It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

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Followers of Christ Perspective is a Vital Key for Success


Life is more about how we view what we are going through,than what we are actually going through. Our perspective and outlook on a situation will often dictate our response to what we are experiencing. When we view life’s problems through the lens of God’s word we realize that what is actually happening to us is nothing strange, but how we respond to the matter is of the utmost importance!

1 Peter 4:12-14 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. NIV

When Christ followers go through fiery ordeals we are not to set up a pity party for ourselves thinking we are the only onesexperiencing such hardship.  Our focus should not be on ourselves and all that we are going through. Instead, our focus should be outward toward the betterment of others and to bring glory to God in that situation, and not let self be the main focus. We can rejoice when we view our troubles as instruments of God, being used for others to see God through us, and to see how the followers of Christ react.  Our response should bemuch different than the world’s way.  

Because sin is in the world, everyone will experience problems. But instead of living without hope, in fear of lack, sickness or death, our hope is in Jesus and His saving grace.  As mature followers of Christ, we have our hope rooted in the promises of God, that is why it is so important to know the word of God and His promises. 

Psalms 43:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. NIV

1 John 1:2-3 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.  All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. NIV

Our perspective is us living this life before others as children of God, with an outward focus of what He is doing for others through us, and not just what Christ is doing for us or in us. The kingdom of God has an outward perspective, Christ gave of Himself that we might receive. Jesus gave His life that we may have eternal life and He became poor that we might be made rich.  

2 Corinthians 8:8-9 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. NIV

Mature followers of Christ operate with an outward perspective, realizing much of what we go through is not just for ourselves and our sake alone. But it is for all who we engage in this life so that they may learn and see how true followers of Christrespond according to the principles of God’s kingdom on earth.

1 Corinthians 1:11 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Many people have a conceptual knowledge of Jesus. In their intellect He is a person who existed and did great miracles.  Some people believe that He is a God who will save them in the future but have little hope in Him for their daily matters and concerns. God wants a personal intimate relationship with us as a loving Father, a Rescuer, a Deliverer, a Provider and Protector, and He is the One who gave His only Son to be our Bridegroom. Our relationship with Jesus should be like that of a loving spouse of many years and a love so endearing that we would know and recognize His voice when He speaks. 

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. NIV

Jesus’ love for us is so engaging and unending that we, in our mental belief, should commit ourselves to Him willingly, andforsake and abandon everything that is not in line with Him and His word. We should commit ourselves morally to His way of life with confidence and refuse to compromise with anything that is apart from Him.

This fallen world’s perspective is one of an inward self-centered, self-focused and totally consumed with the concern for self.  As followers of Christ, we are to live life with an outward perspective so that we can view this life as a journeythat God has allowed us to participate in for His kingdom work and His glory on the earth. No matter what we are going through if the focus is on self, it will always be hard.  However,if we focus on His word and His promises to us, we will knowthat whatever He has promised He will do and because we know God’s word we have His Hope in us. 

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

1 Corinthians 7:17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.   

As followers of Christ our perspective should show that weknow God is the master engineer, He is orchestrating situations and circumstances and that we can trust Him to work theseproblems out for our good and His Glory. This understanding is essential and a vital key for us to persevere through difficult times with hope knowing that no matter what, “we will win in the end.”

Jeremiah 1:19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.NIV

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Success For a Christ Follower is to Look Like Christ. – repost

The world has taken on the definition of success as the attainment of wealth, position or honor, but followers of Christ must define success differently. Christ followers define their success as the achievement or attainment of one who is Christ like in their various endeavors, performances or just in their daily lives. When we live life like Christ and when we follow in His footsteps, then we will have obtained success in the eyes of God and His kingdom.

To be a follower of Christ or to be Christ like, we must change our view of what Christianity is. The word Christian was given to the early followers of Christ by the world who were nonbelievers. This was because the Christ follower behavior was so different from the world’s way, they actually saw them behaved and walked like Christ.

Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. NKJ

The world was living a life in fear of lack, in scarcity and in self-focus, while the followers of Christ were giving out of their poverty, sharing their resources and loving those that were unlike themselves. Christ is the One who gave Himself for others, the One who became poor that others may be rich, the One who died that others might have life and the One who forgave and loved those that abused and reviled Him.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. NKJ

1 John2:2 And Christ himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone. GNT

1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. NIV

Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. NKJ

Successful followers of Christ are defined as the ones who live their lives like Christ. It has been said if you want to find Christ, go low. He was born in a stall not a palace, He lived as a servant and not as a Pharisee, He washed the feet of His friends and even the one who would betray Him. If we want to be first in the kingdom of God, then we are to be last in the eyes of the world. If we want to be chief among the people in the kingdom of God, then we are to be a servant to the people. If we want to be exalted by God live simply in humility, respectfully toward all people, regardless of the origin or status because all humanity are image bearers of God.

John 13:5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. NKJ

Mark 9:3 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” NKJ

1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but give grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, NKJ

The name Christian is a label the world gave to the followers of Christ in the early church but now the world has used this label to skew, twist or change the image of how the followers of Christ are viewed. Many people label themselves as Christians but choose to live like the world. They are self-centered, in fear of losing what they have, in fear of lack, or of not having enough, and their only concern is themselves, while refusing to help or assist others.

God has called us children born into the family of God, The Almighty God, El Shaddai, the Inexhaustible One who pours out and whose source is unlimited, boundless and everlasting. God gave us a position not a label. We are children of the Most-High King and we are in His family and we are to look like our Father. Though labels may change but God as our Father and us being born into His family will not change. Just as children in the natural take some resemblance or likeness of their parents, so do we as we grow more knowledgeable through the Spirit, into the image of Christ the Son of God.

Ephesian 2:19Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.NKJ

1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. NIV

Like the early church, our lives should so reflect the life of Christ that the world would notice a lifestyle different than their own. We as Christ followers should live from a place of grace and forgiveness, because the God we serve gives grace to us, therefore we give grace and forgiveness to others. We serve The Almighty God who is limitless and lives in abundance. He will supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ and not according to our self-importance or works. Therefore, we can give without fear of lack, we can love because He first loved us.

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. NKJ

We can be generous because the God we serve is Yahweh “I am that I am,” He is Elohim the God who creates. Whatever the need, Yahweh is the fulfillment of that need, be it peace, joy, healing, protection, provision, The Great “I Am” is that, and all we will ever need.

Followers of Christ are most successful when they operate in love, humility and grace that Christ displayed while on earth and because our goal is to love God with all that we are and to love and serve others as Christ loved us. Christ followers’ success is not measured by the world’s standards of wealth, position or honor. We are to look like Christ, to operate in meekness and not be prideful; in gracious generous giving and not mean, tightfisted or grudgingly giving. Followers of Christ are to live in kindness, having compassion, sympathy and charity to all, even those who misuse and revile us.

Acts 2:44-47 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. NKJ

People of the world become mean and lack generosity because they operate in fear of never having enough and refusing to share. They will not give to the needs of others because they are afraid in the end there might not be enough for themselves.

Followers of Christ operate out of kindness, generosity and humility, because we know God is our endless, vast and everlasting source. We know we can rely on God, Yahweh, El Shaddai, the One who pours out of His abundance and we do not have to rely just on our limited resource, our job or our earthly means.

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Our Problem Is Not Sin, but It Is Our Belief or Unbelief!

Sin entered into the world through unbelief in the truth of God’s word. The eating of the fruit was only the action which displayed mankind’s distrust and unbelief of God’s word. God told them not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, because the day they did they would surely die. Satan came and questioned God’s word and God’s intentions to do well by them, Satan created doubt in their minds. Satan told Eve they would not die and he told them that God knew thatthey would become like Him, knowing good and evil. Instead of believing God, they believed Satan and obeyed him, and thereby sin enter into the world. 

Genesis 2:16-17 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Genesis 3:4-7 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.   For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. NKJ

Temptation rarely comes from a place of getting us to do a bad thing, but it is usually a temptation to do a good thing by some illegitimate or dishonest way. Satan tries to trick mankind into doing something good in a forbidden way, to give a short cut, so that they do not follow all the rules, to get there quicker, but in being disobedient to God.  

Adam and Eve were tempted with becoming like God, knowing good from evil. But the overarching question was, who were they going to trust, believe and obey?   Our actions will expose and exhibit our allegiances and will show who we really trust in and whose word we really believe. Though we may say with our words we believe God and His plans to help, bless and protect us but our actions will show where our trust truly lies.

Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? NKJ

God had given mankind dominion over all the earth and gave them only one command, to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, because it would kill them and they would surely die. They died that day, because their spirit was separated from their bodies, which became death to their relationship with God. Though their body and soul still were alive, their spiritdied and their relationship with God also died that day.  The man God created die that day, he was no longer in the completed likeness of God, the glory of God’s Holy Spirit was separated from mankind. Their innocence turned to shame and fear, their unity and oneness turned into accusations and blame. They were no longer full of the light of God’s goodness but now there was darkness and evil in the life of humanity. Which was unlike the man God created and placed in the garden.

Genesis 3:9-13  Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” NKJ

The day mankind ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the God like man that God created died and they became knowledgeable of how to do evil. The perfect man created in God’s likeness was dead but the image of God was still upon mankind, though Satan tricked them out of their total holiness and completeness that was like God. 

The light of their glorious glory left them and they became full of fear, caring only about themselves while blaming others for their actions, their problems and for whatever was wrong with them. This has become the bedrock of mankind’s relationshipwith one another without Christ. 

When people listened to the constant lies of Satan, he nourished them with lies and a mistrust of God.   The enemy feeds their souls a steady diet of lies and deception until their actions, lines up with their thoughts of what they have been fed and becomedisobedient to God and His word. Whatever we allow our mind to continue to feed upon will eventually produce after its own kind, in our words, our character, our actions and our life. That is why we are told to change the way we think, to renew our minds in the word of God.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. NKJ

Obeying Satan rather than God gave proof as to whose word they believed and trusted. It is the same question we have today, whose report will we believe, whose word will we believe and allow to be the ruler of our actions and how we live our lives? 

1 John 4:16 We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him. (Amplified Bible)

God has given all humanity another chance, another opportunity to choose to believe in Him. Though Satan beguiled and lied to mankind causing them to commit treason, to rebel and sin against their God and king. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection became the payment for the sin of the whole world.  Once again mankind has the opportunity to make the choice to believe and follow God into eternal life, or choose the path of Satan of disobeying God, which leads to a final eternal death. 

1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. NKJ

We can always find an excuse or a reason as to why we did what we did wrong, but it takes the light of Christ to show us His way, which is in truth and forgiveness.  Our problem is not sin, but it is in us not believing God is able to turn our lives around and bring us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Once we believe God and take Him at His word, we will confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior. 

It is when we believe with our heart and confess with our mouth Jesus is our Lord and Savior, that we will receive the Holy Spirit of God. He comes into our lives and start the cleaning process that transforms us back into the image of the Son of God.  We are then made right with God and there in no shame in Christ, because we have been forgiven and it is God who gives us the power and the desire to do His will.  

Romans 10:9-11 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.   For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”  NKJ

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. NKJ

It is God who orchestrates situations and circumstances that allow us to line up with His will.

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Where Is Your Hope? God Is Our Living Hope!

Hope, what is hope? It may be one of the most misrepresented words. Many people think of hope like it is a dream. But hope is: the trust and/or belief in a person in which our expectations are centered; to believe, to trust, to look forward to with confidence; the feeling that what is wanted can be had, or that events will turn out for the best, because of our trust and belief. For the true followers of Christ, hope is in the person of Jesus Christ, in the completed work of our Lord and Savior who gave Himself that we may live.

1 Timothy 4:10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. NIV

A dream is: a vain or wild fancy; to think of something in a remote way; a vision indulged in while awake or asleep. Far too often we see people without hope and they will say that their situation is hopeless. Life circumstances or the choices they have made in life may have led them to believe that there is no hope for them or for their lives to change. 

Living in a world that constantly feeds us a steady diet of lies,which may cause unrealistic materialistic dreams and unrealistic expectations that are unfulfilled may causes hopelessness to grow. To continue living a life of failure and unfulfilled dreams may make the hearts sick and ultimately causes people to give up on themselves, their families and even on life itself. This is an attack of Satan against mankind and all who are created in the image of God, to hinder them from fulfilling their created purpose. But we are to have our hope in Christ and to reveal the glory of God on the earth.  

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. NIV

For followers of Christ, our hope is grounded and built on the foundation of the life of Christ. He is the person in which our Hope is anchored, He is the embodiment of our Hope. It is with a fixed and determined belief and confidence, that what He has promised He is able to perform. Which is unlike the wild fancies that are conjured up by trickeries, lies and deceits of this fallen world, that all societies are exposed to through social norms or mass media. This causes people to lose heart when their unrealistic dreams or wishes fail.   

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, NIV

Philippians 1:20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. NIV

Hope is not wishful thinking, or wishing that something will come true, but true hope is faith in the Living Word of God and Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Christ becomes the center of our hope and though it may not come immediately we wait with expectation and confidence that Jesus will fulfill His promise. Hope is not some dream or wish that was fabricated by some type of media, commercial or some invented scheme that has no basis or is grounded in lies and deceptions.  Our hope is strengthened and developed through our life of worship and communion with Christ. 

It is when we accept Jesus, not only as the one who saved us, but as our Lord, the one who directs, trains and commands usand the one who is the head of our lives and family, that we receive the eternal Hope of God. We grow in hope and our hope is reinforced, fortified and built up through our time of worship where we develop an intimacy and closeness with God as our Father and Jesus as our Lord.  

Titus 2: 1-14 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. NIV

The true hope that we have in Christ allows us to live differently than the world, though we may reside in our community our citizenship is in heaven. We have a distinctculture and our lives are different because of the way we handle ourselves in conflicts, how we define success and how we view death. 

We handle our conflicts with mercy, grace and forgiveness. Because Christ has forgiven us for everything, we also should forgive everybody everything. Our success is not measured by how much money we have, our bank accounts or where we may live, but by the peace and joy we have in Christ. We are not hopeless in the face of death, because Jesus is the resurrection and the life, eternal.

Our identity is rooted in Jesus, we are precious in His sight, as beloved ones whom He has called, pursued and loves. We are created as His image bearers, saved by the blood of Jesus, who purchased forgiveness of sin for all humanity. God offers everyone His grace, mercy and forgiveness of sin, but each individual will decide to accept or reject this great gift from God and whether to acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;NIV

Psalms 65:5 You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, NIV

We live in a fallen world full of sin and troubles therefore,persecution and suffering are a part of everyone’s life even every follower of Christ. It is our belief and faith that we will overcome in every situation that gives us hope. Knowing that in the end we will not be ashamed because of Jesus Christ who is our Hope, will make the crooked ways straight and will bring down the lofty and those who are full of pride.

 

Romans 5:5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. NIV

Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 

Hope is with expectation of a future occurrence; it is not something that we see or have at the present. If we had what we desired at present there would be no need for faith or hope for the future.  Jesus’ love for us is the bedrock and the cornerstone on which we build our hope and our faith, it is in knowing that He is faithful to that which He promised. As true followers of Christ we should not expect to avoid troubles, but we should be encouraged, because we are in the fellowship of His sufferingand through this we can show His love as we praise God because His glory is upon us.  

Romans 8:24-25 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. NIV

1 Peter 4:13-16 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.  If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.  NIV

 

2 Thessalonians 2:16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope. NIV

 

 

As the song “Cornerstone” reminds us;

 

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus’ name.

Christ alone, cornerstone weak made strong, in the Savior’s love, through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all.

When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.  

He is Lord, Lord of all!

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The Fear of God is the Beginning of Wisdom; The Fear of God is to Hate Pride, Arrogance and Evil Ways

The word of God says to be wise, and the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Most people misconstrue or misunderstand this, they think to fear God is to be terrified, trembling or frightened of God, as though He was on some power trip. 

We must let the Bible interpret God’s words and meaning. The Bible says to fear God is to hate evil, pride, arrogance and vicious or perverse speaking. If the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, then when we hate those things such as pride, arrogance and perverse talking or evil ways, we are living in a respectful fear, awe and reverence of God and His word.  

We become wise when we are in line and agree with the word of God. Fear of God and the wisdom of God is to hate what God hates and love what God loves, which is coming into anagreement with God’s word.  

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. NKJ

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and in truth it means to be in awe and respect of God, acknowledging Him and His preeminence overall. We must allow His word to be supreme and thereby we align ourselves up with His word. We love what He loves; all humanity and we hate what He hates; pride, arrogance, perverse speaking and evil ways.

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, by the power of the Holy Spirit which indwells us, we have the mind of Christ. We no longer lean to our own understanding or the teaching of this world, for they both are limited and distorted by this fallen world and its sin infested society. It is the wisdom of God that can help us discern what is “true reality”, which is Christ, and not be led by the misguided majority or be influence by Satan.  

1 Corinthians 1:30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

1 Corinthians 2:16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.NKJ

Godly discernment is the ability to have greater insightfulness and to have better judgement regarding situations. Some decisions are not bad but they may not be the best and God wants the best for His children.  

2 Chronicles 2:12 And Hiram added: “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth! He has given King David a wise son, endowed with intelligence and discernment, who will build a temple for the LORD and a palace for himself. NIV

Ecclesiastes 3:17 I said in my heart, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” NKJ

All societies and nations may not have the written word of God,but all mankind was created in His image and likeness and was created with an awareness of what is right.  God’s sense of right and wrong is embedded in everyone’s conscience, it is part of their genetic makeup from birth. 

Because of life experiences some people may choose to ignore their sense of rightful living, be it past hurts or the life choicesof self-indulgence.  Young children are quick to recognize and say what is fair and what is not. Over time and with social training their minds can be bent and manipulated to disregard their internal sense of God’s integrity and morality.  

Romans 2:15-16 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Just as children out of love and respect for their earthly parents want to give reverence and please them. So, we also want to give even greater honor, respect and revere our heavenly Father and Creator. 

1 Corinthians 2:12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.NIV

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Our Relationship with God “Post” The Life of Jesus

With the life, death and resurrection of Jesus God has provided a way for mankind to be adopted into His family, where we can call Him Father. God is no longer just the Holy Creator, requiring mankind to follow every letter of the law. God hasprovided an opportunity for those who accept Jesus by faith, as the Son of God, and their risen Lord to have their sins forgiven. To Jesus we owe our very existence, reality and life because He has paid for all sin. In this new relationship, God is not only our Sovereign King, but we can call Him Abba Father. 

Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”  says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Prior to the life, death and resurrection of Christ, God dealt with mankind as a Holy and Righteous Judge and Creator. But God, in His love, mercy, grace and great compassion toward mankindprovided us with a payment for sin through Jesus. The penalty for sin was too great for mankind to pay for themselves, therefore, Jesus became our sacrificial offering and has taken the wrath we deserved. Jesus has made atonement for sin for all mankind and has satisfied God’s wrath, fury and judgement against sin for all who accept by faith and believe in the completed work of Christ. 

Isaiah 1:18-20  “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 

While we were still at enmity with God He provided for us a new and living way through faith in the completed work of Christ. Now being in the family of God, how much more will God provide and supply for us as children of the Most-High King. God created mankind to be “little g” gods on the earth, to be in His likeness and to display His glory to all the earth so that He could have a personal relationship with mankind. 

God’s purpose was abandoned by mankind when they disobeyed God and fell into depravity and corruption. Only a Holy and loving God could do both, to be the one who judgesmankind for their sin and also to be their Justifier, the one who would take the punishment that was judicially given for their acts of rebellion.  

Ephesians 2:15-16 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,  and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

Romans 5:8-11 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.   Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.   For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Psalm 82:6-8 I said, “You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High. But you shall die like men,And fall like one of the princes.” Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.

God knew before the foundation of the world that mankind would rebel against Him, because the lies and deceptions of Satan they would fall into sin. Yet in His lovingkindness, Hecreated mankind because God desired to have a personal relationship with humanity. We were created in His likeness with authority and dominion over the earth but gave it away to God’s enemy, Satan.

Ephesians 1:4-6 Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,   having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,   to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

God’s amazing love, tender mercies and great compassion, compelled Him to be the payment for our sins. In His righteousness He judge mankind for their sins, He also became their Savior and Redeemer to all who will come to God by faith in Jesus Christ. God’s purpose is still to continue to be in a personal relationship with mankind, with those who come to Him through faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Luke 1:78-79  Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Lamentations 3:22-26 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

 

Psalm 51:1-2 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

 

Jesus has paid the sin debt owed by all mankind, now God has provided an opportunity for everyone to choose whether or not they will be adopted into the family of God.  We all will stand before God and He will either be our Abba Father, or we willstand before Him as a Holy and Righteous Judge. This decision will be based on our individual will and actions while we live our lives on this earth. 

Jude 1:20-23 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

And on some have compassion, making a distinction;  butothers save []with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

2 Corinthians 5: 20

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God

1 Peter1:19-21  but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.   He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you  who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

God’s purpose for humanity is for us to be in a close personal relationship with God as our Father, Jesus as our Lord and Savior and with one another in love. Because Christ died for all, we are called to be His ambassadors and to bring others to salvation.

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God’s Relationship with Humanity “Pre” Life of Jesus Christ” in the Old Testament

It is important to discern and recognize the times and dispensation of the divine order of God’s affairs that are in operation when we read God’s word. We must recognize thetwo major timelines that distinguish how God interacted with mankind and operated on the earth. The Old Testament, which was before Christ was born as the Son of Man, where sins were only covered for a while with blood of animals. The New Testament is “post” or after the Life and death of Christ, with Him being born as the Son of God and He gave His life as total payment for our sins.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NKJ

In the Old Testament God dealt with humanity as Creator, a Holy and Righteous Judge over all His creation. Though God in His love was longsuffering and patient with mankind, their sins were only covered by the blood of animals. When their sins became so great and could no longer be atoned for or be covered with the blood of lambs or bulls, God the Righteous Judge and Holy and Just God had to execute judgement againstthe sins of mankind. 

Numbers 32:23 But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out. 

To some it may seem confusing and heartless when they see in the Old Testament, God requiring the total execution and destruction of a nation, of every person and beast. It is the Holiness of God that cannot tolerate sin, it is the Righteousness Judge that requires payment for sin. It is the love and compassion that God has for mankind that He would totally destroy the workers of Satan to keep them from corrupting humanity and the people of God. 

God by not allowing the wicked and ruthless behavior of those who followed after the evilness of Satan to be seen by others, that they in time may not start copying those atrocities and sins. Too often we have seen those who were inexperienced, naive and trusting being caught in a web of evilness and deceit causing them to be trapped in evilness and confusion.  Had they only been shield and kept from such darkness they could have evaded many hardships and troubles. 

Deuteronomy 20:16-18 “But of the cities of these peoples which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, you shall let nothing that breathes remain alive,  but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the Lord your God has commanded you,  lest they teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, and you sin against the Lord your God.

Every person has a will, which gives them the ability to choose whom they will serve, whether it is God in righteousness, orSatan and themselves in the sins of their flesh. “Pre” life of Christ, God gave His commandments and method of operation to Israel so they would be a light in this dark world to show humanity the way to God. God called Abraham, Isaac and Jacob out to make them a nation who would be a testament and show the world how to live a life before a Just God and their Creator. 

Romans 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. NIV

God gave them many rules and regulations for them to follow,because sinful man could not approach a Holy and Righteous God in their own way. The wage of sin is death and there is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood.  All have sinned; therefore, the blood of animals could only covered the sins of mankind for a season and this was required before the priest could enter into the holy presence of God on their behalf. 

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ NKJ

God created mankind in His image for Himself, so that the glory of God would be seen throughout the earth. God is jealous for us and wants us to stay in relationship and fellowship with Himself. God will not force anyone to come to Him or force them to love Him, everyone will make their own choice, to obey God or not. In the Old Testament, when the wickedness of sinful mankind could no longer be covered by the blood of animals, the Righteous and Just God had to execute judgement.

Isaiah 13: 11 “I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

Proverb 10:16 The labor of the righteous leads to life, The wages of the wicked to sin.

2 Chronicles 19:7 Now therefore, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes.”

Nahum1:2-3 God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; The Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies; The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. NKJ

God dealt with mankind according to their sins “Pre” life of Jesus Christ. Judging justly and requiring payment for their sins. Satan had the right to plague mankind when they sinned because they had given him their authority when they disobeyed God. In the book of Job, we saw that he operated in fear, thereby he opened a door that gave Satan a right to ask God to harass him. Peter operated in pride, this too allowedSatan to ask to sift him as wheat, according to God’s word and spiritual principles, prior to Christ shedding His blood for sin debt. 

Daniel 9:11 Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, and has departed so as not to obey Your voice; therefore the curse and the oath written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against Him.NKJ

2 Corinthians 1:20 

In the Old Testament we could choose blessings or curses but in the saving grace of God through faith in Christ all the promises in Him are yes and amen. NKJ 

God, in His love, mercy, grace and great compassion has provided us with a payment for sin. Jesus has taken the wrath and has made atonement for sin for all mankind and has satisfied God’s fury and judgement against sin for all who by faith believe in the completed work of Christ. 

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 

Prior to the life, death and resurrection of Christ, God dealt with mankind as Creator and as a Holy and Righteous Judge. Because Jesus has paid the sin debt owed by all mankind, God has provided an opportunity for everyone to choose whether or not we will be adopted into the family of God. By the choice of our actions, we will stand before God and He will be our Abba Father, or stand before Him as a Holy and Righteous Judge. 

The choice is yours!

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How To Reflect and Reveal God’s Glory in Our Lives!

o reflect is to mirror or echo what is seen or heard. To reveal is to make known, to tell or to uncover a thing that is hidden. We reflect and reveal God’s personality, His character, His likeness and His glory through our daily relationships with God our Father, Jesus Christ and with all others who we encounter.  

When mankind was created they had the Spirit of God livingwithin them. They were created in His likeness, in His image and was in a personal and constant communion and relationship with God as their Creator. But, the day Adam and Eve disobeyed God their Creator, their God like Spirit died within them and they were no longer the perfect beings God created. The Holy Spirit of God’s presence left mankind and we were no longer a complete reflection of God’s glory nor walked in the perfect likeness of God our Creator.

John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. NKJ

Ezekiel 9:3 Now the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub, where it had been, to the threshold of the temp

Though mankind’s created purpose was to reflect and reveal God’s likeness and His glory on the earth, Adam and Eve lost their “Shekinah glory” or “God’s light” that indwelled them from creation until they sinned against God. Mankind was no longer in a close relationship or communion with God, their sin had separated them from God and they no longer had the light of His presence within them.

Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.  NKJV

From the fall of mankind humanity was separated from their God and only through the priest of God offering sacrifices for their sins were they able to cover their sins for a season. They were in an estranged relationship with their God and Creator. God always desired a relationship with His people. God’s Spirit would come upon those who were chosen to serve Him but His Spirit would not stay with them nor indwell them continually.  Mankind lived in darkness apart from God until Jesus came to restore followers of Christ back into a close family relationship with God as their Father. 

1 Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him.

God has sent Jesus as the Son of Man and the Son of God to pay the penalties for our sins and to destroy the wall that separated us from our God and Creator. When we are ready to acknowledge our sins and ask God to forgive us, then we can ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior and save us from our sins.Through faith we believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins and we are then adopted into the family of God.

Romans 10:9-11 hat if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

Like any relationship, we tend to mimic and imitate, resemble and duplicate the character, qualities and temperament of the people we constantly associate with. The most important relationship in a person’s life is that of parent and child. In this relationship a person learns who they are through their association and they are taught, either deliberately or just by involvement how respond or react to many of life’s situations.    

No one is born with programmed biases, prejudices or affinities but these are taught or learned through family or life experiences. A person may not be aware of their personal partialities, slants and inclinations or they may not be aware of the fact that they are transmitting these beliefs to those around them. But it is in these close relationships that our character and beliefs are cultivated and established and they are reflected in our daily actions. 

Through faith in Christ, we now have the ability to have an even greater relationship with God. Not just as Creator but now we can become children of God, and He will be our Father, our Heavenly Father. Some may have been abandoned or orphanedby our natural parents. Or may have been lead in the way of the accursed things of this world by those who were supposed toteach us the ways of righteousness.  But now as children of the Most-High God and as part of the family of Christ we are given the Holy Spirit to lead us in all things pertaining to God our Father and His righteousness. 

Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,  just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,   having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Jesus gives us the opportunity and the ability to be adopted into the family of God. The thought of adoption may have a negative connotation in the natural world, but it is a word of wonder and splendor in the spirit realm. To be adopted in God’s family, to be one who is chosen by the Almighty God Jehovah to be His child. What an awesome concept to ponder! We areno longer identified by our natural inclinations, cultures or nationality but we are spiritually transformed beyond our nature to be in a family relationship with God as our Father.    

Romans 9:4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 

Romans 8:23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

Reflecting God’s glory is not something we do, but it is something we become.  Because we are in a constant and close relationship with God we are persistently and perpetuallylearning His character, His ways and His integrity. The light of God’s glory, His “Shekinah glory” permeates, floods and fills our spirit, soul and body. Oftentimes, without being aware or having conscious knowledge, we reveal and reflect His glory in the world around us. Just as Moses’ face shone with the light of God’s glory after he left the presence of God, so are we spiritually. When we are constantly in God’s presence through prayer and the meditating of His word, so the light of His presence will shine through us also.

Exodus 34: 29 Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. 

35, And whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.

In the natural, when people go and live in a different culture orstay around those who speak a different language, they toobegin to speak with that same accent or speech. After being immersed in a new society or culture over a period of time, some people may begin to reflect the values of that culturewithout them realizing it. It is the same spiritually. God wants to be in a close relationship with us and from this relationship His light shines upon us and we absorb His glory, which is reflected in our daily lives. This is not something we see in ourselves or something we set out to do. We just “be” who we are, we just “live” our lives and be ourselves, learning who we are through our relationship and fellowship with God.

2 Corinthian 3:18But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

As we are in a relationship with God as our Father, His glory, wisdom and character are being developed within us while we are in His presence. God’s glory is reflected and echoed throughout the sphere, domain or circle in which we live. We reveal God’s love, peace and character by the way we live. Our lives tell God’s story to a lost world, when we love the unlovely, forgive the unforgiving and when we pray for those who spitefully misuse us.  

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

2 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, betenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Sometimes we may be the only voice crying out in the wilderness or in the desolate place of someone’s life. Our lives may also be the only light that is seen in our families, our placeof work or our society, where people may live in gross darkness and even in some very foul and dark situations.    

God has sent Christ so that we can be in a close relationship with God as our Father. We can constantly reveal and reflect God’s glory and who He is, by just being who we are. Becauseour life is God’s glory!

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A Follower of Christ Purpose: Is To be like Broken Bread and Poured out Wine For Others

The world seeks to satisfy self. That is the way of the world in which we live, and we all in past times have lived our lives in selfishness, self-gratification and pride. It is the state we were born into until we were born again into a new family, family of God with a new purpose. We are to reflect, resemble and reveal the glory of God.  Jesus is our example, whose body was broken and life poured out so that we may have life eternal with God our Heavenly Father. 

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” NKJ

Jesus not only gave us communion as an act to partake in but also as a lifestyle to live in. On the same day Jesus was betrayed by one of His close friends He did not become angry, nor did He hold a grudge or wallow in resentment or self-pity.  Jesus knew all His disciples would leave him and one would betray Him and yet He looked past the immediate and focused on the eternal. Jesus also knew it would be through the sacrifice of Him laying down His life, and His body becoming broken bread, and His blood being poured out like wine, that the whole world could be saved. 

When life comes at us with betrayal, hurtful words and hideousacts of cruelty, just as they did to Jesus, we are to look to God Our Father in heaven to give us the Christ like Spirit, through the power of the Holy Ghost. That is when we become like broken bread and poured out wine, which will be nourishment for others to feed on and to learn about Jesus and God our Father. In these acts of humility and kindness we reveal God’s character and reflect His glory in a dark world. 

2 Timothy 4:5-6 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure is at hand. NKJ

To understand our purpose is the first step of being successful in whatever task we attempt to 

complete. Often times people miss the mark of being successful on their jobs, with their families and in life because they fail to fully understand the God given purpose for their lives. We all were created in the image of God, with the purpose of looking like God and revealing His character on the earth.  Though our minds and hearts have been trained by a fallen world from the time we were born to be concerned about self-first and to meet our own needs even at the cost or expense of another.  

Jesus gave us a new directive and a better understanding of our God given purpose while living in a worldly system that haslittle or no knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Savior. The followers of Christ should be like Jesus, as when He was on the earth. We are to live this life for Christ with the souls of men in mind and their eternal salvation as we are going about our daily lives. Jesus came to be a servant to those around Him and He has told us this is our purpose, to serve others and not to expectothers to serve us. 

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. NKJ

Though we me have every right to receive honor and respectdue to our position, title, status or work, but in the humility of Christ, we wave our rights to be esteemed and admired, so that we may serve those who should be serving us. That is what Christ did when He laid aside His heavenly position to be born as the Son of Man and to seek and to save the lost. 

When the world persecutes us or hates us because of our beliefs, or because we act different and we are unlike the world, we can have peace with ourselves and others because of our faith in the completed work of Christ. We can be encouraged because we know Jesus has overcome the hate and prejudices of this fallen world system and has given us the ability to overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJ

It is natural for us to expect to be respected as leaders, employers, supervisors, parents or as contributing adults and it is natural to be offended when we fail to receive this respect and acknowledgement. But, when we are born again into the family of God we no longer operate in the natural but the spiritual through the Holy Spirit. We lay aside our rights because we are given a new life, a new purpose, a new bloodline and a new kingdom in which we begin to discover and learn how to operate, in humility while living on earth. We will have to change our old mindset to accomplish this in ourfallen world.   

1 Peter4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trail which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. NKJ

When we begin to understand that we are in a spiritual battle for the souls of men, then we begin to operate in purpose. We are able to become a servant to who should be serving us. We can be at peace though we are going through trials, hardships and troubles because we understand our purpose and the eternal ending to this voyage and expedition we call life.   We realize these attacks, sufferings and distresses are aimed at us, but the battle is for the souls of those who are persecuting and abusing us. Our afflictions, tribulations and persecutions are considered light, in comparison to the purpose of saving another person’s soul from eternal destruction. 

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. NKJ

We know we are not here just to serve ourselves, or to be admired and highly regarded by others, or to get all we can in this life, only to die and leave it all behind. We are to live humbly, simply and unassumingly so that we do not lose heart or become weary when our good is criticized or reprimanded. Because we understand that we will reap good and pleasant things in our future according to God’s word. God is faithful, so we are to take heart and stand strong while waiting in faith withgreat expectation through the power of the Holy Spirit and according to His word.  

Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Though this may be a simple concept it is a difficult one to live without the power of the Holy Spirit. We should pray that He will direct our steps and create in us a clean heart and a right spirit. 

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Living life with purpose gives meaning to this journey we call life. We are here to be light in darkness, and to be like broken bread and poured out wine to nourish those who are lost. So that they may receive the love of Christ and eternal salvation through the life and love they see in us.

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Followers of Christ Are Strange and Peculiar People

God has adopted us as His children and now we are children of The Most-High God.  God is our adopted heavenly Father and King so we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus was fully God and was born as a man and He gave His life so that we may live abundantly on earth. 

We are no longer part of this fallen world system. Though we live in this world we have a new home, a new family and a new citizenship in heaven. 

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people (peculiar people), that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; NKJ

We were once strangers to God and His kingdom ways, but Christ came so that we may become children of God and joint heirs with Christ in His kingdom on earth. That is why we are called strange, because we are different from those who live their lives on earth only to satisfy themselves. We are not of this world but of the family of God and our real home is in heaven with God.

Ephesians 2:19

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, NKJ

We have different rules and principles that we live by. They are not the same as the world’s and all that we see and hear on television and on social media. The world is about satisfying self, selfishness and pride. We are children of God; children of the Most-High King and He has made us to be kings and priests. We are to help others to know God by the way we live, how we talk and how we act or behave. 

Ephesians 1: 5-6 

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.  So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. NLT

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, we will learn and seek the truth about Jesus so that we can live the life that He has chosen for us to live for Him. We will act differently because we will not be full of pride or anger but we will be kind, gentle and forgiving others. We are to forgive everyone everything, because the love of God lives within us. Though it may be a process, with prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit, He will give us the love we need to forgive others.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

When we live God’s way it is so different from the way of this fallen world. We will live and act in love, not retaliating against those who have wronged us, even though we may be justified in doing so. We do not look to get our own revenge or seek to get justice for ourselves, but we trust God who judges justly and make things right.  

God has instructed us on how to live and treat others so that they may see the love of God in us and that it will encourage others to want to know God for themselves and to also receive His love and peace.   

1 Peter 2:23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

What we see all around us is the result of sin and the enemy of God trying to destroy God’s people, those created in His image. This world is full of hate and anger but God has shown us His love and wants us to show that love to those who are lost and do not yet know Him. We are no longer part of this fallen world system but we have been made new, a new creation of God to fulfill His purpose for our lives. We are to show the love of Christ and to reflect and reveal His glory and live with Him forever.

2 Corinthians 5: 17-18 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,

When this world, our society, friends or even family memberstries to pressure us into following the way that everyone is going and to do those spiteful and hateful things, just say No! This is what the Lord God requires of us, to say no to the things of this world, to live in humility and not in pride and to do the right thing. We are to love mercy and be quick to forgive and to rejoice when others are given another chance by God’s mercy.

Micah6:8 

No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

We are to “Just say No” 

To the things of this world

We are to “Just do it” 

The things the Lord has required of us,

Which are; to love mercy, to do the right things and to love God and others.

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