Fruits Of The Spirit Part 5: In Expression Toward Man: Longsuffering (Patience)

We have been discussing the first three Fruits of the Spirit as they are an Inward State; Love, Joy and Peace.  The next three are expressions toward others; Longsuffering, Gentleness and Goodness.  Longsuffering, or patience has long been regarded as a virtue.  It is one that can really try many of us, especially in our fast paced instant society.

Americans do not want to wait for anyone or anything, myself included!  We may start our day with instant coffee and instant oatmeal made in a microwave, if we are economy minded; or we may spent $5.00 at a drive through and slam a breakfast muffin sandwich on the way to work.  In an effort to expand menus to stimulate new sales, “Fast Food,” is not as fast as it use to be. 

Time seems to be our enemy.  From the day of our birth, the clock starts ticking on our threescore and ten years, 70, as allotted by the word of God and if by strength, we may pull off ten more to 80.

Psalms 90:10 “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”

It use to be that couples stayed married 50 years and looked forward to gracefully aging together into their golden years.  Not any more!  Everyone is out for No. 1.  Only about 25% of people marry today and most of those marriages end in divorce.  People no longer age gracefully; they fight it every inch of the way.  Looking younger is an obsession of our society.  Evening cable news anchors all look the same.  They color their hair and wear the perfect amount of makeup to all look the same as if they spend most of their life maintaining a California tan.  Health clubs and spas consume the time that was once spent around the family dinner table.  In our family, growing up in the 1960s, we sat down as a family for breakfast and dinner, every day!  Weekends included lunch together and family activities well into our teens. 

Youth always seem to be in a hurry to get old.  Once there we all repent of how we spent our time.  Being a PK (Preachers Kid), we were always visiting the elderly, the fatherless and the infirmed.  To a teenager, this was like getting a root canal!  Life needed more excitement; but those hours spent in “pure religion;” gave me strength later in life. 

James 1:27 KJV “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

It was greatly appreciated when people visited me in the hospital and brought me meals during my times of infirmity.  The impetuousness of my youth was cured very quietly when at age 33; an injury catapulted my life into using the medical profession.  That injury, unearthed a multitude of underlying chronic ailments that have brought about premature aging.  This first decade of the new millennium has been spent mostly in waiting rooms for medical procedures.  It has robbed my youth and my wallet; but through it all, God’s character has been transforming my carnal human nature.  Truly, the pain and suffering can be counted as joy, because it has driven me to my knees and continues to do so; keeping me close to God.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  (3)  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  (4)  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Psalm 107 is one of my favorites because it talks about giving thanks and praising God.  Four time this phrase is used in this short chapter; “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”  It also includes a phrase that has been keyed off of for one of our most sung praise choruses; “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;”

Psalms 107:1-8 “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.  (2)  Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;  (3)  And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.  (4)  They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.  (5)  Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.  (6)  Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.  (7)  And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.  (8)  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!...”

Psalms 107:22 & 27 22)“And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing… 27) They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.  29) He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.”

The Message captures verses 22 and 27 with an analogy that fits our fast paced world where everyone is running to and fro; out of control and chasing after life, spinning like a top!  People seem to live in the storms of their lives; and yearn for some peace and quiet to be calm and still.

Psalms 107:27 (Message) “You were spun like a top, you reeled like a drunk, you didn't know which end was up… 29) He quieted the wind down to a whisper, put a muzzle on all the big waves.”

When we allow God to slow down our lives; to bless us with peace and calm; then we will have time to meditate upon the blessings of the Lord and properly give Him thanks, not just on an annual day of Thanksgiving, but every day; entering into His courts with thanksgiving, praise and worship.  We need to truly worship the Lord.

WORSHIP in the New Testament comes from the Greek word προσκυνέω (proskuneo, pronounced pros-koo-neh'-o), meaning to kiss,( like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, that is, (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore): - worship.

Our worship to God needs to be an expression of our undying love to him.  Dogs are referred to as man’s best friend.  Their kisses are unrestrained licking and slobbering all over their master, and the friends of their master.  They are also quick to defend and put themselves in harms way to protect their masters and what belongs to their masters.  Are we quick to hug and kiss God with unrestrained affection through our worship?  Praise we do outwardly, but worship we do inwardly.  True worship will be expressed outwardly with our voices and whole being; especially with tears of joy, appreciation and thanksgiving.

Longsuffering or Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  If we live in patience toward man and the physical things and circumstances of our lives, we will live with more calm and peace.  We will have more time to spend in true worship to Jesus Christ, our Lord.  This life is all about Jesus Christ and being transformed to be His partner for all eternity.  If we can begin to grasp our awesome future and our present calling, then we will live in the fruits of the Spirit and God will live in us.

My Lord and my Father in Heaven, help me slow down my mortal physical life so that I may build an everlasting spiritual life and prepare to be with you for all eternity.  Let me walk patiently with all fellow human beings as we are all heirs together of your promises; all children of God.  Let your Holy Spirit live in me and produce good works and fruit of your love, joy and peace.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Fruits of the Spirit Part 4: The Inward State of Peace

Forty years ago a pastor gave a sermon about trials and tribulations and he said, “When you get to the end of your rope; tie a not in it and hang on!”  Sometime we feel like we have been shipped wrecked in desolation; yet Jesus is always there.  No matter what the trial is, no matter how desperate the circumstances seems to be; Jesus is always there with the answer.  That sermon has been a high tower of rescue for me countless times over the years.  Hang on just a bit longer because rescue is there. 

Lazarus died hanging on, but his rescue came.  That well known story in John chapter 11 is for our edification and help.  Jesus said that he was glad that He was not there to save Lazarus!  Why?  Because Jesus wanted His followers to believe that nothing will keep the love of God from us; not even death.  Jesus wanted them to see and believe that He is the resurrection.

“Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there…” (John 11:14-15)

That should give us great peace of mind.  Mary and Martha were in the darkest moment of their trial of the death of their brother and they blamed Jesus for not being there; but He was and had a greater purpose.  Jesus saw their pain and He wept as well (v 35).  The God of the Universe, who spoke all things into existence, was there and He had a plan.  Jesus is always with us and He has a plan.  Jesus then spoke a simple command; “Lazarus, come forth.” (v. 43)  Nothing will separate us from God!

Romans 8:37-39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  (38)  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We must stand on the promises, the WORD of God; believing, because we have internalized Christ so that He lives in us.  Know the WORD of hope and claim it!  The verses below speak to the faithfulness of Jesus and His promises

JESUS IS FAITHFUL AND COMPASSIONATE

Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  (23)  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

JESUS WILL NEVER LEAVE OF FORSAKE

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

JESUS WILL PROVIDE A WAY OF ESCAPE

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

JESUS IS THE WAY OF ESCAPE

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

JESUS WILL GIVE PEACE

Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

JESUS WILL GIVE THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

EMBRACE PEACE, EMBRACE JESUS AND BECOME THE CHILD OF GOD

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

We have seen the three inward states of LOVE, JOY and PEACE.  These are more than fruit of the Spirit of God; they are God.  We are the temple of the Holy Ghost.  These inward states of being can live in us through Christ Jesus, our Lord and our God; but we must desire the continual infilling of the Holy Ghost.  We must live in the armor of God that we have also just reviewed in detail; so that, even though we are in a horrific battle and war; THE VICTORY IS OURS!  WE ARE MORE THAN CONQURERS!  WE CAN LIVE IN PEACE!

Prayer:  Lord God Almighty, my Father; thank you for your Spirit that lives in me and gives me all of what I need; fill me with your Love, Joy and Peace.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Fruits of the Spirit Part 3: The Inward State of Joy

Looking at this young woman’s skin would make you think that she was in some horrific accident that resulted in third degree burns over her entire body.  Not so, Cheryl was born missing the middle layer of her skin.  This was part of a birth defect that left her skin without the ability to be properly hydrated and protected.  It had an inflamed and blistered appearance that would easily dry out and crack.  If this was not enough of a life challenge, Cheryl was also only four foot tall and her hands were like paws.  All five finger bones were in each hand, but the skin was not separated into fingers.  Many times, my freshman year at college, our paths crossed and our eyes connected and she always smiled at me and said hello in passing.  My human nature paralyzed me from going past that hello.  One day, she came into the Campus Ministry office and the Director introduced us.  We began to get to know each other.  Despite the intense and continuous pain that Cheryl lived with 24/7, she was one of the most grateful and joy filled people; who have ever crossed my path.  The day that she got her first car; modified to meet her special needs, she was just ecstatic!  She was driving now and nothing stood in her way!  She lived everyday without limits in the joy of the Lord!  Through Cheryl, God broke my phobia and prejudice against people with special needs and unusual appearances and taught me about real joy, the kind of joy that is a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit.  Joy truly is an inward state that is not dependant upon physical circumstances.  Perfect health can not produce God’s joy; or perfect circumstances.  Money can’t buy it.  No one can give it to you.  Joy comes from the Lord and is a fruit of the Holy Ghost living inside of you.

My former pastor of three years, John Grant, is a man who has lived in great pain as well, at times.  During those three years, he faced chronic pain in his ankle from a fifty year old, high school football injury.  He also won the battle of cancer for the third time.  Through all of his suffering, Pastor Grant always greeted me with a joyous smile and would respond to my inquiry about how he was doing, by saying, “Great! And the best part is that I’m getting better!”  The twinkle in his eye and the warmth of his expression were testimony of God’s joy living in him, despite his physical circumstances.

Galatians 5:22 KJV “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”

James 1:2-4 KJV My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  (3)  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  (4)  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

God allows us to experience trials and tribulations in order to help us grow in His perfect character.  It is through chastening that we grow and are transformed from carnal, mortal sin; into God’s immortal glory.

Hebrews 12:6-10 KJV “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  (7)  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  (8)  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  (9)  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  (10)  For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.”

We must always keep the big picture of God’s eternal Kingdom, in our hearts and minds.  This physical life is so short compared to what lies ahead.  The Apostle Paul reminded himself of this continuously.

Romans 8:18 KJV “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Prayer:  Lord God Almighty, you are my Heavenly Father and I am your heir to glory.  Help me to embrace the trials of the flesh with joy.  Fill me with the Holy Ghost and the expectation of miracles, signs and wonders.  Be a light in me that will guide many to you!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Fruits of the Spirit Part 2: The Inward State of Love

From the first man, Adam; humans were made in God’s image.  Man will never be omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent; but man too can become love as God is love.  This greatest of character traits can be embraced by man and with the Holy Ghost living in each person as an individual temple of the Holy Ghost; man can become Christ like; being transformed through the daily renewal of the Gospel process.  God is love and we too can become love.

1 John 4:16 KJV “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

It is not only the greatest command, but it is the greatest life style, to live in God’s love and to be a vessel through whom God can pour out His love to others.

Matthew 22:36-40 KJV “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  (37)  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  (38)  This is the first and great commandment.  (39)  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  (40)  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

We are known by God through love.  It is not only something that we receive and return to God; but something we extend to others.  We actually enter God’s life and live in Christ through His love.

1 Corinthians 8:3 KJV “But if any man love God, the same is known of him.”

As it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5, it is a state of being; an inward state; followed by joy and peace.  As an expression toward men it is the foundation of longsuffering, gentleness and goodness.  As an expression to God, it is faith, meekness, and temperance.  We love God because He first loved us and taught us how to love; and thus we truly desire to please Him and keep His commandments.

1 John 5:3 KJV “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

If we have truly entered love and are in the process of becoming love, it is impossible for us to hate anyone.   Love becomes an outgrowth of our faith, which also comes from God, through the hearing of the WORD.

1 John 4:20 KJV  “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

According to Merriam Webster; Love is by definition: 1) strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; 2)  warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion. 

We have an adoption through Christ Jesus.  Therefore we are in kinship with God and with each other.  We have family ties as being of one Father, our Heavenly Father.

Ephesians 1:5 KJV “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”

We become a new creature, born of water and of spirit.  Those who receive Christ become the sons of God; not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  We become love just as God is love.  The Holy Ghost transforms us into newness of life and purpose.  Therefore we enter the family of God and become coheirs of the promise.

John 1:12-13 KJV “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  (13)  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

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

Romans 8:17 KJV “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Almighty God of Love, who is LOVE; praise be to you and your greatness.  Thank you LORD; for giving me your love.  Help me to live more perfectly in your love and all of the fruits of your Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Fruits of the Spirit Part 1: Introduction – By Their Fruit You Shall Know Them

The world is a very competitive place and children are taught from the earliest of ages that performance will bring life’s rewards.  It has been an age old axiom that every person needs to protect their reputation.  Although society has become much more fast paced as technology continues to explode in advancement; personal interaction also continues to be something that demands character development.  From standards on a little league team, to placement in college and the work force; no one can ignore that character, especially high moral character of loyalty and trustworthiness; is something to possess, value and protect.  By our fruit, in the area of character development, or lack thereof; we are known.

If character is of such high regard and value in this short physical life of maybe 100 years; why should it surprise anyone; that Almighty God would scrutinize our moral fiber rewarding us with an eternal position in  the Kingdom of Heaven  Could Jesus Christ be any more clear than to say, “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” In a clear analogy of the “tree,” representing each individual human life?

Matthew 7:16-20 KJV  “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  (17)  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  (18)  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  (19)  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  (20)  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Ultimately, every person will have to give an account of their own life before God.  We will all have to bear our own burden, bear or own sin.  Sometimes in this world, it seems that evil wins out over good; but we only see through human eyes and it is not over at death.  It is over when God says it is over and God will not be mocked.  Evil will receive it’s just penalty and righteousness it’s just reward.

Galatians 6:4-8 KJV  But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  (5)  For every man shall bear his own burden.  (6)  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.  (7)  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  (8)  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

All will be judged and stand alone at the White Throne Judgment.  Physical death of the flesh is not the final act of our existence.  Every soul will be resurrected to judgment.  All graves and even the sea will give up the death

Revelation 20:11-15 KJV  (11)  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  (12)  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  (13)  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  (14)  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  (15)  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The fruit of our lives will be individually judged.  Are we bearing fruit of Christ and the Holy Spirit; or are we bearing fruit of the Devil and his evil world?  We are talking about heaven and hell issues here.  When it all comes to the bottom line; it is all a heaven or hell issue.

Galations 5:22-23 identifies nine fruits of the Spirit; nine characteristics of the Holy Ghost living in a Christian’s life.  Dr. Cyrus I. Scofield divided them into three categories of character:

1.     Character As An Inward State
Love, Joy, Peace

2.     Character In Expression Toward Man
Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness  

3.     Character In Expression Toward God
Faith, Meekness, Temperance

Over the next nine days, we are going to look at each of these fruits of the Holy Ghost, fruits of the Spirit of God.  When we embrace these fruits of God’s own character, He will change our heart and mind; preparing us for an eternal position in His Kingdom forever to be present with Christ our Lord.

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, I know that I can not embrace your character by myself.  You have created me flesh, so that I can be perfected by your truth living inside of me through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.  Fill me with the Holy Ghost.  Transform my carnal thoughts into the heart and mind of God.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Spiritual Warfare: Part 8 Prayer -- Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit; living in the state of humble prayer

One morning just as church was starting, my good friend’s wife; had been in labor throughout the night.  The baby was breached and she was told that they would have to take the baby by Caesarean.  At church, the pastor led 500 people in an intercessory prayer for God to intervene and help the baby be born naturally.  At that immediate moment of our prayers, the baby turned and was delivered naturally.  Today as many people were engrossed in family celebrations of Thanksgiving dinners, countless prayers went out to pray for the father of our pastor, who broke his neck in a 4 wheeler accident.  Less than four hours later, the man’s broken neck was healed.  Praise the Lord!

To make a supplication means; to make a humble entreaty; especially to pray to God.  When we pray in the Spirit, we are praying in one of the gifts of the Holy Ghost; to pray with an anointing, just as we rejoiced upon receiving the Holy Ghost the very first time, we should pray in the power of God, allowing Him to pray through us.  Praying in tongues glorifies God and anoints us.

When we offer up a prayer for another person and we carry someone else’s burden to the Lord, God must smile and say, “YES!”  Intercessory prayer is the application of God’s command of; “love one another.”  As Christians, we are to be growing in our relationship with God and with each other.  When we love another, we love God.  They can be a stranger or they can be a friend; but when we care for others, we care for God. 

When the same petition is offered up by many; that prayer is magnified in the power of the Holy Ghost.  When my life hung in the balance after a medical mishap and death was eminent; countless hundreds of people received an emergency call to pray for me.  Those prayers were magnified.  God intervened and saved my life.

When we continue to petition God, He hears and answers.  Jesus told the following story to illustrate how God is moved when we have persistent faith, especially when we are asking for someone else; when we ask for salvation, healing or a blessing for another person!

"There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. 3) A widow in that city kept after him: 'My rights are being violated. Protect me!' 4) "He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, 'I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. 5) But because this widow won't quit badgering me, I'd better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I'm going to end up beaten black and blue by her pounding.' "  6)Then the Master said, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? 7) So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't he stick up for them? 8) I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?"

Luke 18:2-8  MESSAGE

Jesus continues in Luke to tell of two men, a publican and a Pharisee; a man despised by the community and the other, a man of high standing in the community.  The lowly publican exhibited a humble and broken spirit; the Pharisee was haughty.  God accepts the offerings of a humble person.  David stated that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart.

Luke 18:10-14 KJV “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  (11)  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  (12)  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  (13)  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  (14)  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Psalms 51:17 KJV “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

There is yet even another lesson to learn from Jesus in the 18^th chapter of Luke.  We are to have an innocent and very trusting attitude like a little child.  Apply these lessons to our prayers and do it out of love and we will withstand the world of temptation and truly become an overcommer!

Luke 18:15-17 ESV “Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.  (16)  But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.  (17)  Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

True Christians live by prayer; living in a state of prayer where they do all things prayerfully before the Lord.  This makes them instant in prayer and praying without ceasing.

Romans 12:12 KJV Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV  “Pray without ceasing.”

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit as part of the armor of God involves:

1.      Praying in the Holy Ghost (praying in tongues)

2.      Praying with persistence;

3.      Praying intercessory prayers for others

4.      Praying humbly and earnestly

5.      Praying with a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart

6.      Praying with a childlike attitude of innocence and absolute trust

7.      Praying without ceasing; living in a state of prayer; instant in prayer

Putting the power of prayer into our lives completes the armor of God.  There are seven pieces of this very special armor; that we have covered in these eight lessons.

1. TRUTH – To gird our loins with a belt of truth
2. RIGHTEOUSNESS – To cover our hearts
3. GOSPEL – Shoes of peace, work of the church to spread the Good News of Jesus
4. FAITH – To shield attacks of evil
5. SALVATION – A helmet to protect our minds from the world of temptation
6. WORD – Sword of the Spirit; the WORD of God; the Holy Bible
7. PRAYER – Instant and without ceasing; in the Holy Ghost

We have choices to make continuously.  Everyday is filled with options.  The basis of every decision and every choice should be to choose God and His Kingdom over the Devil and this world.  One leads to an eternity with Jesus; the other, eternal separation from God.  We are in a war that will have eternal rewards or eternal consequences.  God gives us the tools, the armor to have the victory!

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, I know that I am not alone in this battle.  You have provided me with a complete armor, but I must put it on daily.  You will never let me fall in battle if I trust in you.  Father send your army of angels to fight for me and withy me.  Give me the battle through prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Spiritual Warfare: Part 7 The Sword Of The Spirit, Which Is The Word Of God – , Piercing Even To The Dividing Asunder Of Soul And Spirit

In Japanese military history, there was an elite fighting force called Samurai; which meant, "those who serve in close attendance to the nobility," They were military nobility of pre-industrial Japan; who followed a very strict discipline of teachings which are still taught in the martial arts called Kendo; meaning, “the way of the Sword.” 

With the expansion of the industrial revolution, new weapons of warfare replaced ancient arms and so swords in modern day warfare have faded into ceremonial decoration.  In military weddings, the bride and groom may walk under an arbor of drawn swords.  Hand to hand combat with swords has been obsolete for many years. 

The Armor of God: The Sword of The Spirit, Which is The Word of God

By reflecting on the times in history when the sword was the primary weapon, we can see how effective this offensive and defensive weapon can be.  The doubled edged sword of Biblical times; in the hands of a skilled warrior was a powerful weapon.  As part of the armor of God, the Sword of the Spirit is one of two pieces of armor that is both defensive and offensive in nature.  The other listed weapon is prayer. 

A sword is useless if it is in the hands of someone who is unskilled.  It is also useless if it never comes out of its scabbard.   We carry the WORD of God in a scabbard called the Holy Bible.  The cover must be opened in order to use the WORD.  It takes great skill to use it; which we call Bible Study and meditation; by which the WORD is internalized and en-graphed into out heart, mind and soul.   The WORD is Christ and He lives in us through the Holy Ghost.  That is why it is the Sword of the SPIRIT.  It is the perfect mind and will of God.   The WORD is the living Christ.

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

The WORD is “quick,” that means alive

The WORD is “powerful,” that is the power of God

The WORD is “sharper than any two edged sword,” It cuts in all directions

The WORD is “piercing,” It cuts deep and through

The WORD is “dividing asunder,” severing, exposing and separating soul and spirit; joints and marrow

The WORD is “a discerner,” of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The WORD is an awesome weapon that God gives true Christians; yet there are also false ministers, who pick and choose what they want to teach and use the word of God deceitfully, dishonestly and in craftiness. 

Paul tells the church at Corinth that they didn’t preach themselves, but the true Christ; the LIGHT that shines out of darkness to give the knowledge of the glory of God.  Though trouble surrounds them, they are not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.  All because Christ lives in them; the WORD manifest in their body!

2 Corinthians 4:1-10  (1)  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  (2)  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.  (3)  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  (4)  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  (5)  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.  (6)  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  (7)  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  (8)  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  (9)  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  (10)  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.

The Devil can not withstand the Sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD of God; but we must hide the WORD in our hearts; truth in our inward parts.  It was the responsibility of every king in Israel; to write for himself a copy of the law, the five books of Moses, and to read from it every day of his reign, all of his life.

Psalms 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Deuteronomy 17:15-20 (15)  Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.  (16)  But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.  (17)  Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.  (18)  And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:  (19)  And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:  (20)  That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Our calling in Christ is a royal calling; chosen to be a peculiar people (which means distinctive and special); to be royalty in the priesthood and as a ruler with Christ on His throne.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.:

Jesus Christ is the WORD, He is the Sword of the Spirit that will subdue the nations one day soon and will rule in power and glory.  We are called into oneness with Christ; we are called to be a part of Christ’s mighty army, returning to the earth to usher in a new world of peace. 

Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

We have the WORD, a mighty sword if we choose to become skilled in it.  We need to be devouring our Bibles and internalizing God’s WORD.

Prayer:  Almighty Father, stir me up.  Awaken me to the warfare and the stakes of the victory that you guarantee me, if I take my calling seriously enough to make my election sure in Christ.  I know that the victory is mine, but I have responsibility to it.  Let me seek you daily and suit up daily in the armor of God; in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Spiritual Warfare: Part 6 The Helmet of Salvation -- Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

As a blockbuster movie, the Exorcist launched the career of raising starlet Linda Blair.  It also catapulted the American movie audience onto a one way trip into another level of horror movies, paving the way for other movies like Carrie and the Omen; movies that focused on demonic themes.  Psychologists and clergy alike; condemned viewing this new genre of sensational horror.  Reports of people; literally getting sick at what was depicted on the silver scene; as well as reports of people, suffering horrific nightmares; only propelled the movie’s success.

Thirty seven years later, there is no topic too sensational, too gruesome or too horrific to be depicted in television drama.  The daily selection of gory and explicit violence and sexual depravity in television drama is only offset by equally explicit sexual themes in situational comedy.  Once taboo and only read about in questionable underground magazines is now part of the smorgasbord buffet of entertainment on primetime network television.  America has placed its brain on a runaway train to hell.  Children are free to feed on electronic entertainment without supervision of selection; following the “grown ups,” in their lives who have opened the door to anything and everything that appeals to the eye; inviting sin and crime into the American home that rivals Sodom and Gomorrah.  Jesus warned of societies that would rival Sodom.

Matthew 11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

The Armor of God: The Helmet of Salvation

Our eyes are powerful transmitters to our minds, as with the ears.  All that we see and hear gets recorded in our minds for instant playback.  The eyes and ears permanently etch audio and video files on our mind.  Once there it is next to impossible to remove.  All that we fill our minds with will affect our heart and soul; even our physical health!

Luke 11:34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

Thoughts lead to attitudes, words and actions.  If our thoughts are on Christ and the Kingdom of God, we will foster a cooperative spirit of unity; speak uplifting words and live in holiness.  If our thoughts are in the world, we will be prone to fall into the attitudes of people of the world and entertain a rebellious spirit of self will; speak words that tear down others and lead to sin.  As we think, so we become.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

God made us in His image so that we would ultimately become like Him in character.  We are given this fleshly body to perfect Godly character; to become holy.  This was God’s hope for Israel of the Old Testament and the same hope for the Church of the New Testament.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Leviticus 20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

We must protect our minds and not fill them with worldly ideas and values.  Christ is the standard!  The helmet of salvation; is protecting our mind from the world and washing away; any of the residue of our sinful past actions, thinking and mindset.  The Church is preparing to become the bride of Christ.  Jesus gave of himself as a husband in order to prepare His bride; that He might present her to himself in holiness.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  (26)  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  (27)  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Prayer:  Heaven Father, help me to see the awesome future that you have for me.  Help me to prepare by protecting my mind.  Fill my thoughts with holiness and salvation.  Give me the helmet of Salvation and the whole armor of God daily, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

 This is an Apostolic Devotional to nurture and edify the Saved and to lead the lost to SALVATION: 1) REPENTANCE; 2) BAPTISM IN JESUS’ NAME, for the remission of sin; 3) RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.

 

 

 

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Copyright © 2010 www.CareMinister.Org

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Bro. Thomas C. Blake
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Spiritual Warfare: Part 5 The shield of faith – Things Unseen

Growing up in a church that believed only in Divine Healing by Faith; the use of the medical profession was limited to school physicals, mending injuries of accidents (closing arteries and setting bones) and delivering babies.  This was an extremely narrow perspective; however, miracle healings were common place.  When people expect and claim the promises without any wavering; God is faithful to ALL of His promises.    

During the past ten years, my good health trickled away as my use of the medical profession increased.  Today my dependency upon prescription drugs is at an insane level of cost.  Little by little my absolute faith in Divine Healing was replaced with dependency upon doctors instead of God.  Waking up to this fact was startling and a new concerted effort has begun to get back to nature and get back to God.

Without Faith, it is impossible to please God.  Now this is not a condemnation of the medical profession; nor is it advisable to abandon prescription medications; not for you and not for me! 

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

In my case, a new effort is being made to get back to a natural diet, low in carbohydrates, sugar, fat and cholesterol.  As my body heals and exercise becomes possible again; it will be through diet, weight control and exercise along with Faith that my dependency on the medical profession will be broken.  Then my faith can once again grow.

Faith in healing is only a facet of Faith.  As Christians, we are called to walk a life in Faith in every aspect of our lives; the most basic is Faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, restoration and renewal.  Once the Holy Ghost bears witness of the power of God in our lives; then, all that we think, say and do takes on a new dimension.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

It is Faith that sends the Devil packing when we rebuke him in Jesus name.  We have been given authority by Jesus Christ Himself to cast out devils. 

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Matthew 10:6-10 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  (7)  And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.  (8)   Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.  (9)  Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, (10)  Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.      

We also have been given the Faith to heal the sick; but we must believe and the Kingdom of God must live in our hearts.  We are a walking and breathing testament of the Gospel for others to see.  When they ask why we are different; when they see our Faith in action; then we must be ready to answer them.

1 Peter 3:15 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:

Through Faith and professing what we believe and claiming the promises of God; our lives will be blessed beyond measure.  Our lives should be a continual testimony of God’s blessings.

In 2009, my life and my health hung in the balance and an infection in my foot was life threatening and was actually getting worse, not better after surgery.  The solutions of modern medicine failed, the only medical option left was amputation.  The Devil had gotten the upper hand.  In desperation a friend gave me an audio book about God’s creative power for healing.  It was an hour long message on one simple theme; confess out loud, the promises of God.  The author was Charles Capps, and his message was the words of Christ.  Capps further instructed the listener to; “Call things that aren’t as if they are, speak them into existence on the power and authority of God.”  After only a couple of days, my body began to heal.  Within two weeks the infection and sore reduced 50%, after 4 weeks, it was all healed.  God performed a miracle. 

The Armor of God: The Shield of Faith

The age of miracles is once again coming into its fullness again.  Signs and wonders will follow the true believers who embrace the Great Commission of the Church.

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Because there are evil forces against the Gospel being preached as a witness, Paul tells us to “Above all, take the shield of Faith.”  That shield is a fire extinguisher against the fiery darts of the wicked.  We are spiritually assaulted at work, school and within our communities.  We can not let our guard down.  Our Faith must be solid and sure; founded in the word.  We are under a continual testing of our Faith; that is why Paul said above all, take the shield of Faith.

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Prayer:  Almighty Heavenly Father, give me the Faith that I need to stand against the Devil.  You do cause me to triumph in battle.  Help me not to grow weary.  Bolster my Faith that everything I do is in victory with my Lord, in Jesus’ name, Amen.