Bitter or Better –it’s a matter of “I”

Bitter or Better –it’s a matter of “I”

1 John 5:4, 5. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

James 1: 21, 22“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Do not be just hearers of the Word but doers of the Word.

We face difficult situations. Life hits you hard. Life gets tough. How do you respond? When you go through tough times in life, do should not allow the tough times to go through you. When you go through the storm, do not allow the storm to go through you. To allow the storm to go through you or keep it out is your choice.

No matter who says what, or what happens, it’s your choice to be bitter or better. To be bitter or better is a matter of a difference of a letter, the letter I. It all depends on you. You cannot change everybody around you to make you feel better. Whoever is born of God has overcome the world. If you are born of God, you have the possibility of having undisturbed peace.

It makes us think that it probably was impossible for the disciples, not to be troubled when Jesus began to tell them of His death and the Cross. The disciples had left all to follow Jesus hoping that soon a day would come when Jesus would do away with the Roman empire and he’d become King. The disciples were hoping to reign with Him and here was Jesus talking about Laying down His life, doing the will of the one who sent Him, the Cross and going to a place where the disciples will not be able to come. Jesus knew everything that His disciples would go through. But at this juncture, Jesus says in John 14: 1,” Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God. Believe also in me.” God is a just and fair God. Whatever He asks of us is possible otherwise He wouldn’t ask us. When Jesus asked His disciples not be troubled, He meant it. To let your heart not to be troubled is a possibility. If you are born of God, you can overcome the world. It’s all about how much you value the Word of God.

Emotions are not the result of your circumstances. It is the result of your thought process. If you choose to have right thoughts, you will have right emotions. We need to make a conscious choice not to catch every thought the evil one throws at us when we are pressed. We need to tell ourselves that, “I have the mind of Christ and I am called to live above and crumble underneath the pressures of life.”. Let us not forget to remember once again that whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.

Knowing God

Knowing God

We believe God loves us and we are saved by His grace. We believe in the finished act of Jesus. Salvation is of the Lord. What is the ultimate goal of salvation?

A relationship with Him is the ultimate goal of salvation. God saved us because He wanted a relationship with us. Salvation is not all about do’s and don’ts. We can never earn God’s acceptance by our performance. He accepts you because of Christ’s work on the Cross! God longs for a relationship with us.

Psalm 103: 7 says,” He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel” .Believers in the Church fall into two categories:

1.        People who want to know God’s ways.

2.        People who want to know his acts.

Israel lived in a miracle culture. They got manna (angel’s food) from heaven, their sandals didn’t wear out. They drank water from the rock. They walked on dry land on the bed of the sea. But they never had a consistent walk with God. How is your walk with God?

Your God is a gentleman. He never forces His way in. He doesn’t want forced worship. He wants your  love by choice.

We see in Exo 33:12-23, Moses talking to God. He was on the mountain 40 days, received the Ten Commandments, now He goes up the mountain and says “Show me Your Glory Lord!” He longs to know God and His ways. The problem with today’s Church is that we think we know God. But Moses said, “I want to know you more, I want to see your face.” And that’s why when the People of Israel saw the acts of God, God revealed His ways to Moses.

David was king of all Israel. Even though he was a great king, He consulted with God in every matter. David had fought the Philistines many a time. But in 1 Chorn 14: 10, we see that when the Philistines came to war against David again, He inquired of God and God asked him to go ahead to war against them. David won the battle and once again the Philistines came to war against him. So again David inquired of God and this time God asked him to deal with them in a different way. The Problem with us is that we think we know everything and don’t have to enquire of the Lord. Each time we have to inquire of God to know His ways. Our heart must long to know His ways.

Abraham also was a person who wanted to know the ways of God. In Gen 18: 17, “And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing”. That was the intimacy that Abraham had with God. David also was a man who wanted to know the ways of God. It calls for consecration (to set apart).

Are we willing to tarry in the Presence of the Lord or are we giving Him hurried visits? God said “Here is a place by Me….I will put you in the cleft of the rock…”There is a cleft in the rock. That rock is Jesus. 1 Cor 10: 4 says,” That Rock was Christ”.

He was broken and therefore there is a cleft in the Rock where you and I may come and Know God. On the Cross He was split open so that there can be a cleft where you can be. There is a place beside Him. We should be in that place. You can be there and see the glory of God. Unless we are in that place, we can’t hear from God. We need to pay a price for that. Moses was not perfect. But Moses was in a perfect place. Every Believer is called to a life of consecration. Absolute consecration happens when you come to the end of yourself.

Phil 3: 12 says, “Not that I have already attained or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” Phil 3: 7, 8 says,” But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” Absolute consecration is when you count all things loss to gain Christ.

Paul was a person who wanted to know Him more. (See Phil 3: 10).  Eph 3: 19 says,” To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” The point of consecration starts with the revelation of God’s love for you. The question is do you really know that God loves you? Do you know it deep down in your heart? Do you know about the Love of God or do you know the Love of God? Do you know about God or do you know your God? Are you a person who is longing to know the ways of God?

Knowing God is eternal life. John 17: 3 says, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent”. Everything starts with knowing your God.

 

Jesus - the Ark of the New Covenant

Jesus - the Ark of the New Covenant

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

Cast Down but Unconquered

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.

And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Matthew 7:14-27

Build on the Rock

 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Exodus 2:1-3

Moses Is Born

 And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank.

We expect as Christian to be exempted from trouble. However, in this world we experience the same problems as our friends who are not saved. However, we worship a God who does not protect us from the Fire, but he is a God who can protect us in the Fire.

You need to understand

-          It’s not about what you are going through

-          It’s not important what you are going through

What matters is

-          In what are you going through?

-          Are you in the Ark?

Noah was in a flood that wiped away the earth; However, Noah was in the Ark. The ark was designed to go through the flood, but not sink.

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed

In the scripture above “We” refers to earthen vessels. Imagine an earthen vessel being hard-pressed on every side.

It’s not important what you are going through, but in what are you going through, is what matters.

Noah was not protected because of his condition, but because of his position. He was in the Ark. Moses was protected because he was in the Ark.

We have a solid rock on which we can stand. We have a position in Christ. Christ is the Ark of the New Covenant. God will make a difference

The problem with today’s Church is we are “Emotional babes”, we all want feelings.

Consider the person who built his house on the Rock. In case he had stepped out and seen the storm,  had seen what happened to the other person, if he had see how the other person’s house on the sand  had fallen, he would have felt his house will also not survive the storm.

We miss out on a lot of things because of our feelings. Feelings are not based on facts. Feelings are not stable. We keep sinning because we go by feelings when the fact is, we are dead to sin.

The Word has got all the answers. We should learn to stand on the scriptures and make it our solid foundation.

We go through troubles because of the following reasons.

-          We make foolish decisions and blame God for it. We feel that God should have stopped us from making that decision.

Proverbs 19:3

 The foolishness of a man twists his way,

      And his heart frets against the LORD.

-          Other peoples choices affect us and we blame God for it

When we have such a thought, we should have no doubt that it is from the devil.

John the Baptist knew who he was. He knew for whom he was preparing the way. When he was asked he quoted Isaiah 40:3

 The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

      “Prepare the way of the LORD;

      Make straight in the desert

      A highway for our God.

John knew the book of Isaiah very well. However, when Herod put him in prison, John did not feel Jesus anymore. John sent 2 of his disciples to Jesus to check with him “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

Matthew 11:4-6

 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Isaiah 35:5

  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

      And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

       Then the lame shall leap like a deer,

      And the tongue of the dumb sing.

This was the Job description of the Messiah. Jesus chose to answer John from Isaiah.

We should not look at what we are going through; we should look at the Word. When Noah built the Ark there was no sign of rain. He spent many years building the ark. When he had finished the Ark, it had everything but a rudder. The Ark was the rudder for Noah’s life. We need to take our eyes off everything. The Ark is prepared in such a way that nothing affects us.

Acts 28:3-6

But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

There would be people around you waiting for you to die. Paul knew God had promised him that he would be brought before Caesar. He knew that no Viper could kill him because he was in the purpose of God.

The biggest lie of the devil is “God’s word is not practical”

You are not just an earthen vessel, you have God in you. The Word says “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Your relationship with God is most important. When you have a relationship with God, you will know His will. The moment you pray, you know it’s done. It is not mind over matter.

Faith is not twisting God’s arm to do something for you. God never reacts, he always acts. As for forgiveness of Sins, healing and deliverance it’s a finished act. Finished act is called a Fact.

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. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Mark 11:23

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.

When you ask but have doubt, it is like faith pulling you on one side and doubt on another. When the force is equal, you don’t move, nothing happens. When there is a plane crash, no one doubts the Laws of Aerodynamics, Law of Faith always works. Word of God always works.

At some point in our Christian walk we need to acknowledge that the Bible is not just a book. It is God’s Word.

Amen.

Drifting Away

Drifting Away

Hebrews 2:1-4

Do Not Neglect Salvation

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

Revelation 2:1-8

The Loveless Church

 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’

Hebrews 2:1

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

We need to give earnest heed to the sermons we hear week after week. If we are not serious about God's word, we would end up drifting away. The Greek word for Drifting away is leaking or going away. For example a Pot which is filled with water but has a leak appears to be full, however it is slowly but surely getting empty. Our spiritual life, sometimes, is similar to a leaking Pot.

We are not serious about God's word. We are playing Church. The Church of Ephesus was considered to be the best compared to any other Church. Paul in the letter to the Ephesians says in 1:15-16 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.

However, the same Church is addressed in Revelation 2:4-5 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Salvation is by Grace through Faith, not by works. It does not depend on your Church attendance or you tithing or the things you have done for the Church. You know your name is written in Book of Life by Faith. Once you are saved you are saved forever. However only an Overcomer  will be raptured. If you are not an over comer, you will be left behind with the AntiChrist. Are you an Over comer? Only an Overcoming Believer can find his place in the Kingdom of Heavens during the millennial rule.  

The Ephesians’ Church had left their first (best) love.

What is your First Love?

What are you working for?

Why do you want to get married?

Why do you want to have children?

Is your life Christ’s love driven?

If you think you can change, you need to understand, there are 3 things in Life that are not a Miracle.3 things that do not change you overnight.

- New Year night is not a Miracle Night. Nothing changes when the clock strikes 12!

- Marriage does not change you.

- Death does not change anything. You just die in the same state.

We cannot continue to live lethargic lives and not be watchful. God has to deal with you to make you like Him. Working out your Salvation is allowing God to live in you, not you living for Christ.

I Corinthians 3:11-15

 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

The Day of the Lord is fast approaching. Your works to be revealed. Whatever work is born out of love will stand the test. Are you ready?

According to today’s Churches only the following fall under the category of Sinning 

- Smoking

- Alcohol

- Adultery

- Bank Robbery

- Murder

However, we fail to consider Laziness, lethargy, prayer less lifestyle or no desire for Evangelism as Sin.

When you are out of the Purpose of God it's sin.

Matthew 24:45-46

 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.

When the Master comes what will he find you doing? Will he find you faithful before God and wise before men? Many of us are wise before men. We are careful to be an example before men. But are we Faithful before God? In Secret Hw is your life before God?  When the Master comes back, will He find you Faithful? Every believer will receive "Eternal life", but only the faithful will receive "The Crown of Life". The Crown and Throne are only for the Faithful.

God’s discipline is to bring His nature in you.

To lead an Overcoming life is Impossible; it is possible only by God through God.

I Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

Paul the apostle says “But I discipline my body and bring it to subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

We need to be disciplined children, being watchful. Looking out not to satisfy ourselves but for opportunities to build His Kingdom.

I Corinthians 9:16

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

It does not say, woe is me if I don’t hear the Gospel, it says Woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel. Necessity is laid upon us to share the Gospel. We need to revive Prayer & Evangelism.

2 Corinthians 5:13, 14

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;

Do you get beside yourself when it comes to the things of God? Are you crazy about God’s stuff? Paul says “The Love of Christ compels us...” Does the Love of Christ compel you to do the things you are doing?

May God grant us the grace! May He find us wise and faithful when He comes back. O that our lives will be disciplined lives and our work will stand the Fire when tested! Church let us return to our First (Best) love and our First works.O that our lives will be driven by your love alone O’ God!

Amen.

God's word in your life shall come to pass...

“So shall My word be that

                Goes forth from My mouth;

   It shall not return to ME void,

                But it shall accomplish what I please,

And it shall prosper in the

                Thing for which I sent it.”

                                                                                Isaiah 55:11

                               

Scripture Portion: Isaiah 55:8-11

Every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God will definitely be fulfilled. It will accomplish that which God pleases and it shall prosper in the thing whereto God sends it. It will not go back void.

                Remember, every promise God has given you in your life through every word will be fulfilled. There may be a time delay but it does not mean that God has forgotten or God had told a lie. Have faith in God’s Word. Every Word uttered by God for you, will be fulfilled by God.

                When you look at Abraham’s life, you see God gave him a promise. Though it was delayed, His Word accomplished God’s purpose. God blessed Sarah with Isaac, an heir to Abraham. Abraham did not look at situations but only looked to God who gave him the promise. He did not doubt whether it was God who spoke to him or a man. Many would have discouraged him asking him what happened to God’s promise. In the midst of discouragements and disappointment he clung to the promise. At God’s appointed time, God’s word was fulfilled.

                Do not lament that God’s promises are yet to be fulfilled. Just be still and know that HE is God. The LORD who gave you the promise will certainly fulfill it for you. Wait at God’s feet.

                                                                                                             

   GOD’S WORD NEVER FAILS.