God’s Forgiveness is Forever & Ever!

John 3:16 (KJV) 16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Notice that God loved the whole world not just His people. That means He loved the heathen too – the very ones that were worshipping idols and doing all manner of evil.

Genesis 6:5 (KJV) 5  And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV) 9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

You see, God doesn’t just have love, He actually is love! He is love personified! If you want to know what real love is, look at our Heavenly Father.

When He gave His Son, Jesus, He gave everything He had. Jesus is the epitome of all that God is, has, and does, forever and always.

Therefore, I submit to you that when God gave His all in all through Jesus, it was a complete gift to us – nothing missing or left out – healing, deliverance, prosperity, protection, etc. He gave it all.

I’m making a point of this for a reason because Jesus’ Blood was the perfect atonement for the sins of all mankind – past, present, and future. He left nothing undone. If Jesus’ Blood wasn’t enough to satisfy the claims of justice in the Supreme Court of Heaven, then we’re all doomed to spend eternity in hell.

Let me say it another way. If we think that we have to do something to atone for our sins, that we still have to appease an angry God, we’re still doomed to hell because we can’t be good enough or do enough to atone for our sins. Jesus did it all! Our good works don’t make God love us more. Our good works make us love God more. Praise the Lord of Glory!

Remember the Law? God gave the Law to show mankind that they couldn’t fulfill it. There was no way anyone could keep the Law perfectly. It was given to show us that we need a Savior – and we’re not Him! You see, God never intended for us to be able to keep the Law.

Before the Law – for 2000 years – there was no Law. People did what was right in their own eyes and as we saw in the above scriptures, all of that was evil. So, because God didn’t punish them for their sins, they took that as approval from God. Well, things had to change. Enter the Law to show them what the standard of holiness really was.

But Jesus! When Jesus came, 2000 years later, and gave His life, His Blood, as the ultimate atonement for all mankind, God’s wrath was appeased and we are now living under grace. God is not imputing our sins to us [II Cor. 5:19]. He put them all on Jesus. We are no longer under condemnation from God. We’ve been forgiven, forever and ever!

However, with God, there is always a God-part and man-part. God has already done His part. His wrath has been appeased and He’s no longer angry. He’s not even in a bad mood! But, we now have our part to do and that is to receive as a free gift what Jesus did for us.

When you acknowledge the sacrifice of Jesus for yourself and make Him Lord and Savior of your life, you then become a born-again child of God – a new species of being that never existed before [II Cor. 5:17]. Your spirit, the real you, has now come alive to God and you can now commune with God – spirit to Spirit. How blessed we are!

2 Corinthians 5:19 (KJV) 19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV) 23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) 17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

John 4:24 (KJV) 24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

 —Pamela

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the Truth Makes You Free, Which Truth is it?

John 8:31-32 (KJV) 31  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

[The Greek word for make means liberate. Keep this in mind.]

Even though Jesus said, “The truth shall make you free,” that’s not the whole message. We do ourselves a great injustice when we just pull a scripture out of context and try to make a doctrine out of it. When we do that, we forfeit God’s intended meaning and put ourselves in bondage.

How many times have you heard the “world” use the expression: the truth shall make you free? I’ve heard it on TV, of all places, spoken by unsaved people!

Yes, there are many truths and facts out there: the working of electricity, transmission of sound waves, gravity, etc. But these are not what Jesus was speaking of. He was talking about His Word and the TRUTH of His Word that would make you free: free from sickness and disease, free from depression, free from lack and poverty, etc. You get the picture.

It’s evident that there are truths all around us. But as you know and observe, most of the world is not free. Most of the world is in bondage to the wiles and evil schemes of the devil.

So, what do we do to get THE TRUTH to make us free? Look at what Jesus said.

 John 8:31b-32 (KJV) 31  … If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Notice that Jesus said if you continue in His Word, you’re His disciple and then you’d know the truth and that truth working in you would liberate. You can’t have God’s results without having God’s Word working in you.

This is where most Christians miss it. It’s not just knowing the scriptures in your head, it’s continuing, remaining, and abiding in them so that they get down into your spirit where they take root and marinate and develop and come forth with dunamis power! John 15:5 says we are to stay connected to the Vine – Jesus, the Word – because without Him we can do nothing but with Him we can do all things!

John 15:5 (KJV) 5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

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

To continue in His Word is to honor and value it: read it, study it, meditate on it, think about it, and confess it – speak it forth. Take Romans 10:9-10 – the Roman Road to Salvation. Yes, it is the truth but if you don’t know it, and do it, you won’t get saved. We have to confess the Lord Jesus as the Son of God with our mouths and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead in order to get saved.

We have our part to do. If we just give mental assent – just head knowledge – to His Word, it won’t produce salvation. God has already given. Our part is to receive. Truth not acted on won’t make you free.

It’s the same with healing, deliverance, provision, protection, and all the other promises of God. God’s already given; we must do the receiving.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV) 20  For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

So, it all goes back to knowing God’s Word. And, unfortunately, there seems to be a famine in most Christian’s lives concerning the Word of God. Apart from the Word, we don’t have any substance on which to stand.

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

We can’t even pray in faith if we’re not praying according to the Word. Our prayers have to be based on God’s Word if we want God’s results. Don’t just shoot up a prayer and hope it sticks! Get into God’s Word and find out what He’s already promised you. Then stand on those promises. God always backs up His Word.

Psalm 119:89 (KJV) 89  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV) 11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Jeremiah 1:12 (KJV) 12  Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.
Jeremiah 1:12 (AMP) 12  Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) 12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (AMP) 12  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.

Brothers and sisters, these are perilous times we live in [II Timothy 3:1-7]. We need the “big guns” to stay steady and connected to the Lord in the face of all the evil arrayed against us. Thank the Lord of Glory that He’s totally equipped us with His Word for a time such as this. And just like Joshua and Caleb, we are well able to take the land. We have to get God’s Word in us and then trust it because that’s where the power is.

Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) 20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Yes, we all can agree that God is able. His ability is not even in question. We have His power in our re-born spirit but how much is actually working? And as I always say, we have our part to do. We have to activate that power by using our faith and drawing it out to where it explodes into manifestation.

The power is in God’s Word because that’s where faith is. We must continually sow the Word into our hearts where it takes root and becomes a powerful weapon against the enemy when we speak it.

Remember, it’s only the TRUTH that you know, believe, and walk in that makes you free.

Thank You Lord for Your unspeakable gift!

Pamela

Who’s Sitting on the Throne of Your Life?

Is God sitting on the throne of your life or are you? Who’s in charge? You or God?

We all would like to say that God is on the throne of our life – that yes, Jesus is Lord of my life – but remember, God gave us a free will and many of us are using it to our detriment.

Do you read God’s Word and ignore walking in what He has said? Do you make up your own plans and then ask God to bless them? Do you waffle and waver when you know God is speaking to you about certain situations?

Your free will should be used to say yes to God’s ways and plans for you. All of His ways are so much better than yours. So, why do you think you can run your life so much better than He can? Pride, for one thing!

Jeremiah 10:23 (KJV) 23  O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

We are tripartite beings – spirit, soul, and body. The real us is our spirit man –our inner man. We have a soul, which is our mind, will, emotions, personality, character, and we live in a body, our outward man. [I Thes. 5:23]

Because God is a Spirit [John 4:24], we have to contact God spirit to Spirit, with our inner man. We don’t contact God with our minds or our bodies. We contact Him with our spirit. That’s where all the good stuff is! That’s where the Holy Spirit resides. We are powerhouses because the Holy Spirit indwells us, if we’ve been born-again.

But, as I always say, there’s a God-part and a man-part. God has already done His part. He’s already given us everything pertaining to life and godliness, and everything resides in our reborn spirit – perfect, whole, and complete in every way. Your spirit is perfect, whole, and complete and can’t get any more perfect. It’s already as perfect as Jesus because we’re joined with Him. We’re one with Him. [I Cor. 6:17; John 17:11]

The word one is heis in Greek and means singular to the exclusion of another. We are one with Jesus and our spirit is as perfect as it will ever be – just like Jesus. I know that’s a mouthful but God said it and that settles it!

As we yield more and more to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives and live according to His Word, we draw on His promises through faith. That’s where we experience all that God has for us.

Abdicate the throne of your life and let Jesus be Lord!

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV) 23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 4:24 (KJV) 24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

1 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV) 17  But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
John 17:11 (KJV) 11  And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

 Pamela

Walk in the Light & You Won’t Get Tripped Up!

You don’t have to rebuke the darkness; just turn on the light and it will scatter the darkness!

Genesis 1:3 (KJV) 3  And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

In Genesis when God looked out and saw the darkness, He didn’t rebuke it. He simply commanded, “Light be!” and light was and continues to be. Actually, what happened is that God spoke faith-filled words and His faith empowered His words and light came forth.

Words are containers that hold faith and when you speak God’s Words in faith, things happen!

So, just what is light and why should this be important to us? Paul prayed in Ephesians that the eyes of our understanding would be enlightened, that we would be illuminated regarding the things of God. And that’s what light is – illumination, exposure. Light scatters the darkness and enables us to see what was previously hidden from our view.

However, natural, unsaved man cannot receive spiritual light and understanding. It’s only when we get born-again that our reborn spirits come alive to God and we then have the capacity to receive spiritual light and illumination from the Word of God.

I remember the times before I got saved when I tried to read the Bible but didn’t get very far because I couldn’t understand it. However, once I got born-again, I had an insatiable thirst and desire to read the Word of God and to learn everything I could. And the good thing is that I began to understand some things which really thrilled me! The eyes of my understanding were being enlightened.

Remember when Jesus announced that He was the Light of the world and Him is no darkness? Well, Jesus and His Word are One and in the Word of God there is no darkness. If you want to know the truth, it’s in the Word of God. And the light of the Word will expose the darkness and steer you in the right direction.

Like I always say, the Word of God has to be the benchmark from which everything is measured. Let me give you some more scriptures:

Psalm 119:105 (KJV) 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:130 (KJV) 130  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
If you want to walk in the light, you must walk in the Word. God has already made a way for you but you must do it.  We don’t know how to rightly direct our steps.

Jeremiah 10:23 (KJV) 23  O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

John 8:12 (KJV) 12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Without Jesus, people are walking in darkness. Actually, I experienced this when I got born-again. I noticed how bright and clear everything in the natural looked. It made me very aware of how dark everything was before I made Jesus my Lord and Savior. Truly my eyes were opened!

2 Samuel 22:29 (KJV) 29  For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness

You can always count on the Holy Spirit to reveal light to you so you don’t ever have to get stuck in the darkness. Of course, you have to use your faith and listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 11:34-36 (KJV) 34  The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
35  Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
36  If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

What you look at, think about, meditate, and focus on becomes light or darkness. You choose. If you focus on the Word, you get light. If you focus on the world’s ways, you get darkness. And there’s a lot of it out there!

Romans 13:12 (KJV) 12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

 You are the one who casts of the works off darkness and you are the one who puts on the armor of light. The light of God’s Word protects you because He always gives you a way to go. Clothe yourself with the light of God’s Word.

 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) 13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV) 4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Satan blinds those who don’t believe because he doesn’t want the light of the gospel to expose him and thereby draw people to God.

2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV) 14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Light and darkness have no relationship to be had.

2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV) 6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
In God’s light we see His glory!

 Ephesians 5:8 (KJV) 8  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
As we walk as children of light, we know where we’re going and we don’t stumble along the way in darkness. The light of God’s Word will reveal to us traps and snares of the devil.

 1 Thessalonians 5:5 (KJV) 5  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

 We are children of light. Therefore, we should walk in the light as He is in the light. Remember, Jesus and His Word are One so if you walk in the Word of God, you’ll be walking as Jesus is in the light.

1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) 9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
God has called us out of the darkness and into His marvelous light! We don’t have to be in darkness.

 Psalm 36:9b (KJV) … in thy light shall we see light.

Check out my blog entitled, “Light Begets More Light.”

Isaiah 5:20 (KJV) 20  Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

This is heavy! When God says woe unto them, look out! We see a lot of this happening today where people are calling good evil and evil good. Things that were considered taboo fifty years ago are accepted as normal today! How far have people fallen!

Psalm 104:2 (KJV) 2  Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
I love this scripture. God wears light as a garment!

 Revelation 21:23 (KJV) 23  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
This is awesome! The glory of God and Jesus will be our light in Heaven!

Matthew 5:15-16 (KJV) 15  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

God tells us not to put our lamp under a bushel but to shine brightly in a crooked and perverse world sot the goodness of God will be seen on us and draw many to Him!

Romans 2:4 (KJV) 4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Proverbs 20:27 (KJV) 27  The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
John 3:19-21 (KJV) 19  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

  — Pamela

 

What are You Looking at?

What are You Looking at?

2 Corinthians 4:18 (KJV) 18  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

What this means is that everything that’s temporary can be changed by the things that are eternal – the spirit realm – because that’s where the answers are. And the good thing is that everything on planet earth is temporary – temporal. Nothing in this natural, physical realm lasts forever – even the earth.

2 Peter 3:12-13 (KJV) 12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Revelation 21:1 (KJV) 1  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Now, about the temporary things that we deal with. All temporary things on planet earth can be changed by the Word of God. As Dennis Burke says, “If words can change my eternal destiny, then words can change my present circumstances!” So just what are these temporary things? They’re sickness, disease, poverty, depression, addictions emotional problems, financial issues, etc. I think you get the picture—whatever is on planet earth is temporary and subject to change by God’s Word. And all these issues can be changed by God’s Word. Too many Christians have accepted the devil’s lies and have succumbed to living a life far below what God has already provided for us: divine health, peace of mind, joy, freedom from oppression and all kinds of emotional issues, provision, prosperity, walking in God’s love, etc. Our part is to speak God’s Word into the situations of life and expect change.

So, what’s the key to walking in all that God has for us? Faith! Faith is the key ingredient for the recipe of success and victory. By faith we access the power of God and bring the answer from the spirit realm into manifestation in the physical realm. Faith changes things because that’s how God operates and we’re made in His image. He told us to “speak to the mountain” and it would obey us! [Mark 11:23] And the good news is that it’s really God’s faith that we’re using to access His power! Think about that! [Gal. 2:20]

When we get born-again, we’re given the measure of faith and that faith is the faith of Jesus. [Rom. 12:3] But, what we do with that faith determines how much victory we walk in. Remember, faith in God comes by hearing His Word because that’s where faith is. [Rom. 10:17] God is a faith God and everything He ever did, does, and will do is by faith.

So, if you’re going to change things in the natural, physical realm by faith, you need to know what faith is and how to use it.

Basically, faith believes what God has said in His Word and acts accordingly. I like Andrew Wommack’s definition of faith: It’s our positive response to what God has already given us by His grace. [I’ve written many blogs on faith. Please check them out.]

Brothers and sisters, we need to commit to believing God’s Word, walk in it, and see the supernatural manifestation of all that He has for us! We have to speak God’s Word to the mountains in our lives and expect change!

Galatians 2:20 (KJV) 20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Romans 12:3 (KJV) 3  … according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

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

Mark 11:22-24 (KJV) 22  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

— Pamela

 

Are You Living a Life Worth Living or Just Holdin’ on ’til the Rapture?

John 10:10 (KJV) 10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 (AMP) 10  The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Notice that the devil is the bad guy and Jesus is the good guy. The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy everything you have and are but Jesus has come to give you the abundant life worth living! So, which camp are you in – the devil’s or the Lord Jesus’? Which one do you want to be in? This is not a trick question but yet so many sincere Christians are not living the life of victory that Jesus bought and paid for.

The phrase they might have means to have and to continually possess. It’s not a one time thing. God wants us to continually walk in His kind of abundant life of victory in every area of our lives.

Let’s look at the word life. It’s the Greek word zoe which is the God-kind of life, filled with vitality.

The word abundant  means to be above, beyond what is regular—extraordinary.

Putting it altogether, we see that the life that God has for us far exceeds what we can think, know, or imagine.

Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) 20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…

As you can see, from Ephesians, God wants to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think but it’s according to the power that works in us. No power, no results! Yes, the Holy Spirit is in us if we’ve been born-again but if the Word of God is not in us, there’s nothing for our faith to work with. You can’t have the God-kind of faith beyond His Word because that’s where faith is—in God’s Word. No Word, no power! You can’t even pray effectively beyond your knowledge of God’s Word.

John 3:16 (KJV) 16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Notice that when God gave Jesus, it was not only to forgive our sins and heal our bodies, but to give us everlasting life. He’s not talking about the length but rather the zoe kind of life –  the God-kind of life! And it doesn’t start when we get to Heaven. We’re in it now!!! But we have to partake of it in order to benefit from this awesome gift!

Remember, we’re talking about a life that’s worth living. This life doesn’t consist of the abundance of things. Even the unsaved can have an abundance of things.

Luke 12:15 (KJV) 15  And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Matthew 16:26 (KJV) 26  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

You don’t want to be as some who have outlived their lives. Yes, they’re physically alive but other than that, there’s no substance to them. What you do want is to live a life that’s worth living.

So, just what is a life worth living? It’s living the zoe life of God. And only those who are born-again can actually partake of the zoe life of God.

 

2 Peter 1:3-4 (KJV) 3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

You see, it’s by walking in God’s divine promises to ust the we can partake of His divine nature – His zoe life!

That’s what happens when we live out of our spirit – our inner man – rather than walk by our flesh and emotions.

Galatians 5:16 (KJV) 16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

If all we ever do is live our lives according to the dictates of our carnal flesh – our emotions, our five senses, what we think – we’re going to live a life so far below what God has ordained for us.

So, how do we walk in the spirit and not fulfil the lust of the flesh? We walk according to God’s Word. He’s already prepared a way for us to go. He’s already gone before us and provided everything we’ll ever need to live His zoe life on this earth.

But, and I say BUT, we have our part to do. God’s divine plans and purposes don’t just fall on us like ripe cherries off a tree. We need to do our part and that’s to pursue His ways by getting into the Word and finding out what He’s already given us.

In Eph 1:3 we see that we’ve already been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Heavenly places. All the promises of God are in the spirit realm. And the way we bring those promises into the physical realm is by using our faith. Faith accesses the spirit realm and bridges the gap. Faith brings what’s real in the spirit realm over into the physical realm where it manifests for our good.

What an awesome God we serve!

Romans 8:1 (KJV) 1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:5 (KJV) 5  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:3 (KJV) 3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Jeremiah 10:23 (KJV) 23  O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV) 20  For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Pamela

If Love was all it Took, We’d Never have Another Problem!

Too many times when bad things happen, people wonder why it did because “they really loved” those people – family members, friends, etc.

But is love all it takes? Let’s look into this.

People who have cared for others, especially children and family members, wonder what went wrong when something does go wrong

They reason that they did so much to take care of those loved ones – school projects, after school activities, appointments, shopping, cooking, loving, etc. So, what happened? They poured their love into those people and yet, something bad happened.

First of all, we live in a fallen world and Satan is the god of this world. We also know that we have a free will and God will never override our free will. So, the real question ought to be: why weren’t our loved ones protected?

Let’s check in with God. If love was all it took, then we’d all have it made because there’s no one who loves us more than Almighty God. He gave His all – Jesus – to get us back in relationship with Him. But — we know that bad things still happen to the good, the bad, the saved, and the unsaved. So, there must be more to this situation than meets the ol’ proverbial eye.

As I said, if love is all it takes, we’d all have it made. But there’s more to living on planet earth than this. God has, in His divine agape love for us, provided everything we’ll ever need to be victorious on planet earth. But it is only accessed by faith.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) 6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

As we see, not only do we please God by faith, we must also believe that He is God and that He rewards us by answering our faith-filled prayers. We are never told to come to God as beggars. Heb. 4:16 tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace to find help in time of need.

We are the ones who must pray protection over our families: Isa. 54:17; Ps. 91:10-11; Luke 10:19; II Tim. 1:12; all of Ps. 91, pray in tongues, and plead the Blood. Coming to God as a beggar only reveals that you don’t know your rightful place in the Lord, that you don’t know His will for you, and that you don’t trust Him to hear and answer your prayers (I John 5:14-15). Case in point is when people solicit as many people as possible – prayer groups, prayer lists, etc. to pray for them or their loved ones. Just how many prayers do you need to get the job done?

Actually, all this says is you’re thinking that the more people praying for your case will change God and get Him to move on your behalf. Well, I have good news for you, God has already moved! Jesus’ atonement was complete and perfect, satisfying the claims of justice forever!

God doesn’t need changing! He’s on your side and has already provided everything you’ll ever need to overcome your problem or situation (II Pet. 1:3-4)! Praise the Lord of Glory for His exceeding grace that He’s poured out on you!

You need to get into God’s Word and find out what He’s provided and then stand on His promises in faith. Kick the devil out and confidently stand on what God has already given and walk out the victory that He’s provided for you. And the goodness of God that’s seen on you will draw the unsaved to want what you have! Glory to God!

John 3:16 (KJV) 16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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

 Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) 17  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Psalm 91:10-11 (KJV) 10  There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Luke 10:19 (KJV) 19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) 16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

2 Peter 1:3-4 (KJV) 3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) 14  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Pamela

Are You Living in Victory or Limping Around Like a Pitiful Orphan?

It has come to my attention recently that many Christians are woefully ignorant of their inheritance in the Lord Jesus. What this means is that they are living far below their privileges in Christ. So, I ask you, in what do they believe? In what do you believe?

Let’s examine what God has to say in the Owner’s Manual – the Bible! And as some would say – has it come to that? Yes, it has come to that but it should have always been there. When you got saved, on what did you base your salvation—on how good you were or on how holy, righteous, gracious, and forgiving God was? Your salvation was based solely on what Jesus had already done – His Atonement. So, what happened? Life!

Yes, life happens but God already knew that and that’s why He so graciously provided everything we’ll ever need in this life to be victorious. Which brings me to faith.

As you see in Acts 10:34, Eph. 6:9, and Col. 2:25, God is no respecter of persons. Salvation is the great equalizer and everyone starts out the same. Rom. 12:3 tells us that we’re each given the measure of faith – not more to some and less to others. Unfortunately, some people think that way but it’s not true.

We’re each given the measure of faith and what we do with it to develop it, is our part to do. It’s now in our ball park. According to Rom. 10:17, the God-kind of faith comes by hearing God’s Word. Therefore, we can see that in order to have and walk in the God-kind of faith, we have to know God’s Word because that’s where faith is – in His Word.

We don’t even have to have a truckload of faith – just a mustard seed size will move a mountain and pluck up a tree! [Matt 17:20; Luke17:6] Wow – what a concept!

The point I’m endeavoring to make is that as we get into God’s Word and find out what He has already given us, and then walk in that revelation, our faith will grow exceedingly. [II Thes. 1:3; Philemon 6] You can’t have faith beyond your knowledge of the Word of God because that’s where faith is—in God’s Word. Let me give you some scriptures that will help.

Romans 12:3b (KJV)  … according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Since God has given each of us the measure of faith, just what is that measure? It’s the whole Word of God! But what you do with it will determine the results you get. Little word, little results. Much Word, much results. If you want to know how much faith you’re operating in, check your Word level! (Faith is also a fruit of your reborn spirit but I’ll get to that later.)

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) 6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

God would be unjust to require us to please Him with faith if we all had different amounts. Remember, He’s no respecter of persons.

 Acts 10:34 (KJV) 34  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Romans 2:11 (KJV) 11  For there is no respect of persons with God.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) 7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Here we see that it’s God’s will that we walk by faith and not by sight. The way we do that is to walk by what God has said in His Word. But you can’t do that if you don’t know His Word.

John 1:1 (KJV) 1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 15:5 (KJV) 5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

 Philippians 4:13 (KJV) 13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

John 8:31-32 (KJV) 31  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Since Jesus is the Word, we can say that without the Word (and walking in the Word) we can do nothing of ourselves. Without Jesus and His Word, we are nothing, can do nothing and have nothing. But with Him we can do all things because all things are possible to Him who believes (the Word). Jesus is the Word of God. To walk with Jesus is to walk in His Word.

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) 22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

2 Thessalonians 1:3a (KJV) 3  We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly

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

Galatians 2:20 (KJV) 20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Faith is a fruit of your reborn spirit and it needs to grow by feeding it the Word of God. We also see that the faith we have is actually the faith of Jesus. How awesome is that!

Philemon 1:6 (KJV) 6  That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:3 (KJV) 3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

These awesome scriptures show us that in order for our faith to become effective, we have to acknowledge all the good things in us that have been given by God. That’s a mouthful in itself! But when you do acknowledge those good things, it will build your confidence and strengthen your faith, setting you up to do awesome things for God! Go for it!

The bottom line is that the God-kind of faith is your positive response to what God has already given you through His grace. It’s believing what He’s already done and acting on it.  Notice I John 5:14-15:

1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) 14  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Romans 1:17b (KJV) 17  … The just shall live by faith.

God’s will has always been and will always be His Word!

— Pamela

Does the Truth Really Make You Free or is There More to it?

John 8:31-32 (KJV) 31  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

The truth shall make you free! What a statement—and how popular it is! Even on secular TV programs, people can be heard quoting this scripture with no clue as to its meaning.

But, is this really true? Does the truth really make you free? Not in itself. Hold on. I’m going to explain this and it’ll be good.

To really benefit from this verse, you have to read it in context. Jesus said that if you continue in His Word, then you shall know the truth and that truth that you know will make you free. That’s how you become a disciple of the Lord Jesus – by continuing in His Word. It’s more than a “nod to God” as you’re heading out the door in the morning. It’s a continual awareness of God’s Word that permeates every cell of your being!

Just quoting scripture doesn’t set anyone free. Jesus said He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We also know that God and His Word are One and that Jesus is the Word. Right?

So, putting it altogether, we can legitimately say that the Word you know and are intimately acquainted with, will indeed make you free as you act on it.

I know I’ve said a mouthful, so let me reiterate. Since Jesus is the Truth and the Word, we can say that knowing His Word will make you free.

Let’s look at the Word KNOW. This is not mental assent but rather a heart knowledge of the Word. According to Vine’s Expository dictionary of New Testament Words, the word know implies an active relation between the one who knows and the person or thing known.

In Sparkling Gems by Rick Renner, to know something means that it must be recognized, acknowledged, and understood. This is mandatory, not optional. So, when this word – know – is used, it means that we are to pay close attention and do it.

Jesus is telling us that in order to truly be His disciples, we must continue in His Word, having an active relationship between us and the Word. Then, as we continue in the Word that we know, having gotten it down into our hearts, that Word will make us free because we’ll be doers of the Word and not hearers only! You can only act on what you actually know.

Brothers and sisters, it’s imperative in these last days to fill ourselves with God’s Word – actively arm ourselves with the Word. That way we’ll be ready for anything that comes our way and we won’t fall apart like a $2 suitcase!

Our loving, gracious Father has so provided for us through His Word that we need not fear. We need to take our stand and fight the good fight of faith. We’re more than conquerors through Jesus – the Word – by using our faith!

John 14:6 (KJV) 6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) 7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 Timothy 6:12 (KJV) 12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Romans 8:37 (KJV) 37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1 John 5:4
(KJV) 4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Jeremiah 1:12 (AMP) 12  Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.
Isaiah 55:11 (KJV) 11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Pamela

Prayer Changes Things – Not God! God Doesn’t Need changing!

How many times do believers pray hoping that God will answer their prayers? Probably all the time. But is that what they really believe? Or do they think that their prayers will somehow change God causing Him to do what they want?

You see, prayer doesn’t change God. He doesn’t need changing. What He said is what He means and what He means is what He said. Too often we go to prayer and think that we’re informing God about our situation because He doesn’t really know what’s going on down here on earth. I know that sounds a bit silly but in reality that’s what many people think and do. I’ve heard lots of people pray and this that is how they pray, as if God doesn’t know the situation.

So what do we do and how should we pray? Of course the answer is much more involved than I can expound on in one blog but suffice it to say that God told us to remind Him of His Word. He has already made known to us His promises and our part is to stand fast by confessing them – speaking forth what He has already said.

We have to remember that God gave us His Word so that we would know His will and what He has already given us. He told us that if we pray according to His will He hears us and if we know that He hears us, then we have the petitions that we have asked. His will is His Word! You can’t get much clearer than that!

That’s why it behooves us to get into God’s Word and find out what He has already said. Then we can remind Him—not that He has forgotten but that we would be aware of what He has said. And the good part is that God watches over His word to perform it. Then as we speak it in prayer, it doesn’t return to Him without doing what He has sent it to do. What a life we have in the Lord!

Isaiah 43:26 (KJV) 26  Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.
1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) 14  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Jeremiah 1:12 (KJV) 12  Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.
Isaiah 55:11 (KJV) 11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Pamela