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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Do Not Be Easily Offended!


Offense is a tool of the enemy to get people ensnared with pride and unforgiveness. True followers of Christ should strive to change their world view and personal perspective from being easily offended to being dead to insults and offenses through the power of the Holy Spirit. We live in a time when people respond to difficulties and troubles in a manner that could show offence, resentment or a perceived self-importance, which they may consider the norm. Being easily offended is now not only considered as the rule in which people should react, but it is being cultivated as a preferred way to react to problems and struggles. 

Offense is just a snare, a trap and a tool that the enemy uses against humanity to get them to react to situations out of hate and anger rather than according to God’s way of forgiveness, love and mercy. Those who walk according to this fallen world system not only operate in offense but some people will cultivate it as a means of bringing division and disunity for their own personal gain or agenda. They organize and encourage a spirit of fear, anger and hate as merchandize and market it for their ill-gotten or corrupt gain, be it money, status or fame. 

Romans 16:17-18 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.  For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Matthew 18:7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!

Two words that are commonly translated to the word offense in the Bible are, Skandalizo: to entrap, trip up, stumble or entice to sin, and mikshowl: a stumbling block, obstacle, enticement, to cause to fall or ruin. Both of these terms speak of the harm and injury it causes to those who operate in offense. They areentrapped or enticed to sin and these are pitfalls that lead to devastation or a spiral downfall into ruin of one’s self. Offense is not something that harms the offender but enslaves the person who is offended into a continuous cycle of a feeling of resentment where that person believes that they have beeninsulted, attacked or assaulted by others. 

Offense is driven by emotion that has its roots in self-importance, pride and unforgiveness. True followers of Christ should operate in faith according to the word of God and the example Jesus our Lord has set for us. Jesus speaks of those who are offended as those who have no root in God’s word within themselves. Many people are offended by the word of God when they lack an understanding of God’s kingdom ways or when things do not happen the way they want or in a way they do not understand.  

The Bible teaches that we will see persecution and that there will be a constant test of our faith in God’s word. Those who have faith in God and know His word will believe He is faithful and will persevere to see the challenge to the end, where they will stand in victory. Those who do not know God or His kingdom ways lack an understanding of His word and when He speaks a hard saying they are offended because they choose to trust in their emotions and their experiences rather than in the love and faithfulness of God. 

Mark 4: 16-17 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble

John 6:60-61 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? 

Not only are people of the world easily offended but those who know and love Christ are subject to offense also, when the pressure and onslaught of this world come and they find themselves in the crucible of life crushing trials.  John the Baptist was the person that preached the coming of Christ and introduced Jesus to the world as the Messiah. Yet John questioned Jesus when he was facing death. John did not understand fully, God’s plan for his situations and hiscircumstances were not going the way he felt they should. This caused in him a moment of offense. John asked Jesus if He was really the One or will there be another?  When people are in difficult situations it will sometimes cause them to question God’s love and His faithfulness to His word.  

Jesus’ response to John’s question was to point to the word of God and the work of God being done for the salvation of men. Jesus did not try to justify Himself or to prove He was the Son of God but He pointed to the work of God and the word of God being revealed in the lives of the lost. Jesus told them to go tell John, the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, in other words God’s divine purpose and plan are being performed and lived out. 

Jesus said, blessed are those who are not offended because of Me. Even though Jesus may not respond the way we want Him to or we may not understand the way God has chosen for ourparticular situation, we still trust God’s love.  

Luke 7:20-23 When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ”  And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” NKJ

Jesus gave His disciples directions as how not to be offended, He spoke to them the word of God and told them the things that were going to happen. Jesus said these things were told them sothat they would not be offended when they happened and causethem to stumble. 

The word of God is precious to true followers of Christ but to the world and those who are disobedient to God, the word of God becomes a stumbling stone a rock of offence. Some people will allow their offense to take precedence and rise above the word of God and will lead them into destruction. Some peoplewould rather live with their pride and indignation rather than to forgive and live-in love and harmony with their family or friends. 

John 16:1-4 These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.  They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.  But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.

1 Peter 2:7-8 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

Many people are living in anxiety and stress because they have allowed offense of this world to be their steady diet and their daily sustenance which feeds them and keeps them in a constant cycle of distrust and hate.  They are stumbling because they refuse to operate in forgiveness, love and according to His truth. 

Great is the peace of them that love the word of God and live according to His kingdom principles and ways because they will not allow the offenses of this world to take root in their hearts or cause them to live in resentment and bitterness. 

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have those who love Your law,And nothing causes them to stumble.

Matthew 11:6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Jesus called those blessed, who are not offended because of Him. Those who are blessed of God have His favor, are called fortunate and well off. This is not to say they are without trouble but they know how to persevere through difficulties to see the salvation and the abundance of God.

We can choose to not be offended when we feel we are wronged by operating in God’s word. He speaks of our persecution but tells us to forgive.

Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel and is the foundation and bedrock of how we are to live without being easily offended. When offense comes we can overcome it with the love and forgiveness of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Abundant Life In Jesus


It is God who breathes into us His life-giving Spirit when we receive Jesus as our Master and Lord.  Some people want Jesus to be the One who saves them from their sin, rebellion and from themselves, but Jesus must be Lord and Master also.  Because of His life, death and resurrection, Jesus is the One who has the right and authority to direct, lead and tell us how to live this lifethat we have received through Him. 

John 13:13-15  Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  KJV 

Some people have received God’s life-giving Holy Spirit but have not obtained a good understanding of what it is to live the abundant life Jesus came to give. Many believers in Christ still struggle with living an abundant life, because the soul of their mind is still rooted in the consciousness of this fallen worldsystem. This world cultivates a spirit of greed, materialism, jealousy and envy that has people in covetousness, which causes division, distrust and hatred among themselves. 

Many believers’ minds have not been renewed by the word of God or to His perspective and way of living. Followers of Christ are asked, pleaded with and begged to renew their minds to God’s way and His perspective. To be transformed to Hisways of thinking and to perceive life, happiness and success according to God’s kingdom ways on earth. We are to be an example to the fallen world around us and show them what it means to live an abundant life in Christ.  This does not mean we will live a life without troubles but we are to have a mindset of peace believing God will bring us out of every trouble and situation in a way that will bring glory to God.

Romans 12: 1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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

Our concept of life, happiness and success are built on how we perceive, view and value the things around us. Jesus is our example and His word is our guide that we should use to rethink the way we experience life and its purpose. Somepeople think that their lives are for them to live and experience the finer things and if they fail to obtain the level of wealth and fame they desire, they believe God has failed or forsaken them. But sometimes the problem is how they view their situations and circumstances and what they are experiencing. 

If we see our lives as tools for God’s purpose and to be used sothat He may display His love, mercy and compassion to the lost, then when the troubles of life come we will not loose heart.  In the Bible we see the people of God experiencing tribulations and persecution all for God’s purpose and to display who He is to the lost so that they may acknowledge and receive Him as their God.  

Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery but he saved his family and nations from starvation and famine. David washunted by Saul, who sought to kill him, but David became a great king in Israel. Paul was whipped, stoned and left for dead by his people but became the apostle to the non-Jews, gentiles and now the word of God is open to all humanity. Jesus was crucified that He may bring many sons to the Father.  Weshould change the way we view our challenges and troubles so that we may live a life of expectancy, looking forward to see the mysteries of God and how He will work out our challenges for our good and His glory.  We should know and believe that God is working all these things together for our good and that thelikeness of Christ is being revealed in our inner soul and spiritfor His glory. 

Romans 8:28-30 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.   For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.   Moreoverwhom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. NKJ

We are to live in hope and in anticipation to see how God will take these difficulties and dilemmas that we are facing and use them to display His glory on the earth. If we live in fear, regret and disappointment we will lose sight of God and His purpose for us on earth. We as followers of Christ must choose to cast down every thought and imagination that sets itself against the word of God. We must choose to walk in faith that God is faithful and choose to believe in His compassion and love for us, which gives us hope to persevere in tribulations. In this we can show the love of God to the wounded, hurt and those living in hate because the love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit toward them.   

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.   And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance,character; and character, hope.   Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. NKJ

When our minds have been transformed and our perspectivesand views are changed to line up with the word of God, then we will understand that God has made every person nation on earth and He has determined their times and where they are to live.  The followers of Christ should seek the Lord and show His love to others. It is by God and the Holy Spirit in us that we can live, move and have our purpose of life as children of the Most-High God. We are to take on the Divine nature of God, which is to show love, forgiveness, mercy, compassion and grace to the undeserving and lost. 

Acts 17:26-30 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,   so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;   for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’   Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. NKJ 

Jesus said He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. The might in this statement is showing that the power and the capacity of an abundant life is ours to have. The possibility of this abundance is offered to all who believe, but once again the choice is left up to each individual to choose whether they will view life according to the world or the word of God. 

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

Abundant life is not how much we have in the way of gold, silver or the riches of this world, but it is our perspective and how we view God our Father and others. We are here to fulfill our created purpose, to replenish the earth and to glorify God in our relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent.

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Real Life!

There are many ways to live this life on earth that we have been given to live. We see it in the various avenues, paths and possibilities, as well as in the many different nations, cultures and societies that we encounter. Every place and community have its own set of rules for life that are accepted as the norm or pattern for life in their society.

Life of the body is the time from birth to death that we live on this earth. Mankind was created with what has been defined as having three distinct parts, body, soul and spirit. There are many different definitions for the soul and spirit and for the purpose of clarifying the meaning of life we will go with the biblical distinctions for these three terms. 

Death of the body is the absence or the loss of the soul from the body. Death is the separation of the life-giving essences of the being or creature and this happens when it is no longer attached to its life source. Plants as an example, are in the state of dying when they are no longer attached to the lifegiving soil.  The body is considered dead when it is no longer attached to the living soul.  

The soul is an eternal part of mankind that distinguishes it from other living creature. It is the soul that gives meaning and value and helps to create a mindset which allow us to determine if we are living purposefully. It is the soul that produces in us the feeling that our life has merit and worth. It is sometimes called or referred to as the psyche part of mankind, which includes the intellect, emotions, fears, passions and ego. This is sometimes called the lower nature of mankind’s psyche.

The spirit is sometimes considered the higher nature of mankind’s psyche, it connects the body and soul to the divine nature of God, which includes understanding, insight, reasoning, judgement and enlightenment. According to the Bible, mankind was created as a living Spirit when God’s breath was breathed into him. The spirit is the celestial or divine part of mankind that connects and communes with God as their Creator. It was the spirit of man that died in the fall. 

Genesis 2:15-17  

Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.   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.” KNJ

There was no death or destruction on earth originally, as God created it, but sin caused humanity and this world to fall into devastation and decay. The eternal life Spirit of God that was living in mankind died and was no longer a part of the being, which God had created. This was the beginning of Satan’s reign on the earth which caused death and annihilation to enter into the world. Jesus came as a quickening or life-giving Spirit to give humanity an opportunity to be born again with God’s life-giving Spirit for His kingdom. 

1 Corinthians 15:45-49 

And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.   The first man was of the earth, madeof dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.  As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly.  And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. NKJ

Mankind is born in sin which is their natural earthly state, they are born without Christ, and therefore could be considered just dead men walking. While their bodies and souls are functioning, their God given Spirit is dead. It was the spiritual death that Jesus was speaking of when He said, let the dead bury the dead. Spiritual death is the absence or loss of mankind’s God like spirit.  This loss or spiritual death is whathappened to mankind at the fall. Mankind’s spirit is dead whenit is no longer attached to the life-giving Spirit of God who isthe Creator and Sustainer of all humanity. 

Luke 9:60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” NKJ

Because of Christ mankind can be born again in the Spirit of God and can worship Him in Spirit and truth. In The Old Testament they had to come and worship God according to the law in certain ways and at certain times. Jesus told the lady at the well that a time was coming and now is, that those whoworship God must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Now with the resurrection of Christ we can have God Spirit in us and we can be in a constant state of worship as we worship Him in spirit and truth.  

John3:23-24  But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”NKJ

Jesus came and breathed His breath on His disciples and theyreceived the Holy Spirit. Now we are to worship God in the Spirit through faith and belief in His Son. It is the Holy Spirit of God that connects us once again to God and gives us the ability to understand and discern God’s truth from lies, which may have the appearance of truth but can lead to death and destruction. 

John 20:21-22 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”  And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. NKJ      

This world only knows what it has seen and have been taught about this life. That is why people put so much effort in piling up wealth, riches and adding more things for the temporary time that will be spent on the earth. They do not understand nor have been taught that this life span of the natural body, be it 60, 80 or even 100 years, on earth will eventually end in death. Not realizing the everlasting life for the soul and spirit will spend eternity somewhere. The greater question many people fail to answer is, where will their eternal soul spend it time in the next phase of their being.  

Those who have faith in Jesus Christ will spend eternity with God. For those who refuse and reject God’s saving atonementthat is offered through faith in Christ will spend their eternity in agony and torment separated for God’s life-giving source. 

John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

1 John 5:11-12  And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.   He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. NKJ

It is Jesus who has given humanity the ability to live a spirit filled life on this earth and eternity with God the Father and Creator of all. The word of God is living and powerful and it can give us the ability to discern some of the thoughts and intent of people and circumstances that are happening around us. There appears to be many good things and ways to live this life but it is the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability to discern the best according to God’s kingdom plans. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability also, to discern God’s best from what may appear to be good or beneficial according to the world. 

Hebrews 4:12 

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. NKJ

Some people may have the Spirit of the living God in them, but they are without the knowledge of God’s word so they may lack in their understanding and their ability to discern or rightly divide the thoughts and intents of the heart. Many people are passionate about what they believe and yet their passions and their beliefs are rooted in lies and deception. 

Ephesians 4:1-3   I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace NKJ

This life on earth is just a trial-run or the qualifying heat that will determine our eternal destination. Our time on earth is the time given to each of us to use our God given will and authorityto choose how we will live now, which will determine where we will be for eternity

It is the living Spirit of God and His word that gives us the ability to see through the smoke and mirrors of the world’s lies and deception as well as its hate and disunity. It gives us the ability to make the best judgements according to God’s kingdom way. God’s kingdom way is the love of Christ toward all mankind in unity of the Spirit, in peace, in humbleness and in truth.  

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

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The Truth!

The reason Jesus came was so that we might know the truth and the truth that we accept and receive as our own can set us free from the lies of this world. As it was said, that we “might”know the truth, because the choice is still ours to make. Jesus never forces His way on anyone, He states the truth and leavesthe decision up to the individual. That is our God given inheritance as being created in God’s likeness and His image, He gave us the authority to choose our own destiny.

John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”

Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

John 8:31-32   Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” NKJ 

Jesus always spoke the truth to those who came to Him and leftthem with the choice to believe Him or not, saying “if you believe, all things are possible.”  The same goes for us today, Jesus’ truth is speaking and we each will determine if we will believe Him and the power of His word, or to believe the lies of this world that are entrenched in its systems. 

Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

1 John 5:9- 13  If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son.   He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.   

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.   He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.   These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

People in this day and age are going after knowledge of many different things. They call it a thirst for knowledge and the Bible calls it itching ears. They are forever learning but never able to come to the “knowledge of the truth,” which is Jesus the Son of God. Jesus was made flesh and lived among us to show us His way. This is a spiritual principle that we must take hold and exalt it above all the knowledge and teaching we have received from the world that comes against the truth of God’s word. 

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 

Some teaching we receive is honorable and trustworthy as it relates to teaching us how to live a life of respect for family and others but no teaching should negate, contradict or raise itself above the truth of God’s word.   There are those who portray a religious form but are lovers of themselves trying to deceive gullible people and to lead them away from truth for their own benefit and pleasures. Some people would rather live the lie of supremacy, entitlement and privilege so that they may control and dominate others for their selfish need to feel important. They will practice the lie of oppression and manipulation to try and lift themselves above their fellowman, who also are created in God’s image.  

2 Timothy 3:1-7 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,

traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!   For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.   

We are seeing these last days where men are lovers of themselves, money and proud boasters of all they do and all they have. Though what they have, may have been obtained deceitfully, they are more in love with their sinful pleasures.  They are willing to forfeit the love of God and deny His truth and the power that is in His word.   

In every spiritual battle the enemy comes with his deceivinglies, fear or hate to try and turn the hearts of mankind againstthe word of God. We are told to cast down these vain thoughts and imaginings from our minds. The enemy will bring evil, deceitful and dishonest thoughts before every person to try and lure them to think on, consider and ponder those illicit thoughtsso that they may put them into action. But God has told us that we are not to entertain those corrupt thoughts that will try andrise above the word of God. We are to take those thoughtscaptive through prayer and lay them before Christ. 

Our spiritual weapons are prayer, praise and the worship of God. We are to ask the Holy Spirit to give us discernment to know what is true and the strength to be obedient to the word of God.  We are to praise Him for what He has done for us already in the past and we thank God in advance for answering our prayer. Then we worship Him for who He is, the Almighty God, One full of compassion, for His tender in mercy, and forHis loving kindness. He is so worthy to be praised, respected and reverenced for being the Awesome God who is able to deliver us from evil. 

2 Corinthians 10: 4-6  or the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,  casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,   and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Satan would rather have mankind, who were created to be the light of God on the earth, to stay in the darkness he has established at the fall. The enemy has cultivated a system of hate and pride, of anger and grudges and that of fear and vengeance to keep humanity in obscurity, blinded to the truth of Jesus’s way of love and forgiveness.  

If you live in hate and dislike or despise those who are created in God’s image, no matter their race, culture or status, you are living in darkness, without the love of God or the truth of His word. It is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from hate that we may live in fellowship with one another. 

1 John 1:6-7 if we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.   But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

We are to choose to think on the things that are true, pure, lovely and admirable. This is how we turn from the evil that the enemy puts before us and turn to God’s way of thinking and doing. 

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Proverbs 4:14-15, 17-19 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on…


For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is like the shining sun,That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. NKJ

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Jesus Came to Show The Way


 

Jesus came to reveal the way of God the Father and His Kingdom on earth to fallen mankind. There are many ways to be morally good, successful and famous in life, but there is only one way back to the Father and His Kingdom on earth and that is through Jesus Christ His Son.  

Matthew 11:25, 27 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. 

All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

1 Corinthians 8:5-6  For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),  yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.  NKJ

There are many ways to live this life and the Bible says, there is a way that seems right to a man, but it only ends in death. We have been taught many different ways to live in this world’s system where societies are built on this wisdom of fallen mankind.  When this was all we knew, it sounded and appearedto be right to us, but Christ came and showed us the true way of life in the knowledge of God the Father through His Son Jesus. 

Proverb 14:12 

here is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

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

There are so many things being taught as to how to live a prosperous and meaningful life and all them promising to be a better way of living in this life and some in the next life to come. Living in various cultures, lifestyles and societies it is hard to decipher which way is truly right. Some of these ways are good and can assist in living a seemingly balanced and amicable life but will not be able to stand in the light of God’s truth and eternal salvation. 

Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven upon the earth, which is the spiritual realm where God reigns as King to fulfill God’s will on earth.  God’s way is revealed to us by His Son who is the express image of God and has spoken to us the word of God. The spiritual kingdom of God was within mankind when he was created, the Holy Spirit, but the Spirit left and man as He was created died the day mankind rebelled against their God and King. Then a corrupted, lying deceiver was given rule over the kingdom which God had created for mankind. It was man himself who chose to be led by Satan and relinquished his God ruled kingdom.

Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Jesus gave a parable, that the kingdom of God was like a man who sowed good seed in his field but while he slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat.  Many people have asked why did God create evil people and why does He allow these vile things to happen.  God created mankind good and the enemy came and perverted good into evil, because they handed over their authority to Satan by believing his lie. God will never force or trick a person into choosing Him, but He sent Christ to show us the way that we may be redeemed, but the choice is always ours to make. 

Matthew 13:24-30 ​Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.  But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.  So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’  He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’  But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.  Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”  NKJ

Satan ruled as the prince of this world, until in the fullness of time Jesus came as a man to redeem humanity, to bring God’s kingdom on earth and the way back to the Father. The kingdom of God is spiritual and it cannot be observed or seen with the natural eye where people can go and see it, but it is a placed and where we are to live according to God’s principles in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is given to live in the heart of those who believe Jesus is the Son of God and receive Him as their Lordand their Savior. 

Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Luke 17:20-21  Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” NKJ

The way to God the Father and the Kingdom of God has come. God has made known His way of life through His Son that we may live a life of joy in His presence. We each must choose to repent; to change the way we think and renew our minds to God’s kingdom ways. 

Act 2:28, 38-39   You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” NKJ

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Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life!

The world we live in has a craving for knowledge and it does not matter whether it is good or evil, they just want to be intellectually informed. Mankind in the beginning was manipulated into sinning by the thought of gaining knowledgeand becoming superior like God. God had told man not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they already had the truth of God’s Spirit living within them and werecreated in His image. Satan beguiled and deceived Eve into going after knowledge and with the premise that they would be as knowledgeable as God. Mankind has been searching for enlightenment ever since they fell into darkness and lost the light of God’s truth and His Spirit in The Garden.

Genesis 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for the day that you eat from it you will certainly die.  

Genesis 3:13 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 knowledge, the beings they were created to be died and they lost the light of God’s glory that was upon them. Mankind began living in darkness and started searching for enlightenment and truth. Satan continued to lure, mesmerize and trick humanity with the defrauded illusion of them gaining knowledge so that they may reign superior. This lie is rooted in the sin of pride which is established in the character of Satan.

Isaiah 14:12-15 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, youwho weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. NKJ

In the fullness of time Jesus came that we may know The Way, The Truth and to give us an abundant life.   Jesus came in the body of a man so that He could have the authentic right to liveupon the earth and die to redeem all humanity. Jesus spoke of “The Way and The Truth” which means there is only one absolute true way back to God the Father, the Creator of heaven and earth. This is not to say that there are no other ways to live a disciplined life, one of respect and harmonious with nature and people as it is with other beliefs. But Jesus is the only way to the Father and the only way we can be adopted into the family of God as His children. 

Galatians 4: 3-6 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, Abba, Father!” NKJ

Humanity has been searching for the illumination and information as to the truth of God since the fall. Yet so many people are still being blinded, cheated and betrayed to believe the lie of Satan. There are people who say there are many ways to God and everyone should find their own path. They boast in their quest for book and spiritual knowledge and call followers of Christ narrow-minded, because they believe there is only one way to God, and that’s through Jesus the Son of God. Jesus said He is the way, no one comes to the Father but by Him.  He did not say He was a way to the Father, meaning one of many but the way, signifying one specific way and there is none other. 

John 14:6-7 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”  NKJ 

With Jesus saying He is the way, the truth and the life, everyone will make their own choice.  They will either accept Jesus’ truth, as the Son of God and believe He is the only way to theFather, or they will refuse Jesus as the Son of God and chose to believe that He is not who He says He is. Thereby, they will believe the lie of the knowledge of this world, that says there are many paths to many gods.  Everyone must choose either to believe Jesus is the Son of God and His word is true and He should be obeyed or they will believe He is a false prophet and a liar.  

Some people would rather pursue knowledge rather than truth. They believe more in their efforts to gain intellect, to be puffed up, so that they may show themselves as ones who havecomprehension and know-how. They may have knowledge and intellect of natural things of the world but they walk and live-indarkness and are blinded by the lies of the dark prince of thisworld. 

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone lovesGod, this one is known by Him. NKJ 

2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 6 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. NKJ

True followers of Christ believe in Jesus, that He is the way, the truth and He is the only way to the Father.  For this reason,many true Christians are persecuted and hated throughout the world and yet we are to show the love of Christ to them all. This is Jesus’ way, forgiveness, just as He prayed that the Father forgive those who crucified Him, because they did notknow they were killing the Son of God. Though we may be hated by the world, we are to extend the same love and forgiveness. Who knows, whether our acts of love and prayersfor them just may penetrate their hardened hearts. This love shown may become the reason their hearts and minds will be changed. They too may be saved by the love of God. 

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. NKJ 

It is the love for the eternal soul of all humanity that true followers should be more concerned with rather than the things of this world. We are not called to argue or to have our views believed or to show that we are right in our positions. Jesus did not command us to convince everyone as to how right or intelligent we are, but we are to love them as He has loved us. 

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” NKJ

To show the love of Jesus is more important than being deemedknowledgeable or correct. It is by the love we have for one another that the world will know that we are His disciples.

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Obedience Should Be Chosen Over Service or Sacrifice


Many people would rather serve God than obey Him. In servingthey can feel justified in their efforts of doing good deeds, while in their heart they continue with their acts of unkindness, hate and resentment toward others. In their act of sacrifices they can rationalize their refusal to forgive those who have wrongedthem. God has called us to forgive and love others and He wants obedience rather than sacrifices. Refusing to obey is rooted in stubbornness and rebellion which God calls,witchcraft and idolatry. When we obey God our life will be one of true service and sacrifice for the love of God. 

1 Samuel 15:22-23a  So Samuel said: “ Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings an sacrifices, As in obeying the vice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry… NKJ

To be obedient to God we must love, forgive and pray for those who hate and despise us. Some people want to hold on to their anger, because of their pride and arrogance, but God has commanded His people to love their enemies and do justly to the unjust. This can only be done through the power of God and the Holy Spirit. If you refuse to forgive can you really say you know God and have the Holy Spirit living within you?

Matthew 5:44-46 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. That you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes the sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? NKJ

There is a philosophy that is being taught today to young parents that they should not teach their young children to obeythem. They are to instruct their children and then allow the child to choose to obey or not. Even though they are children, some parents still believe their children have the right to make their own choices. How ludicrous and foolish is this, children have no since of right or wrong until they have been taught and corrected. This is spiritual wickedness that is trying to corrupt our children and teach them stubbornness and rebellion, which is as witchcraft before God. 

Proverb 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from them. NKJ

Some people are saying we should not train, correct or regulate our children, but this is how they learn to live in a society. There are rules regulations and laws, for which there are harsh consequences if people fail to obey.  Children who have not been taught to obey or respect authority in the home will grow up thinking they can choose not to obey the law and those in authority. As they grow older and continue in this way they may find themselves in court or a detention service which couldput them in correctional facilities, to correct and discipline themfor their unwise choices. There is a way that seems right to a person but only ends in destruction!

Proverb 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. NKJ

Some people would rather lean to their own understanding and life experiences, rather than take the Bible as the true written instructions from God. He has given instructions for His peopleas to how to live a good life. Sometimes because of the ill representation of their parents, harsh treatment and mean ways, some people will ignore God’s word and refuse to follow His way. Needless to say, people are not perfect in raising childrenand this could be seen as a misrepresentation of God’s word.  

Some parents try do the best they can with their ability and knowledge they have at the time, even though it may have been wrong. Some Parents do not have a good understanding of God’s word and instruction while training their children, butlet’s hope, when they learn better, they will do better! Some parents are just wicked and ungodly and that is why God tells us to obey our parents in the Lord, that is in doing what is right and not evil. 

Proverv3: 5-7  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes: Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. NKJ

God’s word is never wrong and His love, forbearance and mercy toward us is continuous. This is why we must search out the real truth of Jesus’ love in His word and not allow our emotions, history and social influences dictate what is right or wrong in training and correcting our children. The word of God is given for correction, chastisement, edifying, instruction, enlightening and improving. Discipline and correction can come from the word of God. When God speaks on a matter let His word be the rod that corrects.  

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. NKJ  

God knows we were born in darkness under the curse of sin and Satan has blinded the eyes of the lost. Christ came that we might know the truth of God’s word, be set free from the curse of sin and that our eyes would be open to the light of His gospel. The good news of Christ is the return of God’s Kingdom on the earth that we do not have to continue in darkness and walk in obedience to God’s word according to His way.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. NKJ

Jesus is our example, and many people will say they cannot love like Jesus because He was the Son of God. God has called us sons and daughters of the Most-High God and has given us His Holy Spirit to lead us in all truths. We are to acknowledge God in all we do and ask that the power of the Holy Spirit will lead and strengthen us to do His will. Jesus in His flesh did not want to go through the trial that was before Him. He asked the Father to remove that cup, but asked for the Father’s will to be done above His own. It was in His suffering that Jesus learned obedience to God. We being born of sinful flesh must set aside our rights to self and humble ourselves before God and ask Himto give us the will to obey and let His will be done in our lives.  

Matthew 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. NKJ

Hebrews 5:7-9 who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. NKJ

We are to teach our children not only to listen but to obey. Learning to obey and honor the parent is a forerunner to theirlearning to obey and honor God. We as a people must learn how to obey the word of God in order to teach our children a godly respect for those who are in authority. How will they respect God, the One who created the world when they do not respect those who brought them into the world, if they have not been taught? This is a scheme of wickedness from Satan to destroy our children and those created in God’s image. God is looking for those who not only hear the word but will obey it also that it may go well with them and they will have long life.

Ephesians 6:1-3 Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother.” Which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” NKJ

Luke 11:28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” NIV

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Guard The Condition of Your Heart!


We must learn how to guard our hearts because from the heart comes the concerns, questions and disputes of life. Even though the battle for our souls is fought in our minds, to determine how we think and live, it is to win the condition of our hearts. Because it is the heart that will determine our choices, our motivation, consciousness and preferences. Which will ultimately influence and govern our future and the outcome of our eternal soul.

Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. NLT

From the time we are born we are being taught the things we need to know in order to navigate and live in this world. We are taught to speak, how to eat and live with family and in community. The focus is on our natural abilities to perform well financially and commercially, yet instructions to the soul and spirit is often times left uneducated, uninformed and neglected,which will determine our destiny.  

Provervb15:7 the lips of the wise spread knowledge (sifting it as chaff from the grain): but the hearts of (shortsighted): fools are not so. AMP

People will go to great extremes to ensure that their children are educated well in the area of intellect.  But they will allow fools and jesters to mislead them and speak into their lives and heartsto corrupt their minds and those of their children. It is the instruction of the soul and spirit that will determine the condition of the heart, a person’s will and their eternal destiny. 

Matthew 12:34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good thing? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. NKJ

We must take time to nurture, cultivate and educate of our soulsand spirits to the truth of God’s word. Which is more importantthan our intellectual education because it impact not only this life but eternity. In times past people were instructed in what was right and wrong according to God’s principles. They were taught self-discipline and kindness as a cornerstone of their education. Society judged a person on how they valued and served others and a person of great character was considered a person of great worth. A society that cared for their old, theiryoung and those who were without were seen as great nations. But now we have seen the values of mercy, grace and compassion replaced with self-importance and the all-consuming need for financial gain. 

Matthew 15:11, 18 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. 

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. NKJ

If we learn to prioritizes our efforts and focus on the things that will affect eternity we will become a better people, a better nation and a better world. We would no longer allow money,prestige and selfishness to be our main focus but would make the hearts and souls of all mankind a priority.

Some people think they are the successful only if they have thebest of everything, the highest education, most expensive home, car or obtain great fame. Yet they lack in character, integrity and a since of compassion for others, because they have allowed their souls to be fed on the daily diet of greed, self-admiration and hate. This type of rage feeds the heart and produces self-absorption, narcissism and distrust of others. Their moral compass only points to conceit and looking to obtain more for self. None of this is part of our created purpose,which is to reflect the image of God, show His love and to love others. If hate and self-indulgence are all they allow their hearts to feed on it will only produce destruction.

Proverb 23:7a For as he thinks in his heart so is he…

More time should be given to the development of a person’s moral character and integrity, which allows them to make the best decisions for their life. Many people do not have the ability to allow the compass of their souls to point to the true north,which is the principles of God, His love and compassion for all mankind. 

Mark 12: 30-31 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’  This is the first commandment.  And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” NKJ

We must guard our hearts and those of our children as to what we allow them to view, hear and what enter their hearts. The tongue is a pen that writes on the hearts of people, especially the hearts of young children whose souls are open and geared to receive instruction. We should use our words to write songs of love and compassion, rather than hate in the hearts of people,because love is our God given calling. 

Psalm 45:1 My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. NKJ

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. NIV

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Crisis Reveals Character!

A crisis will only reveal what lies within us and what we really believe and will show our true values and ethics. Crisis does not make people do weird or abnormal things, it only provides the avenue for the true character to be exposed and uncovered. Crisis does not add anything to a person’s disposition, temperament or actions, it only creates an opportunity to exhibit what they have been embracing, concealing and harboring in their hearts all along.  

This nation is in a crisis of hate, anger and resentment. The toxic venom of hate, pride and anger and resentment has been unleashed upon this country. It has been spewed out upon every sector, city and culture and not in this nation only. As individuals, races and cultures lift their self-interest and the traditions of men above the word of God we see more disunity and divide. 

We see the fallout of that poison as it settles on every walk of life and creeps into the very fiber of our natural genetic makeup, as people rise up in fear, pride and hatred. In this crisis people’s true character and allegiance are being displayed. It is in crisis times that we see what is really important to people and at this time they display the effect and the consequences of their“little g” gods, that are really ruling their lives. 

Mark 7: 6-9 He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This peoplehonors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. NKJ

This uprise in disunity and hate is just another ploy and strategy of Satan, the enemy of God to try and destroy the image of God in mankind. He is using the same coin to destroy humanity, just different sides to that coin. On one side he uses hate, pride, arrogance, entitlement and privilege to stir up hate. While on the other side he uses fear, resentment, bitterness and vengefulness to stir up hate and both sides lead to death and destruction. No matter which way the coin is tossed it falls upon self-centeredness, selfishness, self-pity and pride. It is all about self and not the love of God. If nothing changes the end result will be eternal destruction for whichever side one chosesto fall.

All these reactions are natural responses of fallen mankind as the result of sin in the garden and are the character traits of Satan which are pride, arrogance and destruction. The first reaction of fallen mankind was fear.  Fear is what Satan cultivates to get people to respond out of hate rather than lovethey were created to be.   The enemy also wants them to believe they are being personally attacked, through their life, theirfamily or possessions. Thereby, they feel they are justified in their position of un-forgiveness and hate which leads to destruction.

Romans 10:2-3 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.   For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” NKJ

Jesus came to restore what the enemy has stolen from us, the love of God, and to give us a new way of living, in the love and the truth of God’s word. Jesus proclaimed that He was the truth and the life and showed us how we are to come to God our Father through Him.

Jesus showed us that the way to the Father is through love of the brethren and to die to self. The only way, we can truly love our enemies and brothers is by the power of the Holy Spirit and dying to our self-interest, self-centeredness and pride. 

John 12: 24-25 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 

God has told us what He wants from His people; to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. 1. We are to do justly: that is to do the right thing and never stop even, if we are not treated justly. 2. We are to love mercy: to forgive everybody everything,because God has done the same in providing forgivenessfor us in all things. 3. We are to walk humbly with our God: to walk in humility we must die to self and this can only be done through trust in Jesus as our Savior and the power of the Holy Spirit. 

As we die to our self-interests we allow God to use us as His instruments of change in those around us and even to those who may be persecuting and mistreating us. We can trust God with our circumstances and with the outcome. 

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy,And to walk humbly with your God?

Most people judge according to their personal affinities, sympathies, cultures and traditions. That is why some people feel justified in their minds to hate and destroy others as a way to keep their place of high esteem and privilege. While others feel justified in their minds to seek vengeance, to live-in anger,hate or resentment because of what they or their culture haveexperienced. When the natural attractions rise above the spiritual truth of God, Satan wins the battle on both sides of that coin. 

The only way out of this downward spiral of degradation of pride, hate and resentment is through the love of God which is displayed in the life of Jesus. He displayed the love God has for the eternal soul of all humanity. The soul of a person is eternal and will live forever while the natural resemblances and likenesses that are seen in the flesh will die and cease to be. We should make a priority the things that are eternal, the souls of mankind, rather than the things that are passing away, race, ethnicity with is the flesh.

Let us pray for God to open our eyes to see the truth of His spiritual kingdom so that we may walk in His love. Also, that He will create in us a clean heart and right spirit that we may show His love and bring Him glory on the earth. 

2 Kings 6: 7 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

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Hearts of Fathers Turn Back to Their Children

The father’s relationship with his children is an important relationship because it represents God’s relationship as Father of mankind. The enemy attacks the office of father and their relationship with their children. This is so that those who never had a relationship with their father or had a poor one would grow up not knowing the true love of a father or to despise him.   Thereby, God’s role as a loving Father would be marred by the enemy and society. 

Many children have a yearning to be in a good relationship and to know their fathers, it is an innate desire given by God that byknowing their father and through that relationship they will come to know God as their heavenly Father. The office of father represents the relationship that God has with those who are born into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior.  

Fathers are given the responsibility to bring up their children, to instruct, train and discipline tenderly with lovingkindness. Mothers are partners to help bring up their children in the instruction of the Lord. Both parents share the responsibility and liability for training their children in the ways of God. Not many women are named in the Bible but when it gave thegenecology of the kings and their origin, it would tell who theirfathers and mothers were and then would outline if they did evil or right in the eyes of the Lord. 

2 Kings 23: 31-32 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.  And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done.   NKJ

We live in a fallen society and have an adversary that has come to attack and destroy the image of fathers and God’s love and purpose in the eyes of humanity. We see this attack on families for many generations where the fathers are separated from their homes and families. It is a deliberate strategy of the enemy to leave families without the covering and protection of the father that will leave their children desolate without hope, without instruction or training as to who they are and their created purpose.   

Colossian 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Ephesian 6:4 and you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Some fathers have become so self-centered and self-consumed,forsaking their children and families for their own personal gain and desires.  Historically, fatherless children were viewed by society as inferior with dubious origin because they were considered children who lack training, instruction and self-discipline that the fathers would give their children. Thereby,causing the child hurt, resentment and hatred toward the officeof father, one that should represent love, provision and protection.   Through Christ God has sent the Holy Spirit that He may teach and train us in the ways of our Heavenly Father so that we may be adopted into the family of God. 

Hebrews 12: 7-9 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?   But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.   Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?

The family unit is what God created and wanted to use to restore the earth with His glory and to replenish the earth with His image. God did not leave us without hope and though somemay not have had a loving father in their life or a cruel and offensive one, our hope is in Christ whom God has sent.  The Holy Spirit can turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and also, restore the love of children to their fathers that they may know God the Father and become part of His loving family. Only God’s love and mercy through the power of the Holy Spirit can give us grace to forgive the wrongs and hurts we have experienced in this fallen world.  

Malachi 4:6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

This life is filled with challenges, difficulties and pain but God did not leave us comfortless, we have been given the Holy Spirit to comfort us and guide us through all things. We all willsuffer in this world because it is sin infested but through faith in Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit we can go through these challenges with hope. That is the difference between those who live without Christ, they become consumed with their own troubles and become disheartened with hate and resentment and without hope. 

 1 John 2:26-29  But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.  If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.

In Christ we have a hope not only for this life but for the next life to be eternally with God our loving Father. We are of one family, children of God and need not fear or be ashamed of our beliefs and hope in Christ.

Acts 17:28 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’

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