Fruit of The Spirit

All posts tagged Fruit of The Spirit

“Gifts From the Fathers Heart Part 3 of 7”

Posted by mcoxbmi on August 10, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 250214 Gifts From the Fathers Heart Part 3.MP3

The greatest Giver of all Time and Eternity Is God Himself. He never stops giving.

The greatest gift ever given was Jesus. The ultimate gift of Love.

The one and only reason that Jesus came into this world was because Man was separated from God.

He gave us the gift of Life itself – all creation.

He gave us the gift of choice.

He gave us the gift of Eternal Life

He gave us the gift of Reconciliation:

He gave us the Living Word of God

John 1: 1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (NKJV) – (Amp. C – In the Beginning before all time)

John 1: 14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (NKJV)

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. (NKJV)

He gave us the gift of the Bread of Life

John 6: 47 – 48 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. (48) I am the bread of life. (NKJV)

John 6: 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. (NKJV)

He gave us the gift of Sonship:

1st John 3: 1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (2) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (NKJV) 

1st John 4: 9 – 10 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. (10) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (NKJV)

He gave us the gift of God’s Grace

Ephesians 2: 8  For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; (Amp. C)

He gave us the gift of Righteousness.

Romans 5: 17 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). (Amp. C)  

He gave us the gift of real freedom.

Romans 8: 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJV)

Galatians 5: 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (NKJV)

John 8: 32  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (NKJV)  

Galatians 3: 13 – 14 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”), (14) that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (NKJV)

“The Fruit of Temperance or Self Control Part 3”

Posted by mcoxbmi on July 6, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 241122 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 58 – Temperance Pt 3.MP3

In order to walk a successful Christian Life, walking in the Ways of the Lord, we must have discipline in our lives. Allowing and exercising the Fruit of Temperance or Self-Control to work in our lives will bring Godly discipline to our lives.

Discipline is an important, but often neglected, part of the Christian life. Many broken friendships, and many harsh words come, as a result of not learning how to be temperate.

Too many Christians take the attitude that they cannot control their temper, their thoughts, their emotions, or their actions. This is simply not true.

They are allowing their emotions to control their lives. They are focusing on the wrong thing. They are being Carnally, Fleshly, Worldly Minded instead of being Spiritually Minded.

2nd Corinthians 10: 3 – 5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

(4) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (NKJV)

Galatians 6: 7 – 9  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (8) For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (9) And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (NKJV)

Romans 8: 5 – 8 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. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. (8) So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (NKJV)

Romans 8: 13  For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (NKJV)

Temperance or Self-Control as a Fruit of the Spirit is the active effort we put forth to resist the temptation to go back to the ways of the world around us once we’ve been shown God’s spiritual way of life. It is demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit instead of committing the works of the flesh.

“The Fruit of Temperance or Self Control Part 2”

Posted by mcoxbmi on June 24, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 241115 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 57 – Temperance Pt 2.MP3

Where does Temperance or Self-Control come in? Everywhere, at all times, and under all circumstances.

Temperance or Self-Control involves the ability to exercise restraint and moderation in various aspects of life, including our thoughts, words, actions, and desires.

Almost every area of our lives involve thoughts in one way or another. We are always thinking a thought or we are receiving a thought that we think on. Our thoughts are involved in our words, actions, and desires both good and bad.

A majority of the problems that we face in our lives comes from our thoughts. We develop mind sets or strongholds allowing our emotions to dominate in our thought life.

The Fruit of Temperance or Self-Control along with the other Fruits the Spirit strengthens us in our inner man so that we can take every thought captive setting our thoughts on being God’s Word minded instead of fleshly worldly minded.

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)

2nd Corinthians 10: 3 – 5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

(4) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (NKJV)

“The Fruit of Temperance or Self-Control Part 1”

Posted by mcoxbmi on June 15, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 241108 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 56 – The Fruit of the Spirit – Temperance Pt 1.MP3

Temperance or Self-Control is a Gift from God. One of the Fruits of the Presence of the Holy Spirit within the Believer.

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)

The Fruit of the Spirit is born into us. It is part of our reborn nature. All of the Fruit of the Spirit are part of our makeup on the inside. Part of our Spiritual DNA.

The scripture teaches us to learn to live from the inside out. To let this New Man, the Reborn Spirit Man, on the inside dominate our life, our body, our words, our thought life and our actions.

The Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5: 22 – 23 are directly involved in our ability to live from the inside out. The Fruit of Temperance or Self-Control must be exercised and allowed to operate for us to be able to live our lives from the inside out.Temperance or Self-Control involves the ability to exercise restraint and moderation in various aspects of life, including our thoughts, words, and actions. It means being under control, cool, calm, balanced bringing of all of you, under the sovereign control of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 16: 24 – 26 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (25) For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (26) For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (NKJV)

All of the Fruit of the Spirit function together. Each of the Fruits of the Spirit require the other Fruits in order to function probably. They are connected. When one of them is weak or inoperative it weakens or prevents the other Fruit from functioning.

The Fruit of Temperance or Self-Control is tied directly to the function of the other Fruits.

“The Fruit of the Spirit – Meekness Part 2”

Posted by mcoxbmi on June 8, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 241025 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 55 – The Fruit of the Spirit – Meekness P2 1.MP3

A prideful person is so self-centered that they will have a hard time with walking in the fruit of Meekness or Gentleness. They will have a hard time humbling themselves before God or man.

Meekness, Gentleness, and humility are closely related. They are direct opposites of pride and self-centeredness or selfishness.

Meekness displaces Pride. Pride comes before a fall.

Proverbs 16: 18 – 19   Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (19) Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. (NKJV)

James 4: 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (NKJV)

Psalm 147: 6 The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground. (NKJV)

James 4: 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (AMP C)

Meekness opens the door for God’s blessings. Meekness will cause you to walk in the blessings of God.

Meekness will help you walk in the reverential fear of the Lord where there is no want.

Proverbs 22: 4 The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. (Amp. C)

It takes diligence to walk a Meek, Gentle, and Humble lifestyle.

You must aim at and be diligent for the Fruit of the Spirit to flow in and from your life.

“The Fruit of Meekness Part 1”

Posted by mcoxbmi on June 1, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 241018 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Part 54 – The Fruit of the Spirit Meekness Pt 1.MP3

Galatians 5: 22 – 26  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)

Ephesians 4: 1 – 3 I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service, (2) Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another. (3) Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace. (AMP C)

Meekness, Gentleness, and humility are closely related.

Philippians 2: 2 – 5 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, (2) fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (3) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (4) Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (NKJV)

Meekness to us sounds like someone who is weak with their head held down and will not look you in the eye.

But Bible Meekness, the Fruit of the Spirit Meekness refers to a person who is strong yet has the capacity to be gentle, loving and mild when dealing with others. It’s not a weakness but a power to be gentle.

A prideful or self-centered person will have a hard time with walking in the fruit of Meekness or Gentleness.

Meekness displaces Pride. Pride comes before a fall.

Proverbs 29: 23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. (NKJV)

Proverbs 16: 18 – 19   Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (19) Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. (NKJV)

A prideful person is so self-centered that they have a hard time humbling themselves before God or man.

“Jesus – Our Faithful High Priest”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 25, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 240830 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Part 53 – Jesus – Our Faithful High Priest.MP3

Jesus laid down His Life for us because He was Faithful.

Hebrews 3: 1 – 2 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, (2) who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. (NKJV)

John 8: 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.“ (NKJV)

Hebrews 2: 17 – 18 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (18) For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. (NKJV)

Romans 5: 8 – 11 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)

Jesus Our High Priest Who Is seated at the right hand of the Father God is continually making intercession for us.

1st Timothy 2: 4 – 6  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, (NKJV)

“CHARITY – Agape Love”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 15, 2026
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2 Peter 1:7b  “. . . and to brotherly kindness charity.” KJV Charity. Here is the Greek word that describes the highest form of love, agape. It is the kind of love that is God Himself. Translated as “love” in all other bibles, the King James uses the word “charity.” Because charity is most understood as a selfless gift, the KJV used another Greek word, “charis.” Charis means “gift,” and “grace.” Charity is a gift that does not expect a return. No strings attached.

Whenever the word “grace” is used, the Amplified translation also adds, “unmerited favor,” a gift that can’t be earned. It is the last brick to go into our wall:

Charity

brotherly kindness brotherly kindness

godliness godliness godliness

patience patience patience patience

Self-control self-control self-control self-control self-control

Knowledge knowledge knowledge knowledge knowledge knowledge

Virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue virtue

Faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith faith

Without all the previous bricks, agape/love has nothing to stand on. But with them, agape/love is the most reasonable and natural result. Do we need a new definition of love? Jesus Himself said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” KJV The first letter of St. John also says, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren”(I John 3:16 KJV).  Is that what we are learning about the selfless, no-strings-attached, no-return-expected kind of love?

Charity doesn’t just mean sending used clothes and money to poor children on the other side of the world. We’ve got to use our faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness and brotherly kindness to find out what real agape/love is. That can only come from studying and becoming familiar with the WORD. The living WORD of God. We just can’t find it in the world. There are lots of loving people out there. But are they loving with the true, perfect, laying-down-their-lives kind of love? The God kind?

In order to learn what agape/love really is, we need to study how God Himself showed us His love. It started in the beginning, ‘way back in Genesis. When there was nothing but darkness, God, Who is light, injected Himself into it. All creation followed. By the time He finished the Garden of Eden, everything was perfect for the people who were on their way. Alas, when our first parents disobeyed Him, that state of perfection ended. But God was ready right there with the Answer, the One Who was to come.

Jesus didn’t come to pass a law. He didn’t hold a meeting to establish a new policy. HE DIED. That was God’s Answer, TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE. Unbeknownst to Satan, God knew that Jesus would rise again!

1 Corinthians 2:7-8  “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” KJV 

That’s what laying down our lives gets us: RESURRECTION! Maybe not in this life, but we can live in that resurrection life of agape/love with the grace of God as our back-up. Who knew? Certainly not the devil. It was a MYSTERY. The dictionary definition of mystery is “information known only to the initiated.” That’s us! Being born again is our initiation into the resurrection life of Jesus! That’s what the book of Romans is all about.

Thank You, Oh Most Gracious Heavenly Father, that You showed us how to lay down our lives just the way Jesus Your Beloved Son did. He said in John 10:18: “No man taketh 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 commandment have I received of my Father.” KJV Amen.

“The Fruit of Faithfulness Part 3”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 15, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 240809 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 52. – The Fruit of Faithfulness Pt 3.MP3

It is abnormal for a Born-Again Christian to be unfaithful.

A Faithful person is also a person of honor. They can be depended upon. They are steadfast and consistent. They are faithful, honorable, trustworthy, and can be depended upon even when doing a job that they do not like or want to do.

Matthew 21: 28 – 31 What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He came to the first and said, Son, go and work today in the vineyard.(29) And he answered, I will not; but afterward he changed his mind and went.(30) Then the man came to the second and said the same [thing]. And he replied, I will [go], sir; but he did not go.(31) Which of the two did the will of the father? They replied, The first one. Jesus said to them, Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the harlots will get into the kingdom of heaven before you. (NKJV)

Being Faithful is to be trustworthy and dependable. A faithful person will be a person who is faithful to their word.

A faithful person is a loyal person. A faithful person can be trusted. They can be trusted even when you can’t see them.

The Faithful Servant

Matthew 24: 45 – 47 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? (46) Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. (47) Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. (NKJV)

Daniel and Joseph are examples of the blessings of the Lord on a wise and faithful servant.

The Unfaithful Servant

Matthew 24: 48 – 51 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’(49) and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, (50) the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, (51) and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (NKJV)

We are to be faithful all the days of our life even unto death.

Revelation 2: 10  Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NKJV)

 

“BROTHERLY KINDNESS OR AFFECTION”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 8, 2026
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2 Peter 1:7  “And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” KJV In the Greek language of the Bible, there are a couple of words that we translate as our word “love.” The one we are concerned with here is “phileo.” It means to show kindness, good will, and affection to our fellow Christians. In the list of attributes we have been diligently adding to our faith, we’ve turned a corner. We are no longer putting in bricks that affect only ourselves. We are now reaching out to others with kindness and affection.

Living in godliness is a sure cure for selfishness. It’s time to get out of the classroom and into the real world. There are people out there! We want them to be nice to us! Are we learning to be nice to them? If we have truly been studying the WORD, we’ve come across places where Jesus has told us to “love one another” as He has loved us. (John 15:12 “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” KJV),

That, however, is not the Greek word “phileo.” That Greek word is “agape,” and it is the subject of our next meditation. The phileo aspect is an everyday word. It means mostly to be able to get along with people, specifically the ones we are in most contact with. It can extend to those we meet in the job, the marketplace, school, etc. It pretty much applies to everyone that we do not have a long-standing, more intimate relationship with.

And yet, it is a part of our growing up to maturity in our Christian life. We need it and achieve it as a fruit of our virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience and godliness. We want a reputation for being able to reach our goals in life. We want people to smile, not run, when they see us coming. To do that, we have to have all the other bricks in place.

Is it a hard thing? Is this what people mean when they say how hard it is to be a Christian? Is it just keeping ourselves from sin, or does it have to do with wanting to do things our own way? Does it represent a crossover point of dealing with others, even others we love? When was the last time we saw someone coming and wanted to run instead of smile?

It’s time to bite the bullet. It’s time to decide if we want this Christian life and lifestyle to be real. After all, what are we working on this wall for? Did we mean it when we started that patience level? And the self-control before that? Even non-Christians have a certain amount of will-power to be able to handle themselves and get along in life.

We are wanting to be good at this thing. We have the advantage the world does not have. It’s called the grace of God. Without that grace, which the Amplified translation calls, “[that merciful kindness by which God exerts His holy influence on souls and turns them to Christ, keeping and strengthening them-“(II Corinthians 6:1 Amplified Classic), there is no real power in ourselves for what we want to do. Try as we might, it just doesn’t last till the next challenge.

Father, thank You so much for Your precious grace. How desperately we need Your “holy influence” to keep us trying and learning and working, especially with our brothers and sisters. Thank You for the big picture of our unity in the faith. Amen.

“The Fruit of Faithfulness Part 2”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 6, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 240802 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 51 – The Fruit of Faithfulness Part 2.MP3

God Is Faithful. He Is always continuously faithful to His word. He cannot deny Himself.

A Born-Again Christian walking in the Ways of the Lord will be faithful to God and His Word and in all that they do.

It is abnormal for a Born-Again Christian to be unfaithful.

A Faithful person is also a person of honor. They can be depended upon. They are steadfast and consistent. They are faithful, honorable, trustworthy, and can be depended upon even when doing a job that they do not like or want to do.

Luke 16: 10 – 13 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. (11) Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (12) And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? (NKJV)

You cannot get anywhere in your Spiritual life without being faithful to God and His Living Word.

Faithfulness to God necessitates faithfulness to men.

God puts His Faithfulness in us so that we can be Faithful to Him. The trait of faithfulness will work in every area of our lives.

If the Fruit of faithfulness is operating in our lives it will make us a dependable and trustworthy person in every area of our lives. Faithfulness will cause us to be a diligent person.

When a person walks in Faithfulness other people think highly of that person.

Even when you are not present your faithfulness will be evident. People will notice it. Your faithfulness will follow wherever you go.

Proverbs 28: 20  A faithful man will abound with blessings, (NKJV)

Your faithfulness has everything to do with your increase in every area of life.

A person who is faithful will be diligent. Diligence that comes from faithfulness will cause you to excel and to be promoted.

The Christian Life is to manifest itself in the faithful discharge of all duties and the honest handling of all things committed to it.

Being Faithful is to be trustworthy and dependable. You will be a person who is faithful to your word.

Colossians 3: 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)

A faithful person is a loyal person. A faithful person can be trusted. They can be trusted even when you can’t see them.

 

“the Fruit of Faithfulness Part 1”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 4, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 240726 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 50 – The Fruit of Faithfulness Pt 1.MP3

A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is committed to and is diligently walking the Love-Walk developing the Fruit of the Spirit in every area of their lives. They are Faithful to God and His Living Word. They walk a life of Faith anchored in God’s Living Word.

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)

Like all the Fruit of the Spirit, Faithfulness flows out of Love. Faithfulness like all the Fruit of the Spirit require the other Fruits to flow in fullness. They draw on one another.

The fruit of the Spirit does not come from a natural source. It comes from God. The Fruit of Faithfulness is the kind of Faithfulness that God has. If we are Born-Again His Faithfulness is in us.

Faith and Faithfulness both come from the same Greek Word πίστις pistis. It can be translated either or both ways.

Faithfulness is the result of our Faith. Faithfulness enables us to be faithful to God and to man.

It is abnormal for a Born-Again Christian to be unfaithful.

Faith is Faithfulness to God’s Word. Faith is a Spiritual force. Faith comes from God. God and His Word are One! John 1: 1. A Born-Again Christian walking in the Ways of the Lord will be faithful to God and His Word.

God Is Faithful. He Is always continuously faithful to His word. He cannot deny Himself.

2nd Timothy 2: 11 – 13 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.(12) If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.(13) If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (NKJV)

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)

Psalm 31: 23 – 24 Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. (24) Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (NKJV)

Psalm 119: 89 – 90 Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. (90) Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides. (NKJV)

Psalm 100: 5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. (NKJV)

1st Corinthians 1: 9 God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (AMP C)

That is exactly the way that we should be living our lives. This is what we should be showing to the World around us.

“Goodness”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 2, 2026
Posted in: Text Messages & Devotionals. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

2 Peter 1:6  “And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.” KJV For godliness, other translations say piety. Strong’s defines piety as holiness. The way it is used in other places seems to mean that godliness is religion. We might have to look at it from the other side, ungodliness. We can sure figure out what that is.

Basically piety, holiness, godliness means to be holy like God. If we are supposed to add this to our patience, it gives us a whole new attitude and motivation. We want to be just like God. Is it possible? After we work on all the previous attributes, our being like God is bound to start showing. There are certainly people in the world who are patient, loving and kind, but it takes more. It takes the knowledge and excellence of Jesus Christ that we are learning to live by.

St. Paul says in Second Corinthians 7:1, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” KJV Perfecting holiness. There are groups of Christians that call themselves “holiness.” Living a holy life according to some of them means rules that fall mainly on the female adherents, including the wearing of dresses instead of pants, long hair (some have never cut their hair in their lives), and not wearing makeup and jewelry. Some of them forbid the men to wear rings, neck chains, tie pins and watches.

They certainly stand out in the world around us. And they have scriptures to back them up. But without judging or criticizing, and with all due respect, does it keep them from sinning? “Perfecting holiness,” like St. Paul speaks of, has to be built on the fruits of the Spirit. We also define holiness as being set apart for service to God. Whatever we do or try to do according to the will of God, we want to clean up our lives from “all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” We have heard that “cleanliness is next to godliness.”

We can also work so hard at not doing ungodly things that we forget all about just being godly. We can get bogged down in our focus at avoiding the ungodly actions that we don’t relax and just let the holiness flow by the Holy Spirit. We need to add some more virtue and knowledge bricks to our wall. Before long we will see the change. We will reap the harvest of godliness as our self-control and patience increases. It all flows and grows together.

1 Peter 1:15-16  “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” KJV He also says in the Amplified version, First Peter 2:4-5  “Come to Him [then, to that] Living Stone which men tried and threw away, but which is chosen [and] precious in God’s sight. [Psa_118:22; Isa_28:16]  [Come] and, like living stones, be yourselves built [into] a spiritual house, for a holy (dedicated, consecrated) priesthood, to offer up [those] spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. “(Amplified Classic)

Other people’s walls are also growing and will meet up with our own. We want to give “all diligence” to make our wall straight and strong, and give support to those around us. We are the “living stones” being built into the spiritual temple of God. Thank You, holy Lord, for keeping us strong as we strive to take our place in the house You are building for Yourself. We want to do our part in the place You have chosen for us and be just like You. Amen.

“Faith vs Fear Part 3”

Posted by mcoxbmi on May 2, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 240719 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 49 – Faith vs Fear Pt 3.MP3

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.

Faith is always applied in the now to the Word not the circumstance or problem.

Fear is always applied in the now to the circumstance or problem.

Faith works with Hope. Fear works with Worry.

Hope is always future. Worry is always focused on the future. Both Hope and Worry operate in the future.

Faith and Hope work together bringing forth manifestation.

Fear and worry work together bringing forth manifestation.

Hebrews 11: 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (NKJV)

Faith applied to God’s Word and acted upon becomes Hope (Absolute Earnest Expectation) leading to the manifestation of the desired results Hoped for.

Fear applied to Satan’s deceptions and acted upon becomes Worry. Worry then becomes doubt and unbelief leading to the manifestation of what was feared.

Faith works by Love. Our Love Walk is vital to our Faith.

Galatians 5: 6b… faith which worketh by love. (KJV)

(NKJV) faith working through love. 

Faith comes by hearing God’s Living Word.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)

Fear also comes by hearing. Hearing the words of Satan and the world.

Once Faith comes it is then developed through meditating and acting on God’s Living Word which is Absolute Truth.

Faith is applied by speaking of things that are not as though they were.

Fear is also applied by speaking of things that are not as though they were.

Faith applied to the abiding Word in the heart of the believer brings forth Life.

Proverbs. 4: 20 – 23 My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. (22) For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. (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)

Fear applied to Satan’s Lies and deceptions bring forth death.

 

“PATIENCE”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 29, 2026
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Ah, patience. The one thing we seem to need more than anything else. Do we really want it? Why do we have to wait for anything? Why does everything take so long? St. Peter says to add it to our temperance. Isn’t it the same thing? Of course, it would be impossible to have patience without some self-control. But I need faith, virtue, knowledge and temperance in place, before I even have a place to add patience.

Once I have the virtue, knowledge and temperance in place on my firm foundation of faith, patience should fit right in. Maybe. I need the virtue: excellence, resolution, and Christian energy to know what to do with the knowledge. I need the knowledge to be able to understand why I need temperance. And without those things, patience wouldn’t have anything to stand on. I may have the self-control to hold my temper, but I would end up pretty miserable before I got good at patience.

St. Paul puts patience in his list of spiritual fruits in 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, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].”  That’s the Amplified Classic version. It defines patience as an even temper, forbearance. The King James calls it “long suffering!”

It’s long suffering all right! But as a fruit of the Holy Spirit that His presence within is accomplishing, that means it is already inside us as a fruit seed. If we learn to exercise it, it will grow. Not only will we notice the difference it makes in ourselves, other people will take notice of it. Won’t they be surprised! In our instant gratification society where we want everything done for us yesterday, we will stand out like a sore thumb!

All these things help us in our daily lives. But just like the spiritual gifts in I Corinthians 12, they are for other people. Christianity is a life of service. These attributes aren’t just for ourselves. They work on us and through us to serve. In serving others we serve Jesus Himself. He said so in Matthew 25. And we can’t forget that as we build our wall, there are people building walls on either side of us. When we meet up, we want our wall to be straight, strong and level.

So we suffer a little. Maybe a lot. But it says in Romans 5: 1-5: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (KJV)

Tribulations? Ugh. People say, “Don’t pray for patience, you will get trouble.” What you will get is the opportunity to exercise patience. Trouble is out there. It is worse some days than others. But praying for patience isn’t how to get it. It is already there in our spirits from the Holy Spirit Himself. What we need to do is exercise it like St. Peter says. Exercise what we have to develop what we need.

Thank You, glorious Lord, for Your own precious example of how patiently You endured Your entire life and death. We will never suffer as bad as You did. According to Matthew 25, it is You who patiently wait for us to serve You by serving others. As St. Paul says, we are patiently running the race to win the prize of life everlasting (Hebrews 12:1 KJV). Amen.

“Faith vs Fear Part 2”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 29, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 240712 – Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 48 – Faith vs Fear Part 2.MP3

To a person who knows Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, Faith which works by Love, is a natural normal way of life. A believer who does not walk the Love Walk and live by faith they are abnormal.

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.

Romans 1: 17b… “THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” (NKJV)

Because we have been Justified by Faith (Romans 5: 1 – 2) we shall live by Faith.

Romans 5: 1 – 2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (NKJV)

1st John 4: 15 – 18 Whoever 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. (18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (NKJV)

To a person who does not know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, Fear is a natural normal way of life.

1st John 4: 7 – 8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (8) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (NKJV)

Jesus is the Author and Developer of our faith.

Hebrews. 12: 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NKJV)

Satan is the Author and Developer of Fear.

Satan is Hate and Fear the way that God Is Love and Faith.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for.

Hebrews 11: 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (NKJV)

Fear is the substance of things not desired.

Faith is an action word.

James 1: 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (NKJV)

James 2: 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (NKJV)

Fear is also an action word. When you act on fear it will produce what you are fearing.

Faith acted on produces the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.

Fear acted on produces the law of sin and death.

“TEMPERANCE or Self-Control”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 24, 2026
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Second Peter 1:6 tells us that to our knowledge we should add temperance. Temperance means self-control. Is that really necessary when we already have some virtue bricks in place? If we are going to have any self-control, we need to have a lot of virtue, excellence, Christian energy and resolution first. Then we can build our knowledge base in order to know what self-control is. It takes both virtue and knowledge to teach us about self-control, and even give us a reason to practice it.

I’ve seen people who seemed excellent to me and seemed to have lots of knowledge. But there was something about them that was sort of unpredictable. Or they had some really bad habits. In Galatians 5:23, temperance or self-control is the last thing in St. Paul’s list of fruit of the Spirit. Since he considers it a fruit of the Spirit, we believe that the kernel of it is already present in us as soon as we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation. That is when the Holy Spirit plants His little tiny fruits in us. It is up to us then to make then grow through practice.

That is the point that St. Peter is making when he says to “add” each attribute to the ones he listed before. We have to start someplace. Learning to live the Christian life isn’t all faith. It isn’t all knowledge. It includes “tempering” our lives through experience. It is using our Christian energy (virtue) and the wisdom and understanding we are finding in the WORD about Jesus and His life (knowledge) to begin to control our thoughts, our impulses, our conversation.

It’s not something that is impossible. As we build these bricks into our wall, the Holy Spirit is there to catch us when we waver. If we have spent our lives in anger and bad temperament, it will show pretty quickly what we need to work on. Once we have the grace and influence of the Holy Spirit and God’s WORD working in our lives, as well as increasing in virtue and knowledge, we will begin to catch ourselves when the heat is on. We can get to the place where we see the importance of controlling our mouths, our temptation to lash out physically, our temptation to run away and hide.

We will also see the benefits of treating others kindly when they are being mean or ignorant. We will restrain ourselves from turning that stubborn project into a pile of smoking ruins. We will “stop, drop and roll” when the “fiery trials” of life try to consume us. (1 Peter 4:12 KJV)

It doesn’t happen all at once. It is a journey. We can look back and see how far we have come. Even if it seems like we will never make it, we are better now than we were. Believe me, the people in our lives will notice! They won’t have to walk on eggshells around us anymore.

It is a journey, a journey into peace. As we sow peaceful seeds, we will reap and enjoy a peaceful harvest. There is no substitute. The solution to anger management? Temperance. The cure for ulcers and high blood pressure? Temperance. The cure for lust and the sins that so easily beset us? You guessed it. Temperance.

We might have to do like Jesus did in John chapter 8, bend down and write on the ground while we plan our next move. While we pray and wait, like He did, waiting for His Father’s instructions. But the difference in our lives will show. And we have the help of the Holy Spirit to make us strong. Oh, thank You, Lord, that we can be strong in You and in the power of Your might. Thank You for the faith, virtue and knowledge along the way. Amen.

“Faith vs Fear Part 1”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 22, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 240705 Walking in the Ways of the Lord Pt 47 – Faith vs Fear Part 1.mp3

Real Faith is at rest, anchored, and steadfast in the absolute Truth of God’s Living Word.

When we have unforgiveness, worry, fear, and strife working in your life we are never at rest.

For us to properly understand Faith, it is necessary for us to understand what Fear is and how it works.

You cannot walk in Faith and Fear, or Love and Fear, at the same time.

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)

Love, The Living Word, and Faith are involved in everything that God does.

Fear, worry, deception, and strife are the Satan’s big guns, his big weapons. They are involved in everything that he does.

All fear is self-centered. It always focuses on self. Love is others centered. It always focuses on others.

Whenever our focus is on ourselves rather than others, we have the foundation necessary to produce iniquity and sin. That foundation of iniquity and sin opens the door for fear to function and rule.

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)

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)

Love and Fear cannot exist together. They are direct opposites.

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)

“Entering the Rest of Faith”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 20, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 240628 Walking in the Ways of The Lord Part 46 – Entering the Rest of Faith.MP3

Our faith applied to the Living Word that activates the Word.

Once that Word is activated by our Faith applied to the Word we must maintain our Faith in that Word.

Since Faith can only work in the now moment both Patience and Hope are both vital to maintaining our Faith in the Word.

Hebrews 11: 1 NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. (AMP C)

Faith is applied to the Word, not to the circumstance or desired result.

Our Faith and Hope applied to the Word work together along with Patience to bring forth the desired result.

James 1: 4  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (NKJV)

Mark 11: 22 – 26 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. (23) For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. (24) Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (25) “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you yourtrespasses. (26) But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (NKJV) 

(***AMP C) Mark 11: 25 – 26 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.(26) But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings (AMP C)

Faith works by Love. You cannot walk in Love and unforgiveness, worry, fear, and strife at the same time.

Love and Faith are Spiritual forces. Unforgiveness, worry, fear, and strife are carnal or fleshly.

You and only you choose which one you are walking in. When you choose unforgiveness, worry, fear, and strife instead of Love your Faith will not work.

Real Faith is at rest, anchored, and steadfast in the absolute Truth of God’s Living Word.

When you have unforgiveness, worry, fear, and strife working in your life you are never at rest.

“Your Faith – The Activator”

Posted by mcoxbmi on April 9, 2026
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Download This Message –>> 240614 Walking in the Ways of The Lord Part 45 – Your Faith – The Activator.mp3

A person walking in the ways of the Lord is a person who is committed to and is diligently walking the Love-Walk developing the Fruit of the Spirit in every area of their lives. They are Faithful to God and His Living Word. They walk a life of Faith anchored in God’s Living Word.

The Bible definition for Faith is found in Hebrews 11: 1.

Hebrews 11: 1 NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. (AMP C)

Faith is always now. Faith can only work in the now. Faith cannot work in the future. Hope works only in the future as a blueprint and guide for our now faith.

Faith and hope are both anchored in God’s Word. Faith and Hope work together along with Patience. All work by Love.

Faith is a Heart Condition

When Faith, Patience, and Hope all meet in a now moment you have manifestation.

God’s Word is absolute truth ** It is whether I believe it or not. It is absolute truth!

** John 17: 17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. (Amp. C)

Faith applied to the absolute truth of God’s Word always brings results.

Ephesians 3: 20  Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (NKJV) 

Mark 9: 22 – 23 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. (23) ” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (NKJV)

Matthew 17: 19 – 20 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” (20) So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. (NKJV)

The now faith of the people was involved in the miracles that Jesus did. Your Faith has made you whole. Be it unto you according to your faith.

It is still the same today. Our now faith is also involved.

Matthew 7: 7 – 8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (8) For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (NKJV)