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.

Faith Comes by Hearing

The Word of the LORD

 Hear oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all of your might. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Deut 6:4

Jesus said, If you love Me, you shall keep My Commandments. John 14:15.  So many people, today, want to live a modern, secular lifestyle, but still wear the title of a Christian. They are no more than the pagans or heathens who worship an idol or false god. He that loves the world, the love of the Father is not even in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is of the world and the world will pass away, but He that does the will of God shall abide forever. I John 2:15-17 They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  II Timothy 2:19

How can we possibly live the life God called us to live? No matter how hard we try, it always seems to be a bit out of our reach. The Apostle Paul told the Romans in chapter 7 how whenever he would try to do good, evil was present and he would fall short. But God provided a way for us to walk in His ways. It is not by our works, but through faith.  The just shall live by faith. Habakkuk 2:4 Not by works of the law. For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph 2:8-9

Faith is a revelation.

By faith, Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice unto God...Hebs11:4 How did Abel know what to offer in sacrifice to God? It came by revelation. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17

I have often heard whole sermons from the text: (As it it is written, I have made thee (Abraham) a father of many nations,) before Him Whom he believed, even GOD, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Romans 4:17.  Now to hear preachers preach, the verse is taken to mean Abraham called those things that be not as though they were, but if you read this according to its context, Abraham believed in GOD WHO calls those things that be not as though they were.  

I believe this is where the deceitful lie came up in the 80' and 90's to "Name it and Claim it".  And this lie gave birth to the prosperity doctrine that took over many televangelists and people in the church world. One televangelist who was very much a propagator of this lie recently came forward and made a public confession and repented of his part in this.

But lay that aside and this is still a powerful portion of Scripture.  Abraham believed in HIM - in the very One Who spoke, “Let there be light.” And there was light. Gen. 1:3  When God speaks, nature obeys. For He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. Psalms 33:9  And why does nature obey? It is because nothing can stand before the Word of God. And when we surrender ourselves to the Word of God through faith, the will of our flesh can no longer stand before the Word of God. It must obey.

So, when God says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all of your might. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself." It is not that you have to figure out how to work this out on your own.  You have to recognize that He has given the Word and by faith, you can walk in the fulfillment of it. When Jesus commanded the paralytic to "Take up his bed and walk", the man could not naturally do this in himself.  But because Jesus is the Word, the paralytic's body had to obey the commandment of God.

Jesus said, "If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7 The key here is ASK.  In my lifetime, I've heard countless believers COMMAND the Lord. I have often heard preachers tell the devil where to go and what to do.  I believe that commanding the devil certainly comes with a level of authority and relationship with the Lord, but more often the devil doesn't move because that man or woman is operating in a spirit of pride and not in sincerity and a true walk with the Lord.

I have heard so often in the ministry of Brother William Branham, he would pray, "Father, I ask that the devil leave this person."  I don't remember many times hearing him COMMAND the devil to come out.  There's something about humility that causes the heart of God to be moved.

God wants us to ASK.  How often did Jesus say, "Ask"?  As a child when I would want something from my mother or father, I knew if I walked up and said, "give me this" or even "I want that", I probably wouldn't be as likely to be given it, unless I asked, "may I please have that?" It is a level of respect and we as children of God often mistake our LEVEL of respect and think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think.  Oh how often I have proved the Lord by following His simple command: ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE.  Just the other day, after searching high and low through my house for something, I stopped and prayed, "Lord, this is so insignificant, but You promised, SEEK and you shall find. I have been seeking and I'm asking You to help me find." I hadn't even finished my prayer, before the Holy Spirit directed me to look in a drawer and there it was.

He just wants us to take Him at His Word and He'll take us at our word.  A good friend of my mother's, Mrs. Dot Bell once told me: "I'm nothing. He's everything. But when Everything takes hold of a willing nothing, something good is bound to happen."