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.

Carefulness

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. (Mar 13:37)

There are many things that will preoccupy us, especially that which concerns the immediate. Jesus and the early apostles spoke about the Kingdom of God and many died for it, ‘not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection’ (Heb 11:35). If such were preached today there will be many empty pews.

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (Mar 4:19)

Jesus didn’t speak against richest but the love of it. How careful am I in keeping myself from deception? The aim of deception is to blind, that God’s Word may not bring life and life that is multiplying. Many things are meant for use, not abusing it (1 Cor 7:21).

Jesus asked us to ‘watch’ for His coming and the final establishment of His Kingdom. This is what we know in the mind, but do we want it in our hearts? There may be unaccomplished dreams and desires that carelessly brush aside eternal matters. Carefully and humbly keep our heart in the right place, but don’t attempt to understand it (Jer 17:9).

Bondservants

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. (Psa 2:3)

The apostles call themselves bondservants of Jesus Christ, which is to mean there is a voluntary surrender to the Master with unwavering obedience and undying loyalty (Exodus 21:5-6). It is an allegiance that is to Christ alone. From the world’s perspective this seems rather unreal and cruel, but in Christ’s perspective is one that is surrounded and ruled by love.

The heathen (Psa 1:1) is the one that seeks to break free from slavery to God. To have Christ rule over us is to have our lives intruded with His Holiness. To have Christ rule over us is to die to everything is encompasses self. God is not destroying individuals and individualism. Bondservants desire the greater good of their Heavenly Master as well as for their brethren. If we reject the intrusive rule of Christ in all areas of our privacy, we are would be no better than the heathens.

Building One Another

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Eph 4:16)

The Lord isn't against individuals but individualism. Unity is not uniformity lest we judge one another to force others to conform to our mold (1 Cor 12:14). The test of unity is when we show grace to the weak by practical help and giving strength as well as being gracious to humbly raise our hands to be lifted up when we fall. Unity is when we overlook differences and seeing Jesus in every believer.

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Rom 15:1)

Individualism is a selfish behavior that desires others to conform to them. The only conformity the Lord desires is that we conform to Him, not to each other. Individualism is selfish because it involves self benefit. God’s family is one that builds everyone regardless of the state of their individual walk of faith. To bear with the scruples of the weak is to carry them through and not dragging by force. The Good Shepherd lovingly leads His flock and not driving them. The end is that we build one another up and not tearing down. The latter is the work of the destroyer; we shouldn't participate in his evil works.

Skepticism

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? (Mark 2:7)

Jesus read the reasoning in the hearts of the scribes; it is not that the latter didn’t have the right understanding. They were right about the things of God but they didn’t recognize the authority that Jesus had as the Son of God. We may have acquired sufficient knowledge to reason but we must remove the spectacles of human consideration and believe all that the Bible presents to us is the only truth. We shouldn’t say, oh some things are not meant for me or this and that doesn’t apply today. If Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, so is His Word.

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

Someone said that skeptics read the Bible with a pair of scissors, cutting out what they don’t like or disagree. Skepticism is to take what the Holy Scripture says with a pinch of salt, filtering out what is irrelevant . We are to take the whole counsel of God as one and consistent. It is not how much we know, but it is how we believe God and His authority. It is not how much our experience is, experience may be for the moment but God’s principles are forever. Recognize the authority of God through His Word, if we do so the reality of God and His promises will be worked out in the most amazing way.

Personal Responsibility

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. (Prov 4:27)

There are many promises that God will keep, for example His love, providence, protection, blessings, etc. There are also things we have to take personal responsibility. God didn’t create marionettes that move at His beckoning, but because of love there is a response God desires from us. Love does demand a right response, being passive or careless is just as well considered as rejecting God’s love. Being personally responsible is a response of love as a sign of a maturing relationship.

Who Reigns?

And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. (1Sam 8:7)

Looking to man’s leadership and ways is to say that we would like to form a god after our own desires. It is to also say that we would like to have a person with the same make up to rule over us with all the similar weaknesses and flaws. In order to satisfy our conscience we look for a lower standard to abide by, and that standard is one that suits our own convenience.

Now therefore hearken unto their voice…… (1Sam 8:9)

One of the saddest events of human history is when God gives His people up to their own desires because of the choice to reject Him. It is not the world who rejected God, for they have not accepted Him in the first place. By rejecting His reign means that there are areas in our lives that we don’t want God to touch or intrude. We often forget that He wants to raise us to glory not crushed to misery. Don't allow our personal desires thwart our glorious destiny.

Our Father in Heaven

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (Mat 23:9)

A father is one who begets or one who brings into being. Jesus is not denying natural fatherhood, He is teaching us not to look to man but God as the eternal Father. David cried to the LORD in the depths of his troubles and sorrow because of the relationship he had with his God. Our decreasing call for man’s help increases with our love for the Father. Our increasing spirituality is with the decrease of the love for the world.

Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. (Dan 6:11)

Our human tendency is to petition man whose help is finite; He wants us to remember His infinite love and everlasting mercy. It may cost us to trust our Father as it did Daniel. 

Divine Objective

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Eph 4:13)

The Lord ascended on high that He might give gifts to His body on earth to bring about fruition to His divine objective in order to have a Church that reflects not its own glory but of His glory. Jesus Christ did not give positions or titles as in the five fold ministry, He gave gifts; if we see them as gifts because of His grace, we see ourselves as part of His divine purpose to attract people to Christ and not to ourselves.

Unity is echoed in the Psalms, the apostles writing and especially in the Lord Jesus’ prayer. We cannot enter into the state of the unity of the faith if we are interested in our own goals and working to force-fit spiritual values into them. The converse is what the Lord wants to achieve in all of us, that is to bring us on the journey along His path of Righteousness and not to include Him into our personal pilgrimage. Everything that bear spiritual facades will be tested and torn down; only that which is of Him, through Him and to Him will remain (Rom 11:36).

Profitability

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. (Mat 25:15)

Serving the Lord is something inherent for believers who love Him and desire to do His will. However there isn’t any fruits that is sufficient out of the produce of our effort (Psa 50:8). It is not something birthed out of our abilities or out of our heart; our natural goodness is not what He is looking for. We may carry over the same goodness from before believing in Christ, thus using that which is from the old man as an offering isn’t working out what He has worked into us.

….. but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

What is more precious than the life of Christ given to us and productive life begets life. Fruitfulness is evident out of life that is healthy, thriving and giving. What Christ has given is expected to flow in and through us. The converse of giving life is to bring death. Our speech, our behavior, our character, bringing healing, bringing forgiveness, bringing peace, etc should be the clarion demonstration of the life of Christ manifested. Similarly, to love is the evidence of life; to hate is to bring about death (Matt 5:22).

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. (John 21:6)

Check our motivation in serving the Lord; is it out of human goodness or out of that which comes from above. Is what we do manifest out of the strength provided in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9)? Ultimately it’s the life of Jesus Christ that is to be imparted, to fulfill the great commission. It is Jesus Christ who calls us fisher of men; the sheep who hears His command will draw in the vast kingdom harvest, regardless of our natural talents or capabilities.

Lonely Desperation

Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. (Gen 40:23)

There are times the Lord will bring us through to teach and present to us the revelation that only He is the Lord. These times are one of the darkest and loneliest, at the lowest points where the emphatic desperate cries for help seem to fall on deaf ears. Even if our cries are heard, nobody understands and any reaction from the hearers is inappropriate. There is a sense of death inside (Psa 105:18).

….. thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psa 23:4)

The gracious God will not abandon His children, but take us through the valley of the shadow of death that we may experience firsthand His discipline and comfort. We avoid discipline because it hurts… don’t, if we do there will be life transforming divine intervention that will be missed. Keep our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith not on the insurmountable mountain of despair. Many man and woman of God had to go through times where nobody understands; but He does because there is a glorification He is working into us.

Walking in the Spirit

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

'The cross has been given to procure salvation for us; the Spirit has been given to produce salvation in us. Christ risen and ascended is the basis of our salvation; Christ in our hearts by the Spirit is its power'

Watchman Nee

The Right Spirit

 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; (Isa 11:2)

David asked not only for forgiveness, cleansing and restoration of relationship with his God, but also for a renewed spirit. The differentiator between man and creatures is that the LORD has given man a spirit. A right spirit is one the masters over a man. The right spirit is one that connects and communicates with the soul; for example humility is a character drawn out of humble spirit (Prov 29:23). In other words, a right spirit from the LORD will guide a man into his destiny.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Rom 8:14)

We cannot forget that we are spiritual beings, and this advantage man has over all the creatures in the earth. A spirit of lust will drive man to desire things that destroys the body (1 Cor 6:17-19), but a right spirit from the LORD brings life (Rom 8:10). The negative spirit drives, but the right spirit is led by the Holy Spirit. The former leads to destruction and the latter to eternal life. Let us not be deceived, man will yield to one spirit only, either to the one of the world where it’s ruler is the devil and the other is of God which carries the mark of son-ship; the former will imprison and the latter will set free.

The Commandment to Love our Neighbor

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matt 22:39)

Being able to love one’s neighbor is the same as loving God (1 John 4:20, 21). The original word used in this statement by Jesus for ‘love’ is 'agape' or ‘divine love’, not ‘phileo’ which concerns affection. Divine love is the esteeming of others over ourselves (Phil 2:3); hence it is a commandment to demonstrate moral and ethical love not led by human emotions. It is one that seeks the best for others, not desiring reciprocation.

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)

From God’s perspective loving others is the demonstration of loving God. The reason why we can’t obey God’s commandment to love above our human affection could be because we haven’t experience the forgiveness of God. It is not that God’s forgiveness is not available, but we reject forgiveness for various reasons. If we view sin from our perspective, there is a sense of self righteousness. Viewing sin from God’s perspective will humble us to know how we have deliberately disobeyed and grieved Him. The heavenly message is that Jesus' objective in coming is to save us from our sins (Matt 1:21). Ask the Lord to reveal His divine love that we may show the same toward others, do not be surprised that it is the beginning of our humble dying to self pilgrimage of experiencing His full forgiveness to show the same toward others (Matt 18:35, Luke 10:37)).

Holy Spirit, the Evidence of Christ’s Lordship

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1Cor 6:19)

It would be incomplete to see the coming and in-filling of the Holy Spirit as just being Power that is endued from on high as the enablement for God’s people to prophecy, for divine healing, etc. We have to be reminded constantly that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the God-head, not merely seeing Him as an authority or empowerment that we can summon according to our will. The Old Testament temple is a place that is most holy or separated from common practices and must be held as the place of great reverence. The difference now is that Jesus Christ went to be with the Father that His Spirit will tabernacle within His people. Holiness has not been downplayed and now the body has replaced the building to being an uncommon or holy dwelling of the Holy God.

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26)

The Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence in earthen vessels demonstrates the Lordship of Jesus Christ in and through the wider body of Christ. Prophecy is to reveal that which God has hidden, likewise divine healing is to show God’s mercy and power over sickness and oppression, etc. The Spirit’s dwelling in us is that God will Lord over our will, mind and work out what He has worked in through our physical capabilities. We need not beg nor pray to be filled with the Spirit, Jesus has promised, we need to only believe.

Judging Ourselves

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Mat 7:2)

Jesus is warning us that if we judge others, we will be judged. The word ‘judge’ is in reference to make a judgment or decision that brings condemnation on another which carries a negative connotation. This is not constructive criticism. When we judge as such, we speak out of a consciousness of the same sin we are dwelling in. For example in 1 Sam 12, the judgment David passed was in reality of himself. Likewise when Judas criticized Mary when it actually a reflection of his thievery (John 12:6). Therefore, before we pass negative judgment on others, check our heart. God may be bringing before us our flaws that require correction.

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (1Co 11:31)

There is another judgment which is to decide or separate with the intent of correction. God gave us His laws to tell us that we have wronged and disobeyed Him. Without law we wouldn't have know what lawlessness is. Don’t see correction as in the negative. See correction or chastening as making what is wrong right; making what is sin righteous. Making what is displeasing to God to His pleasing. God is raising sons and daughters not illegitimate ones.

Folly of Human Independence

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Gen 2:17)

We, as the first Adam did, chose the right to making moral decisions. This resulted in forfeiting both innocence and trust in the Moral God.  Trusting in the Moral God would mean that we don’t have full control but totally dependent on Him to decide between good and evil. Please don’t be deceived, we don’t have the capacity to choose the right due to the strong desires of the flesh.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. (Matt 4:19)

The invitation of the Messiah is to follow Him, not keep in step with Him lest we equate our standing with the Almighty. To follow Jesus means we lay down our affections and keep to the first and greatest commandment (Matt 19:16-22).  To follow Jesus means we yield our mind to Him for the work of metamorphosis. To follow Jesus is a personal decision (John 21:22). This means that we don’t look at what is ahead but on the Author and Finisher of our faith. Wisdom is not independence; wisdom is total dependence on the Lord. Wisdom is the Lord Himself (1 Cor 1:30), therefore abide in Him and not self.

Pagan Forms and Imaginations

And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. (Deut 4:12)

We are warned about forming gods after our own imagination. It is not merely idolaters that form gods, we who are called to live by faith and by the Spirit must never venture into things that gratify the senses. We must not mix our emotions and mental conclusion with spiritual matters lest we dabble as the world dabbles in the uplifting of humanism. Humanism is the worship of man denying the sovereignty of God. Ministers and God’s workers must have the ability to see deeper and not allow emotions to run their ministry.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27)

The danger of being addicted to ‘conducive’ environments and forms to worship, hearing of the Word, reading of the Word, prayer, etc is very humanistic. God is looking for faithfulness in His saints, not a company that is caught up in euphoria. His voice continues to perpetuate through history but only those who are weaned children, having calmed themselves can hear the still small Voice. Don’t be caught up with forms, be single mindedly focused on the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Danger of Half Truth

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Psa 91:11)

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee...... (Matt 4:6)

Nobody knows more about twisting truth with the intent to deceive than the father of lies himself. The devil quoted Psa 19:11 but leaving out the purpose of divine protection. God’s protection as the Good Shepherd doesn't mean that we will never go through the valley of the shadow of death, but it means that He will keep us on the right way, Jesus being the only Way the truth that leads to everlasting life.

Deception is not deception if there is the obvious but is has a low level of delectability (2 Cor 11:13, 14). The antidote to deception is standing on the Truth. Faith is not only to believe in the infallible Word but also to carefully observing and doing according to all that is written (Josh 1:8). There will be many anointed speakers, books, programs, etc that have blessed us, but these are not infallible. Don’t use these as crutches, but hold on to the Word for dear life!

Our Lord Jesus rebuttal was that nobody shall tempt the Lord our God, meaning don’t test God but believe. Keep to the whole counsel of God from Genesis to Revelation. God is never inconsistent, it is we who are such. Never test God by adding to His Word, who are we to help God (Duet 4:2). If we do, there is a road leading to sorrow in front of us.

Right Getting

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Pro 4:7)

Most if not all of us would like to get blessings, knowledge, attention, love, healing, protection and much more. How many would consider wisdom as the fundamental or foundational thing for a child of God? It is liken to have all our sins forgiven by the washing of Jesus’ blood and forgetting the power of the cross that can deal with the entity that has the propensity to sin. Dealing with the root is more permanent and important than to deal with the fruit. Often the root is not obvious; hence we need the grace of God to willingly yield to Christ. We can try and try to prevent sin to rear its ugly head, failure is imminent because the root has a life of its own.

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom….. (1Cor 1:30)

Getting wisdom is to receive all that Christ is; that Christ may dwell in our hearts and be filled with the fullness of God (Eph 3:17, 19). This is to mean that the life and power that takes precedent in us is not our will but Jesus’ will. We cannot say that Christ is in us and yet we live as though we determine our action, thoughts, speech and even our destiny. It is not that we become a mindless robot, which is the reason why Christ is Wisdom from God. The benefits will surely follow, God is no man’s debtor, keep the priority in the right place.

Anti Corruption

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. (Dan 11:32)

This portion of Scripture shouldn’t be taken out of context; many would love the second part but must understand the context. The strength and exploits of the people who have a living relationship of God are the same who are willing to be die for the truth (Dan 11:33).  We needn’t defend the truth for Christ is Himself the Truth, but we stand on the truth in the face of the onslaught of flattery, insincere lies.

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Dan 1:8)

There are promises God will keep and there are things we need to purpose to do. There are vessels for honor meet for the Master’s use as there are unpurged vessels unto dishonor (2 Tim 2:21). The sanctity of the vessel determines God’s work to keep in the place of divine strength and to perform His exploits. We yield and continue to present ourselves as a living sacrifice and He will ensure the rest. Keep ourselves and God will keep out the world that screams corruption and deceit from defiling His Holy called out ones. Beware of the flatteries that can spell corruption.

Godlessness

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psa 14:1)

The simplistic view of Godlessness is to express that this is confined to heathens. The Psalmist is saying that those who speak thus in their heart is a foolish. We can defend the existence of God through speech and writing, but in our heart?

What our heart says proclaims the existence of God or not by external expression. Our heart can deny God’s existence when our speech is crude, full of curses, unbelief and all that is negative, as though God will not judge our mouth. We say that there is no God in our heart by our private vile thoughts and actions, as long as we are not caught and exposed in public. We deny God’s being in our heart when we are bitter, unthankful and behave as though God and the world owe us a living.

The fruit of being a heathen in our heart is demonstrated in our corruptible fruit that cause moral revulsion. The speaking of our heart shows how much we revere God and His existence. Fear God, it’s the beginning of our journey in divine wisdom and true knowledge.

Confession of Faith

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Rom 10:9)

Confession is beyond articulation of speech, but to assent or to come to a place of concurrence and even to the point of covenant. Out of the belief of the fullness or overflowing heart the mouth confesses faith in acknowledging the power of both the cross and resurrection.  The cross of dying to self, sin and the old man and resurrection to being alive to God in Christ Jesus. It is something that the Father has worked in by grace by the ‘effectual working of His power’ (Eph 3:7). Death always precede resurrection; not just one occasion but daily (1 Cor 15:31). In His light, we see light as well as areas of the darkness in the inner man that needs renewing.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (Heb 10:23)

What keeps us from straying and keeping our foot on the pathway of faith is because God is faithful. We hold on not our faith but to God. Faith brings into reality our son-ship and His Promises (Eph 3:6). If we are to profess or confess (same root word), check our speech… ‘Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?’ (Jas 3:11)

Trap of Legalism

And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. (Mar 3:2)

There are two sides to legalism. One is to impose rigorously their personal convictions resulting in the inability to edify or build others. The other is thinking of themselves as freed from all kinds of legalistic bondages, yet fervor in ensuring that they keep their perceived freedom.  Both impose yokes on themselves and others; the difference is which side the yoke is skewed towards.

Jesus obeyed the Father and the Law, yet in that path of life He knew the true spirit of obedience and of the Law. It is about to love God first and others second. It concerns allowing our convictions to be stretched and follow to do what is the right thing that pleases the Father. We can trap ourselves into some mold, form or rut by our inflexibility. Jesus frequently allowed Himself to be interrupted to heal, teach, bless and do all the good necessary to demonstrate the Father’s love. We can be zealous for religious beliefs and lose the Godly essence of His Commandments.