Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Romans 5:1
We are justified by faith in Christ. Through faith we have peace with God. Yet, peace is short-lived in the world we live in. Humanity has a hard time of holding onto peace due to selfish ambitions. Any type of law that is established does not free man from the guilt of sin, nor does it cause man to sin less. With man there is no justification. Justification can only come through the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through faith in Christ that we have peace with God and man. We have the promise that through Christ death and resurrection that the power of sin is broken. What the law could not do, Christ death accomplished that peace with God. Do not let go of your faith in God, for it can move mountains in your life.
“The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:6
Is the Lord your helper? A helper is a person who helps someone else. Can we really say that the Lord is my helper? Can we live out our Christian Walk and say the Lord is my helper? There are times that we can truly say the Lord is my helper, yet there are other times where we fall short on relying totally on the Lord as our helper. In chapter thirteen of Hebrews, the first nine verses speak to the fact that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” [see verse 8 of Hebrews chapter 13]. Sometimes our confession or what we say is not always true. The spirit convicted me that my heart was not pure. Not all Christians are concerned about having a pure heart, but our Lord looks into our heart to see where we stand in our character. Is our character in the image of Christ? The Lord will refine us and mold us into His image and not what we believe we should be.
Each of us have situations in life that test our character of who we are, whether it is in Christ or in our own self-will. Are we daily checking on what we say and do? Do we examine ourselves to see if we are standing in faith and believing that the Lord is our helper? Take a look at the following scripture:
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5
Have you examined yourselves today to see if you are in the faith of Jesus Christ? Do not deceive yourself and eat with offense. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin,” [see Romans 14:23]. We may have failed the test of being a disciple of Christ. We may not of heed the word of Christ by maturing and growing in our walk as a Christian. A disciple of Christ simply means one that follows, believes in, and helps in sharing what Christ taught. We must remember that sin is close at the door of decision and Christ freed us from the power of sin. To surrender all to God in faith is to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. Our manner of life should be without covetousness. Look at verse 5 of Hebrews chapter Thirteen.
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
What about your conversations in regard to covetousness. Are you content with what you have? Are you thankful for what you have? It could be that the Lord is testing to see if your desires are taking over to be envious at what another person has. That new house, car, job, or clothing item has become the object of your desire over Christ. This desire of wanting something has compromise your position in Christ. In the world we see advertisements galore to obtain some new thing and we are willing to borrow money to obtain it because we believe we deserve to have it. By doing this we become servants to the item and also servants to the lender instead of a servant to the Lord. We need to be careful in our decisions we make before we buy anything. God does not want you to go into debt. Knowing His will, you will know that “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” [see 1 Corinthians 10:31].
Be content with what you have and have the peace of God within your heart, for he will never leave you or forsake you. This is the very reason why we can say with confidence that the Lord is my helper, [see verse 6 of Hebrews chapter 13]. To be in the image of Christ is to have brotherly love for each other and remember to entertain strangers, to visit the sick, to visit those who are in prison, and those who suffer adversity since we are also in the body of Christ, [see verse 3 of Hebrews chapter 13]. Our self-will can bring an attitude of ungratefulness, never being satisfied, and always envious of others. Those who suffer within the body we should pray for and help each other in brotherly love since they are our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
The world revolves around those who are ungrateful, and they seem to not be able to empathize with other people’s sufferings or needs. This is the opposite of what Christ would do and that is being a servant to others. We must always consider a person’s behavior and how it can affect our own behavior. Being honest with that person is the key to helping each other. However, it does not always end up as a peaceful resolution. It may take time to recognize the value of what others bring to the body of Christ. Some begin to justify all what they do by complaining about everything. We must not make a hypocritical display of virtue, but rather live as thankful children of God, “redeeming the time, because the days are evil,” [see Ephesians 5:16]. Listen to the following scripture:
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:14-15
That you may be blameless without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. We are to shine as lights in the world and exclaim that the Lord is my Helper. Let us endeavor to take all things before the Lord in prayer. Let us crucify our own self-will to being a servant in the Lord. Let us ask the Lord to reveal our weaknesses in order to place them at the feet of Jesus. Through Christ we have died to our own self-will in order that we may live in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Lord over all we do. Let us walk as true servants of the Lord, then we can boldly say” the Lord is my helper.”
“And he saith unto them, why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:26
There is no one who wants to have little faith. We want to have faith that can move mountains as Jesus said in Matthew chapter 17, verse 20. However, in Matthew chapter 8, verse 26, we have Jesus rebuking the winds and the sea. Can we rebuke the winds and the sea? The answer is yes, if we have faith. The whole chapter of Matthew eight is about the authority of the Lord to heal, cast out demons and still the winds and waves. If you have not read chapter eight of Matthew, I would encourage you to do so. If your faith is little, then read the word of God to enlarge your faith.
“So, then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
You might say that if you lack faith, you are not reading or hearing the word of God. It is the word that gives us the foundation to live out our life. It is the anchor that holds us in place to the promises of God. Those promises will last forever as it states in Isaiah chapter 40, verse 8, “The grass withered, the flower faded: but the word of our God shall stand forever.” Many people simply marveled and questioned about what Jesus did, but they could not believe. Can we believe or have faith in what Jesus did. Can we do what Jesus did? The answer is yes, if you have faith. Jesus gave us the power to pray in His name and ask Him for anything, and He will do it.
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13
Listen to what the centurion said, “I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but speak the wordonly, and my servant shall be healed,” [see Matthew 8:8]. Wow! That servant was healed. The centurion understood the meaning of authority since he had soldiers under his authority. Authority is the belief that God has absolute power and that He is the source of all power. Through Jesus name, we have the right or responsibility to do something by exercising authority through prayer and asking for anything such as healing.
We tend to limit ourselves when it comes to our faith in God. We have reasons for not acting in faith and this limits us from doing what God wants us to do. Sometimes even I forget that He has given the authority to rebuke pain, disease, and depression. Jesus healed, cast out demons, and rebuke the wind and sea. He is our example, and He did what the Father told him to do. We as His children should follow in the same course and become doers of the word.
We hear the word to gain faith. When faith has built up within our hearts, we begin to act it out.
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
The centurion was acting out his faith by saying ‘just speak the word,” and my servant shall be healed. How did he know that his servant would be healed? He must have heard about the acts of Jesus and believed that He is the son of God. The word of God is full of prophecies and promises. One of the prophecies concerned with sickness stated, “He himself took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses,” [see Matthew 8:17]. This verse was prophesied by Isaiah. It was fulfilled through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus healed all who were sick. The disciples went about doing the same as Jesus did.
Today, the elders are called to pray, anoint with oil in the name of the Lord, for the healing of sickness [see James 5:14]. Now, look at the next verse that states, “the prayer of faith shall save the sick,” [James 5:15]. The prayer of faith is what will save the sick. If no one comes to pray for you, you can pray yourself for healing of your own sicknesses. Remember that Jesus himself bore your sickness so, you do not have to bear it any longer. Speak the word and you shall be healed. This is what the centurion did, and Jesus was so surprised at what He heard that He said,
“Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Matthew 8:10
Jesus was astonished at the faith of the centurion. Will He be astonished at your faith or will you hear “O ye of little faith.” It is time to act out your faith in the name of Jesus. I have heard how the prayers of people have even saved them from impending storms. We have authority in the name of Jesus to rebuke sicknesses and the wind in the storm. Act in faith and see it come to past in the name of Jesus.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Luke 22:31 – “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:”
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?”
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?”
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.”
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.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5
Are you in need of a healing? Do you need spiritual or physical? No manner what type of healing you need, our Lord is ready to heal you. “I am the LORD that healeth thee,” exclaimed in Exodus 15:26, the people of God had a covenant promise of healing. Do we believe that God is willing to heal today? I can remember people praying and saying, “Lord, if it is thy will, heal me.” That expression was used a lot and did not get results because those praying did not know the will of God regarding their healing. When Jesus died on the cross, the stripes he received were for our benefit to receive healing. Do you know the benefits of the Lord? Read Psalms 103.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Psalms 103:2-3
Have we forgotten the Lord’s benefit of healing for all our diseases? What about the leper in Matthew 8:3 who asked the Lord, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean?” What did Jesus tell him? Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. Jesus said, “I will.” Jesus went about healing all manner of sickness and diseases [see Matthew 4:23]. It is His will to heal, and it is for us today. Do you have the faith to believe in healing? What did Jesus’ brother say about healing? In James chapter 5, verses 14 and 15, James asks the question “Is any sick among you?” If there was, they were to call the elders of the church to come and pray over the sick and anoint them with oil. In chapter 5 of James, verse 15 is the key to healing. The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. The prayer of faith will save the sick, so an individual does not necessarily have to have faith to be healed. Their faith needs to be built up by the preaching of the Gospel. If a person does not have faith, the elders are called upon. They are to have faith and know who they have placed their faith in. It is in Jesus who is the author and the finisher of our faith [see Hebrews 12:2]. The elders look to Jesus and not at the condition of the individual for the healing.
Jesus gave the 12 disciples power to heal the sick and to cast out unclean spirits [see Matthew 10:1]. It is Jesus who gives the power for healing. This power is known to be the Greek word “dunamis,” which in English means explosive power. Healing is a part of the Gospel of Jesus that was to be preached to all people. Jesus told Philip, one of the disciples, that those who believe in him shall do greater works than what Jesus did at that time, because Jesus himself will be with the Father [see John 14:12]. Remember that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Healing did not end after Jesus’ death; it was a part of the atonement along with salvation to free people from all bondages and all sicknesses. We do not always know why someone is sick or why some are healed, and others are not. Only God knows the reason. However, one thing is clear in the Bible: it is a lack of faith that prevents many from being healed. In James 5:15, it states that the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he has committed any sins, they shall be forgiven. Put your faith in Jesus and call for the elders of the church. It is in Jesus name that you will be healed.
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