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.