If You Shall Say to the Mountain...

 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:20-24 KJV

I recently sold my house in downtown Indianapolis and moved out to the country to rent from a very good friend.  During the moving, I had been listening to a sermon by Brother William Branham on speaking the word. He had taken his text from this portion of Scripture and related a number of testimonies that had happened in his life to demonstrate this Scripture to him. 

During the move, even though I knew it was the Will of God for my life, I had been very stressed and anxious about the timeline and making the right decisions. However, on this particular day, my faith was high and my stress level was almost non-existent.  I had stopped at a store downtown to refill my 2 five gallon water jugs and was driving through the country. As I had recently taken a large load in my car, my two back seats were laid down, with the two full water jugs sitting in the very back of my SUV. 

I was driving down the country roads, thanking God for His provision, praying about His Will being done, when suddenly a truck in front of me slammed on his brakes.  I slammed my brakes to avoid a collision and when I did, two jugs of water came barrelling from the back causing one of them to burst and five gallons of water to gush all over the front of my car, covering me, my seat, the console and the dashboard.  

Suddenly, I was not in the Spirit anymore. I was angry with the man and angry with myself for being somewhat careless in my driving.  Then, as I drove on, I noticed my windows were fogging up, so I looked down at the heater to turn on my defogger.  The A/C was a 65 degrees and the recycle inside air was on. I tried pressing the button to change the A/C to heater and turn to inside air, but nothing changed. I had to roll down the windows to get the windows to defog so I could see to drive the rest of the way home. 

Suddenly, I was now angry with God. I began telling Him what I thought and how angry I was. I realized that it was going to be cold that night and after work that evening I would be freezing and the windows fogging unless I drove with them down which would be even colder. Gently, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the Scripture about speaking to the mountain, so I first repented of my bad spirit and then laid my hands on the A/C / Heater controls and prayed, "Father, You said to take You at Your Word and I claim this Scripture. I speak to this Heater and controls to work in Jesus' Name." 

It didn't immediately start to work, but I knew if I had spoken in faith it was going to. I got home and googled about water spilling onto the A/C controls. Everything I read indicated that my electronics was ruined and I would need to get it replaced. That night after work, when I turned on my car, both sides of my heater turned onto 85 degrees with the fan on high. Within three days, everything was working just as it always had and continues to run perfectly. 

 God is Good and His Word is true if we can only believe and have the faith to appropriate His Word! I share this to encourage you to believe His Word and appropriate it in your life.

This is My Body

This morning, in prayer, I was thinking about Communion or the Eucharist, also known as the Lord's Supper. Growing up in a Protestant family, we celebrated the Lord's Supper in our church at least once a month, with foot-washing following.  Unlike many Protestants, we used real wine and drank from one cup or goblet, versus the traditional single mini-cups. 

I know of many people who are offended or disgusted by this use of a single cup for an entire congregation. However, this is the pattern we see in the Bible times and continues this day among the Orthodox Jewish people. 

When a groom takes his vows under the wedding canopy, he first drinks from a goblet of wine and then lifts the veil of his bride and offers her a drink of the wine. They are, by this ceremony, becoming one.

In Matthew 26:26-29, when Jesus took the bread and blessed it, He then broke it and gave it to the disciples. His commandment was to “Take it and eat it, this is My body.” For centuries, many Christians have believed that He was speaking of the bread being His body. However, I believe a better understanding of this is, that His body is the believers.

Whenever a man eats bread, his body breaks down that bread and distributes it throughout the body. How is it carried to the parts of the body where it is most needed? By the blood. This is exactly what Jesus said in the next part, when He took the cup and said, “This is the New Covenant IN MY BLOOD”

In our modern society, we have an aversion to drinking after others, because science has explained to us how germs are passed from one person to the next, especially by drinking or eating after others. However, most of us would not think twice about drinking after our own family or possibly even close friend.  When Jesus shared that cup with His disciples, He was telling them, "You are My family and family one with another. You share My blood." 

 The Apostle Paul often used the analogy of the body to talk about the "church". But what is the church? Is it a building with wood or stone, or is it the people that make up the congregation. The original understanding of the church was the people. And those people were a community of faith or "family". 

 So then, when Jesus said, "This is My body" I believe He was referring not only to the bread, but even more so, to the disciples and those who would believe on Him through their words. We are His body.

In Christ

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 There is therefore now no condemnation to those which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1

What does it mean to be in Christ? 

When God gave Moses the pattern for building the tabernacle in the wilderness - which was later replicated by Solomon on much larger and permanent scale, Moses was told to make it according to the pattern that was shown him in the mountain (Exodus 25:40). God took Moses up to Heaven and showed him what the real temple in Heaven looked like and then Moses constructed the earthly model.

First, there was an outer court where was the alter of sacrifice and then a laver of water where the priest were to wash their hands and feet before entering into the Inner Court or Holy Place. In the Holy Place, there was a seven branched lamp-stand that was to remain burning, a table with the "Bread of Presence" which bread could only be eaten by the priests and finally an altar of incense before a very heavy veil that covered the way into the final chamber - the Holiest of Holies. In this chamber there was a box that was overlaid with gold (as was all the furniture in the tabernacle). In this box, there were two tables of stones that contained the commandments of God written by His own finger, the rod of Aaron which budded almonds long after it had been cut from the life source, and finally a pot of manna (the bread which fell every morning for 40 years in the wilderness and fed the children of Israel). On top of the box was the Mercy seat and looking down on the seat were two cherubim carved of gold, having their wings stretched out over the Mercy seat. 

The priest and the people could come into the outer court often with their sacrifices, but only the Levites could enter into the Inner Court (Holy Place). Only the High Priest could enter into the Holiest of Holies and that, only one day a year. On that day, their was much ceremony and protocol that must be followed before he was allowed to enter. He must be ritually pure, wearing special garments reserved only for the High Priest and he must bring blood for the atonement of all the sins of the children of Israel, as well as himself. If he failed in one point, he risked his life being forfeit in the Presence of the Almighty God, or as it is called in Hebrew - the Shekinah (the Abiding). The Ark of the Covenant was the very Throne of God on earth. Oh what a beautiful type of what is in Heaven, now. But time does not permit me to elaborate on all this, right now. God willing, I will share some of that in another posting.

But what does this have to do with being IN Christ? When Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ), died on the cross, it is recorded in the Gospels, an earthquake shook the earth and the veil of the Temple was rent in two from top to the bottom. This was God's way of showing His people that the way into the Holiest of Holies was now open to one and all. The Great High Priest had entered into the Holiest with His own blood, not for His own sin, as He had no sin, but for the sins of the whole world. And by His blood, He had made the way for anyone to enter into the True Holiest of Holies, which is in Heaven.

To be IN Christ is to not stop in the outer court of the temple, nor in the inner court, but to come all the way into the Holy of Holies. Now, not just anyone can enter in. You must come by the blood of Yeshua. Just as the High Priest could only come in with the blood of the atonement, so must we come with the blood of the Lamb - Jesus the Messiah.

Just as the blood of the lamb was put on the door posts, at the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12), the blood of Yeshua must spiritually be applied to our hearts by faith in His finished work at Calvary.  In Ezekiel 9, we read a vision that the prophet had concerning God's judgement on Israel and Judah. In the vision, he saw that a man clothed in linen with a writer's inkhorn at his side was commanded to go through the city and mark all those who were crying (interceding) for the sins committed in the land. Then he was to execute the rest. This speaks to us of another marking that is spoken of in the book of Revelations. "And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, 'Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.'" Revelation 7:2-3  We are not just sealed with the blood of Jesus, but we must be also sealed with the Holy Spirit. "In Whom you also trusted, after that you heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise." Ephesians 1:13

Jesus said that He is the door to the sheepfold and anyone who came any other way was a thief and a robber and the sheep would not listen to them. In Matthew 22, Jesus told a story about a wedding supper that was given for a king's son. After all that were invited declined, the king sent forth his servants into the highways and found those who were rejected by society and brought them into the banquet. But there came one in who didn't have on a wedding garment and the when the king saw him, he threw him out because he wasn't wearing the garments. When a rich man threw a banquet for a wedding, he gave a wedding garment to those who were invited. This is why the man was thrown out and arrested, because it was obvious that he had entered uninvited.

And so it is with us, any other way than through Jesus' blood is incorrect. Jesus said, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life: No man comes unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6  He told Nicodemus that except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. When Nicodemus replied that  he was too old and could not enter again into his mother's womb, Jesus explained that He was speaking of the spiritual rebirth. He said, "Except a man be born of the water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." John 3:5

If you do not know Jesus Christ, (Yeshua the Messiah) as Savior and Lord of your life, I beg you today, cry out to Him. Repent of your sins, ask Him to come into your life and be your Lord and Master. He will hear you and answer. And then ask Him for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, without which you are powerless to live your life pleasing to Him.

Just a Quick Line

 I have been working on downsizing my physical and digital life over the past few weeks. Today, I went on my browser favorites to see what websites I could delete that I haven't looked at in several years. I had a number of "messianic" Jewish and Hebrew websites that I had bookmarked. Some of the websites no longer existed.  However, I was very saddened to see that several no longer mention Jesus or Yeshua anywhere.  My heart was burdened to see that they had went searching for their "roots" and forgot about the branches. My mind went to the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 11:21: "For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee."  I am very thankful for God allowing me to look into the Hebrew roots of Christianity, but I don't ever want to forget or deny the Messiah. For He said, "For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26  May God help each and very one to draw closer and closer to Him through the finished word of Jesus Christ (Yeshua the Messiah)!

When God sends you an email

In 2013, I was on a fast for several days and was maybe feeling a bit discouraged. I was sitting in my office, at work, on the dementia unit when a VERY confused patient walked in. This patient could read signs, but didn't know what they meant. In fact, she would read her own name on her door, and have no idea that it was her room or even what she was saying. But on this morning, she walked into my office and when she saw me sitting in my chair she said, "Oh!" as if I had startled her. Then she smiled, walked over  a few feet to me, patted me on my head and said, "Fasting is good. The good Lord watches both of you and them. It's all up here (while patting my head)" I was so stunned, I about fell out of my chair. She turned and walked out of my office and continued on her wanderings. I knew that I had just heard the voice of God speaking through a person to me.

Just October, I was feeling very discouraged and that my prayers were hitting the ceiling and bouncing back to hit me in the head. I just felt depressed. I decided to write a letter to God. So I got a very fancy parchment paper and wrote my sorrows and complaints out to the Lord. I didn't feel any better, but I went on to bed and slept just the same. 

The next morning, when I got to work and began checking my emails, there was an email from someone I had only met once at a seminar, about six months before and had exchanged emails for networking purposes. She had emailed me to tell me that God had placed me on her heart and she had been praying for me and wanted to let me know that. I knew that it was an email from God and that His Presence was near me. I closed my office door and cried like a baby.

This past week has been very difficult. I have been trying to live by faith, but my faith has been so weak. Yesterday, was probably the lowest point I have been in in many, many years. I cried and cried. I complained to God, I wept, I sobbed, but didn't feel any better. This morning, I was on my way to a friend's house to take care of their dogs, when I saw an old man that I have seen several times, asking for money. Fortunately, I was at a stop light and in the closer lane to him, so I rolled down my window. He hobbled over to me and took my change, then asked, "Man, I'm sorry to ask, but do you have any Tylenol or Ibuprofin? My back is killing me." I told him I did in fact have Ibubrofin, but that I also wanted to pray for him. He agreed and I reached out and took his hand and said a quick prayer. Then the light turned green and I had to pull away. Just as I made the turn, and old family friend messaged me on Facebook. I was unable to read it right then, but just saw the heading, "Just wanted you to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers this morning."  Again, I knew it was the Lord sending me an email. 

He promised He would never leave us nor forsake us. He is God and He is our Father!!!

Heavenly Places Praise and Worship CD

For the past couple of months I have been working on recording some of the spontaneous praise and worship songs I have been given over the years. Hopefully, in the next week it will be ready to sell. FYI, I produced it myself, so - far from professional.

Spiritual Warfare and Prayer

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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. I Corinthians 10:3-5

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians 6:10-19

All my life, I have heard sermons preached on spiritual warfare and it seems that the emphasis is always on our abilities to wage war. But what we, as Christians, fail to realize is that IT IS FINISHED. The battle is already won and our warfare is accomplished through Jesus Christ, (Yeshua the Messiah). He has already completed the work, but we must not fall short of entering into His rest.
I have participated in prayer meetings that were militant. I have sat and listened to great men and women of God “wage war on the devil”. What they don't realize is they are playing right into the adversary's hand. He teases and taunts you to come away from your position in Christ. He knows that he can never pluck you out of God's hand, but if he can get you to listen to him, he may be able to pursuade you to come out on your own accord in order to “fight” him. 
 
Notice the Apostle Paul says our weapons are not CARNAL. They are not of the flesh. He says, “casting down imaginations” (that word is better translated: arguments). So often, we see Christians believers arguing over the Word of God (or their understanding of it). I have been guilty of this, in the past. But this is warring after the flesh. Rather we are to cast down arguments and EVERY HIGH thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. This is the warfare we are to be engaged in. Look at the weapons the Apostle lists in Ephesians chapter six: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, sandals of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit (the Word of God). Most of the armor is defensive or passive. The only offensive weapon is the Sword of the Spirit and it is to be used on the unseen forces: principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness. It is not to be used against flesh and blood.
 
There is another weapon listed that is often overlooked. It is the greatest weapon in the believers' arsenal: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me...Prayer is that weapon. Praying one for another. It is like a weapon of mass destruction – only it is not for destruction. This weapon – prayer, works in conjunction with each item in the armor: prayer and the belt of truth; the breastplate of righteousness and the prayer; sandals of peace and prayer; the shield of faith and prayer; the helmet of salvation and prayer; the Sword of the Spirit and prayer.

The Apostle James was a man of prayer. In fact, one of the early church historians, whose name was Hegesippus is quoted as saying about James: “he alone was permitted to enter into the holy place; for he wore not woolen but linen garments. And he was in the habit of entering alone into the temple, and was frequently found upon his knees begging forgiveness for the people, so that his knees became hard like those of a camel, in consequence of his constantly bending them in his worship of God, and asking forgiveness for the people.” In writing to the church, James said: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven 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. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:15-18. 
 
Prayer is the believer's most intensive weapon. But it must be used in conjunction with the other articles of the armor of God. Years ago, when writing in this blog on the Lord's prayer, my introductory teaching was on Spiritual Warfare and the Lord's prayer. Truly, the Lord's prayer gives us the outline for spiritual warfare:
Our Father Who art in Heaven = Praise
Hallowed be Thy Name = Worship
Thy Kingdom Come = The Glory or Presence of the Lord
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven = divine synchronization with the heavenly hosts/armies (sword of the Spirit)
Give us this day our daily bread = Bread is the Word of God – the believer's food
Forgive us our sins = humility, and recognizing our weakness (belt of truth)
As we forgive those who do us wrong = Unity of the Spirit
Lead us not into temptation = Power over sin and divine leadership (sandals of peace)
Deliver us from evil = breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, shield of faith
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory = again, praise, worship and glory.

When we begin to appropriate the Word of God and the power of prayer, recognizing that He has already won the battle, suddenly we will see His Kingdom coming in our lives. We will recognize His Will being done on the earth. We will see His provision in even the smallest details of our lives. When we confess our sins, we suddenly are able to see His mercy extended to our fellow man. We begin to let go of grudges and past offenses others have committed against us. After all, if I expect to be forgiven, how can I not forgive others for lesser things they have done to me.

FELLOWSHIP

I have shared multiple experiences in my walk with the Lord through this blog, over the past 10 years.  It would be an honor and blessing to know if anyone is reading this. According to the blogger statistics, I have had close to 5000 views from around the world. If you are reading this, please comment. You can remain anonymous, if you like just state what nation you are from in the comment under this post.

Thank you and may God richly bless you.

Jonathan

Message to the Church in 2020 (LAODICEA)

Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me. Rev. 3:20

This verse has often been used as a text to call sinners to repentance. However, if we look closely, we will find this is directed to the CHURCH. There were many churches in Asia Minor, however the Lord had a message for John to deliver to seven specific churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadephia and Laodicea.

These were literal churches that each had characteristics that reflect seven periods of church history, if carefully laid out by revelation of the Spirit. We truly are living in a time that reflects the character of Laodicea. The church world is more in love with the world than she is with the Father. She is not hot (on fire for God) and she is not cold  (complete sin with no regard for God), but rather she is lukewarm (indifferent). In the previous post I shared, Heavenly Minded, we talked about the meaning of Laodicea (rights of the people).

HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD

In this verse, Revelation 3:20, we hear Jesus saying, "I stand at the door and knock if any man HEAR My voice..."  This is the first step in repentance - hearing His voice.

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth for th his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. John 10:2-5  I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. I am the good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My Voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd. John 10:9,14,16

Those who are His will HEAR. Jesus, in quoting the prophet Isaiah said, concerning the people of His generation: Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Matthew 13:13 The prophet Amos spoke of a time when there would be a famine for hearing the Word of the Lord: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. Amos 8:11. The first line of the most important commandment is Hear, O Israel the LORD is our God, the LORD is One. Deut 6:4/Mark 12:29.

OPEN THE DOOR

Next, Jesus tells us that we must "open the door". I am reminded of the story from the Song of Solomon: I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, “Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.” I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him: I called him, but he gave me no answer. SOS 5:2-6  Here, the lover is knocking on the door, but the bride delays in opening only to find when she opens the door, that the groom has withdrawn himself.  This is a great parable to God's relationship with the Bride of Christ.

I am reminded of a parable Jesus told concerning a friend who comes at midnight: Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, “Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?” And he from within shall answer and say, “Trouble me not; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.” I say unto you, “Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity (inconvenience) he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” Luke 11:5-8  The Messiah is like that friend. He keeps knocking, giving us yet another opportunity, but we keep making excuses why we can't open the door.

But the reward for opening the door is beyond the greatest treasures this world can offer. If we, but open the door, He will come in and dine with us. This is fellowship with the Creator of the universe. It is a promise of divine communion.

In ancient oriental customs, a meal was eaten when two parties made an agreement/covenant or when their had been previous conflict, the meal was a sign of resolution/agreement being made and that from this time, protection was guaranteed (Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies).  Even to this day, when there has been rift or feud between families in the Middle East (especially among the Bedouins), when an agreement is reached, they share a meal.  Once that meal is shared together, there is a pact that should never be broken. It is a promise not to remember the former grievances.(For Biblical references to this in the Bible, see Genesis 21:27; 26:30; 31:54). If you are invited to eat in a Bedouin home, it is a promise of protection. You are as one of the family.

    In the lands of the East, when a host accepts a man to be his guest he thereby agrees at whatever the     cost to defend his guest from all possible enemies during the time of his entertainment. Dr. Cyrus            Hamlin, an American missionary in the East, was entertained by a governor. The host took a piece of     roast mutton and handed it to the missionary, saying as he did so, "Now do you know what I have           done?" In answering his own question he went on to say: "By that act I have pledged you every drop    of my blood, that while you are in my territory no evil shall come to you. For that space of time we        are brothers." Manners and Customs of Bible Lands by: Fred H. Wright 1953 Pg 78

How amazing it is that when Jesus sat at meat with His disciples, the one who was about to betray him, sat right next to Him. He knew what was about to transpire, and yet He gave him (Judas) a piece of the bread representing the life of His flesh. And in this act, Jesus instituted what we now call Communion or the Eucharist.  It is a meal signifying fellowship with Jesus and the body of believers.

What Jesus promised in Revelation 3:20, was not just a visit, but a promise to Abide with us. It was a promise for all time, as long as we uphold our end of the covenant. If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make Our abode with him. John 14:23

So my plea to you is, Hear His Voice and Open the Door.  Allow Him to come in and have fellowship with you.

Heavenly Minded or Earthly Minded

HEAVENLY MINDED

Their end is destruction, their God is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. Phil. 3:19-21 (BSB)

Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Eph. 2:19 (KJV)

All these were still living by faith when they died. They did not received the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. Hebs 11:13 (NIV)

If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. Cols 3:1-2 (KJV)

Citizenship: Stongs #4175 Greek word: Politeuma (root word “Polites”) Politics in English is derived from the Greek root word Polis meaning city and Polites citizens

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. Rev. 3:14 (NIV)

Laodicea: Strongs #2993 From a compound of Greek words: laos and dike.

Laos: Strongs #2992 people (in general)

Dike: Strongs #1349 right (as self-evident), i.e. justice

Therefore the literal translation of Laodicea would be Rights of the People.

Over the past few years, I have observed, more and more, those who identify themselves as Christians becoming political - especially, in the United States. They have justified their militant spirit by using verses of Scripture about a “righteous nation”. It doesn't seem to matter what “side of the aisle” they sit on (meaning whether they are Democrat or Republican). I have very good friends who identify as Republicans and other close friends who identify as Democrat.

There was a time in my life that I felt like I should vote. I did it feeling that it was the “Right thing to do”. However, looking back, I realize that God is the One Who “Sets kings up and brings kings down.” He is the One Who puts government leaders in office. In the United States, we celebrate many freedoms, however, I realize that there are leaders in other nations that have committed unspeakable acts. Why did God allow them to be in office? I cannot answer that.

I believe God even allowed communistic governments to rise for His purposes. But what those purposes are, I cannot always say. This is where our faith is very important – even when we cannot see or rationalize (especially when we cannot rationalize!) God is at work. He is allowing these things to happen. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28. He told the Thessalonians: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

So then, what is our responsibility, as Christians? I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 We are to pray for our leaders “All those in authority”. It doesn't matter if we agree with them are not. Jesus commanded us to love our enemies and to pray for them. We are to BLESS those who curse us. Many say, “But I have to condemn sin.” Jesus has already done that. Sure we must hate ungodliness and unrighteousness, but we must remember that sin is what sinners do. How can we be a witness for the Lord when we are more politically minded than we are heavenly minded.

Have we read the book of Revelations? What about Paul's word to Timothy about the last days? Have we read that? All that we see happening is written before our time, for our admonition. Why are we fighting against it. Instead of fighting the sinners over politics, we should be declaring the love of God, that Jesus is coming back. Look at what Jude wrote: keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy Jude 21-24

Therefore, it behooves us as Christian believers to put our shoulder to the plow, pray for our leaders and all those in authority, praying for all men and women, boys and girls, old and young alike, believing for the salvation of the nations. We know that there are those who will not receive His salvation, but it is not our job to divide the sheep from the goats or the fish from the other unclean creatures that get caught in the net. It's our job to preach the gospel and cast the net. He will direct it. And His Will shall be accomplished in the earth.

Fasting is FAST

FASTING

“Wherefore have we fasted,” say they, “and You see not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and You do not acknowledge it?” Behold, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, you fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: you shall not fast as you do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.

Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor that are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you hide not yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and your health shall spring forth speedily: and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then shall you call, and the LORD shall answer; you shall cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if you draw out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall your light rise in obscurity, and your darkness be as the noon day: and the LORD shall guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and make fat your bones: and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of you shall build the old waste places: you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called, The Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Paths to dwell in. Is. 58:3-12

Moreover when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Truly I say unto you, “they have their reward.” But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash you face; that you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, shall reward you openly. Matthew 6:16-18

What is Fasting?

First, lets learn what does it mean to fast? It means to go without food. The first meal of the day is breakfast. It is the meal we eat to break our fast. Afflicting your soul is a parallelism or another way of saying to fast. It might be better understood by saying afflicting your appetite.

The natural thing for the body is to eat. In fact, it is equivalent to putting fuel in the car. Our bodies are designed to take the nutrients from the foods we eat and convert it into energy. What it doesn't need right then, it converts into fat to be stored for a later time. This is why if we are not consistently burning fuel/energy, we grow fat. In the ancient times, this was a sign of wealth as the daily lives of our ancestors consisted of constantly moving. They walked everywhere. Making a meal was manual labor. In our modern society, this is a sign of a sedentary life.

Different Ways to Fast

There are many ways to fast and I believe that all of them are acceptable to God when we are fasting for the right reason. Some people fast without food or liquid of any kind. This is usually less than 24 hours. Some fast only drinking water, which is safer for a longer period. Others fast while only drinking juices and this can be sustained for much longer. I have experienced all three of those types of fasts. Only once did I go without water when I was a teenager. It had a very bad effect on me naturally as I was dehydrated and ended up being sick the whole day following. Most of my fasts have been with juice. Some people find it difficult to give up foods, so they give up other pleasures in life. I personally don't consider this true fasting, but if that's how the LORD leads you, then who am I to judge?

Personal Experience with Fasting

My very first experience with fasting was as a young teenager, our church fasted from sun-up until after sundown. Then some years later, our church undertook a three day fast for 7 weeks fasting from sundown on Monday evening to sundown on Thursday evening. Some in the church fasted for longer periods. It was a pivotal time in our church. Some years afterwards, the LORD laid a fast on my heart to fast breakfast for seven days, then to fast lunch for seven days and the final week to fast dinner for seven days. Finally, in January of 2012, the LORD took me on a seven day fast. This was also a very pivotal point in my life.

In August of 2013, I went on a fast, during which time I felt very unsatisfied with my relationship with God. I felt very distant from the LORD and wanted to draw close to Him. As I have mentioned before, I worked with Alzheimer patients on a memory care unit and many of them didn't know their own selves any more, much less their family or myself. There was a lady who would walk around the unit and read the signs aloud. She would even read her name on her door, but didn't know that that meant it was her room. She didn't seem to recognize her family anymore and most of her sentences would not make sense. But during this time (8/12/13 to be exact), I was sitting in my office and she came in, and said, “Fasting is good. The good Lord watches both you and them. It's all up here.” while patting me on the head. I about fell out of my chair. I knew that the Holy Spirit had just come on this woman and spoke through her.

Benefits of Fasting

While science tells us there are natural benefits to fasting, I have never used this as a reason to fast. Science and Faith are not related to one another. Science is believing the facts/the things that you see. Faith is believing in those things that you cannot see. I have personally seen many benefits in my own life from fasting, but I only focus on the spiritual benefits.

Isaiah listed a number of benefits (including natural health benefits!): Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and your health shall spring forth speedily: and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard [See Exodus 14:19: Then the angel of the Lord, Who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them.{This word in Hebrew can also be used as “TO GATHER” such as a Harvest i.e. Harvest Glory}] . Then shall you call, and the LORD shall answer; you shall cry, and He shall say, Here I am. Then shall your light rise in obscurity, and your darkness be as the noon day: and the LORD shall guide you continually, and satisfy you soul in drought, and make fat your bones: and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of you shall build the old waste places: you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called, The Repairer of the Breach [A Bridge builder or peacemaker], the Restorer of Paths to dwell in. Is. 58:8-12

I once heard Sister Ruth Ward Heflin, a great woman of fasting, say, “Fasting is FAST.” When you need the answer to your prayers soon, fast. It's like overnighting your package via FedEx. Notice, I highlighted a few phrases in the previous verses to show the speediness of the answer.

How NOT to Fast

Notice that Isaiah and Jesus give us specifics on what NOT to do. Isaiah said not to fast for strife and debate or to make your voice to be heard on high, which is what Jesus said the hypocrites do. They want to be seen and heard. They want others to know that they fast – which is why they already have their reward. That's the only reward they'll ever get. But when we fast, we should not change our daily routine, nor make ourselves look sad or otherwise cause someone to take pity on us. I have made a point to never purposely let others know when I am fasting. (In fact, I feel that in sharing this with my readers, it is somewhat negating the purpose of my fasting, but I believe the Lord would have me share my experience, as it may encourage you in your own journey.) Often, when we are hungry, we complain about being hungry or we talk about the things we wished we could eat. This ought not so to be. I have noticed when I am fasting, my olfactory senses are in overdrive. I smell everything SOOOOO much more, especially food. But this is part of the “crucifying of the flesh”. We are tempted to say, “That smells so good.” or “Man, I sure wished I wasn't fasting.” But in all this, God is taking us to another level and we may not realize it until a long ways down the road. That's where faith comes in to play. You don't realize that all those times you spent fasting last week, last month, last year or even many years ago gave you a spiritual advantage that you would not have otherwise had.

Jesus lived a life of fasting and prayer. We know that he fasted for 40 days at the beginning of His ministry, but even throughout his life He certainly fasted. We find Him driving out a demonic spirit, and then telling the disciples, “this kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting” Matthew 17:21.

The early church practiced fasting and they had great power with God. I encourage you, if you do not already, begin to seek the Lord in fasting. It will open doors in the Spirit that would otherwise have remained closed to you.

Where I Go, You Cannot Follow Me Now...

This is a continuation from the video blog of What I'm doing now you know not.

NEW JERUSALEM – THY KINGDOM COME

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek Me: and as I said to the Jews, Where I go, you cannot come; so now I say to you. -- Where I go, you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow Me afterwards. -- Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know. -- Jesus saith: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by Me. John 13:33; 36—14:1-4;6

And Isaac brought her in to his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. Genesis 24:67 Notice that there were other tents in Abraham's “home”. Isaac did not leave his father's house. But he brought Rebekah into the tent of his mother, who had recently passed. In Bethany, I had the wonderful privilege of visiting a Palestinian home, just a little ways away from the tomb of Lazerus. This house was more like an apartment building in that the Patriach and Matriach of the family lived on the ground floor. On the next floor was the eldest son and his wife and above them the next son and his family, etc. In a sense, this was Abraham's kingdom, just as it is with this Palestinian family.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11:8-10

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country (Greek: Patrida: Fatherland). Hebrews 11:14 But you are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels... Hebrews 12:22

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. -- And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues and talked with me, saying, Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; and had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. -- And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Revelation 21:1-3; 9-12; 14

 When we are praying, "Thy Kingdom Come", this is what we are asking for in its fullness!  The New Jerusalem. The City of the Living God. We are seeking a country (not just any country, but our Homeland) and in praying, "Thy Kingdom Come", we are asking God to bring us into that Kingdom. 

What I’m Doing You Know Not Now

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know it hereafter.

John 13:7

This was said during the time of what we know as the Last Supper. Jesus had gathered His disciples into the upper room and began to wash their feet. This was the servants job, or at least the lowest of the disciple of a rabbi. But Jesus, the Master, the head of the group, got down and began to wash their feet. This was most likely why Peter exclaimed, “You shall never wash my feet!” This reminds me of the time when Jesus went down to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. Matthew records the encounter in the following way: Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordon unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, “I have need to be baptized of you, and com you to me?” And Jesus answering said unto him, “Let it be so now: for it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness.” The he let him. Matthew 3:13-15

Now, I didn't remember reading in the past where Jesus explained what He meant by this saying, "What I'm doing now, you don't know, but you will later". I didn't remember the apostles writing about it, either. But then the Holy Spirit drew my attention to another verse, only 2 chapters away.  I have many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. John 16:12-13

This was all written by beloved disciple John. And is believed to have been written some 30-50 years after these events took place. So, how did John, the beloved disciple, remember these things? It was by the revelation of the Holy Spirit - by the Anointing.  But the Anointing which you have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. 1 John 2:27 The Holy Spirit is the Anointing; He is the teacher. He is the One Who will bring the revelation of what Jesus was saying at that time. Remember, Jesus said during this same time, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26 And we find Him (The Holy Spirit) doing just what was prophesied about Him, giving the revelation of Jesus Christ to John: The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John. Revelation 1:1

When Jesus said, “What I do you don't know now; but you will know it soon,” He wasn't just speaking about the act of foot-washing. Rather, He was saying that everything that had come about up until that point was about to come to a climax in Him. He would fulfill all the Scriptures concerning the Messiah's first coming. And they weren't even aware of it. He had told them on several occasions how that the Son of Man would be handed over to the Gentiles to be crucified, but raised again on the third day. But then He told them that they would every one abandon Him at that hour. Peter, being the hot-head/macho man that he was, said, “Even if everyone else abandons you, I will never leave you.” But Jesus prophesied that even Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crows. And just as He prophesied it, it came to pass.

And just as He prophesied that “What I'm doing you don't know now, but your gonna know later”, it came to pass through the Holy Ghost. It came through revelation. Not just to John, but to Simon Peter and the other disciples. Even to the Apostle Paul, who was not an original.

Consider the Wild Flowers

Wild Star Lily (Star of Bethlehem)

Consider how 

the wild flowers grow. 

They do not labor or spin. 

Yet I tell you, not even Solomon 

in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

Luke 12:27 NIV

This verse was given during the Sermon on the Mount. I am not a Greek scholar, but from all the English translations, it appears that this is in the imperative form as a commandment.  In the recording of Matthew, just a few verses prior to this one, Jesus commanded us to "Look at the birds of the air."  I have always enjoyed both bird watching and listening to their songs. I have also enjoyed the wild flowers in my garden, as much as those that I have planted. So, I decided, since my previous post was on gardening for vegetables, I would share some of my wild flowers over the years that God has given to me to consider.



 Although the Morning Glories can be a bit pesky, as their vines tend to take over the surrounding plants and garden, I love to see them in the morning. I have two varieties in my garden: the purple and also the white with a purple stripe inside. If you look closer at the left picture, it shows how the butterflies benefit from this wild flower.  I have been blessed with many wonderful creations of God in my garden.



This is a picture of the Bittersweet Nightshade. The flowers are absolutely stunning with their purple petals and yellow tips. They grew around

the birdhouse. By the time it came back the nextyear, they had taken over as you can see. The final picture is of the berries, which although they may look like cherries or tomatoes (which by the way, they are in the same family with tomatoes and potatoes) they are actually quite poisonous.  So, we'll just have to enjoy their beauty.

Here are some radon pictures of the wildlife enjoying my garden.

One of many squirrels

An Opossum

A Honey Bee

A Grasshopper

A Beautiful Butterfly

A Caterpillar

A Bumblebee

I Have Come into My Garden

I have come into my garden, 

my sister, my spouse... 

Song of Songs 5:1

My posts are generally of a spiritual nature, but I have decided to share with you a little of what has been going on in my personal life - more specifically, in my garden.  In 2013, I got an idea from some frugal website about making your own compost bin out of a garbage bin. So, I went to Menards, (a popular low cost hardware store in the Midwest) and got a good deal on a garbage bin. Then, I preceded to drill holes in the sides and on the bottom.  Over the years, I've tried to be diligent to throw in all my fruit/vegetable peelings, ashes from my fire pit, dead leaves, even occasionally shredded papers and dead plants. It has provided me with several years of natural fertilizer and good soil.

Early in this spring, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided I needed to be a bit more diligent and start more container gardens. I was able to repurpose a storage bin and plant radishes and brocolli. I didn't realize how fast radishes grow, but they came out so quickly, I have already harvested the first batch and planted a second one which you can see growing. That is also a tomato plant that I planted at the one end of the second picture.

Then there is my other raised bed. It has been faithful over the years to give me some good vegetables. The parsley you see in the far corner, is from a year or two ago. The spinach is doing so well, and I planted some carrot seeds and I cannot wait to see them come up.  There are also onions that are sprouting, another tomato plant and a cucumber plant coming up.

If you are needing something to do this year to get you out of the house, I recommend a garden. Not only is it therapeutic to be working in the soil and outdoors, but it is financially helpful to have your own groceries growing out of your yard. And it gives you such a sense of satisfaction when you are reaping the harvest that you planted.

In Earth as it Is In Heaven

Don't Trust Your Heart

And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, "Speak unto the children of Israel, and command them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a thread of blue: and it shall be unto for a fringe, that you may look on it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that you not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which lead you astray: that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy unto your God." Numbers 15:37-40 (Auths Trans)

Three times a day, Jewish men recite the words of the Shema: Hear, Oh Israel the LORD is our God; the LORD is One. This is the central prayer of Judaism and is made up of three paragraphs. The first is taken from Deuteronomy 6, the second from Deuteronomy 11 and the last is from the above portion found in Numbers 15.  This was the very first Hebrew text I learned, when I started learning Hebrew more than 20 years ago. I was always intrigued with the phrase: and that you not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which lead you astray... because this is completely contrary to what people often tell us.


All my life, I have been told by well meaning people, "Trust your heart." "Follow your heart" and other such phrases. But King Solomon said exactly opposite of this. He exhorted: He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso waketh wisely shall be delivered. Proverbs 28:26  The prophet Jeremiah tells us why we shouldn't trust our hearts: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9

But many will argue, "That is Old Testament. Jesus came into our hearts and we can trust our heart." However, Jesus Himself taught the same thing that the Old Testament writers declared. He said, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out o fthe evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words shalt thou be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matthew 12: 34-37 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man. Matthew 15:18-20  These words echoed another proverb from King Solomon: Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Our mouth only reflects whats in our hearts. If we fill our hearts with evil, then that's whats going to come out.  The Apostle James, who was also the Lord's brother, stated: Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. James 3:10, 13 During the sermon on the mountain, Jesus said concerning our speech: But let your Yes be Yes; and your No be No; for whatsoever is more than these comes of evil. Matthew 5:37  The Apostle Paul exhorted the Ephesians: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.  Ephesians 4:29  And in writing to the Corithians, the Apostle Paul, used a quotation from a Greek poet named Menander, from his play called Thais: Be not deceived; evil communication corrupts good manners. 1 Corinthians 15:33

Instead, we must surrender our hearts to the Lord and allow Him to lead us by His Spirit. This is what is means to Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your might.