Category: Self-control

How many bodies are you carrying?

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Scriptural Foundation

Romans 7:14-24 – Christian Standard Bible

The Problem of Sin in Us

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold as a slave under sin. For I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate. Now if I do what I do not want to do, I agree with the law that it is good. So now I am no longer the one doing it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do.  Now if I do what I do not want, I am no longer the one that does it, but it is the sin that lives in me. So, I discover this law: When I want to do what is good, evil is present with me. For in my inner self I delight in God’s law, but I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

 But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,

 For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: to the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things? [Who is able for such a ministry? We?] For we are not, like so many, [like hucksters making a trade of] peddling God’s Word [shortchanging and adulterating the divine message]; but like [men] of sincerity and the purest motive, as [commissioned and sent] by God, we speak [His message] in Christ (the Messiah), in the [very] sight and presence of God.

Romans 8:31-39 – Christian Standard Bible

The Believer’s Triumph

What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Background

This past semester we learned about the spirit of offense.  Offense is a sin just like worry, gossiping, lying, judging, etc. Sin is missing the mark when it comes to the things of God.  The spirit of offense once identified in your life, begins the process of spiritual inventory of all your natural interactions with others. The Lord revealed to me that these types of spirits are like bodies we carry around weighing us down – like proverbial “monkey on your back”.

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” – Luke 11:24-26

The Roman Empire was well known for the ways they carried out the death penalty.  Our Lord and Savior Jesus was sentenced to one of their most gruesome, crucifixion. Another less known tortured death sentence was the strapping of a dead body face-to-face with the criminal or back-to-back.  The key criteria were to have healthy flesh exposed to a decaying body.

“One of the most brutal and deadly practices of the Roman Empire was its treatment of condemned criminals. Those who had committed crimes against the empire were brutalized by being nailed, naked to a cross for all to ridicule, spit on and mock. However, there was still one punishment which was reserved for the worst of the worst which is almost unimaginable for us to think about. Those people who were especially hated for their crimes were sentenced to carry around “dead weight”.

This term has come down through the generations and to us it means to carry that which has no benefit or purpose and actually causes harm. However, to the Romans the term referred to practice of strapping a dead body to a criminal. They were forced to live out there last few weeks in a walking punishment by carrying a maggot infested corpse strapped to their bare back. During the process of decomposition, it slowly leaked poisons into the criminal making them sicker and sicker until they finally died a very slow, painful, stench filled death.”  – William Emmons

We are spirit (our spirit man), soul (mind, will, and emotions) and, body(flesh).  Our soul is the swinging door between the natural and the spiritual realm.  What shows up here in the natural shows up there in the spiritual and vice versa.  Your life is a car (vessel). One of two drivers, either the spirit or the body drives the car, while your soul is always the passenger. 

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

– James 1:13-17

When Holy Spirit is driving, the fruit of the Spirit shows up in the spirit realm and in the natural realm. This is the produce that we want to “cultivate” and “feed” to the world around us…taste and see that the Lord is good. When your body (flesh) is driving, it produces counterfeit fruit that also shows up in both realms. This “fruit” weighs us down like dead bodies.  The potential bodies we carry are:

  • Self-sufficiency
  • Self-pity
  • Solution solver
  • Happiness seeker
  • Busyness
  • Anger
  • Rejection
  • Pride
  • Jealousy
  • Defensiveness
  • Martyr  
  • Depression
  • Isolation
  • Controlling
  • Domineering
  • Ego
  • Pride

No wonder at different points of our lives we feel so weighed down by the circumstances of life. How many of these bodies we have accumulated due to the spirit of offense? The only thing that can separate us from God is ourselves.  In our words and in our actions.  We are made in our likeness of God; we are creative beings…life and death are in the power of the tongue. You have to constantly remind yourself why Jesus came and why the enemy is so busy trying to distract us from that truth.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). – John 10:10

Rejection happens when the opportunity of offense is presented. Offense is like termites. 

Look at Jesus and the rejection he endured with patience.

  • His family (Matthew 12:46-50)
  • His community (Luke 4:22-30)
  • His friends /co-labors/ associates (Luke 22:54-62)
  • His people (Mark 15:6-15, Luke 9:22, John 1:11)
  • The world (Luke 23:33-35, John 12:44-50)

Despite all the rejection the Lord chose to forgive and complete His purpose and assignment.  He looked past the moment (rejection) on through to eternity. We too have these areas in life – family – friends – community – world (aka social media).  How do we process our rejections? Stumbling happens in these areas when we lack trust in God.  Our growth in the spirit is stunted by our responses to others.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. – Ephesians 6:12

You are not my enemy, the strife that is exists is a manifested mirage to stir up my flesh and steal my peace. “Fear can’t catch what it can no longer reach”.  We can choose to use our physical eyes, or we can choose to use our spiritual eyes. What kind of scent are we giving off to the world a sweet fragrance or an aroma of death?

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the latter one an aroma from death to death [a fatal, offensive odor], but to the other an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is adequate and sufficiently qualified for these things? For we are not like many, [acting like merchants] peddling God’s word [shortchanging and adulterating God’s message]; but from pure [uncompromised] motives, as [commissioned and sent] from God, we speak [His message] in Christ in the sight of God.

 – 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Refection

  • What “bodies” have you been carrying around?
  • Think back to when this weight/burden began? What circumstance or situation opened the door to the spirt of offense?
  • What other spirits/bodies came in with that spirit of offense?
  • Are these familiar spirits? Are their spirits that you can see a family member?  Could it be something passed down? A generational curse?
  • Sit down with Holy Spirit meditate on the scriptures above and have Him reveal to you the spirits you need serve an eviction notice to. 

‘The most powerful sermon preached is the one that is lived”.  Dr. Jacqueline T. Flowers

Does Your Narrative Match the Word?

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Scriptural Foundation:

Proverbs 23:7 – New King James Version (NKJV)

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
“Eat and drink!” he says to you,
But his heart is not with you.

Isaiah 55:8 – New King James Version (NKJV)

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

John 10:10 – New King James Version (NKJV)

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Reflection:  

Years ago, I worked with an older gentleman that most people thought was very gruff.  People often joked that his effort towards his job should be called “close enough construction”.  All my interactions with this gentleman were positive. He was gruff, yet kind and attentive.  He always accomplished the tasks that he did for me in an expeditious fashion, and it was always above and beyond what I asked for.  I often wondered how one person could have two very different perceptions of his work ethic.

For as he thinks within himself, so is he. He will grudgingly say, “Go ahead and eat all you want,” but in his heart he resents the fact that he has to pay for your meal. – Proverbs 23:7(TPT)

We have often heard that perception is reality.  I don’t agree with that.  I think narratives define perceptions/stereotypes and then those perceptions create an alternate reality.  The Word of God is black and white – truth or deception; blessing or curse; heaven or hell.  Man in our infinite knowledge added our perceptions to God’s Word and created a grey area – purgatory, once saved always saved, etc.  With God, there is no darkness.  With God, there is no negotiation.

For my thoughts about mercy are not like your thoughts, and my ways are different from yours. -Isaiah 55:8 (TPT)

There was One voice in the garden, before the serpent came in with a different narrative: 

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1(NKJV)

God’s response was:

Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” – Genesis 3:9-11(NKJV)

It is key what you think.  Your thoughts produce your words and actions.  God is always speaking to us. At the same time, the devil is also sowing seeds of doubt and deception to counter those words.

A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow! – John 10:10 (TPT)

That is why it is imperative to renew our minds every day with God’s Words.  We need to constantly be plucking out the weeds (idle thoughts) in our minds. We need to take every thought captive and apply the Word of God to them (2 Corinthians 10:5).  Studying the life of Jesus as a man, the enemy of our soul(mind) was always present to try to knock Jesus off His course.  Despite all the devil’s attempts our Lord and Savior never sinned (1 Peter 2:22).  It has always been the plan of God that all men be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).  And spoiler alert, He knew that mankind would fail to hold up our end of the covenant. 

Now when God made a promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater than himself, he swore an oath on his own integrity to keep the promise as sure as God exists! So he said, “Have no doubt, I promise to bless you over and over, and give you a son and multiply you without measure!” Hebrews 6:13-14(TPT)

So, if we are going to fail and if the devil is going to constantly be coming around to remind and accuse us of that failure then it is in our best interest to meditate on God’s narrative.  .  .on God’s Words.  As a result, when we hear and then see something that is “close enough” we can quickly identify it as counterfeit.  Let us be lifelong students of the Word of God, and not constantly stumble when we get tested out in the world.  God has pre-destined you to live life in abundance. 

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Make a conscious effort to monitor your self-talk for a week.
  • Write down the three major narratives that you have running around in your mind.
  • Watch to see if your words and actions follow those narratives for a week.
  • Write the actions next to the three major narratives you had previously written down if they apply.
  • Now look in scripture to see if that narrative is in the Word.  If it is not, then that narrative is counterfeit. Rebuke it and seek the Lord for scripture and/or narratives from the Bible to replace that counterfeit narrative. 
  • Meditate daily on that scripture and or narrative from the Bible for thirty days. 

Walk in the light you were given, nothing more, nothing less.

No accountability, no peace..

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Scriptural Foundation:

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

1 Kings 18:21 New King James Version (NKJV)

And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Please note: Last week we talked about the Great Apostasy.  It is not a typo in our foundational scriptures, I wanted to revisit a couple of verses in this weeks’ time together.

Reflection:

I love watching the Olympics! Healthy competition and mutual respect among the nations of the world is such a wonderful sight to see. I truly admire all the sacrifice and preparation each person made to earn a spot and represent their country on the world stage. Mental discipline is as much a part of the preparation as the physical. Envisioning victory propels these individuals forward to their personal best.  Do you know as a Believer we are on an undefeated team, representing the greatest Kingdom in eternity?

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. – Ephesians 2:19-22

Although we are on the same team, we all have our individual races to run. We were placed in THIS moment in time for a SPECIFIC purpose and function FOR the Kingdom. As we draw closer to the end of time, the Bible warns us there will first be a falling away of the Saints.  Then the man of sin will be revealed, and he will go into God’s temple and present himself as if he were God. To be clear, the falling away begins in the church and then a counterfeit individual will present himself to the world as if he is religious. The Bible warns of people like him.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. – Matthew 7:15-17

We live in a carnal society that feelings are glorified over spiritual discernment. We are presented with opportunities and things that to the physical eyes looks like good fruit, when it really is rotting on the inside. Presented with so many options the question becomes, how long will you falter between two opinions? God’s word is not multiple choice, it is true or false. God will not present you with many choices to confuse you.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? – Jeremiah 17:9

So, if God does not administer His Word as multiple choice, then how do we discern what is a distraction from the enemy and what are the things that are profitable for a life in Christ?  The only way an athlete gets better is through consistent training and accountability.

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. – 1 Corinthians 9:27

God made us in His image. We were created to be consistent beings, but He also gave us free will to choose.

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls. – Proverbs 25:28

If we as Believers look at the Word of God as a buffet instead of a full course meal, that is where the excuses come from for the compromises we make. I heard a phrase in college that that ‘excuses are the building blocks to nowhere’.  Which is so true, excuses are not a means to an end, it is just a back alley in a conversation that the person making the excuses takes to deflect.  If applied correctly, the Word through the leading of the Holy Spirit is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Now that does not sound fun, but it does provide peace that passes all understanding.  If you feel like a peaceful life is alluding you, check if you are holding yourself accountable to the things of God or just auditing the subject matter. Beloved, peace is our gold metal and the only way we will achieve it is through accountability.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Look up the definition of accountability and peace?
  • On a scale of 1-10, for each, rate yourself then ask a trusted friend in the Lord to rate you.
  • What changes can you make to be more accountable to the Word of God?
  • List the things that are holding you back from making those changes?
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you regain His peace.

“For this commandment which I command you today isnot too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it. “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. – Deuteronomy 30:11-16

You want the beach body without the work…

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Scriptural Foundation:

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 – New King James Version (NKJV)

 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

2 Timothy 2:14-16 – New King James Version (NKJV)

Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

Reflection:  

This past Christmas we got our daughters a Barbie Dream house.  While shopping for Barbies, I was delightfully surprised at the wide variety of diversity in the physical representation of the dolls.  There was a doll that had vitiligo, one that had a prosthetic leg and another in a wheelchair.  I loved how I could have the conversation about differences with my children through the medium of play.  The one thing that remained the same, however, was the shape/figureof the dolls.  They all had beach ready bodies, which doesn’t represent most of the population.

The projection of perfection is very much prevalent in all areas of life.  Society objectifies perfection to the point that most of us walk around in shame because we cannot live up to that fictious standard.  We then take that same soulish mind set and apply the Word of God to it.  We think when we come to Jesus, we are expected to be perfect, but the truth is he chose us BECAUSE we were different.  The “beach body” that is not attainable for most of the population in the physical realm can be obtained in the spiritual realm with the Holy Spirit as our guide.  The Bible talks about how we will have a glorified body in eternity.  I do not think body size will matter as much as our words and our actions. 

For the first time in my life, I recently completed an extended fast.  Prior to that, I had been loosely participating in what I thought was fasting for a day or two. Looking back, I was just starving myself without a purpose.  The act of fasting is steeped in our Biblical heritage.  It is done to reset us spiritually to our Heavenly Father like no other activity can do. 

We are spirit, soul, and body.  At any given time, our soul (mind, will, and emotions) is either tied to our spirit or tied to our flesh.  It will always be two against one, and eventually the spirit is leading all three parts, or your flesh is leading all three parts. 

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. – Romans 8:5-6

Fasting is one of those activities mentioned at church, but the Body of Christ is not taught in depth about it.  It is not an activity just for the leadership of a church body.  We are the church saints, the tabernacle of the living God.  It is for each one of us to show this type of reverence and sacrifice onto the Lord.  During the process of fasting, we are starving our flesh and feeding our spirit.  That means not just skipping a meal but using that time for prayer and seeking the Lord.  This brings us to another realization that may be missed…if you are not taking the time to sit and eat but are multitasking every minute of your life you may want to rethink if you are even giving God a quality time offering. 

And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. – Genesis 4:3-5

Do not misunderstand me, there will be seasons of your life that you literally have only time to do a five-minute devotional and take a moment of silence with Him, but that will be your quality offering to the Lord.  Just let your time with Him be focused and authentic. Every year there are pastors and priests that are leaving the ministry in droves. Most burn out or cast out due to falling short. Many thinking in their own physical efforts they are making things happen.

Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:23-27

The life of Jesus is a life of authenticity.  He is the one that is perfect and the rest of us are disciples. That is from the pulpit down.  We are each supposed to seek the face of God and rightly handle the Word of God for ourselves.

Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to [a]strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:14-15

Then there are people in church with their plastic façade projecting a narrative that is not true, only to be exposed later themselves when someone gets too close to them. We are all one body in the Spirit, but to attain that connection is going to take some work with the Holy Spirit.  It is in that time that we as many parts become one because there is One Spirit.  The Body of Christ is the one true beach body. 

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by [the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. – 1 Corinthians 12:7-13

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Read Chapter 12 and meditate on it.
  • What part of the Body to you think God created you to be? If you don’t know, pray, ask and seek the Lord.
  • Evaluate your time, are you presenting to the Lord your best in the area of time? Please remember there are different seasons of life and it is not the amount of time, but the quality of that time.

Don’t play limbo with the devil…

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Scriptural Foundation:

Genesis 3:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”

Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Genesis 3:13-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

So the Lord God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this,
You are cursed more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you shall go,
And you shall eat dust
All the days of your life.

And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”

Reflection:

Limbo is a fun game at backyard parties or on the deck of a cruise ships. The object is to bend and contort oneself in such way that clears the level set by the limbo stick.  The person that clears the stick at the lowest level is the winner.  Pause here Beloveds…to win the game, one must bend and contort themselves to the lowest level to win.  Did you know the game of limbo started in the garden of Eden?  The Lord said to Adam:

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” – Genesis 2:16-18

God set the standard (the bar or His expectation) for Adam. Adam in turn communicated that to Eve.  Yet when questioned, Eve modified God’s standard.

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” – Genesis 2:2-3

The Lord spoke a Word and the devil questioned it, then Adam and Eve modified their view point and lowered their standard.

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. – Genesis 3:6

In response to serpent’s question, a seed (a thought was planted) activated Eve’s natural senses. Then using her natural senses, she negated the Word that was originally sown in her heart.  When the Lord held them accountable for their actions, that was the first time “the devil made me do it” excuse was made.

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. – James 1:13-17

As Believers, the Word of God is our standard. It is infallible and unchanging.  The Lord will speak to you via the Holy Spirit intimately about any and every situation we are in.  It is up to us after we have received that clear Word, not to have that modified by the thoughts and suggestions that come after.

The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. – Mark 2:14-15

By nature, we are all hard of hearing. Meaning simply, we get so focused on the task or situation in the natural, that we tend to forget the bigger picture.  The devil’s game of spiritual limbo attempts to slowly erode the plans that the Lord has for us.  He wasn’t identified as cunning from the beginning of time for nothing.  He studies our actions, learns our habits, and plays on our fears.  He is constantly adjusting his approach to gain access between what God has said and our actions.  All with one objective…to lower our spiritual and natural standards.  It is a very subtle downward transition.  We slowly become insensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirt, dull in our thoughts, words, and actions.  In some cases, we fall back asleep to the things of the Spirit. Wake up, Beloveds, the Bible wasn’t written for the non-believer, it was written for you and me, for our protection.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” – Psalm 91: 1-2

As we continue our sanctification journey with the Lord in this natural life, we must constantly evaluate our thoughts, our heart intents, and carnal desires. Making sure they always line up with the Word and making the Word be our intentional spiritual and natural actions.

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. – James 1:23-25

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Are you keeping in your mouth the original Word that God has sown into your heart for a certain situation or area in your life?
    • What daily things are you confessing and acting on to maintain that Word in your heart?
    • Meditate on: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • Are there certain situations or areas in your life that you have been playing limbo with the devil?
    • Have you been trying to make your circumstance fit into the Word or the Word fit into your circumstance?
    • Meditate on: James 1:5-8

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! – Psalm 34:8

Every confession is an act of war…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Luke 22:41-44 New King James Version (NKJV)

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Hebrews 5:6-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”; who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Reflection:

The two hardest things you will ever do in this life is starting and finishing. Jesus did both.

The start…

Jesus gave up His kingly garments(linen) and came into this world as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothing. Amid a decree from Herod to slaughter all the male children that according to prophecy would become the King of the Jews. Only to put down His earthly garb and don again in linen in the tomb.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. – Matthew 2:1-3

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. – Matthew 2:16

The process…

This past week…Holy week, I saturated myself in the Word of God. I combed through the gospels, comparing and contrasting, each account. In our foundational scriptures, we see Jesus the Man struggle with a choice that would reverberate throughout eternity. He chose to submit His will to the Father’s ultimate purpose. As before, prior to entering the garden, He continued to confess the victory of His resurrection long before it happened in the natural.

It always amazes me when I think the same crowd that said “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” (John 12:12-14), by the end of the week was demanding “Crucify Him”.

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. Matthew 27:20-26

Barabbas probably broke all the ten of God’s commandments, but the Father still sent His Son to take his place. And look what the people said about Jesus after Pilot washed his hands of the situation, “His Blood be on us and on our children.” Praise God! Thank you God for the Blood! It covers any and everything we have and will ever do. The confession by the Jewish people that put in motion God’s ultimate plan in place for redemption.

There is a lot of moments like that can be gleaned from studying the days prior to the crucifixion. I could literally talk for days about the revelations that have jumped out at me over the years. Instead, I will just focus on three statements that Jesus said during those days.

  • “I am He”

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth. ”Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. – John 18:4-6

After submitting to His will to the Father, Jesus confessed Who He was in God. Three words knocked over the men that came to arrest Him. The restraint He must have had to harness and control that power was remarkable. Not only did He heal the ear of the solider that Peter recklessly cut off, but I think those same words caused a man to be raised from the dead.

Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked. – Mark 14:51-52

  • “Forgive them”

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. – Luke 23:34

After being abandoned by all of His followers and experiencing all of the injustices done to Him in the flesh, He remained centered in the Spirit. Despite all of these earthly violations He for gave. Praise God! Thank you God for the Blood! It covers any and everything that has been or will ever be done to us.

  • “It is finished”

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. – John 19:30 

Jesus confessed His resurrection from the other side of the tomb! Echoing the faith of a man – Abraham had when he said that he would return with Isaac. The power in those words were so impactful that there was a preview of the end of times.

Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. – Matthew 27:51-53

The finish…

And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. – Revelations 19:14

Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father ruling and reigning forever according to the order of Melchizedek. He is just as excited as we are waiting for that trumpet to sound signaling His return. The Author and Finisher of our faith. Till then we pray and apply the Word of God to the harvest fields that the Lord has entrusted to us.

Every confession you make in line with the Word of God over your life is an act of war in the spiritual realm. Each conscious decision to ignore what you are seeing or feeling that is contrary to what the Lord has spoken to your heart, is an offensive stance. The devil wants, we as Believers to think we are playing on defense. The day that Jesus rose from the grave was the day that the children of God stopped playing defense and started playing offense.

Renew your mind daily to the truth that the battle has already been won. Wherever you are on your sanctification walk (your process), praise God that you have started and continue to pray that you will finish up strong!

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:4-6 (NIV)

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What things have the Lord told you to do that you are not actively pursuing now? Why?
  • Course correct (aka repent) and start today taking steps back to that place and pick up what you have allowed the enemy to let go of through deception.

Praise the Lord! Remember Beloveds, praise always precedes victory.

Half-washed. . .

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Psalm 51:1-3 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly [and repeatedly] from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin! For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; my sin is ever before me.

Psalm 73:12-14 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper and are at ease in the world; they increase in riches.  Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency.  For all the day long have I been smitten and plagued, and chastened every morning.

Reflection:

As it gets nicer outside, smells become more prevalent, good and bad. I love taking a deep breath of freshly cut flowers. At the same time, I can’t stand an unidentified smell from an unclear source. The latter disturbs my peace and sends me on a hunt to extricate the assault on my nostrils. Can you relate?

The same is true, as we become more diligent concerning to the things of God. The way we conduct ourselves gives off an “aroma”, good and bad. Once we have committed ourselves to Christ, we become living epistles unto the Lord. We can smell like a flower bed of roses or a stinky sock at the bottom of a hamper. It is a daily choice and a lifetime obligation. The Lord promises to wash and cleanse us, when we come to Him with a repenting heart.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

 – Psalm 103:12(NKJV)

However, sometimes we don’t want to be cleansed from certain fleshly comforts (i.e. someone that has deeply hurt us) and believe we can bury it enough that others (other Believers) won’t notice. Wrong… The Bible says:

Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17(NKJV)

A part of our obligation to the Lord is to stay humble and advise our brothers and sisters in the Lord in love. The key is that all things are done in love.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. – 1 Corinthians 13:1

The only way are we going to be better warriors for the Kingdom of God is to call each other out, when things don’t “smell” right. That could be the words that are coming out of your mouth when you are talking about a challenging situation or a pattern of behavior you maybe repeating – trying to put off a decision that needs to be made. Sin comes in many forms. I must remind myself often that the Bible was written for the Believer, not to condemn, but the protect us. In my mind’s eye, I always thought when the Bible mentioned fools it was talking about the non-believer. It wasn’t until it came to me, what would a non-believer be doing studying the Bible. God is calling us fools, when we have miss the mark(sin)..ouch. Sometimes the truth hurts, but done as the Lord leads, will yield harvest and huge blessing in your life and the lives of others around you.

So, in our second foundation scriptures, when the Word calls out the ungodly, He is calling out the ungodly/fleshly behavior of the Saints…insert shock emoji! We have brothers and sisters in the Lord that don’t seem to be taking seriously the awesome responsibility of carrying our own crosses.

Then He(Jesus) said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [daily, and follow Me. – Luke 9:23

These individuals’ lives seem to be perfect, while we silently struggle with our spiritual short comings. The Bible says that we will know them by their fruit (Matthew7:15-20). If their lives, seem “insolated” as it relates to their blessing, more than likely they are short cutting the potential of God’s harvest through their hands. This is one example of many of half-washed Saints. To the other extreme, are the individuals that do things to get acknowledged.

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the [hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. – Matthew 6:16-18

In his book, How to Deal with the Cares of this Life, Charles Cowan states: “Whatever is ungodly, or unlike God, is carnal.” Again, ouch! The Lord promises to wash us as white as snow, but we have a part to play in that process. Are we going to allow, Him full access in all things and in all areas or are we going to walk around half-washed?

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • Be honest with yourself, are their areas in your life that are half-washed.
    • List those areas.
    • Reflect on the reason(s) for each item.
  • As the Lord leads, find yourself an accountability partner – one that can keep it real (in love).
  • Revisit your list often and watch that list whittled away under the power of the Lord.

 

You have a voice for a reason…

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

Matthew 7:7-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Psalm 66:16-20 New King James Version (NKJV)

Come and hear, all you who fear God,
And I will declare what He has done for my soul.

I cried to Him with my mouth,
And He was extolled with my tongue.

 If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear.

But certainly God has heard me;
He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer,
Nor His mercy from me!

Reflection:

God created us to be in His likeness to be speaking spirits…

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. – Genesis 1:3-4

With our words and within His will, we are to speak out change into this dark world. This platform is not a “these four and no more” provision. What you are asking/praying for, should stretch far beyond the four walls of your home. It should impact your neighbor…your city…your state…and this country.

It is not like we don’t know how to use our mouths…we tend to speak a lot more negative than the positive these days – sadly this includes the Body of Christ. The Bible is clear that bitter and fresh water can’t come out of the same place (James 3:10-12). So why when we are instructed to speak “fresh” word that edifies, we instead chose to speak non-profitable things? This is our challenge as Believers, when our voices among the ‘sons of disobedience’ (Ephesians 2:2) start sounding like the same dialect, our witness for Christ is weakened.

It is hard to be the only one talking positive in a negative world…and I am not talking about the manufactured speaking points some use that doesn’t come across sincere…sometimes that is even worse.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. – James 2:14-17

Beloved, we must pray boldly, think boldly, and then in turn speak out boldly for the Kingdom of God.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:15-16

Godly actions require one thing from us. It is for us to open our mouths and allow God to fill it with His Words. I know that it sounds so simple, but that is all that is needed. Granted the putting down of our flesh to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us is the true fight…but it is not insurmountable.

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” – Mark 10:27

In our foundational scriptures we see that the Lord is waiting for us to speak out to bring our miracles to manifestation. We have not because we ask not…again so simple but what distracts us all is the waiting period between our confessions and that manifestation. These aborted prayers are not one the part of our Father, but on us. Shake of the guilt of the past; repent to the Lord for missing the mark; and start again. The world is waiting for your prayerful impact to change. Now let’s get after it!

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What are things or areas in your life you would like to see a change happen?
    • In your family; on the job; in your town; in your state; in the country, etc.
  • Find a scriptural promise that supports that change in your life.
  • Write down that scripture-based confession and speak it out whenever your five senses are telling you the opposite.
    • Example: Dealing with a difficult person in your life
    • Confession: Thank you Lord you have made me in your likeness when interacting with ________. With this person I am always gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love. Amen. (Based on Psalm 148:8)

 

 

 

On your mark…get set…GO!

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

1 Corinthians 9:23-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.  Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

Hebrews 12:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 

Reflection:

My youngest loves her cowboy boots. This particular pair she has been wearing for over a year…even though at the start they were a little too big.  Now, my little lamb has gym almost every day at school. As a result, she has to pack sneakers so that she can wear her beloved boots.  One would think that by now mornings would run smoothly at least in this area because she and I have an understanding.  Yeeeeaaah, no…  At least once, if not twice a week she can’t find her sneakers and she is reduced to a tearful mess on the floor.

In our house every morning there is a mad dash for the door to get everyone up and at their respective places on time. As a mom, I have done my best to make the process as smooth as possible.  We have hooks by the door for our back packs and coats.  We have shoe cubbies in the garage and another one in the front hall closet.  We have a place to put the small forest of paper that comes home for school daily and a place for the lunch bags to be replenished for the next day.  So, why then with the stage all set, does my family still find a way to be upset and/or late getting out of the house? That is one of the great mysteries of life.

For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).  By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.

 – 2 Peter 1:3-4 (AMPC)

These are the days, I just have to laugh…not because I have finally lost it, but because I catch a glimpse as to what the Holy Spirit has to deal with on a daily basis with the children of God. The Lord through His son has given us everything we need in this life to run a successful race for the Kingdom of God.  Instead of using our secret weapon of unlimited Godly wisdom – the Holy Spirit –  we go through our days, months, years…banging our heads against the wall.  You know where you find walls? At dead-end streets…just saying.  I think I have a permanent mark on my spiritual forehead from past dead-end detours.

If what you have been doing in a certain area of life is not working, check in with the Lord and see if you are even in the right place. By place I mean spiritual…too many people move from place to place only to be in the same place spiritually.  If you are not bearing any fruit in your life….love, joy, peace, hope…chances are you are running in the wrong direction.  Stop, get on your knees and pray….yes physically…this is a lost practice in my humble opinion…and ask the Lord to lead you back to the path that He predestined you to be on.  Then get back up, dust yourself off, and start running your race again.  It is never too late to make a impact.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What areas in life have you veered off your path with the Holy Spirit?
  • What areas do you feel like you are just banging your head against the wall? In that area, what is the opposite action of the action(s) that you are taking right now?
  • Lay your frustrations at the feet of the Lord, listen to the wisdom that is given, and then act in obedience to that Word.

 

What type of vessel are you?

Posted on by Prayer Warriors Advance, LLC

Scriptural Foundation:

2 Timothy 2:20-26 New King James Version (NKJV) 

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Reflection:

My daughter is in first grade. At the beginning of the year she came home from school talking about buckets.  “Mommy my heart is a bucket.”  The teacher, in an effort to provide something relatable for the class, created the bucket system.  The goal is to fill up someone else’s bucket with kind words and actions and to not to knock those buckets over again.  I have found this heart exercise, has my already thoughtful daughter, really thinking about how she reacts to situations and vocalizing when something is hurtful to her without whining…bonus!  In the same way, we as Believers were created to love and serve the Lord.  Each day we choose to be filled up with something – positive or negative – or to stay empty.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

Life is a cycle…the only catch is that we walk through it once. Today’s foundational scriptures laid out the different types of vessels in the Lord’s great house.  I liken these vessels to our progression through the faith.

From a young age, religion was instilled in me. Going to church was the one thing that stayed constant in my life.  This carried over into my college years.  When others were partying for spring break, my friend and I were building wheel chair ramps for the elderly in rural America.  At the time, I never thought I was missing out on anything.  The dynamic group of friends I had, made that season of life that much more memorable.   Spring break on a beach or in the country, it made no difference to us, we all went to church every Sunday . . . we were all good people.

Clay/Earth to wood vessel – *ostrakinos (G3749)

There are a lot of good people that go to church. However, that is the most primitive relationship we can have with the Lord.  The kind that allows, us to keep all our “stuff” that doesn’t fit in with what the Bible outlines as righteous living.  This type of relationship may keep you out of harm’s way for the most part, but eventually the “stuff” that you choose to keep will overwhelm you.  Suddenly that clay vessel of religion will not be strong enough to keep your life together.  As a result, we may have to choose to trade up for a different vessel.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. – 2 Corinthians 4:7

Wood to silver vessel – *xylinos (3585) and *argyreos (G693)

I have found the way one starts one’s day has a ripple effect – positive or negative. I am an early bird . . . not because I live for sunrises, but because I have learned the hard way that a prayerful start sets the stage for a restful day.  I don’t read the Word because I am afraid of what God will do to me if I don’t follow a whole bunch of rules laid out by a man-made church format, instead like a person madly in love, I can’t wait to meet with Him in our secret place.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2

Silver to gold vessel – *argyreos (G693) and *chrysous (G5552) 

It wasn’t until I started studying the Word and watching my words and actions that I found that some aspects of religion and religious people were manufactured. The Lord that I knew through meditating on the scriptures, was a loving God, a faithful God, One worthy of all reverence.  Almost overnight, I traded in a cookie cutter religious life, for one that welcomed the presence of the Holy Spirit and I never looked back.

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15

Gold vessel – *chrysous (G5552)

I know I can never do anything to make the Lord love me less and I am grateful every day for His mercy and forgiveness…because it is hard to love and forgive everyone in life…I mean really hard. However, we should never become disenchanted with life due to the actions of men that we take for granted the things of God.  Despite the destructive actions of many, the Lord is still faithful to the few.  We must always look to the Lord to finish our race.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. – Hebrews 12:1-4

We may never get to the gold vessel status in this life, but that shouldn’t stop us from striving to be the best vessel for the Lord that we can be. Beloved, remember your walk of faith is not supposed to be perfect, it supposed to be impactful.  – Selah

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

  • What type of vessel are you?
  • What is hindering you for trading up for a vessel of more honor in the Lord’s house?
    • What sorts of past behaviors are you holding on to?
    • What sorts of relationships have past their useful life?

 

*Note – all word origins were looked up in the Strong’s concordance via blueletterbible.org