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)
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 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)
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)
GOD IS LOVE! WHEN YOU KNOW GOD, YOU KNOW LOVE HIMSELF THE PERSON.
LOVE IS NOT ONLY AN ACTION WORD REQUIRING ACTION BUT IT IS A PERSON.
ALL GENUINE LOVE IN ACTION FLOWS FROM THE PERSON LOVE GOD HIMSELF.
1st John 4: 7 – 8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him]. (8) He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. (Amp. C)
When we know God IS LOVE we know His ways. To Know His Ways is to Love Him.
All of God’s Ways are Love.
Matthew 22: 35 – 40And one of their number, a lawyer, asked Him a question to test Him. (36)Teacher, which kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light–which are heavy?] (37)And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). (38)This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. (39)And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. (40) These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets.(Amp. C)
Romans 13: 8 – 10 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. (9)For the commandments, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,” “YOU SHALL NOT MURDER,” “YOU SHALL NOT STEAL,” “YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,” “YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” (10)Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (NKJV)
A person walking in the Ways of the Lord will be a person guided by the Holy Spirit.
This person being guided by the Holy Spirit will be a person who habitually exercises and develops the Fruit of the Spirit.
All of the Fruit of the Spirit flows from and are founded in Love.
Galatians 5: 22 – 23 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,(23)Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. (Amp. C)
Because of the presence of the Holy Spirit within every Born-Again person they already have the ability to walk in the Ways of the Lord present within them. Even though the Fruit of the Spirit is already present in the Born-Again person that fruit must be developed.
The Holy Spirit will always guide this person in the way of Love, The Love Walk.
1st Corinthians 13: 4 – 8a(Amplified Classic)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord:
Will Endure Long
Will Be Patient and Kind
Will not be envious or boil over with jealousy.
Will not be boastful or vain glorious.
Will not display themselves haughtily.
Will not be conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride
Will not be rude (unmannerly) and will not act unbecomingly.
Will not insist on their own rights or their own way for it is not self-seeking.
Will not be touchy or fretful or resentful.
Will not take account of the evil done to them [they pay no attention to a suffered wrong
Will not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth
prevail.
Will bear up under anything and everything that comes.
Will be ever ready to believe the best of every person.
Their hopes are fadeless under all circumstances.
They endure everything without weakening.
Their Love will never fail, never fade out, or becomes obsolete, or comes to an end.
There are only two mindsets. Everything that we do is either Carnally minded or Spiritually minded. One or the other. There is no middle ground.
A person walking in the ways of the Lord having an established heart is Spiritually minded, and God’s Word ruled. God and His Living Word is first place in this person’s life. They are not ruled by their senses, emotions, or feelings.
Romans 8: 1 – 2 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.(2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJV)
Romans 8: 5 – 6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (NKJV)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord having an established heartor being Spiritually Mindedis a person who has put themselves in a place to know His Ways and what our ways are supposed to be.
1st John 4: 15 – 16Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. (16)And 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. (17)Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.(NKJV)
A person walking in the ways of the Lord having an established heartor being Spiritually Minded has put themselves in a place where they can be led by the Holy Spirit in every area of their lives.
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)
Psalm 25: 4 – 5aShow me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. (5a)Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me,…(Amp. C)
God Himself has an eye on our path of life and He Himself will teach us how to choose.
Psalm 32: 7 – 8 You 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)
Verse 7 = what David said to God.
Verse 8 = what God said in response to what David said.
John 8: 31 – 32 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. (32) And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. (Amplified Classic)
John 17: 17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.(Amplified Classic)
It is the abiding Word that you know in your heart that sets you free.
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. (Amplified Classic)
The Word cannot abide without Faith. Faith comes by hearing.
Romans 10: 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)
Faith works by Love. Without Love our faith will not work. Without Faith and Love the Word cannot abide.
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. (Amplified Classic)
God’s Word is Alive. God Himself Is Life. Since God and His Word are One then God’s Word Is Life. Absolute Life.
Hebrews 4: 12 – 13 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. (13) And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do. (Amplified Classic)
God Himself has given us the right to choose His life by choosing His Word.
Deuteronomy 30: 14 – 20 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your mind and in your heart, so that you can do it. (15) See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil. (16) [If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which] I command you today, to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land into which you go to possess. (17) But if your [mind and] heart turn away and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, (18) I declare to you today that you shall surely perish, and you shall not live long in the land which you pass over the Jordan to enter and possess. (19) I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live (20) And may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days,(Amplified Classic)
Mediating on the Word brings Life, Revelation Knowledge, Strength, and Courage.
Joshua 1:8 – 9 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (9) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (NKJV)
Psalm 1: 1 – 3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. (3) He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. (NKJV)
Deuteronomy 11: 18 – 21 “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. (19) You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. (20) And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, (21) that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth. (NKJV)
Psalm 119: 130 The entrance and unfolding of Your words gives light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple. (Amplified Classic)
Notice the entrance of God’s Word will give understanding, discernment, and comprehension even to the simple. We all qualify.
Is the Bible (God’s Living Word) a rich treasure to you? Why is it a rich Treasure?
Both Matthew 6: 21 & Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (NKJV)
Psalms119: 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (NKJV)
Proverbs 3: 1 – 10 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; (2) For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. (3) Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, (4) And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. (5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; (6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (7) Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. (8) It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. (9) Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; (10) So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.(NKJV)
Just in case you have not noticed there is trouble in this world. In this season we are living in we all, in one way or another, are concerned by what is taking place in the world around us. Whether it be in our own personal lives or the world around us.
Trouble is not something new to this world it has been around since the fall of Adam. If you are alive there are times of difficulty that come your way. The troubles and storms of life very seldom just affect us. What we do during these times of trouble and storms will also affect others around us.
John 16: 33I 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.] (Amplified Classic)
What we do in the midst of the 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.
We choose whether we walk in peace in our lives or fear and worry.
God is not keeping us from walking in peace!
The Word of God brings peace and confidence. Peace will cause us 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.
Our choices direct the path of our life for good and bad. Sometimes the choices that we make place us in circumstances that appear to be hopeless. One of Satan’s greatest deceptions is to tempt us into believing that we have no choice. No way out. But there is always a way out. We may not know what the choice is or how to find out but there is always a choice.
1st Corinthians 10: 13 For 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. (AMP C )
Are you in need of a refreshing? Are you weary in your body, mind, and spirit? Are you being beat up by the circumstances of life? Do you need a change? Do you know that God Himself has already prepared the place of rest, refreshing, and revival for us? He has already given us the keys to enter that place. It is God’s desire for us to be in a continuous state of refreshing before and even during the storms of life that come our way.
Act 3:19 So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord; (Amplified Classic)
Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads and look; and ask for the eternal paths, where the good, old way is; then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it! (Amplified Classic)
Ephesians 6:10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. (Amplified Classic)
John 14:26 – 27 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. (27) Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] (Amplified Classic)
2nd 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. (18) Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, (19) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (NKJV)
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. (Amplified Classic)
Ephesians 4: 25 Therefore, rejecting all falsity and being done now with it, let everyone express the truth with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one body and members one of another. (Amplified Classic)
Ephesians 4: 26 – 27 When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. (27) Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. (Amplified Classic)
James 1: 19 – 20 Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. (20) For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. (Amplified Classic)
When you take offence allowing anger to operate, and you do not deal with it, it will lead to hatred, which will turn into bitterness.
Ephesians 4: 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Amplified Classic)
As believers, it is essential that we know and understand God’s Love and Mercy. That we develop trust in His Love and Mercy. This is the message that God so deeply desires for the world to know. It is our message to a dark and hurting world.
If we are to have faith and confidence in God, we must trust in His mercy. We must Develop Faith in the Mercy of God. God is faithful to His mercy.
Deuteronomy 7: 9 Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; (NKJV)
2nd Thessalonians 3: 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (NKJV)
The entire Word of God emphasizes God’s Love, Mercy, and Goodness. We can trust in His Mercy. His Mercy endures forever.
Psalm 145: 9 The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. (NKJV)
Psalm 106: 1 Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 103: 8The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
Psalm 25: 10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. (steps, ways, purposes)
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 (Amplified Classic)
In our personal walk with God, we will develop faith in His mercy by:
(1) Making the decision to live the life of the love of God. Set your Love upon Him.
(2) Putting the Word first place, not how you feel.
(3) Acting on the Word. Base your conduct on God’s Love and mercy, not on the condemnation of past mistakes and sins.
(4) Meditating God’s mercy. Do not dwell on your failures. Set your mind on God’s Love, mercy, and forgiveness.
Nehemiah 8: 10b … Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (NKJV)
Proverbs 17: 22 A 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 – 23 But 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 the Joy and activate it, otherwise it will remain present but in-active.
Joy, like all the Fruit of the Spirit, must be exercised regularly in order for the fruits to develop. We must always be Fruit of the Spirit minded.
When I walk the Love Walk it produces the fruit of Joy and all the related fruit of the Spirit.
When we are praying applying 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.
We must Rejoice always in every circumstance of life.
Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (NKJV)
NOTE: Satan cannot do anything to us apart from fear, any more than God can do something for us apart from faith.
1st John 5: 18b… he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. (NKJV)
Faith moves God because faith is in God. Fear moves Satan because fear is in Satan. Fear does not come from God. There is no fear in God for God Is Love. Fear comes from Satan for Satan is Fear.
1st John 4: 16… God is love (NKJV)
1st John 4: 18… There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear (NKJV)
2nd Timothy 1: 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
(Amplified Classic) [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
Isaiah. 54: 14 – 15 In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. (15) Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake. (NKJV)
God Is Love, Light, and Faith.
Satan is Hate, Darkness, and Fear.
What is faith? What is fear? Faith is a Spiritual force. Fear is a Spiritual force. They are directly opposite each other. Both are governed by Spiritual Laws.Faith is governed and works by the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. Fear is governed and works by the Law of Sin and Death.
Romans 8: 1 – 2 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJV)
Romans 8: 5 – 6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (NKJV)
In times of weariness, we can obtain times of refreshing from the Lord.
The Living Word can bring times of refreshing in the midst of the storms of life.
God wants us to be refreshed continually and not become weary. He has already made provision through His Word for us so that we do not have to become weary.
Isaiah 40: 28 – 31 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. (29) He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. (30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, (31) But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)
The Living Word brings rest. We can and must entering into God’s Rest. He has opened the door to His Heart for us. We must respond and come.
Matthew 11: 28 – 30Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.](29) Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.(30) For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good–not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne. (Amplified Classic)
Colossians 3: 10 And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it. (Amplified Classic)
The Living Word must abide in our hearts in order for it to bring forth the manifestation or harvest. The Living Word must abide in the heart or there can be no harvest.
The only way that satan can prevent the Living Word from bringing forth harvest is to get the believer to move away from the Living Word. Satan must prevent the Living Word from abiding in the heart of the believer otherwise The Living Word will come to harvest. He cannot prevent it from bringing forth harvest unless he can deceive the believer into moving away and letting go of the Abiding Living Word.
That is why it is so vital that we understand the Abiding Word and that we Guard Our Hearts above all that we guard.
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. (Amplified Classic)
If we do not guard our hearts the Living Word will not be able to come to harvest or manifestation. It is our job to guard our hearts not God’s.
Ephesians 6: 10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. (Amplified Classic)
Ephesians 3: 16 May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. (Amplified Classic)
1st Corinthians 15: 57 – 58 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.(58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. (Amplified Classic)
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