Category Archives: Faith

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.

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.

He is Risen

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The Lord is risen indeed!

Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.”

Luke 24:34,36

‘He is risen, said the angel of the Lord, and go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead [Matthew 28:6-7].” And what did the angel of the Lord look like? The angel of the Lord countenance was like lightning, and his clothes was white as snow [Matthew 28:3]. Can you imagine Mary Magdalene and the other Mary going to the grave site and finding an angel at the tomb? Shock, fear, and astonishment was the reaction. However, the angel of the Lord spoke to them saying “fear not, I know you came to seek Jesus who was crucified.” “Come and see where He was.” “He is not here. Go tell the disciples that He is risen said the angel of the Lord.” Oh! What joy to have witnessed Christ return to the earth as He came upon them. Those who witnessed the reality of His Resurrection seeing him again in the flesh.

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

Luke 24:39

Even after seeing Jesus, they had trouble believing that He was who he said he was. So, Jesus asked them if they have anything to eat. They gave him broiled fish and a honeycomb, and He did eat before them [see Luke 24:41-43]. Everything that Jesus said and taught His disciples came true. He was the real thing that He claimed to be. Had He not shown himself alive, who would have believed. He had to assure those who witnessed it with their own eyes, it would have possibly sealed doubt instead of joy within their hearts. God had resurrected His Son to give us life. This is the power of God that we believe in His only Son. And He is still alive today as our high priest making intercession for us.

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.  And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:  But this man, because he continues forever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

Hebrews 7:22-25

There will be skeptics, who will always doubt, argue, and criticize what the truth is. But listen to what the Apostle Paul said, “Who is he that condemneth?  It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” [Romans 8:34].

Everything was written down as to the truth of the reality of who Jesus is, and yet some still today would refute it as being fake. Today, we have evidence to dated material in archaeological finds that the information in the Bible is so accurate that it has actually assisted archaeologists in their work. If Christ had not risen, then Christianity is just another vain religion. All preaching would be in vain as the Apostle Paul stated.

“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching is in vain, and your faith is also in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:14

If our preaching is in vain, then it would have no real value and its effectiveness is lost in human efforts who are pretending to be something they are not. Because He is risen, we have atonement and the forgiveness of sins, a new life, and a future life. Because He is risen, He is the head of all creation and the head of all principality and power. God put all things under His feet in order that we may have the victory through the cross of Christ against all evil power. Because He is risen, we have the Holy Spirit as our comforter to help us in our weaknesses to overcome the flesh and the devil. We are never alone in our own trials. Our Lord is interceding for each one of us according to the will of God. The Spirit is working through us to produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance, against such there is no law [see Galatians 5:22-23]. We have the Holy Spirit that will help us to become the image of Christ.

The Lord is risen to fulfill what was written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and in the Psalms, [see Luke 24:44]. It was Jesus himself who spoke to the disciples, and it was Jesus who opened their understanding of the scriptures. Listen to the words of the risen Lord.

And he said unto them, thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

Luke 24:46-48

Yes, the Lord is risen. . .and we have the power of His love living within our hearts, if we believe in who He is. The son of God who died for us and arose victoriously to the glory of the Father. He arose that we might be reconciled back to God. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself [2 Corinthians 5:19]. God provided the way through Christ to change man’s heart of stone into a heart of flesh where love is the key to opening the door into the Kingdom of Heaven. Let us understand that we still have a future in Christ even when we still see evil in this world. We are in the period of God’s grace, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. The preaching of the Gospel will go on until the time of His coming.

Surrender your life to Him in prayer and ask him to cleanse your heart and give you the spirit of His love. Ask him to open your mind to the understanding of the scriptures. Believe it to be so and it will be done unto you as you believe. Oh! What joy there is in my heart to know that our Lord is risen. Because He is risen, we have the victory to overcome, for greater is He that is in us, then He that is in the world [1 John 4:4]. Do not be deceived, only believe. Jesus won the battle for you and me. Believe and know within your heart that He is risen. “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow” is in the line of the chorus of a song that Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote, for God had reaffirmed it in their hearts that He was not dead but alive.

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.


Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

Yes, an empty grave was left to prove our Savior lives.

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

Jesus’ death and resurrection gives us faith. “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God,” [Hebrews 12:1-2].

We may wonder what is happening in the world we live in today, but God’s plan is continuing because He is not slack concerning his promise. God is longsuffering and does not desire anyone to perish, but that all should come to repentance. [see 2 Peter 3:9].

May His love and peace be with you always. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice. Let the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Garden Tomb

The Shield of Faith

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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

Pride of Life

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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. 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?

Do not give place to the devil

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Neither give place to the devil.”

Ephesians 4:27

Are you giving place to the devil? Maybe we do not understand how this can happen, but the apostle Paul talks about how a believer as a new man in Christ is not to walk in the vanity of their own minds. Paul conveys that a believer is to walk in the grace of God with righteousness and true holiness. The question arises if we as believers are walking as God’s dear children. We were all bought with a great price to become God’s children. The fact that the apostle Paul addresses the Ephesians in the 1st verse of chapter five as dear children is an endearment of love. Chapter four and five should be read carefully because we are witnessing how the days are evil. There is such bitterness, wrath, anger, uproar, and evil speaking which has brought about civil unrest. Violent crimes are happening across the US and in certain locations around the world. Since Covid-19 Burglary and Theft has hit number one worldwide.

It seems now that the phrase “new man in Christ” may have lost its meaning, or it has become vague in its meaning. Throughout the New Testament there is a clear change in the character of a person who has become a believer. Paul goes out of his way in explaining and distinguishing the difference between the old man and the new man. Have we as Christians missed this change. The body of Christ should be edifying itself in love and not in hate. Unless the method of salvation has changed, and I pray that is not the case we should be walking in the love of Christ. Did not Christ make us alive when we were dead in our sins? Paul mentioned that in times past those who are unbelievers “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 sons of disobedience,” [Ephesians 2:2]. Those unbelievers were fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, [see Ephesians 2:3]. Salvation through faith begins on an individual basis and then it becomes the body in the church where Christ is the head.

The church is to be perfecting the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ, [see Ephesians4:12]. The church is to speak the truth in love until the unity of faith with the knowledge of the Son of God reaches the point of a perfect man in the measure and stature of the fullness of Christ, [see Ephesians 4:13]. Were we not blinded and ignorant before hearing about Christ as our savior? We were all past feeling of consciousness having given ourselves over to uncleanness and greediness.

Put off concerning the former manner of life the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.”

Ephesians 4:22

Are you still carrying the old man that is corrupt with you? We need to take stock of our actions. We are not to follow or get carried away by every wind of doctrine by the craftiness of those who would deceive us from the truth of Christ. It is through faith in Christ that has reconciled us to God. We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, [see Ephesians 2:20]. When Christ ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men, [see Ephesians 4:8]. As a believer we died to the old nature of man and became a new creation in Christ Jesus. This is done through prayer and faith in the work of Christ who became the power of God in reconciling us unto God. We have been made near to God through the blood of Christ. Christ work on the cross has taken the penalty for our sins and Christ has given us access to the Father by giving us the Holy Spirit. If we are walking in the flesh, then we are not walking in the indwelt Spirit of Christ in which we were sealed by an inheritance.

That inheritance is why Paul exclaimed to “not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed unto the day of redemption,” [Ephesians 4:30]. We are to be renewed in the spirit of our mind to that of Christ. Christ position is our position. Christ identity becomes our identity. Paul told the Corinthians that though “our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is renewed day by day,” [see 2 Corinthians 4:16]. We put to death all things that is unclean or the unfruitful works of darkness and ask God for forgiveness and to cleanse us from all works of darkness. Our identity is in Christ and not in this present world. We do not belong to the devil; we belong to Christ.

Submit yourselves, therefore, to God Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.”

James 4:7-8

We resist the devil and his evil works to the one who has given us the power to overcome him and that is Christ. We try every spirit to see if Jesus has come in the flesh, and we know what the spirit of truth is, and the spirit of error. Whatever is not of faith in Christ Jesus is sin. We do not grieve the Holy Spirit who is our comforter. We put away all lying, stealing, evil speaking, anger, malice, and covetousness and ask God to cleanse our heart and mind to that of Christ. We pray that the Holy Spirit would come and convict those who are not walking in the Spirit of Christ. We ask for the fruit of the Spirit to fill us with the love of Christ and change us from glory to glory into the person of Jesus Christ. We pray for the understanding what the will of the Lord is. We must speak truth and not lie. There are many forms of truth, but only one truth has given us the victory and that is through Jesus Christ.

Our doctrine is of Christ and not of any other. Beware of what doctrine you follow. I remember Smith Wigglesworth said to beware of any word that has “ist,” or “ism” at the end of a word. I though it funny at the time of hearing it, but there is some truth to what he said. There are those who follow a different teaching that is not of God. It may sound good, but their objective is not of the doctrine in Christ. The latest new word “Christian Nationalism,” is creating a divide all across America. This movement began in the late 50’s and has come to the forefront in recent years. Christian nationalists are defined as those seeking to preserve the status of a Christian state. Its focus is on national identity. As an American citizen the Bill of Rights gives people the right to the establishment of religion and free exercise thereof. It does not state that Congress should make a law of one Religion over another. History has proven that making a law upon religion has brought about expulsions such as what happen in Spain’s history. Any type of law for a religion has brought civil unrest upon a country or nation. Freedom of religion gives each individual a choice.

God has given each individual a choice to believe or not believe. If you take away that choice and make it legal, it becomes a manmade law based upon legalism which promotes ritualism. Let us remember that ritualism did not save the Jewish nation. If man can not conform to God’s laws, how can they conform to their own laws? The law concluded that all are under sin.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore, the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we may be justified by faith.”

Galatians 3:24-25

Paul warns about legalism and how the two systems cannot co-exist, that of law and grace. We cannot work the good works through the law to receive salvation. If we are justified by the law, then Christ has become ineffective [see Galatians 5:4]. Paul goes on to say that those who are justified by the law have fallen from grace. “We through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith,” [Galatians 5:5]. Therefore, we should walk carefully and not as fools but as the wise redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Make sure you are standing in the faith through Christ and no other doctrine. Do not allow or give place to the devil in not walking in the Spirit of Christ. Remember that God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son to reconcile the world from sin.

The Son of man cometh, Shall He find faith on the earth?

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When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Luke 18:8

What will the Son of man find when he comes upon the earth? Will he find obedience in the faith of Jesus Christ? Will he find anyone standing fast in the faith and doing all things in love? Will he find you settled and grounded in faith to where you are not removed away from the hope of the gospel? The truth of the gospel is found in the power of God’s Son Jesus Christ who brought us with a price. The redemptive work in Christ is our saving grace towards forgiveness and eternal life. We must not devalue what Christ has done on the cross for each of us. He is our peace and has reconciled all things unto himself [see Colossians 1:20]. We are complete in him.

And ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principalities and power.

Colossians 2:10

I pray that your faith is not a shallow faith. I pray that you become strengthened in the might of His Spirit, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith and that you be grounded and rooted in love [see Ephesians 3:16-17]. To know the love of Christ which passes all knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God [see Ephesians 3:19]. We all must be able to comprehend the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of our precious Lord. The apostle Paul warns us of a perilous time that is coming, and it seems fitting to say that we may be entering a perilous time and our faith will be tested. The apostle Paul warns us that professing Christians will reject the truth that is in the Deity of Jesus Christ. The snare of Satan is to deny our Lord’s provision in the power of his resurrection. Our faith in Christ alone guarantee’s our inheritance of eternal life. Do not let anyone take that away from you. Paul tells us that in the last days of perilous times men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, and disobedient [ 2 Timothy 3:2].

Those who boast the loudest have lost something in life. We should question why they are boasting. What are they trying to gain except their own recognition. Our recognition is in Christ Jesus, and we can only boast what he has given us which is mercy, love, forgiveness, and a new life. There will be men who are high-minded, heady, false accusers, despisers of those that are good, and traitors because they deny the power of our LORD in vain believing in their own form of godliness. We are to turn away from those who are like this for they are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth [see 2 Timothy 3:7]. We are to continue in the love of our Lord and stand firm in the faith that is through our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe in the death and resurrection of our Lord, for He alone is able to save us from death and hell. Keep the word of God nigh thee even in thy mouth speak the word.

Preach the word; be diligent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.”

2 Timothy 4:2

Yes, we are to preach the word, and fight the good fight of faith. We all should have a good profession [see 1 Timothy 6:12]. Is your profession a good profession before many witnesses? Check thy mouth for it will speak what is in your heart. You may have to pray and ask the Lord to deliver you from evil speaking and from every evil work. I pray that He will preserve you unto His heavenly kingdom, and not your own kingdom. Those who have departed from the faith within their heart but still confess they are Christian will be awaiting judgement. The scripture tells us that their folly shall be manifested unto all men [2Timothy 3:9]. There is reconciliation through Jesus Christ for our sins if we confess them before our Lord. We should all continue to grow as the scripture helps us towards correction and it is the instruction into righteousness. It reveals the truth of the folly of humanity. Paul tells us to examine ourselves whether or not we are standing in faith [see 2 Corinthians 13:5]. Our faith is our confession, for whatever is not of faith is dead. Faith in Christ Jesus is alive and carries the power to save and heal us.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.”

Hebrews 10:23

That is why it is so important that we hold fast our profession of our faith without wavering. We declare the Lord Jesus who is the final sacrifice for our sins. He died and arose from the cross to give us eternal life. Profession is our declaration, a public announcement of what we believe in. If we lack faith, we can ask in prayer for help of our unbelief like the father of the child who had a dumb and deaf spirit [see Mark 9:24]. He is faithful to help us in our weaknesses. It is interesting to note that the disciples could not cast out the spirit of dumbness and deaf out of the child and they asked Jesus why? Jesus answered, “this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” [Mark 9:29]. Prayer and fasting are needed at times to gain understanding of the revelation about a situation that God can only reveal through prayer and fasting. The believer is complete in Christ.

Buried with him in baptism, in which also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

Colossians 2:12

Through the faith of the operation of God, yes, the operation of God and not of man. Christ was raised from the dead, and so shall we if we continue in the faith. We have a part in the ministry of reconciliation as ambassadors for Christ bearing the word of God and declaring the truth of the gospel of Christ. Christ is our redemption and reconciliation to God. The operation of God is through faith in Christ.

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

Luke 18:27

Whatever is impossible with men are possible with God. How exciting is this. Our God of mercy makes it possible if only we would believe in his provision through his son Jesus Christ. Our faith in Christ can move mountains. Remember what Jesus said to the disciples, “whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith,” [Mark 11:23]. Jesus also told the disciples to have faith in God. Have faith in God.

When He the Son of men comes, may you be found in him standing in faith.

In Christ the solid rock I stand

Let us Hold Fast our Faith

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Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for he is faithful that promised).

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast our faith in the one who offered himself by which we are all sanctified. Our confession is in a person [the body of Christ]. In the book of Hebrews, we find the explanation for the new Covenant as being superior to the many sacrifices of the Old Testament. The sacrifices of the blood of bulls and of goats in reality could not take away humanities sins [see Hebrews 10:4]. It could not clear the conscience of man. Furthermore, the burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, God did not take any pleasure in it {see Hebrews 10:6-8]. If we can understand that the Old Testament sacrifices was a shadow to what was yet to come. That in Christ all things are fulfilled, and this includes sin and healing for our bodies. How can man deal with their own personal sins? How can man alleviate the guilt and pain associated with sin? Only through Christ are we given relieve from the burden of sin. Today, no one has faith in the burnt offerings of a bull or goat. It simply is not done anymore.

We have the body of Jesus Christ who offered up one sacrifice for sins forever, and then sat down on the right hand of God [Hebrews 10:12]. One sacrifice for sins forever means for all eternity. Because of this one sacrifice everything hinges on being perfected through the body of Christ to sanctify those who believe and have faith in this sacrifice. It was the apostle Paul who stated, “we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish,” [see 2nd Corinthians 2:15]. God accepted Christ who is His son as the perfect sacrifice for all humanities sins.

 Ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour  unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

Numbers 29:36

Christ was that sweet savor unto the Father and the Holy Spirit was a witness to all who are in Christ in that it projected the power of God to witness and confirm the New Covenant. We have the partial promise of what is written in Ezekiel 11:19 and Jeremiah 31:33 about man having the law of the Lord written in their hearts and minds [see Hebrews 10:16]. And we also have God’s promise not to remember the sins of man. There is to be no more offering for sin since Christ is the fulfillment of the perfect lamb that was sacrificed. The purpose of Christ was to reconcile man unto God, but Christ sacrifice also destroyed the works of the devil. Thus in 1st John 3:8 it is written, “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.” In the next verse it goes on to say that whoever is born of God, does not commit sin. There is a clear separation from the works of sin in those who believe. A person who is born of God is separated unto God and this is sanctification.

The believer becomes aware of the work of devil who is also known as Satan. The root of sin is selfishness. The issue with Satan is following his own will and not the will of God. We know from John chapter 10 verse 8, Jesus exclaims that only “thieves and robbers” came before him. Then he stated what the thief’s purpose is and that was to steal, kill, and destroy. This is the opposite of what Jesus’ purpose is, and that is to give abundant life. We should think twice when it comes to being deceived by Satan. We should not be ignorant of his devices. We can learn from examples given in the Bible how Satan works in the following scriptures.

  1. Luke 22:31 – “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:”
  2. Luke 13:16 – “And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?”
  3. Acts 5:3 – “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?”
  4. Mark 4:15 – And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.”
  5. 2 Corinthians 11:14 – “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

The conflict with Satan is in doing something wrong. Satan’s desire is to have us and put us under bondage. This is done through slandering another person’s character, lying to keep or get something from someone, taking away God’s word from someone and denying it, and deceiving someone by becoming an angel of light. These are the works of Satan. In Job 1:7, the Lord God asked Satan, “From where do you come from?” Satan replied, “from going to and from in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” Simon Peter understood later after his own experience with his own self-confidence in denying the Lord the importance of being steadfast in faith in the person of Jesus in times of suffering no matter what happens.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

1 Peter 5:8

Peter is telling believers to cast all their cares upon the Lord before he makes the above statement about be vigilant. Peter then tells believers to resist the devil steadfast in the faith. In Hebrews, being steadfast in our faith is to hold onto our profession of our faith without wavering. Wavering between belief and unbelief is like having two minds that is being tossed back and forth. It is as James stated in 1:6, “let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavered is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” Are you being tossed back and forth on the wave of the sea? We should remember that being tossed upon the wave means we have no faith. There is no assurance of faith because one has indecision. The just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him, [see Hebrews 10:38]. I am always reminded of what Hebrews chapter 12 states in the latter part of verse 1 and in verse 2.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;

Hebrews 12:1-2

So, if Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, then we have a living faith, and our faith is not in vain or dead. He is faithful in the promise he has given us. Our walk is in faith because we believe in who He is. When we know the will of God, we can stand with assurance that what we ask for we will receive. There is no indecision because it becomes a fact afterwards. Now faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen. It is not evident now, but it will bring the substance and it will become a fact. This is especially true when praying for healing of any kind of sickness. Like the crippled woman who was bound for 18 years with a spirit of infirmity. Should she not be loosed from the infirmity that Satan had bound her with? Oh, yes Lord! Help our unbelief and cause us not to waver in our faith when it comes to healing. Let us hold fast our faith and confession in you. Let us keep our efficacy always in Christ the one and only sacrifice. Let us see the works of God in our own life so that we may rejoice in the glory of God’s promises. Let us give thanks that as believers we are now unto God a sweet savor of Christ. Hold fast your faith in Christ and don’t let go of it for any reason. He is our life for all eternity.

The Washing of Regeneration

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according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

Titus 3:5

What is the washing of Regeneration? The Washing of Regeneration is associated with the “New Birth.” It is like a sunny Spring morning after the shower of rain. When new growth appears as flowers emerge from the ground and leaves spring forth on the trees. Everything becomes new and one can see the beauty of it. It is a divine act that is imparted to all repentant sinners to a higher plane. Regeneration is a divine act of a repentant sinner to a new life in Christ. It is what I see in God’s creation. Thus, the nature of regeneration takes on certain aspects within a believer. These aspects are a new birth, a cleansing, a quickening, a new creation, and a resurrection. This to me is the essence of regeneration and it is as Myer Pearlman wrote in his book titled, “Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible” that was published in 1937. This is the Christian who is begotten of God, who has gone through a thorough washing in order to be regenerated.

Are you not begotten of the Father God through the love of Christ? Are you not born again as Jesus stated in the Gospel of John chapter three in verse 7? Being born again is God’s creative work through the Holy Spirit. It is like the birth of Spring within our gardens. It is the grace of God at work in our lives. Along with the birth comes a cleansing from your burdens and stress of life. The word “washing” is having a bath to wash away the dirt and grime we have picked up on our bodies. Think about how the trees are dusted with dirt from the wind, or from birds cleaning themselves on the trees leaving grime and waste on the tree. When the rain comes it washes away the dust and the grime on the trees. Christians experience the same when they work out in the world touching unclean things or associating with those who are against them because of who they are in Christ. Anything that defiles one’s life is to be washed away in order that new life may be experienced. This could be considered as a time of reckoning for you personally when the Holy Spirit brings conviction upon your heart about something.

Remember that “Regeneration” is a divine act of a repentant sinner to a new life in Christ. The new life is experienced by the quickening of the Holy Spirit. Notice the scripture at the beginning of this devotional in Titus 3:5? At the end of this verse it states, “and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit that Jesus promised each believer in John chapter 14:16 and verse 26. The Holy Spirit is the comforter whom the Father sends in the name of Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit who will teach us all things and will help us to remember what is important in our life. All that we do should be guided by the Holy Spirt leading and guidance. This is tested by the word that is written in the Bible. We may not know everything that we need to know. This takes time and a period of growth in walking out your Christian walk-through faith. It is understanding who the bread of life is. Is he more than just a place to come and get your personal needs met? Is this not what Jesus was referring to in John 6:26-27.

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

John 6:26-27

What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? So, many try to do the works of God in their own flesh. What was Jesus’ answer to this question?

 This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

John 6:29

Wow! What an answer. It is not doing great works but believing on him whom God sent. If we labor at all it should be to know him, for He is the Bread that brings us life. This in itself is a revelation even when we ask for something in our prayers. You may not be in the right mind to receive what God wants to reveal to you because you may be in unbelief. Like King David we must ask that our sins are blotted out and that God would create in us a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within us [see Psalms 51:10-12]. There is no arrogance in David’s attitude, it is a total surrender to the will of God. The Holy Spirit will impart the new life within us to where we can have our fellowship restored with God. This will bring the new creation within your heart and soul. There will be no doubt that you are not sealed with the Holy Spirit, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [see 2 Corinthians 3:17]. This is the glorious change each believer goes through, and this is continued throughout a believer’s life.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

We are changed into the image of Christ from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord. Can you imagine that? Maybe it is too high a concept for us to reach or even think about it. Have we witnessed this in others? Have we witnessed this in our own life? This is the question of the hour, when we are struggling to find answers. Our Lord is in the business of reconciliation and in building up the temple of God. Is this not what the Apostle Paul questioned the Christians at Corinth by saying, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? [see 1st Corinthians 3:17]. Let the wise man beware, for God will take them in their own craftiness, [see 1st Corinthians 3:19]. What Christians need is constant renewal of the mind, soul, and spirit to that of Christ. Therefore, we need to feed upon the word on a daily basis. For most Christians this was done once a week attending a service. The question is, is this enough? All services help to build up and edify Christians in their walk in living out the will of God through Christ, however; a Christian must learn to stand on their own two feet and be able to walk in their own faith and not the faith of others. A Christian must grow and have a deep personal relationship with the Lord in knowing who they are in Christ so when unusual circumstances happen like Covid-19, they are able to stand on a firm foundation in Christ knowing that they have a heavenly Father who will hear their prayers.

We must see a radical change in our nature, character, desires, and purposes in the way we are living every day. There must be something new for us to see in living as a Christian. There must be a progression in our growth in that we become excited, are joyous, and have a love for God as well as for others. Regeneration is the change that God through the Spirit brings to us. The revelation of what is new or learning something about our Lord in regard to our personal needs. We need to experience this on a personal basis. This is more than just a religion, which is the act of doing some kind of ritual in a specific order. Rituals can become a law to which man can be bound to. Christianity is not meant to be a ritual. Christianity is through the person of Jesus Christ. A Christian who has believed in who Christ is and is now living a life under grace for the glory of God. This is where liberty is. It is always through the love of Jesus Christ, for He gave His life for us.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Galatians 5:1

Christians must stand fast in the liberty they have received from Christ and not go back to what they were before they came to Christ. There should be no shallowness in our walk as a Christian. We are born of the Spirit to receive spiritual food that will bring us to the Kingdom of God. We partake of the new divine nature of Christ to walk in newness of life. The practical side is resting in that love, having remorse against sin, and having victory that overcomes the world, which is done through faith in who He is. We continue on this path until the resurrection of our body after death, or until Christ gathers us at His coming.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which 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. “

1 Thessalonians 4:17

This is the resurrection of life eternal to be with the Lord forever. The washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit is very important in our walk as a Christian. We should maintain that walk on a daily basis. The very nature and virtue of Christ is now within us through the Holy Spirit, and this will take us onto sanctification which is the separation from the things of this world unto the holiness of God. This is dedication and consecration of our lives to God for His service. The Christian walk is never stagnant it is always moving. If you find yourself stagnant and parched, get on your knees and pray for revelation of what caused it. Ask God to reveal the truth to you and be ready to receive the answer. He is always ready to receive you when you surrender your all to him. May you continue your walk with a cleansing, a quickening in the Spirit, a growth in the image of Him as a new creation, and in the final resurrection of Christ our Saviour.

Who is the Health of your Countenance?

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Why art thou cast down, O My soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? HOPE IN GOD; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalms 43:5

Are you cast down and distressed? Do you have someone to lift you up from your oppression? Does your current situation have you tied up in knots? We are living in uneasy times since Covid arrived around the world. The way we function has changed due to Covid and robberies are now a common thing within our boundaries. It is unnerving to see vandalism, stealing, and destruction of property. We are witnessing this and hearing about it on a weekly basis. Carjackings is on the rise across the Nation. It’s not just the car they are after, but any items one could sell to make quick cash. Cars were broken into in our own neighborhood including ours. The one thing they took was the multifunctional Cup organizer in the middle of the car. Why? Because it held coins. A couple of weeks ago there was a string of vandalisms on one corner strip where they broke in and took the cash registers of businesses down the row. We are living in uncertain times, and this has brought out the negative side of humanity.

If you find people to be more withdrawn it is because of fear.  Fear causes us to think irrationally. Long term exposer to fear can cause one to be anxious most of the time. We are anxious about what will happen next. If you are in this state, turn off the nightly news cast on your devices. If you feel on edge, refocus your mind on God’s word of peace. Remember that there is another spirit at work in the world that does not belong to God. Hear 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

Oppression, affliction, and distress are a part of this world’s tribulations. Humanity outward appearance reveals its nature of inward struggles of the heart. Therefore, we should question who the health of our countenance is. We question it because it will reveal where our hope is. King David was a man who lived in distress. He was hemmed in from all sides including from those to whom he thought he could trust. In Psalms 42 and 43, three times David asked himself why his soul was cast down, that He should hope in God, and praise Him, “who is the health of his countenance, and his God.” Our God being the health of our countenance. Can you imagine that? Look at the beginning of Psalms 43. David asked God to judge him and plead his case against an ungodly nation. He then asked God to deliver him from deceitful and unjust men. This should be our prayer as well. Do you think that David knew who his enemy was? Yes, my friend, David knew full well who the enemy was. He questions himself why he was mourning because of the oppression of the enemy [see verse 2 of Psalms 43].

We can learn to wait upon the Lord God who is our hope and our confidence. Just look at Psalms 62 and read it and know where your confidence comes from. We are not to trust in oppression. . .

Trust not in oppression and become not vain in robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto God.

Psalms 62:10-11

David is having a conversation with God, and he heard God tell him twice that “power belongs to God.” Wow! Power belongs to God and not man. Think twice about those who are ruling countries today and pray for them. God will judge every man’s work. Not only that, but in Psalms 62, David also exclaims that God is his strength, defense, and refuge. We are to always trust in God and pour our heart out to him. Have you poured out your heart to God? This is refocusing your mind towards God and crying out to him how you feel. Let us be honest about our own fears and anxiety and talk to God about them. Let us sing praises unto Him to whom all power belongs. Let God be always the health of your countenance because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world [see 1 John 4:4]. If you are God’s children, He will hear you loud and clear. There is no doubt when you place your trust in God. David had full trust in God. David did not trust in his bow or his sword to save him. He trusted in God to keep him alive. Can we trust God to keep us alive during these times of uncertainty?

I pray that your answer is yes, amen. Like David we are not to trust in any form of oppression but to take it to God in prayer. Ask God to bring the truth and light upon whatever circumstances you may find yourself in. Remember what Peter said in chapter 5: 7-9. To cast all our cares upon him. To be sober and vigilant because your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Resist steadfast in the faith. Resist fear, anxiety, and oppression in the name of Jesus. Allow his peace to rule your heart and have a clear mind. You are under His care for He cares for you. Always hope in God for He is the health of our countenance, and our God.

The Trial of your faith

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In this ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold trials. . .

1 Peter 1:6

Are you going through many temptations and feeling discouraged or hopeless? You are not alone and if anyone tells you to pull up your pants and bear up to your circumstances does not know the full reality that you are personally facing. We do not walk in each other’s shoes simply because the shoe does not always fit. Everyone has a different experience in life because they are created with different genes. It would be boring if we were all exactly alike in our DNA. I have learned and seen that in general people are gifted with different aptitude and human characteristics. I thank God for them because it gives the opportunity of helping each other out in our weaknesses. It is what a family is all about. Those within the family are the foundation that is built upon growth by the elder helping and teaching the younger within the group to become the best they can be. The family unit usually defines maturing into adulthood.

In America, we may have lost the cohesiveness of the family so many individuals must rely on other adults to help them in the process of maturing. This was true for me especially when I entered my teen years, my mother decided to leave my father. Any breakup within the family is an adjustment. Any sickness within the family is an adjustment. Any soldier that comes home from a war is an adjustment. Why? Because the adjustment means we must face change in our environment and in our emotional response. This can be the trial we face depending upon how we respond to the change. Our character is under attack, and it is not an easy thing to go through when you are right in the middle of going through it. Some call it a part of life and may just brush it off, but it is much more than that because it can define our character in who we are as a person. Any kind of suffering involves an emotional response and therefore should not be taken lightly. As Christians we are to bear one another burdens in order to fulfill the law of Christ [see Galatians 6:2]. In verse 3 of Galatians the apostle Paul said that “if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

Let us pray that we are not deceiving ourselves by thinking we are better than the next person. It is better to humble yourself as a little child before our Lord. The apostle Peter addressed this in 1 Peter 5:5.

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5

Being subject to one another means to work out your disagreements. Disagreements can be a temptation and it can cause a sorrow of heaviness within our heart. Don’t allow the disagreement to annul your relationship with an individual unless it deals with doing evil or harming someone. Temptations deal with doing the right thing and not being proud of whatever you are doing. Our example is Christ Jesus who “also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth,” [see 1 Peter 2:22]. Temptations can deal with devious ploys and schemes to which you should not get involved and become a part of. There should be no deception between you and the other person. There should be no deception between a husband and wife either. As a child of God, we are to live a holy life in everything we do. In fact, Peter states that “he who has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of life,” [see 1 Peter 1:15]. We must surrender to the Lord our weaknesses and ask him to intervene and guide us through our emotions and the trails we are facing.

While we go through trials and the testing of our faith in Christ Jesus, the Apostle Peter urges us to consider our salvation, the glory of our Lord’s return, and the effect of purifying our character into the image of Christ will bring the result of patience and joy. We may not be able to see the result when going through a trial, but that trial is more precious than gold stated the Apostle Peter [see 1 Peter 1:7]. It is with prayer that the trial you are experiencing may be found in praise, honor, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. We can confess and bring all our trials and troubles to God, and this is what Job did for he assured, “I know that thou canst do everything, and that no thought can be withheld from thee,” [see Job 42:2]. Job repented from not praying for his friends and the Lord blessed him by giving back twice of what Job lost during his trial [see Job 42:10]. Remember that it is your soul and spirit that the enemy is after who is Satan. We must “abstain from all appearance of evil,” [see 1 Thessalonians 5:22]. That means to hold back, renounce, and avoid all forms of evil. Our victory is in Christ Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. This is our joy that is unspeakable and full of glory.

Let us remember part of the lyrics to “What a friend we have in Jesus.”

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

The Power of Faith – Believe, Speak, and Receive

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Whatever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 11:24

Did you know that faith has power? Whatever you believe is what you will speak. What you speak produces the results you are living out every day of your life. Many people do not take stock on what they say every day. In James 3:6, it is stated that the tongue defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature, or our path in life. With such a warning, maybe we should reconsider the words that flow out of our mouth. Jesus spoke to his disciples about the power of faith by believing in prayer that what you speak, you will receive. Just think about the fig tree that Jesus cursed because it had no fruit [see Mark 11:12-14 and 20-24]. Peter the disciple of Jesus, pointed it out to Jesus that the fig tree had withered away, and Jesus said, “Have faith in God.” Jesus explains to his disciples that they too can have this kind of power if they would “believe what they say”.

The power of words is amazing, and we just do not think about it when we speak every day to those who we are in contact with. Just think about the words spoken on social networks. The slandering is out of control, and many are hurt at what is being said. Today we have employers dismissing people by email, rather than facing the individual in person. Add to the list cyberbullying which is posting rumors and treats. Words are powerful and we need to check take stock of our speech and behavior to that of a more positive tone rather than a negative tone. What we speak can be in the power of God and not in the power of man. Knowing that Jesus is the author of our faith [Hebrews 12:2] helps us to understand that our minds can be renewed to having the power of faith in what we speak.

The apostle Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 4:13, “having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak” [KJV]. We speak what we believe and this of itself is powerful. Paul has complete confidence in God, whom he believes that what is spoken will reveal the nature of God. We must choose blessing or cursing, life, or death, in the words we speak. Are the words we speak based upon faith? In 2 Corinthians 4:18 it states that we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” When we pray, we look at what is not seen instead of what is right before us.  I remember Smith Wigglesworth commenting how when he prayed for the sick in bed, they look to Jesus rather than the condition of the person in bed.

Can we “Have Faith in God?” Yes, we can, when we put our trust in God through His son Jesus. However, there is a condition listed in Mark chapter 11 that is overlooked.

When you stand praying, forgive, if ye have anything[ought] against any, that your Father also, who is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father, who is in heaven, forgive your trespasses.

Mark 11:25-26 [KJV]

Many forget that to receive anything from God one must have a pure heart and motive. So, if you have anger, or unforgiveness against anyone, you must forgive them. This is one reason why we have unanswered prayers. We only look at what we want, but when it comes to forgiving it can be very painful to let go of the hurt that an individual has done to us. This includes not only actions but the many unkind words that has been spoken. Do not let those behaviors or words pull you down to becoming burdened and angry. Let it go and place it in God’s hand. Remember that you cannot change another person, but you can be the reason why somebody changes. When your heart is in the right place you can ask and it shall come to pass, but forgiveness is the key to the prayer of faith. We can believe, speak, and receive just like Jesus did.  May we grow in having more faith in God and by taking stock in what we speak.