and cowardice of Peter, Jesus knew the disciple loved Him. So our Lord taught Peter a lesson about the type of love that the Father had - the type that never stops giving. He told Peter to feed His sheep.

It is sad that many treat others as things. They love money, jobs, and possessions more than people. Because people have been treated like things, they are lonely. They have never experienced a relationship with another based on unconditional love.

How many times do we love and encourage people around us? We are to overlook the old things and see people as they are in Christ. "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh" (II Corinthians 5:16a). If we realize that all were in God's mind before He laid the foundation of the world (2), we will understand the great worth of each person.

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. - 2 Corinthians 5:16

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: - Ephesians 1:4

Romans 13:14

What happens to so many believers who come to know Christ and know He has paid it all? They allow unconditional love to be resident, but they do not cultivate it or bring additions to their life through it. That is, they do not cultivate love into reproduction. Situations then reveal their knowledge of love but the barrenness of their expression. They say they know how it should be, but they still cannot make it. They have never learned to win Christ unconditionally in a situation. So many perhaps can win conditionally through knowledge and therefore declare some type of victory. Their declared state of success, though, in actuality is only the outcome of conditions in the situation that give them a peaceful state where they can declare some kind of stance. If we cannot win Christ in every situation, then our love is residential and not experiential. We may be saved by Christ but we have not won Him.

God does not want us to use the ministry of grace as a provision for our flesh when the flesh has been crucified through the teaching of the ministry. By grace we can live by every Word of God. If we do not experience the Lord Jesus through grace while in grace by grace, we are making a provision to live without experiencing grace. Grace is to give us unmerited favor to live in the power of Christ. If we have the truth, it is not enough. We must have the power of the truth in order to allow Christ´s adequacy to more than conquer for us in every situation.

Psalms 37-39

I Thessalonians 5:18

Joy - "Chara" - is a gratitude and thanksgiving produced by the Spirit, something that is produced in man by God. Thanksgiving is not something that always shows but that always is. It is inner gratefulness. God's love produces joy.

Galatians 5:22, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." The first three that are mentioned love, joy and peace-are produced by God inwardly. The love of God starts by creating joy in the souls of His children; it is manifested as a spirit of praise that is expressed freely.

This type of thanksgiving is quite different than what the natural man might think. It is something that the Holy Spirit does deep in the heart of a believer. Therefore, one can not thank God beyond what he has been taught in the Word of God.

"Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:7). The believer becomes strengthened with God's Word. This takes him beyond just a superficial understanding of what it means to give thanks.

Again, thanksgiving is not an outward "showing" but an inward "knowing."

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Romans 16:17

Be in Jesus Christ. Stop being in a ministry, and be in Jesus Christ as He ministers through the Body. Then it is no longer I, ministering in my independence in my personality through my doctrine about Christ. So many people call themselves into independent ministries and then find themselves not equipped with the gifts for the responsibility.

They are self-appointed through their own zeal for God and not submitted to God to be trained in God´s eternal place of preparation, the Body. God wants people to be in Jesus Christ. Christ being their Head, they are automatically one with the Body. People never outgrow the Body; they grow into Him through the Body. If a person separates himself from the Body, he also has severed himself from the Head, Christ, experientially.

We are never to compliment people who divide. To compliment does not necessarily mean verbal agreement, but one who even lends his ear is open to a place to deception. God says to mark those that cause division and to avoid them. The greatest and most persuasive cry from the devil is "Do not follow a man!" The devil wants anything else but for a person to be hid under a governmental covering so that the person may follow in obedience that which is preached. We follow God as we follow God´s men (Ephesians 5:1, Philippians 3:17). Ironically, we only follow men if we receive the accusation of the enemy and give heed to Adam´s opinion over God´s voice through the Word.

Psalms 34-36

Acts 20:32

What is grace? First, it depends upon who God is and what He has done. Second, it is something that we never merit. Third, we receive it by responding in faith to God's Word. Fourth, when we start to learn the Word of God, we must understand that it is always totally rooted in grace.

The Apostle Paul said in Acts 20:32, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." It is so important for us to be rooted in the Word of God. Then we will be able to understand the true, pure function of God's grace and how we should stand in it. "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2).

When we comprehend what it means to stand in grace, then we will be able to grow in it and its authority of love. We will also rest knowing that it is impossible for Jesus Christ to deal with us outside of grace, because it is a part of His nature. He is "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14b) and therefore, "of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace" (John 1:16).

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. - Acts 20:32

Acts 2:42

Do not test and evaluate according to your own understanding. When Eve thought about the fruit by sight, she fell into sin. If there is to be a test, then let God be true and use the Word of God as your basis. So many people evaluate according to their concept of God´s thoughts. They are kept away from the Word by pride. Their own lack of humility brings them into self-deception. Only through meekness which receives the Word can a person be separated unto the life of the Spirit through faith.

God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble, and because of their pure heart they see God whenever they are looking. So many people want to start movements with the banner of independent development outside of Corporate authority and government. They lack the humility of Christ and never will be blessed with true spiritual blessings in their experience (Ephesians 1:3). People fail to realize the deception of their own heart ( Jeremiah 17:9) and the sickness of their own mind (Isaiah 1:5) outside of a Corporate covering. Make sure that wherever God takes you, you continue in the doctrine of a master builder (Acts 4:2). As you submit to a prophet, you will receive a prophet´s reward (Matthew 10:41). Your life will reap in reward all that the prophet received from God simply through your submission. You are rewarded with the life experience of the Word you submitted to in humility. You will continue steadfastly without the unceasing conflict of double-mindedness in the flesh.

Psalms 31-33

Psalm 18:28

There certainly will be times in our lives when we will be surrounded by darkness. Our first reaction is often to get out of it as quickly as possible, but let us consider the purpose God has for troublesome times.

In difficulties, we can do one of two things: we can draw near to God (2), or we can run away from the trial set before us. We can expect to have great loneliness while in darkness. Psalm 88:18 says, "Lover and friend thou hast put far from me..." God does this so we will seek Him out and allow Him to become our source of life, rather than people. We must search for the light, knowing that He is Light (3). Light always arises out of darkness (4). Each night has a morning. These times of darkness will be great, and may be painful, but if you do not depart from the Word and continue to feed upon it, then Christ will become your provision.

Psalm 112:7-8 tells how the writer's heart was fixed on trusting the Lord. Do not despair while in darkness. Use it as an opportunity to draw near to Him Who does not change (6). You may discover riches stored in those dark places (7).

For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. - Psalm 18:28

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. - James 4:8

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. - 1 John 1:5

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. - Isaiah 42:16

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. - Psalm 112:7-8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. - Hebrews 13:8

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. - Isaiah 45:3

1 John 3:14-16

We do not evaluate on the basis of preference. We do not evaluate on the basis of opinion. Natural means or thoughts or sources do not enter in when we view God, and neither do they enter in when we view God´s people. So many people see God in terms of a holy and fearful reverence. That is good and true. On the other hand, when it comes to God´s people, they reserve the right to judge and evaluate naturally without any awareness that those people, that church, that fellowship is joined to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17) and are members of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), members of His body, flesh, and bones (Ephesians 5:30). They can love God, but hate their brother in their attitude. It is not so with God, and it is not possible to believe the Bible and love God, but hate your brother in mental attitude or in expressed thought. God calls a person who does this a liar (1 John 4:20), for it is not possible to be double-minded in your attitude of love and still say you are experientially one with God.

Unconditional love has one thought which acts in laying down its life ( John 3:16). How does one perceive Godliness? How does one know where God is being exalted? You will find God high and lifted up where man is not. Whenever man has lost himself in Christ, there God will be found. God will give men the credentials when they have lost reputation and personal ambition through a cross.

Upwardly, outwardly, and inwardly, God will shed Himself abroad through the Spirit as the fruit of love.

Psalms 28-30

James 5:16

God loves the one who trusts Him in prayer in the midst of reactionary attitudes and double-mindedness. Motives determine the effectiveness of prayer (2), and motives are determined by faith. If we are caught off guard by a lack of faith, the enemy invades the heart and robs it of its capacity to trust and receive from God.

Proverbs 15:8 tells us that the prayers of the upright are a delight to Him. If God accepts a person through Christ, then He accepts that person's prayers. We can walk away from our prayer times with the confidence that we have been heard and will receive the very best from God. Worry is just another way of saying that God cannot be trusted.

So often Christians speak, but do not pray; they even teach, but do not think with God's heart for situations. When you pray, trust His promises. Do not let one attitude of doubt neutralize your prayer stance before God. Subjection to God's sovereignty produces no internal reaction or struggle due to distrust of His character and subsequent emotional revolt. Your voice has been heard. Trust Him.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. - James 5:16

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. - James 4:3

Psalm 119:11

The Holy Spirit brings to remembrance the hidden Word to reveal a Glorified Christ. To God's glory, Christ is revealed and for my benefit I am kept from temptation. I receive the Word through meekness that I might not sin against God. The Word is a provision for the Spirit to use to keep me in life from the actual result of temptation-sin. If I receive the Word in meekness by transferring my rights in Adam through the Cross, the Word I receive, though I may not understand or comprehend all I have received, becomes my personal property so that I will not fall into sin.

So many people receive the Word of God as the word of men. In doing so, they feel they have a right to evaluate the message, injecting their own thoughts and feelings as to how the subject should apply to their lives. They do not receive the Word in meekness and therefore they are left without an experiential victory, and they wonder why. People would rather follow their own Adam and reserve their rights than to follow God's men and hear God speak by grace. They miss out on the constant impartation of a sound and single mind. People would rather be double-minded and allow their faculties to work in terms of their own self-rights than to be under the living authority of God's Word, God's man, God's Body, and God's Son through the Cross.

Psalms 25-27

Colossians 3:22-24

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him" (Colossians 3:17). We must always remember that we are not serving man, but the Lord. Some believers have no concept of what it means to be a hard worker at their job. The Scripture teaches us to work a full eight hours for eight hour's pay and to do it with all of our heart.

Do we truly have an attitude of productivity on our job that honors Christ? Do we approach our job or daily tasks with an attitude of giving?

We must not be so occupied with the future, that we sacrifice the opportunities of the present to accomplish what we can with diligence. Finally, let us always look to the next thing that is placed before us in our schedule and do it with all of our might. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10a).

Colossians 3:23-24 states that "whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: For ye serve the Lord Christ."

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:22-24

James 1:8

Many people are not stable in the conviction of God because they do not allow themselves continual conversion through the mind of Christ. They are double-minded, and they allow people, situations, inner intimidations and reservations to draw them away from meeting the Word in the reception room of faith. Even when they hear the Word, they are talked out of it by others who are carnal in nature. These people may carry a Christian label, yet their profession goes just far enough to keep comfort and convenience within reach to enjoy.

They do not want to go too far from Egypt. They want "social security" for the old nature. Let us not be double-minded, but lay aside all things that might cause us to be naughty toward God. Do not allow conversations to give you a right to think independently even for a moment, but instead receive the Word of God with meekness. No matter of predetermination ever will keep you from the self-deception of a double mind. Only a transferal of rights through meekness gives you the soundness of the mind of God. If you do not receive the Word in meekness, then the Word will never become your personal property. You can never build on it, because you do not own it. Instead, you are regulated, having your life rented out and occupied by strangers, not originating from the mind of God.

Psalms 22-24

I Peter 5:7

"Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life" (Matthew 6:25a, Amplified). There is no greater cancer in our society than the disease of worrying - being anxious. Some people worry when things are going well, and they worry when things are not going well. God views this as sin. The American College Dictionary defines worry as "to feel anxious." The believer has someone upon whom he can cast his concerns, his cares, his burdens. Our burden bearer is Christ, not the escape mechanism of drugs, alcohol, people or things of this world. We as believers, have a clear Biblical mandate "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything" (Philippians 4:6, Amplified). We are to cast "the whole of your care - all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all - on Him; for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you; watchfully'" (I Peter 5:7, Amplified). The word "cast" in the Greek means "to roll." Let all of your worries and burdens roll off your shoulders and on to Christ! He will support you.

"(I will) not, (I will) not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake, nor let (you) down (relax my hold on you)." "The Lord is my Helper, I will not be seized with alarm - I will not fear or dread or be terrified" (Hebrews 13:5b, 6b, Amplified).

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

Luke 22:50-51

Do not misplace yourself. God has no need for acts of self-will to prove the integrity of your faith. Many people place themselves in such a position that they misplace the heart of God in the plan. Do not choose your course of action by the way that will best display your spiritual ability.

It is not always the need that promotes the plan. Israel needed Elijah and yet the plan of God was for him to go to the house of the widow of Zarephath for a year. Had he chosen the place of obvious need according to his sight and the opinion of others, he would have removed himself from the plan of God.

After Jesus Christ was kissed by Judas in his betrayal (Luke 22:47-48), Peter´s retaliation would seem to be a zealous act of defense (Luke 22:50; John 18:10), and yet it removed him from the heart of God. His purpose for striking the servant was to free Christ, thus removing Him from the Father´s plan. Jesus touched the man´s ear and healed him (Luke 22:51). The three Hebrew boys could have chosen compromise with the king in hopes that his mind would change eventually (Daniel 3). Many people stay in a place of compromise so they can be used by God when in fact they lose the power of convicting life when they fail to obey God when He called them to another place. They never lose their salvation, but they lose the experiential power to express redeeming life.

Psalms 16-18

II Corinthians 9:6

Throughout the Old Testament, we notice that one always reaps what he sows (2). "Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters" (Isaiah 32:20a). This is one of the most vital principles found in the Scriptures. It is easy to stop sowing the precious seed of Christ's life. Sowing is usually the first thing that goes when our schedules are busy. Consequently, many miss the blessings that come from sowing beside all waters.

Paul commended Timothy to be instant in season and out of season, and to do the work of an evangelist (3). It is quite challenging to be a doer, and not a hearer only. When we dedicate our lives to sowing, the majority of our problems will be gone. We can sow in prayer for the unsaved at our job with a kind word and sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We can purpose to have consistent times of sharing Christ with the lost.

When we do these things God promises us special beauty. "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15b). Finally, we start to reap eternal dividends in everything we do, "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully" (II Corinthians 9:6). Let us be found sowing in every situation.

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. - 2 Corinthians 9:6

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. - Galatians 6:7

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. - 2 Timothy 4:2-5

Psalm 91

God has a secret place which is the most unusual place a man can live. It is a place where sin is not mentioned, but offers instead provision and protection in which one can live. It is a place where the wicked one touches us not. But why is it called a secret place, and what is the secret that God keeps therein? It is not a place where I abide conditionally based upon my behavior. The only requirement to get there is grace, and I can abide under an unconditional shadow.

God keeps what goes on there a secret. The secret place hides all the secrets of men. Thousands of preachers never get to the secret place with their messages. The secret place is a place where weak people can live happily forever and grow in Christ with an option of grace through faith.

The secret place is the place where God covers transgressions and does not impute sin. The secret place belongs to God because it has the Blood of Christ in it. The secret place blots out sins and covers those that people will not renounce. It is a place where God has eternally concealed the matter and then hid us in Christ. The secret place is where men have obtained eternal redemption and have been eternally redeemed in the mind of the Redeemer. The secret place is the unconditional love of God´s redemption, covering man with the Blood of the New Covenant.

Psalms 10-12

I John 3:16

True wisdom carries out what it believes. It starts as an attitude, and then is shown in action just as love is. Wisdom introduces Calvary's love. "It is because of Him that you are in Jesus Christ, who has become for us wisdom from God" (I Corinthians 1:30a, NIV). Because God is full of wisdom and love, His actions revealed it by sending His only Son to die for us. His love was expressed in His actions.

Love never fails, it has no problem accepting a person just the way he is without wanting to change him. Love is daring. Do you dare to love your enemy, a fool, or even someone who does not want you to care?

We can learn a great deal from the love of the Lord in our lives and those around us. God not only told us He loved us, but He put it into action by sending us His Son. How many times do we speak the Word to people, but are not willing to show them in action? Our words seem to be many, but our actions few. We must not limit our expression of love. It should not stop when it comes to people who are not appealing to us. Let us lay down our lives so that we can allow God's love to be manifested through us.

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. - 1 John 3:16

Song of Solomon 6:11; Galatians 5:22

The Bride has become just like her God, her Savior, because of what He has done and is doing. God thinks she is holy and perfect. The Bridegroom marvels at what He has produced, at what redemption has done for a weak person. There is the Bride within the veil, and the Lord loves her with no thought of sin or accusation. He has bought her and she is His Bride. The Holy Spirit did the conceiving, the regenerating, the bringing forth of life through the human capacity of response.

The Bride is the only one of her mother (Song of Solomon 6:9). She is a Finished Work lover. God is fellowshipping with the beauty of His own without sin with which to contend, without murmuring to repudiate, and without flaws magnified in her own confession. She is the choice one.

All others blessed her for what she had. When the Bride is in the valley, the fruit of love comes forth (Song of Solomon 6:11). It is fruit derived because of living in the veil. The Lord loves to go down to the valley and see the results of what He has done in humanity. He sees David in Psalm 23, He sees Abraham offer Isaac, He sees John praising Him on the Isle of Patmos. He goes in the valley. He sees Paul rejoicing and taking beatings. No matter what persecutions, financial trials, and errors come, the Bridegroom looks to see the life within the veil come forth. We are a terrible army, says the enemy, for nothing can remove us from the eternal gift. We have found mercy.

Job 28-31

Ephesians 6:18

Many times, we as believers in Jesus Christ do not realize that we have an enemy who has a planned strategy against the children of God. He does not just throw temptations at believers, but he has other methods of distracting. Jesus Christ said to the church in Thyatira that many did not know the depths of Satan (2). You must be a warrior to see his work, because it is so planned and detailed. Satan has had a long time to practice.

Satan is building a congregation (3), he has ministries (4). He has his demons teaching his doctrine (5), and he even has a communion table (6). He is very organized. He has totally set up a counterfeit of what God has done. He works on many people without their even knowing it. He "deceiveth the whole world" (7). He darkens Christian's understanding so they cannot see that they are being deceived (8).

It is so important to learn Satan's tactics. Watch with your spiritual eyes and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you. Prepare yourself by putting on the whole armor of God (9) and continue "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching there unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; - Ephesians 6:18

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. - Revelation 2:24

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. - Revelation 2:9

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. - 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; - 1 Timothy 4:1

What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? - 1 Corinthians 10:19-22

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. - Revelation 12:9

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: - Ephesians 4:18

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. - Ephesians 6:11

Song of Solomon 6

We have been called into a life of love, to live in the Holy of Holies where all is sacred. It is the place where God fellowships with His saints in a seated position of rest. It is the place where the issue of sin has been settled and no longer exists. The only issue is love, the love between the Bride and her Lord. The fellowship contains all the dynamics and expression of the revelation of Christ to the world. It is the place where the Lord beholds the Bride in all her spotless beauty.

The Lord describes the Bride with perfect spiritual detail as He beholds her closely in their fellowship. To Him, she is as beautiful as Tirzan, the residential palace of the king. She is as comely as Jerusalem, the center of all activities. And she is as terrible as an army with banners, meaning she is twofold. To the Lord, she is as beautiful as the palace where the King lives all the time, filled with nothing but that which is priceless. She is the center of all His activity as His entire love, desire, and devotion is toward her. But, she is as terrible as an army with banners. She is beautiful before the Lord, because she is within the veil before the eyes of God without the flesh, and she is terrible to the spiritual enemies in the atmosphere because they cannot move her or charge her with accusation, condemnation, and sin. She has no need for weapons of warfare. Her victory banner spells out unconditional love, the only issue in a finished triumph.

Job 25-27

A vital characteristic of a leader is that he must first be a servant. People respect a leader who practices the principles he teaches. If he speaks of the importance of prayer, he should be a prayer warrior. If he promotes soul-winning, he should first be a soul winner.

Take an employer, for instance. If he is diligent, works extra hours, redeems the time, and if he continually conveys a positive attitude even under pressure, then he will be a source of motivation for his employees to do the same. Likewise, before we can tell others to forsake their portion in this life, we must first forsake our portion by counting "all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus."

Jesus Christ is our prime example as a leader. He laid down His life for us (2). His act of love motivates us to lay down our lives for the brethren. Jesus was not accepted even in His own town. He would not expect us to suffer for the Gospel's sake if He had not paved the way with His own suffering. "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind" (I Peter 4:1a). We can provoke others "unto love and good works" holding "fast to the profession of faith," by assembling together with the Body of Christ, and by setting a godly example through our lives.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Hebrews 10:23-25

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. - John 10:18

Proverbs 3:6

When I am tempted, I can either subdue self and confess theology, or I can believe in God and acknowledge Him with all my heart and experience His life through faith. God will not make the choice for me, for God has already chosen to give me grace. God will not provide another experiential way to escape. He has already given me His life. Will I choose His power and execution? Some wrestle and call that life, but God gives Calvary and resurrection and calls it abundant life. We are to acknowledge God in all our ways. We do not just plan to take so much and no more, but we live constantly in the reality of Christian practicality in human response.

Some people make a declaration for God and against the devil but never experience Christ as their provision. The provision is that our will allows His will to execute His life through our weakness and allow the activity of His mind to apply the wisdom of His knowledge in the frailty of our capacity. Then, we never have to subdue our life with knowledge, but we just through faith acknowledge Him in all our ways.

We are called out of self-life and called into a life in the heavenlies, which calls us to a life of love on earth in the Holy of Holies. We live there as watchmen inside the veil with Christ and without the occupation of self, sin, condemnation, or guilt. We live beyond self, gloriously excelling and exceeding in grace.

Job 21-24

Luke 10:10

Many times Jesus asked his disciples questions like this: "Are you offended by me?" The believer should not be occupied with what the world thinks of his service to God. Jesus was not concerned about what "society" said to him. He died for those people in that society, and it was His deepest desire to see them saved (2). His own brothers and sisters did not even believe Him (3). "He came unto His own, and His own received him not" (John 1:11). Yet, He would not let His non acceptance by the masses stop Him from serving God, the Father. "But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men" (John 2:24). He would not let the response of men regulate His service. John 12:43 warns us that the believer should never love the praises of men more than the praise of God.

Once, the disciples came to Jesus and were overwhelmed by the positive response they had received while ministering. Jesus said, "Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20).

Jesus taught the disciples not to let any response (good or bad) that they would receive while ministering the Gospel regulate their service. Consider this verse: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Colossians 3:23).

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, - Luke 10:10

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9

For neither did his brethren believe in him. - John 7:5

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. - John 12:43

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

The Song of Solomon portrays the progressive walk of the Bride as her life is consumed by the Bridegroom, the Lord. We see the Lord call the Bride out of her self-life and into a life in the heavenlies and then called into a life of love on the earth to reveal what she was receiving in the heavenlies. It´s a continual calling, a constant communion, because God wants the Church always to hear the voice of the Spirit. God is continually calling His people in a progression of grace through the Word and the Spirit so that people are then continually, objectively, and subjectively balanced through the call of God. So many people get involved in religious quests, searching and questioning for the truth instead of simply following the call of God in the ordained steps of their life. These steps are not programmed by man but are in sovereignty delivered to man by God through grace.

The first call was to rise up out of her self-life (Song of Solomon 2:8-15). Why is this call so difficult to follow? People actually make a provision to live a life in self. They take grace and consume it on self instead of using it to experience crucifixion of self. People suffer when they consume grace on their self-life. God has made it possible for self to be crucified because of a provision through love. We have the choice to react in self or to forfeit self by believing. Subduing self brings frustration, but believing is just acknowledging truth in its simplicity.

Job 18-20

Ephesians 2:1-3

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2).

All believers were among the people referred to in this verse before they accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and became one of His children. Let us therefore not be ignorant of the devices of Satan. He is constantly at work to keep the unsaved and believers in a state of deception. This should motivate us not to blame those who do us wrong, but rather to be aware of the spiritual forces that are influencing their actions. Then we can put the blame on the real source behind the situation-the accuser of the brethren, who accuses Christians before God day and night (2).

As we come to realize this truth, we can look to the people whose minds are blinded to the things of God, and initiate divine love and compassion toward them. We must go to the Lord in prayer and plead that the veil would be lifted from their eyes, so that they, too, can experience a new life in Christ, and that they might be partakers with all who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb (3).

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. - Ephesians 2:1-3

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. - Revelation 12:10

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. - Revelation 12:11

1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Romans 12:10

No matter how intimate the friendship, and despite the fact that he was one soul with David, Jonathan was always to honor David as the anointed king. Their intimacy in friendship never took honor away from God´s delegated position. People have particular positions, but these do not magnify the people. The positions magnify the people´s responsibilities to fulfill the plan and purpose ordained for them in the individual, personal, delegated authority given. Just as we honor the delegated authority because of Christ, so too do we honor each other because of Christ. He has positioned Himself in us and we honor that life. We honor each other as we would honor Christ. Each person is our body, flesh, and bones.

When we think of another as our Body, we think of the love in his soul, the purpose in his heart, the power in his countenance, and the sacredness of his life. Look at others in the sacredness of who they are in Christ. God is living inside that body, even if that person is not performing to the ultimate expectation. How many of us would attack a mother bearing a child? We respect and honor that which is within before it is delivered. Do not gaze on others with the familiarity of human frailty. No matter who it is, gaze at them as seeing a sacred vessel that God has inhabited in time to reveal eternity. If we are truly Spirit-filled, we will not know other Christians after the flesh, but our life will be one of divine evaluation.

Job 14-17

Psalm 144:1-2

In the first several chapters of Numbers, the tribes of Israel were strategically set up around the tabernacle. God had called 603,500 men to be warriors outside the tabernacle, because of the tremendous warfare that often took place.

Today, there is also a tremendous warfare that Satan wages against the mind. Unless the mind is being redeemed, quickened by God's Word and made entreatable by the Holy Spirit, the mind is sick. "The whole head is sick and the whole heart faint" (Isaiah 1:5b). Satan deceives Christians in every area he can, and often gets away with it because many do not keep an eye on themselves through self-examination (2) without condemnation.

Satan attacks unbelievers by blinding their minds so they cannot see the light of the Gospel (3). With believers, he continually tries to darken their understanding and separate them from the life of God (4). He is very subtle in how he does this, but it is true that he is waging war against all Christians who are bearing fruit. We must realize this and do as the psalmist did by crying out to God to teach us to war. "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight" (Psalm 144:1).

A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. - Psalm 144:1-2

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. - Lamentations 3:40

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. - 2 Corinthians 4:4

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: - Ephesians 4:18

1 Samuel 26:11

How easy it is to be familiar with Christ and take away from the sacredness of His presence. It is the mistake people make as they are either too familiar or too distant. We are to treat neither God nor people with familiarity. When we prevent familiarity from creeping into our attitudes toward people, it doesn´t take away from intimacy but it allows the presence of God to take its awesome place in each other. When God´s presence takes that place, He reveals the mystery of each other´s portion in the sacredness of time.

Lot was too familiar with Abraham, and yet Abraham treated him properly as a child of God. Miriam and Aaron were very familiar with Moses and treated him as an earthly brother (Numbers 12). But God spoke for His man and declared that He spoke with Moses mouth-to-mouth. In consequence for her familiarity towards God´s man, Miriam was shut up with leprosy for seven days. Her familiarity deceived her into thinking that she could speak against God´s man, using the excuse of an earthly relationship.

It is the man who knows the heart of God by grace who is spiritually cautioned against familiarity, as typified in the life of David. David would not become familiar with King Saul because God had anointed Saul, though at that very time Saul was a murderer in his heart. David honored God´s anointing before he ever became familiar enough with the situation to react, even if it meant his life.

Job 11-13

1 Samuel 26:11

How easy it is to be familiar with Christ and take away from the sacredness of His presence. It is the mistake people make as they are either too familiar or too distant. We are to treat neither God nor people with familiarity. When we prevent familiarity from creeping into our attitudes toward people, it doesn't take away from intimacy but it allows the presence of God to take its awesome place in each other. When God's presence takes that place, He reveals the mystery of each other's portion in the sacredness of time.

Lot was too familiar with Abraham, and yet Abraham treated him properly as a child of God. Miriam and Aaron were very familiar with Moses and treated him as an earthly brother (Numbers 12). But God spoke for His man and declared that He spoke with Moses mouth-to-mouth. In consequence for her familiarity towards God's man, Miriam was shut up with leprosy for seven days. Her familiarity deceived her into thinking that she could speak against God's man, using the excuse of an earthly relationship.

It is the man who knows the heart of God by grace who is spiritually cautioned against familiarity, as typified in the life of David. David would not become familiar with King Saul because God had anointed Saul, though at that very time Saul was a murderer in his heart. David honored God's anointing before he ever became familiar enough with the situation to react, even if it meant his life.

Job 11-13

Matthew 19:26

In the days ahead will come the intensity of the devil´s attack. People will be forced to reveal Christ or to reveal a compromise that does not go through the Cross. Some people will face situations over and over until by choice they withdraw to the easy road. They will not make a stand as the three Hebrew boys did. By sight these boys were to face death. But by faith they had found an opportunity to declare Christ. By faith they revealed the Son who was in them. Their testimony overcame the enemy, and the provision of God overcame the circumstances. Their personality did not dominate the Word. Their emotions did not regulate their mind. Their fears did not paralyze their capacity. They lived in an eternal life that could not be consumed.

How many want to conform to death, to take the popular route of substitutes not life, of peace not beyond understanding, of superficial effects, and of natural release for natural emotions? How many people run from a personal cross and begin to interpret the Cross according to their own personal desire? How many want the jail at midnight, the lions´ den, and the Isle of Patmos?

If we were to choose the situation, would we choose who, when, and where? Would we choose what would be best for human life to survive instead of death so resurrection could reign? Grace will give us the choice to go forward in obedience so we become an epistle in decision to reveal grace.

Job 8-10

I Corinthians 15:10

Immaturity is a great hindrance to growing in Christ. When a believer allows it to dominate him. He is literally allowing Satan to rob his entire reason for living.

Immaturity is caused by a lack of grace applied to the soul. Whenever the Christian fails, it is so important for them to make the recovery principle in I John 1:9 a living reality. He must realize that we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (3). But, just as Paul said in I Corinthians 15:10, we are what we are by the grace of God. When the grace is not applied to the believer's soul, he lives in his old frame of reference, which could have been formed by rejection, materialism, or covetousness. He is still in bondage to the basic principles of the world (4).

The believer must remember who he is in Christ to prevent himself from falling into this. He must understand that he is risen with Christ (5), and that grace is given to all who love Jesus Christ (6). Most of all, God has already provided the strength to go on. God's promises say you can go from "strength to strength" (7) and that you will flourish (8).

As you learn to appropriate the grace of God in your life, it will become a shield to you as you grow into maturity. You will not be tempted to draw back because you know that you are being upheld by God's everlasting arms.

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. - Ephesians 6:24

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. - Galatians 4:13

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; - Romans 3:23

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. - 1 Corinthians 15:10

They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. - Psalm 84:7

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. - Psalm 92:12

Luke 18:23

What I learned in the presence of God yesterday is not relevant today. We may get to know things about the Cross and acknowledge those things, but the Cross must live today in my communion with God so that I am dying daily but always alive unto God.

Personality wants to taunt people, bringing injury to the emotions, conflict in the body, and confusion in the potential. You can be just as defeated as you want to be as your personality speaks from its experience, or you can hear God declare life in every aspect because you experience a personal cross that brings experiential resurrection in all areas.

Many people never experience a revolutionary transformation. They spend their life listening for the magic sentence, waiting for the emotional experience, striving in the religious exercise, and expecting a push-button change. But resurrection is simple, childlike, and filled with grace, and it allows us to receive its execution without self-experience. People thinking about it anticipate that it must be a grueling experience. Of course, in self-consciousness, when we try to get our self-life through the Cross and still come out with our own rights, it is quite discomforting. The claims of the Cross are contrary to the desires of Adam. People often desire to have their emotions touched so that they can know God in His execution. But feeling disallows faith the experience of visible transformation through an invisible God.

Job 5-7

Ezekiel 34:26

God's eternal ambition is to turn curses into blessings. In Numbers 13, Moses is told by God to send spies to spy out the promised land. They brought back several bad reports about the land and its people, and they were fearful that they could not take the land. However, Caleb disregarded the reports and decided to go forward. What seemed to be a curse, God wanted to turn into a blessing, but the people were not looking for it.

In II Chronicles 20, there was an army coming against Jehoshaphat's men. While Jehoshaphat and his army were praising the Lord, God sent confusion into the enemy's camp and set ambushes against them (2). Then, there was the girl who had died (3). Jesus went to her, and told her to get up and she immediately arose. In these two examples, God turned a potential curse into a blessing. Accept it from God, it is the way He chose to work. He reverses situations for His glory.

No matter what problem you are facing today, no matter what situation you are in, God wants to turn it into a blessing. Look to Him and expect it. Rest in the fact that God wants to reverse a curse in your life. Look to Him and watch a blessing come out of a seemingly lifeless situation.

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? - Mark 5:35

And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. - 2 Chronicles 20:22

And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. - Ezekiel 34:26

1 Peter 4:1-2

Some people suffer because of their situation. Others may suffer because of temptation and the negative onslaught of the enemy. These people do not have the mind or the mood of God to live in that Christ may be presented in conviction. They take on a reactionary mood toward that which they dislike, but it leaves them frustrated, without peace and void of experiential life. If we knew Christ in the reality of our personality, we would see that this suffering has no real purpose. People suffer in their own personality and then situations bring reality to that suffering personality. The problem is that though many things were taken to Calvary, they forgot to take their own make-up to the Cross. Our design and make-up was, of course, given to us by God; but because of the Fall, it has entered into human depravation and the effects of a lost man.

Without a personality exchange, meaning a cleansing in the reality of God´s personality, a person is left with the scar tissue of years of life without the covering of God upon his mind and emotions. Perhaps in childhood the person was rejected, impoverished, rebellious, or proud. He carries that personality into the Christian faith. The person lives in a humanly depraved personality, never experiencing the eternal purpose of God to glorify Himself through his particular design. This person never took a trip to Calvary with his personality, so the person lives without the reality of God in every expression of his person.

Esther 8-10

Titus 2:12-13

Every born again believer has a chance to go through progressive sanctification. Though limited to time and space, the Christian has an opportunity to glorify Christ in his body (2). This is a stage between the initial act of faith and the believer's death or translation (3), (4). Though we live in an age characterized by evil (5), ruled by Satan (6), and though we possess our old sin nature (7); (8), we all have the chance to make decisions to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ, to serve the living and true God (9), and to anticipate the coming of the Son (10).

Some of the facets of this stage of our salvation are seen in Titus 2:12 13, "Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." It is the work of faith, the labor of love and the patience of hope (11). In all these instances, the patient, confident expectation of glorification is clearly in view. "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for (expecting) the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Jude 20-21).

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. - 1 John 1:8

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. - 1 Corinthians 6:20

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 5:8

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. - 1 Thessalonians 4:15

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: - Galatians 1:4

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: - Ephesians 2:2

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. - Romans 6:6

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; - 1 Thessalonians 1:9

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. - 1 Thessalonians 1:10

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; - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

1 Corinthians 12:22-27; Colossians 2:9-10

John the Baptist, according to Jesus, was the greatest born of a woman (Matthew 11:11). And yet Jesus says that he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John the Baptist. And who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven? Jesus said, in Matthew 5:19, that the person who breaks one of the least of the commandments and "teaches men to do so;" that person shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But he that is least is still greater than John the Baptist. How is it so?

The Kingdom of God is the government wherein Christ is the Head. John the Baptist did not have a Body. His head was Christ, but he did not have a government. Because he did not have covering or authority, he is less than the least of anyone who is inside the Body. John the Baptist did not have the provision of the Body so he did not equal the least one who does have this covering.

A man having an independent ministry apart from the Body is like this example. A man in the Body who brings water to the pulpit once a week is greater than the man who has a "successful" independent ministry. The least in the Kingdom of God is greater than this man. If a person wants to live outside the Body, he can, but he will not have real success. All his achievements would not even be equal to that which the least in the Kingdom could do. The least is better than a godly man like John the Baptist because God treasures His Body, His flesh and bones.

Esther 4-7

I Peter 4:11

The believer who functions outside of God's divine resources is destined for a day of frustration and despair. This is so often the testimony of those who spend more time "frustrating God's grace" (Galatians 2:21), in contrast to those who allow that grace to labor through them (2). God has never, and will not, ask a believer to go beyond his ability, but He does require that each Christian come up to His ability. Every member of the Body of Christ has received from God a particular portion (3), according to the grace of God (4). Therefore, each of us is responsible to become a good steward of that which has been entrusted to our care (5).

God's desire is that His children would begin to function and minister according to "the ability which God giveth" (I Peter 4:11). An understanding of this privilege will release the believer from the pressure of performing in God's Kingdom, and afford him the liberty to express what God has given him. Christianity thus becomes not a question of our ability, for God has supplied that, but rather a question of responsibility, or our response to God's capabilities. Functioning through strength that God has given assures us of the results that God requires, that being "that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (I Peter 4:11b). God's greatest servants therefore, are His most faithful stewards to that which He has given.

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:11

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. - 1 Corinthians 15:10

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. - 1 Corinthians 12:27

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. - Romans 12:6-8

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. - 1 Peter 4:10

Matthew 23:3

Adam gives me the option to live. God has made the decision that he die. People do not want the commitment to a personal cross. They live relying on religious exercise to appease their conscious idea of a need to produce something for God. They feel indebted. They never have grasped the fullness of the gift of God. They fall into bondage to operating religiously and never go beyond into the life of Christ. They depend on man to tell them about God and His thoughts and never experience the mind of Christ for themselves.

People may hear many sermons but not put the message into practice experientially. God wants us to take up our cross and to get to know Him and see Him as He is. Enter into the throne of mercy. Face foes in the conviction of grace. Face trends as one man would face trials with his God. Go forward. God doesn´t want canned answers, human reactions, and perplexities that motivate the self-life to know who is in the midst of what God does. Live in the personal experience of a cross and resurrection. Do not live in the law which is occasioned by your self-life. Live in grace revealed by truth and faith. Do not relate to sin. Relate to the One who died for sins.

Be left naked, destitute of excuse, so convicted that you find yourself dead and buried. To know Christ sets us free. To have freedom is to reveal Christ as the truth of our redemption and to make the invisible God visible.

Esther 1-3

II Corinthians 4:16

God has made so many provisions for strength. He has promised us that He will quicken us according to His Word (2), renew us when we wait upon Him, and quicken us in His righteousness (3); (4). There are many promises concerning God's quickening power.

One thing that often steals our energy is looking at the temporal things. As our minds are preoccupied with the details of life, we not only become mentally tired, but physically tired as well. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day: (II Corinthians 4:16). God will provide us with what strength we need as we are obedient to receive the Word of God. "For thy Word hath quickened me" (Psalm 119:50). As we keep our eyes fixed on the Word, we do not become distracted through weariness, rather we are constantly reminded of eternal values.

The eternal value system consists of living by every Word of God (5), walking on the narrow path that leads to life (6), and living from faith to faith (7). When we look at what is unseen, we will not faint, but will gladly allow ourselves to be spent for others (8). We can do this because we know that our strength comes from an eternal source that will never run dry.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. - 2 Corinthians 4:16

DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. - Psalm 119:25

Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. - Psalm 119:40

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 40:31

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. - Matthew 4:4

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:14

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. - Romans 1:17

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. - 2 Corinthians 12:15

Romans 13:14

Many local churches take on the one personality of their doctrine, never utilizing their own God-given portion. Why? Because they are not secure in their own fellowship with Christ in grace; therefore, they must establish their own security. Their standard for loving one another becomes their own belief or concept. When another Christian has stepped beyond the borders of their doctrine, then their conditional love no longer ministers to that one singled out.

The members of this kind of church are all the same. If you are not the same you do not fit with them. They go as far in love as their doctrine carries them. You must take on the image of what they want you to take on in order to be accepted. You do not grow to express Christ but to express their doctrine about Christ. Love is not their basis for communication. They will relate to you according to your ability to state the facts of their concept of God. They cannot take a step of faith because they never allow God to lead them beyond what they know and are well-established in. They may be of one mind about doctrine but not one in the mind of Christ.

The mind of Christ is given by grace through fellowship with that mind. A man who instructs others with his own concepts outside of love cannot be instructed by God that he may be a vessel of that love in his God-given design.

Nehemiah 10-13

Psalm 35:20

Our enemy, Satan, is quite a mastermind. We must learn all that we possibly can about his kingdom so that we will be equipped to battle, for he walks about as a roaring lion "seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8).

There are three basic things that Satan watches and learns from in our lives. He inevitably uses these things, if he can, for our downfall. He watches our countenances in every situation so that he may take advantage of our weak moments (2). He pays close attention to our words (3), and our actions (4). The prince of the power of the air takes this information about God's people and plans an attack. Then, he forms a stronghold in the believer's life in those areas of weakness. This is prevented if the Christian is sharp enough to know what is happening, and deals with his weaknesses by allowing the Word of God to have preeminence in his life.

The greatest success in the Christian community today is a quiet spirit filled, godly believer who never gets depressed. It is not big churches, but big hearts that count. But remember that Satan will attack those who are quiet (5) with accusations. He wants you to manifest your weakness so that he can plan against you. Be in control of your responses and do not give Satan a foothold (6).

For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land. - Psalm 35:20

The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. - Isaiah 3:9

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. - Proverbs 6:16-19

And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. - Proverbs 5:11-14

For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land. - Psalm 35:20

Neither give place to the devil. - Ephesians 4:27

Hebrews 10:25

When we gather ourselves together to hear the preacher preach, it is more than just listening to God´s man speak. God has purposed to reveal hidden mysteries (Colossians 1:26-27) through the assembling of the brethren. In Acts 4:31-34, the power of God is revealed in boldness. The group that was assembled together had great expectation, because when they prayed the place shook and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They were of one heart and one soul and had all things in common. Great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was upon them all.

The Word of God in Hebrews 11:15-16 states that we seek a new country and must be mindful of our heavenly substance in Christ so that we don´t have occasion to return back to what we have come out from. By assembling ourselves, we give our Beloved cause to draw us into His chambers (Song of Solomon 1:4), so that we may eat of His fruit (Song of Solomon 2:3), and so that His right hand may embrace us (Song of Solomon 2:6). We assemble together so that we may abide under the shadow of the Almighty and dwell in the secret place of the most High (Psalm 91:1).

When great grace is upon us as we assemble together, we can think in terms of headship and can receive in terms of the Throne; but if we forsake that assembly of headship, we forfeit the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the corporate fellowship of God´s mind.

Nehemiah 7-9

Luke 19:10

"The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). This particular passage expresses the divine mission of Jesus Christ. He did not come to have a family, join a local church for convenience, or to write books or songs. He did not come to make a living. He did not come for social welfare, to change governments, or to communicate human philosophy. He was a carpenter, but His occupation was subservient to winning the lost.

What happens to born-again Christians if they make an idol of something that was only intended to bless them? They settle down and settle in, without being established in the Master's heartbeat. They often make quick decisions for the sake of convenience without consideration to the will of God. But Jesus Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. In John 1:43, Jesus went to Philip and said, "Follow Me." In Luke 5:27, He went to Matthew, the one who received taxes on Capernaum's ship, and said to the Levite, the publican and sinner, "Follow Me." Is it any wonder that He went to blind Bartimeus, who accepted Him as his Savior and was healed, that the prostitute who found Him in Simon's house was forgiven, or that the woman with the issue of blood was healed? Jesus was always seeking and saving the lost.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. - Luke 19:10

Romans 8:35, 39

God is love (1 John 4:8,16). Love creates in man a capacity for God. Charity never faileth (1 Corinthians 13:8). I might fail love, but love never will fail me. Love´s capacity is eternal in its expression and will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). We cannot be separated from love that becomes the character of our life through faith. How can we be separated from love that suffers long, is kind, envies not, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil, rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things?

Love creates a place for reconciliation. Love is not a personal condition to perform, but an unconditional attitude, which transforms, causing the effects of love to be our expression (Galatians 5:22-23). We can be separated from the effects of love but never from the cause. I might not be faithful to love, but love always is faithful and will perform what it wills (1 Thessalonians 5:24). I can delay love, but I cannot detach love from its course. If I try to cultivate love, love will be quiet and constrain me to be humble (2 Corinthians 5:14). Love will always cause me to triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14). Not my ability to love but my availability to love allows me to live and to express the effects that make me be all that He is. I never can be separated from that which has promised to be true and beautiful for situations (Psalm 48:2).

Nehemiah 4-6

Proverbs 8:1-4

Many times we sacrifice the wisdom of the Word because of pride, lust or selfish desires. We allow our flesh to daydream rather than think upon the Word day and night and allowing it to be transferred into wisdom as did the psalmist (2). We allow so many things to be exalted and take precedence over the Word of God, we need to have Job's attitude, "I have esteemed the Words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12).

Wisdom cries out, but it is often met with a lack of consistent concentration. We do not study how it can have first place in our lives. We do not watch our words or weigh them in time, nor do we realize they have eternal value. Wisdom wants to guide people because wrong decisions destroy the soul (3).

Let us tune our ear to the cry of wisdom. She tells us, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." Let us listen so that we may follow "the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment" (Proverbs 8:20). Let us seek wisdom: "Whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord" (Proverbs 8:35).

But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. - Proverbs 8:36

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. - Psalm 1:2

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. - Proverbs 8:1-4

Hosea 14:4

Compare what Jesus has done and how He views things with what Christians say and how they relate. The world of Christianity often deals with issues that God has already dealt with. They impute sin and argue over standards when God Himself does not impute sin to the world (2 Corinthians 5:19). Christianity may present a distorted gospel, perverting grace and not presenting unconditional love as unconditional. It may distort the nature of God's redemption to enhance the arguments of man´s religion. But the Spirit makes it clear: Love is the issue. Whether I walk in love as a child of faith is the test of my Christianity and the manifestation of my spirituality. Love is the issue. Jesus never faced people with their sin, but He always faced people on the basis of their need for love.

What did Jesus do with the multitude who were, sick, confused, brokenhearted, and weary (Matthew 9:35-36)? Did He give a message to deal with the sin issue? No, He was moved with compassion to heal the sick, to love the brokenhearted, and to cast out demons. Jesus had dealt with sin as the Lamb, now He wanted to deal with their need for Him. Love is needed before repentance from sin can ever be experienced. The people did not need to have knowledge of their sin, but they needed to know His love. Sin is revealed only to show what God did with it so that now we can face love.

Nehemiah 1-3

James 1:21

Many times, a believer will continually confess his problems to others. He talks about what he is trying to do, but his solutions never seem to work. Actually, by constantly talking to others the problem is magnified and the emotions become wounded.

There are times when the believer needs other Christians to help him bear his burdens (2); yet, he does not need them to be a sounding board to his negativity. As his mind is centered on his struggles, his capacity for learning the Word of God decreases. Satan wants the believer to make confessions according to sight. A Christian only compounds his problem when he speaks negative thoughts about a situation or person. Eventually, he feels the effects of his confession. The mind is always resisting the solution while it is entertaining the difficulty. Many people, when faced with situations that are against them, substitute human reasoning for faith in God's reasoning. The believer's faith is to be in God's reasoning.

Many do not have a final healing because they rationalize in their natural mind and through natural viewpoint. In reference to salvation, the Lord says, "Come now, and let us reason together... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). The reasoning is coming to doctrine and getting precise truth. The Word of God must prevail over the mind.

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. - James 1:21