Misconception of His Divine Power

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. (Matt 9:6)

We must never forget the main reason for Jesus first coming (Matt 1:21) and if we lose sight of the goal than misconceptions can form. Misconceptions can be bring about disillusionment of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Salvation is of God therefore we are saved to live to Him, not to our own ideas of compartmentalized Christianity. The life that we live in Christ is the only life we should align ourselves to live, outside of that is just having the form without the power. Every aspect of daily living, breathing in and breathing out cannot be dichotomized between what is spiritual and what isn’t (Rom 14:8), our entire life (seen and unseen) and even death is unto the Lord.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

Are we beholding Jesus in the right perspective of Who He is instead of Who we want Him to be? If we do there will be doubts of the primary reason of His coming (Matt 9:3). What we see as important will swallow up the things He sees as eternal. Don’t exchange the carnal for the glorious eternal goal of God.

Pleasing Faith

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Heb 11:5)

Faith isn’t blind, for if it were blind we would be vision-less. We go along our pilgrimage with both our spiritual eyes wide opened looking at the Author and Finisher of our faith. Our eyes are not set on other people but on the Lord…Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? (John 21:21).

Faith isn’t blind because we will reap what we sow (Gal 6:7). We have to be careful about falling into the trap of defining our faith by laying down things and practices that don’t bear any semblance to Jesus Christ. There is nothing new, nor are there new revelations; faith is believing all that He has said is sufficient.

Faith is to please God and not about pleasing man. In every mountain top and valley low experiences, the consistent walk is what pleases God. We don’t need spiritual adrenaline in order to please God. Faith is demonstrated in the everyday mundane things as well; faithful in little and faithful in much. Mundane things are not seen by man, but by God.

The Choice of Believing

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. (Matt 28:17)

The invitation is open to everyone to come and witness God’s glory (vs 16), but it is really up to us to believe. Believing is to discard everything we hold on to deeply, especially the religious ones and count them as dung (Phil 3:8) in order to come into the revelation of the truth. If we can’t let go, what we saying is that we will believe what we want to believe. We want to believe in a god of our own creation or imagination in order to control our entire belief system. Doubting is really to compare what He says against what we say to see if what He says matches ours.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matt 28:18)

We will come to the place of worship because we choose to believe, His words becomes Spirit and Life leading us into a life of complete obedience, by faith. We don’t have to seek nor ask for His Presence, when we do obey in that state of believing He will always be with you. It all begins and ends with believing with a renewed mind transformed from carnality to spirituality. This glorious transformation conforms us to the image of the Son of His love.

Divine Rest

For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. (Matt 12:8)

We can look at the Sabbath as a day or as a way. If we look at Sabbath as a day, an event or a time span there is a danger of falling into the legalistic trap (Matt 12:2). There will be tendencies to impose human arguments into something that God didn’t intend (Gen 2:2, 3). There will be striving of the flesh and striving with one another, missing out on the true blessing.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt 11:28)

If we are merely seeking relief, the labor and heavy laden can bite us back. We may find freedom, but the self-lording can destroy us as what is out there is much bigger than we can handle (1 Pet 5:8). Jesus bore all our burdens as a result of sin and sin itself and overcame; He opens the invitation to one and all. It is not enough to surrender or to give up, it requires faith to believe that He has completed the work of lifting up my burden today, tomorrow and forever. It is not as though freedom without bounds, but true freedom of His Lordship. His Lordship is founded on love with a Royal goal of glorifying His Bride.

Believing in Jesus

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:24)

Receiving supernatural miracles may not mean a person is a child of God. There are those who have received the benefits of God’s grace and mercy and yet don’t have a living relationship with the God who created the Heavens and the Earth (Matt 5:45). There is a difference with believing in Jesus and believing in miracles.

In the natural we do receive in confidence from those that we don’t necessary have any relationship with. Not believing in Jesus but still desiring miracles means that we want benefits without the Lord being Lord in our lives. We despise His presence as been offensively intruding into our lives. As a matter of fact He will. Not to destroy, but to build up. Not to kill, but to bring deadness to life. Believing in Jesus may take a toll, but the toll is on the carnal that the eternal may take over. Believing in Jesus is to drink from an ever flowing stream beyond what miracles can offer. The remarkable thing is that even if we can’t, ask and He will help our unbelief.

We Shall Follow Afterwards

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. (John 13:36)

The emphasis towards the end of our Lord’s Ministry on earth changed from one of healing, deliverance, freedom and all things mankind will view as positive to one that may bring disillusionment to those with differing ideas of the Kingdom of God. The disciples were rightfully disappointed because they see their dreams being eroded by the message of the Cross. When Jesus speak words sharper than the two edged sword, division begin to take place and let’s not pretend that it doesn’t hurt deep right down to the deepest recesses of our soul.

If we seek a blessing, revelation, healing, direction in life, etc there needs to be a preparedness to receive an unexpected answer from our Good Shepherd. It may be to deal with lust, bitterness, unforgiveness, unkindness or any displeasing attributes to the Lord without addressing the issue we are concerned with.

The goal of being as disciple is to ensure we keep in step with our Lord; to be overshadowed by His Glory. This could mean that we cannot see what’s ahead; this is what faith is about. Trust the end to the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Inward foundation

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Gal 1:10)

The natural man react base on senses, some after giving more thought while others spontaneously. Our reaction to situations, especially in crisis reveals our spirituality or lack of it. Spirituality is not about being enlightened or having deeper insight, but is built on a living relationship with the invisible God Who brought both physical and unseen things into being.  The physical realm is governed by physical laws, likewise spiritual by spiritual laws.

How many would look over their shoulder to seek man’s approval and how many are consistent in their own privacy. If it is religion we are looking for than the former is true. If it is a heavenly relationship, we live under a higher, greater and more glorious law. It is not about do’s and don’ts but about regeneration, there isn’t any imitation with the new Christ given life.

Resenting Others, Reflection of the Inward Condition

When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; (Psa 73:16)

Some matters that aren’t meant for us to ponder over or evaluate as the issues are beyond us. But we shouldn’t close our senses to matters that concern God (Prov 21:13). The issue is when we start to judge, leave the judging to the Just Judge. Whether it is hard to accept or not, we have to wrestle with resenting other people’s success (Psa 73:3).

….. for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself….(Rom 2:1)

This type of resentment exposes the inward condition; it is as though the deeper we look the more the reflection of the hidden nature. Often the grief is stirred up by bitterness and being torn up inside. When one is at rest in Christ the focus will be on pleasing the Lord. When there is bitterness and turmoil one will pick on others. Recognize and confess the foolishness and draw near to the only Source of life, to our Savior instead of justifying our self-righteousness (Psa 73:13).

Ministry of Directing

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. (John 1:37)

The natural man love the attention drawn from people (John 12:43) at the high stake of losing God’s. Many have taken advantage of man’s carnal tendency desiring the tangible to feel, touch, see and hear that reaches the soul but don’t penetrate the spirit. Motivation instead of revelation has become the topic of the day from many pulpits.

But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd..... (John 10:12)

As long as there are ‘returns’ in whatever form there will be those who will refrain from directing people to follow Christ. The objective of being salt of the earth and light of the world is to direct the lost to the only true Shepherd. There is only One sacrifice that brought salvation, there isn’t any substitute. There is only one praise to receive, and it’s not from man. Keep on pointing people to follow Jesus, that’s the ministry of Christ’s body on earth.

Living Relationship

In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. (Psa 86:7)

There is nothing more hurting in any relationship if there passivity. It leads to contempt and taking the other for granted. While it is true that we are saved by God initiated grace, but that is the starting point of the divine covenant relationship. How can there be any response if there isn’t any relational bond, to expect rescue and help would then be presumptuous.

All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. (John 10:8)

A relationship requires devotion. When strange suitors come to lure, the devotion that is bound with unbreakable cords will keep the believer in the place of love (Jude 1:21). Likewise when troubles and challenges appear to stumble and destroy even a faint cry will move the highest Heavens.

God Hears

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matt 5:5)

The world sees eloquence as an important means to be head and shoulders above others. Seldom does one who serves quietly attain to any significance; the world’s view is servants are to be seen but not heard. God’s value is truly reversed of that which is of the world (Mark 10:45).

And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. (Num 12:2)

The meek speaks less in order to hear what the Lord is saying; it is hard for two things to take place at the same time. The divide between the emboldened and the meek is the latter sees hearing from God is by His grace and not an entitlement. When the crunch comes, the meek is not overwhelmed by the accuser's taunt. God will hear and will respond accordingly. Knowing that God hears and know are grounds where the meek will experience abundance of peace.

Trespasses

If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD....(Lev 6:2)

Trespasses are not about losing the gift of salvation rather it’s about estranged relationship. Even if someone has done wrong to another and tries to conceal the matter, there is still certain uneasiness in the relationship due to guilt. To trespass another will also offend God, hence this should remind us of our sinful nature and the need to continually walk in the light to remain in the place of right fellowship (1 John 1:7). Commandments regarding how we treat others are not legalism but about loving others as God have loved us.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Mat 5:38-39)

The Old tells us about the offender, Jesus tells the redeemed who are offended to go the next mile. It is not something we have the natural capacity to do but because Jesus abides in us and us in Him that gives us the privilege to do so. Having the life of the Son of God in us doesn’t make us people to be trampled on, but an insurmountable royal stature that is lived supremely above the natural responses of life.

Watchfulness Over the Soul

Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.  (Pro 22:25)

Faith is to actively believe that He will keep us and our responsible response to His promise is to not walk out of His covering. It is relatively easy to want Jesus covering, but can constantly wrestle away Christ from reigning in our heart.  The cross prescribed by Jesus will help us mature beyond the external and internalizing the eternal reality of being a son of God.

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:  (Pro 22:24)

Uncontrollable passion with either right or wrong motives is liken to a city without walls open to attacks. The leading of the Spirit of God is one of self control because it’s the demonstration of Christ reigning in our heart. Unbridled passion is a fire out of its proper place damaging anything in its way. The problem is not just the person getting hurt, but also end up selfishly hurting others around.

What Next?

And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.  (2 Kings 13:19)

There will be times we are desperate for deliverance perhaps develop a deep emotional desire to overcome. This desperation has to be compatible with the desperation for action. Spiritual laziness, passivity and half hearted response can only forfeit the opportunity to experience victory in Jesus Christ.

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:  (Mar 9:43)

It is obvious that Jesus isn't referring to self mutilation but about the extend and willingness to take action. Once we have heard the truth, the direction, and the way of escape, it beckons subsequent steps of action. The Good Shepherd will lead; it is up to the sheep to follow. He can only carry us through, if we stop struggling and allow Him the privilege. He has forgiven, are we quick to freely forgive. He gave His Word to set us free, do we still cling on to the chains. He said to ‘rise up and walk’, the next response would to be thoroughly faithful in staying the entire course till breakthrough comes.

Balanced Journey of Faith

…… but faith which worketh by love.  (Gal 5:6)

We can deceive ourselves with regard to thinking we are free without realizing that we are legalistic about shunning legalism. We can pick the speck of legalism out of eyes but fail to see the plank in our own eye. We can set rules and regulations as boundary conditions for our freedom, than the Christian walk is no longer one that is having a pure conscience but about avoiding and skirting around do’s and don’ts to avoid being labeled a legalist.

Similarly we can overemphasize faith to the extent that we injure others and ourselves. ‘If you don’t receive answer to prayer than you fail in the area of faith’ or ‘if you fail to live by certain standards of faith you will not please God’ (short of saying you are not saved), when did the issue of faith become so legalistic? Faith will certainly be an over emphasis if love is lacking.

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  (Jud 1:21)

Saved by faith and demonstrating the redeemed life through love. Instead of desiring to be ‘my brother’s standard keeper’ we ought to ‘warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men’ (1 Th 5:14). Instead of lording over, we come along side in humility. Instead of talking down, we encourage to build up. We know that legalism has seeped into any fellowship when there is an overemphasis of faith, but balanced with Christ’s cross bearing love faith the body becomes a powerful testimony of salvation being worked in.

God’s Opportunities

Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.  (Act 26:32)

Most will say ‘what a waste’ or was that a foolish decision. Man’s view of waste or lost opportunity could be of highest heavenly value. When our spirit is connected with God’s Spirit our actions conducted in faith will yield eternal significance. As long as we look at loosing liberty from the human perspective, true freedom that Jesus gives can never be realized; it takes letting go of one to obtain the higher.

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.  (Act 27:24)

God will always confirm His will by opening the right doors to greater responsibilities and possibilities annulling all our fears and concerns. He Who sends will also provide the necessary to ensure that our journey of faith will prosper and accomplish its end. God will ensure His will and His people who walk by faith will never fail.

Unspiritual Agreement

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  (Eph 4:30)

This gem of a verse is placed in between statements that outline outworking of the inner man, whether be of a ‘new’ or ‘old’ man. This reminds us that the outworking of what Christ has put in bears significance in the journey of faith. It begins with the renewal in the spirit of our minds (Eph 4:23).

To be renewed in the spiritual sense is to will ourselves to be submitted to God’s divine will. If not we will search Scripture and spiritual meaning that agrees with our spirit. It is not to find things that agree with us, but to let every humanly conceivable spiritual element that is deeply rooted to be uprooted and totally replaced with God’s Spirit and His values. Even the best of the human spirit opposes everything God initiated, because the source is not of Him. If we look for spiritual agreement, than we grieve the Holy Spirit of God. 

Overflowing Wealth of Forgiveness

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.  (Luke 7:47)

The ability to forgive stems from the experience and revelation of having been forgiven. One cannot conjure up forgiveness unless the overflowing riches of forgiveness have been freely poured deep within, transcending the soul and going deep into the spirit. Sometimes it’s not about having been forgiven but knowing that forgiveness has been given at the cost of the life of the Son of God.

Forgiveness and the ability to forgive bring about tremendous wealth of peace where no treasure in this world can purchase. Unforgiveness, on the other hand has brutal consequences that robs anybody out of the joy of living in Christ.

Christian Beginings

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Mat 1:21)  

Jesus didn't come to bring peace, as a matter of truth He came to bring the sword (Matt 10:34). Salvation is about separation from all that pertains to the world, sin, self and the devil. It is a total cut off that denies past powers from intruding into the divine relationship; as with a marriage that involves leaving and cleaving.

The Christian life doesn't begin at Jesus birth but His death which is the only avenue to bring propitiation of sin. Salvation begins at our death so to no longer live according to past ways but by faith, no longer of a lesser life but Christ life, no longer by the desires of the flesh but by the Spirit, etc. We are reminded to remember and proclaim His death, rarely about His birth (1 Cor 11:26)

Regeneration

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Tit 3:5)

To regenerate is to create anew or to rebirth what is already in existence. This work of God is the needful divine work for that which has lost its divine intent and eternal worthiness. Man at best can help patch but never bring permanent resolution because the root or the seed requires God’s potent  work. We may never know or experience the deceitfulness of sin until the right condition presents itself and snowball into an uncontrollable monstrosity. People who fall into moral failures and addictions know this all too well.

God’s view of salvation is not to replace the ‘bad’ parts with the new; it’s a rebirth from within that is so powerfully redemptive that totally wipes all the past decadence regardless of depth and extent totally removing and forgetting the past. Life becomes new; perspectives, desires and values elevates to a great heights. It is when a beggar of temporal pleasures transforms into a prince with great eternal inheritance. Jesus didn’t come to improve, He died and resurrected that regeneration will take its course to raise sons to highest and greatest glorious stature. It takes faith to believe it’s only God that can do it, stop trying.

Created for Himself

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Col 1:16)

There are those who would say that ‘god’ is of man’s imagination hence ‘god’ is a creation of man. Both Christians and heathens have similar capabilities to form a ‘god’ of one’s imagination, shaped and formed according to ones need and desire. It is man’s fallen nature to want God to conform to ours. 

To create a ‘god’ is to basically design one that suits my ideals, inevitably allowing that which is flawed to be included. This ‘god’ is one that doesn't need to have the highest moral standards, it suffice to bear the same caliber as we want. Hence there is a possibility of morals degenerating or improving as we move from one station of life to another; essentially morals fluctuate according to us.

The truth that God created is the beginning statement of the Bible and Torah, no excuses and explanation needed. All of what we see and experience is all of Him, through Him and eventually to Him. Thrones, dominions, principalities and powers come and go, so will we but the Creator remains. As a child of God, our life, desires and ambitions will be conformed to Christ. His ideals will become our ideals, His morals will become our morals, etc. At the end it is for Him. In all the scheme of things it seems rather selfish of God, but the truth is that He loves. It was God that first gave, paid the cost price for our ransom. He loved, still loving and continues to love for God IS love.

Gaining a Heart of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (Psa 90:12)

The lack of wisdom causes us to make wrong decisions or improper choices which will reap negative consequences. Wisdom may not equate to intelligence or knowledge; foolishness can be a result of knowing what is right but choosing to ignore it for lack of better judgment.

There have been many who misbehaved and acted foolishly thinking that they are immortal. Mortality should make us sober. To know that we are personally accountable for our actions should keep us on the right path. It is not just that, to stay on the right path must include faith that Jesus will lead us and if necessary carry us through. The Good Shepherd will speak to our spirit and heart to keep ourselves, but if we choose to listen selectively that’s where folly steps in.

Carefulness in Private Living

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. (Psa 101:2)

It is one thing to live a glorious public life but a greater thing to live a victorious private life. It is relatively easier to be blameless when there is external encouragement, but true strength is when one is able to be blameless hidden from man’s eyes.

Our private misbehaviors cannot be overcome unless there is a sense of deep humility to concede and dare not trust our heart. The only trust is on our God and Savior Who knows every intent and true condition of the heart. The moment we say we have self confidence to overcome, it will be the next moment that we find ourselves falling. Good intentions cannot help us, only living in the state of life that is as though walking on thin ice, trusting no one but on Christ alone.

A perfect heart is one of highest integrity. One of high integrity is one with a steadfast God-strengthened spirit to be consistent in every dealings of life. The steadfastness of spirit is a wall of protection against grief and regrets. Jesus says ‘come’ and He will provide all that is necessary to be privately victorious.

Speaking in Being

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (Psa 19:3)

God’s Word is His Work; His Word bring into being what didn’t exist. In other words, His word can create what is lacking or missing.  We can lose sight of the might and power of His Word when our issues and problems appear to be insurmountable mountains. The mountains are our own creation, not God’s.

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, (Luke 8:43)

Instead of halting us in our pursuit of seeking our own solutions, God allows us to run with it. Unfortunately sometimes is requires that all of our energy have been sapped before we turn our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith. As with self created mountains, faith brings into being the might and power of His Word. The Word continues to perpetuate through time and space; to listen is to receive the Words of Jesus that is Spirit and Life. To receive with thankfulness is faith.

Christ and the Word

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Rev 19:13)

If we hold on the God’s Word, Covenants, promises etc, it is supremely noble. It is the Word of God that removes the stain of everything humanly sinful with all its baggage. But if the Word remains at this state it can evolve to a creed which when left to human interpretation it may lose the entire spiritual reality of Christ.

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

Before any existence, Christ was and through Him all things came into being. The finality of everything is Christ (Eph 1:10). Everything that we read in the Word brings us to Christ, therefore the covenants and promises in the Holy Scriptures have nothing to do with us, but wholly about Christ. It is we that have been included into Christ; we shouldn’t and dare not say that Christ exist for us.  We exist for Christ, not Christ exists for us. We may not articulate it this way, but our daily outworking can demonstrate this trait. Christianity is about Christ, yet we can preach, teach and think that it is about us. God’s salvation plan is that we are included into all that is Christ. It is not so much about how much Jesus loves me and blessed me; we need to work out our salvation with reverent fear and trembling to die to human selfishness in our brand of Christianity. Don't settle for less than God's eternal glory.

Inward Strength

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man….(Eph 4:23-24)

We can try all we want to overcome whatever that we struggle with, whether it be sin, depression, unforgiveness, or perhaps some character flaw that we realize is hurting others or ourselves. There could be doubts about the possibility of deliverance or even toying with the idea that God is not capable to help. Trying is not the recipe for deliverance.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  (2Cor 10:5)

The strongest stronghold in any person is found in the mind and more than often not it has to do with self-pride. We can justify why we cannot forgive or any other struggle; all these are reasoned in the mind. Having the mind of Christ is to reason from God’s perspective and more often than not, it goes against the grain of pride. Having the mind of Christ requires laying down our will as well as our pride for God’s will. It is the laying down of what is important in our minds to what is important to Christ. We will realize that inward strength is not of our own, but is when we step self aside and let God do the right and just thing. It has nothing to do with what we feel, but all to do with Christ’s glory.

Abstain from Evil

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. (Pro 27:12)

The age old argument that God created everything including that which is evil, therefore some conclude that God is ultimately the source of evil thus choose to reject Him. God did create both the devil and mankind and the truth is that all of God’s creation was created good. God also gave freedom to both man and angels to choose to follow or to rebel against Him. Rebellion gives birth to evil because of the abuse of the God given freedom. Freedom allows us to make choices at the fork in the road.

Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1Th 5:22)

The consequences of making the wrong choices can be avoided, we cannot deny the principle of reaping what we sow (Gal 6:7). God may not force choices on us, even if He does nobody can prevent a rebellious heart. Don’t test the boundaries of morality, don’t even go near. Don’t taste and see to know its flavor. Driving our morality near the boundary of evil is like testing God.  Choices reflect the true heart condition and the apostle warns us not to deceive ourselves and that God cannot be mocked.

Deceitful Tongue

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. (Psa 12:2)

Jesus did warn us that the mouth cannot hide the true condition of the heart. Deceitful words are spoken every moment with selfish intents, trap laid with lures to draw victims. Many have fallen into various traps because of the lures that seem to be able to satisfy an inward void.

Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. (Psa 131:2)

We can have the propensity to filter out what is truth and what are lies. The offer is open to everyone who trusts in Jesus, it’s a matter of what state we desire to be. From where do we draw our life and satisfaction or do we desire temporal gratification. Have we found the Pearl of Great Price or even chose the good which can be the enemy of the best? When we have discovered that there is a better place and position in Christ, any deceitful words will be deflected as truth will be our shield.

Fulfilling the Law

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.(Matt 5:17)

Antinomianism is the reaction of those who see the Law and Commandments of God as dos and don’ts, with the intention of being restrictive. A religious Jew once told me that the 10 Commandments were written on stone, the reflection of the human heart. However God can replace the stony and stubborn heart with a tender and responsive heart (Jer 31:33). Note that in either case, God will still write His Law on both stony and tender heart. Therefore it is the matter of the recipient and not with God.

And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? (Luke 14:3)

The Law was given with the knowledge that it will not constraint sin, hence we don’t have to think of the Law as restrictive and choking. The Law was given to tell us that salvation is by faith and not by works. Jesus never did away with the Law but reminded us that love is the foundation of the Law, by this we know the true spirit of the Law. The Law continually points us to God, for God Himself is Love. Out of that tender heart we know how to treat others above self thus fulfilling the Law.

Faithfulness

Thou shalt not commit adultery. Exo 20:14)

The issue with adultery is not about the act, but with regard to the faithfulness.  Jesus went deeper to the root of the matter to tell us that it is not about the doing but about the being (Matt 5:28). God, who is the keeper of the covenant, knows that the human heart will have the tendency to stray hence His chastening serves His divine purpose to return us into His enveloping love.

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44)

The apostle beckons us to keep ourselves in God’s love (Jude 1:21), that is to watch carefully that we are constantly in the safe place of the Father’s love. This watching is not a legalistic one outlined by dos and don’ts but one whose core is founded in love. Stay faithful to God and not to any task, regardless of how spiritual the task may be. To keep ourselves is to know the inclusiveness into His family. Betrayal is most foul in any family, stay in the place of faithfulness.