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Find Your Purpose

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1 Samuel 16:6-14

[6] And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.
[7] But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
[8] Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
[9] Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
[10] Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.
[11] And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
[12] And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
[13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
[14] But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

When God said he found a man after his own heart, it was in his design…not a perfect person, but a person after his own heart. Not Just a person who was a good praiser, but a person with some purpose! We have all seen praisers with no purpose, praising the Lord and worshipping and STILL possess ill purpose within. Praise finds its voice when you live for purpose with God. When praise is plugged into purpose it can change your life!

God shifted everything around to produce David: the right blood and the right lineage. David was the son of Jesse, a father out in the field. We can tell how people look but God can tell what they are; for God judges by the heart and not by the outward countenance. We as people miss other people’s purpose because we often judge outwardly. God values the faith, fear and love that are beyond our human discernment.

1 Samuel 17:17-20

[17] And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;
[18] And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
[19] Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
[20] And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

David is being maneuvered in stages. He knew he would be king but it was not instant. We mostly discard great things because it does not happen in our time. If we get something too fast we will lose it. Timing is everything in our walk with God! There were battles that David had to fight before he ever wore the crown. With each battle brought an elevation that gave hope for the greater promise of God. Thank God for the times God trusted us to fight. Do not just praise him for worldly things: thank him for his love and mercy, giving you changes to grow and not to be stuck on one thing!

1 Samuel 17:34-37

[34] And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
[35] And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
[36] Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
[37] David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

Through every battle began to realize that there was no armor that would do greater than what God can bring you through. When God has predestined your life you do not have to fight for the position but simply to learn to win in the trials of your fields. Only you know what the bears and lions of your life are. You must learn to be delivered from your right now problems through the power of the Holy Ghost!

It’s Way More Than Fabric

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How well that you embrace change demonstrates how great the spirit is in your life to help you adjust.

Your environments may change…

Your support may change…

Your enemies may change…

Your circumstances that hinder you may change…

Yet the one thing that can be a constant is your faith for change.

Joseph not only adapted to the situation but evolved by faith to make the best of it. Just because he lost his coat did not mean he lost what the coat represented to him. He still wore favor by faith! It is way more than fabric, favor is worn by faith!

Genesis 37:1-4

[1] And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.
[2] These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
[3] Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.
[4] And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

In the history of Joseph we begin to see something of Christ, who was first humbled and then exalted. It also shows us as Christians who through many forms of tribulation are saved. As you are saved, God gives you (through the Holy Ghost) favor (or grace and kindness). This same favor will in-turn begin to produce opportunities to receive the spiritual word that leads you to a closer walk and blessings that are to come. And as the brothers looked on with envy, so does the devil look on at you with every intention to destroy you. God gave Joseph dreams of advancement to not only show what is ahead but to let this support and comfort him under his long and grievous season of trouble.

Genesis 37:5-11

[5] And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
[6] And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:
[7] For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
[8] And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
[9] And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
[10] And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
[11] And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Notice he dreamed of his favor and not his trouble. Such as we are when we go out into the world: we think of nothing but prospering and never of trouble. And while the brothers (and our enemies) made an attempt to destroy it they in-turn become the instruments of accomplishing it. Thus the Jews understood what Jesus said of the Kingdom, that he should not reign over them, they consulted to put him to death and by his crucifixion made way for the exaltation they designed to prevent.

Genesis 37:12-22

[12] And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
[13] And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.
[14] And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
[15] And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
[16] And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.
[17] And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.
[18] And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.
[19] And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.
[20] Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
[21] And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.
[22] And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.

Joseph was a type of Christ: for though he was the beloved son of his father, and hated by a wicked world, yet the father sent out of his bosom to visit us in humility and love. He came from Heaven to earth to seek and save us; yet the malicious plots were laid against him. His own not only received him not, but crucified him. Thus he submitted to, as part of Gods design to redeem and save us!

The Gift Of Compassion

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Matthew 9:35-38

[35] And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
[36] But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
[37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
[38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Let’s break it down a bit to the perspective of compassion:

The harvest, or the potential for the hope of the lost to be helped

Is plenteous, or more than enough (running over even)

But the laborers, or the cultivators of a harvest

Are few, or not enough

If there is anything that we need to have (and promote) to the lost and dying world, it is compassion. It is the one thing that you cannot have without having a selfless love; it is the one thing that God had for man so that we can go free from sin, and even as a man Christ had compassion for us!

Zechariah 11:17

[17] Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

One must be careful to not allow themselves to fall into a state of idleness; for by doing this you can hurt other people that need you to help but have you do nothing.

Galatians 6:1-10

[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
[2] Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
[3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
[4] But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
[5] For every man shall bear his own burden.
[6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
[10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Exercise compassion by having an understanding of others’ burdens and learn to bear them together so that you will be strong enough to overcome your own.

God Is With You

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Genesis 37:5-11

[5] And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
[6] And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:
[7] For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
[8] And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
[9] And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
[10] And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
[11] And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Sometimes we often want to go straight from God’s love and favor to being in riches and reward…and at times in your obedience there will be direct and indirect types of persecution from those that would be envious or jealous of the anointing in your life! Be careful and be aware of the first steps that must be taken for the blessing.

Genesis 39:1-4

[1] And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
[2] And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
[3] And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
[4] And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

Even after being sold into slavery Joseph still had favor. He still had some proving and testing to do by enduring suffering and resisting the temptations of the enemy.

Genesis 39:19-23

[19] And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.
[20] And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
[21] But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
[22] And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
[23] The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

Joseph had no family for any comfort. Potiphar chose Joseph’s prison to be the best of the worst…the prison of the king. However this was just another step in the process.

Always remember: a person living for God will live for God no matter where they are in life, and will be blessed in bondage and banishment. Let us never forget that through Joseph to see Jesus, who suffered being tempted, yet without sin; who was slandered, and persecuted and imprisoned, but without cause. Who by the cross ascended to the throne! Let us be able to follow the path of suffering to glory!

Hearing And Doing The Call Of God

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Paul was showing concern about the early beginnings of the church of Thessalonica, as he was only able to spend roughly six weeks with them. In that concern Paul sent out Timothy to go and visit them and to return to him with a report. While this report was mostly positive there were some misunderstandings that were relevant to the core teachings he left them with. The first parts of the letter address some of these issues by writing on the purity of life and reminding them of why sanctification was important.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-7

[4] Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
[5] For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
[6] And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
[7] So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

Paul was remembering the turnaround of the people and how it was made possible.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-9

[1] For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
[2] But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
[3] For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
[4] But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
[5] For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
[6] Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
[7] But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
[8] So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
[9] For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

What was the full substance of Paul’s ministry? What did they bring? What did they do?

1 Thessalonians 3:1-6

[1] Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
[2] And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
[3] That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
[4] For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
[5] For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
[6] But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

Why did Paul send Timothy back from Athens back to them? There was a great concern in his heart for them.

1 Thessalonians 4:4-14

[4] That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
[5] Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
[6] That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
[7] For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
[8] He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
[9] But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
[10] And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
[11] And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
[12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

Paul begins to address some of the weaknesses through exhortation.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-24

[14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
[15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
[16] Rejoice evermore.
[17] Pray without ceasing.
[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
[19] Quench not the Spirit.
[20] Despise not prophesyings.
[21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.
[23] And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[24] Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

This was Pauls closing remarks and were a very important section of the letter, especially for us today.

Blessed Are They That Endure

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James 1:1-15

[1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
[6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
[8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
[9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
[10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
[11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.We need to learn to count it a privilege when we have a chance to be as tried, and not always either in-between or never making it through the trials of life.

Hebrews 13:5-6

[5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
[6] So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

How that we need to be content with such as we have! If we cannot ever say that we are thankful for what God has done or is doing, we will never get into the place where we can faithfully say “such as I have, I give unto thee”. It is that living substance that goes SO FAR BEYOND any possession that we find of worth.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

[12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The reality of it all is that there will be things items and issues that come up in your life. There is no safe zone! However I am happy to say that God will always provide the means for you to be able to make it through with gladness.

Hebrews 2:1-4

[1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
[4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Unless we abide in the presence of the most High we may lose the very thing that will keep us in our love and works: faith! As the spirit will continue in our hearts, it will help us in not only keeping our salvation sweet and cherished but our mind to a peaceful place of rest.

What God Puts In Purpose Will Succeed

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Exodus 1:6-14

[6] And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.
[7] And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
[8] Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
[9] And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:
[10] Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
[11] Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
[12] But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.
[13] And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:
[14] And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.

Exodus 2:1

[1] And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.

Exodus 1:2

[2] Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,

Exodus 2:2-10

[2] And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.
[3] And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink.
[4] And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
[5] And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.
[6] And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children.
[7] Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?
[8] And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother.
[9] And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it.
[10] And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

In the time when Joseph died, the new King of Egypt at that time foresaw the people that Joseph had ruled over and how they were in his eyes “better”. As we read this now we know that this was just the after-effects of the almighty favor and blessings of God! As this Pharaoh raised intentions in his heart to fight the almighty favor of God, God saw that Israel needed a new “Joseph”, or a new leader to keep them walking before God the way God had instructed all of the time before this. So what happened? The man that we now know as Moses was conceived and brought into the world! Despite all that tried to even destroy him from birth God proved that His will and power supersede all of our plans (or as we read it that His ways are above ours)! Moses was raised in that time to lead them out of the very captivity this Pharaoh had intended for their destruction!

My thought for you today is to remember that when you walk uprightly and obedient before God that you will always have His favor and direction no matter what opposition that would come (even if it were from a great King!).

1 John 3:1-24

[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
[5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
[7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
[8] He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
[9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
[10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
[11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
[12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.
[13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
[14] We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
[15] Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
[19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
[20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
[21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
[22] And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
[23] And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
[24] And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

When God foresaw the way sin was going to overcome the world and mankind, He sent Jesus into the world. Jesus Christ became the new atonement beyond the realm of Moses and his generations all the way to where we are. And now we have a leader that dwells within each and every one of us for all of the fiery trials we all go through. We have a way out of sin and have a leader through the presence of the spirit to guide us into living a life from sin. For that I celebrate not having to be as I was, but to be as I am through the one that spoke unto Moses, the “I am”.

Love As Your Life, God As Your Giver

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Romans 8:1-26,34-39

[1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
[4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
[6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
[9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
[11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
[12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
[13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
[15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
[17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
[19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
[20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
[21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
[22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
[23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
[24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
[25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

[34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When I consider all of the parts of my life that could have led me to far worse a place, I thank God so much for each and every time He has brought me out. Most of all, I thank Him for the one time that counted more than all the others: the time I began to believe and allowed the spirit of God to work in my life! I have never been the same and the trials of life have disseminated from the dominion of God’s power!

John 17:13-20

[13] And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
[14] I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
[15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
[16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
[17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
[18] As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
[19] And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
[20] Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

When you live in love in your life FIRST, it is so much easier to go out and to provide it for others. We often live in the “receive first, then give” mentality; God wants us to learn to be a people that give out all the virtues that He has poured out into our lives. That is the only real way we have joy “fulfilled” in our life. The prayer of Christ here was that the power of God preserves people through their trials and that the word be ENOUGH! And it is! The word of God, Christ living in us, and the spirit that dwells to bring life is enough!

We Are Children Of The Free

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Galatians 4:1-6, 21-23, 27-31

[1] Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
[2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
[3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
[4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
[5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

[21] Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
[22] For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
[23] But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

[27] For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
[28] Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
[29] But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
[30] Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
[31] So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Paul was talking in reference to the free and bond that we are not bound to the natural part of ourselves; for we are children of the free, which was given by the death of Jesus Christ! I am so thankful for living a brand new life now not under the same form of bondage that I was once under before. For my life was once miserable and without purpose; yet the love of God entering into my life has restored what was once seemingly gone forever (at least to my point of view).

Genesis 21:8-14, 15-19

[8] And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.
[9] And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.
[10] Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
[11] And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
[12] And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
[13] And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
[14] And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

[15] And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
[16] And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
[17] And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
[18] Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
[19] And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

Reading about this lets me know that even though that Abraham had to send away the one that was not given by the promise of God that God did not leave Ishmael in life without a purpose. We are not without purpose in life, and we are not without a promise to achieve something in God! And if we can just learn to cease attempting to always do things our way (as Sarah tried to here) we would not put ourselves in our own bondage!

Genesis 22:1-2,7-13

[1] And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
[2] And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

[7] And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
[8] And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
[9] And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
[10] And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
[11] And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
[12] And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
[13] And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

God will make a way when there seems to be no way! God will also move for us in magnificent ways if we will take great steps of faith. Abraham was definitely taking a great literal step of faith here, and at times I often wonder if anyone is left in the world with this amount of faith! We must strive to aim for this kind of faith and willingness, to heed to the voice of God even as to the willingness and humbleness of a child to do something when instructed.

Galatians 5:24-26

[24] And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
[25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
[26] Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Those that are saved have given up their sins and have received forgiveness by Jesus death, to which brought the atonement. No matter how powerful our affections and lusts for this world are, the death of Jesus is above all of the sins that we have!

Here are some other scriptures that are some food for thought to add to this message:

Leviticus 17:11

[11] For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Matthew 16:24-28

[24] Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
[25] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
[26] For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
[27] For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
[28] Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

To deny = to destroy our natural desires

To take up = to take up the spiritually living being inside of us

To follow = to stay and continue in

Romans 12:1

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

We need to present to God the forgiven soul, and we are not there, we must pray and get there!

Learning To Beat The Scoffers

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Luke 16:19-31

[19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
[20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
[21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
[22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
[23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
[24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
[25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
[26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
[27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
[28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
[29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
[30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
[31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

The Pharisees did not believe in grace. They were upset that Jesus received sinners and ate with them. They could agree with Jesus on rejoicing for finding something that was lost, like the sheep or coin, but not to a sinner coming to repentance. In part of the response to the mocking and scoffing towards him, Jesus addressed the one thing that mattered most to them at that time: their wealth and outward riches.

What part of this is of worth to us today? Let’s read on.

Matthew 8:11-13

[11] And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
[12] But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
[13] And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

When we read up above about how that Lazarus was in Abraham’s bosom, it speaks to me about how there was a separation when it came to where the riches of the heart were. When a person has their riches in this earth and not in God, there is only but one destination in the end. It is inevitable, and cannot be changed but only through salvation by Jesus Christ. Lazarus didn’t have riches and was a beggar in this illustration, and as you read it begins to show that when we come to God we cannot bring all of the riches and things of worth (sin) in our hearts. Those things must be confessed and forgiven as we start a new life as a forgiven individual, saved by the blood of Jesus!

I remember how I came with so many problems in my life, and to the view of many there was no hope for me. I probably would have been looked on with all of the things that I had done and never had any hope. However, when I came to God seeking for forgiveness for the things in my life, all things were my new by the forgiveness of my sins. I am not as what I was before, and I too will be in Heaven! As I live today, I have to remind myself that I cannot change what is behind me, but I am forgiven for it. I have to demonstrate by what God has done through the way I live for Him (as He helps us) that we are new creatures! And trust me, when you truly surrender all of the things that hold you captive, you won’t feel the bondage anymore!

I went down a beggar, but I came up forgiven and free! You don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore; simply live your life for God and let Him fight the battles that you cannot control!