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Peace: The Harmony Between The Heart And Mind

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Proverbs 3:5

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

If we only live to please our mind we only live by our flesh and what will appeal to the senses. If we are only pleased by our senses then we are very likely to accept what we see and feel as opposed to what faith tries to change in us.

If faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen then we realize faith is not kept in the mind for the mind attempts to depend on sight. Faith is kept in the heart.

As the spirit stirs your faith, your faith stirs your heart, and as your continued desires before God continue your mind is transformed by not depending on sight but by what dwells inwardly.

We are tempted in our minds to change the way our heart can continue to hope. We are aggravated in the flesh to cause us to think with our mind first and not with our heart.

The mind is the part of us that thinks and reasons; the heart is the part of us that contains our deep longings and desires. Although the mind is important, the heart is even more important because it is the engine room of our personality—the part from which come our drive and motivation. That is why our Lord says,

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

John 14:24

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

The heart of Jesus Christ was the very heart of God the Father; consequently, the words Christ spoke were the exact expression of God’s thought. Jesus’ tongue was always in its rightful place. He spoke not just from His head but from His heart; His heart and His mind were one.

The heart is the central altar and the mind the outer court. What we offer on the central altar will show itself in due course through the outer extremities of personality.” In the search for unity of purpose and integration, there is no doubt that the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.

Romans 12:2

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.

What God is trying to get us to see is that we must not live to please only our mind or only our heart but to transform ourselves to be the kind of people that (like Christ) can have their minds and hearts as one. This is known as peace

Philippians 4:6-7  

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 14:17-19 

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

2 Corinthians 13:11 

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another,agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

1 Peter 1:2 

according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:  May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Romans 5:1  

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

Condemned No More

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Romans 8:1-8

[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.

The Christian life presents a conflict. Before we knew Jesus we thought we were in great shape. It is the unspeakable privilege and comfort of one that knows Jesus that there is therefore now no condemnation to them. It did not say, “there is no accusation against them”, for there is! However the indictment is tossed and the accusation is thrown out. It did not say “there is nothing in them that deserves condemnation”, for there is! We can see it and own it within ourselves, but it shall not ruin who we have become. To condemn is to cause someone to suffer or live difficult or unpleasant conditions.

Romans 8:18-21

[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.

So are we to talk in our troubles and trials simply knowing we are not condemned.

Romans 8:31-39

[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
[32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
[33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
[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.

You see, we need something that will disrupt our carnal nature. To cause us to live in a whole new perspective.

John 14:12-20

[12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
[13] And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
[14] If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
[15] If ye love me, keep my commandments.
[16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
[17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
[18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
[19] Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
[20] At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

At that day! As you begin to ask you are pleading for intercession to help you to restore the faith that will begin to open your eyes in what you face today.

Mark 4:3-9

[3] Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
[4] And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
[5] And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
[6] But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
[7] And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
[8] And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
[9] And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

How we will receive the entry of the intercession of the wisdom of the word given by the Holy Ghost will cause us to not waste the potential that the seed has. Hope and faithful desperation will cause a willingness and broken ground to receive.

Mark 4:14-20

[14] The sower soweth the word.
[15] And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
[16] And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
[17] And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
[18] And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
[19] And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
[20] And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

The word and encouragement can be removed, but we must learn to fight the disruptions by presenting ourselves broken daily, willing to have hope without a witness of visual signs. When God sees our faith without that thing He blesses our grounds with growth.

It’s Time to Turn on the Light of God

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Matthew 6:22-34

[22] The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
[23] But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
[24] No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
[25] Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
[26] Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
[27] Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
[28] And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
[29] And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
[30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
[31] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
[32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
[33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
[34] Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

The substance of your temple is your seeker, and your seeker must be single or only focused upon God. The eye here represents your ability to seek God. As we seek God and remove other things out of the equation of what consumes us, we become “single” or as one; this is similar to how you would make yourself as one with a person that you would want a relationship with!

Ephesians 5:6-14

[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
[14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

The light gives wisdom to what is around you. It invokes knowledge by what it gives light to. Oh how the love and light of God will expose the plan of the enemy and how we can be guarded and so much more prepared than we normally are! It baffles me to no end to think that we consider ourselves “prepared” yet we treat God like a flashlight and just expect the gift of wisdom and knowledge to bail us out each time we get in trouble or periods of darkness! God wants the lights on all the time! We need to remember that light has no fellowship with darkness. Light only has the ability to illuminate and overcome darkness.

Luke 12:2-3

[2] For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
[3] Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

The light of God not only will uncover truths and revelations for your life but will also reveal to you the parts of us that are not so good. I know this is one of the hardest things to preach (TRUST ME), but it is in the good purpose of good to rid us of sin to strengthen us to fight against temptation by using the light! We will never be caught off guard or by surprise by anything when you have a clear view of what it is that you are facing!

John 1:1-17

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
[15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
[16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
[17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

John 8:12

[12] Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

As the word that God spoken to it brought the light that we dwell within the word, so is the light of Christ within us as well! Shine your light so that others can begin to see the good things in your life! It will provide a way to Christ through your love and obedience.

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!

The Spiritual Experience

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I remember when I was growing up and how I used to daydream of being a spectacular musician. There were so many long days and nights of practicing and learning that I never thought that I would be able to play anything at all! After such a long time (or at least it seemed like it anyway) there began to be a steady progression and I learned to love the overall experience of working on myself to be better at music. It is still something that I have to work on each day and without the effort I would eventually be in lack or without the proficiency to play like I could.

With that said, I also remember the day the spirit of God entered into my life. I never thought my life was going to get better from where I was, but after getting saved I began to follow what the spirit would lead me to do. These sorts of things could be a thought to yourself in the moment or an audible voice when you least expect it, leading you down a path of righteousness. I assure you the only time that God is leading is when it is right and fair and in love for your neighbor.

Learn to allow God’s spirit to lead and guide you each and every day. There is something to be said about the spiritual experience, especially when we do not have it. It is your lifeline for leadership and knowledge in applying what you need to do and how to abide in the rest of God when you have no solution. In order for it to be fluent, keep in practice and work in it every day through prayer and close humble devotion to God. It is well worth the practice to succeed at life!

Steps For A Blessed Life

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Matthew 5:1-3

[1] And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
[2] And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
[3] Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Those who have a conscious need or (1) Humility. When we begin to apply humility, our view of what is important begins to be lowered and our lives can start to be humbled by God. This is an important step because without it we cannot unlock love and compassion for others!

Matthew 5:4

[4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

(2)Penitence (mourning for sin) – or mourning in faith for the comfort of God. When we practice penitence, it brings remorse for the sins we have committed and allows us to repent (or turn back) to God. If we learn to look at ourselves and recognize our mistakes, it helps us to not be afraid or to actually get down to our problems and allow God to help us with them.

Matthew 5:5

[5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

The birth of a new spirit in you through (3) Meekness. Meekness in use will become submissive humbleness, and how powerful that can be in your walk with God! We will learn to become patient in our trials and learn to be humble and know that God is surely with us. This will help us to cling to God and not search beyond that!

Matthew 5:6

[6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Growth – through a (4) Spiritual Appetite through the seeking after God. An appetite represents a strong desire for something, and we have a strong desire for God we will not be easily moved by anything (regardless of what we could define here)!

Matthew 5:7

[7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

An attribute of God that demonstrates (5) Mercifulness. Mercy is complete and total compassion. When we have compassion on others, we’ll look beyond their faults and help them find God and get them to a place where they are on the stable foundation (with a strong spiritual rooted life as well).

Matthew 5:8

[8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

An attainment of higher attitudes, where comes the vision of God, comes the (6) Purity of Heart. Purity is the freedom from contamination. When our heart is clean and not corrupted with what could come to break it, God can use a vessel that is strong and able to continue and endure!

Matthew 5:9

[9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

A Christ-like influence calming life’s storms is (7) Peacemaking. Peacemaking is applied practice in making peace and settling disputes. All that you ever hear is more disputes being made. God wants us to be peacemakers; for when we walk to please others and love them, it demonstrates God within you.

Matthew 5:10-12

[10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
[12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Reaching the pinnacle, when you are able to endure the (8) Suffering for Christ! When we learn to bear the pain and distress of being obedient vessels, it allows us to continue going forward to fight the good fight for those who need God and not the fight within ourselves!

A couple supplemental readings worth mentioning:

Psalms 149:4

[4] For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

1 Peter 3:3-4

[3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
[4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

When we stop worrying about the condition of what we see in people and get down to the condition of their heart, we can really begin to execute the true mission of Christ: that the world through Him would be saved!

Can You Have Too Much Of A Good Thing?

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When I begin to ponder and think of this concept, there is only but one answer that comes to mind: yes, you can.

There are many things that we all love and enjoy in life. Some of them may be hobbies while others are educational and recreational. While these things all can prove to produce some kind of emotional “joy”, let me put out there today that this joy (while good in the moment) is only temporary in the short term. In fact, there is always some form of sacrifice or cost that must come at the expense of an emotional buy. And as we all know, some consequences can far outweigh more than others.

As we continue to seek after God and search for a deeper walk with Him each day, let us remember what it is that keeps us established; for when we seek the Kingdom of Heaven and its righteousness, all the other things (to me the spiritual fulfilling things) that we need to keep us in our life with joy will begin to be added. With that said, we can never have too much of God. You might even feel burnt out sometimes, but that is because of how life makes us feel “bored” with things so quickly.

I continually remember each day through the experiences that God almighty has performed for me that I can never have too much of God. In fact, the more of God that I have, the less of a desire that I have for the other things that I used to pursue for my temporary joy. Take time throughout your minutes, hours, days and weeks through prayer and the study of the word of God to evaluate yourself to see if the life you present before God is truly pleasing and bringing the spiritual fruit that is full of all the things we all truly desire out of life. Then, you can find fulfillment without the continual pursuit of every other pleasure out there!

Where You Lay Up Your Treasures

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As we go on in our lives going through the motions week after week, it gets very easy to get lost in the midst of everything that we get involved in. As we continue to do everything over and over again we learn that we must always make ends meet and to be responsible for our business, right?

This sounds like a motivational speaking lecture, but it’s not. I know that if anything. that people understand the concept of responsibility. What I am wanting to talk about today is the treasures and their worth that goes far beyond this earth: the treasures of God.

When we read in the bible, we read references to laying up our treasures in Heaven. As I read that, the words began to jump off of the page. I know that today that I only need to be driven to by my faith and willingness to serve God! Everything else that we fight for each day should be a priority, but not the top one.

Seek the Kingdom of Heaven and its righteousness first, and all the other things in your life will begin to line up for you! Let God be at home, church, and your business!

Godly Love And Fellowship

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Some key purposes when you read in 1 John:

  • Increase their joy (1 John 1:4)
  • To guard them against sin (1 John 2:1)
  • To warn people against false teachers (1 John 2:26)
  • To strengthen their faith in Christ and assure them of eternal life! (1 John 5:13)

1 John 3:1-2

[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.

We cannot be as we were when we become and are a son of God! We are changed! His love is manifested through the exaltation of the believer into a sonship of the Son, Christ!

God has no respect of person, so we should remember when we come to him that we ALL can come to God regardless of race, gender, status, or doctrines that have been placed before you. It was written that whosoever will could come! And until we receive that sonship, we cannot begin to realize who He is, and the world will still know you as you are. When you are changed in Christ, you will know it.

1 John 3:3-10

[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.

When we walk of God, we walk a new walk and talk a new talk. What we have placed within us is born of God! It cannot fail you! When we start to ABIDE in Him, we can begin to build a resistance to the old sin that we once had trouble with, and are now prepared to face all the new trials of life that are now ahead of us in the future!

The test of your walk with God is ultimately how you live your life for Him. God remains in you, so you are able to continually walk each day without giving up. It might seem hard to do, but by faith and the experiences of your life (testimony) you are able to draw strength. Prayer and fasting and reading help too!

1 John 3:11-15

[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.

When we live in evil works it begins to show on us, and our lives begin to come to a standstill. When our minds continually inherit sin on a daily basis, people cannot draw or be drawn from neither the light of our witness nor the fruitfulness of God in our lives.

As we read above, brotherly love is going to be the distinguishing mark of your spiritual life. The way that we are able to reach out to people in love regardless of what they have done puts into practice and demonstration the mind and heart of Christ!

1 John 3:16-18

[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.

Let us do it in deed and truth! It is shown by the word of God and your obedience! Demonstrate what is living inside of you by letting the overflow show through your acts of love (of God) towards others. Always remember that love begins to manifest itself in sacrifice and not just in words.

1 John 3:19-22

[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.

If we begin to walk in His statutes and through His will, you will begin to walk a victorious life that is pleasing to God. The outcome of love will always be assurance through faith and answered prayer!

1 John 3:23-24

[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.

The faith that we have in each other and love that we carry will stand through anything that we must endure together as a body! Faith and brotherly love is a must to fellowship with God! They are connected!

Picking, Poking, and Prodding

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THE WORD

Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

II Corinthians 10:4 – For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Life delivers many scenarios where your emotions will be tested often. Whether it is a direct verbal attack or some kind of vague comment you will find that it is easy to get caught off guard. Things can come at home, at the workplace, or even at church; we can never truly predict the where or when of other people’s outbursts. I remind you today to always be prepared and be centered on the love of God to have that preparation.

The love of God brings peace, which surpasses all understanding. This keeps me in a peace where my anger will not rise even when I am picked on. It will surpass even our defense system and protect us from harm. Christ recognized the naysayers that were in the crowd, yet he did not launch back at them. He definitely led by example rather than by retaliation! Keep focused on having love for friends and foes alike! If you present a Godly response to irrational actions it leads by example and not by emotions! This is the true love and witness of God!

PUT INTO PRACTICE

The next time that you are affected by someone taking action or speaking against you, I urge you to take a leap of faith and pray specifically for that person. Some of the first times I began to do this I found myself wanting to justify my reasons for being upset. The more, however, that I continued in prayer, realizing how much God’s love is for everyone, I found that there is a love that I can acquire from God to overcome all persecution! Try it!