SAME MIND / SAME LOVE / FULL ACCORD / SAME SPIRIT / SAME LORD / SAME GOD / ONE BODY / ONE HEAD / SAME CARE / TOGETHER IN THOUGHT AND REASON / ABOUNDING IN THANKSGIVING / SOBER-MINDED / EAGER TO MAINTAIN THE UNITY / ONE HOPE / ONE FAITH / ONE BAPTISM / ONE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL

People are priceless. Our unity is therefore critical. The Word of God is the resource for real eternal unity and breaking down division globally. One and the Same Spirit will get it done. 

UNITING the dIvIdEd: 

"That there may be no division in the Body"

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the SAME MIND, having the SAME LOVE, being in FULL ACCORD and of ONE MIND. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have THIS MIND among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,”

Philippians 2:1-5 ESV

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:8-9 ESV

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Philippians 2:12-13 ESV

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Romans 12:1-2 ESV

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the SAME SPIRIT; and there are varieties of service, but the SAME LORD; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the SAME GOD who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge ACCORDING TO THE SAME SPIRIT, to another faith by the SAME SPIRIT, to another gifts of healing by the ONE SPIRIT, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. ALL THESE ARE EMPOWERED BY ONE AND THE SAME SPIRIT, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. For just as the body is ONE and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are ONE BODY,so it is with Christ. For in ONE SPIRIT we were all baptized into ONE BODY—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of ONE SPIRIT. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet ONE BODY. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, THAT THERE MAY BE NO DIVISION IN THE BODY, but that the members may have the SAME CARE for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer TOGETHER; if one member is honored, all rejoice TOGETHER. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-27 ESV

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I THOUGHT like a child, I REASONED like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, EAGER TO MAINTAIN THE UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is ONE BODY and ONE SPIRIT—just as you were called to the ONE HOPE that belongs to your call— ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, ONE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says,“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all ATTAIN TO THE UNITY of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:1-16 ESV

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every THOUGHT captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”

2 Corinthians 10:4-6

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, ABOUNDING IN THANKSGIVING. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, WHO IS THE HEAD of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive TOGETHER with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

Colossians 2:6-15 ESV

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in ONE SPIRIT, with ONE MIND striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”

Philippians 1:27-30 ESV

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:12-17 ESV

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be SOBER-MINDED, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

2 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV

“On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, THAT THERE MAY BE NO DIVISION IN THE BODY, but that the members may have the SAME CARE for one another.”

1 Corinthians 12:22-25 ESV

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

Romans 13:8-14 ESV

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:9-21 ESV

“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"”

Psalms 50:23 ESV

The Road Map To Freedom In All Circumstances- Four Personal QuestionsToward Commitment Resulting In Peace With God:

The Answers Are Yes:

1. Am I willing to spend time reading the Word of God daily?

2. Am I willing to agree with what the Word of God says?

3. Am I willing to conform my thoughts, and ideas to the Word of God?

4. Am I willing to do what the Word of God teaches?

There will be opposition in this process of renewing the mind and destroying strongholds / mental fortresses / captivating ideas: 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”

Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 ESV

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” Colossians 2:6-15 ESV

From Trying To Doing : Philippians 4:8-9

I've always enjoyed creating word pictures, images hidden within art or charts that help bring understanding to concepts and principles. It's inspiring to create teaching tools, how to guides, flow charts, procedure manuals. When I think back it all started with this little number picture that my dad drew out. It was the coolest thing to me. 

Creativity highlighting layers upon layers of meaning and purpose is very motivating and inspiring. It helps learning and growing in knowledge to be fun and effective at any age. Moreover, the most critical aspect of growing in knowledge, whatever the method, is maturing in truth and wisdom. It is possible to be so smart yet have knowledge with foundations of false information because wisdom is not applied. Wisdom is knowing the difference between what's true or false, good or evil and then choosing truth and goodness. Truth is confusing in the world only because we don't look at Christ, and put into action his ways and his teachings. To do so would change everything, BUT to do so would mean we are obeying him through the Holy Spirit.

Creating tools that help truth and wisdom to be known and applied is critical, motivating and inspiring. The Bible has to be the most inspiring and motivating teaching tool in this regard. Within it are layers upon layers of purpose and meaning, truth, life and encouragement for our souls. If you like word puzzles or story pictures or creative lessons then you can see all that in the parables of Jesus, the stories of the Old Testament, and the symbolism in Revelation about our world. All of it is relevant to us today. There are easier parallels then others, but if you like going deeper and deeper into the good of life then the Bible is your book. The Bible was given to us by God himself, through the Holy Spirit inspiring men who fear God, to guide us into all truth and wisdom. It has been cast out into all the world through the generations for all to learn and ultimately TO DO. 

TO DO what the Bible teaches is the point of life. To experience the resurrection life Jesus has made  possible for us. To not just be hearers of the word but doers, because if we hear it, and don't do it we deceive ourselves. 

So many are caught in the crosshairs of false teachings, our own flesh battles without victory, and the onslaught of the enemy's purpose to 1. distract us from reading the Bible on our own, and 2. to prevent us from seeking our Creator through prayer and fasting. We are caught, but not stuck. The goal is to become free in the Spirit to do the word of God. To stop spinning and trying and to finally do. And this power to become free is found only in the free gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ and his transforming of our minds through his Word. Jesus has said, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

What we are doing in this world, and where we have ended up is based upon our thoughts and ideas. And those have been influenced by what we have taken into our senses. God has provided an endless supply of life for us and the alternative is death, and Satan will gladly help us please our senses for death. 

What God said in Deuteronomy still applies to us today. God has said, "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."” Deuteronomy 30:11-20 ESV

"When we put on the helmet of salvation each day, we are essentially strapping ultimate hope to our heads. When our minds and our outlook are focused on Jesus and on him alone, we are protected against the despair and discouragement that inevitably come in this life. Salvation reminds us that even the most unfortunate circumstances can't change the fact that our lives are eternally secure in Christ....For every action you take, your brain creates a neurological pathways that paves the way for familiarity, so that the next time you take that action, your mind already knows what to do. As you repeat behaviors over and over, those pathways become increasingly more stable. Think of it this way: a single behavior maps out a dirt road in your brain, creating a basic pathway on which your thoughts travel. But as you repeat behaviors, your brain builds a concrete highway, which allows for increased volume and frequency of thoughts to move about more effectively and more efficiently." Jack Graham

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:8-9 ESV

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13 ESV

Protecting Your Mind With The Helmet Of Salvation

Victory or defeat starts in the mind. The thought life. A bit of distorted thinking brings waywardness. What do we protect our minds with? There is a Helmet of Salvation provided to us by God in Ephesians 6:17.....“and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:17 ESV

 "Whenever you or I or any other sin-scarred person at last lays down a heart, lays down a life, to the lordship of Jesus Christ, hope is what we gain." Dr. Jack Graham. 

Our thoughts try to convince that real hope can be found in a secure job, in fit bodies, in a checked-off to do list, in a healthy bank account, in a thriving marriage, in accomplished children, a successful career, the next paycheck, a better president, in a local sports team finally taking the title, a well groomed lawn or managed home - But Satan's arrows are attached to anything and everything, but the Hope of Salvation in Christ alone. So he tips his arrows with these poisonous lies: "God will not provide for me. God will not protect me. He will not comfort me when I am in despair. He won't bring me satisfaction. He won't bring me livelihood. God won't bring me love nor hope nor peace. God has never been there for me, and he will not be there for me now. I'm better off taking matters into my own hands." Those are lies or mind wars that lead to choices. " It is the nature of thought to find its way into action" Christian Nevell Bovee

False securities produce false hopes and Satan can then lie to you. So we do well to remember Paul's encouragement that what protects our minds is, " My Hope is in Christ alone!" That truth protects the mind. That is the Helmet of Salvation. As we pursue proper thinking in our lives day by day, we " hope for" the ultimate reward. 

“Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:8 ESV

Turn Around and Look Into the Eyes of Jesus

​

We can receive the goodness of God by turning toward Jesus and then by looking at him. This is an internal heart focus in spirit and truth. He smiles and is full of much goodness. He constantly comes to us in our daily life circumstances desiring to take us deeper with him. We can respond to that how we will, but the point is we can receive him today...now! The cycles of growing and maturing in life are his utmost concern. He desires that none should perish in their sins, and he desires that we grow and mature in faith in him; to trust him. Jesus can not hurt us so as to give us excuse to not trust him. At times, we turn off his path and onto dark distant paths, yet he beckons us back. For some, they have never been on his path, but Jesus invites them on. At other times, we stay close to the narrow road, but graze ever so slightly off of it, and he still takes the time to redirect and sanctify us. "Be Holy as I am Holy" Jesus never gives up on us. He is Truth and he follows us as a Protector, a Shepherd, as the Lord. To know Jesus intimately is the will of God. To worship him and enjoy fellowship with him forever is the reason we exist. Sometimes that means we wrestle with him, we fail, we get back up, and it means to really see him.

By faith, turn back around and look at Jesus. Let the guard down, turn away from old patterns, dependencies, securities, ideas. Look at Jesus and see and hear what he has for you today. He always is there and is ready to hang out and give to you. What Jesus gives is beyond description. 

It is Good.

I received God's goodness this morning. I'm in a get back up cycle in my faith. He hears my prayers, "Dear Jesus, help me to get back up, help me to follow you in greater sacrifice and surrender, in more grace and unconditional love!" So he whispers John 21. He led me back to my favorite Chapter of the Bible; one that I have not read, nor thought about in a while. It uplifted me in the depths of my heart.

All the meaning in those John 21 moments is very encouraging to the heart and soul of man. God's word speaks to us when we turn to it. When we utterly depend on it no matter the state of our faith. Read John 21 below.

And here is a glimpse of the heart of Jesus in Spurgeon's Morning Devotional for today May 20th.

Can you look into Jesus' eyes today and receive him?

God bless you this morning and evermore!

Identity Crisis? vs. Jesus Defines You!

Identity Crisis results in chaos, confusion and pain.  As a result of our sin we are in endless arrays of identity crisis, and sin separates man from God. Doesn't matter who you are. Sin--> Identity Crisis--> Confusing Chaotic Pain-->Sin. The wages of sin is naturally death. How bad does it really have to get before the souls of men repent of their own personal pride before Jesus? He is Deity.  The Deity. In our humanity we either choose to act out in pride or we respond in humility to the Holy Spirit when we experience pain. We've done both. We choose to get more angry or more gentle. We choose to get more perverted or more pure. We choose to get more depressed or more peaceful. Critical or gracious. Repentant or hard hearted. If you don't know your Bible, get into it and read it. It leads you to the Salvation of God FOR YOU. You identify with it, because it finds you! It strengthens a person to successfully deal with the inevitable crisis, chaos of the heart, and battles in the mind. The battles indeed are difficult to overcome, but the Bible reveals that your purpose in this world is to get right with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus understands the battle within our flesh. He came and did win that battle for us. He took responsibility for it because he knows. To know the Word is to survive these times with great assurance, confidence and peace. Even when persecuted, martyred, or hated. Revelation 13 is on the cusps of becoming a reality, and it terrified the Prophets of God when they saw the vision.  "Nations without borders!" are what the World Leaders are touting and working toward; A Beast System with its mark, and its Anti-Christ. What II Peter warns of and encourages us to do is upon us. Isn't it ironic that the Devil and those who follow him call 2016 "The Year of Light." The Devil is working, and his obvious method is Order out of Chaos; To tear down the walls that protect people; To create more confusion in order to REMOVE THE BOUNDARIES so that a New Order can happen. That's the Devils way and it's result is Revelation 13. God called it so we would be ready. Do we remember what he said, "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." Proverbs 25:28 NLT Name the identity and you'll find great confusion in it today: Marital, Family, Religious, Gender, Sexual,  Political. And now Satan shouts, "Let the national and race walls fall down." Your enemy will strip it all away if he can, and that's why he hates Faith in Jesus. He hates it when people find their true identity in Christ. It's the identity that wins when all is said and done. How absolutely amazing is this verse when looking at today's issues: “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” Galatians 3:27-29 NLT. There are so many levels of pain caused by sin in people's lives that people are now giving up on the obvious positions  of identity. What is a man? What is a woman? What is a husband or wife? What is a family? What is a community? Additionally, not honoring God's ways result in great suffering and creates a stronghold for the devil to redefine who you are according to lies. Do you believe the lies? BUT the good news is that Jesus has shattered the lies, and he's already won the identity battles for us. Read that verse again. Your nationality, race, religion, gender/sexuality etc. does not define who you are. Jesus Defines You! 

The AWESOMENESS of God is seen when you finally realize that He will not force you to accept him, just like he will not force you to reject him. He has offered himself to all who will receive him amidst humanities own sinful chaos. The Righteous will become more Righteous and the Wicked will become more Wicked. Remember Stephen? As he was being murdered for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ he was asking God to forgive his murderers!! And Jesus revealed himself to Stephen in the clouds. Then he went to eternal life!!!! 

““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. ””

John 3:16-21 NLT

Your Identity in Christ is what Jesus says about you! Get your Bible and look these up.

Matthew 5:14

Luke 10:17-20

John 15:1,5

Romans 8:1

Romans 8:17

Romans 8:35-39

1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19

1 Corinthians 6:17

1 Corinthians 12:27

Ephesians 5:30

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

2 Corinthians 5:21

Galatians 3:26, 28

Galatians 4:6

Galatians 4:7

Ephesians 1:1

1 Corinthians 1:2

Philippians 1:1

Colossians 1:2

Ephesians 1:19-23; 2:5-6

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:19

Ephesians 6:10-20

Colossians 3:3

Colossians 3:4

Colossians 3:12

1 Thessalonians 1:4

Hebrews 3:1

Hebrews 3:14

1 Peter 2:5

1 Peter 2:9-10

1 Peter 2:11

1 Peter 5:8

1 John 3:1-2

1 John 5:18

Offended Or In Rest?

It's interesting what offends people in the heart. Today, we live in a world where offense is being taken right and left about a myriad of social, religious, cultural, gender, political, and biblical issues. In gentleness, being offended is a sign of not being rooted and secure in the truth of God. I know that's offensive, yet that was and still is proven by Jesus. He was not offended in the slightest during his life and death because he was rooted in the truth. Even our sin does not offend him....AMAZINGLY! Because of that pimps, prostitutes, pornographers, pedophiles, homosexuals, adulterers, transgendered, hypocrites, liars, thieves, the prideful, complainers, murderers, the greedy, the lazy, the self righteous....all of us sinners can be rescued by Jesus out of those ways; out of the same world; out of the same boat. Is that Offensive? Today that is very offensive, but at the right time in every situation Jesus responded in truth: loving, correcting and even rebuking. He never was offended by people, and he was not afraid to speak in authority about it. He proclaimed  to be "The Way, The Truth and The Life", and for all to repent of their sins, but people were offended by that because those words spoke contrary to the way of the world. The offended usually do not realize the eternal gravity of sin's wage of death NOR the eternal gravity of Christ's perfect love in salvation. Everyone takes offense, but Christ does not. What if this doesn't make us stop and think about our positions on everything?  What are you offended by? Does our world want the truth proclaimed or silenced? Does the world love the things of God? The answer to those questions are obvious, but is it offensive or loving to warn, "Don't refuse to believe the truth of God!" Remember, Jesus was in much sorrow over Jerusalem's rejection of him, but he wasn't offended. He still went to the cross. It's the same with our hearts. He's sorrowful when we reject him, but he isn't offended. He did what was right and true and still died and rose for us!

Ultimately, it is a blessing to get to the root of a matter, because then you are really understanding it. And if you are understanding it the next step is to humbly adjust and rest in the truth on that issue. You have finally died to it and can let God's truth speak to it no matter if that position is cool or unpopular in the world. It's better to believe and live in the truth then in lies. If my heart is offended, I am off of the truth some how, and I have to work to learn what the Holy Spirit is saying about that matter in the Bible. 

“Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?””

Matthew 15:12 NLT

“So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.”

1 Corinthians 1:23 NLT

“And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.””

Matthew 13:57 NLT

“Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.”

Mark 6:3 NLT

“Dear brothers and sisters, if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised—as some say I do—why am I still being persecuted? If I were no longer preaching salvation through the cross of Christ, no one would be offended.”

Galatians 5:11 NLT

“Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you?” John 6:61 NLT

“Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing.”

John 8:40 NLT

“But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.””

Acts of the Apostles 28:22 NLT

“Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Psalms 139:24 NLT

“I love them, but they try to destroy me with accusations even as I am praying for them!”

Psalms 109:4 NLT

“I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it.” John 12:47 NLT

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 NLT

“And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me. ’”” Matthew 11:6 NLT

“Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too. And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.””

Acts of the Apostles 17:6-7 NLT

“When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.”

Isaiah 53:11 NLT

The Eternal Substance of Your Faith In Christ

Faith is a GiFt. It's the gift of Faith's sUbStAnCe that lasts forever. It comes from reading and hearing the Bible. 

Times change and people change, but God (Jesus) never changes. Jesus is the SuBsTaNcE. 

He's the rebuilder, the restorer, the savior and so much more. He's steady, unwavering, constant and more. Jesus, his Word, is reliable, dependable, trustworthy and more. 

There are many instances in people's lives where their "faith ship" was headed toward the rocky shores head long for ship wreck. Ready for a capsize, ready to sink! But FAITH in the Lord Jesus always comes to the rescue. Faith is being heart and mind connected to the Lord, and he always can restore his relationship with you when you keep believing in him. We move away, he doesn't at all, and we move back toward him because of His Love. 

Move toward Jesus today....the Faith Builder. 

“The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"”

Luke 17:5 ESV

“holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,”

1 Timothy 1:19 ESV

“for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV

“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Romans 10:17 NLT

“He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"”

Mark 4:40 ESV

“Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."” Matthew 9:29 ESV

“to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit," 1 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 NLT

““I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.”

Revelation 2:19 NLT

“Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.”

1 Timothy 1:19 NLT

““To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.”

2 Samuel 22:26 NLT

“He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.” Proverbs 2:8 NLT

“When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.”

Romans 1:12 NLT

“There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,”

Ephesians 4:5 NLT

“If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” 2 Timothy 2:13 NLT

Psalm 38- Express Your Need For Jesus Christ

Have you ever cried out to a living God? There are many gods inside the heart of men, but there is only one living God outside the hearts of men. Best of all, He's a living God who desires to reside inside the heart of man. His Holy Spirit hears the cries of men and cares deeply...personally! Psalm 38 helps us to verbalize and understand WHY we need the Lord Jesus to come inside. Think of all the people in the world who know they are truly desperate for a living God they can trust and rest in. These are the people who are seeing and experiencing the desperate circumstance and need of man. In their waiting, seeking and crying out how awesome is it that Jesus shows up! There's a revival happening in India, Iran, and little towns in the USA. The Church is alive in China. Israel is looking for the Messiah. Praise God that He has come toward us in his Grace in our desperate need. 

“O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me. There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart. O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart throbs; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me. My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my nearest kin stand far off. Those who seek my life lay their snares; those who seek my hurt speak of ruin and meditate treachery all day long. But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, like a mute man who does not open his mouth. I have become like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes. But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer. For I said, "Only let them not rejoice over me, who boast against me when my foot slips!" For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me. I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin. But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully. Those who render me evil for good accuse me because I follow after good. Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!”

Psalms 38:1-22 ESV

Then and Now / Past and Present

Progressions and positions of status regarding a person's faith or personal relationship with the God of the Bible:

*"I believe there is no God"

*"I believe I am my own God"

*"I believe I am not God"

*"I believe in a God"

*"I believe the Bible is God's Word and absolute truth inspired by the Holy Spirit through men"

*"I believe the Father (Elohim) is God, and I believe the Son Jesus Christ is God, and I believe the Holy Spirit is God (I believe The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are One God in Three Co-Equal Distinct Persons)"

*"I believe God is Sovereign, and I trust in each Person's role within the Triune God over my life and in all things in heaven and earth."

*"I believe God loves me perfectly and is conforming me into His image, and I will worship and enjoy Him forever."

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“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen....By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible....And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

Hebrews 11:1, 3, 6 ESV

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Colossians 2:6-7 ESV

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8 ESV

1 Corinthians 2:5 / So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God. (Amplified Bible). 

Hebrews 10:22-23 / Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water. So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. (Amplified Bible). 

Everything Is On Time

Everything is On Time

God prepares all things good for a specific time and purpose. He responds and reacts to all our human choices, whether good or bad, in perfect wisdom... be it judgements or blessings. Both his judgements and blessing are good, and on time. 

Is God really silent when atrocities occur and swift judgement doesn't fall? Does it mean he doesn't care when those faithful toward him or the innocent are kIlled and he doesn't stop it? Do we understand all things? God truly is sovereign over all, and we can surrender our trust to that. God knows the hearts of men, and he cares deeply that none should perish in an eternity of torment because of their sins. That's the bottom line issue. He knows who will repent no matter the state of their heart today, and he knows who the stiff necked rebellious are who will continue to shake their fists in defiance at him. He sent wayward Jonah to Ninevah and they repented, and he destroyed Sodom and Gomorah after faithful intercession for any righteous in that city by Abraham!

We live in times where evil seems to be getting the upper hand, and is allowed to grow and fester and do its damage, but what does God think? Is He silent in it all? Do we know what's happening behind the scenes? God is pulling people out of sexual immorality today, out of terrorism, our of corrupt living in lies and deceitfulness, out of wastefulness and laziness, out of hatred and murder, out of empty religion. Out of captivity! At the same time, he knows of the underground hidden tunnels of sin in our hearts, our lands, our ruling bodies. He knows all things, and He faithfully warns us in the Bible that, outside of Jesus Christ, he will judge sin, and he will judge all unrighteousness in a very swift manner at the right time. The closer we get to all hell breaking out on earth, and God's translation of his children out, and Jesus Christ return it is going to get more and more intense. Evil will get bolder, Good will shout louder warnings. The earth and heavens will shake and signal more powerfully. But above all these things the steadiness and assurance and peace of God RESTS in how he has made it possible for us to be with him in that perfect REST.  Most LOVINGLY, he has made a way for all people to escape these judgements and even wrath by a person placing their complete trust in his son Jesus Christ: “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Romans 5:6 NLT.

How Does God's Grace Work?

How does God's Grace work? Have you ever read the segway between Romans 10 and 11? The last verse of 10 and first verse of 11 is a life lesson about the riches of God's grace. God keeps giving to us, he keeps pursuing us...waiting patiently for us because of who he is. Volumes and volumes have been written about what's packed in these two verses. God has a way of showing humanity that he does LOVE people even when our hearts are desperately far away from him or when we have grasped onto false conclusions about him. He has amazing ways of making all things new even when we're blind or hard of hearing or even rebellious. The very significant point is when a person finally sees and hears and softens to God it is all because of his goodness and grace toward them. It's personal for him. It's a result of God's steady, unconditional love and authoring work over time. All of Romans 10 and 11 reveal this most amazing God who wants to have a relationship with us. We are no different than Israel in God's eyes, and He says pray for the peace of Jerusalem because it's the same as praying peace for our lives. Jesus is the Peace, and Grace of God whom God wants Israel to see and us to see. That same spiritual law works the other way too. If you want to be unfair to Israel or worse you are saying you want unfairness and the worst to happen to you personally. Everyone struggles, fights against the hard truths and resists sharing in the sufferings that come with following Jesus Christ. We can thank God so much for his goodness and grace towards us...the undeserving...and for his Spirit who gives us faith by reading the Word of God. Read Romans 10-11 today. God has an amazing plan unfolding that is full of grace to those who trust and believe in his Son Jesus Christ who makes all things possible. 

“But regarding Israel, God said, “All day long I opened my arms to them, but they were disobedient and rebellious.””

Romans 10:21 NLT

GOD'S MERCY ON ISRAEL

“I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not!” Romans 11:1 NLT

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““Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.”

Zechariah 12:10 NLT

Truth Changes Lives: Law vs. Grace

Truth Changes Lives. God's Grace is sufficient for every moment, choice and motivation. Freedom is not found in the Law, but in His Grace. God gives us more than we can ask for or imagine in Jesus Christ....the One Perfect Fulfiller of the Law of God. May He be your Requirement and Portion, Desire and Need, Joy and Strength, Peace and Rest, Comfort and Hope, Beginning and End. May His Grace inspire and restore you. Jesus stops the striving outside and inside. His Grace takes us into the most Holy of Holies. Romans 6

Praise Replaces Heaviness

If the soul is down with the spirit of heaviness there is someone who came to lift it up through a garment of praise. Amazing things happen when Jesus is praised, thanked and focused on. 

Isaiah 61:3

God Shouts a Whisper

God shouts a whisper:

"I've already done my part, and you must seek me to find me. I am found when you search for me with all your heart."

What a promise! His beckoning is not cliche or trite, but sincerely loving. 

What kind of seekers have we become? What are we seeking? 

We find God by searching the Bible. God reveals Himself through His Word. The whisper is the reminder, the shout is all of scripture. 

Just read it and it'll cultivate, saturate, soften, warm up, quicken, illuminate, and strengthen all inside of us that is neglected, dry, hard, cold, tired, dark, and weak. It has the power to do the work we can't do. 

Seek and you will find. The Bible can not be ignored if we desire to live. It reveals the passion and intense seeking Jesus went through for us. He sought for our life by dying, He sought for our encouragement by enduring ridicule, he sought for our righteousness by becoming sin for us. He sought for us to be loved by taking on the hate. 

I pray God gives us the strength to seek Jesus, and not turn our hearts and eyes away from him. It's not easy to seek the Lord, but there is great reward.....Jesus Himself. 

_______________________________________

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Matthew 6:33 NLT

“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Proverbs 3:6 NLT

“Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6 NLT

“Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.”

1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT

“But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home.” Job 8:5-6 NLT

“Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?” Isaiah 8:19 NLT

“The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead.” Psalms 10:4 NLT

“Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.” Proverbs 14:9 NLT

“The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.”

Psalms 69:32 NLT

“For after all this punishment, the people will still not repent. They will not seek the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.” Isaiah 9:13 NLT

“For the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, came to seek and save those who are lost.”” Luke 19:10 NLT

“Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you— protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.”

Zephaniah 2:3 NLT

“The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.” Psalms 22:26 NLT

““Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance— all who seek the LORD! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined.”

Isaiah 51:1 NLT

“And I will destroy those who used to worship me but now no longer do. They no longer ask for the LORD’s guidance or seek my blessings.””

Zephaniah 1:6 NLT

“so that the rest of humanity might seek the LORD, including the Gentiles— all those I have called to be mine. The LORD has spoken—”

Acts of the Apostles 15:17 NLT

“It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.”

1 Corinthians 1:22-23 NLT

““His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts of the Apostles 17:27 NLT

“The shepherds of my people have lost their senses. They no longer seek wisdom from the LORD. Therefore, they fail completely, and their flocks are scattered.”

Jeremiah 10:21 NLT

“Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD of Heaven’s Armies and to ask for his blessing.”

Zechariah 8:22 NLT

“In the night I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek you. For only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right.”

Isaiah 26:9 NLT

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 NLT

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT

“The one thing I ask of the LORD — the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple." Psalms 27:4 NLT

“Every curse written against us in the Law of Moses has come true. Yet we have refused to seek mercy from the LORD our God by turning from our sins and recognizing his truth.”

Daniel 9:13 NLT

“So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money.” Ezekiel 33:31 NLT

“I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’” Hosea 10:12 NLT

“I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the LORD, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.” Isaiah 45:19 NLT

“No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.” Romans 3:11 NLT

(That's why we need to repent)

““Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

Matthew 7:7 NLT

“For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8 NLT

“The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.” Psalms 14:2 NLT

“He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.” Romans 2:7 NLT

““Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.” Malachi 3:1 NLT

“But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”” John 6:27 NLT

Knowledge and Emptiness

"You can have all your doctrines right, but still not have the presence of God." Leonard Ravenhill

Our sin is the only thing that keeps God's presence from flooding our lives. To experience God's presence is to know him. And Christ died for us while we were still in sin proving his love and ways are better. It's a Spirit thing. Jesus could literally burst through the heavens into your presence and you would not know him because of an unrepentant heart. You would experience all of his physical glory and beauty and he would not know you either. And there are those now who have repented of their sins, even those of today and yesterday, who have never seen Jesus, but know him and love him by faith...who have his presence. 

Today is a day to know God and receive his presence! Getting right with God is always a now invitation.  It's what life is about. 

...and beware of your enemy for he stops at nothing to keep you in sin, to tempt you to sin and to stop you from repenting. 

Repentance toward Christ is the game changer. 

“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.”

Acts 3:19-20 NLT