All tenants of Christianity are based on faith.
First you must believe (have faith) in Jesus Christ to be saved.
You cannot partake in grace without faith. (You are saved by grace "through faith.")
Healing is received by faith. ("Your faith has made you whole.")
We receive benefit by faith. ("According to your faith let it be done.)
Our faith brings miracles to the needy. ("And He saw their faith, the men carrying the bed, and healed the man.")
Faith is a verb, an action, living, producing, having authority, growing!
Matthew 13:32 speaks of faith from beginning to end.
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
The seed of faith first must be planted in the soil of Jesus Christ, where it is nurtured by the Word of God, cared for by the Holy Spirit, and watered by other believers, so that it can grow into a tree of faith wherein God our Father is glorified, and others will rest in it's branches to receive salvation, comfort and deliverance reproducing more "seeds of faith" till a whole forest of "faith trees" cover the earth.
So this begs the question: "is your faith growing? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Yearly? Ever?
Are you increasing in faith? Exorcising your faith? Inspiring others by your faith? Walking by faith?
If not, why?
Poor teaching? No interest? No inspiration? Just don't care? Never seen it manifest in anyone else? Are you surrounded by others like you, the "anyone else's?"
The command "go ye into" is a command with promise and only about faith. The command it to show forth the Truth about Jesus by promising to "manifest" Gods glory in: raising the dead, healing the sick, casting out demons............in short the use of faith in the name of Jesus Christ to do the will of the Father, and to "do those things that Jesus did and greater."
Hebrews 12:2
Jesus is "the author and finisher of our faith."
He is also the "judge" of our faith:
Matthew 17:17
Mark 9:19
Luke 9:41
Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
19Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,
Mustard seed faith is just the starting point and it can accomplish the above results. Not having that mustard seed faith was the basis of Jesus anger. Why? Because in this instance they were unable to perform the command of Christ when he sent them out.
We all should set our eyes on things above, and petition God by faith for the answers to our prayers that He might Glorify Himself through the name of Jesus Christ and call all men unto Himself.
If God be with you (and His promises) then who can be against you.
Remember scripture cannot fail, and God cannot fail.
Lets grow in faith and grace with passion and accomplishment.
Just a thought
Love
J&E in Tn
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Strength by waiting!
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their]
strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be
weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
Let’s start by asking the question here: "When is your
time to wait upon the Lord?"
Start of day?
Midday?
End of day?
During the
"night watch?"
How about "all
of the above?"
Let’s look at the way the Scripture above starts: “But they
that wait upon the Lord”. Notice that there is no reference to time here. Not beginning
of day, nor any specific time of day at all, but only “those that wait.” We wait by “staying” our minds on Him.
Isaiah 26:3:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace who’s mind is stayed on
thee.”
When our mind is “stayed on thee” we automatically “bring
every thought into captivity.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
“and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
When all our
thoughts are “obedient to Christ’s” He doesn’t have to “get our attention”, He
already “has our attention.” All the time, anytime! To have this function in
our hearts makes our hearing “of the we small voice” keener and our moving into
“His presence” a natural part of our life. Most of us know that we are always
in His presence because “in Him we live and move and have our being”, but
whether or not we are aware of that as a focus is another matter. If we are
mature enough in Christ our focus is always to “here the Master speaking and do
His will.” Thus the “waiting” upon the Lord merely becomes a practice in
sensitivity.
Also note that
the opposite of waiting is “impatience” which everyone has experienced along
with the side effects of “being wrung out”, tired, weary. But waiting “renews
our strength,” and mounts us up with wings as eagles.” There by experiencing times
of refreshing, revelation, and deliverance.
The more you are
filled with His Word, the more you will see His glory set forth in His creation
and your waiting will be satisfied by His meeting you where you are, ”always,
all ways and any time day or night.” For me this can take place in a “wake up
call” during the night, reading/ listening to His Word, hearing a worship song,
or just expressing a prayer of thanksgiving as I walk or work. The times of “waiting
on the Lord” are as endless as life itself and the sooner we “seek” them the
sooner we will be satisfied with “strength.”
Then the rest of the verse can come to past “they shall run, and
not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.”
This is the reward of “perfecting the presence of God.”
God bless and keep.
Love
J&E
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Sunday morning intimacy with God
Sunday morning and it's a new day!
How do you experience "His mercy's are new every morning"?
For one "He will never leave you or forsake you."
Does that only mean that when you are in trouble or in difficult times that He will be there?
Or does:
"He will never leave you or forsake you" mean that He is always with you to "teach and admonish" you in "all" things that Christ said by His Spirit?
I have always believed that there is not contradiction in scripture and that all scripture supports all other scripture. So this morning this is what followed my time in "meditation on the Word."
"He will never leave you or forsake you" is God, through Jesus Christ, "always" being there with you in thought, Word and deed, always present on all levels.
Whenever you take the time, (and all the times that you don't), He is with you ready willing and able to "commune" with you in whatever way you "allow" Him to. By prayer, by fasting, by listening, by questioning, by pondering His Word, by confessing sin, how about presenting who you really are to Him? Again any way you employ to enter into His presence, at any time, He is already there waiting to "talk to His son's and daughters."
I believe that we loose the "intimacy" that God wants us to have on a daily, (actually moment by moment) level, because we come to Him covering lies in our heart. Sin always separates us from God as "what can light have to do with darkness." Our way to God and His presence is Jesus Christ who covered our sin's by His blood a sacrifice "holy and acceptable" to God. If God's presence is not there maybe a solemn starting out with a heart felt confession "in Jesus name" or "through the blood of Jesus" might be just what is needed to get the "intimacy" started.
This morning was such a morning for me and once the "heart was made manifest" on my part, confessing my sin's and entering into (or entering through, however you would put it),the "forgiving Love sacrifice of Jesus", everything became productive in "His mercy's are new every morning."
The "we small voice" became louder, His presence became stronger, intimacy became deeper, and the time that followed gave instruction and guidance to my heart.
You never know "what God has on His mind" to talk to us about, but we for sure have on our minds those things that we want to "present before the throne." If we submit our hearts, thoughts, concerns, and petitions before our "King" doesn't it follow that we should "listen" then for His answer. Prayer and intimacy with God means that we will stick around for an answer not just move on because of time constraint or convenience. Remember that prayer is a dialog not a monologue.
So my time this morning:
What did God (through His Holy Spirit) have to say to me?
First the thought of ministry, the who, what, when and where of it. The past and the present was brought to mind, and how it is significantly different from what my first assessment was "when I was first saved." How instead of "reaching the masses", having a pastorate, or some other "great" application the ministry that He worked in my life had to do with "individuals", being consistent (where in is most of my sin), and proving to others that they are valuable "because of the Love of God and Jesus Christ."
Individuals..........now there is a strange way to embrace God's plan with humility and lowliness of heart. One at a time or maybe a small group that isn't in a church setting but on the job, with consistency, love, and passion. What about the individual cashier at the store, or the person on the street that passes by? Are they any better for "passing by" you or are they the same. A lot of value is passed on from one person to the next just through a smile, maybe adding a comment that shows interest like "how are you today"? Your words can bless and lift up a stranger just because you found enough "value" in them to open your mouth and say something kind.
Now that's real ministry. Embracing with value every soul on the street that God has put in your path. Blessing, encouraging, lifting up just with a smile and a word. Priceless.
Then came a review of "ministry gifts."
I am here to tell you backed by scripture, that if you know Christ, and are one of His, called by His name, you have both a ministry and gifts to "manifest His glory" as the gospel of Love, through forgiveness, is lived, preached and shared.
When we had a home church miracles were part of what was happening there as Christ was lifted up and the Father was worshiped. Common place.
But more important in my "calling and election" (ministry) was the meeting of the needs of my co-workers, and those small groups that I had the grace to be before daily, consistently, living the gospel before them and sharing the Love of Christ. Signs and wonders were a big part of proving that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was true, and Glorifying my Father in Heaven. Sometimes it took place on an individual basis, sometimes witnessed by a group of my fellow workers, but all the time, in every instance, Christ was lifted up, God glorified, and calling men unto Himself.
Ministry "resides" in the heart, given of God, to be manifest to "all" the earth (imagine that), to PROVE the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only true Gospel and He is the only True God.
Take time to listen without aforethought next time you set aside time for prayer. Let the Holy Spirit pray through you. Listen to what He says, where He leads, and how He directs. "Be still and know that I am God" is the heart cry of our Father in heaven during these intimate times.
Yup quite a morning............
Great way to start the day...........
I hope sharing this will challenge you to "draw neigh to God so He can draw neigh to you."
Nothing is impossible for God. His promises are forever.
His mercy's are new every morning.
Love
J&E
How do you experience "His mercy's are new every morning"?
For one "He will never leave you or forsake you."
Does that only mean that when you are in trouble or in difficult times that He will be there?
Or does:
"He will never leave you or forsake you" mean that He is always with you to "teach and admonish" you in "all" things that Christ said by His Spirit?
I have always believed that there is not contradiction in scripture and that all scripture supports all other scripture. So this morning this is what followed my time in "meditation on the Word."
"He will never leave you or forsake you" is God, through Jesus Christ, "always" being there with you in thought, Word and deed, always present on all levels.
Whenever you take the time, (and all the times that you don't), He is with you ready willing and able to "commune" with you in whatever way you "allow" Him to. By prayer, by fasting, by listening, by questioning, by pondering His Word, by confessing sin, how about presenting who you really are to Him? Again any way you employ to enter into His presence, at any time, He is already there waiting to "talk to His son's and daughters."
I believe that we loose the "intimacy" that God wants us to have on a daily, (actually moment by moment) level, because we come to Him covering lies in our heart. Sin always separates us from God as "what can light have to do with darkness." Our way to God and His presence is Jesus Christ who covered our sin's by His blood a sacrifice "holy and acceptable" to God. If God's presence is not there maybe a solemn starting out with a heart felt confession "in Jesus name" or "through the blood of Jesus" might be just what is needed to get the "intimacy" started.
This morning was such a morning for me and once the "heart was made manifest" on my part, confessing my sin's and entering into (or entering through, however you would put it),the "forgiving Love sacrifice of Jesus", everything became productive in "His mercy's are new every morning."
The "we small voice" became louder, His presence became stronger, intimacy became deeper, and the time that followed gave instruction and guidance to my heart.
You never know "what God has on His mind" to talk to us about, but we for sure have on our minds those things that we want to "present before the throne." If we submit our hearts, thoughts, concerns, and petitions before our "King" doesn't it follow that we should "listen" then for His answer. Prayer and intimacy with God means that we will stick around for an answer not just move on because of time constraint or convenience. Remember that prayer is a dialog not a monologue.
So my time this morning:
What did God (through His Holy Spirit) have to say to me?
First the thought of ministry, the who, what, when and where of it. The past and the present was brought to mind, and how it is significantly different from what my first assessment was "when I was first saved." How instead of "reaching the masses", having a pastorate, or some other "great" application the ministry that He worked in my life had to do with "individuals", being consistent (where in is most of my sin), and proving to others that they are valuable "because of the Love of God and Jesus Christ."
Individuals..........now there is a strange way to embrace God's plan with humility and lowliness of heart. One at a time or maybe a small group that isn't in a church setting but on the job, with consistency, love, and passion. What about the individual cashier at the store, or the person on the street that passes by? Are they any better for "passing by" you or are they the same. A lot of value is passed on from one person to the next just through a smile, maybe adding a comment that shows interest like "how are you today"? Your words can bless and lift up a stranger just because you found enough "value" in them to open your mouth and say something kind.
Now that's real ministry. Embracing with value every soul on the street that God has put in your path. Blessing, encouraging, lifting up just with a smile and a word. Priceless.
Then came a review of "ministry gifts."
I am here to tell you backed by scripture, that if you know Christ, and are one of His, called by His name, you have both a ministry and gifts to "manifest His glory" as the gospel of Love, through forgiveness, is lived, preached and shared.
When we had a home church miracles were part of what was happening there as Christ was lifted up and the Father was worshiped. Common place.
But more important in my "calling and election" (ministry) was the meeting of the needs of my co-workers, and those small groups that I had the grace to be before daily, consistently, living the gospel before them and sharing the Love of Christ. Signs and wonders were a big part of proving that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was true, and Glorifying my Father in Heaven. Sometimes it took place on an individual basis, sometimes witnessed by a group of my fellow workers, but all the time, in every instance, Christ was lifted up, God glorified, and calling men unto Himself.
Ministry "resides" in the heart, given of God, to be manifest to "all" the earth (imagine that), to PROVE the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only true Gospel and He is the only True God.
Take time to listen without aforethought next time you set aside time for prayer. Let the Holy Spirit pray through you. Listen to what He says, where He leads, and how He directs. "Be still and know that I am God" is the heart cry of our Father in heaven during these intimate times.
Yup quite a morning............
Great way to start the day...........
I hope sharing this will challenge you to "draw neigh to God so He can draw neigh to you."
Nothing is impossible for God. His promises are forever.
His mercy's are new every morning.
Love
J&E
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
A heart, a vision, and Psalm 63 and "Thank the Lord for the nighttime."
Getting late and need to get to bed.
Looking forward to being "woke up" to pray in the wee hours, sometime in this state of rest. Maybe get some "matters of the heart" taken care of.
Is there any other reason for the night time?
Quite, peaceful, no distractions, easy to hear the "we small voice", easy to "get into" the "presence of God."
Read one of my favorite Psalms below:
The first 5 vs challenges my heart and resonates it's desire. Vs 6 speaks to this post. Vs 8 causes me to weep. All of it effects me somehow. I first read this Psalm in a vision just after I was saved before I had read it in the Bible.
Here is one of the reasons my night time is important:
Psalm 63 King James Version (KJV)
1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. (This is one of my favorites for this post.)
7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
Whats happening tonight with you? Like Glen says: Do you have a spirit of "expectation?"
Love
J&E in Tn
Monday, February 15, 2016
Scriptural based with no scripture added...........Men and Wives
What I discovered about getting the projects your wife wants done and the future.................
The faster you get them done the more future you will have to do other things.
Hey lets realize the truth here.........
You do enough of them and she will sooner or later run out.
Right?
I don't know about you but I always like a challenge. When I don't put off doing the things we can get done when I can, Elise A. Cavasin is all to happy to help, making the sense of accomplishment that much more enjoyable.
Remember that "two shall become one?" It works. A task done by two is twice as easy!
I think that many times we men work harder getting out of work than if we would of just done the job.
Over the last several months we have accomplished many things together to "take off the list." Not only was it fun but it was a great relationship building act.
Feels like it's part of growing up to me.
More like "being intimate."
Real intimacy isn't limited to a physical relationship, its the process of "two becoming one" in every sphere and application of life. It includes but not limited to: Love, conversation, concerns, needs, expectations, laughing, crying, caring, sharing, satisfying, responsibility's, "touching, hugging, kissing", (oops I think I already said that this wasn't the only part), again "becoming one."
"Real Men" make their wives experience their "priceless value" by making their dreams come true not just in the big things but in the little, seemingly meaningless (to us) things.
Hang that dang picture for her!
Fix the faucet like it was your boat, truck, or chainsaw.
Then when that is caught up take time to:
Look into her eyes.........I mean really look.
Sigh when you do that like she is the most precious gift God has given you (after Jesus Christ.)
While doing that whisper "I love you!"
Remember when you were "dating?"
Remember how her hair felt in your hands?
How it was so fragrant it drove you crazy?
News flash: "same hair, same woman." Times don't change anything. Time is just an excuse to not make the same effort because you "got what you want now."
I guarantee "taking the time" now will mean just as much today as it did "back then."
A pat on the butt, brushing by, tender, appreciative words and actions will go far in "crossing some tasks" off of your "to do list!"
If you can't learn something new about your wife just about every day, then your just not "becoming one" on all levels of this great experience called marriage.
We men all think that being men means doing some great, dangerous, expensive, unreachable thing. Like somehow our greatness will be "magnified" by our "outward deeds."
The greatest accomplishment any married man can have is to have his: smiling, admiring, content, loved wife holding onto his arm, proud of the "I do" she made years ago.
Life is lived one decision at a time:
Start with the one to Love Unconditionally!
Living haply and lovingly with my wife in Tn
J&E
The faster you get them done the more future you will have to do other things.
Hey lets realize the truth here.........
You do enough of them and she will sooner or later run out.
Right?
I don't know about you but I always like a challenge. When I don't put off doing the things we can get done when I can, Elise A. Cavasin is all to happy to help, making the sense of accomplishment that much more enjoyable.
Remember that "two shall become one?" It works. A task done by two is twice as easy!
I think that many times we men work harder getting out of work than if we would of just done the job.
Over the last several months we have accomplished many things together to "take off the list." Not only was it fun but it was a great relationship building act.
Feels like it's part of growing up to me.
More like "being intimate."
Real intimacy isn't limited to a physical relationship, its the process of "two becoming one" in every sphere and application of life. It includes but not limited to: Love, conversation, concerns, needs, expectations, laughing, crying, caring, sharing, satisfying, responsibility's, "touching, hugging, kissing", (oops I think I already said that this wasn't the only part), again "becoming one."
"Real Men" make their wives experience their "priceless value" by making their dreams come true not just in the big things but in the little, seemingly meaningless (to us) things.
Hang that dang picture for her!
Fix the faucet like it was your boat, truck, or chainsaw.
Then when that is caught up take time to:
Look into her eyes.........I mean really look.
Sigh when you do that like she is the most precious gift God has given you (after Jesus Christ.)
While doing that whisper "I love you!"
Remember when you were "dating?"
Remember how her hair felt in your hands?
How it was so fragrant it drove you crazy?
News flash: "same hair, same woman." Times don't change anything. Time is just an excuse to not make the same effort because you "got what you want now."
I guarantee "taking the time" now will mean just as much today as it did "back then."
A pat on the butt, brushing by, tender, appreciative words and actions will go far in "crossing some tasks" off of your "to do list!"
If you can't learn something new about your wife just about every day, then your just not "becoming one" on all levels of this great experience called marriage.
We men all think that being men means doing some great, dangerous, expensive, unreachable thing. Like somehow our greatness will be "magnified" by our "outward deeds."
The greatest accomplishment any married man can have is to have his: smiling, admiring, content, loved wife holding onto his arm, proud of the "I do" she made years ago.
Life is lived one decision at a time:
Start with the one to Love Unconditionally!
Living haply and lovingly with my wife in Tn
J&E
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Why are you a Christian?
Sunday morning thoughts:
Why are you a "Christian?"
For what reason are we to be called "the son's and daughter's of God?
And what is the heart of "Christianity?"
Are we supposed to "experience" more than just the "knowledge" that our "sins" are forgiven and the streets of gold have now been guaranteed us? Is our "profession" of faith just a feeble "proclamation" of our agreement with "Scripture?"
Is there more than just "guidelines", almost certainly unmeetable commands, and a struggling to "walk the walk?" Have we really desired to know the "heart" of God in this living the Christian faith?
What does it mean to "live the Christian Faith" and "how do we do that, how is it expressed?" Is it beyond our ability to be "totally committed to God through Jesus Christ?"
Lets start with this statement:
"If you are a Christian (a follower of Jesus Christ) you have to believe in the (what I call) fantasical." Not a word? Sorta. What does that mean?
First of all it means that God through the Holy Spirit has to "call you unto Christ" whom He has lifted up for such a purpose we realizing that God is unapproachable when we are "in our sins."
Second you have to agree with His Word that Christ is the only Savior for our sins. By no other means can we "obtain" forgiveness and be perfect in His sight.
Third (this is the hard one), that Christ then becomes our righteousness, salvation, and sanctification. Our hope of, and answer to, being able to "approach the throne of God, spotless, undefiled." When we truly "confess with our mouth and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord (He died for our sins and rose from the dead), then the above "Truth's" become fact and are etched in our "hearts", (not our heads), and we become son's and daughter's of God.
Ok, you know all that. You got it! Life is good. You have your "Free ticket to the streets of Gold.
Then answer this one question:
Why is it then so hard to "walk in the spirit", "keep all the commands", "receive all the promises", "have peace like a river and joy in the Holy Spirit" all the time or at least most of it?
Is it a matter of "increasing in faith?" Is it "help me though my unbelief?" Is it a matter of "studying the Scriptures daily?" Fasting enough, praying enough, going, doing, preaching, or some other thing out of a list of thousands of Christ like replications?
No. All the above desires are necessary, to an ever "increasing" degree but they are not "the beginning" of what is needed most for the foundation of our answer "Why are we Christians?"
Lets take an "out of the box" approach to this question, like a Biblical one, Scriptural one. Not the pleadings of man but a calling of the Holy Spirit. Not the common teachings of man (beyond the Gospel set forth in Scripture), but "how Scripture" shows us the how and the why's of being a Christian.
I'm going to ask you at this point, before I go on to pray about what is being written and ask that you "listen/read with your heart not your head." The vilest application of understanding Scripture come from the practice of "head knowledge" instead of heart knowledge. Period. If God gave us the ability to "understand "the Mind of Christ" with our heads then He would of eliminated the Holy Spirit. Lets go on.
Understand first: that salvation through Christ is a MIRACLE!
A miracle is a "Divine Intervention of God to Man to Manifest His Glory." God works miracles for one reason and one reason only: To prove the Truth of His Word (Jesus Christ) to those whom He touches and to those whom He uses to do so. If you didn't get that the first reading read it again!
You were born a sinner with an inheritance of "hell." If you are not convinced of that statement then you cannot and will not be saved. The very fact that "The Holy God" (in whose presence can be no sin), out of His Unconditional Love, gave us a way to be "cleansed" and made whiter than snow, so that we can "come unto His throne, into His presence," THIS IS A MIRACLE! All things God does towards man is a miracle! Not divided by small or large.......everyone is a divine intervention.
More than that He also "gave us of His Spirit" after being "redeemed" by the blood of His Son, so that we might have the "power and boldness" to do so. With this "imparting of the Holy Spirit" He made all things possible that are written in His Word the Holy Bible, nothing being out of reach, all the promises and commands "doable" by faith and faith alone.
Again this takes place in the heart not the head. If you "think" you know these Truth's but do not witness them on a regular basis, then your head has taken over for your heart, and there in, your faith will be week and your walk will also. You will be "plagued about by many questions" not seeing the fruits of faith spoken in the Scriptures. Sadly these "symptoms" are a prewarning that the teachings of man have been made more acceptable than the Word of God. As it might be called a "holy excuse" to "claim the name of Christ but "deny the power there of."
So where is this going and when will I answer the question of: "Why are we Christians?"
What does God expect?
Let me start here:
Since the day of "my Salvation" I believed! I mean everything that Scripture said. I will add here that from the beginning of this journey for me, the Holy Spirit was "given without measure" in my "growning in faith and the knowledge of Christ." This is not to set some sort of brag or "I am so righteous" presentation, but to state clearly that: myself, you or anyone else, who has not "received the Holy Spirit" (baptism of the Holy Spirit, not water baptism) after believing in Jesus Christ "he cannot know the things of God." Period. He can listen and learn what man has to say, but he cannot "listen to the Spirit" and be able to know and compare the two (often opposed to each other), to "study to show thyself approved." He who has the Holy Spirit has the "Mind of Christ," he who doesn't have the Holy Spirit "has not the mind of Christ." Because of the later we are in the present state, church, country, and heart.
That is not to say that "at the day of salvation" the Holy Spirit doesn't "come along side" to teach, guide and direct, but Scripture clearly shows that there, (like salvation), must be a specific time when we are "filled with the Holy Spirit" and endued with "power from on high." Remember here, that we are talking about Scripture here, not mumbling, thoughts, emotions, and comparisons. Not feel good preaching that gives hope but no power to serve. Man's word, man's strength to accomplish.
So how do we wrap this up and answer the question first asked?
My heart, since the day of salvation, has been to "honor God" by obeying His Word, not with strength of my own but by the "power of the Spirit." This same Holy Spirit has been active since that point in my prayer life. Yes there are tongues but that's not what I am talking about. Paul said: "though I pray in the Spirit I pray also with my conscious," so it is a wise thing when praying to also "listen" to what you are praying "as the Spirit leads."
This morning was one of those mornings. Pray, listen. Letting the Holy Spirit "lead."
Here is what came about the question of "why are we Christians?"
Lets not go over again faith, baptism, the laying on of hands but on to better things these all being understood!
The simple answer is this:
To gain by God's Spirit the revelation that we, being just flesh and blood, we're desired by God to be His people, that He might "manifest" His Truth, His Power, His Love, to us and through us so that all creation would see and believe on His Name. Having promised so we can turn our hearts to Him and freely invite His will to be done in us.
While I was praying this morning the "manifestation of the Spirit" was both in vision form and heart prayer form that simply "renewed my mind" to the "high calling we have of God in Christ Jesus." I understood the impossibility of what God asks us to do daily, and the imponderable power that He gives us for it's accomplishment. From beginning (salvation), to end (our lives) He has expected nothing from us but to be an "open vessel" for Him to use "that no man would have excuse" to deny His existence, Love, power, and plan.
Simply put: to be obedient to His will, as laid out in Scripture and performed by the Holy Spirit. To passionately "desire" to do so. Not to beat oneself up over whether or not "I compare to someone else" and what God is doing through them, but to be open both through prayer and the "we small voice" to be "led by the Spirit." The best way to be that is to "eat and drink" the right things! Gotcha but it's True. His flesh is real meat and his blood real drink." Did you ever think about that "diet"? To "feed off His Word and to have our "thirst" satiated by His blood? This the foundation of "His will." When we rely on "His Presence" more than that of carnal food, then He, through His Spirit, feeds our "inner man" with the True Manna from heaven, the only real food from God.......His Word (the Mind of Christ), and His Spirit.
Praying this morning I believe that God guided my prayer to be such: "Holy Father, glorify your name in all the earth. By the blood of Jesus help me to see and do, by faith, those things that are your will convenient for this day. Not by my strength or understanding, but by Your strength and Spirit through the name of Jesus Christ. Lift Him up to call all men unto You. Empower your people to preach the Gospel of Truth with signs and wonders following because the "Truth shall set them (and us) free." Teach us to Love as you do "Unconditionally." Work in us to "conform us unto the image and likeness of your Son Jesus Christ." Help us to decrease and Jesus to increase in us so that all that remains is the reflection of our Savior and our Father in heaven. I thank you and praise you, in Jesus name!
This is why we are Christian's.
Via con Dios
Love
J&E in Tn
Why are you a "Christian?"
For what reason are we to be called "the son's and daughter's of God?
And what is the heart of "Christianity?"
Are we supposed to "experience" more than just the "knowledge" that our "sins" are forgiven and the streets of gold have now been guaranteed us? Is our "profession" of faith just a feeble "proclamation" of our agreement with "Scripture?"
Is there more than just "guidelines", almost certainly unmeetable commands, and a struggling to "walk the walk?" Have we really desired to know the "heart" of God in this living the Christian faith?
What does it mean to "live the Christian Faith" and "how do we do that, how is it expressed?" Is it beyond our ability to be "totally committed to God through Jesus Christ?"
Lets start with this statement:
"If you are a Christian (a follower of Jesus Christ) you have to believe in the (what I call) fantasical." Not a word? Sorta. What does that mean?
First of all it means that God through the Holy Spirit has to "call you unto Christ" whom He has lifted up for such a purpose we realizing that God is unapproachable when we are "in our sins."
Second you have to agree with His Word that Christ is the only Savior for our sins. By no other means can we "obtain" forgiveness and be perfect in His sight.
Third (this is the hard one), that Christ then becomes our righteousness, salvation, and sanctification. Our hope of, and answer to, being able to "approach the throne of God, spotless, undefiled." When we truly "confess with our mouth and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord (He died for our sins and rose from the dead), then the above "Truth's" become fact and are etched in our "hearts", (not our heads), and we become son's and daughter's of God.
Ok, you know all that. You got it! Life is good. You have your "Free ticket to the streets of Gold.
Then answer this one question:
Why is it then so hard to "walk in the spirit", "keep all the commands", "receive all the promises", "have peace like a river and joy in the Holy Spirit" all the time or at least most of it?
Is it a matter of "increasing in faith?" Is it "help me though my unbelief?" Is it a matter of "studying the Scriptures daily?" Fasting enough, praying enough, going, doing, preaching, or some other thing out of a list of thousands of Christ like replications?
No. All the above desires are necessary, to an ever "increasing" degree but they are not "the beginning" of what is needed most for the foundation of our answer "Why are we Christians?"
Lets take an "out of the box" approach to this question, like a Biblical one, Scriptural one. Not the pleadings of man but a calling of the Holy Spirit. Not the common teachings of man (beyond the Gospel set forth in Scripture), but "how Scripture" shows us the how and the why's of being a Christian.
I'm going to ask you at this point, before I go on to pray about what is being written and ask that you "listen/read with your heart not your head." The vilest application of understanding Scripture come from the practice of "head knowledge" instead of heart knowledge. Period. If God gave us the ability to "understand "the Mind of Christ" with our heads then He would of eliminated the Holy Spirit. Lets go on.
Understand first: that salvation through Christ is a MIRACLE!
A miracle is a "Divine Intervention of God to Man to Manifest His Glory." God works miracles for one reason and one reason only: To prove the Truth of His Word (Jesus Christ) to those whom He touches and to those whom He uses to do so. If you didn't get that the first reading read it again!
You were born a sinner with an inheritance of "hell." If you are not convinced of that statement then you cannot and will not be saved. The very fact that "The Holy God" (in whose presence can be no sin), out of His Unconditional Love, gave us a way to be "cleansed" and made whiter than snow, so that we can "come unto His throne, into His presence," THIS IS A MIRACLE! All things God does towards man is a miracle! Not divided by small or large.......everyone is a divine intervention.
More than that He also "gave us of His Spirit" after being "redeemed" by the blood of His Son, so that we might have the "power and boldness" to do so. With this "imparting of the Holy Spirit" He made all things possible that are written in His Word the Holy Bible, nothing being out of reach, all the promises and commands "doable" by faith and faith alone.
Again this takes place in the heart not the head. If you "think" you know these Truth's but do not witness them on a regular basis, then your head has taken over for your heart, and there in, your faith will be week and your walk will also. You will be "plagued about by many questions" not seeing the fruits of faith spoken in the Scriptures. Sadly these "symptoms" are a prewarning that the teachings of man have been made more acceptable than the Word of God. As it might be called a "holy excuse" to "claim the name of Christ but "deny the power there of."
So where is this going and when will I answer the question of: "Why are we Christians?"
What does God expect?
Let me start here:
Since the day of "my Salvation" I believed! I mean everything that Scripture said. I will add here that from the beginning of this journey for me, the Holy Spirit was "given without measure" in my "growning in faith and the knowledge of Christ." This is not to set some sort of brag or "I am so righteous" presentation, but to state clearly that: myself, you or anyone else, who has not "received the Holy Spirit" (baptism of the Holy Spirit, not water baptism) after believing in Jesus Christ "he cannot know the things of God." Period. He can listen and learn what man has to say, but he cannot "listen to the Spirit" and be able to know and compare the two (often opposed to each other), to "study to show thyself approved." He who has the Holy Spirit has the "Mind of Christ," he who doesn't have the Holy Spirit "has not the mind of Christ." Because of the later we are in the present state, church, country, and heart.
That is not to say that "at the day of salvation" the Holy Spirit doesn't "come along side" to teach, guide and direct, but Scripture clearly shows that there, (like salvation), must be a specific time when we are "filled with the Holy Spirit" and endued with "power from on high." Remember here, that we are talking about Scripture here, not mumbling, thoughts, emotions, and comparisons. Not feel good preaching that gives hope but no power to serve. Man's word, man's strength to accomplish.
So how do we wrap this up and answer the question first asked?
My heart, since the day of salvation, has been to "honor God" by obeying His Word, not with strength of my own but by the "power of the Spirit." This same Holy Spirit has been active since that point in my prayer life. Yes there are tongues but that's not what I am talking about. Paul said: "though I pray in the Spirit I pray also with my conscious," so it is a wise thing when praying to also "listen" to what you are praying "as the Spirit leads."
This morning was one of those mornings. Pray, listen. Letting the Holy Spirit "lead."
Here is what came about the question of "why are we Christians?"
Lets not go over again faith, baptism, the laying on of hands but on to better things these all being understood!
The simple answer is this:
To gain by God's Spirit the revelation that we, being just flesh and blood, we're desired by God to be His people, that He might "manifest" His Truth, His Power, His Love, to us and through us so that all creation would see and believe on His Name. Having promised so we can turn our hearts to Him and freely invite His will to be done in us.
While I was praying this morning the "manifestation of the Spirit" was both in vision form and heart prayer form that simply "renewed my mind" to the "high calling we have of God in Christ Jesus." I understood the impossibility of what God asks us to do daily, and the imponderable power that He gives us for it's accomplishment. From beginning (salvation), to end (our lives) He has expected nothing from us but to be an "open vessel" for Him to use "that no man would have excuse" to deny His existence, Love, power, and plan.
Simply put: to be obedient to His will, as laid out in Scripture and performed by the Holy Spirit. To passionately "desire" to do so. Not to beat oneself up over whether or not "I compare to someone else" and what God is doing through them, but to be open both through prayer and the "we small voice" to be "led by the Spirit." The best way to be that is to "eat and drink" the right things! Gotcha but it's True. His flesh is real meat and his blood real drink." Did you ever think about that "diet"? To "feed off His Word and to have our "thirst" satiated by His blood? This the foundation of "His will." When we rely on "His Presence" more than that of carnal food, then He, through His Spirit, feeds our "inner man" with the True Manna from heaven, the only real food from God.......His Word (the Mind of Christ), and His Spirit.
Praying this morning I believe that God guided my prayer to be such: "Holy Father, glorify your name in all the earth. By the blood of Jesus help me to see and do, by faith, those things that are your will convenient for this day. Not by my strength or understanding, but by Your strength and Spirit through the name of Jesus Christ. Lift Him up to call all men unto You. Empower your people to preach the Gospel of Truth with signs and wonders following because the "Truth shall set them (and us) free." Teach us to Love as you do "Unconditionally." Work in us to "conform us unto the image and likeness of your Son Jesus Christ." Help us to decrease and Jesus to increase in us so that all that remains is the reflection of our Savior and our Father in heaven. I thank you and praise you, in Jesus name!
This is why we are Christian's.
Via con Dios
Love
J&E in Tn
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Love of life
Life is good,
Love is better,
Life with Love is best!
I choose Life,
I choose Love,
I choose what's best.
It isn't without effort, (ask Elise A. Cavasin)
It doesn't start out perfect,
It does get better all the time,
And those that see it through will reap the rewards.
We have done that,
And the rewards are beyond imagination.
Love, Joy and Peace in the Holy Spirit.
If you haven't stuck through with this.......
Then you will ever know the joy that hope brings,
And the peace that passes all understanding in Christ our Lord!
Love
J&E inn Tn
Love is better,
Life with Love is best!
I choose Life,
I choose Love,
I choose what's best.
It isn't without effort, (ask Elise A. Cavasin)
It doesn't start out perfect,
It does get better all the time,
And those that see it through will reap the rewards.
We have done that,
And the rewards are beyond imagination.
Love, Joy and Peace in the Holy Spirit.
If you haven't stuck through with this.......
Then you will ever know the joy that hope brings,
And the peace that passes all understanding in Christ our Lord!
Love
J&E inn Tn
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