Author Archives: Inge Schultz

About 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 and to share it with others to enhance the quality of life.

Love Not The World

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“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.”

1 John 2:15

Love not the world nor the things that is in the world, yet that is exactly what we do. If we love the world, then the love of the Father is not in us. Some are taken aback by this reading in the word of God, and mostly we just ignore it and its meaning. Some would say if God created the world why should we not love it. We should not love it, for Satan as the prince of the air, is using it for his own purpose. The fall of Adam has corrupted man’s mind to turn away from God. There is a certain amount of chaos in the world and people are fighting against themselves to defeat certain circumstances. However, the first thing I thought about was vanities. The pursuit of happiness such as in purchasing items is short lived. Being vain in who you are is having excessive pride in yourself and your appearance. Just thing about the obsession in plastic surgery that many people partake in just to make themselves look good. Today, it has become an addiction that has been named “Body Dysmorphic Disorder.” This is no joke, for surgeons are now to screen patients for this disorder before operating. We have gone so far as to label what is acceptable in looks and appearances. Is there any wisdom in changing one’s appearances? Was it necessary? Maybe we should take another look at the definition of the word vanity. I found this definition on the internet from learn2pronounce.com.

Want of substance to satisfy desire. What desire are you trying to satisfy today? That is a question we must ask ourselves daily. What was the apostle John trying to convey in chapter two of the First Epistle of John. Let’s look at verse 16, where John states that “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 this world.”

The lust of the flesh consists of envy, jealousy, hatred, drunkenness, idolatry, sorcery, heresies, strife, and fornications to name a few [see Galatians 5:19-21]. The lust of the eyes is what you see with your own eyes such as the appearances of your body and material possessions. The pride of life is being boastful about who you are and your accomplishments. Anything that consumes you is in reality taking you away from God and is moving you out of the love of God. Any kind of vanity is in itself emptiness, for it is short term and not lasting. Only God’s love is eternal and long lasting. That is why the apostle John states in the following verse:

And the world passeth away, and the lust of it; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

1 John 2:17

The will of God is for Christians to be led by the Holy Spirit and to walk in the Spirit. Our sanctification is through the Holy Spirit and not in the flesh or the works of the flesh. As Christians we struggle against two natures, the Adamic nature, and the divine nature. The struggle continues when it comes to not living in the flesh and trying to live in the Spirit. The flesh lusted against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to each other [see Galatians 5:17]. We just cannot achieve the goal of living in the Spirit of God. The point is, if we try in our own strength, it is impossible. It must be done only in faith through Christ Jesus. It must become the work of God and not us. This is where we allow God to work in us through what Christ has done on the cross. Without God in our life, there will be an emptiness, or a voidness as if something is missing. Your soul is sitting in darkness and there is no light. We need God’s light of love to be in our heart in order to see more clearly our state and the state of other human beings. It is the crisis we see in our world that is spiraling down to nothingness. The Chinese missionary Watchman Nee wrote about the same subject and you can download his book titled “Love not the World.”

Watchman Nee defines the world as this age and rightly so for it speaks to a world system in the age we are living in at this very moment. How Satan, who is the prince of air, uses this world to organize his rule among mankind in the principles of force, greed, selfishness, and ambitions. Control over man’s desires to force certain conditions upon humanity as a political rule or agendas. Even good missionary work that was spiritual can soon be driven into the world’s focus rather than God’s focus by becoming part of the world’s system. I have personally witnessed this change in Christian organizations. Saint Teresa of Calcutta, spoke about the change in her own ministry when it was changed into an institution/organization. She dropped the organization and went back to doing what God called her to do and that was to care for the sick and poor. As a child of God, we should consider carefully what we are partnering ourselves with when it comes to organizations.

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is VANITY.”

Ecclesiastes 12:8

Let us read on to the next verse in Ecclesiastes chapter 12, verse 9, where Soloman states, “and moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out and set in order many proverbs.” Preacher, teach us the words of the Lord and how we should live. Read on and you will be surprised to read about the making of many books and how it can become the weariness of the flesh in studying. What was the conclusion? It was to fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man [see Ecclesiastes 12:12-13]. The vanity of worldly things counts as nothing in life, but the commandments of God and believing in faith in the son of God brings the fulfillment of life. It is by grace that we are saved through faith, and not by any individual’s personal work. Faith in Christ Jesus alone, for this is the gift of God [see Ephesians 2:8-9].

The world passeth away, and the lust of it; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

1 John 2:17

Consider your position in your own life, and examine if it is profitable, or just a vain pursuit. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, instead follow Christ and have the love of God within your heart, for this is everlasting and it is profitable.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

Who did sin, this man or his parents?

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And his disciples asked, saying Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

John 9:2

Wow! What a question the disciples asked Jesus. Who did sin? It is so easy to point the finger, but Jesus said, “neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him,” [see John 9:3]. It is the works of God made manifest in the blind man and not sin. How amazing is that? This blind man was told by Jesus to go and wash in the pool of Siloam after Jesus anointed the eyes with clay. The blind man did as Jesus said and he went to the pool washed and received his sight. Earlier this year the Antiquities Authority has been working on the completion of the excavation of the Pool of Siloam. The Pool of Siloam will be soon open to the public to visit exclaimed the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA). Just look at the picture below of the Pool of Siloam in November 2020.

Pool of Siloam in November 2020. (credit: Dudu Vaaknin, City of David Archive).

The significance of the Pool of Siloam in Hebrew is the word “Shiloah” which means to be send forth. Also, it is said that the Pool of Siloam was used by the temple priest to perform a cleansing ceremony as seen in Numbers chapter 19. A red Heifer without spot or blemish was used for the cleansing of the believer from the contamination of the world. Thus, we have the example of Jesus himself later through his own blood having obtained our redemption. Sanctifying to the purifying of the flesh [see Hebrews 9:13].

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”

Hebrews 9:14

This blind man did not ask to be healed, yet through the compassion of Jesus he was healed. The blind man now could see, and many asked him how this happened. The Pharisees wanted to go after the man Jesus for healing on the sabbath day. The Jews would not believe that he was blind and asked his parents if this was true. The parents told the Jews that the blind man who could now see was their son, but they know not who opened his eyes to see. The parents feared the Jews for the Jews had already agreed that if any man confess Christ, they would be put out of the synagogue [see John 9:21-22]. Put out of the synagogue would mean they would be shunned or banished by everyone. Banishment from a group is a painful experience and carries the pain of suffering, yet Jesus is the true Shepherd and cares for those who belong to him.

What was the real truth why Jesus healed the blind man? Let’s look to verse 39 of John chapter nine.

For judgement I am come into this world, that they who see not, might see; and that they who see, might be made blind.”

John 9:39

Jesus came into this world for judgement in regard to who would believe in him. It is those who believe not that are condemned already, [see John 3:18]. Thus, if you are blind, you have no sin because you do not see the physical evidence within in your own environment. To see is to know the difference between right and wrong. Once you see lawlessness, your self-will enters into the picture of the act of violation against yourself and others. This is because of the original sin with Satan that entered the world through Adam. The apostle Paul stated, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so, death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned,” [Romans 5:12]. I call this the “catch-22” because it seems that it is a paradoxical statement. The truth about how sin entered the world can be still debated today. Yet, God provided a way out of the dilemma of sin for man through his son Jesus. Jesus is the word that was made flesh and that dwelt among those who saw and witnessed him. It was Jesus who stated that “he that hath seen him hath seen the Father God,” [see John 14:9].

Even today, some do not believe that Jesus and the Father God are one. Look at verse 10 of John chapter 14, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself; but the father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” But the Father that dwells within Jesus is doing the work. It is the work of God to heal and cleanse us from all sin. It is the work of God made manifest in the blind man. This is the glory of God through the son of God that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, [see John 11:25]. Do you believe this?

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

John 17:17

Those who believe are sanctified by the truth in the word of God. In first John chapter two, verse 5, states, “whosoever keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; by this know we that we are in him.” Is the love of God perfected in you? That is a question we each should ask ourselves. Is the light of God shining in our own heart? Can we testify how we were healed by God like the blind man? The blind man did what Jesus told him and he went to the pool of Siloam to wash, and he was healed by the words of Jesus. Healed by Jesus and sent forth to testify was the blind man. All for the glory of God. Oh! If only we would believe and see God manifest himself in our own life. Read the whole chapter nine of the Gospel of John. How many times did the blind man testify about the healing of his sight that he exclaimed, “why here is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from where he is, and yet he hath open mine eyes,” [see John 9:30].

The blind man spoke the truth about his healing from God, and he did not know whether he was a sinner or not. The Jews cast him out of the synagogue saying that he was born in sin and mocked him about teaching them about God. Oh, looked what happened next. Jesus found out that the blind man who now sees was cast out and found him and asked him “do you believe on the Son of God?” The blind man that now sees asked, “who is he.” Jesus told him he hath seen him and it was he that spoke with him. The blind man that now sees said, “I believe.” Let us believe in the Son of God like the blind man who now sees. Pray that you do not become blind like the scribes and pharisees who remained in their sin, rather than believing in the Son of God. We must believe in order to see the miracle of God in our own life. It is never too late to ask God to manifest himself in our own life. Ask, believe, and receive a miracle today.

Who is the Head of Man?

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But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ.”

1 Corinthians 11:3

One of the biggest questions that many Christians have is, should a women become pastors? Heated debates and discussions regarding this topic are still going on today. But the real question we should be asking is “Who is the head of man?” Why? Because this speaks of the authority and order that God has established. A hierarchical system or organization is the order of positions. The apostle Paul told the church at Corinth “let all things be done decently and in order,” [see 1 Corinthians 14:40]. We should have the peace of God which passes all understanding if we keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, [see Philippians 4:7]. In early Christianity there were women that worked with the apostle Paul and even held services in their homes. Two women named Euodia and Syntyche in Philippi were at odds with each other, but the apostle Paul exhorts them to be of the same mind in the Lord. [see Philippians 4:2]. The importance to be of the same mind in the Lord is to be one in the spirit. Paul states to help those women who labored with him in the gospel. Furthermore, Paul states they are fellow workers, and their names are in the book of life. [see Philippians 4:3]. Women do have an important role in sharing the gospel.

We must remember that the apostle Paul mentions Phoebe, a sister and servant of the church at Cenchreae [see Romans 16:1]. Phoebe had a leadership role as a deaconess at the church of Cenchreae and Paul recommended her as worthy of confidence as to receive her as saints in the Lord. She was a helper to many people and provided aid to those in need. Woman who are trained in the word [the Bible] are used for the glory of God in going forth and sharing the Gospel of Christ. These women worked together with Paul in sharing the gospel. All things are put under the feet of Jesus, and he is the head over all things in the church [see Ephesians 1:22].

Paul makes it clear who is the head of the church, and he also makes it clear who is the head of man and woman. If there is any question, look at what Paul told the church at Corinth.

“But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”

1 Corinthians 11:3

God is not the author of confusion but of peace [see 1 Corinthians 14:33]. We must remember that women were separated from the men within the synagogue in the early church. During a service the woman were at times loud in the balcony talking and this disrupted the service. They were commanded under the obedience of the law of Moses because they were supposed to be taught by their husbands at home. If they did not understand the meaning of what was being taught in the synagogue, they were to ask their husbands at home. Man had the role of teaching their wives at home what the will of God is and what it means in their own life. Today, sharing and reading the bible is open to everyone. Women teach their children the stories of the bible. Husbands should take on the role of leadership within the home by loving their wives as the Lord loves the church. Having a leadership role means to lead in love and understanding. This means caring enough to know what is important to your wife and child by helping them to grow in the love of the Lord.

 Those who are pastors are in Gods eye shepherds who feed the flock. They will have a greater judgement for how they feed their flock in the church. I have witnessed the scattering of the flock in churches, and this has saddened me. If you do not have compassion like Jesus, you should not be a pastor. A pastor must understand his own weaknesses and the importance of being merciful, forgiving, and loving. This is the key to becoming more like Christ. God does not want pastors to be merciless, or greedy. Just look at the following two verses in the bible.

For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore, they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.”

Jeremiah 10:21

“Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand they all look to their own way, everyone for his gain, from his quarter.”

Isaiah 56:11

We must be aware of the greedy dogs who go their own way instead of the way of Christ. There are too many inexperienced people in ministries. The apostle Paul warns about this in 1st Timothy chapter three about what the qualifications of Bishops, Elders and Deasons should be. Let us remember that Christ being the head of the church has put all things under his feet. Christ is the good shepherd who has given his life for the sheep [see John 10:11].

Have you heard of the story of Mary Jane Featherstone, known as Polly? Polly was drawn towards a Salvation Army meeting when she heard the sounds of trumpets and drums marching down the streets of Bradford, England to a theater. She went into the theater to listened to a woman evangelist name Gipsy Tillie Smith. Polly gave her heart to Christ. She later married Smith Wigglesworth. Polly had a reputation as a winner of souls. She was encouraged to continue in evangelistic services. She taught Smith Wigglesworth to read. One day she told Wigglesworth to preach at a service. It happened one day that the spirit of the Lord took over Wigglesworth voice and he was able to speak without stuttering. Wigglesworth had a speech disorder, and God healed him of this disorder. I share this story just to show that God will use anyone including a woman to share and preach the gospel of Christ in order to save souls from the power of Satan.

There are occasions where God uses Woman in evangelistic work, and this is done by a faithful servant of the Lord as shown in second Timothy chapter 4. Polly Wigglesworth is an example of a faithful servant of the Lord. Polly did not self-appoint herself to this position but was chosen for this task. We must not use any kind of authority by force in regard to positions held in the body of Christ. The walk and service of a believer is to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, [see Ephesians 4:3]. Who has the preeminence over all things? Is it not Christ who has the preeminence?

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Colossians 1:18

Yes, Christ is the head of the body, the church, for he arose from the dead in order to bring us back to God. This is the mystery of God, and it is all in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Pray for the Harvest

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The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye, therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would sent forth laborers into his harvest.

Luke 10:2

Pray for the harvest, said Jesus. Why would we have to pray for the laborers to be sent forth? Jesus states we pray because there are few laborers. Why would there be few laborers? I always wondered about the reality of the truth in what Jesus was saying not only to the disciples, but the seventy who went out into the harvest field. These appointed seventy whom the Lord choose went out two by two together and not by themselves into the cities. Jesus told them to heal the sick and say, “the kingdom of God is near unto you,” [see Luke 10:9]. Is the kingdom of God near you?

Let’s step back and look closely at what it means to pray for the laborers into his harvest. Notice first of all, it is the Lord’s harvest and not our own. Why? Because the foundation is Jesus according to the grace, we each are given by God. Everything is done by faith in Jesus Christ. The kingdom of God is near you because he sent his only Son to be our sacrifice for sins. We must believe that what is said is the truth. It begins with witnessing the works of God. I can testify because I have seen this in action not only in my own life but in the life of others. It begins with a willingness to surrender our lives to the Lord and being able to converse with the Lord through prayer. To commune with the Lord and the father in fellowship.

It is the cry of Andrew Murry who was a missionary sent to South Africa that all Christians would understand the importance of prayer for communion in the spirit with God. To seek every day the calling for prayer and have that closeness in the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. Read pastor Murry’s book titled, “With Christ on the School of Prayer,” lesson nine where Murry states, “they must cry to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers.” That is to pray with strong emotion and believe that it will be done. You can download a PDF of his book here With Christ on the School of Prayer. There is no form or showmanship when it comes to God’s work in the harvest field. God will work in churches where prayer and the Holy Spirit have free reign in a believer’s life. There is no competition among different denominations, and rightly so, because we are all laborers together with God.

For we are laborers together with God; ye are God’s cultivated field, ye are God’s building.”

1 Corinthians 3:9

There is no sectarianism when it comes to the work of the Lord. There should be no excessive attachment to a denomination or political party within the church as we are seeing today, for this takes our focus away from Christ. As the apostle Paul told the Corinthians, so does paster Murry state that every believer is a laborer for Christ. We are God’s cultivated field. How amazing is that? To think that you are being cultivated by the Holy Spirit to do good works for the Lord. Many Christians know not that they are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God is dwelling within them. [see 1 Corinthians 3:16]. We carry with us the promised Holy Spirit who is our comforter. As Christians we are never alone. Prayer is essential in that it invokes God to action. Let’s remember the words of Jesus himself who said, “my food is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” [see John 4:34]. Whose work are we finishing? Are we doing the will of the Father?

We should think about God’s glory and not our own. We pray because of the great need we see in the world and in our own individual lives. We pray to receive divine intervention and to see the glory of the Lord. We pray for conformation of the word of God with signs and wonders to take place. We pray for God’s witness in our very being in that we belong to Christ and now bear his image. This is full surrender to the Lord.

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will.”

Hebrews 2:4

According to his own will, that is God’s will for your own life. The Holy Spirit will bring conviction into our lives as to where we stand in the specific moment of our life. We must be willing and be open to hear and listen to the word spoken in the Bible. Every Christian has a part in the Lord’s harvest. Just look at what Jesus said in the Gospel of John.

 Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.  And he that reapeth receiveth wages and gathered fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

John 4:35-36

Let us rejoice together for the sower and reaper. We are all laborers together with God in Christ Jesus. Have you heard the hymn by Knowles Shaw titled, “Bringing in the Sheaves?”

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Refrain:
Bringing in the sheaves,
Bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves;
Bringing in the sheaves,
Bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Let us sow seeds of kindness, love, and peace, sowing for the Master. Let us pray and believe for the laborers.

Sanctification by Faith

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But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.”

2 Thessalonians 2:13

What about Sanctification? Sanctification is a word that is not often spoke about, yet it is one of the most important aspects of a Christians position in Christ.  A. B. Simpson, founder of Christian Missionary Alliance spoke of the “Fourfold Gospel,” which is Jesus Christ as the Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. Have you ever thought about Jesus as your sanctification? The Greek word for sanctification is “hagiasmos,” which means separation, or setting apart. Did you know that this is “the will of God, even your sanctification?” [see 1 Thessalonians 4:3]. As a young adult, I learned about the importance of being set apart for a special purpose. I did not know what that special purpose was at that time, but I did know that I was saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. That Christ was my savior who rescued and delivered me from danger and destruction. The power of God literally saved me from death more than once in my life.

The apostle Paul was thanking God for those who were at Thessalonica. God had chosen them to receive salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. They accepted the truth about Jesus Christ that he came in the flesh, died, and arose from the cross. Christ death on the cross and resurrection has freed us from sin. This brought reconciliation to God and the purification through the Holy Spirit. The process of being made holy and pure is what sanctification is all about. It is God’s will for each Christian to continue in the process of sanctification. This process is done through faith in Christ, and it is worked through the Holy Spirit. The aspect of sanctification is vital to every believer in Christ in that it establishes our position with God. It is why Peter stated, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” [see 1 Peter 1:16]. To sanctify is to be made Holy. It is hard for us to believe that we can be holy. Holy in our actions and in our conversations. Just look at the apostle Paul’s life. Paul a Pharisees was persecuting Christians in Rome. Listen to what Paul said about what he done.

“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God and wasted it.”

Galatians 1:13

Noticed how Paul did not deny what he had done in the past. He had persecuted the church of God and wasted it. A voice from heaven asked Paul the question, “Why do you persecute me?” “I am Jesus whom you persecute.” [see Acts 26:14-15]. Just think about it if you persecute a brother or sister in the Lord, you are persecuting Jesus. It was Jesus who revealed this to the apostle Paul. It is clear that God had chosen Paul for a specific purpose and that purpose was to make him a minister and a witness of the truth about Jesus, [see verse 16 of Acts chapter 26]. Oh! What a witness Paul was to the early church and look at verse 18 in chapter 26 of Acts.

“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

Acts 26:18

Open our eyes and turn us from darkness to light, oh Lord, from the power of Satan to God. That we may receive the forgiveness of sins. Take note of the end of the verse that states, “sanctified by faith that is in me [Jesus].” These are the words of Jesus Christ. We are all sanctified by faith in Christ Jesus. Why, because Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, [see Hebrews 12:2]. Our faith is in Jesus who is the object of our faith. Sanctification takes on two essential points. The first point is the objective which is in the person and the finished work of Jesus. The second point is the subjective which brings provision by the working of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the agent in the process of sanctification. God has called us to holiness which means the state of being holy. Are you continuing to be in the state of holiness? Can you see how the apostle Paul’s life was changed from hostility and ill-treatment of Christians to loving them in Christ Jesus.

Every Christian should be changed in their actions and characteristic from hatred, rage, hostility, and anger to the characteristics of Christ, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, and temperance.  As Christians we continue to be sanctified through the word of God. Jesus prayed to the father for those who believed that they would be sanctified through God’s truth. [see John 17:17].  We must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, [see Hebrews 11:6]. The body of believers in the church is subject unto Christ. We are now under the control of Christ through the Holy spirit and not under the power of Satan. We yield ourselves to God the Father because Christ has reconciled us unto God.

“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.”

Ephesians 1:4

It may be hard to understand that God has chosen us before the foundation of the world and that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. We all should have similar experiences on how we have been changed in our actions to the characteristic of Christ. Sanctification is a process that is worked out daily in our Christian walk because it is by faith, and that is how we are set apart unto God. If we purge ourselves daily of unwanted actions and or feelings, we will be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and ready for the master’s use and prepared to do every good work, [see 2 Timothy 2:21]. This reminds me of a song written by A.A. Whiddington and Albert B Simpson titled, “Not I, But Christ.”

  1. Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted.
    Not I, but Christ, be seen, be known, be heard.
    Not I, but Christ, in every look and action.
    Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.
    • Refrain:
      Saved from my sin and myself, dear Lord,
      Saved to be filled with Thee.
      Self-crucified, so now not I,
      But Christ, that lives in me.

Remember it is not I, but Christ in every thought and word.

Live Peaceably with all Men

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Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 12:17-18

Is it possible to live peaceably with all men? The answer is yes, but at times it takes effort on everyone involved to keep that peace. An agreement must be made for peace to be sustained. During the 60’s the peace symbol was displayed against the war in Vietnam. It is still used today to speak against violence. For a Christian, honesty and integrity go hand in hand because of the light of Jesus shining within their hearts. The apostle Paul learned from the Gospel of Jesus the true meaning of love and living in peace with all men. He wrote about it in the book of Romans. As Christians we may forget that we were called out of darkness and brought into His marvelous light [see 1 Peter 2:9]. It is by faith that Christians walk in the Spirit of Christ and not in the flesh of mere man. When Christians walk in the Spirit there will be no jealousy, strife, envy, or hatred, for these things are dead through the cross of Christ. However, at times it may flare up again in a Christian’s life, but we must realize that this was part of the old nature of man. That is why the apostle Paul stated to the Colossians that they ” have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him,” [see Colossians 3:10], which is Christ Jesus. We pray that anger, jealousy, strife, envy, and hatred to die in our being so that the Spirit of Christ may rule instead.

To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

For a Christian, the desire is to live a life in peace, and not be waging war, or have hatred against another human being. Carnally minded is physical and emotional desires that flare up in our life. In a Christian’s life the old nature is put to death to continue living in the new life of Jesus. Paul states to “mortify the deeds of the body,” [see Romans 8:13]. The Greek word for mortify means to put to death. Any negative action that is contrary to love, joy, and peace must be put to death in order for the new nature to come through. The new nature is the Spirit of Christ that now reigns in a believer’s life. The believer’s mind should be on spiritual things and not on strife, jealousy, and vengeance. In fact, if we read pass Romans chapter 12:8 to verse 19, it states that” vengeance is the Lord’s.” We put to death the things of the flesh by taking up the Cross of Christ, which is the power of God.

It is through Christ that we are victorious. The power of God comes from the cross of Christ. The resurrection power is what we need in our life. There is nothing that we have done within our-self to bring victory for overcoming negative characteristics. We put on the Lord Jesus Christ because victory is at the cross where all sins are forgiven, and bondage broken because of the sacrifice of Christ to bring deliverance of the old nature of man. We do not overcome evil by doing evil [such as to get even], but we overcome evil by doing good [see Romans 12:21]. We go back to the place of presenting our body to the Lord, for this is sanctification, to know the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and to be obedient in allowing His will to reveal the truth of who we are in Christ. We yield our life to God for the working of Christ’s character to come forth in love and peace. This is surrendering to God by repenting in order that we might live the life of peace.

This is the Spirit of adoption whereby we can come to God through prayer because we have been grafted into the vine. That vine is Jesus. Our focus is on Jesus and doing good works.

These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Titus 3:8

Maintain good works – Have you maintained good works? Paul tells us in Titus 3:8 that if we believe in God, we are to maintain good works, for it is profitable unto men. We should be mindful of our everyday actions as to not allow another person to stumble. Many times, we do not fully know or understand those who live around us. We are so consumed about our own needs that we forget those around us. This happens a lot in families. Sometimes mom and dad work so hard to keep the family going that it becomes overwhelming, and children may be neglected. Take time to have a break and refocus. Think it through and ask God to help you through whatever you are struggling with. Talk to those in the family to solicit help. The stress is less when we refocus our everyday actions to perform a good deed. It brings a smile upon someone’s face. It also allows a moment of happiness when we have satisfied a basic human need. Take time to refocus and help someone out today and let the peace of God rule your heart.  Ask for forgiveness of the person you have been upset with. Ask in prayer for God’s spirit to intervene upon the situation to bring peace to all involved.  These are simple steps to take and grow daily in His love. With Christ in our heart, we will learn to live in peace with all men.

What Defiles a Man

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Hear, and understand; Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Matthew 15:10-11

Do you find yourself speaking before thinking? Does your mouth get you into trouble? Have you had a social blunder by what you said? Have you heard the expression, “you have put your foot into your mouth?” Everyone has put their own foot into their mouth at some point in time. Everyone has said some embarrassing comment or tactless statement. It’s human nature they say or is it the heart of humanity that reveals what is in the heart. In the heat of the moment, we speak out what is on our mind. Feelings bubble up to explode the violence we feel inside of our heart. It is interesting to note that the diagnosis of the heart of man is what proceeds out of the mouth of man. Jesus states that what a man says, is what defiles him. We do not want to admit that what comes out of our mouth can defile us. It is so easy to say something that you should not have said, even if it is the truth.

I grew up in a home where children are seen and not heard. In the presence of adult’s children are to be quiet. I find that this excludes them from the family rather than encouraging them to engage in a conversation. Children can learn all about Speech Etiquette to be polite and respectful during a conversation. Today, it may seem like we have lost the importance of speech etiquette.  The set of norms of personal behavior in the United States Congress seems to have taken on a tone of more aggression to achieve a pursuit of specific aims and interests. This still is the political arena, and it stipulates the freedom of speech.

The underlying question is are you being heard? If you are detached from a group of people, you are not engaged in conversation. It is like what the songwriter Paul Simon said in the song “think too much.”

They say that the left side of the brain
Controls the right
They say that the right side
Has to work hard all night
Maybe I think too much for my own good
Some people say so
Other people say no no
The fact is you don’t think
As much as you could
Hmmm…

Are you a little confused? Do we lack feelings of kindness and compassion? As we have entered the world of electronics and machinery along with artificial intelligence, we may be losing the relevance of humanity. Now, I may be getting off of the subject, but we should be thinking about what we say and how we say it and learn where our heart really stands in a situation. There are times we just don’t want to think about it, even if it is staring right before our face. The key is moderation in our behavior and actions.

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

Philippians 4:5

“The Lord is at hand.” therefore; “let your moderation be known unto all men.” Gentleness and forbearance in our actions will bring peace instead of strife. Just as a “soft answer turneth away wrath,” [see Proverbs 15:1]. Those things which man speak, come from the heart, and this is what defiles a man. This is the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter 15, and Jesus goes on to say.

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

Matthew 15:19

Jesus makes it clear what defiles a man. It is evil thoughts. The apostle Paul told the church in 1st. Timothy that the “end commandment is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience,” [see 1 Timothy 1:5]. In verse 8 of 1st Timothy chapter one, Paul states, “But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully.” If a man uses it lawfully, meaning the customs of the land, or conformity to current laws of a country is to be recognized. For a Christian, this means to walk in love with having our conduct in moderation and putting on the Lord Jesus Christ daily. There are no extremes in the actions and behavior of a Christian. The apostle Paul talks about the law of love in Romans chapter 13, when he said, “let us walk in honesty,” and to also “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts,” [see Romans 13:14].

We put on the garments of Christ because we were baptized into Christ death. We are free in Christ and are no longer in the bondage of sin. As a child of God, we rebuke evil thoughts and put on the love of Christ where peace rules in our actions. We have been grafted into the vine of Christ and therefore we take on the characteristics of Christ. We are dead to the law of sin that we might live in Christ.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

Understanding that we are crucified with Christ in order to have Christ live within us. The life we now live is by faith in the Son of God who will perfect us unto good works. If we are crucified with Christ, we were made righteous because of Christ. In Proverbs 10, verse 11, it states that “the mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covered the mouth of the wicked.” A well of life are words that bring rivers of living waters unto eternal life. This is what blesses the soul of man. The word of reconciliation is what Christ has done for all humanity. We are a new creation in Christ and whatever we were before Christ has passed away, [see 2 Corinthians 5:17].

Let not our hearts defile us any longer. If we spoke out of line, let us ask for forgiveness. There is always forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that we can be reconciled to God. He can change our heart to the heart of Christ where we will not be defiled.

A Desolate Heart

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My spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.”

Psalms 143:4

Are you feeling deprived, lonely and desolate? Are you overwhelmed with feelings of loneliness and isolation? If you are, then you are not alone. In the news this last week the headlines stated that an epidemic of loneliness is plaguing Americans. According to USA TODAY,  the Surgeon General Vivek Murthy stated, “we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.” It was claimed that for decades the occurrence of loneliness has been a rising risk for general well-being and health. It was reported by Statista Research Department that 33 percent of adults experienced feelings of loneliness worldwide. They listed that Brazil had the highest percentage of people who are experiencing loneliness.

In America, it was listed that those who live alone, unemployed, and disabled are among those who most likely have experienced conditions of loneliness. A lonely heart is a heart of isolation. The feeling of loneliness can feel like no one cares about you as a vital productive human being. Have we lost general empathy for each other? Do you listen to what others have to say? So many people are multitasking that they do not have time to just listen to their own friends or colleagues at work. At some point in time the brain can shut down to where you can only concentrate on one thing at a time. I have noticed this myself while I sit down to have a conversation with someone and that individual stops talking to me and is only texting away on their iPhone. The conversation is cutoff by someone else texting the individual that you are talking to. This is an interruption and it used to be considered rude, but now we are having to consider it a normal behavior within society.

As Christians we should not have this kind of behavior. We should be empathic with each other and sharing each other’s burdens. We should also be able to bring our burdens to the Lord. If there was one person in the Bible that experienced isolation it was King David. Listen to the words he wrote in Psalms.

Turn thee unto me and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.”

Psalms 25:16

I am desolate and afflicted. I am lonely and suffering states David. David had to run and hide from his enemies. His enemies were those at Sauls’ court, surrounding Philistines, Ammonites, and other kingdoms. David in Psalms 109 cries out for judgment against those who are persecuting him. These are those who have a lying tongue and words of hatred. These are those whose reward is evil instead of good. These are those who are extortioners and those who are wanderers and beggars. These are reasons to become desolate within society. Sickness and disabilities are also reasons to become desolate within society. God said that it is not good that the man should be alone, therefore, he created woman to be a helpmate. We need each other’s help when it comes to sickness, disabilities, and anxieties that have entered into our life. Whatever happens in our life, God is our help in times of trouble.

We must remember that in God’s eyes, He sees us as precious through His son Jesus Christ. He is our help when we are lonely and anxious.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

Psalms 55:22

If you are lonely then do what King David did. Pray and ask God to have mercy upon you. Ask God to send someone to help you. “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us,” [Psalms 62:8]. We must trust the Lord at all times even if we are lonely. He knows you and is acquainted with all your ways. [see Psalms 139]. His mercy endures forever. Ask and cry out to him to intervein on your behalf. Ask him to change your feelings of loneliness to feelings of peace, joy, and love.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalms 46:1

We can all experience help in our troubles by casting our burdens upon the Lord. He will sustain you for He is our refuge and strength. Ask God for the comforter the Holy Spirit to comfort and help you in your walk and journey here on the earth. Put God first in your life and begin to see His blessings upon your life. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ,” [Galatians 6:2]. The law of Christ is the law of love. In the gospel of John in chapter 13, verse 34, Jesus said, “a new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” “Love worketh no ill to its neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law,” [Romans 13:10]. A lack of empathy is a lack of love. Put down your iPhone and turn off push notifications. Spend less time on emails and social media to allow your body and mind to relax and regenerate yourself. Take time to read the word, and worship daily along with releasing your burdens to the Lord. A lack of compassion brings judgmental attitudes. Ask God to change your attitudes to the love of Christ. Find out the reason for your loneliness and begin to reach out to your own neighbor. Even having a pet can help you out of your loneliness. Have you ever asked God for a pet? I have, and God supplied. Yes, God helped us find a pet online. Sight unseen, we rescued a dog from Texas. Yes, God cares for you.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7

Abound in Love

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And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.”

1 Thessalonians 3:12

Abound in love, one toward another the apostle Paul tells the Thessalonians. Thessalonica also known as Salonica is the second largest city in northern Greece. Religion in Greece today was influenced by the apostles like Paul and Timothy who had visited Thessalonica during the first century A.D. The Greek Orthodox Church encompasses most of the population’s religion. Through Paul’s writings to the Thessalonians, we can learn how the people became a model servant, brother, and a believer in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. How the word was preached in power and in the Holy Spirit, [see 1 Thessalonians 1:5]. The Thessalonians became followers of Paul and of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Thessalonians spread their faith in God. They have turned to God from idols and established the work of faith through love to serve the living God. How did they do it?

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”

1 Thessalonians 1:3

It was their work of faith and labor of love that increased and spread throughout the city the gospel of God. The apostle Paul’s example was to nurse them into the gospel through love and by not expecting anything of them as far as financial donations. Paul did not charge them for his preaching, but the power of his preaching through the Holy Spirit convicted their hearts. Paul sent Timothy to help establish and comfort them in the gospel of Christ. Thus, the Thessalonians were reassured in their faith and love in Christ to walk in hope until the time of the Lord’s return. Such revelations did Paul gave the Thessalonians in his writings to them to continue in Faith and as they continued in faith, God will perform it. God will provide what is needed. Sanctification is the will of God Paul told the Thessalonians. That is as believer’s we are to be kept holy and purify our heart from all that is unclean such as fornication. Are we a clean vessel of honor? The Thessalonians became a model for the believers to walk in hope.

God has called us to be holy and therefore separated from all forms of sin.  Cleansed from all impurities in order to be made holy and apart for God’s purposes. The Thessalonians had done this, and they were taught from God to love one another. Thus, Paul wanted to see them to increase more and more [see 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10].

That ye study to be quiet, and do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that ye may walk honestly toward them that are outside, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

What does study to be “quiet” mean? It means not to be a busybody or do-gooder in the affairs of others. A busybody who goes from house to house to speak things they ought not to speak. This does not edify anyone. The purpose to be quiet is to do your own business by working and walking honestly. Not to be idle and lazy. Not to be without purpose. To study to become purposeful in whatever your hands find to do. The gifts and talents given to you in order to create a meaningful life. Your work/employment is what helps you to walk honestly and that you are without any lack or needs. Let us consider what Proverbs has to say about the way of the slothful.

“The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.”

Proverbs 15:19

The slothful man is as an hedge of thorns. This means he has built up a fence that has thorns. Thorns are pricking at him for his lack of nothingness. This means you have no future. Even ill-gotten gains do not have a future when they are caught in dishonesty. The apostle Paul set the example by working with his own hands as to not charge the Thessalonians for the preaching of the Gospel. Paul exclaimed this of himself to the Thessalonians in the second chapter. They were witnesses of Paul’s behavior. He encouraged them to walk worthy as a child of God, who called them into the kingdom of God. It was the word of God that effectually worked in them to believe and then to walk accordingly. Thus, we have the following scripture to keep in mind what is important and that it is the Lord only who is the avenger.

That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we have forewarned you and testified.”

1 Thessalonians 4:6

As Christians we have passed from death to life, and we now know that vengeance belongs to the Lord God. Violence and killings always lead to death. To those who do acts of violence, beware of your own soul as to where you will be in the afterlife. Paul teaches to abhor evil and cling to what is good. Paul tells us to love without hypocrisy. Love has no pretense. As a child of God there is no pretending to be what we are not. As Paul was an example to the Thessalonians, so they became an example to the world. There was no act of pretending or making a false claim when it came to their own behavior. Paul preached the exact same thing to the Romans in chapter 12, verse 9 to 12. Let us all love without hypocrisy and be kind to one another with brotherly love, not slothful in business, but serve the Lord and rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and continue in prayer always. Let us abound in love as the time grows near to the coming of our Lord.

The Heart of Man

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Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord pondereth the hearts.”

Proverbs 21:2

Have you ever questioned if the heart of man is his path? What is the heart of man? Is not the heart of man full of emotions and desires that motivates him to actions in life? Is it not the path he chooses to walk and live in? What path have you chosen? When we are born into this world, we had nothing, not even clothing on our bodies. An infant’s survival is based upon the care if its mother. Every mother has a strong maternal instinct for caring for their children. This is one reason why it is so hard for a mother to give up her child for adoption at birth. However, the road or path in taking care of an infant may not always be blissful, for it takes a certain amount of energy to care for the child. Depending upon the environment of the mother and if she is able financially bear the cost, the care of an infant is based upon human actions. We do not always think about the cost of caring for a child. It is not only the child, but the mother who also needs to have basic needs met in order to care for the child.

Man does not always understand this maternal instinct and may think this is an easy job that a woman has, but they are wrong in thinking this is an easy job. Men have broken down when it comes to taking care of an infant with feeding every 2 to 4 hours around the clock and changing diapers. Some men shudder at the thought of even changing diapers. Just think of all the emotions a mother and father go through when a child is born. Balloons and cigars were handed out right after the birth of a child, up to the mid 20th century. Now, we have no smoking in public places including hospitals. Why, because of the health risk. We have learned about how breathing in smoke can deprive us of oxygen. In 2018 USA TODAY reported on top 10 health conditions affecting Americans. The top seven on the list is High Blood Pressure, Depression, High Cholesterol, Coronary Artery Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Substance Disorder, and Alcohol Disorder. By now you may wonder what this has to do with the heart of man or woman? These health conditions within society have a lot to do with what you believe is the optimal health conditions for your own body. It is what you believe in your heart that determines your path in life. You may have heard that out of the heart comes the issues of life. This is the path we follow that brings the issues in life to the forefront. This is the unveiling of truth in everything we do.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of those who seek death. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them, because they refuse to do justice.”

Proverbs 21:6-7

When it comes to getting gain/money, the way of a man is right in his own eyes, they are not concerned with doing justice. In fact, they are far away from doing justice. It is true that you cannot change another’s man’s mind when it has already been made up. The decision to follow its own path is what is on his mind. There are all kinds of philosophies being taught today that may seem right, but they only have a part of a truth, not the whole truth. Take for instance, Friedrich Nietzsche phrase, “you have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.” Wow! It does not exist; I would beg to differ and say it does exist. Remember Thomas the tax collector who asked Jesus “how can we know the way?” Have you asked that question? Jesus answered and said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” [see John 14:5-6]. There is a way that is right and wrong. We learn about it and try it out as children. That is why nurturing a child is so important.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Colossians 2:8

The apostle Paul tells us to be aware of philosophy and vain deceit. Philosophy and vain deceit that are empty deception of fraud and trickery. We see this happening every day on the internet and in real circumstances in life where someone is trying to get what you have. False impression is a failure to understand correctly. Can we admit to our own failures as human beings? Can we examine the precepts we live by personally? The answer is yes, we must examine ourselves and what we are doing. It is how we think and act that can make the difference in our life. We must choose how we are to act in any situation in life. If it is not after Christ, then it is after another philosophy of men that we are following. We must be concerned first about our own actions and behavior. That is why in Proverbs 22:6, it states, “train up a child in the way he or she should go and, when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The whole point is how are we training up our children. Are we honest with ourselves and our children?

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.”

Proverbs 20:11

The child will follow the parents even if the parents try to hide their own faults. The child soon learns the truth of what was hidden. A parent can be compromised by their own acceptable standards that are lower than is desirable. God weighs the heart of a man whether it is honest or not. Do you weigh what is in your own heart?  What we think is right may not be right, and ignorance is not bliss, for “there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death,” states Proverbs 14:12. Just as our lifestyle that we are living, we may think is good, but the end result is actually death. Take into consideration what causes High Blood Pressure, Depression, High Cholesterol, Coronary Artery Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Substance Disorder, and Alcohol Disorder. Is it not our lifestyles? Is it not the habits we have formed that may cause those results? We must learn to be wise and not be tossed around by lying tongues. Even those who are arrogant and self-sufficient need to examine their own ways and see that they follow their own rules instead of God’s word.

Proverbs 14:14 states that “the backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways.”  This is a known fact for those who do not follow any rules, or only follow rules when they have to. Where is the wisdom in following after death instead of life? We must trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not unto our own understanding. We may not know at the moment the whole truth, but if we follow after Christ’s love, God’s wisdom will be revealed. There is wisdom when we ask questions. We must ask God to help us change the path we are on to the path of Christ’s love. We must ask for wisdom for “the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding,” [Proverbs 2:6]. Christ is our example for the way a Christian should live, and He is the way, truth, and the life. Let us weigh carefully in our own heart what precepts we follow, for it will become the path you follow even your very own health. We must ask God to reveal his wisdom in regard to the path we follow. We must ask God for our own health to help us to change our habits and behavior to one that will bring life and not death.

The Spirit Gives Life

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It is the Spirit that giveth life; the flesh profited nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

John 6:63

The “Spirit” gives life, stated Jesus. In the scriptures the Holy Spirit is linked to the living waters. How long do you think you would survive without water? The general consensus is that humans would not survive 3 days without water. 60 to 74 percent of the human body is made up of water. A lack of water brings dehydration which causes headaches and fatigue. Organs and cells within the body start to break down and the end result is death. Even when a person is fasting, they are to drink water to ward of dehydration, so important is water to all human beings. No water means death. Have you ever considered the importance of water? Every living thing on earth needs water. With climate changing around the world, harvesting water will become a priority.

Recent dry spells in certain areas of the world have caused drought conditions. California is one state listed that is known as a drought state, but recent snowfall and rain have lifted some areas out of drought conditions. When it rains in Botswana, Africa it is a joyous occasion for the rain waters bring new life to the environment. Seeds that are locked into the dry sandy dirt begin to grow. I always look forward to Spring when after the rain has come, it brings new growth of flowers such as the crocus and daffodils. I turn to look at the Camilla tree for its beautiful pink blossoms. This reminds me how important it is to have water, for it gives us life. Jesus was adamant when he made the following statement.

If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.”

John 7:37-38

Out of an individual’s heart shall flow rivers of living water. What does it mean to have rivers of living water flowing out of a person’s heart? Remember the women at the well who Jesus spoke with in John, chapter 4? Jesus said, “whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life,” [John 4:14]. This is every believer’s current possession as well as the future. That living water is the Holy Spirit. It means continuous life.

The Holy Spirit is the spirit that gives us life. The truth is that many churches are dead because they deny the Holy Spirit to come and minister to the needs of the people. Man cannot fulfill individual’s needs like the Holy Spirit of God can. It is the Spirit that gives us life. The Spirit comes and renews our weak body, mind, and soul. The Spirit comes to bring healing to our physical bodies. The Spirit comes to bring repentance and forgiveness. This is why today Jesus continues to pray and intercede on our behalf [ see Hebrews 7:25] as well as the Holy Spirit when we are so troubled that we cannot pray [see Romans 8:26]. If you are dry and thirsty, in need of a drink, then come to Jesus who will send you the Holy Spirit as your comforter. Break with tradition and allow the Holy Spirit to come and bring renewal to your own life. Do not deny him access into your life, ask and you will receive.

At the beginning of this year, there has been a word for Christians to return to the Lord. Return to your first love which is Christ. Remember when you have first received the love of Christ, the forgiveness of sin, and became a new person in Christ. There are those who have fallen away from their first love, [see Revelation 2:4]. Remember where you have fallen and repent. Remember that whatever is not done in love is nothing, and it is not profitable according to 1 Corinthians chapter 13. We should check ourselves to see what spirit we are in when doing things for the Lord and reconsider our position.

Before there is any movement of the Holy Spirit, there first must be repentance. The Holy Spirit is gentle and pleading within the heart of man to come to Jesus and repent. Repentance is having a sincere regret or remorse about a behavior that has followed a different path other than the path of Christ. Have you heard about the Asbury revival? It was stated that students have come to the alter repenting. A renewal is happening in the hearts of these young people thus they are experiencing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As we come to the Lord and repent and worship him renewal begins. So precious is this renewal that one will experience His presence and know that through His Spirit we experience the Spirit that gives us life. When we lift up Jesus in worship, He will be present in our midst, and this allows the Spirit to move among the people. Wonderful healing and forgiveness will flow like rivers of living water. Are you thirsty for the living water? Come to Jesus who will give you a well of living water springing up into everlasting life. Bow down before him, for He is Lord of all. Let us have the freedom of worship in our hearts and in churches around the world that we may see Jesus and begin revival again by the Spirit of God who gives us life eternal.

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The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

John 4:23-24

Let us bow down and worship Christ the Lord. Let us ask for forgiveness for our sins and allow His Spirit to flow within our heart with rivers of living water, for this is the Spirit that gives us life. Spent time everyday giving him praise and begin to see the glory of the Lord within your own life.

The Storm

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Be of good cheer; for there shall be no loss of any man’s life.”

The Acts 27:22

Have you ever been in a great storm such as a Typhoon? A Typhoon is formed by a warm tropical water and hurricanes are form exactly the same way as a Typhoon. Both typhoon and hurricanes are tropical cyclones. The apostle Paul experienced a typhoon while sailing by Crete. The ship experienced a tempestuous wind called “Euroclydon,” a cyclonic North Easterly wind, which blows in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship that Paul traveled on was caught up in the storm under the lee of the island of Cauda, known as Gavdos, and is the most southernmost island in Greece today. They were tossed up and down and saw no sun or stars for many days, [see Acts 27:14-20]. Those aboard the ship feared for their life and thought the end was near. They had all lost hope. Can you imagine 14 days without seeing any form of light let alone going without food.

Yet, Paul exclaimed “be of good cheer, for no one will lose their life in this storm, only the loss of the ship.” Paul goes on to say that an angel of God stood by him whom he serves. Paul relayed the message of what he heard that they would not die but live through this storm. Be of good cheer, for I believe God, said Paul in verse 25 of chapter 27 of Acts. This was not a weak storm; it was a powerful storm that would have taken their life. I can remember my trip from Australia to the US on a cargo ship. We made sail from Perth, Western Australia and sailed up the western coast of Australia to Singapore and Malaysia. When we left Malaysia, the captain received word about a possible typhoon hitting Hong Kong. We hit rough seas and the waves poured over the sides as well as the bow and stern of the ship.

It was dark and those of us who were passengers stayed in their cabins in their bunks. You could not stand up without falling down. I got very sick and nauseated. We made it into Hong Kong harbor and anchored as the storm continued. I was told that the warning sirens had sounded out in the harbor, but I did not hear it from my cabin. All I heard was the waves crashing against the port window of the ship. The typhoon passed by the harbor out at sea, and we stayed secured in the harbor. My experience was small compared to what Paul experienced. Let us remember that there are angels who are charged to protect us. In the storm Paul said, “for there stood by me this night an angel of God,” [Acts 27:23]. An angel of God stood beside Paul. Angels are watching over those who are heirs of salvation. If you are a believer, you are one of the heirs of salvation, the children of God who are under the protection of God.

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

Psalms 91:10-12

We forget that God has his angels watching over us. Angels are ministering spirits send forth to minister to humans’ physical safety and well-being. They are there even though we do not see them. This past week I heard on the news about this woman who prayed during a tornado that was ripping through their home for God to save them from being killed, for they were in the house when the tornado hit their home. Their home was wrecked, but they were saved. We may experience a near death incident, but our God is keeping us safe in his hand. He is our shelter in the storm. We can learn from Paul’s experience and know that God is with us. When Paul landed in Malta, he said that the people in Malta were barbarous and showed no kindness. Today, for the most part it is said that they are hospitable people. When Paul was putting sticks on the fire a viper came out and fixed itself on Paul’s hand. The people of Malta thought that Paul was a murderer and was waiting for him to die. But no harm came to Paul from the bite of the venomous snake.

The Malta people changed their mind about Paul. The chief man of the island named Publius received Paul and gave him lodging for three days. The father of Publius was with fever and a bloody flux/bloody diarrhea known as dysentery. Paul visited Publius father and prayed and laid hands on him and He was healed, [see Acts 28:7-10]. When Paul had done this, others who had diseases came and were healed. One act of Paul visiting a sick man and praying led others to come and be healed. One act of faith can lead others to have faith in God. According to your faith, God will perform it. Read about the blind man in Matthew 9:29. This is faith by works as it was spoken of in James 2:18. James the brother of Jesus said, “O vain man, faith without works is dead?” We are to have a living faith that brings forth the healing hands of God the Father. Through the Father’s son Jesus Christ, who is the author, and the finisher of our faith, comes the power of God to move on our behalf. Our faith is built on Christ death and resurrection. We can act on faith in Christ and pray for healing and safety, for He is alive and waiting for us to ask in faith. Our faith is not dead, but alive in Christ. Stand firm in what you believe and act in faith like the apostle Paul. When you do, you will see miracles happen.