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

Posts tagged ‘christianity’

Sent by God for the Ministry of Reconciliation! JMM 11/13/26

God’s purpose for humanity did not change, though mankind rebelled, God’s plan and purpose to be in fellowship with all humanity did not. Mankind was put in the garden to have dominion over all that was in the world, in a place of beauty and rest and they were to reflect God’s goodness, love and glory in the earth.

The world failed into chaos, but Jesus came and died to show the love of God to a loss world, and to reconcile all humanity back to Himself. Jesus gave His true followers, the ministry of reconciliation for the unification of the world back to God and to bring peace into chaos.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

God’s desire for fellowship with all humanity remains the same, and all God’s people are missionaries sent by Jesus to teach the love, mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation of God through Christ. To make disciples, is to build and fashion a true belief, dedication and loyalty to the true and living God, through faith in Jesus Christ. The “Go” is not necessarily to another country or people group, but the go is to leave our comfort zone, our self-centeredness, self-focus and our self-preservation, so that we may be of service to those around us who are in need of the good news of the gospel of Christ.

John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Faith that saves, is a faith that has unlimited trust and confidence in the authority of Jesus over all things. All authority and power have been given to Jesus! Now, we all must answer Jesus’ question, do we really believe He is able to do what He said and do what He has called us to do? Will we “Go therefore,” as Jesus instructed, being a disciple and to make disciples, students, believers and supporters of Christ? Will we go on mission to reconcile others to God, no matter the challenge, trial or task? We must first believe and trust that Jesus is able to do it.

John 11:25-27  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

John 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself

Father, let me keep my eyes on You, Your mission and Your vision for me. Wherever You send me, let me die to selfishness and the preservation of self, so that others may live.  Let us be the light, love and the glory of God that shines in darkness. Let us bring Your light into the lives of the people You have put in our lives and in our sphere of influence.  Jesus, be lifted up and made much of, that we may reconcile people back to God for salvation and eternal life in Your kingdom. Amen.

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Have Old Things Passed Away? Are We a New Creature, Created in Christ Jesus? JMM 11/02/2026

We are to come into the saving knowledge of God by faith, in the truth that Jesus died and paid our debt for the sins that we owed for our rebellion. When we believe and trust in the completed work of Christ, we will no longer live for self but for God. Our old selfish, self-focused, arrogant person must die and no longer live to satisfy itself, but to live a life worthy of being called a child of the Most-High God, and joint heirs with Jesus. When we die to our own agenda we can start operating in God’s ministry of reconciliation, by living a life that will witness to the loss and show the love and saving grace of God.

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

The symbolic meaning of the baptism is, that we are dead to the things of this world, and our bodies are buried in the liquid grave of water, of the Holy Spirit, and then we rise into the new life in Christ. Many people have gone through the motions of baptism physically but in their mind and soul they are still living according to their flesh and of this natural fallen world, refusing to die to the things that are at enmity with God. Dead things are buried, and as true followers of Jesus, we are dead to sin, but alive in Christ.

Romans 6:5-11 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The whole meaning of death is that something ceased to be, it is the permanent ending of something, and that something is our bondage to sin, that we were once enslaved to. Prior to life in Christ, we had no control over sin, but we were trapped, incarcerated, and caged by it. But now, through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit we can call on the power of the Almighty God to set us free from the things that had us bound.

The true test of conversion, transformation or faith in Christ is that we become altered and are changed into new creation and we change the way we think. If old things remain the same, and nothing becomes different, then we must question if we truly have a saving knowledge, faith, trust and belief in God’s salvation. When we choose to submit our will to obey God’s word and to be led by Him, it is the power of the Holy Spirit that changes us.  It is not something we can do on our own or in our own strength and though it may be a slow process, the Holy Spirit bears witness to our spirit that we are being changed.

Romans12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Our old way of seeing people, old prejudices, biases, and the way we look at situations, our natural affinities and affections that were based on a fallen world system are changed. All things are made new because we have a new perspective, that is Christ-centered, with God’s kingdom perception and standpoint. We now have a new mindset, our minds are being transformed, and we now have a new family, we are adopted with all the rights and opportunity afforded by Jesus. We are now children of God in the family of God. Our focus is no longer on the welfare of only self, nor do we live in covetousness, or being overly sensitive and easily offended.  We are now being transformed to look like our Heavenly Father, to speak like Him, act like Him and to walk in His ways and that of Jesus.

Romans8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Old things pass away when the Holy Spirit of God, who now lives within us, bears witness to the truth that we are children of the Most-High God and His Spirit abides in us. The lies of this world can no longer hide behind the mask of race, gender, financial or social status built on deceit, deceptions and slander against God and those created in His image.

Many people fail to surrender to the truth of the Holy Spirit, yet they want the comfort, grace and peace that He brings, but they refuse to obey God’s word and God’s way in their situations or circumstances. When we line-up our actions with truth, then the power of God’s Holy Spirit will bring redemption and salvation through the completed work of Christ. His Spirit will come and bear witness to this truth that is in us to others.

Father, let Your Holy Spirit be born again in me, Renew, Regenerate, and Restore a new life in me. Let the old fallen ways die in us that we may become new creatures in Christ. God of all grace who is Mighty in power, let us come to You when we are weary.  Help us not be overly sensitive or easily offended by the vailed words of sarcasm, cynicism and rancor of others, but create in us a clean heart, renew a spirit of love, mercy, grace and forgiveness. Let our hearts be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit in us.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

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God Is Not Willing That Any Should Perish                                    

It is God’s will that none would perish, but everyone would come to repentance and have eternal life. It is God’s love for us and His desire to have us live with Him for eternity, that He sent Jesus to pay the price we owed for our rebellion. It is God’s will that we all be sanctified and separated from this fallen fate of sin and that we become wholly, absolutely and in total fellowship with God our Father. So that we may realize and live out our created purpose, to create new life out of chaos and to bring light into darkness.  This is done through our faith in the completed work of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and not in our works.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

The choice and the will to do is still ours to make. God will not overrule the authority, dominion and power He has given us in the earth. God’s mission for us has not changed, that we would be fruitful and multiply His goodness, His love and His kingdom presence through-out the earth.

Because of God’s love for His creation and His desire to be in fellowship with all humanity He has provided a way of salvation and sanctification to all who choose to accept the free gift of salvation, through faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ.  It is our will and our choice, so now the question is “Am I willing to let God work in and through me?”

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

As His beloved this is what is asked of us, that we be one with God that we may bring His kingdom, dominion, life and love to a world of chaos. This is done by us building ourselves up on our most holy faith. We are called the beloved of God, one who is cherished, much-loved and favored by God.

Jude:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to transform our natural fallen affection and impulsiveness which are rooted in selfishness and in us being a spoiled person, wanting our own way, without regard, respect or consideration for those around us. Jesus was able to wash the feet of His disciples and even the one who would betray Him, because He was secure in who He is, the Son of God. When our identity is engrained, imbedded and fixed on who we are in the family of God, we too will be able to humble ourselves in the sight of humanity, knowing that we are exalted in His kingdom, the kingdom of God.

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

Father, let me be about your kingdom business, to seek and to save the lost, to know You the true and living God and Christ Jesus Your Son. Let us abide in Your word and let Your words abide in us, that the love and the truth of God will flow from us like rivers of living water.

John 17:2-3 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

Abba Father, Let us grow in knowledge, understanding and in Holy faith, let us put aside our self-importance, pride and arrogance, that we may be a service to those around us. Let us not act on impulse or as a spoiled child, but with maturity of spirit as disciples of Christ to serve and love others as You have loved us. Holy Spirit, let Your life quickening Spirit flood to those around us, that we all may receive Your eternal life.

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Do We Love Jesus?  Are We Tending and Feeding His Sheep?

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, and with each response Jesus instructed Peter to feed His lambs, tend to His sheep and to feed His sheep. We say we love Jesus with all our heart, and we will sing, gather together and listen to His word and all this is good and fitting for us to grow and mature in Him.

We are to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God as our loving Father and Jesus the Son, who loved us and gave His life for us. As we abide in Him and relish in His love for us, we are to express our love for Him by how we are taking care and tend to those He love.   Tending sheep is the practice of giving guidance, protection, to raise and guard them it is providing food, water and to rescue and to keep them safe.

This is how do we requite, return or express our love back to Him, by loving, providing and protection those He love.  It is not something we have to guess at, or wonder how we are to show our love to and for our Lord and Savior. Jesus has told us what acts of love He desires, “feed My lambs, tend and feed My sheep.”

John 21:15- 17 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. ” He said to him, “Feed My lambs. ”He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. He said to him, “Tend My sheep. ” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You. ”Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

Jesus told Peter three different times and ways to “feed My lambs,” “tend My sheep” and “feed My sheep.” Feeding lambs is like feeding babies, they receive their nourishment and nutrients from the life-giving milk of the mother, which drains her body to provide for the child. To tend to someone is to give them the things they need, to help them advance or to support them.  Love gives of itself, just as God so loved the world He gave His only Son. Love is known and shown by the sacrifice it gives to the beloved.

John 3:16 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.

Jesus is asking if you love Me, feed those I love, My people, those created in My image, my sheep. As we grow and are nourished in His word, we are to give that life-giving substance to those He loves. We are to feed His people that they may grow in the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent.

Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Colossians 2:2-3 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

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.”

How do we show our love for Jesus? By feeding, tending and caring for those He love, His people, His sheep.

Father, let the love of Jesus dwell in us, Holy Spirit pour out Your love in us and through us to those we meet. Let Your love be seen in us, that they may see and know the love of Jesus and that we are His disciples.

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The Call of God, The Walk With God and The Mission of God

The Call

God has a call to every life born on earth and every person created in His Image, God has called us to be His light in dark places. The call of God is for us to know Him and to show His truth to His creation, that has bought into Satan’s lie. We are to display God’s love and forgiveness to a world that is filled with hate, ruthlessness, blame and pride.

God’s purpose does not change and His timing is His own and not ours to direct or command. Moses knew he was called to deliver Israel out of Egypt but he was not in stride with God’s timing and saw defeat and disappointment.  Sometimes our misstep can cause us to doubt or mistrust of God’s plan and love for us. It is when we are isolated from the world’s views and opinions and take time to know the Almighty God, that we can learn to have true fellowship and oneness with God and to hear His call.

Exodus3:10-12 Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. ”But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt? ”So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

The Walk

To walk with God is to take simple steps in the ordinary things of life. To walk is a sign of patience, perseverance and endurance. We must keep moving and stride to keep in steps with God’s plan, though our pace may change as we stride and walk with God. Once we decided to walk with God, there may be difficult times for us to keep in step with His gait and His purpose for our lives.

When we walk in obscure, and out of the way places, or humble and lowly places in our everyday lives, we can still show the love and mercy of God to those around us. God changes the atmosphere, our feelings and our perception of those around us. How we view and perceive these changes, when God shows up in us, helps us to show and become the love He has for His people.

In our walk we may want to linger, so not to leave our friends behind, or we may want to run ahead to obtain fame and glory. But when we take time to know Him personally and let go of our individuality and our rights, we merge with God’s purpose and plan.  The Holy Spirit will then empower us to fulfill God’s purpose and the power of His love will be displayed.

Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

Deuteronomy5:33 You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.

The Mission: To come to Jesus, to Learn of Him and become one in fellowship with God

We are to come to Jesus and to abide in Him that we may learn of Him. Jesus says, “Come to Me…” We are called to come to Jesus, that we may abide in Him as branches to the vine, and to let His word dwell in us. A branch cannot bear fruit unless it is attached to the vine. If the branch is not attached to its lifegiving source, the vine, it is dead. When we abide in Jesus and in God’s word, our minds, hearts and lives are transformed into the image of Christ.  Again, when we come to Jesus and know Him, then we are transformed into His image.

John 15:4, 7 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone whohas heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.

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

The Work: To make disciples of all nations.

After, we abide in Jesus we become like Him and are living witness of His life, love, mercy and the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. We learn of Jesus so that we may be sent by Jesus.

This is how we go and make disciples of all the nations; through the life we live before them in love.

Matthew 4:19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Father, let me listen to Your call and wait in Your presence that I may know the true and living God and to do Your will. Father, let me walk in the light of Your Word that You will direct my steps, my path. Let me keep in stride with Your purpose and plan, not to run ahead nor drag behind.

Abba Father, let us abide in You and Your word abide in us, that our heart will be transformed and desires changed, so that what we ask is in line with Your heart and desires for us, so that we may go and make disciples in all nations.

In Jesus Name,  Let it be so, Amen.

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Temptation Itself is Not Sin!

Temptation itself is not sin, it is not bad, but it’s the offer of having a choice, and that is a part of being human.  We exercise our God given will, and ability to choose with each decision we make. We have a will and the ability to make a choice and to choose our path, direction and destiny. Whether we choose righteousness or sin, temptation itself only reveals and displays what is within our soul and spirit, the hidden, and it exposes the unseen part of humanity. When we make that choice who we are, speaks. 

The Ability to Choose Is Part of Our Innate Being! The ability to choose is Humanity’s God given attribute that made us in God’s likeness, body, soul and spirit.  To have the ability of choice is our God given right of our will, but to choose there must be different thoughts, beliefs, assessments, or judgements.   Temptation only present the choices and it gives another side or opinion to be considered or followed. Temptation is to entice; to lead with exciting hope or desires, or to allure, to attract by using flattery, charm, appeal or something desirable.  No person can ever take away your ability to choose, and God will not remove your ability to make choices. It is always your decision. 

Genesis 1:26-28 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

God made mankind in His own image. Humanity was radiant with God’s glory, His Holy Spirit living in them and the Shekinah Glory of God shining through them. But the day, the very day they disobeyed God and ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they died. The original humanity created in the likeness of God’s wonderous glory died. The Holy Spirit of God left them and their spirit surely died that day though their body and soul lived on. Their God given Spirit left and they were no longer attached to their life-giving source.  God’s glory was their covering but the darkness of sin exposed their nakedness. Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space. 

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.”

This fallen world system and Satan will always offer humanity another choice, other than God’s way of living. The enemy is always trying to cause doubt and mistrust of God’s love and faithfulness to His people.  But the choice to operate on that lie or the truth will always be ours to make, but not so with the consequences of those choices. 

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

Jesus came that we may be born again with the Holy Spirit, that Him may live in us and through us for God’s glory, to shine light in dark places and to no longer be dead in sin.

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Father, direct my steps and my path. Let Your Word, dwell richly in me that I may know and choose truth with every temptation. Keep us from evil that is in the world, Let me choose this day to serve You my Lord, The Most-High God. 

Psalm 119:59, 133 I considered my ways And turned my feet to [follow and obey] Your testimonies.
Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.

John 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.

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The Choice is Our Will to do, but The Consequences Are Not

Mankind’s will, which is the ability to choose and to make decisions for themselves. The will is a God given attribute to all mankind that no one can take it from them and God will not take.  It is our choice and ours alone to choose what we will do with our life, our destiny and our eternity. It is our will, and our ability to choose that allows us to decide how we will live this life.  This is not to say that there will not be people, things or even Satan that will try and persuade us, temp us or even lie, to get us to make decisions that may be harmful to us, and yet it is still our choice.  The choices we make will impact our present life, future destiny and our eternity. 

We can choose with our will what we want to do, but we do not get to choose the consequences or the results of our choices. God has given humanity autonomy of the will, of self-rule and to self-govern, so we can choose to obey God, our flesh or Satan, but we cannot choose or dictate what will happen as a result of our choices. God created the world and has given universal and eternal rules, principles and precepts that are activated by actions, they also can create or constitute an automatic reaction. There are laws of cause and effect, actions and reactions, and consequences that are a result of the choices we make. We should know and consider before making these life changing decisions. 

Our ability to make choices is God ordained, it is part of our created likeness of God. However, we cannot choose the consequences or the outcome of our choices. God has set universal laws in place that correspond with our choices.  Many people fail to connect the dots with actions and reactions, choices and results, that for every action there is a corresponding reaction, it may good, bad or indifferent but there are outcomes and effects for the choices we make.   

Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lordseems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 30:15-16 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 

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Self-Care Self-Awareness Self-Reflection    

Self-Care is a natural part of humanity and it is needed to ensure that we ourselves are healthy and well, in order to help and take care of others. However, if we linger too long in that state of mind it becomes more than self-care but of self-focus, self-centeredness or selfishness. Fallen mankind’s nature is rooted in self-preservation. Adam’s first act of defense when God asked what he had done was, “that woman You gave me…”  Adam blamed God and his wife, rather than accepting responsibility for his own actions. 

Genesis 3:11-12 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”

Self-Care can sometimes be used to veil the real intent, which may be rooted in selfishness and hidden in pride and self-importance. When we speak of self-care we all can agree, we must take care of ourselves first, and then we can grow into caring for others. God’s kingdom way is to seek another person’s good and that is what God tells us to do.

1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 

1 Corinthians 10:33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

Self-Care is needed and is helpful for us to be refreshed, revived and renewed in our spirit while in the presence of God.  But, we must be careful not to allow this to disguise the idolization of self, which will allow our ego to be put on the throne of our hearts. This can also result in prideful thinking and self-interest that is rooted in the fallen way of thinking, that is the need to always be right or the best. 

Self-Awareness is the ability to know, understand and comprehend one’s position and purpose in this life. To understand our culture, social norms, race, gender, family tendencies, biases and inclinations will help us understand and know the weapons and tools that are used to entrap us. We are all brought up with certain biases, opinions and perspectives that have been handed down for generations through our family, social norms, religion and national views that impact, effect or slant our outlooks. 

Our culture, values and principles make us unique within our individuality. As followers of Christ, we must now sift every opinion, perspective, belief and attitude through the word of God. As ambassadors of Christ our perspectives and views should change as our minds are renewed and transformed from the old fallen ways. We must now first embrace His word and represent God’s kingdom as we live in our uniqueness and culture. While our nationality and gender stay the same it is now modified in accordance to the word of God to fulfill His purpose to show the love of Christ in earth.  

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Most people are woefully uninformed about who they truly are according to their created purpose, which is to resemble and reflect God’s likeness and glory in the earth. Just as Jesus was the embodied Person and Spirit of God, we too can embody the Holy Spirit and allow Him to reflect and reveal God’s glory in the earth through us. 

Most people are ignorant of the schemes Satan uses against their nationality, culture, gender and against their family history and propensities. To have self-awareness we must look seriously at the things we have been taught and what the enemy has used and targeted against us as individuals, families and as people created as image bearers of God. 

Many people seriously overestimate their abilities and say they are just fine, but this is rooted in pride.  Those who are self-focused and self-absorbed are less likely to be efficient in true self-awareness, or to deliberately choose to go through the hard emotional process of seeking reality according to the truth of God’s word. It is this truth that we operate in, which will enable us to live a life as Jesus did, which is to be led by the Holy Spirit and so to embody the nature and glory of God that is lived out daily in us.

A proverb: “if you know your enemy, and know yourself, your victory is sure.”  

Self-awareness is to know the enemy and his strategies, that he uses, pride, lies, hate and fear to deceive the hearts of the people and to turn them away from the love and the glory of God, which is their created purpose. We need to know the weapons the enemy has used for centuries to ensnare our family, culture and nationality through biases, prejudices, discriminations, hate and pride. It is important to be honest with one’s self, and to admit the tendencies and bents that have been a trap for us in the past and are still struggles at present. Self-awareness is knowing these things and the ability to set guards and boundaries to help avoid snares and prevent us from falling into the same cycle of evil or misdeed. 

Metacognition: is a higher order of thinking, it is the ability to reflect on and to assess one’s own thoughts, the process of knowing, perceiving and having good judgement based on the truth of God’s word and wise reasoning, which is the wisdom of God.  

Self-Reflection with God’s purpose: To live according to a higher calling, which is the true meaning of life and the reality of our created purpose as God’s image bearers, which is to reflect His Glory in the earth.  True Self-Reflection should lead us to seek and to live as Jesus lived on the earth. 

As we follow Jesus’ example we will want, and begin to establish (righteousness) virtue, justice, morality; (honesty) trustworthiness, fairness and in doing good deeds; and (integrity) truth, honor and kind words. Self-Reflection will allow us to be diligent in our understanding, and in obeying and reflecting the Person of Jesus and God’s glory as our Creator. To show the love, mercy and forgiveness of God to all mankind while we are in the earth, and this is the fulfilling of our created purpose. 

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

We must seek the truth and commit to operate in the truth that we know, which is from God’s word as our Creator. Jesus the Son of God came that we may know and operate in the truth of God’s word and our purpose. Many people know the truth but fail to act on it. Some people would rather stay quiet while knowing the truth, just to follow the majority even when they are wrong. But, it is the truth that we know, operate in and take action on, that frees us from bondage of fear, hate and generational tendencies and curses. 

John 18:37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice

John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

When our life is rooted and grounded in the reality of the truth of God’s word and in knowing His presence is always with us, we can then take a stand and make a choice of our will and choose to live a Christ centered life. We can choose to die to self-focus and to let go of social norms or family biases that goes against God’s principles. We can begin to walk as Jesus did on earth in service to God, and to served others. 

Romans 6:11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17, 20 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 

1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

We are told to consider ourselves dead to sin but alive in Christ. A dead man has no rights, is not prideful and does not seek his own welfare.  Therefore, we too can learn to die to self and live for Christ.

We are all part of the body of Christ and every part has a function for the whole. Whether we are blessed with natural things in this life or the spiritual, it is for the building up of the body and the kingdom of God on the earth.  

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

We are to now use our individuality, culture, race and gender for His Glory. We should use our talents, abilities, and skills God has given us to show His love, mercy and forgiveness to those the enemy has in times past, caused division, disunity and hate. We are to use our uniqueness for God’s kingdom purpose on earth, to seek others well-being and to help bring unity to the body of Christ and all humanity.    

 

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The Sovereign will of God is Preeminent     

Jehovah God is the Almighty God and He is Sovereign over heaven and earth, and yet Satan is called the prince of this fallen world. Satan is most responsible for the hate, evil and problems that we encounter in this world.  These truths sound as though they are conflicting statements. God is ultimately the Sovereign King over the world and as a just and holy God He has limited Himself to His word. 

God in His Preeminence and excellent love for mankind created them in His image and gave them dominion over all He created. At the same time God gave them a free will, the ability to choose their allegiance and loyalties allowing mankind the power to determine their own destiny.  

God in His Omniscient, all-seeing and all-knowing power knew mankind would be seduced by Satan into rebellion and disobedience against their God and King. But God made provision to redeem this fallen world system and mankind before the world was formed. Though sin, Satan and the fleshly cravings of mankind created a fallen world system that is geared to destroying and ensnaring humanity, God had made provision that the Son of Man, Jesus, would redeem this world with His precious blood.  

1 Peter 1:18-20 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.   He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you NKJ 

God’s word will forever stand and there are no “take-backs” with God. Even though Satan became prince of the power of the air, and of darkness, God was bound by His word and His truth. It was man that relinquished dominion of this natural world to Satan and it would take a man, Jesus, to redeem the authority and dominance back to the former natural and spiritual world.  Jesus limited Himself to operate in His humanity and not His deity. He used the same power, the Holy Spirit that we have access, to live His life on earth.  

Now there are two kingdom powers operating in the earth, this fallen world with darkness, principalities and powers of Satan and also, the Kingdom of God, which functions in both the natural and spiritual realm, which is through Holy Spirit.  God’s kingdom on the earth is both natural and spiritual. Many people are confused or blinded to the spiritual aspect of kingdom and how His spiritual operations function in the earthly realm.  

Luke 4:6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for thishas been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Ephesians 2:2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 

Difficult or hard times do not negate or hinder God’s SovereigntyMany people lose hope, lose sight, lose faith and lose confidence in God when they go through hard-times or horrendous or catastrophic experiences. Because their perspective is on their natural situation, the chaos that this life brings, hurt, pain or loss. This self-focus should include God’s word and promises.  Some are hurting because they believe God did not intervene or stop those things from happening to them. These are very natural thoughts and as human beings our first response is in the natural, but the Holy Spirit of God is there to help spirit man navigate through these life crises according to God’s word with a supernatural perspective.  

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 

Isaiah 55: 8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. 

Knowledge of the love of God and the love of Jesus who gave Himself for us. When we have knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, then we are able to see more clearly the Godly nature and workings of God in the earth and in the spiritual realm.  Satan’s major attack is against the people of God, while trying to tempt them into rebelling against God. But God in His Sovereignty and purpose will use the very things the enemy has brought against His people to transform them and develop them into the image of His dear Son.  God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge of who God is. 

Hosea4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. 

2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  

Natural laws and Spiritual laws govern this world and impact our lives.There are natural laws and spiritual laws that are in place and dictate natural and spiritual outcomes. We are more familiar with the natural laws that govern this world, such as the law of gravity, things will fall, and the law of motion of things at rest, motion and speed.  

People have less understanding of God’s spiritual laws that govern the spiritual realm such as the principles of fear and faith. Fear and faith are both spiritual currency in the spirit realm. They are the legal tender or cash notes in which business transactions are performed in the spiritual realm.  Just as we purchase our goods and services with money and currency of the country that we live in, so it is in the spirit realm. We will purchase and draw certain commodities to us according to the spiritual currency that we use. Fear is a negative spiritual coinage or exchange that the enemy uses to have people purchase or to draw destructive or harmful consequences into their lives.  Faith is the spiritual currency that we can use to draw and to bring the power of the Almighty God into our lives. We are constantly engaging in these spiritual transactions be it consciously or unconsciously.  

Job 3:25 For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me. 

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 burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

Our Words are used to engage the natural and spiritual realms.  We are participating in the spiritual realm with our natural words, actions and deeds. By faith with our words, we can call the power of God into our natural circumstance. As well, fear can possibly open up avenues or access for the enemy into our circumstances.  God’s word is constantly telling us, do not fear, but have faith in God.

It is the lack of understanding or the knowledge of God’s word and principles that leaves some people open to the attacks of the enemy with little defense. In the book of Job, we see God speaking on the righteousness of Job, that he was a just and upright man. Satan harassed Job because Job was living in fear and this opened an opportunity for the enemy to attack him according to the spiritual principles.  God will not change His laws but He will take those things that the enemy meant for evil and work them for our good.  Though what Job feared came upon him, he stood firm in his faith in God and that He is faithful to His word and delivered him from his fears. 

 Job 1:8, Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” 

Malachi 3:13 Your words have been harsh against Me, ”Says the Lord, “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God; What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, And that we have walked as mourners Before the Lord of hosts?. 

God is ultimately Sovereign over all the earthGod will work within the confines of His word and His spiritual principles, which allows mankind to make choices and see the consequences of their choices. Though we may miss the mark of His high calling and Satan may come as the accuser of the people of God, God will defend them. God will make crooked ways straight and bring low those lofty things that may try to exalt themselves higher than the word of God.  

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

Proverbs 3:6-8 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes: Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. 

Do we really believe God is Sovereign, and the Master Engineer of our circumstances? Do we believe in the His mercy as a loving Father? Our obedience to His sovereignty is given to us by power of the Holy Spirit and the magnificent grace of God through Jesus. 

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DO NOT BE EASILY OFFENDED 

Offense is a tool of the enemy

Satan uses offense to get people ensnared with unforgiveness, which is rooted in pride. Followers of Christ should strive to change their views and personal perspectives so they will not be easily offended by people or situations. They are to follow Christ’s example, to not render insult for insult, through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

We live in a time when people’s response is to be easily offended. It is not just considered the rule in which people should react, but it is being cultivated as a preferred way to respond to problems and struggles. 

Offenses are just snares, traps and tools that the enemy uses against humanity to get them to react to situations out of hate and anger rather than to respond according to God’s word and way of forgiveness, love and mercy. Offense is part of this fallen world system where some people will cultivate it as a means of bringing division and disunity. This is of the enemy, to encourage a spirit of fear, anger, hate and to destroy the image bearers of God. 

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!

Offense comes from these root words, entrap, stumbling or obstacle. 

In the Bible there are two main words that are commonly translated to the word offense, 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 to those who are offended. People are entrapped or enticed into sin and these pitfalls lead to devastation or a spiral downfall. 

An Offense is a violation of the breaking of a social or moral rule, that causes a feeling of resentment. A hurt is something that cause bodily harm, physical, mental or emotional. The feeling of being offended is one of the most crippling snares. It is cloaked, disguised and concealed in the pretense of being right or in defending one’s rights. When we look at this natural life, (our nationality, race, gender, religion or culture) and place it above God’s word, then we become offended. We feel we have a right to get upset and defend who we are. When we are insulted, overlooked or injured in some manner and become offended, it is because “self” sits on the throne of our hearts and not the word or the love of God.

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

The Bible teaches that we will experience persecution and it 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 the end of the challenge and thereby, will stand in victory. Those who do not know God’s word or His kingdom ways will lack this understanding.  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: 17 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. NKJV

John 15:33 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.”

Tribulations, persecutions and trials are part of our heritage in Christ.

John the Baptist was the person who 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 circumstances, because they were not going the way he felt they should. This caused him a moment of offense. John asked if Jesus 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 prove He was the Son of God. 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 ways of God and what He has chosen for our particular situation, we can 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

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

The process of not being easily offended: Is to know the word and will of God. 

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

Some people will allow their offense to take precedence and rise above the word of God and this will lead to destruction. Some people would rather live with their pride and their righteous indignation, rather than to forgive and live in harmony with their family or friends. 

When our minds have been renewed to God’s way of thinking, we will know we are seated in the heavens with Christ. Therefore, our perspective should be different, understanding we are seated high above the things of this world, as kings and priests with Jesus. We should no longer view situations as personal attacks but to understand things are being allowed for a greater purpose and plan and to pray for God’s will to be done. 

We are to see these concerns and problems as opportunities for us to pray, intercede and to display the love and the life of Christ. It is when we are no longer easily offended by life, that we can respond in love and by this the world will be taken by surprise because of our actions. They will ask what is the secret to the strength, which allows us to forgive those who hate us. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we show this love. 

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.

John 15:18-20a If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you…

To not be easily offended is a practice skill of dying to self. 

Followers of Christ are called to be dead to this life but to live to a life hidden with Christ in God. It is impossible to offend a dead person. They can be kicked and insulted, but there will not be a response. This is how a life hidden in Christ, will strive to respond, because of the love of Jesus. This is not something we can do on our own but by the power of the Holy Spirit. We know we can trust Jesus with our life and our situations because He will defend us. 

God is able to orchestrate circumstances and work them out for our good and His glory. Just as He provided and protected Daniel from the lions and those thrown into the fire, He will bring us out of our horrible situations. God did not keep them from going through their difficult times but He was with them. God knows the plans He has for us to give us hope and a future and He will vindicate us. 

When we lay down our lives for another and we are acting from a position of love and not selfishness, it is through this people will see God’s heart. When we respond in love, the love of God is planted into the lives of others. The pain of life has hardened some people’s hearts because of what they have seen and been through. When we display God’s love, even though there may not appear to be a change or an acknowledgment of our acts of kindness, the seed of God’s love will have been sown into their lives. We are to think on the things of God and renew our minds with His word. It is God who changes lives with the seeds sown by His children into the hearts of those who are lost. 

Colossians 3:2-3 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God

Matthew 13:23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

The Battle is the Lord’s: We do not fight against flesh and blood.

When we understand our battles are not with people, but with the principalities and this fallen world system.  We will be able to show the love of God, and to die to self-centeredness and entrust our lives to God.  Those who trust God with their fate can trust Him for their vindication, and thereby can operate in His peace and love. 

We must dethrone “self,” our pride and our egos so Jesus may reign on the throne of our hearts. As Jesus gave His body to save others, we as the body of Christ on the earth, must love and not live in offense. 

John12:24-25 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

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