Author: Inge Schultz

I am a woman who wears many hats. I have taken on many different roles in life, hence the woman who wears many hats. I love to learn new skills to share and enhance the quality of life. Today, I am a Wife, Mother, Musical Artist, Blogger, and Crafter. I love to be creative and watch how the process and development of making something is brought into completion. It is like a flower bud that unfolds and blossoms into a beautiful display of form and colors.
Christ Return

The Son of Man Cometh

Inge Schultz

Therefore, be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

Matthew 24:44

There is much speculation as to when Christ will return. I have heard some say 6 to 9 years. Does it really matter to pinpoint the exact time? I have read and seen prophecy that did not come to pass in regard to “Christ Return.” We must test all prophecies whether they are of God because many false prophets are in the world today, [ see 1 John 4:1]. There are those who are overzealous in claiming to be the first in making a prediction. This is a theatrical performance to gain recognition. The reality is that Jesus said to be ready, for in such an hour that you least expect it, He will come. Are we ready to meet with the Lord when he comes? We are so busy with the cares of everyday life that we forget that He told us to be ready. In fact, we should be ready every day, for we do not know when our own life will end. Even the apostle Paul stated that he was “betwixt two [between the two], having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better: nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you, [Philippians 1:23]. Each day is precious, for this is the day which the LORD hath made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Let us rejoice and be glad. Now let us back up and look at verse 36 of Matthew chapter 24 as to when the Lord comes.

But of that day and hour knows no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”

Matthew 24:36

No one knows the day or the hour our Lord will come, not even the angels in heaven. Jesus is making a statement to not worry about the time, but to be ready. His coming will be like in the days of Noah when everyone went about their own business. Not even Noah knew when the flood would come as he continued to build the ark. Noah was busy doing what God called him to do. Why would Jesus even mention the days of Noah in verse 37 of Matthew chapter 24? What was God’s judgement at that time. God told Noah that the earth is filled with violence, [see Genesis 6:13]. God saw the wickedness of man and the imagination and thoughts of man in his heart to do to evil continually, [see Genesis 6:5]. Noah walked with God and He was remembered in Hebrews chapter 11, for his faith. One can only imagine the jeers and snobbery he received during the building of the ark. It was said that the Ark represented a type of Christ as a refuge from judgement. Is Christ our refuge? Yes, He is. The Father judges no man, He left it up to his Son, [see John 5:22]. I was astonished to read this in the scripture. God has provided the way through Christ our Lord. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit leads humanity to the way of repentance, righteousness and judgment.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

John 16:7-8

The Holy Spirit will bring conviction into our heart according to the Holy Scriptures to show us where our heart is regarding sin. If you have any doubt in your mind, ask for the Spirit to reveal your heart and to create in you a clean heart. The apostle Paul stated to the Corinthians in chapter 11, verse 31, “if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” Judge yourself to see if you are in the faith of Christ Jesus. As a Christian we should be doing this every day as Christ gave instruction about prayer in Luke chapter eleven. The key to prayer is that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven, having the daily bread, forgiveness, and being delivered from the evil one. The whole point is to be reconciled to God. We walk by faith and not sight. We walk with a clear conscience in readiness for the Lord’s return. A Christian will do the work of reconciliation as ambassadors for Christ.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

2 Corinthians 5:10

The life of a Christian is to be a good steward. These are the servants who are blessed and found watching. Watching is to keep and preserve oneself in the Lord. These are the wise servants who are faithful. Who are secured in their position and calling, wherein He has called them. They are working in the season where the Lord provides for their provisions. They are those who do not strike their brother or sister in the Lord. They do not walk away from the Lord but stay the course of where God has placed them. The Lord confirms their faithfulness over ability knowing that God will perform on their behalf. What was impossible for them God made it possible and this is faith that we read about in Hebrews chapter 11.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father, who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

As we come upon the Passover, let us remember how we were all delivered from the state of despair and sin. Christ death and resurrection from death gave us victory over sin. This is reconciliation to God. This is the Lord God’s provision for our souls. Let us repent from our sins and live in the light of the Lord before men having a sure foundation in Christ. The return of Christ will come when we see the beginning of the birth pains, or the beginning of sorrows as stated in Matthew chapter 24 and of Daniel’s 70th week. It does not matter where you stand in your belief as to the time of the rapture. What matters is your faithfulness. Before we are translated, the preaching of the Gospel will have gone out around the world. The scripture states that “we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so, shall we ever be with the Lord,” [see 1 Thessalonians 4;17]. We should comfort one another with these words. I would encourage you to read 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 and 5. Let us watch and be sober minded putting on the breastplate of faith and love and a helmet for the hope of our salvation. Do not get carried away by those who would influence you to their way of thinking. Be “free from intoxicating influences in the name of Jesus.” Prove all things and hold onto the truth of the Gospel of Christ. May your spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Kingdom of heaven, The Church, The Parables of the Lord

The Pearl of Great Price

Inge Schultz

The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant man seeking fine pearls.”

Matthew 13:45

The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking to fine beautiful pearls. A child of God is worth the price of a pearl. So much is a child of God loved that a beautiful place is prepared for all those who have faith in Christ Jesus. The kingdom of heaven is also the rulership over the earth. God having rejected the burned offerings for sin instead established the preaching of the gospel. This preaching is the cross of Christ where his son gave of himself for the remission of sins. Christ was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed, states Isaiah 53:7. This familiar verse is quoted, but if you read further, you will find in this verse 10 how it pleased the Lord to bruise him. Can you imagine that? I find it hard to believe, but for the sake of saving us from ourselves, Christ became our sacrifice for our sins.

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief. When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.”

Isaiah 53:10

How astonishing to read how it pleased the Lord to bruise his own son. He was bruised for our iniquities. As a parent myself, I would only want the best for my child, and many parents do believe that their children are good and would not do evil things. Iniquities meaning immoral or grossly unfair behavior. What mother believes that their children would be immoral or have extreme unfair behavior? Yet, God sent his son to be our sacrifice for the remission of sins and the promise of inheritance. That as His children we would not be immoral or have extreme unfair behavior. God provided humanity a way out of gross behavior through his own son. If we can have a little understanding about our relationship with the father God through Jesus Christ, our hearts would know the genuine meaning of His love for us. This is the kingdom of heaven at hand. The kingdom of heaven where a man is seeking to fine beautiful pearls. Who are the fine pearls stated in Matthew 13, verse 45? The pearl is the true church of God.

The pearl becomes the illustration of the church, who are those that are called out to be the body of Christ. This is the body of believers who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and live under His authority. The body of Christ is the church to whom Christ gave of himself, for the church and fulfilled the promise of the seed. The church being the pearl of great price is a mystery in itself. How is a pearl formed? It is formed by accretion, the process of growth or increase by gradual accumulation of additional layers of matter. Additional layers of matter are the individual members of the body of Christ who make up the church. The true ministry of Christ is done through the manifestation of the Spirit. The apostle Paul describes the body as being one in 1 Corinthians chapter 12.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit where we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Greeks, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

By one Spirit where we all baptized into one body. That body are those who believe in Christ as the son of God. It does not matter what race you belong to; God has set the members in the body as it hath pleased him, [1 Corinthians 12:18]. It is God who has tempered the body together, see verse 24 of 1 Corinthians 12. How amazing this is and something that we rarely think about. In the church we should be influenced by the Spirit of Christ and be tempered into His love. This is the reason for the ministry of reconciliation to continue within the body where God has set in the church apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues, [1 Corinthians 12:28]. The key to these gifts is love, for love never fails us when we truly understand the purpose and will of God.

The church is subject to Christ for he has given himself for it. Love is the key to the ministry of reconciliation. Our speech should always be with grace and seasoned with salt. The body lifting up Christ and submitting to each other in love that the church not having spot or wrinkle should be holy and without blemish to become the great pearl. I have wondered about the twelve gates that were twelve pearls in Revelation chapter 21, verse 21. Each gate was one pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold as transparent glass. When you read verse 24 of chapter 21 of Revelation, it states that the nations of them who are saved shall walk in the light of it. Nations of people who are saved shall walk in the light of the glory of God. This is the new heaven and earth. The body of believers grafted into the branch of Christ to represent the Church, the pearl of great prize. Christ is coming for the bride, which is the church, the body we have been baptized into, the body of believer’s who are the pearl of great prize.

An open sea shell with a pearl inside.

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Enemy, Kingdom of heaven, Tares and Wheat, The Parables of the Lord

Tares Among the Wheat

Inge Schultz

While men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.”

Matthew 13:25

Parables in the bible are the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. I have often wondered why there are mysteries written in the word of God. The lord has given specific people the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, while others are blinded to the fact of the mysteries. This may ring the bell to only those whom the spirit of God falls upon for the revelations and understanding of what is being reveled such as those who prophesy in the Spirit. Those who will have an ear to hear and do the will of God. In the beginning of Matthew chapter 13 we read about the “Sower of the Seeds” and the different types of soil the seed is sown in. The first nine verses of Matthew chapter 13 explain the different soils and what happens to the seed grown in those types of soils. Only the seed that falls in good soil brings forth fruit. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” states Matthew in chapter 13, verse 9. The importance of the seed and how it is grown is vital for the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. The seed is the word of God that produces fruit in good soil while in other soils it will die. This parable portrays those who are following the will of God as children of the light and not of darkness. The analogy of the tares among the wheat is worth noting and is rarely mentioned in church due to the fact that it may cause some to flee the church if they knew that there are tares among the wheat in the body of Christ.

The parable in Matthew chapter 13, versus 24 to 30 is conveying what happens to those who are the tares in the field where the seed has been planted. In the body of Christ, it is the seed, which is the word of God that produces fruit within the individual’s life. The word “tares” in Hebrew is the darnel, which means weeds that is grown among the wheat. According to Jewish virtual library the darnel seeds that have been ground into flour is poisonous and gives a bitter taste to bread. It is said that the wheat and darnel do not constitute with each other. In otherwards they may look like each other, but who they are in character is not made of the same form. If they are not of the same form, that means that there is no cross breeding of the seed. The problem of the weeds is that they appear even when only the good seed was planted in the good soil.

What was the answer that Jesus gave to the question of where did the “Tares” come from? In verse 28 of Matthew chapter 13, Jesus said, “An enemy hath done this.” Who is the enemy? Satan is the enemy, and the tares are the children of the wicked one [see Matthew 13:38-39]. Satan is the one who deceives. It is Jesus who warns about those who are false prophets and show great signs and wonders in order to deceive the very elect, [see Matthew 24:24]. The apostle Paul warns Christians in Ephesians chapter four, verse fourteen, that they are not to be children tossed to and from and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the scheme, or plan of men that lie in wait to deceive many. It is important that no one causes you to leave the basic knowledge of the doctrine of Christ. Without Christ our faith is in vain since He is the author and finisher of our faith, [Hebrew 12:2].

Who sows the good seed? It is the Son of man, Jesus, the Son of David, the representative Man, the Son of God. [see Matthew 13:37]. Now look at the next verse, 38.

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom, but the tares are the children of the wicked one.”

Matthew 13:38

Are you the children of the kingdom, or are you the children of the wicked one? Have you ever asked this question of yourself? There are many who profess that they are the children of the kingdom, and in outward appearances it looks like they are, but only God really knows the truth about an individual’s heart condition. Appearances can be so deceiving that only the angels will separate those who belong to the children of the kingdom, and those who belong to the children of the wicked one, [see Matthew 13:37-43]. I find this astonishing. I have often wondered how pastors view their congregation and make assumptions about the flock they feed. For those who are sitting on the fence with one foot in the world and the other foot in pretending to be a good Christian, this is the division within the heart of man. James said, “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways, [James 1:8]. A double minded man is wavering and tossed upon the waves of the sea. These are those who are wavering in indecision. The field must be cultivated in order for the seed to grow. This means fertilizing and watering the seed. To fertilize is to grow into or develop into a new individual in Christ. The water is the washing of water by the word of God. What kind of seed will you be is a question we should all ask ourselves. Remember the promise made to Abraham? Who is the seed?

“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ.”

Galatians 3:16

Christ is the seed that is planted into each individual’s heart. Our first concern is to see that Christ is the foundational seed, and that seed is made into a new creation in Christ Jesus. This is why the apostle Paul stated, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new, [see 2 Corinthians 5:17]. Remember that only the seed that is planted in good soil will bring forth fruit. The heart of man has different soils. The body of Christ must come to the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God. That is why God sends out by the Holy Spirit apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the work of ministry and edifying the body of Christ until we all come in the unity of the faith, [see Ephesians 4:11-13]. Let us consider our own heart and if it is seeded in Christ. Are we growing into the image of Christ. Has our soil weakened to where Christ is no longer the head in our life. Ask God to change your heart to the heart of Christ. Be willing to change into the image of Christ. Be willing to be fertilize and watered by the word of God. Remember it takes time and patience for the seed to grow in the garden, and this is true in your own life. Be patient with yourself and the situation you are in. You will see God move in your situation and in yourself.

Jesus allows the tares and the wheat to grow together until the time of harvest.

Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”

Matthew 13:30

We are children of the light where Christ is the head of every man and women. We have become the children of the kingdom of God and not of Satan. When the harvest comes, it is the reapers, who are the angels that will gather the tares and the wheat. Have you ever wondered why the tares are allowed to grow with the wheat? I had not envisioned this in my own mind, but I have seen and witnessed the tares and the wheat within congregations, and I wanted to run away from it because of fear, because of association with evil. This could be a contradiction of scripture, but only to those who are immature in Christ. We must wait to receive the full revelations by the Spirit of God until we have gained understanding. That is why we must pray and ask God to give us understanding. God is kind to the unthankful and to the evil . . . Wow! Listen to what Jesus said in Luke.

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  Be ye therefore merciful, as your father also is merciful.” 

Luke 6:35-36

We are to love our enemies and do good and lend to them, without receiving anything back from them. We are to be merciful as our “Father God” is merciful. If you feel this is grinding against a stone within your heart, do not feel bad, but rejoice, for this is a revelation and God wants you to grow into the image of Christ. Remember the random acts of kindness day last month on February 17th, 2023. You may have missed it, but everyday can be a random act of kindness. Let us stand firm in Christ and allow His love to flow out of our hearts towards others. Pray to God to show you the way to random acts of kindness and to be merciful as your Father God is merciful. We may not know who the tares are, but we can know our own heart and how it needs changing into the image of Christ. Let us continue to grow in good soil and produce good fruit. the fruit of love, joy, peace, and kindness. Jesus said that your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest and not of the tares.

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Armor of God, Gospel of Peace, Justification, Law

Shoes for the Gospel of Peace

Inge Schultz

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:15

Are you ready for the “Gospel of Peace?” Is peace in your heart and soul? It should be, for if you are a Christian, you have the “Gospel of Peace” residing within you. The “Gospel of Peace” is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the son of God. “He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us,” Ephesians 2:14. Through the blood of Jesus we become a new man whereby we can have peace. There is no longer a barrier between man and God. Jesus reconciled both himself and man unto God.

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.”

Ephesians 2:15

Our justification does not come through the law of commandments, it comes through faith in Jesus Christ. If your justification comes through the law, you will be under the curse of the law, for the law cannot save you and bring you peace. In Galatians 3, verse 10 states, “for it is written, cursed is everyone that continued not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” The very next verse states that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, for the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith. [See Galatians 3:10-12]. The law is not under the grace of God. If you are working to obtain righteousness you are under the curse. If you are working to be a good person, you nullify the gospel of Christ death on the cross. Many are placing themselves under the law instead of under God’s grace. If you want to be free of the demons in your own life, you must believe in Jesus as the son of God who died for our sins and has set us free from the curse of the law of sin and death. It is by the Holy Spirit that man is changed into a new creation in Christ Jesus.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

Old things are passed away, all things become new. When Spring comes to the land the seed that was in the ground has died or become dormant through the winter. Now through the warmth of the sun and rain the seed will spring forth a new stem where a bud will blossom. The sun and rain are the word of God and the Holy Spirit working through man to bring forth a new creation in Christ. I am so relieved that I do not have to work in my flesh to become perfect, or to even work out those things in my character that are flawed. I asked God through prayer to work it out of me. I must die to self in order to allow the spirit of Christ to flow through me and change me. Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, then we must believe also. The promise was made to Abraham through the seed [Jesus Christ] that God would justify the Gentiles through faith, and not the law.

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hanged on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

Galatians 3:13-14

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. No one is able to keep the law. We will fail the commandment of the law to sin, no matter how hard we try. The burden of the law is laid down at the cross where Jesus took it upon himself. The law concluded all under sin [see Galatians 3:22. The only way of escape was through faith in Christ Jesus. There is no ritual that can take away the sin of man.

Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein, which are offered by the law.”

Hebrews 10:8

God takes no pleasure in them since he only looks upon his son as the only sacrifice for the offering of sin. No flesh by the works of the law is justified. The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. Christ is our peace between God and man. Christ became our righteousness and justification. We are under the new covenant of grace where the Spirit pours into our hearts and minds to make a new creation in Christ Jesus. Are you a new creation in Christ Jesus? Are you living in a new way? Have you let go your old nature for the new nature in Christ? Has Christ made you free from the yoke of bondage? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to produce in you the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control? It is time to put on Christ and let go the yoke of bondage of being under the law. We must put on our shoes for the Gospel of Peace. Shoes [Christ] are the protection and comfort of your walk in this life.

Christ who has redeemed you will give you the desire to testify of himself. Opportunities will come for you to speak about your own conversion or how you were saved. Are you ready to testify or even preach the Gospel of Christ? God will send out preachers, for how shall anyone believe in him without a preacher.

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Romans 10:15

We need to hear about the peace that Christ brings and also the glad tidings of good things. It could be that He is preparing you to go and preach the gospel of peace. If God can send me, a woman to a men’s homeless mission to preach the gospel, he can send you too. No one is exempt from giving their testimony of what God has done. God will send people to you to give an answer for the reason of your hope and faith in Christ.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asked you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

1 Peter 3:15

Not everyone will believe what you preach, that is why we carry with us the word of God, the Holy Bible, for faith comes by hearing the word of God. It is God’s will that all would be saved from the curse of the law. Jesus said, “the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest, [Luke 10:2]. Pray that the laborers are sent forth but be ready to speak to anyone who asks you about your hope and faith in Christ. It is time to put on your shoes with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Shalom equals peace, wholeness and completeness. This is what Christ has done for us. Walk in peace and share the gospel of peace.

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Armor of God, The Word of God

The Sword of the Spirit

Inge Schultz

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

Ephesians 6:17

We are on the fifth week in the Armor of God series taken from Ephesians chapter 6. If you missed reading any of the first four segments, I would encourage you to do so. The armor of God is the apostle Paul’s way of describing the warrior’s armor that every Christian should be putting on to combat evil every day. We need understanding and wisdom more today in fighting off evil and lust. We need to stay under the protection of God. With the helmet of salvation as our identity in Christ, we now take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. I have not met a single Christian who does not have a personal battle to win. We are fighting the good fight of faith to lay hold of eternal life. We each have our own personal battle to win.

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

1 Timothy 6:12

We are fighting to keep the faith and not to let go of the author and finisher of our faith. Every Christian is called to have a good profession before witnesses. A good profession is based upon the word of God. We can be like Jesus and say, “it is written,” when we are tempted. Read about what Jesus did in Matthew chapter 4. If you were hungry, would you command the stones to become bread.

It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Matthew 4:4

The sword of the Spirit is the word of God, and it will cut right through the thoughts and the intents of men’s heart. The word of God is the final answer for all human beings since it is the last will and testament of God. The sole purpose is reconciliation to the father God, but also to your brother, sister, mother, father, husband and wife. “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation,” [2 Corinthians 5:18]. This is the heart of God that we all be reconciled by Jesus Christ and then to each other. God’s love will cut through hate. Many churches are now observing Lent, a Christian religious observance of the 40 days that Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert and endured the temptation by Satan. Lent is observed by the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, and the Roman Catholic Church. The practice of Lent in earlier times was very ascetic, and to some extent it may still carry a mystical journey. The exercise can be helpful in understanding the weakness of our own body. We cannot work out our own demons or selfish ambitions. We need the Holy Spirits help in releasing those feelings and letting go of them. This is the work of God and the grace of God. That we would know the mercy of God through Christ Jesus.

Let us remember that Jesus Christ was without sin whereas sin is ever present with us every day. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. It is through God’s grace that we can receive mercy and repentance through what Jesus did on the cross. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,’ [1 John 1:9-10]. Listen to what else John said.

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself; he that believeth not God hath made him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.”

1 John 5:10

If you do not believe, you have no witness, and you will not have the sword of the Spirit. Christ temptation in the wilderness by Satan was the test of his obedience to the Father. Would Christ act independently from his Father? No, Christ was dependent on the Father God, and so should we be dependent on the Father God. That dependence is through the word of God. The word of God becomes the sword of the Spirit. Christ combated Satan by saying “it is written,” thus using the written word of God as the final authority. The spiritual journey is through the word of God. It is the word that teaches us how we should walk in the world today. The word becomes our spiritual lifestyle. We should take the word with us everywhere we go, for it will instruct us how to live a Christian life.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

If you are not spending time in the word of God, you have lost one powerful weapon, the sword of the Spirit. The word of God is described sharper than any two-edged sword. Why? It is because of the Holy Spirit. We can only gain understanding of the word of God through the Spirit. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth,” [ John 16:13]. If you are a believer, then you have His spirit living with you, for He has promised not to leave you comfortless, [see John 14:18]. Just look at verse 20 of chapter 14 of John, “I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” What mystery is this conveying? Is this not a relationship? We never walk alone, for the Holy Spirit is with us at all times. This is the mystery of the body of Christ. We belong to Christ for He has bought us with a price. Christ prayed to the Father to send the Comforter to abide with us. In John chapter 14, verse 26, Jesus said, “But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance.” As you read the word of God the Spirit is teaching you and reminding you of things that pertain to you personally. Dividing and discerning what is in your own heart and to change that heart of stone into the heart of love.

Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

Ephesians 5:2

Walk in love as Christ has loved us. Christ who has willingly atoned for our sins. We are not to serve sin, for our old man was crucified with Christ that sin might be destroyed. This is how we became a new creation in Christ Jesus. Sin is ever present in the world today. Therefore, we need the word of God to discern our heart and mind so that we can be changed into image of Christ. This will build up our faith in God, for faith comes by hearing the word of God, [see Romans 10:17]. We must hold the word as truth in our lives. We must experience God through his word by the Holy Spirit. You must have a hunger for the word in order to receive its revelations. I have read that Smith Wigglesworth stated that the Bible was the only book he would read. He did not allow newspapers into his home. How astonishing and surprised I was to read about this. Wigglesworth sole learning was from the Bible as the word of God. Can we see its importance when we read what God said to Joshua after the death of Moses.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Joshua 1:8

Meditate in the word day and night, so that your soul and heart may be changed into the image of Christ. As you observe the word of God, your way will become prosperous. I have always loved going on spiritual retreats, for it was the opportunity of spending more time in the word of God to learn, grow, and have our eyes opened to new revelations. These revelations were not always joyful, sometimes it was painful due to personal demons that an individual had to deal with. As you spend time in the word, God will reveal your weaknesses in your own life. As he reveals it, we then repent. This is putting to death the deeds of the body that would allow sin to reign in our life. We learn also to bear on one another’s burden by praying for healing and for the Spirits intervention to fulfill the law of Christ. As God told Joshua not to depart from the book of the law, so shall we not depart from the Holy Bible, which is the sword of the Spirit. This sword of the Spirit will pierce our heart for it reveals the weaknesses of humanity and the way it can be saved. Continue in the word of God and hold it close to your heart.

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Armor of God, Faith

The Shield of Faith

Inge Schultz

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Ephesians 6:16

The shield of faith is what you will use to be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. The wicked are those who are against what you stand for. They are those who stand against Christ and who are cruel and bent on warfare. Those who bully and oppress others and worship themself, these are the ones who are wicked. We see the physical evidence in our environment or hear about it every day in the news. Some form of violence is being lashed out among humanity today. What is a Christian to do under such circumstances? The apostle Paul tells us first of all that we should be praying always. The second thing while praying we should be asking God to help us be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Do you have the faith to lift up your shield or stand strong behind your shield? Have you fully put your trust in God? Is God your hiding place and your shield? Holding the shield up is based upon trust. Just look at the two verses below at who is the shield.

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”

Proverbs 30:5

“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.”

Psalms 119:114

What did David do under an environment of violence. He prayed and played his harp but stood strong in the Lord. He was not ashamed of his hope, for his hope was in God and He learned about the importance of keeping the commandments of God. Can we stand on the word of God alone?

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.  Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live and let me not be ashamed of my hope.”

Psalms 119:114

Is God your hiding place and shield? Do we hope in His word? I pray that we do have a hiding place and shield in God and that He is our hope. That we do believe in His word because if we do not, we are in danger of losing our soul to the devil. We must remember that we have all fall short of the glory of God because of sin. Whatever is not of faith is sin. In the latter days the apostle Paul warns in 1 Timothy chapter four, verse one, that some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. It is hard to believe that some will depart from the faith we have in Christ, especially to seducing spirits and other doctrines of demons. Other doctrines that sound good but do not follow the character of Christ, or who he is. Jesus said in Matthew 15:9, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” The doctrines of men who would turn you away from the truth of the gospel. That is why it is important not to lay hands on those who are not seasoned in the Lord. In 1 Timothy chapter five, verse 22, it states to “lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partakers of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” Keep thyself pure and ask God for wisdom into all circumstances so that you do not partake in another’s men’s sins.

Keep yourself pure and beware of alterior motives. A hidden purpose that is behind an organization to change current social positions to a new one due to new policies. It has been said that all too frequently immature and inexperienced Christians are placed in positions of responsibility. I remember how certain denominations forced elderly pastors to resign their position to make room for the young students who have graduated seminary school. I witnessed how these young pastors were compromised in their own faith and many ended up being disillusioned in their own position as a pastor. Today, this position has taken on a world view for employment rather than a spiritual view of feeding the sheep. We must remember that the ministry of the Gospel is a ministry of reconciliation. It is in believing in the Gospel of Christ that we have rest and peace in our life. We cannot enter into rest any other way but by faith in the son of God.

If we have unbelief in our life, then we do not have the shield of faith to ward off the fiery darts of the wicked. We fall under the oppression of the wicked. Our hope is gone. We must remember to whom we placed our hope in.

faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.“

Hebrews 11:1

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

Hebrews 11:3

Our hope must be in God the maker of heaven and earth. Our hope must be in God who love the world that He gave us His only son, for it is Christ who gives us everlasting life. It is Jesus who will finish the work of God in our life. How profound is that! That things not seen would come into being under the power of God. Our example is Jesus since he is the author and finisher of our faith. In Hebrews chapter 12 verses one and two, says that we should run with patience the race that is set before us and to look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. As a human being we can so easily lose patience over difficult circumstances. We must have hope that God will intervene at the right moment on our behalf, for it is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man,” [Psalms 118:8]. Man will fail us, but the Lord’s compassions will never fail us.

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”

Lamentations 3:22

We act upon the conviction of our faith, we will achieve its end result, which is the will of God. This is our confidence that we have in God. We cannot trust ourselves, but we can trust God to move on our behalf. We can trust God to be our shield of faith because we believe in his son who became the author and finisher of our faith. Help us Lord to run with patience the race that is set before us and to hold up the shield of faith that is Jesus. Hold me Lord according to thy word, that I may live and let me not be ashamed of my hope in thee. Give us the boldness to speak of thy love and compassion and let our faith grow everyday as we take up the shield of faith so the fiery darts of the wicked fall to the ground. Let us see that this is the evidence of things not seen at present but will come to pass in the end.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:  And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

1 John 5:14-15

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Armor of God

The Helmet of Salvation

Inge Schultz

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

1 Thessalonians 5:8

Let us put on the helmet of salvation, stated the apostle Paul, along with the breastplate of faith and love. What does it mean to put on the helmet of salvation. The apostle Paul was a Roman citizen by birth, and he knew all about the importance of citizenship and protection. Did you know that the Roman helmet has two purposes? I have read that the Roman Centurion Soldier who put on their helmet was distinct in that it not only protected the head, but that the helmet identified who the soldier belonged to. The crests of plumes made from horsehair, was dyed red. This gave the Roman soldier their identity and during battle they were recognized by the color of their plumes. When we put on the helmet of salvation, we are not only identified with Christ, but we are citizens also with the saints, and of the household of God, [see Ephesians 2:19]. Everyone has a lineal descent from a single ancestor, but for some their citizenship has been taken away by a specific law. Those who struggle with some kind of an identity crisis will understand how the truth of their identity is linked to their parents as far as nationality. Inherited traits come from our parents and the desire of knowing where they came from is the link to the past to their ancestry. The apostle Paul knew who he was in that he stated that he was a Roman citizen and a Jew. Besides being a Roman citizen and a Jew, Paul was now also a Christian. Do you know who you are? Are you a citizen of the household of God?

Let us take note how Paul identifies himself in chapter 3, verse one of Ephesians, “I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.” A prisoner of Jesus Christ! Paul was captured by Christ. Paul’s conversion was such a reality of truth that Paul himself was astonished. Let us remember that Paul was persecuting Christians and the voice he heard from heaven said, “I am Jesus, whom thou persecuted,” [Acts 9:5]. Persecution takes on all kinds of shapes for it is linked to physical, social, mental, and spiritual hostility and the ill-treatment of others. It is the constant badgering and poking holes into someone’s identity. Yet, God had a purpose for Paul. Paul was God’s chosen vessel to teach who Christ is to the Gentiles and to the Children of Israel. Jesus Christ is the son of God, thus maintaining the Deity of Jesus [Acts 9:20]. They did not know that they had crucified the Lord of glory. Paul who had the scales fall from his eyes was filled with the Holy Spirit, received his sight and was baptized. Paul began to preach Christ in the synagogues. This was God’s plan and not Paul’s plan and it gave us the message of the gospel of Christ.

We may wonder what plan we are following. Is it God’s or our own plan?

Ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy ways be established.“

Proverbs 4:26

As we look straight before us, we should ponder the path we are on. We should be removing the foot of evil as is stated in Proverbs 4:27. Our path is one of truth and righteousness as children of God. No matter what our environment may be, there are those who are being harassed into doing something that they rather not do. Be careful you do not lose your soul by what you are being forced to do. We must have our eyes open to see the truth of any situation and not fall prey to the situation we find ourselves in. God’s love is deep, and he really does care for each of us. He sent his son to prove his love toward us in that we can be freed from the bondage of sin. Salvation means death to and freedom from sin. This is restoration. Can you believe that he has predestine us to adoption as children through Jesus Christ himself? God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself.

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself.”

Ephesians 1:4-5

Christ was made sin for us in that he took our sins to the cross in order that we might be reconciled to God. Have you seen the salvation of God? Do you have the knowledge of salvation for the remission of your sins?

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all of them that obey him.”

Hebrews 5:9

Christ being made perfect became the author of eternal salvation because he obeyed God. Eternal salvation means deliverance, preservation and healing for all those who believe in Christ as the son of God. Eternal salvation through the death of Christ gives us the power of God to have our own guilt from sin removed. We also are being saved from the habit of sin and its dominion. This I find extortionary and yet many Christians have not seen the reality of this in their own life. However, Paul had this reality of truth in his own life in that he was changed by the power of God and become an apostle and no longer persecuted Christians. Listen to what he states to the Roman Christians.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Romans 1:16

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for he himself experienced the power of God unto salvation. Have you experienced the power of God unto salvation? This is an experience and is not to be taken lightly. When I was lost in the city of Perth in Western Australia, I did not know how to get back home. I truly was lost. At one point I had stopped walking and heard his voice telling me that I had to go back home. I told God that I was lost and could not find my way back home. I was standing on a sidewalk not knowing where I was and praying to God with my eyes closed. I was a teenager who was running away from home. The power of God translated me to another place, or at least I thought this is what happened. Only God knows for sure. When I opened my eyes, I knew where I was and made my way home. This was the power of God unto salvation. This was the purpose of God that I would someday find salvation. It took two years after this incident that I found Christ, the son of God who was crucified for my sins. The power of God came upon me again when I asked him for forgiveness of my own sins. The burden of guilt was removed from my heart. A Christian is being saved from the habit and dominion of sin. It is the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that hath set me free from the law of sin and death [see Romans 8:2]. Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed stated James 1:14. We are being tempted almost every day and Paul tell us the following:

There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

God is faithful when we put on the helmet of salvation, for Jesus is the author of eternal salvation. Our identity is in Christ Jesus and God is faithful to those who believe. God knows our heart and is even faithful to those who have not heard who Jesus is. This is the grace of God that He will help us through in our time of need. As children of light, let us watch and be sober-minded and put on the helmet of salvation every day for the power of God to keep us from the evil one and from being drawn away by our own lust.

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Armor of God, Righteousness

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Inge Schultz

Stand, therefore, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.

Ephesians 6:14

The breastplate of righteousness is to guard our heart against vise, evil, and sin. For an evil man will have a criminal behavior and will practice hypocrisy. The truth of who we are as a person is revealed in that we are imperfect in some way because we tend to gravitate towards evil instead of having a pure mind and heart before God and man. We cannot be truthful to our self, or our neighbor. That is why it is important to put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. There are so many books today that expose human beings as anything but truthful and righteous. Any kind of law proves how humans desire to follow lawlessness rather than the established rules of the law. The political battle is ongoing to establish what the human race believes in. The apostle Paul remarks and informs those in Ephesus that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against power, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, [Ephesians 6:12]. Does this speak to the decay of man’s heart and how it is spiraling down towards death. Who can control man’s heart without understanding a man’s spirit. No one can know another man’s heart unless it is revealed.

For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:11

Today, the mask is worn by many to maintain an outward appearance of being righteous, but the heart is far from righteousness. Jesus said, “that which cometh out of the man, that defiled the man,” [Mark 7:20]. Jesus then goes on and lists what comes out of the heart of man.

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

Mark 7:21-23

Man’s heart is revealed by what comes out of his own mouth. We have all sinned before God and man. We are all guilty and the apostle Paul tells us so in Romans chapter 3 verse 10, “as it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.” We must stand only in Christ righteousness and not our own. Righteousness is the gift that God has given us through Jesus Christ, [see Romans 5:17].

Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

Romans 5:18-19

Judgment came upon all men to condemnation but through Christ came righteousness which is the free gift to all men. A free gift that we all can receive through faith in Christ, who is the son of God, and who died for our sins. Christ atoned us from the evil of sin. Christ is the perfect sacrifice for the cleaning of man’s heart. Christians should not dishonor God by boasting how good they are when they have received the gift of righteousness from Christ. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to those who believe, [see Romans 10:4]. Through Christ righteousness, we can live in this life as the children of God. As children of God, His righteousness works through us to bring peace within our own hearts which brings the assurance that we will walk knowing that our conscience has been washed with the truth of who He is. Righteousness is sowed through the mercy of God. We must continue to seek the Lord until his righteousness is upon us. The ground is broken up and left for a time until the soil is fertile before the seed is planted. We are the planting of the Lord God.

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

Hosea 10:12

Righteousness is linked to the truth of Jesus Christ. For his “righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and His law is the truth,” [see Psalms 119:142]. Because it is an everlasting righteousness, we can stand in assurance when we put on the breastplate of righteousness. We stand in His righteousness because it is pure, honest, and good. This is the ministry of reconciliation in that we have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. We are putting on the breastplate of righteousness that Christ has given us as a gift. As believer’s we now live through the Spirit of life due to Christ righteousness. It is the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that has made us free from the law of sin and death, [Romans 8:2]. Therefore, through the Spirit we restrain the deeds of the body and lay it down at the feet of Jesus. We remember that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, [Romans 8:1]. If we have accepted Christ as truth, then we have accepted His righteousness. Through Christ there is peace with man and God.

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness shall, quietness and assurance forever.”

Isaiah 32:17

The work of righteousness is by faith in Christ Jesus. We become the trees of righteousness through faith, and we become laborer’s together with God, [1 Corinthians 3:9]. When it comes to sharing, preaching, or teaching the word of God, we are all one in the Lord. It does not matter who is planting the body of Christ or who is watering it, for it belongs to the Lord and only He will give the increase. We should be concerned in how we build upon the foundation of Christ. We should not be ignorant and build upon our own righteousness which does not profit anyone. Those who build upon their own righteousness have not submitted unto the righteousness of God. They have not accepted God’s gift to the world, which is Jesus Christ. Let us remember that it is Christ who is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes, [Romans 10:3-4]. Christ righteousness is the way to peace.

The way of peace they know not; and there is no justice in their goings; they have made them crooked paths; whosoever goeth in them shall not know peace.”

Isaiah 59:8

Is there justice in your path? Do you know the way to peace? We should remember the words of Christ himself.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 14:27

The world cannot give us peace, only God gives us peace when we have committed our life into His hands through prayer and supplications as is stated in Philippians chapter 4, in verses 4 through 7. We have the peace of God that passed all understanding because our hearts and minds are kept in Jesus Christ. The breastplate on a warrior’s armor protects the vital organs such as the heart and lungs from death. Our heart is shielded by God. In Psalms chapter 5 and in verse 12, it says that the Lord will bless the righteous with favor and will encompass him as with a shield. Let us remember also the words of James that the works and fruit of righteousness is always sown in peace.

The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

James 3:18

When we stand having the breastplate of righteousness, we stand in Christ because we have put on the Lord Jesus Christ and we do not make provision for the flesh to fulfill it, [see Romans 13:14]. The armor that we put on becomes the armor of light. It is the armor of His light that allows us to cast off the works of darkness, [see Romans 13:12]. May God give you knowledge and wisdom to the truth of his righteousness.

Reference: The Tree of Righteousness

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Armor of God, Truth

The Belt of Truth

Inge Schultz

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.”

Ephesians 6:14

The word truth has in recent years taken a beating in that everyone has their own truth to live by. Does it matter what truth you live by? That is the question of the day, however, so many people are being deceived that it becomes difficult to determine the validity of truth. The Greek word “Aletheia” for truth is the discloser of revealing something that is not hidden. That is, it is the reality of the revealed evidence of a situation. Nothing is hidden, and all things are revealed. Some people live in a fake reality, for they are not willing to see the real truth about something. They are deceived by fraud or counterfeit. When Covid-19 arrived in the world, many did not believe it was real. Today, the US has the largest amount of death for Coronavirus recorded at 1,012,833 by Johns Hopkins University and national public health agencies last July of 2022. When Covid arrived in the US, misinformation and unbelief ran rapid on social media sites that the reality of it set up the stage for deception. We have scientific proof that Covid is real, yet many choose to not believe it.

For a Christian anything that is not of Christ becomes a counterfeit. Denying who Jesus is means you are imitating something else. When you go to great length to imitate something authentic, with the intent to steal, destroy, or replace the original, you are defrauding. The truth for the Christian is the word of God, which is the Bible. Jesus prayed that those who are his disciples would be sanctified through the truth of the word [see John 17:17]. Jesus said also to the Jews who believed him, that if they continue in His word, that they are His disciples and “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” [John 8:32]. Jesus said to Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, the following;

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 14:6

I am the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the way and the truth. Do you believe that He is the truth? Our foundation is Jesus Christ who is the chief corner stone that has been laid to which all who believe are fitted into the frame of the building unto a holy temple of God, [see Ephesians 2:20-22]. We are one body in Christ being built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. We are living stones built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, [1Peter 2:5]. Praise God! We do not stand alone. We stand in Christ who is the way and the truth.

When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come.  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine and shall show it unto you.

John16:13-14

Everything points to Jesus Christ for He is the foundation in which we live. We have the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of truth to guide us into all truth. The Spirit of truth will always point to Christ and no one else. Any other spirit is of the antichrist. Knowing who Christ is gives the one who believes confidence. There is no doubt in the believer’s position. The apostle John affirms that no lie is of the truth.  “Who is a liar but he that denied that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denied the Father and the Son,” [1 John 2:22].

The armor of God begins with the foundation for truth where nothing is hidden.

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.  He that covered his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.”

Proverbs 28:12-13

One who has integrity is being honest. This means that they have a clear conscience before man and God. Have you renounced the hidden things of dishonesty? If you have not, then pray and confess it before God. Ask God to help you change into the image of Christ and forsake those actions that cause you to sin.

“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endured to all generations.”

Psalms 100:5

His mercy is everlasting, and His truth will endure to all generations. Praise His Holy Name. We are standing on a firm foundation. Have you heard of the hymn titled, “How Firm a Foundation?” Listen to this new rendition of this hymn and be blessed.

Remember always to Stand having your loins girt about with truth, which is Jesus Christ.

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Jealousy

Jealousy – The rage of a Man

Inge Schultz

For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore, he will not spare in the day of vengeance.”

Proverbs 6:34

Jealousy is highly divisive and cruel for it causes division. No matter how you may look at it, jealousy becomes the rage of a man, and he will not be paid off for the offense. Jealousy is associated with anger and becomes a flame of fire that is not easily distinguished. Yet today this flame of fire continues in the world. It burns both in man and women and has brought distrust and a lack of respect for each other. The opposite of jealousy is goodwill, trust, respect and confidence. These are what society wants yet falls short because of immorality. Just read what king Solomon said about jealousy.

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.”

Song of Solomon 8:6

There is no doubt that love is strong as death just think about the story of Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet may be one side of a story where the apostle Paul would have exclaimed, “But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.  And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband,” [1 Corinthians 7:9-10]. There is no shame in the bed of marriage. But there is great shame to a person’s soul when they come between a husband and wife. Adultery and fornication are the works of the flesh and those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God, [see Galatians 5:19-21]. Paul also warns that “he who commits fornication sins against his own body, [see 1 Corinthians 6:18]. The body is sacred for it is the temple of the Holy Spirit and those who are Christians have been bought with a price and are to glorify God in their body which belongs to God, [see 1 Corinthians 6:20]. Today we do not see the holiness of our body in the Lord, because it simply is not taught. To even think that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit is far beyond the conception of our minds. We must remember the promise of restoration how God will put a new heart and spirit in individual’s when they believe in his son Jesus Christ. The new life is in the image of Christ and Christ promised that the comforter would come which is the Holy Spirit, [see John 14:16-17]. We will not stand alone in our walk as a Christian, yet many have denied the Holy Spirit presence. Denying the Holy Spirit presence is denying God’s power to work in you. The question then becomes to whom do you present your body too?

Many have not distinguished between “carnal” which mean fleshly and what it means to be spiritual. We must remember that the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. It is the word of God that pierces and divides the soul and spirit. The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart of man. Is it any wonder that Jesus said, “if anyone even looks at a woman to lust after her hath already committed adultery with her in his heart, [see Matthew 5:28]. The lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh are a part of fornication and adultery. We should be so warned of this double-edged sword that would defile a man to the anger of jealousy. Needless to say, jealousy effects the emotional and physical well-being of an individual. Jealousy encompasses the history and values of people. Beware of social media when it comes to jealousy. Studyfinds.org had an article titled, “Study: Social Media Making People Anti-Social, Jealous” which stated ed that 42% were jealous when they saw a friend had more likes or comments than they did on a status update, ouch! Rage is also seen on social media when couples have separated. To think that jealousy can bring insecurity, anger, and fear is nothing to be toyed with when cruelty of the grave is associated with its outcome such as the Song of Solomon expressed. We should highly reconsider its affect upon us. Do not provoke anyone towards jealousy including the Lord God. The tribes of Isarel tempted and provoked God and did not keep his word. They made images to other Gods and angered God to jealousy.

To this day the gospel goes out to the Gentiles. Salvation has come unto the Gentiles, to provoke those who do not believe such as the early Jews, to jealous, [see Romans 11:11]. It is God desire that all be saved and be restored unto him. God does not enjoy witnessing the destruction of humanity. However, he gave us free will in choosing whom we will serve. It is faith that holds the key in whom we will believe, for faith comes by hearing the word of God. Will we consider God’s word about jealousy? What about the sanctity of the body? The quality of being holy is being washed and justified before God. God has established marriage from the beginning with Adam and Eve. It behooves us to read who will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Fornicators and adulterers are on the list and let us remember that jealousy is a real emotion and is the byproduct of those acts. This is sin where a person will consciously suffer eternally unless they repent. Paul later says that he will not be brought under the power of any deeds of unrighteousness in verse 12 of 1 Corinthians, why? Because we were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus and by the Spirit of God, [see 1 Corinthians 6:11]. Have you not seen the revelation of Jesus Christ? That Christ is the son of God who came and died for the sins of all humanity. In this was the love of God manifested through his son. He who has called us is holy so be ye holy for I am holy, [1 Peter 1:15-16]. Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin, [John 8:34]. We are the servants of God and not sin. Because we were bought with a price, we are no longer the servant of men, [1 Corinthians 7:23]. Our position is in Christ Jesus and not of this world. We do not live according to our former lusts, we now live in “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus who hath made us free from the law of sin and death, [Romans 8:2]. This is so wonderful, and it is by the grace of God that he gives us the freedom from the law of sin. This is the power of God, and we receive it by faith in Christ.

Even if a man is angered by jealousy, God will forgive when you forgive and repent. Even if you are not the person who committed the sin of adultery. Do not let the sun go down upon your anger. Give it to the Lord in prayer and make peace with God. If anyone can understand jealousy is the Lord God. God has called us to peace. I have seen the pain and anguish in my father when my mother left him and filed for divorce. We both were saved by the grace of God and God’s love helped us through the pain. When it comes to letting go and allowing God to move on our behalf, an individual can have peace with God. This is one reason why Paul stated in Romans 12 verse 18, “if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Avenge not yourselves for vengeance is mine saith the Lord, [see Romans 12:18-19]. We let them go and place them in the hands of God. We can still pray for them and hope they will eventually make the right choice to repent. Remember that your partner has a free will to choose whom they will believe in and how they will live. This may be the hardest thing to do by letting them go. It is better to obtain peace in any situation. Let us remember that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, [Galatians 5:22].  You can be assured that your conscience will be cleared when you repent and give it to the Lord in prayer. Because of jealousy there is much envying, strife, and divisions in relationships in the world we live in today. Be aware of it and do not fall into its bondage.

Later this morning my husband came in with today’s news from the “Seattle Times.” He said, “look what made the front-page news? Wow!

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Faith, Pride

Pride of Life

Inge Schultz

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:15-16

The pride of life to begin with is the self-will of an individual. Pride speaks to one’s own self-knowledge. It encompasses one’s goals, values, opinions, and beliefs. It is the individual’s identity. It is also what an individual is born into such as family, nation, and status. This is the world system that we live in. It is all of the “I will” of individuals who have desires and longings to be something or like someone else. One’s own self achievements and possessions. Did you know that humility is the opposite of pride? Humility is a modest view of one’s own importance. It does not Lord over its own importance over others. Whereas pride does because it is set on being number one in the world. Pride came into the world through Lucifer who decided to rebel against God and desired to exalt his own throne above God [see Isaiah 14:12-14]. Lucifer, who is Satan, said boldly, “I will be like the Most-High God,” in verse 14 of Isaiah chapter 14. Pride in man becomes a status symbol where the saying of “I am better than you,” takes over. Those with pride can bring violence where heated arguments turn into violent combat. Those who are unbelievers are under Satan’s control of the world principles of greed, selfishness, ambition, and pleasure. This is a force in the world where rivalries and ambitions are upheld over the welfare of people.

The snare of the devil is when man is tempted of his own desires wanting to be lifted up above others. The apostle Paul warned about new converts that if they be lifted up into a position in the church that pride could enter into their hearts and cause them to fall into the condemnation of the devil, [see 1Timothy 3:6]. Paul was referring to the choosing of the church Elders and Deacons. Anyone’s position should not become a status symbol of superiority. Paul tells us in regard to Christian service that “we are laborers together with God,” [1 Corinthians 3:9]. A Christian who walks in the Spirit is a child of God and is concerned for the wellbeing of other Christians as well as for those who are not Christians. When pride enters a man’s heart, God is not in his thoughts [see Psalms 10:4]. They have become self-centered in their ways, and it is always grievous. Just read Psalms chapter 10 and you will see how David describes those who are living in pride. How they are not moved within their heart and how their mouth is full of cursing, deceit and fraud. Those who are proud will oppress those who are under them such as the poor. We see the pain in the world of those who are oppressed today by leaders who are prideful and demanding. There is no devotion to the welfare of others.

Pride compasses them about like a chain; violence covered them like a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt and speak wickedly concerning oppression.

Psalms 73:6-8

Those with pride have lost their focus on God and see only what their heart desires. Even though they already have everything. This is why it is dangerous for Christians to only focus on obtaining wealth in the world. The apostle Paul stated that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” We cannot take our wealth with us when we die. Paul tells us in 1st Timothy chapter 6 that just having food and clothing we should be content. Listen to what else Paul says.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil, which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:9-10

It is not money itself that is evil, but what we do to get it becomes evil when you abuse someone to get it, or when you lie and cheat to get it at someone’s expense. The individual’s focus has changed and is no longer on God. Those who are rich placed themselves above others and tend to be abusive and controlling. They fall into hurtful lust which are passions, cravings, and indulgences. When Paul comments about those who love money have moved away from faith in God and pierced themselves through with many sorrows, we should think twice about what money represents. What value does it hold in our life is the question we should be asking. Because of their pride they have fallen into the condemnation of the devil [see 1Timothy 3:6]. Their conscience is no longer pure like it once was. A Christian is not to be prideful, but instead to be humble and practice godliness.

Only through Christ can we walk a holy and godly life. It is the Holy Spirit that changes our character into the image of Christ character where love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness, and self-control become our character and behavior. This is done through faith in Christ and not in self-effort [see Galatians 5:22-26]. We must allow the new life of Christ to be worked through us by the Holy Spirit. It must be worked through us by the power of God through the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us that we must follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness [see 1 Timothy 6:11]. Paul tells us to flee the things that would bring you back into bondage and turn from following the way of the world where the character of sin begins to take over in your mind and heart.

That is why Paul states in verse 12 of 1 Timothy chapter 6 to “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, unto which thou art also called and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. We must have a good profession of Christ before many witnesses. We must repent and be restored into Christ love once again if we have fallen from the faith we had in Christ. Remember that whatever is not of faith is sin. We fight with our own faith because the things of this world would draw us down a different path of many sorrows and pain. We must learn and know our own weaknesses and bring them to God in prayer and ask him for His strength for our weaknesses. We must believe in God and have faith to overcome all wickedness and evil. Read the chapter on faith in Hebrews chapter 11. This is our example of those who had faith. They were able to:

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.”

Hebrews 11:34

No matter what the situation, our life is in God’s hands, and we look forward to the resurrection of our bodies to eternal life. Jesus Christ has begotten us unto a lively hope by the resurrection of his body from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that faded not away, reserved in heaven for you. We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time [1 Peter 1 3-5]. Kept by the power of God through faith, and that is why it is so important to fight the good fight of faith and not to fall into the pride of life which is not of the Father God. We must hold onto our deliverance who is Christ Jesus. Remember the words of Jesus!

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.“

John 16:33

Praise God through Jesus Christ we are all overcomers if we believe.

Have you prayed today?

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Satan

The Prince of the Power of the Air

Inge Schultz

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”

Ephesians 2:2

It seems befitting to begin this New Year addressing who is the Prince of the Power of the Air? I am told that some do not even believe that Satan exists. This is no pun or childish play. Satan does exist and is the Prince of the Power of the Air. Satan was once the bright morning star who was an anointed angelic being. A created being by God but a fallen angel due to his own pride. He wanted to exalt himself above God. In Isaiah chapter 14 in verse 17, he is said to weaken the nations and who made the world like a wilderness. Satan today is known as the adversary for he disputes everything. Let us remember the story of Job in how he suffered but emerged into blessings and restoration. When the Lord God asked Satan, “from where did you come from?” Satan said, “from going backward and forward in the earth, and walking up and down in it,” [see Job 1:7]. Satan then asked the Lord, does Job really fear God for nothing? Here comes the argument about the hedge around Job and the blessings that Job had. The Lord released the power of what Job had into Satan’s hand except for Job’s very life itself he could not touch. This is an amazing story, and every Christian should read it. This story tells us that Satan moves upon the earth and has power to do things through the lives of people.

Today, we are witnessing a change in the world environment where it seems lawlessness is prevailing, and people are losing faith in humanity itself. Political upheaval is placing a division among its subjects as to how we will live in the coming years ahead. When I look at the world today, I wonder what is around the corner, for I remember in the late 60’s to the early 70’s how the youth were not satisfied with the current political world environment and protested which started the civil rights movement in America. The bottom line is the issue in how we treat each other as human beings. The treatment of each other brings about new laws that are supposed to address the issues that people are facing such as homelessness, having food and water, and a home to live in. These are the basic needs of every human being. Let us remember that certain governmental and city laws are changing the environment we live in therefore there is discontent and upheaval.

Social welfare and services are one of the biggest problems that every nation faces. I can remember Bill Clinton’s statement “this is the end of welfare as we know it.” Let us remember that welfare means the state of our well-being. Is well-being not the state of an individual health where basic needs is met such as food, clothing and shelter. Look at the policies within government to see if basic needs are being met among the people. You may be surprised at what you find. Social services such as food banks, and temporary housing are maxed out across the nation of America and also around the world. As Christians we should be concerned and pay attention to what is happening around the world and within our own cities. Remember what Paul said about praying for all who are in authority such as Kings, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life,” [see 1 Timothy 2:2]. It could be that we have entered into a new phase in human history where many are not optimistic about the future. It could be that we have entered into the beginning of sorrows as stated in Matthew 24:8.

And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers’ places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Matthew 24:6-8

We may question, “what is happening in the world today?” Is it not the question of why there is evil in the world. It is a question about the existence of Satan, the adversary? The Bible tells us of his existence and that his mission is to discredit every word of God. Some of the names given to him are devil, serpent, dragon, adversary, and Beelzebub. The apostle Peter gave us warning that the devil is our adversary who is seeking someone to devour, [see 1 Peter 5:8]. He is an invisible spirit that we cannot see, but we can witness his destruction in human lives. In recent news, I heard a reporter state that the reason why a man drove his vehicle through a store was because he heard voices and that Satan was going after him. Some may call this foolishness, but if the Bible states that the devil is a roaring lion who is walking about to find someone to devour, we may reconsider this as a real experience even if we do not see an entity. The Christian must know their position in Christ. A Christian must put on the whole armor of God in order to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, [see Ephesians 6:11]. Why would the apostle Paul state to put on the whole armor of God if the devil was not real. The battle that Christians are in is a spiritual battle. The one word I kept hearing as I was praying at the beginning of this New Year was “spiritual warfare.” In the bible there is a clear distinction between those who are children of God and children of the devil. Each individual is given a choice in what they will believe. This personal choice will choose the path of each individuals life.

The children of disobedience are those who do not believe in Christ, and they may see themselves as above others. These are those who are egotistical and prideful in their behavior. Sin is overstepping the law, the boundary between good and evil. God’s “law is holy, and his commandments are holy, and just, and good,” [Romans 7:12]. “The law is not made for a righteous man but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners,” states Paul in 1st Timothy 1:9. Therefore, we have those who are ungodly in the world who are rebellious and give false testimony about themselves and others. We are witnessing this right now in the political arena around the world. Let us listen to the words of apostle John in the following scripture.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.

1 John 3:7-10

The apostle John is giving a clear distinction between those who are children of God and those who are not. Satan is the prince of the power of the air because He is the God of this world systems. Consider one of the temptations of Jesus when the devil took him up high in the mountain to show Jesus the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them. And the devil said, “all these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me,” [Matthew 4:8-9]. Wow! Does the devil have the power to give such things? Think carefully before answering the question. The apostle Paul also stated in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that the god of this world has blinded the minds of them who believe not. The bottom line is what do you believe? How are you walking in this world? What is your direction in this world? These questions will establish if your faith is standing in the wisdom of men or in the in the power of God. Pray for discernment and that your eyes may be opened to the truth. The world is Satan’s battlefield, where do you stand? Remember that we all have a free will to choose what we believe and to whom we follow. Those who are Christians once walked the path of this world, but they have seen the light and are now children of the light and of darkness. Our hope is in the Lord Jesus who bought us with His shed blood. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit, [see Romans 15:13]. We must remember that man has three parts to his makeup, a physical body, a soul, and a spirit.

Pride equals self-will. Only with pride comes heated arguments. Those who are oppressed will cry out, but no one will ask where is God my maker? “There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men,” [Job 35:12].

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