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Faith Is Your Lifeline

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Galatians 2:20

[20] I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

By Faith, we live. We should always take advantage of the wonderful spirit that lives within us and apply our faith to it to grow each and every day. It can sometimes make or break how well that you will endure through a trial.

John 3:18

[18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

And as we were condemned, faith removes the sentence. By the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have the ability to ask forgiveness of sins and not have to live with the condemnation of sins from any timeline. And through the gift of salvation, we have eternal life beyond this vapor of life we live here on earth!

2 Corinthians 2:14

[14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

By faith we stand. We must learn to not only “get through” a trial, but to come out in triumph. We accomplish this by letting our faith be strong and overpower the doubt and present weakness in our life. As we become more humble before God (and faithful), it allows the ability to recognize who our source of strength is as well as who it is that we submit and trust to.

Acts 10:43

[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

And as we were guilty, faith procures our pardon. That makes me rejoice to know that I do not have to live in the midst of my history of guilt; for faith has pardoned us to be new creatures and to become the loving followers of Christ that God has called each and every one of us to be.

2 Corinthians 5:7

[7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

By faith we walk. As we go through the motions of each day our faith must be based beyond what we can focus on with our senses. By Jesus passing from earth and back to Heaven we walk now striving for a better place that is beyond our vision to see, touch to feel, sound of hearing, aromas to smell, and flavors to taste!

Acts 13:39

[39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

And as we are evil, faith brings justification. No matter how present an evil we are able to fend off every instance of darkness by the power of Jesus Christ. As it reads in the word of God, no weapon formed against me (us) shall prosper!

1 John 5:4-5

[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

By faith we overcome the world. By the faith that we stand for we overcome the influence that would try and hinder your belief or stray you to unbelief every time something goes wrong. By standing in faith you become a witness for it and people see you as a witness of it.

Romans 4:5

[5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

And as we are unholy, our faith is counted for righteousness. Our faith leads us to a higher standard and allows us not to count ourselves as worthless or to have the attitude thereof. It’s easy to just fall into the general consensus of complaint, but faith and complaint cannot be within the same spirit, for complaint shows a sign of doubt or unbelief which in turn proves a form of ungodliness (or not God like).

Ephesians 6:16

[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

By faith we overcome the devil. We are able to say no to every temptation that would try to steer you away from your walk with God by staying continual in your trust in God.

John 3:36

[36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

As we were dead in sin, faith begins to lay hold on life. As we live in this life on earth for a season, faith brings life as the spirit lives within you!

Hebrews 4:3

[3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

By faith we enter into rest. One of my favorites! I must believe that God will catch me when I fall for the full effect of the rest of God to be useful; for otherwise I simply fall to mine own unbelief. Keeping an established trust that is renewed daily (as Paul had written) is one of the only methods to not only be a stable Christian but a stable assembly.

Romans 10:9

[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

As we were lost, the confession and faith bring salvation! It makes me rejoice to know the simplicity of believing and taking action on an act of faith to call out on God for a brand new life!

Finding Joy In The Fiery Trials

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1 Peter 4:1-19

[1] Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
[2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
[3] For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
[4] Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
[5] Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
[6] For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
[7] But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
[8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
[9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
[10] As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
[11] If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
[12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
[13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
[14] If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
[15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
[16] Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
[17] For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
[18] And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
[19] Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

One of the toughest messages and principles to preach and apply is concerning the parts of life we go through that we consider to be of difficult magnitude. We have to stand tall and be proud of the God that we serve in this present day and show to the world who that it is that saved us and who can save them from destruction! How do we do that? Through the example that we show of course! How we live in love and fellowship with one another will begin to demonstrate through our acts of love and kindness just how much that God lives in us. And as we begin to let the fiery trials be put into the hands of God, we can begin to feel more strength as the weight is lifted, thus giving more ability to help others more!

The key part of it all is to learn to rejoice in the midst of the trial. The hardest part to accomplish but with the best reward is allowing trust to be established with God through prayer and faith in the things we cannot change or control. Turn it over to God and truly believe today and begin to see things move by His will to work for your good! It’s then we can stand and not be ashamed of the life that we live (being led by the spirit) and the life that we give (being led to help) to others!

Let’s Break Up Some Ground

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2 Kings 3:16-17

[16] And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.
[17] For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.

There was no water for the army until the ditches were dug. We cannot begin to see the supply and provision of God until we learn to start breaking the ground in our own lives. Even though one might be persuaded that it is nearly impossible to do in hard times, God has provided more than enough of a provision to give the ability to do so!

2 Kings 4:3-4

[3] Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
[4] And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

There was no oil until the vessels were gathered. We have to learn to bring all of the things that we go through under subjection and to give God our full trust. When we find ourselves not knowing what to do and not knowing how things will come to pass, it should prove as a good indicator that we are not trusting God like we could be. Learn to trust God in a greater way and you will find the peace that surpasses all understanding!

2 Kings 5:10-11

[10] And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
[11] But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

There was no healing until the leper had dipped 7 times. Until we learn to begin to obey God in spirit and truth we will not learn how to overcome all of our battles. With the spirit of God as our guide and love in our hearts there is nothing that you cannot do. If we begin to be as proud as Naaman was we very well may miss out on the very thing that we need God to perform in. Simply learn to hear from God and do it. It’s not complicated to do in principle, but in getting the mind to direct the rest of you to apply!

Hosea 10:12

[12] Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

There was no harvest until the way had been prepared, the ground broken up. As we learn to bring ourselves to a low and humble state, God can begin to use us. God cannot use a ministry or a church with an attitude or a chip on its shoulder. We must learn to work together and be humble and work out everything that is holding us back!

Joel 2:12-13

[12] Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
[13] And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

There was no reconciliation without repentance! If we simply acknowledge our sins and ask God for forgiveness and to be saved, you can be! Simply confess your faults to God with a sincere heart and ask Jesus to be your Savior! You will never regret your decision!

Having True Spiritual Warfare

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2 Corinthians 10:1-5

[1] Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
[2] But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
[4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
[5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

We have to remember that though we are going to definitely face things each and every day that there is a right and wrong way to go about it! When we war against things in life of ourselves (the flesh) we can never succeed. Only through winning by doing things in spiritual obedience will we find ourselves not only in a good place but also in victory!

Matthew 13:44-58

[44] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
[45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
[46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
[47] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
[48] Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
[49] So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
[50] And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
[51] Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
[52] Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
[53] And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
[54] And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
[55] Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
[56] And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
[57] And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
[58] And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Unbelief can be a direct hindrance to anyone, as it was to even Jesus Christ, and we have to learn to become a Godly family through the love and fellowship of the spirit of God. The love of God will look beyond all things and allow you to break familiarity; for this will allow the spirit to perform the mighty power and miracles that NEED to happen today!

Spiritual Quickening

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John 5:18-25

[18] Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
[19] Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
[20] For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
[21] For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
[22] For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
[23] That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
[25] Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

The Jews were coming to slay Christ because he had moved to heal the lame man of 38 years at the pool of Bethesda. It was simply because the work was performed on the day of the Sabbath!

There will come a time in your life when you will be quickened by God to do something as bold as this, even in the midst of those who would reject it. The question we have to ask ourselves is: are we willing to be quickened?

If you read verse 43 (John 5:43), you’ll see that we’ll try to come our own way, which won’t work!

[43] I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Romans 8:8-17

[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.

We always begin in the flesh, for that is where we allow the enemy to win in our lives, our hearts, our homes, our services, etc.! We never get off the ground because we never get past our feelings that pull us down.

But how are we quickened? The spirit of Him that rose up Jesus from the dead dwells in you!

Therefore! We do not live to the flesh or to our will. We will never be stirred any other way lest we live in the deeds in the body of the spirit!

Isaiah 40:28-31

[28] Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
[29] He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
[30] Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
[31] But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

God faints not, nor is weary, but so often our faith and consistency is. We wait through our endurance and obedience to God in the midst of our trials!

I wait by believing and trusting the Lord and being who that God has called me to be!

How can a ministry perform outreach if we work upon stopping or waiting? We must be fluent and continual, always seeking God for those that stand in need beyond what we could comprehend.

God will renew your strength so that you can run! Fly! God will not let you be weary when you are working and waiting on Him!

Romans 12:1-2

[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.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We are quickened not for ourselves, but by the spirit for the service of the lost!

If you read verses 3-12 (Romans 12:3-12), you might find yourself somewhere as I do every time I read over it.

[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
[7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
[8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Ephesians 2:1-8

[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Even when we were dead in sin, he loved us! He raised us up to sit in Heavenly places!

By God’s grace we have the ability to be saved through faith and that not of ourselves. That is the gift of God towards us!

Prayer And Its Many Factors

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1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.

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Where can I even begin to start? Prayer is one of the most favorite things to do in my life. I can honestly say that without the ability to pray I do not know how I would have made it thus far. Prayer has saved me from my every addiction, brought me out of every oppression, and has lifted me out of all depression. It saved me when I was lost, and helped me find my way when I needed direction. It sent down the healing virtues when I was sick in body, and helped me to believe during the most difficult trials in my life.

Prayer stirs me in times when I would otherwise feel hopeless. It also lifts me up when there is an absence of people to fulfill the role to encourage me. It reminds me of the grace and provision of God when I have little or no way to make it through. Does that not stir you? Generally if the answer is anything other than yes than you can know beyond all doubt that prayer has not been something to really bail you out before! Trust me, when it has you will know in your heart about an experience that will have you standing up to tell others about the power of prayer!

Most importantly, it is the divine and open communication to God, and without it we will grow weak in a hurry. Always remember the importance of why it is you call out to God and do it with all of your heart! Do not just ask in words like you would ask someone for a ride somewhere without sincerity. Ask humbly and let a spiritual experience take place in your life! Let the death of your flesh (lowering of self) bring to life within you the increase of a stronger spiritual self. Prayer changes things, and should be done often and earnestly! Never forget it!

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Put Into Practice:

This is by far the turning point in the book and the most important activity that is recommended for you to do. I’m begging you to take the time for this.

Pray a prayer like you never have before. For maybe the first time in your life, just put out there openly and verbally to God all of the things you were always afraid to pray about. Be bold and confess to God about the parts of you that you feel vulnerable. Take some time to sincerely work on the issues within. I am asking you to not get up from the prayer until you feel the presence of God bring you comfort.

There was an experience where I got down and was there for a solid hour, simply crying out in pure humbleness. I cannot recall a single word that even came forth, but I do remember when I got up that the pain and suffering that had been on me was gone. It may take longer than that or only a few minutes, but I beg you begin to make it a habit to not only pray for the needs in your life, but allow God to have time to minister directly to YOU.

Daily Regeneration

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Regenrate – reform or reborn; to replace what is lost or injured; a spiritual or moral birth

Birth Of A New Spirit Within You

Ezekiel 36:25-27

[25] Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
[26] A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
[27] And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

God places something within me, and all of my cold and barren conditions are replaced. I am regenerated through the spirit of God! He gives us something to take the place of what needs to change; all the sin and the temptations that drive us from God especially!

The Spirit Is Of Divine Origin

John 1:1,4,13

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

That which is placed in me is not of my own: not of blood, or in other words my life. It is neither the will of the flesh nor the will of man, but born of God! There is nothing that I could ever find or create in this world that could ever bring me true life and happiness! Try as you may, but it will only be when we finally come into surrender to God and recognize that it’s none of the wills of me but of Him!

Regeneration Is Essential To Spiritual Vision

John 3:3,5-8

[3] Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

[5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
[6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
[7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
[8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

We cannot see, be led, enter, or understand the will of God without the spirit! And without a vision, we would perish regardless! I must be born into! I must have that experience! I must come to God to be as new! The spirit performs a work in you to make you as not what you were. We could never imagine what the spirit could do in us, just as we read the reference to the wind. We simply know that when it comes to help us that we must submit, simple as that!

The Spirit Brings Forth A New Creature

2 Corinthians 5:17

[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

By the spiritual transformation through coming to Jesus Christ, all ways and lifestyles and all that I ever knew was made new! The person that I once was has been forgiven and my sins have been cast from me. People might try to remember me as I was, but God sees me as the one who has been saved by the sacrifice at the cross.

You could say that I had a funeral for the death of the old man!

It Is Necessary To Salvation

Titus 3:4-7

[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Not by our works, but the works of Christ! He made a way for you! By His grace through salvation we can be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life! That should stir your heart if you read it over and over each and every day!

We Are Regenerated By The Word Of God

1 Peter 1:23-25

[23] Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
[24] For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
[25] But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

We must be born into the understanding of the word of God and not our own. Our own understanding shall fade away! The word of God will keep you continually! Regenerate you! People could never say enough to help you in a bad situation. That’s why the comforter and teacher of the Holy Ghost is there to guide you and give you water when you thirst, or in other words knowledge in areas that no one could provide.

Obtained By Faith

1 John 5:1

[1] Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Take that step out and believe! God is ready to receive you today! To repent means to turn! Turn to God and away from the life you once had known and renew yourself to be the person that through the spirit can be successful now and in the future!

Who’s In My Circle Of Friends?

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THE WORD

Psalms 55:14 – We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

I Corinthians 5:11 – But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

There are many people that we have in our lives that we say are in our inner circle. These are the people that you communicate and reach out to when you are in trouble. When you have a flat tire on the road you may think of one of these people to call first before you even think of a towing company. Even though a towing company is more than able to help you it identifies the preference of trust that we have for others. Trust me, I love having people that I can count on. It is nice to have people in your life that will lend you a helping hand along the way!

One life lesson I have learned the hard way is that the power of people can only go so far. That person you try to call might not be available. Then, what? You feel alone without anyone. Let us go beyond the spare tire and consider our spiritual person. You could have a million contacts on your phone, thousands of friends on Facebook, and even roommates that live within feet of you! When it comes to your time of need people may (and will) eventually let you down. God should be first above our people, objects, and ideals. I encourage you to put God as the one you count on the most every day! If he is in your circle and the top priority in your life, anything that you ask in His name you can receive (bearing in mind that it is not something that is outside the will of God for us)! A friendship with God is the most important one! Remember that!

PUT INTO PRACTICE

Perform this task no matter where you are in a situation: simply close your eyes and pray for God to help you. It is a simple gateway into more humble prayers that will definitely draw you into the right-now spiritual blessing that will help you through!

Are You On The Outside Looking In?

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Hebrews 10:15 – Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before

1 John 5:10 – He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

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When I am going through the problems in my life, it is always the most difficult plunge of faith to be able to trust God completely. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that in our own perspective versus God’s that we are on the outside looking in. There will be many occasions when we do not understand the feelings or pains that a circumstance brings to an individual or family. The perfect example I could give you is when you see someone go to pray. When they are on their way to the altar, others go to pray for them and are done praying quicker simply because their heart is not invested like the individual that came. It simply was not enough. In times like that we may just say what we think is best or just hug a person and say “You are going to be okay”, but what are we really doing? Are we not staying long enough? Are we not caring deeply enough to feel the load that they carry? Tough questions, right?

It is especially easy for people to get on the defensive when you are passing on worldly advice, yes. Obviously it is the easiest choice for you to just tell them what you might think is best for them at the present time. Sometimes personal advice will prove to work, while when times are harder it can be less effective. Trials will be trials and burdens will be hard felt, regardless of what we can offer. There is nothing that I could say or any shield that I could put around anyone that would keep them from being able to escape from all the things that life will bring. So what am I getting at today?

I have to remember to not be a judge on people and instead help to be a burden bearer spiritually! When my words will fail them and there is nothing else that I can do, sometimes you have to begin to pray for the situation to improve. Sometimes going and trying to intervene is not necessarily the best plan of attack. You see, God’s ways are far above our ways, and He is above looking over each and every one of us! His perspectives go far beyond yesterday and today, but even into tomorrow to see what is in store. Always remember that God is your judge, and that you can always lean on God for comfort, rest, and an escape from the trials of life each day!

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Put Into Practice:

The first exercise is short and sweet. Go an entire day without saying a judging comment about another person. You would be surprised how hard it can be when you consciously try.

Giving All That We Have

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Luke 21:1-4

[1] And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
[2] And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
[3] And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
[4] For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

There is a difference in throwing our best in flesh versus our best in spirit. There is something to just coming in and going through the motions versus actually coming in and giving God a sincere effort from your heart. You can have all the wonderful gifts and talents of God, but without casting in all that you have, or in essence that which “all you can give” it cannot fully profit you. God does not want us to hold back nor be ashamed of what lives within us!

“All the Living” vs. “All the Flesh” is two completely different things! If I act and perform out of myself exclusively, it will only help temporarily or even not at all. It is only the things we do that are spiritual and done in love through faith believing that are truly sown and grow over time! That goes for things you do for yourself as well as others!

James 4:5-10

[5] Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
[6] But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
[7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
[8] Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
[9] Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
[10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

There is nothing wrong being down to being humble. God cannot use us if we are too proud or think that is “not required” of us to be obedient. God wants to be glorified and is only glorified through our actions in faith! Faith without our works is dead, or in other words cannot go any further than the thought of it. I am faithful to believe I can help people, absolutely. However, it goes much further when I believe that and step out in obedience to God, pouring out myself so others may be exhorted and lifted up in their time of trouble.

We can lose our so-called riches to inherit far greater things! Those things that we consider of worth in this world are made new and fade away. There is nothing that we could ever produce that will ever replicate or replace what God is supposed to fill inside of us. Jesus is the way, and the only way we can grow as an individual, ministry, or a church!

Matthew 5:29-30

[29] And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
[30] And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

If there are things that are standing in the way of your humbleness, work on you first, THEN IN LOVE, encourage, not MAKE others to move to work for Christ in the same manner!

It is better to lose things and it feel like a loss in the short term to gain the greater things in God. It only feels like a loss to us because we have placed such a high value upon it. Things like this should be a clear indicator to us that God is not first or above something that we are struggling with, and should be immediately addressed if the spirit convicts you of it! And it’s not a hard thing to give up with faith and prayer and continual coming to God!