Author: Travis Manhart

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 “Fortitude for the Soul” (Part I)

Hi everyone, as we are off to a new year their are many that make predictions on how the year will be. From economist, to people of fame, even a  new age woman ( aired on CNBC New Year’s Eve) who believed we needed to spend more time with the trees to have a good year ( she was interesting to say the least). However these are only predictions,  peoples points of view taking their best shot at the New Year. However we know that God’s Word does not give us predictions but promises, accurate and true guidance. His Word is filled with these promises and as we enter into  2019 it would be to our benefit to know some. Below are five verses that I would consider anchors of hope and strength for our soul. They bring stability when times are tough and courage in challenging times. They are a constant truth no matter the circumstance or what the future holds for they are based on an Eternal God. If these verses are believed and applied, these truths will hold us. The storms will come as sure as the sun rises, but we shall not be moved off course. In fact we will be made the better through them.
These verses, and several more, have been my best friends. They are my “go too” verses. When the monsters are too big these promises keep me and remind me that God is bigger still. Also it is very important to read the verses in context, it sets the stage for the verse(s).
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Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all yours ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths.
Habakkuk 3:18-19
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like hinds feet,
he makes me tread on my high places.
Isaiah 58:11
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Psalms 16: 5&11
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
Joshua 1:8-9
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make — thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Isaiah 40:28-29
Hast thou not known? — hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
And the last one
Romans 8:37-39
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
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.
There are many more outstanding promises, Psalm 37 is a chapter that has many and if committed to memory, allowing these verses to “reboot” our hard drive, then  instead of our normal fret and worry we can respond with faith, trust and courage. Our whole attitude will change and we can begin “to mount up with wings of eagles” being above our problems instead of being weighed down because of them. Reciting these verses and committing them to memory they will become our undergirding, deepening our trust in God. Remember when God is Big our problems are small, but when fear and worry intimidate us the problems become big and God is small – our intimacy with God needs to deepen. Truthfully, God should always be big regardless of our problem, but we are human and at times weak. We see that with the prophets and apostles. Let’s now study our first verse,
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all yours ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
We all acknowledge that we should trust the Lord, and even give counsel to a friend or family member to trust The Lord, however do we really do it? If our behavior does not change, then we are not trusting. So what can we do to rise above the anxiety and fear? That’s the million dollar question that even those with millions of dollars struggle with. It’s a complex answer that deals with our expectations and what we want and value, however the process begins with one critical task. Prayer and The Bible is the  critical step. There will be no change unless this happens. I know believers who have gone to church their whole life but haven’t changed because they have not made room or time for The Lord. We always say we are too busy, however when you are desperate time will be found.
For me my time with The Lord has always been my lunch half hour and on the weekends, early morning. A half hour is not a lot of time especially if you have to buy lunch, so I have always it. Next, once you have an established reading/ prayer time then come prepared. I am a note taker, and in college I had a notebook for each class. One day God asked me where was His notebook? Why did I not take notes when He spoke? The next day I had a notebook for my “Theology” class and have ever since. I wasn’t going to be asked twice. Also, what I noticed was I learned more reviewing the previous day study. On the day that I write it’s pretty cool, I feel like the prophets or the apostles with The Lord filling my mind with words of truth and scriptures, however it is the second day when I review the notes that I learn. Lastly, there will always be scriptures that speak to you depending upon what is going on in your life. Write them down, put them in your phone, or where you will see them. I like to tape them to the bathroom mirror or on the dash of my truck and on the corner of my desk at work. Like David said, “ I keep your Word ever before me.” Or in Psalms 119:9-11 Where David writes,
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse — his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
I do not know too many Christians that are this aggressive with God’s Word. We have too many distractions and have become too compromised with seeking the trinkets of this life. However, when life is tough one becomes desperate and desperate times call for desperate measures. I have grown accustomed to His presence now through all these struggles and feel incomplete without Him, so I have remained desperate for Him.
 Therefore to be able to trust the Lord is just like trusting anyone.  You have to know them and the better you know them the more you can trust them. Also do things that remind you of God’s Greatness. The last thing I do every night is lock my truck. I want to see the stars, for they speak to me of His Greatness; or in the day as I drive to work I can see the mountains. They too remind of His Greatness, especially when they are snow capped. These are purposeful steps I take to place myself before my Savior.
 A saying I like to use to believers that say they can’t sense God or feel Him ( which at times we can’t, so we walk by faith) is I tell them that they need to show up for class. The Teacher is always teaching, they have just been absent. And to the degree we show up for class is to the degree we will be able to trust Him, sense Him, and have the wisdom to “not lean on our own understanding.” The walk of Faith becomes messy and confusing to say the least when we are not sure of our Lord because we have missed too much class.
When a woman of morals compromises her virginity it is because she fears that if she doesn’t she will lose her boyfriend who is wanting sex. The problem is not so much an issue of fear as much as it is an issue of trust. She is not confident enough in the Lord to trust that He will provide her a husband. Or vice versa, when a girlfriend wants to be sexually active but the boyfriend really wants to obey the Lord ( which this kind of guy is rare) but goes ahead to please her, he also is not trusting the Lord for his future wife. Or with struggles in our marriage, we must continue to place ourselves before the Lord, learn of Him, allowing Him to change us. We always pray for God to change our mate, which is fine provided that we also sincerely seek Him to change us as well. I am responsible for me, I can’t change anyone but I can be an example of change which is a testimony of God’s Grace in my life and that is what changes people. For who does not want to abide in God’s love? However if that can’t be see in action, or felt from a believer how would they know to want it? These are just two examples of weak faith because we lack depth in Christ.
In all yours ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
This is a promise, it’s not maybe He will make your paths straight, or when He feels like it, it’s a promise. When we acknowledge Him, seek His counsel, putting Him first, He will direct our ways. The Good Shepherd will always take care of His sheep – always, even in the darkness hour He is present. As the disciples in the night fearing their death because of the storm, He was their, and when He calmed the storm they wondered what kind of man He was. Their faith just grew a mile. Remember we were made by Him for Him, nothing else fits in our soul as He does. Like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, the things of the world will not fit or last and they bring injury. That’s how everything other than the Lord fits into our soul. Unfortunately it takes time and loss to realize this. Unlike the counterfeits, He fits our soul perfectly. Lastly what this verse is not saying, but is implying is the importance of our will. For me (us) to acknowledge God in all our ways means I am making a conscience decision to obey His will above my own. That His way is superior to my own. My will is short sighted and self focused, why would I want that? It took me a while to see this. I was always able to camouflage my will as if I was doing His will. It took time and trials for me to mature to a point that I saw this in me. I am so relieved to have gotten past that, it makes being His son by grace so much more enjoyable.
In the next Vida we will consider the  importance of rejoicing. Aside from our verse listed above, the other verse is  found in Nehemiah 8:10,
“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord — is your strength.”
Father God,
As we start the New Year help us to emphasize our Faith by growing it through spending time with You. Your request to all of us is very clear. Joshua 1:8-9
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make — thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.Amen
Grow in His Grace – Arthur
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It’s all about attitude Part III

Blessings and Merry Christmas
These following verses show us the WRONG attitude and Jesus response.
Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed
When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”
And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.
Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region. So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city.”
I find these reactions, especially since it was the whole town overwhelmingly awful. How is it that these people can hear of such a miracle and see the demon possessed men healed, being in their right minds, and respond as such? What were they doing to want Christ to leave? They obviously felt threated by Christ, and maybe felt guilty raising pigs. Something that was outlawed in the Jewish culture; or was it solely economic loss as well as losing their food source? If so that was more important to them than the miracle of these men and the threat of their safety that they represented. I’m sure Christ would have stayed, but they chose pigs over Christ. His power to rebuke Legion and restore these men or man ( depending upon which gospel account you read) to their right mind was not reason enough for them to have Christ stay or to seek a new life by repenting of their sins and welcome Christ. The economic loss and the potential fear of more loss was more important to them.
These demon possessed men, who cried in the night as they tortured themselves were supernaturally strong that they could not be bound.  How could they as a community, at the very least not be appreciative of this miracle? How do we respond when we are  faced with a lose?Do we ask Jesus to leave, or do we allow Him to replace the lose with His love and comfort and trust Him for the rest?
John 3:19-21
And this is the condemnation ( or judgement, as in ruling) , that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Within each of us is either a God consciousness that we need the Lord,  or we believe we can do life just fine on our own.  According to scripture most people believe they are fine. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14
The Narrow Way
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
And most of these people entering via the wide gate are just everyday people. Neighbors, friends, good Samaritans etc., however, goodness has yet to save anyone, only holiness; and holiness is supernatural, it is imparted as a gift via faith in Christ. Therefore scripture often convicts us, revealing grey areas in our hearts and minds. If God did not make it clear it would be so very easy to deceive ourselves. As it is their are many who believe they are right with God, but are they? Again scripture is very clear, in John 3 we have Christ commenting on Nicodemus words;
John 3:3-7
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel ( or be surprised) that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
And Romans 3:23-24
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ”
As goes the saying, the road to perdition is filled with good intentions. Unfortunately good intentions never redeemed a man or woman from their sin. God does not want ambiguity regarding man’s salvation, He paid way too much to lose us through ignorance. Again, Christ is continuing to speak to Nicodemus, clarifying truth that he, Nicodemus, as a teacher, should have known.
John 3:9-10
Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?
Throughout the Old Testament, as early as Genesis, are references to the coming Savior. In
**Genesis 3:14-15 we have these verses;
So  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.”
A woman does not have a “seed,” she has an egg, man has the sperm or seed. So this verse is referencing the virgin birth where the Holy Spirit supernaturally impregnates Mary with Christ. “ He shall bruise ( crush  your head) is in reference to Christ defeating sin and death (Satan’s grip on man) at the Cross by taking man’s sin upon himself. And “you shall bruise his heel” references the beatings and torture Christ went through for us. We have the prophecy of Christ’s terrible beating in Isaiah 52:14
“Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men;”
Basically Christ was unrecognizable as a man when the Romans were done, all that for us. That is why being just a good person is not good enough, being “Born Again” is what gives us eternal life and ushers in a relationship with the Eternal God.
Now back to Jesus conversation with Nicodemus. The Savior is spoken of in the Old Testament, but as most Pharisees Nicodemus missed it. So Christ spoke plainly to him giving him a type or an action that foreshadowed the work of the coming Redeemer.
John 3:14-18
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God ( we condemn ourselves by our lack of faith).
To believe is literally is a change of ownership, as in selling a car. The person who buys a car has the pink slip and can drive the car according to his or her will. To truly believe in Christ means that He now has the pink slip of our life. It is no longer about my will or my wants, but it’s all about His will and His wants for my life. The change starts with  new ownership,  then moves outward to my thoughts, beliefs and actions. Sadly many of us never get past competing for ownership. We give it to Him and then take it back and as the Israelites spent years in the desert wrestling with God and complaining many of us do the same. We lack a desire or hunger to grow closer to the Lord. If this is your struggle I would encourage you to spend time alone with the Lord and settle this yo-yo Christianity once and for all. A great prayer is found in Psalms. This prayer prayed from a sincere heart always receives an answer.
Psalms 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my thoughts; And see if there be any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
 I pity the pastors who water down the teaching of scripture, reducing it to a feel good message to not offend because they are seeking a big church – valuing his desires over the stewardship and call that God has placed on him. This is not to say that all big churches water down the gospel though. I grew up in a very large church that became large because the pastor taught the truth, he did not vary from the scriptures nor water them down. Spiritually healthy people are witnesses of Christ and the love of Christ in us attracts people and that’s how churches are to grow. The church is like an infirmary where spiritually sick people become well and our lives give them reason to go to church. That’s God’s way, instead of all kinds of programs and watered down feel good messages.
Ephesians 5:8-17 speaks of this transformation.
Walk in Light
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says:
“Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.” Walk in Wisdom
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
So I think it is easy to surmise that the Gergesenes, based on their unified response were practicing “unfruitful works of darkness” a choice that they had made. A choice that unless they changed, later would set their course on eternal condemnation. We must pray and ask the Lord to give us hearts that love and want the truth despite how it may affect us in the short term. Living the Truth is not easy, it was never meant to be. It comes at a high price, death to self, however… the reward is uncategorically the best decision anyone can make.
Father God,
Let me be willing to make those hard choices, choices that cause me to turn my back on worldly influences and desires and open my heart to You alone. Thank you and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur
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It’s All about Attitude Part II

These following verses show us the WRONG attitude and Jesus response.

Matthew 8:19-23
And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
Matthew 8:23-27
And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
Matthew 8:
“I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”
Why did Jesus give this answer to the man’s reply, it’s rather unusual unless there is something we don’t see. My guess is who would not want to been seen with Jesus, he was the next up and coming famous prophet.  To be joined with him, so thought this man, was to have it made. Jesus corrected him by simply saying I have nothing, even the animals have more than me. With this reply it seems that this would be disciple left. The second response from Jesus is even stranger. A man came to Jesus seeking to be His disciple but he had one request- “let me first bury my father,” seems reasonable right?
This is a Hebrew idiom, there is a second meaning to what seems to be plain. What this Hebrew idiom implies is I want to wait till my father passes so I can receive my inheritance, then I will follow you. Interesting enough, Jesus did invite this man to follow him. Very few did he say that to after the disciples had been selected, but he was one of the few. “Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.” In other words the Kingdom calls now, you come now and let those that love this world and seek its riches (as oppose to the Kingdom’s riches) bury their own dead. They are spiritually dead already, so let them bury their deceased. And just maybe those that bury the deceased will come to their senses and stop living for this world. When we really consider Christ’s words He was not being insensitive to this man at all, he was trying to wake him up to a much more important reality, one that he was completely missing. In being so concerned about his temporal inheritance he was putting off an eternal inheritance that was much richer than anything he could comprehend. Sadly, we do the same.
“If any man puts his hand to the plow to follow me, but looks back is not worthy of me.”
 This verse cements the Lord’s view of who He seeks to be his disciple. It saddens me to see how many “believers” seek to prosper in both realms and it can’t be done. All of life teaches that to excel in one disciple or skill, to be excellent at it, a single focus is needed. Christianity, the most important disciple there is, is no different. The pursuit of the riches of this world and faith do not mix. Constitutionally they are mutually exclusive. The pursuit for riches, or fame or power etc., makes me self focused. These things on a worldly level make me feel secure, look important, successful, yet Christianity- following Christ, is all about crucifying our carnal nature. It is completely the opposite. Romans 6:8-11 speaks to this, as well as much of Romans.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
To reckon oneself is to consider it as good as done. It’s a mental ascent to a Biblical truth. It doesn’t matter if our emotions or feelings are telling us just the opposite, truth is truth. Acting on this is obviously a step of faith. This is where you speak to yourself affirming God’s Word. Therefore it is very important to know God’s Word, and not just generally but what it says about our specific situation or struggle. God’s Word needs to be used as a dagger, targeted right to the area of temptation or struggle.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart ( the word for sword here is not the large one but the one used for close in hand to hand battle).
 Often as a believer you will think that you are schizophrenic, having two distinct personalities. The carnal man and the new man or woman as they fight for leadership in your life. The one who wins is the one you spend the most time with. If you are distant from God’s Word, the carnal man will win and you will lose. However if you exalt God’s Word, the new man or woman will begin to win, and it is a battle, but victory is coming. Some carnal habits are easily broken, others are tough because they deal with weaknesses/ insecurities from our childhood, or flawed character traits such as a hot temper. It is like trying to straighten a tree that has grown crooked, it takes time and a willingness to persevere.  We must stay in the fight and be content with little victories at first and not get discouraged by setbacks, for they will happen. Learn from the setbacks, why they happened, but then press forward by declaring God’s Word not our feelings. Mastery over the flesh is gained much like a boxer wins his match. The one that consistently hits the hardest for the longest period is the winner. Christian character is as precious as gold to our Father and it is made pure through times like these. As Corinthians below says….,
2 Corinthians 5:17
**Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (it’s not about our feelings, it’s about what is true and then exalting that truth in our life).
“All things are becoming new,” is what the Latin translates to and it makes complete sense since sanctification is a process. However as soon as we have accepted Christ “old things have passed away,” though it can feel as though nothing has changed. Here’s an example that helped me to understand this truth. In the Hebrew culture a slave had to serve for 7 years his master. After  7 years he was free to go, or if he loved his master he could by his own volition become a permanent slave, or the term used is a bond slave. Paul addressed himself as a bond slave of the Lord Jesus. To understand this verse imagine two places of work divided only by a chain link fence. Both companies can not only hear each other but they can see each other. At the end of my 7th year, I leave the work of my cruel master and go to the other side for employment.
I know the owner there and he knows me and I am estatic to now be working for him. However my old boss is not, he wants me back and orders me as if I still belong to him. I hear him and my emotions react to his yelling as if to do his bidding, but I must remind myself I no longer belong or work for him. I’m free to say no, something that takes time to get use to. However the more I say no the easier it becomes as the concept of freedom grows inside of me. The more I emerge myself in the new work manual ( the Bible) the free- er I feel myself becoming. All my negative thinking, all my fears, all my anxieties etc., are all changing as I grow in the truth. I am now a free man, no longer a slave to my ill willed passions, insecurities and fears. My freedom is ever growing and it feels wonderful. Such is the relationship we now have in Christ. Now go back and re-read the verse with this new understanding.
And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves:
Doesn’t life feel like this? Everything comes at once, be it expenses, problems in the marriage, problems with the kids, work, and if that was not enough, health related problems. It feels like the waves of life are going to drown us. These moments are God moments. He doesn’t cause them, many times the cause is our own doing, but He can use them. Whether we have been obedient, which is many times better than not being obedient, or if we bring the Lord into our mess (through repentance and prayer) God takes over. He is willing to take what we give Him. However there are always consequences for going down the path of self will, but with God each knot in the rope gets worked out or grace is given to live with it.
However let’s listen to what Christ says to the disciples in this moment of absolute panic and fear, “ Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled”
It’s like excuse me Lord, no disrespect intended, but can’t you see the waves, they are way over the bow. We are in the middle of sea, it’s night, no one even knows we are in trouble and further more I can’t swim and you say why am I fearful? At this point there is no talking to me, I’m beyond -emotionally gone. Fortunately He knows my frame, that truly I am but dust, so instead of trying to reason with me, He just acts and does something I have never seen in my life or could have ever imagined. I now understand his statement, “why do you fear.” May God help us to not be small men and women, but to be men and women that bring honor to a God that knows no limits. He cannot be stopped, and whose essence is encapsulated in Holiness and Love. He is truly our Diamond, the Jewel of Exquisite Price.
Father,
Thank you for this study, continue to open my eyes to the God of the Bible. Those stories are there to build my faith, to help me to see You as You are. May they be more than just stories, but the recording of history of a Great and Powerful God that dwelt among us and now dwells within the  hearts of men and women that respect and love Him. Amen and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur
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True Bread Part VIII

Matthew 7:15-18

Behavior and Belief (Luke 6:43,44)

— Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

 

Matthew 7:21-23

“I Never Knew You” (Luke 13:25-27)
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:24-27

Build on a Firm Foundation (Luke 6:47-49)
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

 
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
 
There has always been a need for the church of Christ to be discerning and acutely so. In Jesus time the very Pharisees that were charged with guiding the people were the false prophets and ravening wolves. And through the ages, both before Christ and after these individuals have sought to co- exist with the sheep of God for no other reason than to make gain of them. To profit themselves at the church expense. Shame on them, but also shame on us, for we have been warned by Christ of these people. For lack of study in God’s Word and prayer, we have fallen prey and even support these individuals with our tithe and offerings.
 
Ye shall know them by their fruits. What are the fruits of a false prophet? What are the fruits of a true prophet? Let’s compare. A true prophet ( or teacher)  of God is one who exalts the work of the Cross, disavows works of the flesh, teaches repentance, faith and the critical importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ. There’s no salesmanship or polished talk in his voice, just humility, instruction and kindness. It’s seems like one of the signs of a false prophet is the desire to have a bigger, grandeur church. I have been through several church expansions and the “feel” of them  is vastly different. The experience I had with one pastor was the church was splitting at the seams, having 5 services over the weekend and teachings through the week people were getting saved and the church was growing. The building program was generously provide for with men from the congregation voluntaring there time to help build the church along with the hired company. Many times larger than the previous church but because of all the volunteer labor the financial impact on the church was minimal.
The other experience was with a pastor who barely filled the church each of the two services. He indebted his house and several elders to get the funds so that the mortgage company would broker the loan. The monthly mortgage was more than the congregation could bare and the church was larger than the pastor could fill. Eventually the pastor left. Several pastors thereafter tried but failed to make a go of it.  Rather than waiting on God to build His church and see to the provision of it this pastor sought the glory for himself. Once the church was built the pastor took man’s route, as opposed teaching the scriptures and became very educated in church fund raising and in the techniques of moving the crowd, yet despite his eloquence the church ultimately fail.
A common message that unites these glory seekers is the “selling” of the church on a bigger building because we can bring in more people to hear the teaching of God’s Word and be saved. A good question to ask is in the last six months how many new people have come to Christ and is the church growing? And growth is not always the indicator of true teaching. There are many mega churches that give more a raa, raa message, a watered down version of God’s Word. Move of a  motivational, feel good message rather than the full Gospel message.
 No teaching on sin, repentance, Holy living, faith, etc.
The church becomes more a social club rather than the Holy Temple of God. These pastors have mastered the art of persuasion quite well, the only problem with a church club is the people are generally poor givers. There are always those who give and some generously, but in general the motive is wrong. Much like the rich ruler that gave abundantly compared to the widows mite. However in the parable the widows mite was more because she gave from her lack, not from her abundance and Jesus took note. These churches will soon fail or remain a social club. After all, when every cent counts you do not want to preach a message about repentance and sin and offend anyone. In Revelations only 3 out of 7 churches did Jesus approve of, the rest had been compromised or sold out. That’s 43% percent out of a 100%, less than half. It sure be just the opposite or higher.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Give a man enough time behind the pulpit and his fruit will be evident. If it’s good fruit the church will grow. My old pastor use to say healthy sheep produce more healthy sheep. People talk, invite friends and share the Gospel when the sheep are properly taught for the Gospel is exciting and fulfilling. However if the Gospel is diluted, meaning that only the easy topics are preached and sin and repentance the consequences of sin are not then the church can still grow especially if the pastor is charismatic the only problem is people will not become spiritually healthy or whole. Will the congregation recognize the deception? I often have thought that these pastors trap cater to those seeking messages that make them feel good about themselves, like a pep talk, they really do not have the heart for the truth. Therefore all manner of deception and compromise will fill their lives and affect their families. The present consequences can range from just a normal worldly life to a life filled with grief and pain. However eternally speaking none escape the consequences of ignoring the gospel message of repentance and faith in Christ. The consequences for the pastor will be severe. For those that truly hunger for Christ I believe that the Holy Spirit will guide them, those that are His  Bride, from these churches and bring them to churches that have pastor/teachers that are first true to Him. I know in my early years of faith, I lead my family to several churches before I found one that reverenced God.
 
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
 
What people claim compared to what actually happened under their ministry can be as different as day and night.
I have had prophesy over me that have come true and some that have not, and have learned to put more weight into my Bible studies and prayer time than prophecy. It’s more anchoring for me. Others may have a different experience and that’s fine provided that they are growing in their faith. The part that seems scary is more for the prophet/ teacher. Seeming to believe that they are doing the will of God only to find out in the end that they were never in relationship with the Lord. Not sure how you can do this. I can feel when I’m in need of time with the Lord, so how can you do all this ministry they are claiming and not feel the need of Christ unless you truly are a charlatan. Selling out your soul to greed and fame, meaning that everything you do is a parade with carefully coordinated props ( fake healings) that seemingly give credence their “ministry.” There have been many in our time that are now to my knowledge no longer around. T.V evangelist, some very famous and loved by many, and “ healers” such as Benny Hen that had huge following. And as mentioned this all trickles down to local churches that preach feel good messages. Paul exhorts and warns Timothy in 2Timothy 4:2-4

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine ( feel good messages don’t fit into Paul’s instructions)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;( or ears that want to hear what they want to hear rather than being challenged with the truth)
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

And people will tithe to keep these men and women in the pulpit. I pity their day before God, wanting messages that charm and entertain rather than messages that challenge and edify.
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:“
 
As God divided the Red Sea for Israel so Christ divides humanity between those who heed His words and those that don’t. Those that heed His words are wise and those that don’t are foolish. The term foolish has several definitions, some more offensive than others, but none of the definitions are good. Stupid, idiotic, mindless, unintelligent etc., yet there are many “intelligent” people who do not have reverence for God. Jesus would call them foolish because they are building their house, their life, on the sands of this world and no matter how smart or successful you are, without faith eternity with Christ is lost. To not realize that our lives here are only temporary is foolish. Thus the riches man to the poorest man at best has 85 good years. To ignore Christ’s words, words that usher eternity into your soul, is a risk I would not want to take. The wisdom of man has never found common ground with the wisdom of the Eternal God, so you and I must decide whom to follow. 
 
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock.
 
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
 
The “rock” that Christ is alluding to is Himself, God Incarnate. “And great was the fall of it” translates to a ruined life, as He has said what good is it if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Again Jesus message divides people, not because He seeks to be divisive, for His whole life is about restoring us back to God. However this union with God only happens if we heed His words.
Christ shares another parable, equally as concerning and extremely applicable.
Luke 12:16-21
And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Christ ends this parable very interestingly. The man isn’t a fool because he’s rich, He’s a fool because he is only rich in this life and not rich toward God. He, at the expense of his soul, ignored the true treasures. As a business man he should have seen the value in ‘an eternal treasure over a temporal one. Wise in this world but foolish in the treasures that pertain to eternal life, he sacrificed his soul for the comfort of his flesh. The greatest treasures cannot be bought with man’s wealth, they are of far greater value. They were bought by the very life and blood of the Savior Himself. Faith, truth, sanctification, glorification, peace, etc., became ours and these riches far exceed what one can buy and own here. To pursue what you can’t retain, to forfeit what you can’t lose is beyond foolishness, and here’s the crux of it, there is nothing like our dealing with money to prove what we believe. It clearly demarcates our life. May God help us to have the attitude of a steward and not that of an owner, for there is truly only One Owner. Amen..
Father,
Thank you for this study, help us to be wise sons and daughters and discern between truth and error. Let us stay very close to you so by knowing you we can easily can sense the spirit of deception and thwart its attempt. As we continue in the study of your Word let your wisdom adorn us.
 Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur
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True Bread (Part VI)

Matthew 5:38-48b
I trust this series has been beneficial as we continue to study and discuss Christ’s words. I find that his words are easy to understand but profoundly deep for those who are willing to put the study into it. My hope is that I can facilitate in this and bring out the often skipped details to light. Let’s start….

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him two. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn thee not away.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 
In the prior Vida I drew a comparison between when I pole vaulted and to Christ’s words and said their came a point as with Christ’s words that the bar was too high, I could not longer vault over it. And unless one is filled with the Holy Spirit, we are not able to fulfill Christ’s words. Everything He says is completely countrary to our human nature. His words are totally geared to save the lost at our own expense, as He saved us at His own expense. And that frame of mind only exists when we are filled with His Holy Spirit. Being loved by God, not in theory but as a reality of our daily life, changes us, giving us the willingness to serve others.
If one looks at God as the Father of us all and that He grieves for His lost kids as we grieve for the lost of a child or for a daughter or son that is going in the wrong direction, we would gain the right perspective for this most difficult passage. If you have experienced the lost of a child or have or had a wayward son or daughter, you know the heart break and pain. You “live” as though a knife is in your heart and it is constantly bleeding – it’s an awful pain. A pain that God’s heart knows so well as it broke for us on The Cross. And to this day He grieves for us as he looks across humanity and sees so many of His children either lukewarm towards Him, or too busy living for themselves. So as a saved obedient child of the King, for us  to obey these verses we must understand that we could be dealing with a lost or wayward “brother or sister” that God wants to reach through us. These verses demonstrate the length that God is willing to go to restore a disobedient/lost child back into relationship with Him. The question is are we willing to go the distance with Him?  When Jesus told the story of the prodigal and especially the end where He spoke of the Father, He was speaking of the heart of God. And of course, The Cross declares that no length is too far.
Luke 15:23-24
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Luke 15:30-32 ( the elder brother was angry).
But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 
And the Father said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. (OHowever) It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Ezekiel 36:25-27
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse — you.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away — the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
And I will put — my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in — my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
 
Isaiah 1:18-19
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
These are strong verses that we need to keep in our hearts less we far short and become blinded by our own selfishness and fail in our representation of God’s heart towards the wayward and lost. He wants us to deal with them with compassion, to bring our sister back from a lukewarm life, or our brother back from a life of worldly ambition. And the “ Saul’s” we meet that appear as though there is no hope, God is still Greater. We never know the journey people are on and what causes them to have such a stony heart but if they are to be saved it will be through the persistent demonstration of God’s unrelenting love. We need to ask ourselves, if it is just for a moment that I am with this person what do I want them to remember about our encounter? It would have been very easy to have written Saul of Tarsus off as lost, but we would have been wrong and sadly so.
Now if we get the opportunity to see someone on a regular bases, the question still remains – what influence or impression are we giving? Do they know by our example that we are a believer, and maybe because of our friendship they are open to us sharing with them? Each time we meet someone make it a habit to pray prior and ask God to use you, to be an example of God’s son or daughter. And maybe tomorrow you will meet a perfect stranger, maybe the person in the grocery line, or the clerk ringing up your items. How will you respond? I watch people and most of the time we act as if the people around us do not exist. However almost every time  I say hi or acknowledge them with a smile the response back is quit cordial, a little surprised, but cordial nonetheless. Therefore now with this new understanding, how will we deal with the people in our life?
As we go through these verses this is the perspective Christ is teaching from, from a parent whose heart breaks for His lost kids, His lukewarm kids, and rejoices and instructs those that are walking in obedience.
Father,
Thank You for this study, allow your teaching to change me where I have a heart for the lost and teach me to draw strength, faith and conviction by spending time with You. Become my Pearl of Great Prize. Thank you and Amen.
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur

 

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True Bread ( Part V)

Hopefully you have benefitted from reading this series as much as I have in writing it. We are coming to the conclusion of chapter 5, the “ Beattitude” chapter. There is so much to be learned from Christ words and the following is no exception.

Matthew 5:33-37 Oaths

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
Nor by the earth; for it is hisfootstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

 

Matthew 5:38-42 Retaliation

 

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
 

Matthew 5:43-48 Enemies

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for I he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 
Vs. 37 “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh”;
There are many obvious things we can do that does not honor a profession of faith, one that
might not be as obvious or carry as much weight as other more conspicuous actions would be not keeping our word. As a contractor I meet all kinds of people, some are believers, most are not. In dealing with both it saddens me when a non believer is more honorable than someone who professes to being a Christian. I do not even need a contract with them other than to clarify expectations. In dealing with people that don’t keep their word there is always an uncertainty and thus an intuitive need to have a back up plan. It’s easiest to not deal with them but that is always not an option. Therefore do your best to keep your word, let your yes be yes and your no be no, and if something changes let the other party know and definitely not find out second hand from someone else.
Lastly keeping your word is voluntary. In other words when I commit to do something it is because I want to; I believe in what I’m committing too. There are circumstances that someone wants you to agree to something that is not you, it’s not part of your belief system. Often spouses do this to each other as their insecurities seek to confine and or control the other spouse who does not share the same insecurities. This can become a problem in that the spouse is viewed as not keeping his or her word. Yet it’s not a question of keeping your word or not but of the other person trying to conform you into their image by controlling your actions. I will utterly fail as a husband if my goal or desire is to conform my spouse into my image. I did this for several years till the Lord showed me what I was doing. It was very disappointing to learn that about myself, but it taught me much about the subtleties of the flesh. What I thought I was doing for my wife’s good, was really for my good – I was image making. Learning to love with no strings attached has been the most freeing lesson. It has tremendously benefitted my marriage and me for that matter, and it most resembles Christ love for us. It allows me to leave the changing into God’s hands, where it belongs and it frees me to be there as a support, an encouragement and a conduit of God’s love ( Amen).
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. This verse has been misunderstood. It is not at all talking about self defense. The term here, “smite thee” is talking about a slap, be it back handed or palm facing. A punch is a completely different word. So we are talking about someone being insulted by you, be it perceived or something we actually did and their retaliatory action is to strike us with an open hand. If that happens we are to turn the other cheek, why do you think Christ said that?
If a police officer is called out to a robbery and pulls up to a group of people and two or three of them start running, they are most likely guilty via their own actions. When someone slaps us and we stand there calmly without any defensive action on our part and offer the other cheek, we are saying the same thing as the people that didn’t run – we are not guilty, or if we are we are owning up to our error. Two different responses to the same action communicate profoundly to the issue at hand. We are taught by Christ to always do the opposite of what the norm would be, and as such people will know that we are “the children of our Father in Heaven.”
“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”
One attribute that marks and makes a statement of an individual is their allowances with their possessions. Do they share them as giving out measured portions, or do they share freely with joy? In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 there is an important lesson in generosity.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

 

Talking Christian and acting Christian we all can do, but giving sacrificially puts our confession and our faith to the test. Some people by nature are just very giving and caring people, and we are the better because of them, though they may not even profess a faith. However for most of us giving tests our faith – especially sacrificial giving. To the degree that we truly believe that God is our provider, is to the degree that our giving will be transformed. If we lack in this area, or any area for that matter, the best way to grow our faith is to study verses that encourage/grow our faith in that area. For giving there are several good verses, Old and New Testament, however the one I want to share is found in Matthew 6:24-30

Put God’s Kingdom First (Luke 12:22-34; 16:13)

“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.
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?
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?
– Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”

 
Everything Jesus says not to do, e.g., take thought (worry) is exactly what we do, and why, because we are “of little faith?” And why is our faith little it is because our allegiance is divided, “No man can serve two masters:” I spent sometime with divided faith, my life was miserable. I knew too much to not know that what I was doing was wrong, as the song says guilty feelings have no rhythm” but I wasn’t ready to commit 100% to Christ – most miserable two years I every had. It’s like trying to drive a car with flat tires, you waste a lot of time and gas ( energy) to basically get no where. Life is no longer fun as it seemed before, but before life was a masquerade, a show of shadows that in the end amounted to very little joy and forget about peace.
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?
 
All that lack of faith says is that we lack intimacy with our Father – we do not take into account how He has provided for His creation even down to tinniest creations His Birds. To spend time marveling at His creation is so good for us. Each night just before going to bed I go out to lock my truck, it’s around 10:30 and by then the stars are out and I spend a few minutes just studying them ( I see patterns and it seems like God likes triangles best of all). Studying creation be it the stars, the mountains when camping, or the ocean are ways to know God’s Greatness and put our needs into proper focus. This in combination with the intimacy one experiences when in His Word is a way to truly know that we “Are ye not much better than they?” To know that you know the Creator of All, and that He is your Heavenly Father, so much of life’s struggles are minimized, and we live life in proper perspective, seeing life from Heaven downward as opposed from earth upwards, where God seems distance. 
 
“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”
 
The only way we could be “of little faith” is when our eyes our blinded to only see our needs and our concerns. To live such a small life is the life we are leaving, not the life we are to live. The cost for us to be infused with the Spirit of Holiness came at such a precious price to not fully avail ourselves of His life for us is to not only hurt ourselves, but those around us by not giving them an example of true life, or the wisdom, love, kindness and patience that such a life exhibits. Commit to truth, commit to life, it will be the only commitment you will need to ever make. Amen.
Father,
Make Holiness a quality that grows in me, Purity a joy to experience and dwell in and may Faith exceed my own eyesight. I pray this in Jesus name Amen.
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur
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True Bread (Part IV)

Welcome to a continuation of our study of The Beattitudes, or as mentioned last month “The Attitudes To Be.” These attitudes as much as they help us with our interpersonal relationships they are more directed towards our relationship with the Lord. And that makes sense, for if my heart is right towards the Lord, then my heart will be right towards my fellow man.

Matthew 5:3-11

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”

 
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” The word pure is Katharos and we get among other words our English word to cauterize. It also is used “to mean clean, pure, clear, and in a natural sense unsoiled, unalloyed.” We forget about how Holy God is and we tend to bring God down to our understanding rather than allowing Him to bring us up to His. This is seen in our public and private lives. How we deal with people and or situations, whether we lead with integrity and our faith or we bend for convenience sake or because of peer pressure. In an office setting there is usually always someone who is talked about and it’s easy to join in, yet I know Jesus would not do that. Every person has value to Him, we all matter to Him and aren’t you glad of that?
In our private lives we make decisions such as living together, to have sex prior or outside of marriage, to more common things such as our entertainment, the shows we watch. To engage in activities that are contrary to His Word brings injury to our own soul. For these actions, especially if we continue in them, keep God out. We must decide, especially prior to facing peer pressure, who we want to be.  Whether it is more important to us to be in good standing with our peers or whether we will seek for the highest and the most important approval – that of The Lord’s.
There is a clear and single path God has ordained. As the Creator and Author of Life, He has every right to determine how He can be approached and by whom. He is Loving and Kind, but also Holy and Pure. I like to consider these four attributes as the guard rails on the road of life. If you consider life as a curvy mountain road with drop offs on either side, Holy and Pure are the guard rails to the right, Loving and Kind are the guard rails to the left. As long as we stay within these guard rails our life will not only be safe, but joyfilled and we will prosper. That is exactly how our Father would have it, and what is the result, “they (we) shall see God.” That is a pretty cool promise. Living in agreement with His Bible is the road home that leads us to the Father. 
 
Purity is a daily effort. It is purposeful, it must be practiced. Purity does not just come, no more than conditioning does without excerise. It involves frequent times in the Bible coupled with prayer, and from that purposeful decision comes the strength and conviction to live life according to God’s best. Controlling our speech according to James chapter 3 is one of the tougher frontiers to conquer. Be it bad language, gossip, or “run of the mouth,” it’s a challenge for many. Yet it is needful  if we are to represent Christ. By learning to choose our words with care means that later we do not need to apologize. Excercising restrain over the “fire”(James 3) in our mouth is critical. Also having the wisdom to know what things should be said verses what things are better left unsaid is important, these are all disciplines that come as we grow closer to the Lord.
 Reining in our thoughts, whether they are thoughts of unforgiveness, anger, or lust, is a must if we are to be His Holy Temple  as 1 Corinthians 3:16 says,

 

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
This is a major step of maturity and a mindset that effects every decision we make and thought we think. WE ALL NEED to consider what it means to be God’s Temple, it would revolutionize our lives into a purifying agents of hope and strength and by God’s Grace and the help of the Holy Spirit it is do-able.
 It is said that we vote with our money, what are you and I voting for? We need to say no to purchases that cater to materialism, greed, or pride because we recognize that true life is in Him, and not in a thing. And it can be a fight, if you believe that the god of materialism is equal to the God of the scriptures. A dangerous place to be that can only be corrected through spending time with Him. If you spend time with Him then you understand this next statement, we are like wrestlers. We struggle with our opponent, be it materialism, greed, lust, or all of them to get the upper hand.  And by our choices and habits we either give the truth a standing in our life, or we ignore it and allow our flesh to control us. In such cases we are not even conscience of the Holy Spirit’s conviction.
For me personally to go backwards in my life by heeding my flesh or the values of the world is not even an option for me. Rather, I agree wholeheartedly with Joshua in chapter 24:15

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve — the Lord, choose you this day — whom ye will serve; whether — the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or — the gods of the Amorites, in whose land — ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve — the Lord.”

To win at life, not because we are wealthy, or important, or an expert in our field, but because we exalt righteousness first and foremost in everything we do is worth whatever effort is needed. It’s ironic to me that we can get ourselves to the gym, or make it to the movies and dinner but we can’t get ourselves to sit down and read the scriptures. We invest in the temporal but give little attention to what is eternal. And yes, to live a life pleasing to God is a struggle and requires sacrifice, but with each right decision the struggles lessen.  And if we use our struggles to drive us into His Word (The Bible), searching for scriptures that pertain to our struggle, will we become stronger. This strengthening is what gives us victory for the future battles we will face. Chapters of scripture that pertain to trusting God, worry, lust, and wisdom have been thouroughly darkened by the oils of my fingers from years of study and meditation.
And yes at times we get beat, like a boxer who gets knocked down. However we get up again to fight another day, only better trained and more determined to win. The only time we truly lose is when we become offended and turn our backs on the truth.
 
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” 
 
Peace (Eirenopoios ) can only be made by those who know the  peace that is found in Christ. Peace as shared in prior Vida’s does not start with our relationship to each other, but our relationship to God. The word for peace has been used in the medical field to define the setting of a broken arm or leg. This is what Christ the Master Peacemaker has done for us. Broken from our union with our Heavenly Father via our rebellious nature, Christ’s sacrifice became our atonement/ redemption that opened the way to the Father. Via that sacrifice we can once again become connected. One in spirit and enjoy a relationship with The Lord that was God’s intent from the beginning. We can now be forgiven via repentance and be connected, or “ set” back in union with our Lord. Once we have experienced this then being a peacemaker becomes the life we are called to live, “for they shall be called sons of God.” ( sons, in the plural includes male and female). 
 
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Persecution comes in many forms but the scriptures make it clear that it is for righteousness sake. Acting weird, holier than thou, being legalistic or being somewhat arrogant because we believe that our beliefs are superior are reasons why we may be persecuted, but that does not constitute righteousnes. Righteousness is living a life like Christ. His life represented the truth and yet He was humble, gentle, “a man of sorrows” who was very approachable and comfortable with  beggars, harlots, tax collectors, and the like. He related to the common man. It was the self righteous that He opposed. The life He lived and how He lived it defines righteousness; we must prayerfully seek to do and be like Him.
Our actions and our words are as lights that should show forth the truth within us. Hence in certain settings our life and beliefs expose the wrongdoings of others, making them uncomfortable, possibly even angry or hateful towards us. It is to be expected, no one likes to feel that they are wrong or a “sinner.” Which we all are, there is no getting around that truth, “ for all have sinned ( sin means to have missed the mark) and come short of the Glory (perfection) of God ( Romans 3:23). Why we struggle with acknowledging that we have fallen I have no idea. God is Holy and I am not, therefore I have “ fallen short” or sinned from His standard of perfection. It’s important to understand and accept this before we can move forward in our faith and truly appreciate Christ’s  Redemption which brings a sinner like me right into the loving arms of my Heavenly Father. Those who want to live their life their way are not open to this and therefore will miss out on a life where they could have a relationship with The Lord, now and for eternity. Is it really that hard to say “Father, forgive me for I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness and love.” 
With people being as such, how do we reach them? I have a saying, “Always witness of Christ, and when necessary use  words.” In other words, our actions, our speech, and our mannerism should demonstrate of the reality of Christ in us. Hence when words are spoken they have weight and believablity because they represent the truth that we are living. There will be those who will listen and those that will find our life in conflict with theirs. These may resort to some form of persecution, yet our reward far outweighs the conflict, “for ‘ours’ is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” 
Would you not say that the people in the above verse, those that would revile and persecute us were true enemies of The Cross?  By all appearances the answer would be yes. Yet Saul of Tarsus, later know as Paul the Apostle, was no different.  We really do not know why some people aggressively oppose the Gospel. An easy guess is someone or something turned them against it. It could have been a bad experience at church that was never made right, or a family member who claimed to be a Christian but did not live it; or maybe just a hurtful misunderstanding or a loss that was never resolved and God got the blame. Any of these reasons could keep someone from the faith, however I believe Paul’s reason was different. He was so blinded by his zeal for the Jewish faith that he was against all other beliefs, especially one that promoted a crucified Messiah that rose from the dead. As such, he would never try to understand Christianity. It was  not until  Christ  met him as he was on his way to Damascus to persecute and imprison believers that his life changed. And as he was blinded by his zeal for the Jewish faith, he was temporarily blinded after his vision of Christ. For three days he remained blind. What went through his head during that time? You can definitely think about a lot of things when sight is not there to distract you.
 Initially Paul believed Christianity was a threat to Judaism, a heresy. However after his experience he realized it completed it. Without the life of Christ the Old Testament remained incomplete, promises not fulfilled. And without Christ sacrifice, “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (Jan.1:29),” adherence to the law and animal sacrifice would still have to be. Christ substitutionary death opened the road to forgiveness and to a relationship with the Lord. This was and is a HUGE game changer. To know that you know the Lord because of Christ’s redemption gives life a whole new meaning. Forgiveness and an ongoing changing life ( sanctification) brings peace and the assurance that hope gives.
Without some understanding of Christ’s  redemption it is easy to see why some people oppose the Gospel. The scriptures say that people oppose themselves; they get in the way of hearing the true message. It could be because of their hurts from their past as mentioned, or a heretical teaching they heard in college, or just a misunderstanding. Because of those experiences they hear a completely different message. Also we must not rule out pride. The words sin and pride have one letter in common, the letter I.  We cannot ignore the innate rebellion that exists in all of us. Therefore the verses the speak to this instructs us to overrule it. In Romans 8:13-14….,

“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.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” 

There can be many more reasons why people turn away or never take serious the Christian faith, but the purpose of it all was so we could be “led by the Spirit of God.”  Sadly Jesus taught in Matthew 7:13-14 that wide was the way to perdition and narrow was the way to eternal life.
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to perdition, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow (hard) is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
These are some of the saddest verses in all of scripture. Why we struggle with repentance and submission to the Lord is beyond me. It shouldn’t be that hard. The bar of righteousness is way too high, and our unwillingness to humble ourselves before a Holy God will hurt us for eternity. Jesus taught, “no one comes to the Father except through Me( John 14:6) and why, for only in Him is there the means to be able to approach a Holy God. People do not understand the Holiness of God. If we did there would be no debating, God is God and I am not and clearly I need a Savior. Simple, but our pride blinds us and gets in the way from seeing the truth. No more would I pick up red hot coals from a fire with my bare hands than believe I can approach a Holy God on my own merits – that’s a fools game, I will be no fool.
There is a clear mandate placed on man’s behavior and whether he seeks to acknowledge his sin nature or not there is no mistaking the clarity of the scriptures. In John 3:3
 

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

To be “born again” is Christ term for repentance/redemption and sanctification, to turn around from my self directed path ( repent) and accept Christ redemption ( to redeem is to be purchased from a life of sin) and then made clean by the forgiveness that is in Christ alone ( sanctification ) is what occurred on the Cross when Christ gave His life, The Righteous for the unrighteous.
The “narrow way” termed as such because it is a narrow way, there is only one way to God not multiple ways, and it is hard. The way of self denial is very unappealing to our flesh. The road of self denial, saying no to all the things that would appeal to my pride or believed to make me happy, following the proverbial “carrot” is answered forever by my relationship with Christ. In other words, it’s not Christ and something else, it’s Christ alone and it takes a while to learn that and some never do. Through trail and testing true believers learn that nothing in this material world can ever equal the peace or joy of a relationship with the Living God. We may be blessed with worldly possessions but they are not on equal standing as Christ. These possessions are seen as blessings, not idols. Blessings are viewed as a stewardship that have been given into my care via my Father. For I find that God is very generous. He desires to bless, especially when we can be trusted and the blessing doesn’t alter our devotion to Him. We do not put them, or seek them before Him. At times much easier said than done, especially when you are immature in the faith. And regarding possessions, if any body ever needed anything it was Paul the apostle who virtually had nothing. He writes something that should be an inspiration to all of us, but especially for those that struggle with materialism.
Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
— I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Materialism only has a hold on us because of our insecurities. What people think of us as well as what we want people to think of us weighs on our insecurities. However the more we grow in Christ and in His love for us these insecurities begin to lose there grip. Slowly the focus changes where it is not so much what I or others think of me, but what Christ thinks of me. These steps forward, are steps towards my freedom. From no longer being controlled by my insecurities to becoming more secure and being free to make decisions that move me forward in Christ. In time I need nothing from this world and His companionship and presence supersedes everything. I stand completely freed and detached from all the props and god’s of this world.
 Life can be tough and there are many bumps in the road, some painful, however if we do not let the pain derail us from seeking Him we come under His promise found in Romans 8:28,
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” 
Given the heartache people experience this promise can be a tough one to believe. However from personal experience if we continue to seek Him and use the pain to deepen our walk with Him, rather than becoming offended and walking away, you will come to see the truth of this verse in your life. I will not candy coat the walk of Faith. It takes effort and discipline to follow after Christ, but we either put effort into becoming free, or we put effort into thinking we are becoming free by catering to our insecurities. The choice is ours. 
Dear Father,
Thank you for this study. Open our mind and heart to be able to understand all that has been said and understand that You only want my good, even though it may take painful events to make that happen. Help me to also understand that there are painful consequences to doing my own thing, consequences that You have nothing to do with. It is part of sowing and the reaping of my own decisions. Yet no matter what, You have and will always love me and are only a prayer away of becoming part of my life. Thank you, and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur
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True Bread Part III

Matthew 4:23-25 & 5:1-10

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan.”

 
Imagine being one of the disciples. Aside from the rich young ruler that Jesus called a little later, it was a closed group. What did the disciples think? There was nothing Jesus could not do, from healing to making food; He was the complete “package,” and also a trustworthy friend. He definitely was someone you wanted to keep around. Yet they still did not understand who He was or His purpose in coming. Much like us, if we get sick or have a crisis in our life we ask God to heal us or help. What happens if He doesn’t, can we still trust Him? There’s a story that is very human in its content.
                                                    I asked God
“I asked God to give me a better boss, one that would be more understanding and treat me with respect. He said no, but rather learn to understand him and be an example of my love. I asked God to help me earn more money, after all there are things I want to buy. He said sure, just work more hours and if that doesn’t work then learn to be content with such things as you have, learn that true contentment comes from knowing Me.
I asked God to give me a better marriage, and He said be a better spouse. I asked Him to take away my desire for the things of the world, He said spend more time with me and together we will walk through these valleys of temptation.  He gave me nothing that I asked for, but He gave me everything I needed.”
If you are a believer you understand this story and the struggle we have with our flesh. God gives us what we need; often it is not what we want. What we want normally comes from an insecurity that we believe will be satisfied by an external thing, be it a person, a thing or an action. We want others to think well of us, or to think we are successful, so we drive a nice car. We want people to find us attractive, so we buy nice clothes and whether we can afford these things or not we do it anyways. We want people to think we are smart, so we study and read and try always to give our opinions, but is it the favorable opinions of others what we really need or does God’s approval matter more?
 As a gardener prunes the branches of fruit trees to produce more fruit, so God does to us via His no’s, via trials and difficulties. He knows that if we would but come to Him we would realize that what we think we need is but an illusion. What we truly need is His love – with that we have everything.
If we do it God’s way, it’s a win, win. In Proverbs 3:1-4 we have the following:

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”

The nation Israel felt they needed a leader that could bring back the reign of King David and overthrow Rome. However that is not what they needed, for everytime they had freedom they fell into paganism. What they really needed was a Savior that could give them a new heart, and that is what Jesus offered. More miracles or having a restored Kingdom would not do that and as a nation they already had a history of miracles. They had Moses, Joshua, Elijah and Elisha to name a few and all these prophets did wonderful miracles but they still fell into paganism. Hence more miracles, though very beneficial to the recipients, would not give the nation the new heart it needed. To them Jesus was on par with the prophets, but definitely not God incarnate. In fact later in Matthew Jesus asks the disciples, “who do people say I am.” In  Matthew 16:13-17 we have this dialogue,
 

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”

Jesus at times said some strange things, at times offending the people. Nonetheless, the disciples had a nice thing going – just like the guitar player in a famous rock group. Though not the singer, he shares in the fame of the group. From lonely fishermen toiling all night to being propelled into stardom, not a bad gig. No more fishing at night, being chilled by the winds and waves, wet and tired by morning just do it again the next night. This new life they could get use to. From being just fishermen, to the whole world ( so it seemed) knowing them.
As they continue with Jesus, Jesus gives one of His most famous sermons, The Sermon on the Mound, or the Beattitudes (or the Attitudes To Be).
 Matthew 5:1-12
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 

As you read through these verses, which ones speak to you and how many do you feel you understand? I am not sure that I understand their fullness. There have been books written on the Be Attitudes and I am only going to give you my own perspective on them. So I am sure that much more can be said.
 
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” To be poor in spirit is to acknowledge our need. To know that you (we) do not have the resources within us to meet God’s requirement of Holiness. In 1Peter 1:14-16 we have  God’s requirement.
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
I look upon His Holiness as a man who has much wealth, and I as a very poor man standing outside His enormous gates. Yet in my poverty and by God’s Grace alone, the gates swing open wide at my presence and His whole Kingdom is before me. No mansions or rooms that say reserved for the King only, no, even to His Throne room can I come. It’s a wonderful truth, yet so many of us live as paupers trying to find contentment in the values and things of this world, why? We must not know The Father.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” In seeing my poverty contrasted against the wealth of His holiness, hopelessness fills my heart. I mourn my state, much like the repentant tax collector, yet as unbelievable as it seems the Great King himself wipes my tears and says, “ learn of Me.” And like the first Blessed where the Kingdom is promised, comfort, eternal comfort is given. There is great reward in brokenness. Humility is truly the pear of great price among the attributes of Christ. In Luke 18: 10-14we have the account of the tax collector ( publican).
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  And the publican ( known to extort money from the people and seen as traitors) standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
 
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” The attitude of meekness is a beautiful one. Meekness, praótēs “primarily does not denote outward expression of feeling, but an inward grace of the soul, calmness toward God in particular. It is the acceptance of God’s dealings with us considering them as good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him. However praótēs encompasses a wider expression of emotion. It includes expressing wrath toward the sin of man, even the sin within one’s own soul. Christ demonstrated His anger toward those who were chiding Him because He had done good on the Sabbath day (Mark 3:5) This meekness does not blame God for the persecutions and evil doings of men.” Meekness is also not the result of weakness, as some seem to believe, but it is strength under the rulership of Christ, for the sake of Christ. It is the result of strength coming into one’s own being from being actively engaged in and with a Holy God. It is the ability to be angry at evil as God is, but without sin. “ According to Aristotle, praótēs is that virtue that stands between two extremes, the orgilótēs (n.f.), uncontrolled and unjustified anger and aorgisía (n.f.), not becoming angry at all no matter what takes place around you.” It is the rightful balance between trusting God completely and taking matters into my own hands. It is the balance between praying as though I will not get a chance to work, and working  as though I will not get a chance to pray. Meekness meets in the middle; I pray while I work and in so doing both worlds, faith and works meet. It is the conviction of wanting to have all parts of me under His authority; to live with no regrets because of taking matters into my own hands. Meekness as such is a rare gem, it is seldom seen. Let us be that gem for our Lord.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. The definition of hunger here is not that I’m hungry cause I missed dinner, but it’s use here is that I have missed many dinners, including breakfast and lunch as well. I need too eat soon! Thrist is just as needful. It means to be parched and my thirst is getting to the point of desperation. I have know only a limited number of those whose thrist and hunger for Christ has been too this extent. Having tasted of the world, buying into the lies of peace, happiness and contentment but experiencing the opposite, they have a passionate hunger to know their King. They have learned that the decisions made on the wide road of false peace has consequences, many being painful. It makes the persuit for the Holiness and the Person of God worthy of the sacrifices that will need to be made. Being conformed into the image of Christ (Rmn.8: 29 )for the sake of intimately knowing God is the highest of all ambitions and goals. Furthermore, we all hunger, it is part of being human. Why not hunger for something beyond us, greater than us, and in so doing we are elevated becoming a better us? For a person is formed by what they seek and esteem, so be careful. 
In Matthew 7:13-14 we have this warning by Jesus,
 
“Enter ye in at the strait ( narrow, difficult ) gate: for wide ( easy) is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in therein:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto (ETERNAL) life, and FEW there be that find it.”
The life of the Spirit cannot be found in the offerings of the world, and it cannot be duplicated. Our true need or hunger is for unity with God, not a person, thing or action as stated. He is the missing equation. Some of us can sense that, sadly more of us can’t and we find “contentment” in the offerings of this world; trinkets that distract and lure us away compared to the surpassing love of the Father found in Christ Jesus our Lord. This is what was lost when Adan and Eve disobeyed. They were in a most perfect environment and in a most perfect relationship until they yielded to the deceit and lies of Satan. The awareness of their now, new fallen state could not be ignore yet they were helpless to do anything about it. God, because of His enormous love for His creation, intervened providing the first sacrifices to “cover over their sin” so that their relationship howbeit less in intimacy, could continue. In Genesis 3:21 we have the first animal sacrifices ( the first of many where the innocent covers over the sin of the guilty with the ultimate being Christ).
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” ( most likely God took the lives of several sheep to cloth Adam and Eve) 
 
To experience His love and His peace, oneness with God that they were “created into” and then to lose it, one could only imagine the void that filled their soul. 
 
“for they shall be filled.”
A sense of wholeness, or completeness cannot be gotten or last by worldly endeavors. It is a gift to those who ask, seek, and knock. In context, these three words would be best defined as those who keep asking, those who keep seeking and those who keep knocking – the door will be opened. The fulfillment of this promise came with an enormous price, so it is reserved for the desperate ones.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
In  Proverbs 11:17 we have this verse, “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.” “Blessed are the merciful ones,” not merely those who express acts of mercy, though that does the soul good, but those who have this attribute hard wired into them as the result of the indwelling presence of God.” Mercifulness, has a kind heartedness  inherent to it as well as a readiness to forgive. Holding grudges or tit for tact is foreign to this blessed attribute. It is best defined by Christ himself who could have said many things while dying on the Cross yet willfully said, “ Father forgive them for they know not what their doing.” No desire for revenge, only for union.
We will continue with the Be Attitudes with the next Vida. God has shared some new thoughts in this Vida. I trust it will be an encouragement as well as a conviction for change. God Bless you.
Father God,
Thank you for this wonderful study on this sermon that Christ gave us. Help us to heed Your Word and bring our lives under the constraints of Your love. Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur
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True Bread ( Part II)

Matthew 4:17-22

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And he saith unto them, Follow — me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

Given the overall flakiness of the disciples, their initial response to Christ calling is quit amazing. Oftentimes in the beginning of our walk with Christ His calling is met with exurberance, not much knowledge, but a willingness to step forward. I was 16 yrs. old, been a Christian for about a year and I volunteered to be a camp counselor. I was paired up with a 23yr. old college girl and together we were to represent a father mother type for the kids. She had 8 junior high girls and I had 8 junior high boys. I was way over my head but I didn’t know it. We had Bible discussions after the morning lesson from one of the pastors. I lead the discussion but the idea was that everyone would comment. We also had meals together and in general did camp activities together. One of our activities was to build a T- pee. The poles were twelve feet tall and with the kids holding the poles and my “ spiritual wife” holding the ladder, I was just barely able to reach the tops of the poles to latch them together. I was so grateful for my earlier years of being a boyscout.  After this the last thing pending was getting the parachute wrapped around the top of the T-pee. I could not figure out how to do it. So I said let’s pray, we need God’s help. Not sure of what would happen next but in preparation I had my spiritual wife, Cindy (?) stand on one side of the T-pee and I on the other with the kids in between us. I told them to lift up the parachute as high as they could and be ready for God to wrap our T-pee. I commenced to pray not knowing what I would say if God didn’t come through. I prayed asking Him for His help, claiming a few promises that I had memorized for good measure and said Amen. After my Amen and thank you Lord for hearing our pray a gentle breeze came up out of nowhere and lifted the parachute up and around the top of the T-pee where I then could secure it. It was so cool and such a testimony to the kids, and to the both of us.  The verse “I can do all things in Christ Jesus who strengthens me” became my verse. I learned that day that when your willing to go out on a limb for God, God will not disappoint. 

I often wonder if I would have been several years more in my faith if I would have had the same response, or if my “spiritual maturity” would have gotten in the way? The disciples gave up their careers to follow Christ and James and John even left their family business with their father. What was their perception of Christ, what did it mean to be fishers of men? Did they think that Christ was going to be the next great rock star ( figure of speech) ? Would they become famous, rich, no longer having to fish for a living, or was it something else that motivated them? We are aware of  Peter’s comment “ were else would we go Lord, only you have the words of eternal life,” but that was said later in Christ’s ministry. I don’t think we will ever  fully know, but what we do know is that much had to change in their hearts and fortunately did change as Christ was ending His earthly ministry. Somewhere mid way into Christ ministry we get a window view of James and John. Their motives were typically human and self seeking. In Mark 10:35-37


And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
– They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.”

 
And we could probably speculate, knowing how we are as human beings, that they were all probably in it for themselves. How about us, what are our motives for following Christ? I know it took me a while to understand what it meant to be a Christian. Initially, just like the disciples I was responding to His calling, a conviction He firmly put in my heart, but I had no idea of what being a Christian meant. I learned via His Word, I learned via His continued conviction of my sin and by attending church what being a Christian meant. I know when I did my own thing I  felt awful until I made it right. Asking for forgiveness became instinctual. I became very sensitive to my union with The Holy Spirit, and knew exactly what Adan and Eve must have felt when the Spirit of God departed from them. So I learned. I learned it was much more rewarding to obey than to disobey and have to repent. Every time I did that it felt as if I was going backwards in my faith. Now 40 yrs. or so later, I know that there is no other way to live. I’m not interested, not even curious. The joy, peace and especially the assurance I feel over my life and my family is more precious than anything that this life has to offer. How about you, were are you in your journey? Can you say with Peter “ where else would we go Lord, only you have the words of eternal life ( Jn.6:68)?
Continuing in Mark 10 Jesus takes advantage of this teaching opportunity that James and John provided. In verses 42-45

“But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister; And whosoever of you will be the chiefest shall be servant of all.

 

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
 
If there was ever a measuring stick for spiritual maturity it would be this. How willing and to what extent are we ready to serve others, putting their needs before ours? As I have matured in my faith I have found that there is such a joy in helping others. Being able to smile kindly to another human being and have them feel the genuine kindness of the Lord through me is such a joy. There is a line in the movie Chariots of Fire where Eric Little’s wife is worried that is running career is becoming more important to him than serving the Lord. His reply is what has stayed with me all these years. “You need not worry, when I run, I feel the joy of The Lord in me, I am doing what He wants me to do.” And likewise,I feel the Lord’s pleasure when through me He lifts the spirits of others.
Normally I have two appointments per client, the first one is where we discuss the project and the second is when I come with pricing. On my first appointment with this particular client after about 15 minutes of us talking, he stoppped me and said, do you believe in God? I said yes, in fact my whole life is dedicated to knowing Him. He replied by saying, I knew it. Not much more was said after that and I went on to finish our meeting. However that was a very important lesson because it reemphasized the importance of always being ready, in season and out of season. We never know when the Spirit of God through us will reach out and touch someone. To me, that appointment was just like any other appointment, but it wasn’t. I took his comment as a sign from the Lord that this client was not far from the Kingdom. Some of us sow the seed of faith, others water it by our actions and words and others receive the joy of harvesting it, leading someone to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We do not know where we are in the process of someone’s salvation, we only know that we are a part of it. We need to always be ready.
Jesus told the story of a rich man leaving to a far away country and entrusting three of his servants with varying amounts of money. The first two doubled what the master gave them, the third hid it. Upon his return the master praised the first two but rebuked the third and he was cast out. There is no greater TALENT or GIFT in the world given to us than the life of the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the very definition of LIFE. Indwelt by Him we have guidance, wisdom, peace, joy, forgiveness, encouragement as well as courage. In nothing do we lack or come up short. By maintaining our devotions we maintain a constant supply or stream of life permeated with the essence of who and what God is. To not take advantage of this or to hide it would be a terrible waste, and hence the severity of the punishment. It’s like siting at the table with a seven course meal and not eating it, but on top of that next to you sits a person starving and we don’t offer it to him/her. What are we doing? How blind or disengaged can we be? Is this gift of life being multiplied, or are we guilty of hiding it? Is His presence ever increasing in us, it should be.
Overall what I see and feel is a compromised Church. The term the Bible uses is lukewarm.  Dividing our interest and desires between worldly persuits and a life of faith. We get comfortable with our life style and lose our desperateness for Christ. We lose sight of His horrendous sacrifice, to  afford us a life in and with the Spirit. A life that can be 100% percent immersed in Him. There is not one part of us no matter how broken we are that He will not accept or that He cannot touch and bring healing. No shame that His Grace cannot erase or defeat and somehow be used for our good; all those who are in Christ are victors as Romans 8:38-39 promises.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
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.”

And it is this one single overarching powerful truth that makes us victors. His unseparable love towards us, as a strong current flowing through our soul. Do you feel it? It belongs to you, if you are in Christ – it is your birth right.

 
“And whosoever of you will be the chiefest shall be servant of all.“  I like short witty quotes, and one I read said, “the greatness of a man or women is not measured by how many people he or she is over, but by how many people he or she is under  “Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your servant.” Jesus turns the worldly paradyme of greatness on its head when he defines greatness and uses Himself as our principle example, a beaten and tortured man nailed to a blooded Cross. Yet because of His horrendous sacrifice there is not a man, woman or child that He cannot forgive, love and restore to a life full of His presence.
The elites of this world will have their day in court. There will be only one question that they will have to answer, and it will not be how much money did you make, or how many business did you run, or even how much money did you give to charity, but what did you do with the man Christ Jesus. And the question will not only be posed to them, but to the poorest of the poor and everyone in between. How will you answer that question, could you say with the disciplines, “we have left everything to follow you, and then Peter’s reply, were else would we go Lord only you have the words of eternal life.” 
 
As we approach Easter Sunday the truths we share are only true because of His crucifixion and His resurrection. In ending let’s take these verses to heart, 2 Corinthians 13:4-5

“For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. — Know ye not your own selves, — how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? And in 2 Peter 1:10-11

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Amen)”

 
Father God, 
Our greatest need is not more wealth, or a better job, or even a happier marriage. Our greatest need is to be right with You. For in so doing everything else will come into order or we will have the grace to overcome. This Easter we (I) want to repent for being lukewarm. I want to be all I can be in You. Teach me to walk with You as a son with his father, or a daughter with her dad. Your sacrifice has given this to me, it is my birth right. I want to know what it is like to have the confidence to face each trail or be able to say no to each temptation for the “ surpassing worth of knowing you.” Let me be the prodigal that has come home, having tasted of the world but now with humility and desire hungers for the true bread of life and to be found residing in his/her Father’s home. Thank you and Amen.
 
More Forward in His Grace – Arthur

 

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True Bread

As we start this new Vida ask yourself what percentage of your self esteem come from what you do, what percentage comes from who you know ( your relationships) and what percentage comes from your relationship to the Lord.

Matthew 4:1-10

Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward hungry ( literally starving)
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, That you shall not tempt the Lord thy God,
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

 
Many years ago Bill Crosby coined a phrase, “ the devil made me do it.” He obviously never knew the scriptures. The importance of knowing God’s Word cannot be overemphasized, especially since Jesus used it to thwart the temptations and deceit of Satan. Satan means have not changed since the beginning, he cast doubt on God’s Word. To Eve he said “ you shall not surely die,” with the intent that she would eat the fruit. With Jesus he was casting doubt on Christ’s identity and if He was truly the Son of God. If He was, then there was no need for Him to be starving. He should be able to feed himself by turning the stones into bread. We might call this taking a short cut as opposed to waiting upon the Father.
How often we do this, justifying our actions though the scriptures teach otherwise. The most common example that comes to mind is when two “Christian” people who are dating allow themselves to become sexually active. They  justify it because they are planning to get married. Many times this freedom is what breaks up the relationship as via their sexual freedom the relationship becomes more serious. They forgot that being friends is what drew them together and as more arguments ensue the end of their relationship, unless changes are made, draws near. Respecting the bounties allows them to grow first as friends working out their differences rather than entering into an intimacy that neither they nor their relationship is ready for. Fortunately for us, Christ didn’t take any short cuts and we need to follow His example. Christ knew who He was and the last person he needed to prove it to was Satan.
People will challenge our Christian beliefs wanting to draw us into debate with them. Most of the  time you will exhaust yourself and gain nothing, they are not open to hearing the truth. Their main goal is to see if they can trip you up or discredit  you in front of others. I use to get into these debates believing it was my duty to defend God and the Gospel. I learned that the greatest defense for both were not my words, but my life.  When my life reflected Christ, then my words carried weight and debates were few. I would simply say that I am not interested in debating with you, nor do I have a need to prove anything to you. However if you would like to know about the love of Christ for your life and the forgiveness of sin found in Christ, then I would be honored to share that with you.  That normally ended it, however that type of answer said kindly plants a seed, keeping it open for future talks.
Such a difference from my early days when I felt the need to defend the Gospel. By living the Gospel the defense of it is diminished. The reality of it is seen in us as we are being changed from Grace to Grace. I find that most of the questions  stem from doubt or hurt, from others who were poor examples or had struggles of their own walking with Christ. However it’s hard to argue with someone who genuinely cares for you and wants your best. This Grace only comes from Christ abiding in us to excess, “and running over.”   In Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

“Running over” is a characteristic of our Heavenly Father, if you want a double stoop of Rocky Road ice cream He gives you a triple, that’s just how He is. And as we continue to abide in Him He not only fills our void, since we leak daily, but He over fills us so we can go out and love on others. Sitting before Him, quieting my soul to be able to receive from Him is my part, filling me up is His part. Hence I can walk in peace and not strive with people. I am not  here to exalt myself, but the Lord, now back to our verses.
In the next temptation, Satan even quotes scripture;
“ If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou shall dash thy foot against a stone.Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”
This again follows the first points. People, especially cult groups claiming to be Christians will use the scriptures wrongfully doing exactly what Christ said not to do, testing God and unfortunately some have suffered the consequences. In Mark 16:15-18

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

 
This literally happened to Paul in Acts Acts 28:3-6
“And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped — the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
And he — shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him,o  they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.”

In context this is the correct application of these verses. Paul was on a missionary journey and through no fault of his he gets bite by a very venomous snake, and God’s Grace intervenes. O let Christ words sink deep into us, “ you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” No short cuts in relationships, no short cuts at work, always doing an excellent job and no short cuts in life, including our taxes. We are to live a life above reproach.
“Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”;
 
Jesus never denied these claims of Satan, meaning that Satan’s claim of governance over the world did belong to him ( yet it’s interesting how God always gets blamed when something bad happens). And since is governing the world, how’s he doing, is he doing a good job? He’s doing an awful job and what you see in the world is what he will do  in individual lives as well. Jesus titled him well. In John 10:8-11 Christ speaks of himself in relationship to others who have made similar claims…

“All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
 
Christ statement is not open for debate, we either believe it or we don’t. And if we believe it then our life should reflect and demonstrate that belief, period. Not perfect, but ever pressing in that direction. 
The Olympic’s were just over and we were participants in cheering on our favorite althletes. They didn’t make it to the Olympics by pampering themselves, no they sacrificed, went without etc., just to be able to be there and compete. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul speaks of these games…


“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but ( only) one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
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.”

 And lastly Paul’s “ Olympic statement” Philippians 3:7-14

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead,
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press ( to purse, press forward, exert effort, diligent) toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus ( The Gold).” And how?

2 Timothy 3:16-17
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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Amen.

So back to our opening statement, how much of who we are, our self esteem comes from our work, family, friends or our relationship with the Lord?
Father God,
Thank you for this study, please show us our heart. Let us see our hearts, if our person is solidly based on You or is it You plus others. The best for us is when You are 100% of our self esteem, filling us up to overflowing and with the excess we engage with our family, friends and work. How much stronger would our relationships be if we followed Your way. Thank you and Amen.
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur