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All posts for the month April, 2025

“WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 16, 2025
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Define deep. As it says in Colossians 2:1-3, “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;  That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;  In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (KJV)

If anything is deep, it’s got to be all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Christ Jesus. In Second Corinthians 12:3-4, St. Paul tells us of his trip to heaven where he learned things so deep that he couldn’t even put them into words: “And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (KJV) He actually had that experience three times.

What did God tell him? Is it possible to find out? Even though he never specifically stated what he learned personally from the Lord, I believe we can get a clue from his letters. In many of them he speaks of what he is writing as a “mystery, hidden in God.” He uses the word “mystery” seventeen times: twice in Romans, twice in First Corinthians, six times in Ephesians, four times in Colossians, once in Second Thessalonians and twice in his first letter to Timothy. It is enough to tell us that he has revelation knowledge from God that we could never find out for ourselves.

The definition of the word “mystery” means “information known only to the initiated.” That means that yes, we can find out what each of these mysteries actually are, the “deep things of God.” We are the initiated. We are born again, baptized in water and the spirit, and belong to the Body of Christ. Mysteries are not things that we cannot know or learn. They are our personal information that the Lord, through St. Paul, is teaching us. In each of these seventeen instances, he explains completely what these mysteries are.

Of course, they can’t be known by the world. Like he says in First Corinthians 2:6-16: “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (KJV) (All emphasis mine.)

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, . . . but we have the mind of Christ.” (KJV) Wow! Thank You, Holy Spirit of God, for teaching us the wisdom that only comes from You Yourself. Amen.

“Having an Established Heart”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 16, 2025
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Download This Message -> 230811_Walking in the Ways of the Lord Part 7 – Having an Established Heart

A person walking in the ways of the Lord having an established heart has their focus on God’s Word. God’s Living Word is abiding in their hearts.

John 15: 7 If 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)

A person walking in the ways of the Lord having an established heart is always prepared and ready unmoving no matter what happens.

Philippians 4: 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)

Philippians 4: 13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. (Amp. C)

Psalm 23: 1 – 6 A Psalm of David. THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. (2) He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. (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. (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. (5) You 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)

“IN THE BEGINNING” – Charlene Cox

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 9, 2025
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Colossians 1:16-17  “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”(KJV) 

“By Him all things consist.” If we ever imagine that we don’t know where God is, this is the perfect scripture. He is completely aware of the smallest detail of all creation, and that includes us. Hebrews 4:12-13 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (KJV) 

These scriptures are from the King James version. Other translations say that the WORD is “living and active,” “alive and full of power,” ”alive and active,” “full of life and power.” However we say it, God’s WORD is definitely a living substance, and powerful in its activity. How could it be otherwise, when it is His WORD that brought everything into existence?

One night years ago, after I had put the children to bed and was ready to sleep myself, the power went off. The whole town was dark. I stood looking out the window in my bedroom and I was able to see the stars so bright and clear. The Presence of God was very real at that moment.

As I meditated about the situation, I thought of our own sun which has all the power our earth needs. Looking at the stars, I thought of all the power they had. And some of those pinpoints of light were actually galaxies containing billions of stars themselves. And our God created all of them!

The power came on soon after, but I always think of that starry night. It reminds me of how powerful our holy God is, that it all exists because of His original WORD, and remains just as unalterable and consistent in Him to this day and forever! Like Psalm 119:16 says, “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. “(KJV) 

 

 

 

“The Consistent Way of Life”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 9, 2025
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Download This Message -> 230804_Walking in the Ways of the Lord Part 6 – The Consistent Way of Life

A person that knows the Lord and is walking in His Ways has an established Heart. Paul had an established heart, a consistent way of life. His life was built upon the Rock Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 4: 23 Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. (Amp. C)

Colossians 3: 1 – 3 IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. (3) For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God (Amp. C)

Galatians 5: 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] (Amp. C)

A person walking in the ways of the Lord having an established heart is fixed, steadfast, unwavering, trusting in the Lord always and in all circumstances no matter what those circumstances are.

A person walking in the ways of the Lord having an established heart does not weaver in times of trouble or distress.

He does not waver because he knows that he is not alone. God Himself is with him.

A person walking in the ways of the Lord having an established heart does not worry, fret, or fear. They do not focus on the problem but on the answer

“THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT IN LIFE THAT GOD’S WORD”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 5, 2025
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“THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT IN LIFE THAT GOD’S WORD”

THE WORD is God’s system for living in abundant life in every area. It is so important that in the Old Testament Book of Psalms, Psalm 119, the longest Psalm, is devoted to it. Let’s take a look at it. In most translations of the Bible, Psalm 119 is divided into twenty-two stanzas, and each has a letter of the Hebrew alphabet as the heading. It may be the letter itself, or the letter spelled out. For example, the first letter, aleph, which is equivalent to our English letter A, begins the Psalm. The Psalm is written as an acrostic, that is, the first word in each verse of the stanza begins with that letter in the Hebrew language. The next is beth, or B, and so on, all the way through to Taw.

In each stanza, each of the eight verses contains a specific term that means God’s WORD. They are: Word, commandment, command, law, instruction, precepts, judgment, testimonies, way or path, statutes, decrees, and promises. The terms vary according to the translation you may be using, but they all refer to the WORD.

Hebrew children were taught this psalm the same way our modern kids learn the alphabet through symbols and pictures. Their young minds had to be impressed with the fact that there is nothing more important in life than God’s WORD. Using so many different terms established for them that their lives were ruled and guided by it. THE WORD, or commandments gave them the ability to endure and withstand any scorn, threats or danger that they might face from strangers, peers, or even enemies. Only some outside obstruction, such as sin, pride, or anything we would see as originating in the carnal nature would prevent one from seeing the blessings and benefits of knowing and keeping the law, or WORD.

Thank You, Lord, that, according to Psalm 119:105 Your WORD is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.(KJV) I pray that You increase in me the wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You that can only come from Your WORD. And I thank You for it, in Jesus’ mighty Name, amen.

“That I May Know Him!”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 5, 2025
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Download This Message -> 230728_Walking in the Ways of the Lord Part 5 – That I May Know Him

God has a deep desire for us to know Him and to know His Ways. He is not holding back.

He wants us to know Him.

God by the Holy Spirit is continuously revealing Himself to us as we study the Living Word, Pray, and walk the Love Walk.

We must position ourselves for God to be able to reveal Himself to us.

In order to know God and Walk in His Ways we must please the Lord.

In order to please the Lord, we must be people of Faith. Faith works by Love.

Hebrews 11: 6  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (NKJV)

The people listed in Hebrews Chapter 11 all pleased God. They were people of Faith.

Paul was a man of Faith. He had a deep desire to please God and to Know Him.

Philippians 3: 7 – 10 But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ’s sake. (8) Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),(9) And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith. (10) [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] (Amp. C)

That I May Know Him!!!

“Made in the Image of God” – Charlene Cox

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 5, 2025
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Download This Message -> 230714_Walking in the Ways of the Lord Part 4 – Made in the Image of God – Charlene Cox

What does God look like?

God the Father gave His Son Jesus a human body. (Hebrews 10: 5)

God Himself sits on a throne with Jesus at His right hand. (Ephesians 1: 23)

God the Father is described as having a face (Exodus 33:11), eyes (Psalm 32: 8b;

Psalm 34: 15), ears (Psalm 116: 2), a mouth (Deuteronomy 8: 3), hands (Psalm 8:6), arms (Psalm 44:3), fingers (Psalm 8: 3), and back parts (Exodus 33: 23); and feet, if He has a footstool (Isaiah 66: 1).

God created everything by speaking His Word.

Genesis 1: 1 – 25 lists the order of creation.

God has the ability to create life and gave us that ability. He used the Word to activate them.

He had dominion over the works of his hands, which were created through his word. And he gave that dominion to mankind.

Then he turned all creation over to us for our use while we established that dominion.

Because of the Fall, satan stole our dominion. At the Resurrection, Jesus, the second Adam, recovered and restored the dominion to the Body of Christ; not to all men, but to the born again who are in Christ Jesus.

God made His covenant by speaking His Word. The power of our own words is identical to the power in the Words of God.

Man made in the image of God is a SPIRIT.

John 4: 24  God is SPIRIT , and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Luke 23: 46  And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last.

Man has a SOUL.

Psalm 103: 1 A Psalm Of David. Bless the LORD, O my SOUL; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Psalm 116: 7  Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

He lives in the BODY.

Psalm 139: 15 – 16  My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

Genesis 2: 25  And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

The SPIRIT is our connection with heaven and our BODY is our connection with the earth. Our SOUL is the animation of the two together. The word SOUL is “anima” in Latin. In Greek, “psuche” or “psyche.” In all translations the word SOUL means the life or life force.

1st Thessalonians 5: 23  Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole SPIRIT, SOUL, and BODY be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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.

“God’s Ways Revealed by the Holy Spirit Part 2”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 1, 2025
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Download This Message -> 230707-Walking in the Ways of the Lord Part 3 – Gods Ways Revealed by the Holy Spirit Part 2

In order to know God and His Ways we must be born-again. If we are not born-again we have no connection to Him.

Ephesians 2: 12 – 13 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (13) But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (NKJV)

John 3: 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (NKJV)

John 3: 5 – 7 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ (8) The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (NKJV)

In order to know God and His Ways we must be born-again, and we must draw near to Him.

James 4: 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (NKJV)

As born-again believers the Holy Spirit Himself dwells in us. He reveals the Living Word of God to us as we study the Word, Pray, and walk the Love Walk. The Living Word of God reveals Who God Is and God’s Ways.

We cannot know God or His Ways with the human intellect. We can know about God, but we cannot know Him with our intellect.

We can only know God by the Spirit. Knowing God is heart or spirit knowledge, not head knowledge.

God IS Spirit.

John 4: 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”(NKJV) (1st John 4: 7 & 16 God Is Love 1st John 4: 17… As He Is So Are We In This World.)

We are Spirit Beings.

1st Thessalonians 5: 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)