A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is developing the fruit of Patience and Longsuffering in every area of their lives. They are diligent to let Patience have it’s perfect work so that they can be perfect and entire wanting nothing.
Patience – Vines NT
Patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency and is associated with hope.”
Longsuffering – Vines NT
Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; it is the opposite of anger, and is associated with mercy, and is used of God, Exo_34:6 ; Rom_2:4; 1Pe_3:20.
James 1: 2 – 8Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. (3) Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. (4) But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. (5) If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. (6) Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. (7) For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord, (8) [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]. (AMP C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is developing the fruit of Patience and Longsuffering in every area of their lives. They are diligent to let Patience have it’s perfect work so that they can be perfect and entire wanting nothing.
Galatians 5: 22 – 23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV)
Patience – Vines NT
Patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency and is associated with hope.”
Longsuffering – Vines NT
Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; it is the opposite of anger, and is associated with mercy, and is used of God, Exodus 34: 6; Romans 2: 4; 1stPeter 3: 20.
James 1: 4But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (NKJV)
The Lord Is Patient and Longsuffering in all of His Ways.
Exodus 34: 6And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, (NKJV)
Psalm 145: 8 – 9The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. (9) The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. (NKJV)
One strong characteristic of Patience and Longsuffering is to wait.
Isaiah 30: 18And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]! (AMP C)
Romans 15: 4 – 6For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope. (5) Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, (6) That together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). (Amp C)
Colossians 3: 12 – 17Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;(13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and (15) be thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (NKJV)
Have you ever heard the statement “Jesus is the reason for the season”.
We have all heard that phrase at one time or another.
Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season for all of Mankind or He should be.
But what about God’s angle of view?
From God’s angle of view Mankind, You and I are the reason for the season. You and I and all of Mankind past present and future are the entire reason that Jesus was born.
It took over 4,000 years for everything to be in perfect order for Jesus to be born. No wonder that all the angels and I believe all of Heaven itself were celebrating that night.
The one and only reason that Jesus came into this world was because Man was separated from God.
The greatest Giver of all Time and Eternity Is God Himself. The greatest gift ever given was Jesus. The ultimate gift of Love.
John 3: 16 – 17For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (17) For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. (Amp. C)
John 1: 16 For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift. (Amp. C)
Ephesians 2: 4 – 5 But God–so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, (5) Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation). (Amp. C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
Psalm 23: 5 – 6You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. (6)Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place. (Amp. C)
The previous verse 4 relates to walking through the valley of the shadow of death. There are enemies in the valley of the shadow of death. But as we discussed in our last message, right in the presence of our enemies we are being protected and comforted by our shepherd who is right there with us.
Right in the presence of our enemies, the Lord, Who is with us, has prepared a table for us.
He has also anointed our heads with oil. Our cup is running over. He has made abundant overflowing provision for us right in the presence of our enemies.
This table is a right now table. This is not the same table that is being prepared for us in Heaven. There are no enemies in Heaven.
Our Loving Heavenly Father, in all His Goodness, right in the very presence of our enemies, has prepared a table for us in the secret place of His Presence.
GOD IS GOOD!!! No matter who we are or what we have done God has laid up His Goodness for all who will come to Him and receive it. His Goodness is laid up for all of man past present and future.
Psalm 100: 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.(Amp. C)
Psalm 106: 1 PRAISE THE Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! (Amp. C)
Psalm 107: 1 O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! (Amp. C)
Psalm 31: 19 – 21 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! (20)You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues. (21)Blessed be the LORD, For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! (NKJV)
The Goodness of God toward man is not based on our being afraid of God. The Goodness of God is based on who He Is. Love Himself.
We cannot receive anything from God by being afraid of Him. That was one of the mistakes that Israel made. They did not understand the Goodness or Love of God. They did not know that God Is Love.
We do not come to the table that God has set for man by being afraid of Him. That kind of fear will keep us out of the Secret Place and away from the Table of the Lord.
Dictionary
Fear n.
1. a. A very unpleasant or disturbing feeling caused by the presence or imminence of danger:
b. A state or condition marked by this feeling:
2. A feeling of disquiet or apprehension:
3. A reason for dread or apprehension:
4. Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a deity.
v. feared, fear·ing, fears
1. To be afraid or frightened of:
2. To be uneasy or apprehensive about:
3. To consider probable; expect:
4. To revere or be in awe of (a deity, for example).
Reverence (rĕv′ər-əns)
1. A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love.
2. An act showing respect, especially a bow or curtsy.
Fear or being afraid of God will keep us out of the Secret Place and away from the Table of the Lord.
Reverence or reverential fear of God causes us to enter the Secret Place and partake of the Table that He has prepared for us.
Psalm 91: 1 HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].(Amp. C)
Psalm 103: 17 But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children (Amp. C)
Psalm 25: 9 – 10He leads the humble in what is right, and the humble He teaches His way. (10)All the paths of the Lord are mercy and steadfast love, even truth and faithfulness are they for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. (Amp. C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
(Verse 4)Psalm 23: 4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. (Amp. C)
Psalm 118: 6The Lord is on my side; I will not fear, what can man do to me? (NKJV)
Isaiah 41: 10Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. (Amp. C)
Romans 8: 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (NKJV)
Hebrews 13: 5b – 6… He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] (6) So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? (Amp. C)
We do not have to be afraid of Satan. He is already a defeated foe. He was 100% defeated by Jesus at the Cross.
Satan is limited to what is common to man or the natural or to what is common to man. We as Born-Again Children are not limit to this natural world.
1st Corinthians 10: 13For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. (Amp. C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
Psalm 23: 3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him–not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake. (Amp. C)
Psalm 25: 4 – 5 Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. (5)Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long. (Amp. C)
Psalm 25: 9 – 10He leads the humble in what is right, and the humble He teaches His way. (10)All the paths of the Lord are mercy and steadfast love, even truth and faithfulness are they for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. (Amp. C)
Psalm 32: 7 – 8You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah(8) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. (NKJV)
Proverbs 3: 5 – 6Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. (6)In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.(Amp. C)
Psalm 19: 14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer. (Amp. C
When entering into and dwelling in the Secret Place of God’s Rest the Lord Himself becomes our Shepherd.
John 10: 11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (NKJV)
John 10: 14 – 18 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (15) As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. (16) And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (17) “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. (18) No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” (NKJV)
John 10: 27 – 30My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (28) And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (29) My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. (30) I and My Father are one.” (NKJV)
(Verse 2)Psalm 23: 2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. (Amp. C)
When sheep are full, satisfied, and the shepherd is present watching over the sheep what do they do? They lie down. They do not move from that place until they see the shepherd move. The presence of the shepherd brings the sheep rest.
Psalm 4: 8In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust. (Amp. C)
Proverbs 3: 21 – 26My son, let them not escape from your sight, but keep sound and godly Wisdom and discretion, (22)And they will be life to your inner self, and a gracious ornament to your neck (your outer self).(23)Then you will walk in your way securely and in confident trust, and you shall not dash your foot or stumble. (24)When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. (25)Be not afraid of sudden terror and panic, nor of the stormy blast or the storm and ruin of the wicked when it comes [for you will be guiltless], (26)For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger]. (Amp. C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
Psalm 23is a wonderful image of the person who has entered and is dwelling in The Secret Place of God’s Rest in Psalm 91
When entering into and dwelling in the Secret Place of God’s Rest the Lord Himself becomes our Shepherd.
Psalm 91and Psalm 23are both about deep intimate relationship, covenant, refreshing, protection, provision, rest, and guidance.
Psalm 23: 1 THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. (Amp. C)
The Lord is My Shepherd, My Lord, I have made an absolute quality decision my choice.
Because He Is my Lord, my Shepherd I shall not lack! If you have made the Lord Your Shepherd – You shall not lack.This is an absolute truth.
However, we need to be aware that there are conditions in this verse that puts us in the position where we do not lack.The conditions unlock God’s provision.
Those conditions are:
Our submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of our lives.
Our submission to Jesus Christ being our Shepherd in every area of our lives.
Our submission to The Living Word as being first place and final authority in our lives.
A lack of knowledge and our not acting on the knowledge that we have causes us to be in lack.
What do we do when we have a lack of knowledge?We obtain knowledge and we act on that knowledge, or we will continue to lack.
Just to have knowledge is not enough. We must have faith in the knowledge that we have. Faith is an action word. For faith to be real faith there must be action that flows from the faith.
It is not by your own works but there is a work or action that flows from the faith.
James 2: 17 – 18Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (18) But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (NKJV)
The source of the knowledge of God is His Living Word. The abiding Word always brings forth fruit and restwhen we submit to it and make it final authority.
The Living Word is what God uses to provide our every need. The Living Word must be activated by our Faith which works by Love.
Matthew 6: 33But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. (Amp. C)
John 15: 7If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. (Amp. C)
2nd Peter 1: 2 – 3May grace (God’s favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (3)For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). (Amp. C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
God Himself has invited each of us into the secret place of His rest. We are the ones who must choose to enter the place of His rest.
Hebrews 4: 9 – 11 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. (10) For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. (11) Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. (NKJV)
(Amp C.)Hebrews 4: 11 Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], (Amp. C)
But we must choose to enter that place of rest.
Psalm 91: 1 – 2HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. (2)I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!(Amp. C)
In order to enter this secret place and dwell there we must set our Love upon Him and walk the Love Walk.
Psalm 91: 14 – 16 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness–trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. (15)He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. (16)With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation. (Amp. C)
Isaiah 26:3You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. (Amp. C)
If we have not received Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we cannot enter the Secret Place of God’s Rest.
Anyone who is Born Again can enter The Secret Place of God’s Rest, but we must walk the Love Walk and be Spiritually Minded. We cannot be carnally or fleshly minded and enter the Secret Place of God’s Rest.
Romans 8: 6For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.(NKJV)
In Order to dwell, live, and abide in The Secret Place of God’s Rest, The Word must live and abide in our hearts. The Word must be first place and final authority in every area of our lives.
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
We must put feet to our faith in the Living Word. Our feet must be shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace.
Peace is not only a Fruit of the Spirit, but it is also a very important and vital part of the Armor of God.
Ephesians 6: 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. (Amp. C)
In preparation to face the enemy – We must do this before we face the enemy.
Peace will make you sure-footed and confident with firm footed stability.
Real Faith and Trust in The Living Word of God brings peace and confidence.
Peace will cause you to stand firm on the solid rock. Fear stands on sand.
When the pressure is on, fear runs and cannot stand. When the pressure is on, Peace will remain firm, and we will be able to stand, therefore.
Galatians 5: 22 – 23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23)gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV)
Verse 22 (Amplified Classic)But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes]
The Fruit of the Spirit are already present in every born-again child of God. Peace, like the other Fruit of the Spirit, must be developed.
When we exercise patience and self-control, which are also fruits of the Spirit, we will also develop peace.
Worry and fear are enemies of and the opposite of peace.
It is impossible to walk in peace and worry and fear at the same time. Whichever you yield to that is what will be functioning in your life.
The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has authority over the law of sin and death. We are the ones that choose which one is in authority in our lives.
Romans 8:2For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death. (NKJV)
If we choose to be carnally or worldly minded, the law of sin and death will have authority in our lives, and we will not walk a life of peace.
If we choose to be Spiritually or God’s Living Word minded, The Law of Life in Christ Jesus will have authority in our lives, and we will be walking a life of peace.
Romans 8: 5 – 6For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (6)For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (NKJV)
Satan cannot do anything to us apart from fear, any more than God can do something for us apart from faith.
Faith moves God because faith is in God.
Fear moves Satan because fear is in Satan.
In order to walk in peace, we must walk in Faith and Love
To put worry and fear under we must replace it with something stronger. The Word of God is stronger than fear and it is a higher Law than fear.
We must develop our faith in the Word of God. The Word is our sure steadfast anchor. In order for us to have faith in the Word we must have knowledge of the Word.
We must speak the Word out of our mouth believing that we receive. Not just once but continually. Our faith will not work beyond our level of confession.
Proverbs 18: 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. (NKJV)
Matthew 12: 36 – 37 But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. (37)For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced. (Amp. C)
1st John 1: 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NKJV)
Amplified Classic – 1st John 1: 9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. (Amp. C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
You must release peace and choose fear for fear to be able to be in control. Fear and peace cannot exist together. The one that the individual yields to, will be in control.
Peace cancels fear and depression. If you choose fear and depression Peace will not function.
Love cancels hate which brings peace. If you choose hate Love and Peace will not function.
Faith cancels doubt which brings peace. If you choose doubt Faith and Peace will not function
Trust and confidence In God and His Word brings peace and rest. If you choose not to place your trust and confidence in God and His Living Word, you will not be able to walk in Peace and Rest.
How much confidence and trust do you have in God’s Word?
How much trust and confidence do you have in your relationship with God?
There are times when all we have left is our confidence in God and His Word. These are times when we must trust God!
Psalm 25: 1 – 2a UNTO YOU, O Lord, do I bring my life. (2a) O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. (Amp. C)
1st John 5: 18b he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. (NKJV)
Satan cannot do anything to us apart from fear, any more than God can do something for us apart from faith.
Faith moves God because faith is in God.
Fear moves Satan because fear is in Satan.
In order for us to walk in peace we must walk in Faith and Love.
Faith works by love.
Galatians 5: 6 For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. (Amp. C)
Peace Accompanies: Faith, Righteousness, Acquaintance with God, The Love of God’s Word, and Spiritual Mindedness.
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Peace and Rest of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Peace in every area of their life. They are at Rest in God’s Living Word.
What we do during the times of troubles and storms of life will determine the amount of effect they have on us. It will also determine how long they last, when, and if we come out of them.
The troubles and storms of life seldom affect just us. What we do in these times of trouble and storms of life will also affect others around us.
Most people think that peace is an absence of conflict. That is one of the world’s definitions of peace. The real genuine peace of God will bring conflict. One of the biggest fights that we will ever have will be the fight with ourselves to walk in the peace of God.
All of us are looking for an anchor in life, something that is stable and reliable. We are looking for something that we can place our confidence in, something that will bring us rest and peace.
John 16: 33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (Amp. C)
Matthew 6: 33 – 34 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (34)Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (NKJV)
Romans 8: 5 – 6For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (NKJV)
Peace is a Fruit of the Spirit. It is already present in every Born-Again Believer. It must be believed, called upon, and exercised to be developed.
God is not keeping us from walking in peace! We have to choose whether we walk in peace in our lives or fear and worry.
If we are going to walk in peace in this dark world, we must control our tongues.
Proverbs 18: 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue.And those who love it will eat its fruit. (NKJV)
Isaiah 26: 3 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. (Amp. C)
If we are going to walk a life of peace in this dark world, we must be God’s Living Word minded and walk the Love Walk.
A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is walking in the Joy of the Lord. This person exercises the Fruit of Joy in every area of their life. The Joy of the Lord is their strength.
Nehemiah 8: 10b… Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (NKJV)
Proverbs 17: 22A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. (NKJV)
If we are truly Born-Again, joy is already present in us by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Joy is one of the Fruit of The Spirit listed inGalatians 5: 22 – 23.
Galatians 5: 22 – 23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23)gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV)
(Amplified Classic)But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes]
Joy is a major Spiritual force.
We must choose Joy and activate it, otherwise it will remain present but in-active.
Joy, like all the Fruit of the Spirit, must be activated by our Faith and exercised regularly in order for the fruits to develop. We must always be Fruit of the Spirit minded.
When we, by Faith in the Living Word, walk the Love Walk it activates and develops the fruit of Joy and all the related fruit of the Spirit.
When we apply our faith to the promises in God’s Living Word, rejoicing in the Lord will bring us to a place of rest in our Faith.
Real Faith is at rest in the Word.
Romans 15: 13May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. (Amp. C)
Hebrews 4: 1 – 3 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. (2)For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. (3)For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “SO I SWORE IN MY WRATH, ‘THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,’ ” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.(NKJV)
We must Rejoice always in every circumstance of life.
I did not say that it would be comfortable or easy, but we can do it. The more we exercise the fruit of Joy by Rejoicing in the Lord the easier it becomes. It will become a lifestyle.
When we read, study, confess, and meditate on the Living Word we must do it believing that it is The Absolute Truth.
What does absolute mean?
Dictionary:Absolute:
1.complete; perfect2.free from limitations, restrictions, or exceptions; unqualified.
3.having unlimited authority.4.undoubted; certain: the absolute truth.
5.not dependent on, conditioned by, or relative to anything else; independent
6.pure; unmixed.
God Himself Is Love – Absolute Love,
God Is Absolute Life,
God Is Absolute Light,
God Is Absolute Truth,
God Is Absolute Integrity,
God Is Absolutely Steadfast.
God and His Living Word are Absolute Truth! God and His Word are One.
John 1: 1IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.(Amp. C)
God IS Love! The Being Love. Absolute Love.
1st John 4: 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.(NKJV)
1st John 4: 16And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.(NKJV)
Because God IS Love, The Being, and God and His Word are One, then God’s Word IS Love.
Because God Is Absolute Life and God and His Word are One then God’s Word Is Alive, absolute Life.
John 1: 4 – 5In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. (5)And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]. (Amp. C)
Hebrews 4: 12For 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.(NKJV)
Because God and His Living Word are One and God cannot lie God’s Living Word Is Absolute Truth.
Titus 1: 2in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,(NKJV)
John 17: 17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. (Amp. C)
God’s Living Word Is Absolute Truth. His Word is His bond.
God’s Word is Absolute Integrity and Absolutely Steadfast.
Just as God never changes God’s Nature or His Ways do not change; neither does His Word.
Hebrews 13: 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (NKJV)
Ephesians 1: 3 – 5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (4)just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (5) having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (NKJV)
Colossians 1: 21 – 22 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled (22)in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— (NKJV)
1st Thessalonians 3: 12 – 13 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, (13)sothat He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. (NKJV)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord will be a person walking a Holy Life having an established heartor being Spiritually Minded.
The person who is walking in the Ways of the Lord has a life joined to the Heart of God and is pleasing to Him. That person will be Spiritually Minded not Carnally Minded.
Walking a Holy life is walking the Love Walk.
Walking the Love Walk will develop and perfect a Holy Life
Walking a Holy Life or Holiness can only be done in a now moment as we walk the Love Walk.
The Love Walk will separate us from a sinful life.
Ephesians 4: 22 – 24 Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; (23)And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], (24)And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.(Amp. C)
God’s Living Word is Absolute Truth. As we walk the Love Walk in obedience to God’s Living Word the Truth of His Word abiding in us will Sanctify us causing us to walk a Holy life unto The Lord.
John 17: 17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. (Amp. C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord having an established heartor being Spiritually Minded is a person who has been Saved, Justified, and made Righteous by the Grace of God.
Justified = Just as if I never Sinned.
Righteous = Right Standing with God.
Grace = Unmerited Favor.
When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior by God’s free gift of Grace, He Justifies us making us Righteous or putting us back into right standing with God Himself by His Grace.
Ephesians 2: 4 – 9 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (6) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (7) that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJV)
Romans 5: 6 – 11For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. (8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (10) For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (11) And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (NKJV)
2nd Corinthians 5: 21For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NKJV)
Romans 3: 22 – 26even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (25) whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, (26) to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (NKJV)
Ephesians 1: 4 – 6 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (5) having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (6) to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (NKJV)
Colossians 1: 12 – 14Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light. (13) [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, (14) In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins. (Amp. C)
Ephesians 1: 7 – 10 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace(8) which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, (9)having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, (10) that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. (NKJV)
Colossians 1: 20 And God purposed that through (by the service, the intervention of) Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father] made peace by means of the blood of His cross. (Amp. C)
Ephesians 1: 11 – 14 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, (12) that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. (13) In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (14) who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (NKJV)
Because of the Mercy and Loving-Kindness of God, He imparted His abundant Grace toward Mankind.
God Is Love. All the Ways of the Lord flow from Love, God Himself.
Holiness flows from Righteousness, which flows from God’s Grace, which flows from God’s Mercy and Loving-Kindness, which flows from Love, God Himself.
John 1: 16 – 17For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift. (17) For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ.(Amp. C)
Psalm 5: 11 – 12 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. (12) For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. (NKJV)
The Bible is the full of God’s Mercy and Loving-Kindness. It is the Gospel of Grace.
Acts 20: 24But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (NKJV)
The Word of Grace is able to build us up, strengthen us, and give us our rightful inheritance.
Acts 20: 32 And now [brethren], I commit you to God [I deposit you in His charge, entrusting you to His protection and care]. And I commend you to the Word of His grace [to the commands and counsels and promises of His unmerited favor]. It is able to build you up and to give you [your rightful] inheritance among all God’s set-apart ones (those consecrated, purified, and transformed of soul). (Amp. C)
2nd Timothy 2: 1SO YOU, my son, be strong (strengthened inwardly) in the grace (spiritual blessing) that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus. (Amp. C)
1st Corinthians 15: 10 But by the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect). In fact, I worked harder than all of them [the apostles], though it was not really I, but the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God which was with me. (Amp. C)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord having an established heart, or who is Spiritually minded, will be a person who is walking in God’s Mercy and Loving-Kindness.
Psalm 103: 17 But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children (Amp. C)
God has extended His Mercy and Loving-Kindness towards us so that we can have a relationship with Him. God desires a love relationship with us.
Psalm 103: 11 – 12 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him. (12) As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.(Amp. C)
Verse 12– Pre-Cross – He removed our transgressions from us; Post Cross– He completely canceled and blotted them out.
Colossians 2: 13 – 15 And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions, (14) Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross. (15) [God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross]. (Amp. C)
God wants our fellowship so much that He paid a tremendous price in order to have a relationship with us. The price God paid was the death of His only begotten Son Jesus.
It was because of His mercy and compassion that He sent Jesus.
The entire mission of Jesus was to reveal God’s Love and Mercy and to make a way for man back into a relationship with God. Where there was no way Jesus became the Way. We can trust in the Mercy of God.
John 3: 16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (Amp. C)
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