email me at jrs@jrstaton.com

The Trying of Our Faith Is Necessary

Last week I was walking down a hallway considering something. The words that then came up in my spirit got my attention: "The trying of your faith worketh patience."

God was ministering to me and those words are found in James 1:3.

However, to get the full impact of the verse it is necessary to look at the verses just before and just after it.

James 1:2: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;"

Divers temptations = various tests or trials.

James 1:3: "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

Trying = test; patience = continuance.

Count it joy when falling into a temptation KNOWING that the testing of my faith will work patience? Count it all joy regarding various tests so my faith will be tried and continuance will be the result?

Patience (continuance) in what?

The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ which is the power of God for my (our) live(s) each day.

James 1:4: "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Perfect = complete.

From scripture, it is clear that a Christian's life will be one in which there will be tests of faith, overcoming of evil and serving God with their spirit in the Gospel.

Read in Luke 4 what happened to the Lord Jesus when he was reading in the synagogue. He was with people who knew him and He was doing what was his custom...reading scripture. On this particular day, He was reading from Isaiah and speaking by the Spirit. After reading the verses, Jesus said (v.21), "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears."

v.22: "And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?"

However, because Jesus was speaking by the Spirit, they soon stopped considering the words to be gracious. Verses 23-27 follow.

"And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian."

The next two verses (28-29) are astounding because it is the same group of people who had just heard Jesus read from Isaiah and then spoke words directly to them.

"And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong."

These people, who first considered Jesus' words to be gracious, now wanted to kill him because of words he spoke by the Spirit. Do you suppose this was a test that Jesus expected? Was joy to be found as He found himself in this situation? Look at verses 30-32.

"But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power."

This is just one example of what Christians can expect when obeying God and trusting in His power. He will never leave us or forsake us. He never gives us something we cannot handle with our faith.

1 Peter 1:6-9: "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appeariing of Jesus Christ:

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."

No matter what you or I face, no matter how difficult it may be, Jesus has already overcome it. He is our example. Again, as we obey God, He will always cause us to have the victory.

John 14:12-14: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."

As I have written before, God ordains when and where people will live (Acts 17). According to scripture, we are living in the last days. We continue to hear and read about current wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines and all sorts of events in the earth. Many people are actually experiencing these things...living in those particular countries, serving in the various militaries, working as emergency responders, etc.

These things are actually very unsettling to many people. Recent events have certainly gotten my attention. As Christians, we know, or should know, who we serve and who to look to...the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Our trust is to be in the Gospel because that is the power of God for our lives.

Romans 5:3-5: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

tribulations = pressures/afflictions; patience = continuance; experience = proof;

hope = expectation/confidence.

So, no matter what we see, feel, hear, think or experience, we are to trust in the one raised from the dead...the Lord Jesus Christ and the One who raised Him...the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Our confidence, our hope, is to be in the power of God...daily.

Jesus said in Luke 21:19: "In your patience possess ye your souls."

God bless and accomplish His purposes in your life daily.

Begotten Again Unto a Lively Hope

1 Peter 1:3-5: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

This is the work of God in a Christian's life. Not by how good we think we might be, not by doing things we think are right but only because of His abundant mercy and love can we have eternal life. You might ask how that can be...the answer is He is God and He can, and will, do whatever He wants.

Acts 17:24-27: "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:"

Because God has "...begotten us again unto a lively hope..." we are to have confidence in Him and His power for our lives on a daily basis. He will meet our needs and our desires as we believe the Gospel and obey Him. As our faith is perfected, we will look more and more to Him for every aspect of our lives.

Something that has not left my spirit, in fact troubled it, is something I heard President Obama say several weeks, maybe a couple of months, ago. He was addressing the problems our economy was experiencing and the resulting impact on people's lives when he said, "Only government can help now."

He and many members of Congress state that they are Christians. I pray they are and that God will give them wisdom on what to do or not do. At the present time, however, this administration and Congress are determined to be more involved in our lives than ever before. As such, it has become even more necessary to trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and His power each day.

I am not against President Obama or members of our Congress. I pray daily for them as well as God's apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers and evangelists. I pray daily for God's people in the earth. I pray the WILL OF GOD BE DONE DAILY. I AM against THE evil that has manifested itself in this land and the evil spirits that are at work.

People in government, primarily at the federal level in the House and Senate, want praise of men for their actions. They think they are doing what is best for the people but I see that they have been caught up by a spirit(s) that wants to turn more and more people away from God. Without question, the antichrist spirit is at work.

In Acts 12 there was a king, Herod, that spoke to a group of people whose land was "nourished" by the king's country (v.20). The people were so moved that they (v.22) "...gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man." Notice what happened next (v.23); "And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost."

It is interesting that people will hear what they want to hear and see what they want to see without giving proper consideration (common sense) to it. Politicians are voted into office, and kept in office, because people just like them or because they are the party choice. People are so moved by their emotions at times that it becomes sickening. It happens in church as well as in government, in public demonstrations, etc. Spirits are at work to stir people's hearts and souls as well. God knows it as well.

For Christians, our hope is in the power of God, not what man can do or even hope to do.

I will close with 1 Corinthians 1:22-31:

"For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

God bless and accomplish His purposes in your life daily.

A Christian's Expectation

Psalm 62:5 is a very instructional and encouraging verse. It states: "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."

Expectation means "hope" or "thing longed for" (Strong's Concordance).

David knew from experience the importance of looking to God for salvation. God had proved Himself to David and David had proven himself to God. In 1 Samuel 17, the Philistines were in battle with Israel and Goliath, the giant Philistine, had challenged any man of Israel to fight him. He said that if an Israeli killed him the Philistines would become servants of Israel. But, if Goliath won then Israel had to become servants of the Philistines.

Goliath was approximately 9 feet tall and obviously very strong because of the description of his helmet, his coat of mail, and his spear. In fact, the staff of his spear was ... "like a weaver's beam..." and the spear head itself ..."weighed six hundred shekels of iron" (v.7). Goliath was defiant toward Israel to the point that ..."When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid" (v.11).

On a specific day, David obeyed his father, Jesse, and delivered bread and corn to his brethren and cheese to a captain in the army of Israel. As David talked with his brethren, Goliath came forth and spoke the same words to the men of Israel as he had before. The men of Israel ran when they saw him and were very afraid. This time, however, David heard the words.

David spoke to several men and asked..."What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? (v.26).

Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard David speak to the men and became angry with him. He asked David (v.28), "Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle." In verse 29 David answered ..."What have I now done? Is there not a cause?"

David wound up before King Saul and said in verse 32 ..."Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant wil go and fight with this Philistine." Saul responded by telling David that he was not able to fight against Goliath, that Goliath had been a man of war since his youth. David answered by telling King Saul what he had done to a lion and a bear, when they took a lamb from his father's flock. He retrieved the lamb and killed thm both.

Then he said this to Saul (v.36-37): "Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee."

David went forth to battle Goliath. Goliath cursed David and David responded in verses 45-47: "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands."

David took a smooth stone, put it in his sling and hit Goliath in the forehead. He then went to where Goliath lay and did what he said he would do: cut off his head and used Goliath's own sword to do so. The Philistines fled. David had won the victory for Israel because God was with him.

God proved that over the remaining years of David's life as well especially as King Saul became envious of David. I encourage you to read the remaining chapters in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel 1. See what David experienced and how he conducted himself before God and toward Saul. David feared God and trusted that God would hear his prayers and praises.

As our faith, love and obedience is perfected toward God we will have understanding and comfort in His words and know they are also for us, including the Psalms of David. We can then believe Psalm 62:5 for our lives: "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."

God bless and accomplish His purposes in your life daily.

Take Comfort

Jesus taught the following verses in Matthew 5 to his disciples. I encourage you to read what is recorded in Luke 6 as well. While similiar they are written differently but both minister to our hearts. Obviously, what Jesus spoke then still applies today because He is the same yesterday, today and forever and these words of God have not changed. The word "blessed" here means "happy." It is not the easiest thing to be when you are experiencing what is written, however. In fact, it may be the last thing to be considered...until God's power manifests in one's life and the victory occurs.

Matthew 5:3-12:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

It is written in 1 Peter 2:18-19: "Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully." Isaiah 53 shows what the Lord Jesus experienced and overcame not only for himself but also for Christians. He served God with His spirit in the Gospel and He is our example. He overcame all principalities and powers, every evil spirit and all wickedness by His obedience and trusting in God's power.

Continuing in 1 Peter 2, verses 20-25, we see the purpose of "suffering wrongfully" for God. "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."

Learn the importance of taking one day at a time and expecting God to minister to you no matter what you may be experiencing at that time. The Lord Jesus was always being opposed by evil as all servants of God will be. He overcame so we can/will too!! He did it for us and for all whom God ordained to eternal life. Jesus never failed because He trusted His Father. We will never fail when we do what God has for us to do and because we trust in His power, not our own abilities.

Believe the Gospel and see the salvation of God!

God bless and accomplish His purposes in your life daily.

An Exhortation to Walk in Righteousness

While I was reading earlier today in Ephesians 4, the last half of the chapter ministered to me and I believe God wanted me to post them. They are shown following these verses from 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

I encourage you to read Ephesians 4 in its entirety as you have time because it concerns the body of Christ and the necessity "...to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (v.3).

Ephesians 4:17-32:

"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

But ye have not so learned Christ;

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Neither give place to the devil.

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

God bless and accomplish His purposes in your life daily.

God Establishes the Body of Christ

Ephesians 2:8-10: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

These verses show clearly the mercy of God toward mankind. You can read in Romans 3 where no one is righteous, no one seeks after God and that all people have sinned. What you will see in the scriptures that follow is the love of God toward His people and how He works to make His love apparent to us. God does what man cannot do which is why no person can take any credit.

I trust questions will be answered that you may have as God ministers to you. People have wondered for years why their lives were spared and others were not. To put it simply...God has a plan for everyone.

1 Corinthians 12:12-18:

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

For the body is not one member, but many.

If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him."

In reading John 6:44 we can see that, according to the words of Jesus, it is the Father himself who draws people to Jesus. That is how people become part of the body of Christ. Romans 10 (verses 12 & 13) reveals that there is no difference between Jews and Greeks (Gentiles) for the Lord is over them all and that whosoever will call upon the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved. In Acts 2:47 we find this: "...And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." By reading Acts 9, you will find that is what happened to Paul (Saul) when he was looking for more disciples of the Lord to persecute.

God always has a day appointed where: He brings forth salvation for His people and He brings an end to evil. Evil can be associated with a single person or a group of people. Noah found grace with God. As a result, Noah and his family was saved while every other person in the earth perished because "...the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5)." You can find (by reading the next verses) that God repented he had made man!

Read about Pharoah and Moses in Exodus and how God was the one who hardened Pharoah's heart to accomplish His purposes. Read in Acts 12 how King Herod died because he did not give God glory. Read in Daniel (Chapter 6) where presidents and princes conspired against Daniel because he had an "excellent spirit in him." They did not prevail.

God ALWAYS comes through for His chosen people!

Many times, however, that appointed day does not coincide with our desired timing but it always produces God's desired results. When salvation manifests on that particular day for a Christian it makes the wait for it most worthwhile whether it was 1 day, 1 night, 1 month, a year or years.

As an example consider Abraham and Sarah. In Genesis 12, the Lord told Abram, as he was known at that time, to "...Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (verses 1-3)."

At that time, Abraham was 75 years old. God continued to talk with Abraham in the following years including Genesis 17. In that chapter came the name change, from Abram to Abraham (Father of a great multitude). God also said that Abraham's wife would now be known as Sarah (from Sarai). That is when God told Abraham that "...Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him (v. 19)."

Isaac was indeed born at the time appointed the next year as God had said. Genesis 21:2-3 states: "For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac."

Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. It had been 25 years since God had spoken that Abraham would blessed and become a great nation.

God is not bothered by time. He simply wants us to believe the Gospel and continue to believe what he says to us.

God Knows His Children

Ephesians 1:3-6: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."

Romans 9:6-8:

"Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."

v.11: "(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)"

v.13: "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."

v.14: "What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid."

v.15-16: "For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy."

Jesus was the Perfect Sacrifice

Hebrews 10:9-14:

"Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

sanctified = set apart unto God

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."

perfected = completed

Justified by Faith in Jesus

Romans 3:19-26: "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God witout the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; v.22-Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God: To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

justified = just as though we had never sinned

redemption = a loosing away

propitiation = an appeasement to God for us

Ordained to Walk in the Kingdom of God

Colossians 1:12-13: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:"

Colossians 2:6-9: "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."

2 Thessalonians 3:3: "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil."

Summary

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17: "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."

God bless and accomplish His purposes in your life daily.

Try the Spirits to Do the Will of the Father

Christians are supposed to do what is written in 1 John 4:1: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." Read the next four verses for yourself but notice what verse 6 states: "We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."

According to this scripture, there are two spirits that will impact our lives---truth or error. This is what a Christian should do daily...determine what we see or hear is of God.

“Try” means to test, prove, discern (from Young's and Strong's concordances).

Note that John writes about not believing every spirit and then mentions false prophets are in the world. Their intent is to shut up the kingdom of God to people and turn them from the faith. Paul and Barnabas, in Acts 13, dealt with Elymas, a false prophet, who was also described as being a sorcerer. Listed next are just a few references you should read concerning false ministers.

False prophets/sorcerers – Matthew 7, Matthew 24 & Mark 13, Acts 8, 2 Peter 2.

Pastors and prophets -- Jeremiah 23.

Prophets and prophetesses -- Ezekiel 13.

How Jesus Walked and What He Said

Jesus said this in John 5:30-31: "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true." He judged (tried, distinguished, discerned) if what he heard was of the Father, if it was the Spirit of truth. The Holy Spirit, called the Spirit of truth by the Lord Jesus in John 14, is also known as the Comforter (John 15 & 16). In fact, Jesus said this in John 16:13-14:

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

Jesus had to judge what He heard because He was walking in the earth as a man, just like you and me. He did not walk as the Son of God with no problems but as a servant, in the likeness of a man (Philippians 2:7). He was tempted just like we are tempted and He overcame every temptation. Because of that, Hebrews 2:18 says "...he is able to succour (aid) them that are tempted." Read Luke 4 and see how Jesus was tempted by the devil.

He humbled himself, made himself to have no reputation and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Because of His obedience, Jesus was highly exalted by God and His name is above every name (Philippians 2:7-11).

Jesus did not speak his own words, only the words of the Father as we find in John 12:44-50:

"He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak."

Jesus made it clear that the Father gave him the words to be spoken. It is still the same today with people God has ordained to be His ministers. Jesus is our example and a Christian should walk as He did in the earth, only doing the will of the Father.

Not the True

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:13, mentions false apostles, deceitful workers, who transform themselves into the apostles of Christ. They make themselves to be ministers of the Gospel but they are not true ministers. Paul continues in verses 14 & 15 by stating: "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

What is their purpose? To deceive people. To shut up the kingdom of God. To prevent people from obeying God and receiving His blessings. See what Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:1-6:

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained."

These spirits still operate in people today.

Read about the false prophets mentioned in 2 Peter 2. See for yourself what they say and do. People will be deceived because their flesh will like what these false ministers promise them. The end result, however, is anything but pleasant.

Not Judging After the Flesh

In John 8, Jesus was teaching in the temple when scribes and Pharisees brought to him a woman taken in adultery. They said she should be stoned according to Moses and the law. Their purpose was to tempt Jesus, that they could then accuse him. Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground. In verse 7, they persisted in asking him until he stood up and told them, "...He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."

He stooped down again and began writing on the ground. They began to depart until everyone was gone from Jesus and the woman. Jesus asked her in verse 10, "...Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?" She answered and said that no man had done so. Jesus then told her that neither did he, but to go and sin no more.

Jesus had been tempted to disobey God by men with the law in their hearts. According to the law and because there were witnesses, she should have been stoned. Notice, however, what Jesus said in John7:24: "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

He did not make judgments based upon what He saw or heard. He judged by the Spirit. He only did the will of the Father. That is what Christians should do as well.

Minister by the Spirit, Not by the Letter

Look back to John 5. In verse 8, Jesus told the impotent man to "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." The man did so and was immediately made whole. The Jews saw this man carrying his bed on the sabbath day and told him it was not lawful to do so. They did not hear that he had been made whole by the words Jesus spoke. They were more concerned about keeping the law.

There are ministers today in various denominations that are more concerned about people keeping the law than seeing the power of God manifest. They are more concerned about their doctrines and the law being followed than seeing people healed and set free of devils.

There are many ministers who believe, and teach, that miracles are not for today, that speaking in tongues is not for today. Why? That is what they were taught, that is what is in their heart and that is what they teach. Only the power of God can open their eyes, ears and hearts to the truth and power of the Gospel. Next, please look at Acts 15.

There was a meeting of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem regarding the Gentiles who had received the Gospel from Paul and Barnabas and had become converted. However, men, of a certain sect of the Pharisees, believed that these Gentiles needed to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses.

Peter spoke after there had been much disputing and reminded them that God had used him to minister the Gospel to the Gentiles (Cornelius and those with him) and that they also believed and received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues (Acts 10). Further, Peter asked why should the Gentiles have a yoke put on their necks that the Jews were unable to bear…regarding the law of Moses. He concluded (v.11) by saying that “…through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”

Paul and Barnabas then spoke to the assembly stating the miracles and wonders God worked with the Gentiles through them. James was next to address the apostles and elders. He reminded them that God would respond to the Gentiles that called upon the Lord (v.17) and that they should not “trouble them” regarding the law but only they should abstain from meats offered to idols, fornication, things strangled and blood.

After the speaking concluded, there was agreement among the apostles, elders and the church. Men were to be sent with Paul, Barnabas, Judas (surnamed Casabas) and Silas and instruct the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia to abstain from the four things mentioned in the above paragraph. That, if they could, they would do well (v.29).

In addition, note what was also written to them in verse 24: “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:”

The point was made that God ordains those to eternal life, it was not necessary to keep the law but hear the Gospel and believe and to have hearts purified by faith. Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6), faith comes by hearing the Gospel (Romans 10:16-17) and the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to those that believe (Romans 1:16).

Obey God to See Results

Staying in John 5, after Jesus talked with the man in the temple, the man told the Jews that Jesus had made him whole. John 5:16 states, "And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day." In verse 17, Jesus simply answered them, ..."My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." In verse 19 Jesus also stated that He could do nothing of himself but, what He saw the Father do, is what He (The Son) did.

Jesus said in Mark 2 that man was not made for the sabbath but the sabbath was made for man and that the Son of man is Lord of the sabbath. He had that authority to do what the Father wanted regardless of the day of the week.

John the Baptist said this of Jesus in John 3:31-34: "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him."

In 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Paul says:

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

The words Jesus spoke were by the Spirit. They were spirit and they were life. They were also the truth because they came from the Father. Remember 1 John 4:6 mentioned earlier? Words spoken will either be by the Spirit of truth (see John 14:17) or the spirit of error.

Jesus Pleased the Father

Jesus pleased the Father because He only did His will. As Jesus obeyed, God's power would manifest and heal people, cast out devils, still the wind and calm the sea, feed the multitudes and raise the dead, just to name a few things.

Look back at John 8:28-29 and the words Jesus spoke: "Then said Jesus unto them, 'When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.'" In verse 30 it says that many believed on Jesus as those words were spoken. Why? Because Jesus spoke and ministered by the Spirit.

People believed on Jesus because the Father drew them to Jesus (John 6:44). Jesus said in John 6:63-64: "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not." Many disciples then departed from Jesus and did not walk with Him anymore. They were convicted of sin by the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:9).

Speaking the Truth in Love

Back to John 8. In verses 31 & 32, Jesus speaks to the Jews which believed on Him and told them if they continued in His word, they would be His disciples and they would know the truth, and the truth would make them free. They responded that they were Abraham's seed and had not been in bondage to any man. They wanted to know why Jesus had told them they could be free. They believed they were free already. Read verses 33-36 for yourselves.

Jesus, in verse 37, is confronting people (Jews/Pharisees) that want to kill Him and tells them it is because His word has no place in them. He even told them He knew they were Abraham's seed. In verse 38, Jesus said, "I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father." The next verses get really personal but Jesus is doing the will of the Father by speaking the truth in love.

In verse 39, "They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham."

Jesus continued speaking in verse 40: "But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham."

Jesus said, "Ye do the deeds of your father" in the first part of verse 41. They replied they were not born of fornication and that they had one Father, who was God.

Look closely at the next three verses (42-44) and what Jesus says to them:

"If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

Again, this is Jesus speaking the words of God by the Spirit. He was speaking to people. Look back at verses 31-33 and notice that He certainly spoke to those Jews which believed on Him. While it is not specific, it is apparent that non-believing Jews were being addressed as well because he was still in the temple. He continued to speak to them through the rest of the chapter.

In verse 47, Jesus said, "He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God." Notice in verse 59, it reached the point where the Jews took up stones to cast them at Jesus, who "...hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." How could Jesus hide himself in the midst of people? It could only be the power of God.

The Result of Disobeying God

Jesus said that the devil was a murderer and a liar in John 8:44. Read what is recorded in Genesis 3:1-4 concerning the serpent (the devil). In verse 1, it is written that the serpent was "...more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made."

Subtil means "crafty" or "sly" or "shrewd." The serpent tempted Eve to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil by saying to her in verse 4, "...Ye shall not surely die:" She had already told him that God said that they were not to eat of it or touch it, lest they die. The Lord God had told Adam in Genesis 2:17, "...for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

You should read the rest of chapter 3. You will see that in verse 5, the serpent told Eve that God would know that when you eat the fruit of that tree, "...your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Look at verses 22-24:

"And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life."

The serpent was correct when he said that Adam and Eve would know good and evil when they ate of the fruit of the tree. That is what verse 22 says. The problem was disobeying what God had said not to do. It is called rebellion.

The Result of Obeying God

Jesus resisted the temptations of the devil in Luke 4 by faith, by knowing the word of God and being filled with the Holy Ghost. He then returned in the power of the Spirit after the devil had ended all the temptation and departed from Jesus for a season (verses 13-14). Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:3 that Eve was beguiled by the serpent through his subtilty. Beguiled, according to Young's concordance, means "to deceive greatly."

Jesus was not deceived. He walked by faith and in the power of God. Paul addressed what happened because of Adam's disobedience in Romans 5. I encourage you to read the chapter for yourself to see what the obedience of Jesus did for all of us. Please note verses 17-21:

"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."

Workers of Iniquity

People, including ministers, speak and do things that God is not pleased with each day. Again, it is called rebellion. Jesus said the following in Matthew 7:21-23:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Until several years ago, I never considered that people could minister power and not be doing the will of God. That they could prophesy, give tongues and interpretations, cast out devils, teach, do wonderful works, all in the name of Jesus and be in rebellion. That they could say, "God said..." and it not be so. That they could have been in the ministry for 30, 40, 50 or more years and not have revelation of the Gospel.

God's Power Delivers from Evil

Look back at Acts 8 and read about Simon. He used sorcery and bewitched the people of the city of Samaria. He considered himself to be someone great. There was a power with him that affected the whole city. The people of the city said this about Simon in verse 10, "...This man is the great power of God." Verse 11 states: "And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries."

Simon had a spirit he could use that was demonic. The people of Samaria obviously did not know the power with him was not of God. Yet, when Philip came to their city in obedience to God, the power of God not only manifested, but also brought forth great joy to the people. Why? Because people were healed and unclean spirits came out of many that were possessed. Because a servant of God will speak the words of God and minister by the Spirit and people will have joy and peace that comes through the Gospel.

Notice how one person affected a whole city with a wrong spirit. It is still that way today throughout the earth. Evil spirits work through people to oppose the purposes of God for our lives.

People that do not believe the Gospel or the words of God also oppose what God has for people. Just read in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts how people wanted to kill Jesus, Paul and others simply for obeying God and ministering the things of the kingdom of God. Some of them were killed - John the Baptist was beheaded and James was killed with the sword.

Look at Acts 13 where Elymas the sorcerer, a false prophet, was seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. The power of God dealt with him through Paul, who spoke by the Holy Ghost in verses 10 and 11:

"...And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand."

In verse 12, it says the deputy “…when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord."

God Has Not Changed

He will do what is necessary to move on behalf of His people in the earth. He will bring us out of the bondage of religious tradition and the law, deliver us from false ministers, evil spirits, from the traditions of our fathers and the wisdom of this world. He will work righteousness in us so that we will know no man after the flesh, including family and friends. He has a purpose for every person which He will bring to pass each day by His Spirit and power.

Paul and Silas in Acts 16, verses 16-18, met a lady who was “…possessed with a spirit of divination…, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”

However, her masters were very displeased when they realized “…the hope of their gains was gone…” (v. 19). As a result, they took Paul and Silas before the rulers in the marketplace and then to the magistrates complaining that “…These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans” (verses 20-21).

Paul and Silas were then beaten and put into prison with the jailor ordered to keep them bound. Read the following verses for yourselves but the result was this: God wanted the keeper of the prison and those in his house saved. Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to them, they believed and they were all baptized. The keeper also made sure that Paul and Silas had their stripes washed and also fed them.

What God wants to accomplish in people’s lives will be done whether it makes sense to us or not. He is, after all, the one who leads us in righteousness paths.

God is the One Who Chooses

Jesus said the following in Matthew 12:46-50: “While he (Jesus) yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

But he answered and said unto him that told him, ‘Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?’

And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, ‘Behold my mother and my brethren!

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.’”

Do Not Assume Anything

For years I took for granted that ministers I heard preaching and teaching from the Bible knew what they were talking about. I also thought that they were doing what God wanted them to do. As far as I knew, they had graduated from seminaries or religious organizations, so they must have had the necessary training and understanding of the things of God to minister to people, right?

Wrong. I "assumed" they knew what they were doing and were ordained by God. I know, now, that God ordains people to preach the Gospel. He is the one who chooses and who sends them forth (Matthew 10, Acts 1 & 9). We must pray and believe the Gospel to know the will of God for our lives. Remember, Jesus is our example and He only did the will of the Father.

Jesus did not assume the Father wanted something said or done, He made sure of it by prayer and by judging what He heard. Romans 8:14: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." The Holy Spirit, also called the Spirit of truth and the Comforter, will guide a person, "...into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew unto you" (John 16:13-14).

Christians Will Serve God with Their Spirits in the Gospel

A minister ordained of God will have revelation of the Gospel, be led by the Holy Spirit and will minister the things of the kingdom of God.

What did Jesus say about himself? Look at John 5:36: "But I have greater witness than of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me." The Father sent Jesus to preach the Gospel to people, to teach them and they saw God's power manifest. Jesus was not concerned about honor, prestige, money or delivering a good message. He only did the will of his Father.

Paul stated in Philippians 3 that all he had attained in the flesh, he now counted as "...loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord..." (v.8). He was delivered from living in the flesh to serving God with his spirit in the Gospel. Furthermore, he wanted to "...know him, and the power of his resurrection" (v. 10). Why? The power of God had changed his life.

Paul could then do the will of God...preach the Gospel, with power, in obedience to God. The word alone did not change him and it cannot change us. The law did not set Paul free. The law cannot heal or save any person. It was not intended to do so. We remain under the law until faith comes (Galatians 3:23). Faith comes by hearing the Gospel (Romans 10:17). Thank God for revelation of the Gospel!

Doing the Will of God

A Christian will hear the voice of God because Jesus said in John 10:27: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Galatians 5:16 says to... "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." Verse 17 mentions that the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. They are in opposition to each other.

People, including ministers, can yield to the flesh. If so, they will speak and do things of the flesh, because of the condition of their hearts. People who like those things walk in the flesh themselves.

How to overcome the flesh and not be deceived?

By trying the spirit. Judging what you hear and see. By believing the Gospel and walking in the Spirit. Praying until you know the will of God. By seeing what is written in the Bible. Mix your faith with the Gospel and God will not let you be deceived by a spirit of error. In Hebrews 5:14 we find that people can reach a point in their lives that "...by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Do not assume that ministers know what they are talking about. Check out what they say and do, including me...for your benefit. Remember...try the spirits!

Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:7: "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things."

A Personal Note

I am doing daily what is written in Acts 14:22. To paraphrase the verse, I am continuing in the faith and despite the tribulation (pressure, affliction) entering into the kingdom of God.   His power continues to produce salvation in me. I am striving to see the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel manifest in my life and I pray that you will see it manifest in your life each day as well.

God bless and accomplish His purposes in your life daily.

The Peace of God

John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

With these words, Jesus spoke to the 11 apostles following the Last Supper to encourage and comfort them. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, by then had left in order to lead a group of men back from the chief priests and Pharisees to take Jesus. However, Jesus' words should be as comforting and encouraging to Christians today as Jesus spoke them then.

Why?

Because Jesus knew that his time had come to be crucified, to die, to be buried and be raised from the dead. To fulfill the will of God. This is the hope of our salvation and this is the power of God for our lives today. With revelation of the Gospel and as we believe in our hearts, no matter the situation, our faith will see the power of God manifest to provide the victory. With every victory comes the peace of God.

Romans 5:1-5:

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

In Mark 4 Jesus had ministered about the parable of the sower to a multitude of people. He made clear to the the twelve chosen to be apostles and others with them about the meaning of the parable. He told them it was given to them to "...know the mystery of the kingdom of God..." (vs.11) but not to everyone. Jesus then made it clear regarding the sower sowing the word and the various types of hearts. The right heart, the "...good heart..." (vs.20), will bring forth fruit.

He continued to teach other parables regarding the kingdom of God until evening and then stated to his disciples, ..."Let us pass over unto the other side" (vs.35) ...(of the sea to the country of the Gadarenes). When they were in the boat, a storm came up with powerful wind and high waves. While water filled the boat, Jesus was sleeping. In verse 38, the disciples, fearing for their lives, asked Jesus, "...Master, carest thou not that we perish?"

Jesus answered by rebuking the wind and saying to the sea, "...Peace, be still" (vs.39).

He concluded in verse 40 by asking them,..."Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" It is written (vs.41) that the disciples feared greatly and said to each other, "...What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

When Jesus spoke "...Peace, be still," what was the result? Peace...a calm...no more fear of dying. Philippians 4:7: "And the peach of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Fear will be exposed at any given time in our lives. It usually comes from something unexpected...that we do not control; a car running a red light, a snake crossing our path, our employer suddenly going out of business and being without a job, losing your savings in a stock market collapse. The key is to remember what the Lord Jesus Christ did for you and me...He died, was buried and was raised from the dead. That is the power of God for our lives. God will deliver us of fear and unbelief and we will have His peace as we use our faith to believe that Jesus died, was buried and was raised from the dead.

Romans 1:17 states: "For therein (in the Gospel-vs.16) is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." This is also found in Habakkuk 2:4 and Hebrews 10:38.

Jesus continued to speak the words of God to the disciples regarding his leaving them in John 16:19-22:

"Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, 'Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.'"

Jesus said in John 16:32-33:

"Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

That same peace Jesus had with the Father is the same peace we can have with the Father...if we believe the Gospel.

Isaiah 53:5: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement (instruction) of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

To believe the Gospel is to rely on or trust in what Jesus did for us and it was God's plan from the foundation of the world. When we believe we are never alone...we will have both the Father and Son with us!

Psalm 29:11: "The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace."

After Jesus was "...risen from the dead..." (Matthew 28:7), Mary Magdalene and Mary told that to the disciples and that they would see him, they were not believed (Mark 16:11). Neither the disciples fear and unbelief, or ours, will keep God from accomplishing His purposes.

John 20:19-21:

"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, 'Peace be unto you.' And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.'"

God has a plan for each person's life and no one is here by accident.

Acts 17:24-31:

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."

Take one day at a time and be as thankful as you can for it. Expect God to manifest His power in your life. Use your faith and see the power of God bring forth what you need. It is an overcoming of doubt, unbelief, fear, oppression, whatever evil is hindering you...when you can truly, and simply, say 'Thank you, Father, for your mercy today in my life.'

Finally, be encouraged by Psalm 23:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

God bless and accomplish His purposes in your life daily.

Each New Day

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

What a simple and straight forward verse Psalm 118:24 is...but one which is hard to do at times. Because of what we are experiencing in our lives on any given day at any particular time during that day, this verse tends to become lost to us. Our hearts and souls tend to get caught up in situations that serve to distract us from what God wants to do for us and especially what the Lord Jesus accomplished for us.

In 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 Paul writes:

"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"

The word "succoured" means to come to the aid of, to help, to assist. Salvation is what we need at any specific time. Each day brings the opportunity(ies) for us to believe that God will again come to help us. After all, He made us and He does know the very number of hairs in our heads (Matthew 10:30) and everything about our lives...the thoughts of our hearts (Ps.94:11), where we live (Acts 17:26) and the purposes of our lives (Romans 9).

Salvation is the power of God working for our good and produces safety, soundness, deliverance, an answer we need and will always reflect His love, mercy and grace for us. We must, however, do something as well: Use our faith and believe the Gospel because that is the power of God for our lives. We must also expect that God will hear and answer our prayers, hear our cries in time of need and bring forth the help we need at the specific time we need it. He is never late but always accomplishes His purposes.

I still battle with my soul and heart about things. However, I thank God that I know what I must do: Not pay attention to what I see, feel or think but, to pray, believing that the power of God will come through again. Again, it is not easy for me at times but, when I get hold of my self, rule my soul (feelings) and believe, God always causes me to triumph. It would be nice if I could always overcome in a couple of minutes but I also know God is making me more sound each time.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)." I encourage you to read the verses that follow as well. Something to consider when you are being tossed or tempted in obeying God and wanting to do His will is found in 1 Peter 3:12-17.

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing."

A temptation will be, can be, anything that can hinder us from realizing what God is doing, or about to do in our lives. It can be an untimely phone call, unannounced visitor, car breakdown, losing a job, spending money on some unplanned expense. The list goes on but you know how it is.

1 Corinthians 10:13-14: "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. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry."

For believers who are born again and are trusting in His power that raised Jesus from the dead we are to expect to overcome evil and to have every victory we need in our lives. James 1:2-4 has encouraged me many times: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying (testing) of your faith worketh patience (continuance). But let patience have her perfect (complete) work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

You can, and should, read Matthew 6:34 but I will summarize it...we are to take no thought for tomorrow because there is enough evil for this very day. Also, we cannot have a do-over on yesterday. It is past. What we are to do, today, and each new day we are blessed to see, is to put our trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the power of His might. Not just to barely make it but, as our faith and love is perfected, to know that salvation is always going to manifest for us no matter the situation.

To conclude, Paul declared in 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 the following:

"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. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body."

God bless and accomplish His purposes in your life daily.

God's Grace To Us

Paul, in the first epistle to the Corinthians, as well as in other epistles, made it very clear that God is the one who calls (chooses) people unto/into the fellowship of his son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew of the grace of God on his life and how "...by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Paul wrote to the Corinthians in the first epistle (chapter 1 verse 10) that they should all speak the same thing and have no divisions (schisms) among themselves. Further, that they should "...be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." That is the same way God looks at it today...He has not changed but we must in order to be set free from religious traditions, doctrines of devils, wisdom and traditions of man, just to name a few in order to be servants of the Lord Jesus Christ and God.

In addition, he addresses that contentions were in their midst when he asked in verse 13: "Is Christ divided: was Paul crucified for you: or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" He also points it out again in Chapter 3 (verses 4-9) of the first epistle only this time he is blunt: he calls them carnal...walking as men, following after men, not after God.

"For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."

The Lord Jesus Christ spoke clearly in John 5:19 about his relationship with the Father: "...Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." Also, in verses 30-31 of the same chapter: "I can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true."

1 Corinthians 1:20-31:

"Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

As I have stated over the years, read the Bible for yourself and ask God for understanding. Until next time...JR

I pray that these verses comfort and strengthen you and that God convinces you He is with you no matter the situation. Mix your faith with the Gospel and expect the victory!

God bless and accomplish His purposes in your life daily.

Email me at jrs@jrstaton.com