Integrity- People of God

Jesus told us, if we abide in Him and His word abides in us, we may ask what we will and it shall be given. To abide is to stay with, to dwell in, to reside or to continue in a relationship with the same attitude. How do we abide in Jesus? We dwell with Him, stay with Him and get to knowHim as our Lord and King? Just as anyone we want to know better orlive with, we spend time with Him. We interact with the people we want to know, we listen to their words and observe their ways. This is how we abide in Jesus, we listen to Him and allow His words to dwell in us and observe His ways.

John 15:7-8 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, youwill ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. NKJV

The Bible is the word of God.  They are love letters from the God who loves us, the Creator of heaven and earth. God took time to give us not only His spoken word through His prophets but He gave us His written words of love. How can we say we love Him and will not spend time to get to know Him? It is impossible to love someone we know nothing about and refuse to get to know or spend time with them or to learn theirways. It is like trying to have a long distance relationship with someone but refusing to talk to them or hear about them and never taking time to get to know anything about them. The Bible is the breath of your Beloved God, His essence and His Being and if we love Him we would want to know Him and be in His Company. 

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

God gave us the ultimate Gift of Love, His Son Jesus, as our Savior to be our Deliverer and Protector. We were created to be God’s Belovedbut we fell from grace but Jesus our Redeemer came and restored us into the family of God so that we can be called children of the Most High King. God gave us His scriptures that we may be profitable, righteous, complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.  No wonder this fallen world works so hard to keep God’s people from this truth,from learning about Him and His kingdom, they do not want to see God’s people profitable, complete and thoroughly equipped. 

John 15-   No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.  These things I command you, that you love one another.

We are not only His family He has called us His Friend. A friend is one who knows how to interact with us, who knows our ways and knows how to express love and appreciation in ways others may not. Jesus has called us friend, but can we say the same? Have we taken the time to know Him, His character, observe His ways and know His attributes?  Do we know His love language; can we speak His love language? Jesus our Sovereign King and Friend has commanded us to love one another. It was not an option or suggestion but a command. 

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

True love gives from the heart and God’s love gave its best. God gave His only Son to redeem us from the curse of the fall, so that whoever places their faith and belief in Jesus would not perish, because Christ paid the debt in full. Whoever is, no matter whom; anyone that has a true belief in Jesus will be saved.  God’s love sent Jesus not to condemn the world but provide a way back into a right position with God. So many people call themselves Christians and yet they condemn just about everyone for anything they do not like. 

Matthew 18:3-5  And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

We are told to have a childlike disposition and temperament, young children easily forgives, they do not harbor anger or malice. Even after a major altercation young children are quick to reconcile and return as friends because they have not been trained in the world’s way of pride and self-centeredness. They are not consumed with their rights and who has done them wrong. Children are more concerned about moving on to the next thing so they can engage and play and are not concerned with their pride.

The word Christian and Christianity seems to have lost its true meaningand has been watered down by society. It appears as though anyone who engages in some church activity or become involved in some moral topic will call themselves a Christians, which they are not. Thus there is an eroding of the true meaning of being a Christ follower, one who livesas Christ lives, to love as God loves. Christ followers do not condemn those around them but become ministers of reconciliation of men and God. 

We all may need to ask ourselves the question of who are we really and who are we reflecting? Have we been beguiled by the sly one into thinking we are right while at the same time operating and believing in this fallen worlds system, of our society or our clans? Many have never taken the time to read God’s word, to commune with Him or to know the truth of Jesus as Lord and King. They do not know His love for all mankind, because all were created in His image. 

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. NIV

This is God’s love, it is not proud or boastful, and it is not envious of other when they are doing well. God’s love does not shame or disgrace another but seek the good for others and is not self-serving. God’s love is not easily angered, volatile, erratic, keeping track of every wrong thatis done.  God’s love rejoices when truth prevails and His love protects the weak and gives hope when there appears to be none. 

If we abide in Jesus we will remain in a constant relationship and fellowship with Him. He will direct us and we can chose to allow His Love to become our love for others. Our relationship with Jesus can become such a close relationship that our attitude and life will reflect His heart and His love for people. The things we pray for and ask will be what Jesus would pray, and therefore,  whatever we ask it shall be given unto us because we are one with Christ. 

Have you ever been in such anguish that your very soul was pondering its ability to go on or to live? Jesus in His humanity acknowledged that His soul was exceedingly sorrowful, even to the point of death. Everything we have gone through or are going through Jesus has suffered and even more than we could imagine.  When we feel we are alone and no one understands, Jesus is the one who understands all we have been through and are going through. 

Matthew 26:38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.” NKJV

Jesus was facing a great sorrow. He was going to be separated from the one He loved, His Beloved, and His Father. They have never been separated in all His existence.  Jesus was facing the second death, which is separation from God. The first death is the separation of the soul and spirit from the body and Jesus came to die for mankind. The Bible says it was the joy (of saving humanity) that allowed Him to endure death on the cross even though He despised the shame. But now Jesu was facing the second death, a separation from God His Father.    

Hebrew 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the sham, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NKJV

Jesus in His humanity did not want be forsaken by God but He chose to pay our sin debt and endured the second death so that we may have eternal life. Jesus took the punishment of darkness and separation from God so that we may live in the light of God’s glory and in fellowship with the Father. Through faith in Jesus the unrighteous is made righteous and we can make the choice to have eternal life and not live in torment and separation from God.  

Jesus is our example and He has shown us how to pray and how to line our will with God’s. Jesus prayed a prayer of declaration, stating what he wanted done knowing all things are possible with God.   Jesus prayed a prayer of petition making a request to God while acknowledging God’s sovereignty over the situation. Jesus prayed a prayer of submission to God’s authority and Jesus surrendered to the Divine wisdom of God His Father in the matter. We should seek to know the will of God through His word so that we too can pray His will be done.

Mark 14:35    And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” NKJV

Praying in the name of Jesus is not just tacking the name Jesus on at the end of every request. To pray in the name of Jesus is to pray as Jesus prayed and in His authority.  Jesus prayed a prayer acknowledging God asHis Father and declaring what He wanted done and what He knew to be true, that all things are possible with God.  Jesus did not leave His praythere with just His declaration, He deferred to the Father’s will be done. 

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.” NKJV

Jesus prayed a prayer of supplication and request. He was asking God His Father, if it be possible in His divine order to accomplish all He had ordained from the foundation of the world then let this cup pass from Him. Jesus being God still prayed to God the Father and asked, if it is possible to let the cup pass. Jesus chose humility and this is our example and lesson in humility, to yield even when we are equal to those we are deferring to. 

Matthew 26:42  Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” NKJV

Jesus prayed a prayer of submission and accepting that if this cup may not pass away from Him except He drink it, let God’s will be done. Jesus though being equal to God, yielded to God the Father’s will for His life. Jesus submitted to the Divine order of His heavenly Father. Jesus did not want to go through the loss of fellowship with His Father but He knew God’s love for Him and that God’s Divine wisdom is preeminent in all things.    

Jesus went through all the emotion of our humanity. We often want to declare to God what we want done in difficult situations and ask Him to take us out of these hard places.  We live in a fallen world that is full of sin and we have an enemy that seeks to destroy us but no matter the circumstances we too can trust God’s love for us. Even in the most difficult situation God can take those hard times and the things the enemy meant to bring evil against us and work them for our good. God is exalted when we acknowledge His Divine wisdom and love in every situation no matter how hard it may appear to us at the moment and on this side of heaven. We can trust God and wait to see how He will settle the matter. 

If God removes those hard things or allows us to stay in them and drink that bitter cup, we can trust God’s love for us. We can trust His will and His word that He will work all things together for the good of those who love God and to those who are called to His purpose. Not everyone loves God, but for those who are in the family of God, though we may not see it completely at the moment we can trust Him and rest in His promise.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to Hispurpose. NKJV

Again, Jesus in the zeal and passion of His humanity prayed to God His Father declaring His desire for the cup to be removed.  Jesus in Hishumility and obedience as the Son submitted to the will of God the Father.

This is how we are to pray. We are to know and declare God’s word, we are to make our request known to God and we are to trust God’s love for us and submit to His Divine Sovereignty. Believing and knowing thatthough we may not be able to see it right now, God is working all thingstogether for the good of those who love God. We can say and continue to say, “I will wait and see how the Lord settles the matter!”

The question is still standing, “Whose report will you believe?” Our life actions and decisions will reflect where our faith lies. Some people think it is alright to be afraid and they allow fear to paralyze them from moving forward. Everyone understands what it means to be full of fear but it is a by-product of the fall of mankind. God tells us to not be afraid of the things of this world. To fear something is to give it a certain respect, reverence and regard so we are told to fear God and serve Him and not the gods of this world. When people fear what the world may say or do to them and refuse to obey God then they are allowing their respect and esteem for the world to rise greater than that of God. Anything that is allowed to have more than the respect and fear for God is an insult to God and His ability to provide and protect us.
Joshua 24:14a Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served…NKJV
Some people allow fear of others ability to harm and destroy them to rise greater than their belief in God’s ability to help them and work those hard things out for their good. Their actions will reflect these beliefs in their bending under the pressures of the time rather than standing in faith of God’s ability to provide and protect.
The world is constantly training people to be full of fear. To be fearful of their future, fearing things will go wrong with the people they love, their finances, their health society is cultivating a spirit of fear having people afraid of the unknown and paralyzed to take action. We are told to renew our minds with God’s world so we can think and act the way God would have us to act and not the world. Those who follow Christ must believe God’s word that He is faithful and is working all things together for good to those who love God walking according to His purpose. We can trust His word and rest in His love for us.
Romans 8:28 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. NKJV
God did not give us a spirit of fear but of love, peace and a sound mind. Fear is an attack of the enemy and it is part of the fallen nature of mankind as a result of sin. This is not the way God created us. It is the enemy of God that tries to persuade people to believe his lie rather than the truth of God’s word. When people allow fear to debilitate and stop them from obeying God, they are exhibiting their belief and faith in the world and Satan’s ability to stop them and harm them more than God.
Jesus came to redeem us from the curse of the fall so that fear will no longer have dominion over us. Fear has become an excuse and justification for some people to disobey the will of God. They will say they cannot or will do what is required because they are afraid but that is no justification before God. It is an affront and an offense to the character of God and who He is. All fear says before God is that they do not trust Him and have more trust in what is evil than His ability to perform His word.
The fearful is at the top of God’s list of the unbelieving and the abominable that will take part in the second death. There cannot be a standing faith in God and a constant fear of the world, because eventually a person’s action will display where their commitment truly lies. Salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ and His completed work. Those who believe are saved by faith and those who do not believe are condemned by their own choice and actions.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. NKJV
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death KJV
John 3:18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. NKJV

Everyone will have challenges and trials in this life; the question is how will we handle those hardships and tests? People who believe they should go through life without any problems are living in a fantasy. They tend to become dishearten and bitter when life becomes a challenge because they fail to understand God’s word and perspective on the trials of life.
Jesus told us that we would have problems but to be of good cheer, because He has overcome this world and the challenges we face. We show our trust and faith in God by committing our problems to Him and responding in prayer asking God to increase our faith and to give us His joy in that situation. We can trust His word He will work the situation out for our good and we can praise God with thanksgiving. When the world expects everyone to be full of fear, hate and bitterness, the response of those who follow Christ should be to show the love of God in hard and difficult times.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJV
We see this world cultivating fear, which is a belief in the enemy’s power to do us evil rather than a belief in God’s power and love for us and His ability to provide and protect us. Fear will often times lead people into making decisions that can result into acts of self-destruction or leave them in a paralyzing state of hopelessness with a loss of purpose.
Soldier are not trained to use their weapon while on the battlefield that would be disastrous if they were not instructed in the use of their weapons before they went into battle. God’s word tells us how to operate in the kingdom of God on a supernatural plane. We are told to forgive, to love others as Christ loved us and study to show ourselves approved. Some people do not take the time to learn their weapons of warfare and wait until they are in the battle to make their decision to stand or to prove their weaponry and they fall in the midst of these trials.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. KJV
2Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. NKJV
We are born again by faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit who lives in us changes our lives and our heart’s desires. The very essence of our being and our lifestyle will change and be transformed by God when we allow His word to be planted in our hearts. There is no new birth without a transformation. A person cannot be born again and become a true Christian without following Christ. There must be a transformation if there is a true conversion one cannot happen without the other. It is God His love that lives within us that transforms our heart and our lives. It is the love of God that is display when we are truly born into His likeness therefore this must be a change in lifestyle that reflects a new birth.
When we become rooted and grounded in the love God has for us, we can stand before men and press through the fear to face the opposition and the challenges of this world. We can stand in faith because we have a relationship with God our Father and believe in His love for us. We will learn how to rest in our identity as God’s Beloved and begin to reflect God’s love on the earth and showing His love to others, which is our original purpose.
How we respond to problems and the trials of life will display our true beliefs. It is through our faith and trust in God that we exalt Christ. God is exalted as we respond in love and not hate. As Christ is, so are we in this world! The Holy Spirit of God living in us give us the ability to be like Christ in this world. We grow into the image of God through knowing Him and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. We are being transformed into His likeness that the world may see His glory.
1 John 4:17-18 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. NKJV

An earnest prayer is praying and declaring what God has already spoken to us through His word and our fellowship and communion with God.   Elijah prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain for three and a half years.  The Bible says Elijah was a man that stood before God and earnest prayer was simply praying what God had said about the rain.

1Kings 18:15 Then Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today.” KJV

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours his personality and temperament were like those of people today. He had to face challenges, problems and concerns but, Elijah stood before God, that is he had been in the presence of God and he knew God’s word. When a person has been in the presence of God, they can present themselves before kings and leaders because they know the Lord God Almighty is faithful.

Elijah stood in the presence of God and that he spent time with God to know His word and His will.   We too can pray earnestly when we have been in the presence of God and learning His heart and what God says on the matter and believe He is faithful to perform it.

James 5: 17-18  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. NKJV

Prayer is a conversation it is communication of praises and requests addressed to God, who is the focus and recipient of our worship, love and adoration.  Our earnest prayer merely declares what God has already spoken and we speak it from a heart of love and faith. It is not the regurgitation of words without meaning or without a relationship; it is decreeing a truth out of love for God and His creation.

Prayer is not just us telling God all about our troubles and it is not a one-way conversation.  Some people believe prayer is just us telling God what they want, need and what they want Him to do for them but that is not so. Prayer is communion and interaction between God and us and it grows into a close and intimate relationship.  Earnest prayer is a conversation, an instinctive response to a loving and personal relationship with God as we experience His fellowship, friendship and love He becomes part of our daily lives.

Earnest prayer is saying what God says regarding a matter with confidence and faith that He will do what He said He will do. Earnest prayer is having such a close relationship with God that we understand His heart and His will on a matter and then proclaiming and declaring the matter as fact and truth. We too can be intimate with God by hearing His word, being in His presence, which increases our faith and trust in Him.

1 Kings17:1   And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”   NKJV

God’s heart is always toward the people and the souls of men. Though the people had turned away from Him and worshiped false gods, God sent Elijah demonstrated the love and power of God before the people. Elijah instructed the people to turn back to God and he interceded for them asking God asking to forgive them.

1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.

1 Kings 18: 37-39         Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”  Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” NKJV

Elijah asked the people to consider their ways and to choose between God and their false god. He demonstrated the power of God before the unbelieving people and lead them to believe in the true and living God. Even though the people deserved judgement and the wrath of God, Elijah knew God’s heart was for the people.

God is merciful and full of grace toward His creation.  Elijah prepared an offering to God on behalf of the nation and because of the love of God, His wrath and judgement fell upon the sacrifice and spared the people even though their actions deserved judgement.

Every true follower of Christ can choose to stand in the presence of God, to be quick to obey His word and have an intimate relationship with Him and know His will.  We can speak the word of God to declare His truth and His word to unbelieving people by showing them the love of God.  They too may turn their hearts toward God because of the love of God that is shown in us through Jesus Christ.

We are to point people to the love of Jesus as He was the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus received the wrath of God and took all the judgement until it was finished and complete.  Now humanity can stand before a loving God without fear or doubt because Jesus paid it all. As true followers of Christ we are to intercede as kings and priests to God on the behalf of the lost people of the world.

This is the responsibility of every Christ follower to pray earnestly, as Elijah as kings and priest to operate in the authority of God as His children proclaim the word of God to the nations and to intercede for the people to God.

Have you ever wondered what the differences were between sins , transgressions and iniquities? It took looking at the original Hebrew words to get a better understanding of these differences. God is a very deliberateGod and nothing is done without purpose. Therefore, all these words have significance and it is important that we understand what God is saying when He speaks concerning each of them. 

The three main words, in Hebrew, that were used to define the fallen state of mankind were translated as; 

The Hebrew word chattaah or sin is to error or to commit an unintentional act and it is first mentioned in Genesis 4:7.  God speaks to Cain and tells him if he does well (walk in purpose), he will be accepted but if he does not, then sin (chattaah) is laying at his door waiting to keep him from his potential and from fulfilling his purpose.

We should pay close attention to those things that are laying and waiting to trap us and to keep us from reaching our full potential and our destiny. The enemy has watched mankind from the beginning he is familiar with their family traits, their various cultures and their societal rankings and watches to see their actions and reactions to situations.  The enemy is looking to see which, offenses, failings and indulgences have the greatestpropensity to trip that person or will help get them addicted to some obsession. The preoccupation of sin, the constant thinking and meditation on the wrong things are the weights that bring some people down. Their minds are not free to focus on their own purpose and are hindered in their thinking from measuring up to their created providence and destiny.  

Genesis 4:6-7 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire isfor you, but you should rule over it.” NKJ

The seed of anger and jealousy was laying and waiting for Cain as he compared his offering with his brother’s offering. The enemy will always try to have people compare themselves with others and this will lead either to envy and jealousy or entitlement and pride. There is a constant luring of deceit by the enemy to see if he can entice people to accept his lies and take the bait of his deception.

The opportunity for sin is always be available but the decision should be made before the occasion of sin is acted upon. When God reviles a truth to us, it is at that moment we must make a decision to obey that truth. Some people want to wait, to deliberate and consider that truth at some latertime. The scripture says the enemy will come and try to steal that word of truth and we should be vigilant in our observance of God’s word. 

We should give consideration and give a place in our hearts and minds to ponder the person of Jesus this is how we resist the devil, we submit to God. To dwell on anger, bitterness, pride and jealousy are traps of the enemy and they open of avenues to allow him access to cultivate depraveactions.

Cain did not obey God’s warning and he allowed his anger and jealousy to give birth to an act of murder. Had Cain listen to God’s caution and tookcontrol of his anger and put it under subjection, he could have been able to prevail in that battle and fulfill his God given purpose; to reflect the image of God in the earth. Instead Cain allowed sin to rule and have dominion over him and thus derailing his destiny. 

The Hebrew word Persha or transgression, is to violate or act against a law, a rule or a code. It is first seen in Exodus 23:21, God is telling the people of Israel to obey the voice of the Angel who was sent to keep them in “the way,” which is God’s way and plan for them.

Exodus 23:20-21 Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.  Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. NKJ

God has a way that is supernatural.  The kingdom Jesus brought to earth is spiritually discerned with methods and principles that are understood spiritually. It is not part of this natural world system so those who are only of this natural world cannot comprehend this kingdom of God. Those who are in the family of God have access to this kingdom. God’s people must learn how to operate in His kingdom and to live by His principles on earth. Some people are waiting to go to heaven thinking that is when they will see God’s kingdom, but God’s kingdom has come to earth and His people must learn how to live and operate in it. 

God has given us His word and His Son Jesus to guide us in His way and yet many people lack a personal relationship with God. Many are entangled with the traditions of men, the do’s and the don’ts of tradition rather than knowing and being the love of God on the earth.  We see people stray and transgress from God’s path because they fail to recognizeHis path, His truths and His kingdom principles.  People will wander off course and miss their mark and God’s purpose for their lives because they followed a person and not God.  Some fail to operate in the good news of God’s Kingdom because they do not know the love God has for them and all those who are hurting. 

The Hebrew word Avon or iniquities – is to act knowingly evil, perversity, willfully and stubbornly in spite of God’s word and the punishment of iniquity. The Hebrew word Avon is first seen in Genesis 4:13 after Cain killed his brother he said to the Lord, “my avon, (evil, perverse, presumptuous, willfully disrespectful act of disobedient and the punishment of this act) is greater than I can bear.” The word in this passage is avon and was translated as punishment. The Hebrew meaningmost often used for avon, is knowingly evil, wicked and gross presumptuous and the punishment of that iniquity. Some Hebrew scholars says this meaning lines up with the context of the scripture. 

Genesis 4:13   And Cain said to the Lord, “My(avon)punishment isgreater than I can bear! NKJ

God had warned Cain that sin was laying at his door but Cain ignored God’s warning and presumptuously disregarded God’s word. When Cain recognized the punishment of his willful disrespect of God was before him, he said it was more than his soul could bear and endure.  Cain knew the people would try and kill him and even in this God and His mercygave Cain a promise that no one would slay him.

Many people will try and say they are being punished by God but the truthis they are living with the reaction to an action or in a state of cause and effect of their own choices and consequences. The enemy will try and usethe same tactics today against mankind, anger, hate, pride and jealousy to provoke people into iniquity. The people who allow hate to continuously consume their thoughts and lives will eventually allow their actions to lead them into the same type of deliberate and willful act of disobedience to God. This is often the result of the root problem, which is pride, entitlement and self-centeredness. At some point there must be a letting go of the pride and the hurt and a prayer of forgiveness in order to be released from our past so to move forward into destiny. 

God’s love for us far outweighs our sins, transgressions and iniquities. Jesus came that we may live in our true identity, purpose and destiny, but it is our choice to ask Him to come into our lives and transform us into His likeness. God’s love allows us an opportunity to ask for forgiveness, to accept the completed work of Jesus. It is when we bow before Jesus as our Lord that we begin to be transformed into a new creation that reflects God’s love on earth.

 Many people have equated their identity to what society has deemed as their role in life, their work, or their families. These things do not define who we are nor our purpose and not even our reputations can define us. They have listened to a society and culture that has devalued them to a point that they have failed to connect with their Creator and His purpose for their lives.  God the Creator of mankind is the One who defines His creation and their purpose as His image bearers. That is our created purpose; to reflect the image of God, be the love of God to others and to show the mercy of God while we are on the earth.

Genesis 1:27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 

Instead of finding life and their identity in God’s purpose, some may look to themselves for value and purpose in their vocation but this will not satisfy their God given destiny. Men and women have looked to their positions, careers and roles as husband/wife or father/mother to find their purpose, but these are only roles they do not define who we are.

God the Creator, the Master Engineer and the Maker of mankind (male and female) is the One who defines us and our purpose. God’s purpose and design for us did not change, we were created to look like God, our Father and reflect His image on the earth. We must see our value and purpose in God, apart from the influence of this fallen world and the lies they have trained us to believe.

Genesis 5:1-2 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created

God made man in His likeness, male and female created He them. Many people believe mankind’s purpose is to reproduce and give birth to human beings in the natural sense but that is only one part of who God created mankind to be. Humans are a triune being; we have a body, and are a living soul and spirit. 

God who is Spirit made mankind in His likeness, a spirit.  He formed man a body from the earth and mankind became part of this natural world.  The Godlike spirit went into the earthly body and as God breathed His breath of life into mankind and they became a living soul.  The soul is the very essence of who we are it is our psyche, which is the core of our being; the mind, will and emotions and all were one with God, until the fall.  

Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. KJV

The natural body came from the earth and God commanded that all earthly and natural seed will produces seed after its own kind. The soul is God’s gift of life, that is to say every person’s individuality and their will and the spirit was the created likeness of God. 

The word Adam in the Hebrew comes from a root word that means earth or ground and Eve comes from a root word that means to breathe or to give life.  Woman was not an afterthought she was there in the beginning when God created them both male and female in His imagewith His character and attributes with the purpose of recreating God’s likeness and image upon the earth. Adam is representing the natural body and Eve the spiritual breath of God. When both the natural and the spiritual come together as one they can complete God’s purpose, that is to reflect His likeness on the earth.

It was the God like spirit that died the day man disobeyed God. The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit that is brought back into fallen mankindthrough faith in Christ. We are born again as a new and living creationin the family of God. However, our psyche, mind and emotions are still rooted in this fallen world’s teaching. We were taught and educated to a perverted way of thinking and were living without the knowledge and the truth of Christ. This is why we are told to renew our minds by the word of God, so that we can change our psyche or the essence of who we are and the way we think and view others.

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

When we understand and operate in the fullness of our God givenpurpose as both male and female then we can change the life we live andhow we engage a world that is full of hate and lies. We can change our natural response into a supernatural response to reflect the love of God. This is our purpose as a new creation in Christ that is to love others as He has loved us.  Through faith and belief in the love that God has for us we will be able to show this love to those who are lost, in darkness and are hurting. Because we know and understand God forgave us and loved us when we were lost and in darkness.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. KJV

Love is the hallmark of a true believer and of us being a new creation in Christ. The love we have and show to others is the reflection of God. Nothing else defines our relationship with God like His love, not church attendance, not tithing, not fasting not even being a prophet but it is the love we have and show to others.  It takes the power of the Holy Spiritin the heart of a born again believer to reflect the love of God and His likeness in the midst of a crooked and perverse world.

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.” NKJV

 Some people fail to see what Jesus brought back to mankind, their identity and their purpose to be children of the God. With a born again spirit we can show His love on earth to His creation, His people. When we have the Spirit of the living God in us, we too can breathe His breath of life into the lives of others by continuing to display God’s love.

Through our example, others may choose this life, to be born again, so that they too may fulfill their created purpose, to thereby breathe life into a soul that is dead and to reflect the love of God on the earth.  God’s word living in us will transform our mortal bodies into the likeness of Jesus who gave Himself that others may live. 

Those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord, God have called themkings and priests on the earth. These are God given earthly positions that have certain roles, functions and responsibilities upon the earth. We see these roles displayed in the life of Christ, the One in whom we are to get our identity and should also mimic, impersonate and imitate while we live on this earth. As image bearers of God and Christ followers our purpose is to display the love, mercy and the forgiveness of God whichbrings glory to His name on the earth.   

1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. NKJV

We were chosen by God to be royal priest to God, His own special people who will proclaim Him in this dark and perverted world and intercede for those who are lost.  Through faith in the completed work of Jesus, people from every tongue, tribe and nation are able to come to God, to know and worship Him and to reflect His image on the earth. 

Humanity went astray doing what they wanted and turning their backs on God.  God called Abraham and made a nation of people, the Jews, to represent Him on the earth.  God promised to send the Righteous Lamb of God, Jesus, who would one day come to take away the sin of the world.  Jesus, our High Priest would become the sacrifice to God and represent the people before God and to pay the price so that God would forgive their trespasses and sins.  Jesus sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for His people

The earth and all that was in it was given to humanity, but they took their authority and deeded or titled it over to Satan in the fall. Mankind transferred their right to rule to Satan and that is the reason there is so much hate, death and destruction on the earth.  Jesus came as the Son of Man and through His life, death and resurrection recovered and restoredthe Kingdom of God to mankind so that those who believe in Him would now have a new life, a new way of living in His Kingdom on the earth. 

God has called these true believers and true followers of Christ, kings and priests to show true love to people who are in desperate need of love and end up in deception of perverted since of false love.  They are to show the forgiveness of God to those around them and those who have wronged them in this fallen world.  Through forgiveness the world may see God’s love displayed on the earth in them.  Christ followers are made kings and priests and they are to perform these duties in the kingdom of God on earth. Through faith in Christ we are able to be set free from the bondage of sin, hate and blame and become co-workers with Christ in this earthly realm which God has given back to us withthe authority to rule and to reign.

God revealed Himself as King of the heavens and He has given mankind the opportunity to rule as kings in the earth as He rule in the heavens. God established His people as kings to rule their kingdom, the areas which they live and as kings they are accountable for the realm in which they reign.  A king’s role is to protect and defend their kingdom from their enemy and hostile attacks.  The king is charged with keeping the peace in his realm, they establish laws and the administration of justice and to resolve disputes. A king is the protector of the poor and provide for those who are in need. We see these things displayed in God’s character and His relationship with His people. These are the qualities and character traits God is looking to see in His Children as royal kings on the earth, who represent Him and His kingdom in the earthly realm.

Psalm 115:16 The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind. NIV

Jesus became the Everlasting High Priest, as He made atonement to God for all mankind and He is interceding before God for His people.  Thistoo is the role of every follower of Christ, to be a priest praying to God and making prayers of intercession for those who are lost and those who are in the realm of our influence. Christ hung on the cross asking God,His Father, to forgive those who nailed Him to the cross.  We too should pray for those who press into our lives, which have misused and abusedus, because people do not know who we are, we are children of the Most High God. Forgiveness is not a natural trait, it is supernatural and we must ask God to help us and to give the forgiveness we need.  

Hebrews 2:14–18 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. NKJV

Again, for those who do not know their purpose, Jesus came to be our example as both King and Priest. We too can do what is just in an unjust world and intercede for those who have mistreated and offended us. We are to pray to God that He will give us the forgiveness we need to overcome the hurt, the pain so that we may become a facilitator for change. We can pray for God to use those hard situations and the wounds that we have experienced, to save a life or a soul for eternity. We too can pray, Father forgive them because they do not know what they are do!

Now what does God require of us as kings and priest?

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? NKJV

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.” NKJV

Jesus came to show us the truth of who we were created to be and the truth of who God is. God is our Father and He loves us with an everlasting love and He sent Jesus to bear witness to this truth. Believing the truth of God’s word was the first battle in the garden and it is still the battle that every person will face in life today.  Everyone will stand at the crossroad of life and decide whether they will listen and obey the voice of God or listen to Satan’s lie.

Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? 

Jesus was forsaken by God the Father because He took on our sin and now we can take His position as sons and daughters. Jesus paid our sin debt of death so that we could receive His righteousness and His abundant and eternal life.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

In the midst of being crucified and being offended, insulted and hurt by others, Jesus prayed to His Father, to forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing or who they are doing it to.

We are told to forgive, if our Father in heaven has forgiven ussuch a great debt, our rebellion against God and the death of His Son, surely we can forgive others.  People hurt people because they have been hurt. Many people will look at us and will not know who we are, though we are children of the Most High King. God may allow us to be in situations like His Son Jesus, so that we may pray for those who abuse and misuse us. We too can ask God our Father to forgive them so that He may bring eternal salvation into their lives. 

John19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then said he to the disciple, Behold they mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. 

In the midst of His own pain and agony, Jesus was concerned, caring for others and those He would leave behind. Jesus gave His mother Mary another person in her life to be a son to her, the disciple John. To John, Jesus gave him His mother Mary to be someone he could care for and show his love. Both John and Mary were losing a person they loved dearly but Jesus gave them one another so they could comfort and to be a blessing to each other.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, it is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Jesus said, “It is finished,” His work as the Son of Man on earth was completed. Jesus is the Son of Man who would represent all men before God and He paid all that was owed by all mankind. It is finished, nothing missing and nothing lacking. We can now come boldly to the throne of God to receive forgiveness, grace,mercy and His love. 

This is the message of God and His truth. God loves those created in His image and they are of great worth to Him. God is our Father and He loves us with an everlasting love and so much so that He sent Jesus to bear witness to this truth and to bring us into the family of God. 

Only we can decide to believe the truth of our identity in Christ, that we are children of the Most High King and we are here to represent Him on the earth. The first battle in the garden was a battle of truth and lies and every person will face that same battle in their lives today.  Everyone will stand at the crossroad of life and decide whether they will listen and obey the voice of God or listen to Satan’s lie.

When we believe right, we will live right. When we are in bondage to something, it is because we do not know the truth of God on the matter and who we are in Christ.

The world will know the people of God by the love they have for one another. Christ loved us while we were at enmity withGod in our minds and our actions.  Christ loved us unconditionally; we did not deserve it and could not earn it. Christ’s love was sacrificial.  Jesus gave His life and He died so that we could live righteously, have eternal life and be with God. 

Jesus gave us one new commandment, to love others as He has loved us.

John 13:34 A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. NIV

In the beginning mankind believed the lie of Satan and humanityhas been living in that lie ever since. Satan is the father of lies and has blinded the eyes of this fallen world system so that it would remain in that lie. Jesus came to show us the truth of who we were created to be and the truth of who God is. God is our Father and He loves us with an everlasting love and so He sent Jesus to bear witness to this truth. This was the first battle in the garden and it is still the battle that every person will face in lifetoday.  Everyone will stand at the crossroad of life and decide whether they will listen and obey the voice of God or listen to Satan’s lie.

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 truthhears My voice.” NKJV

There are so many lies that this worldly system has been founded upon and so much so that many people have not heard the truth of God’s word and will find it hard to discern truth from lies. For this reason, Jesus said, He came into the world to be a witness to truth but many will make their culture and ethnic beliefs their preferences. Jesus came to bear witness to what truth really is on the earth, God’s word. From the fall of mankind in the garden to this present age the human race has exalted their rights, pride and self-preservation and their pride has reigned supreme over their lives.