The Way We Think

Our thinking precedes our believing, our believing precedes our speaking, and our speaking precedes our receiving. You remember what the Lord said in Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

It becomes increasingly important, what we meditate on throughout the day, what we think on and what we say. Let me say it this way, the quality of life we are experiencing right now is a direct result of our thinking. I know it is hard for many to receive but I believe I can prove it from His Word.

Luke 8:16-18 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

The Lord is talking about seeing, he is talking about revelation, he says how we hear or how we think determines the amount of revelation we walk in and how much revelation we retain. I will give you an example. Matthew 8:1-3 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Once his thinking was cleared up his belief followed suit.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We can see renewing our minds or changing the way think with His Word can control our bodies to glorify him. Let me state it again, our thinking precedes our believing, our believing precedes our speaking, and our speaking precedes our receiving.

The Meaning of Muse

The Hebrew word for muse (often translated meditate in the KJV) implies to worship, to converse with oneself, and to speak aloud. To muse on the word is to taste and enjoy it through careful considering. Prayer, speaking to oneself, and praising the Lord may also be included in musing on the word. To muse on the word of God is to enjoy His Word as His breath (2 Tim. 3:16) and to be infused with God, to breathe God in, and to receive spiritual nourishment. To think on and to ponder.

Psalm 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue.

Psalm 119:15 I will meditate (or muse) in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

The way we think should be watchfully monitored so we do not slip into unbelief or walk-in unbelief as a lifestyle. Our faith must be preceded by diligence.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate (or muse) therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

God charged him to be occupied with the Word by musing on it day and night. It was only by musing on the Scriptures that he could make his way prosperous. It is the same with us today, but we have much to choose from in the way of distractions. Everything from Facebook to Twitter to Prime video. Not to mention the phone and the emails.

This is the question; how can we receive more from Him? His intent for coming was that we receive. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. His overwhelming desire to give to bless has given way to His death, burial, and resurrection on our behalf.

When we are told by the principal of the school your child is in trouble or the banker, I am sorry, but we cannot help, how will you think? When the doctor says we have done all we can do you only have a short time how will you think?

Faith May Not Be the Problem Part 2

We are reasonable people; intelligent beings, and we have questions. We are not satisfied with sweeping unresolved issues and unanswered prayer under the rug. What does he mean when he says greater is he that is you than he that is in the world? What does he mean when he says this is the victory that overcomes the world even our faith?

When he says in Psalm 91:5-7 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Can we depend on that to be true in our lives? Can we lay down at night without care?

Or are we left to ourselves to fend for ourselves, do we have authority that the unsaved do not have, or are we just as limited as they are without Jesus?

How can we obtain more results like in John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you? If we lived like this if we spent the time and concentration in developing ourselves, growing and expanding ourselves we could help the world.

Luke 19:41-42 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. I do not believe in all cases it is a lack of faith, sometimes it is ignorance of the Word. Now, I did not say stupidity I said ignorance.

It was so bad Jesus shed tears because they could not appropriate the things that belonged to their peace. Just bask in that for a moment, the things that belong to our peace. That is so suggestive, the things that belong to our peace.

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. In many cases, I do not think it is a lack of faith, but rather the inability to take his word and apply it. Because this peace the Lord refers to is a different kind of peace it supersedes the temporary satisfaction of the mind and body and goes straight to the heart of mankind.

Isaiah 66:12 This is what the LORD says: “Look, I will give Jerusalem peace that will flow in like a river. Wealth from all the nations will come flowing into her like a flood. And like little babies, you will drink that ‘milk.’ I will hold you in my arms, and bounce you on my knees. Easy To Read Version. How awesome is that?

This peace, this quietness and rest, is what the writer of Hebrews is talking about when he writes in Hebrews 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. You have faith, it may need to be developed but you have it. God has given to every believer the measure of faith. Romans 12:3.

But the ability, let us say wisdom to take the word of God and apply it to what we face is paramount.

Faith May Not Be the Problem

I have wondered for years about what it takes to receive from God, for example, financial prosperity and healing of the body. Most of us, if not all, want to live well and be well. As I pondered this issue over the years, I found that sometimes it is not a lack of faith, but a lack of releasing faith.

Act 14:8-10 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

I see it so vividly, the man had faith for healing, but he is still lying in the dust because he has not acted on what he believes. I believe it is this way all over the world in the lives of Christians. What I am saying is, you can have faith for healing and still die sick or you can have faith for prosperity and still suffer lack.

One time on a job I worked my left knee just started swelling, I mean it was like a small grapefruit compared to my other knee. I was not in any pain it was just stiff, and I needed Miss Ella’s help just to get my pants and shoes off. Then it started hurting and of course, I did what most men do, I ignored it.

I ignored it until I had to walk up the stairs and downstairs sideways. I was going to take a picture of my knee, send it to my boss and explain that I could not come to work. Thank God for the Holy Spirit! Now if you had asked me if I was in faith I would have said yes of course, and I was, but I had not released it yet.

So, the Holy Spirit said do not send the picture go to work, so I did, it took about a week and my knee was just like the other one, praise God I was able to walk right and even run.

Matthew 9:27-30 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

They are standing in front of Him acknowledging that they have faith for healing, but they are still blind. When He touched their eyes is not when they received faith, it is when they released their faith. I hope you can see that.

You may ask how do we release our faith? We release our faith with our words and our actions. God told Abram he would make him the Father of many nations, but Abram still did not completely get it. He asked in Genesis 15 What will you give me seeing I go childless, and I have no seed. Really, Abram had seed, he had the Word of God from Genesis 12, and that is all he needed.

So, God changed the situation, He had to make it where Abraham must confess what God was saying by changing his name, I am the Father of a multitude. It is very important that you see this. Abram confesses that he has no seed, Abraham confesses that he is the father of a multitude. Abraham got what he confessed; his faith must be released with those words I am the father of multitudes.

I began to look at myself and those around me, I began to see the need to act on what we believe, to confess what we believe. You are developing your faith in healing so when it comes time to confess the word of healing be resolute.

All Things Are Possible to Him That Believes-Part1

Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

You and I can believe all things are possible with God Mark 10:27, but can we believe all things are possible to us who believe? Do we have faith in our ability to reach the ear and heart of God?

I’ll ask a question, and your answer determines your level of understanding and your quality of faith. The question is who dictates the time of manifestation when you and I pray, does God or do we?

In other words when we pray for healing who determines if we get healed, and how long it takes for the healing to manifest. Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. There are people around the world not receiving from God because they do not know the will of God.

This guy did not know the perfect will of God, but the moment he found out, the barrier to healing was removed.

They do not know the absolutes of God’s Word, they do not know what has been provided in redemption, and that it is His will that we live life abundantly. They are still waiting for God to do what has already been done.

John 4:46-48 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

How amazing is this? Jesus’ response was not that he did not want to heal his son, but that he did not have to be there to do it, all it took was faith in his Words. The nobleman persisted, John 4:49-50 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son lives. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. Can you see that? When we pray for someone in another state or on the other side of the world our presence is not warranted, but our faith is. 

Now back to the question we asked earlier. Who determines if we get healed and how long it takes for healing to manifest? Because the nobleman went from needing Jesus to physically go to his home, to now just simply believing his words.

John 4:5153  And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son lives. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son lives: and himself believed, and his whole house.

The bible says in vs 52 that the son began to amend which means that the complete manifestation of his healing was not instant, it was a miracle, but it was not instant.

Things To Note

• You do not have too physically be there. In Matthew 8:8 The Centurion said speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 
• No one was healed in the ministry of Jesus because of Jesus faith. Matthew 9:28-29  And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. 
• God has provided all we need and desire by grace, but it must be appropriated by faith. Our faith. Hebrews 4:16

What was the difference between the nobleman’s faith where the healing of his son was progressive vs the two blind men’s faith where the healing was instantly completed, and they received total sight? The difference was the quality of their faith.

Mark 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. 

The nobleman got results for his son based on the quality of his faith and the two blind men got results based on the quality of their faith.

Be A Doer of The Word Part1

Many believers think having knowledge of the Word is tantamount to them acting on the Word, but that is not necessarily true. For example, knowing that 1Peter 2:24 says 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, does not necessarily mean you will walk in health.

James 1:21-25 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

A decision of quality must be made, that whatever God says, is what we will do. Here are scriptures to explain the desire we should have for His Word.

Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. More people are hearing today than at other times, but we must increase our doing. It is not the note takers, the ones that say amen to the message the ones that have a huge library, it is the doers of the Word.

Being unpersuadable.

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 

Hebrews 4:6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief. The word unbelief means to be unpersuadable, it is not ignorance, they knew, they just could not be persuaded to do what they knew.

It is probably the worst kind of unbelief there is. 1Timothy 1:12-13 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 

Paul persecuted the Church, had many hauled off to jail, some lost property others lost their lives, but it was ignorance, he thought he was doing the will of the Father.

There is an unbelief because of ignorance, then there is an unbelief because we are too stubborn to act on the Word of God. There is mercy for the ignorant, but God holds us accountable for the light we have.

Luke 12:4748 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

When the word is first in that area we will produce in that area.

Consider the areas where we are not up to speed. Consider the amount and quality of the Word in the other areas where we are doing ok and apply the same principles. Jesus said if you continue in my Word, you shall be my disciples indeed, you will know the truth and the truth you know will make you free.

Let us follow His example.

John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, 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. 

John 12:49 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. As we become doers of the Word more today than yesterday our minds are renewed to His image and we walk and talk just like Him.

Our Covenant with God Part3

There is a misconception that because God provided it, we will automatically receive it. That type of thinking has given way to many believing God answers prayers several ways. No, not now, I will think about it, not this time you are not mature enough to handle it. All such thinking is unscriptural.

2Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. The reason the promises are yes and so be it is because of the covenant we have with Him. This covenant says in 1John 5:14 this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us (Him hearing us is tantamount to Him answering us).

Matthew 8:2-3 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. You see healing was provided in the covenant, so yes was the only answer Jesus could offer.

What we must do is find out what is provided in our covenant with Him and release faith in that covenant promise. Everything we need and all that the Father has provided is a grace from Him. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. I want to say it even more plainly, we are not trying to talk God into healing us, delivering us, and blessing us, that has already been done in Jesus. Remember Jesus came that we might have life, that is Zoe, that is life as God lives it.

You say brother preacher all that sounds good, but I am not walking in the blessings that Jesus came to bring, what is the problem? I would immediately look at two areas.

Ignorance (not stupidity)

2Peter 1:2-3 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

The favor and peace that we need to live the above only life is a result of knowledge. That is so powerful! Everything has been done, we just need to know it. Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 

1Corinthians 3:21-23 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s. 

Works

In the Body of Christ many are trying to earn what has already been given by grace. You hear it in prayers like, Lord please help me (begging God), or Lord I will make a deal with you if you do this, I will do that. You can see it in attitudes, many believe they must go without this time to receive next time.

All of this is works and has no place in receiving from Him. Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.

God is not a respecter of persons what He has done for one He has done for all. Faith is the key. First you and I must know, once we know we must release faith to have it. Listen to the Spirit of God on the inside of you, you do not have to beg and plead for what is yours, for what has been given out of love.

Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. His motivation for giving has always been first love, and after that receiving a harvest. Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 

Did you get that? I know we have been taught you do not give to get, well God did. His first motivation for giving was love, but his second motivation was reaping many Sons.

Someone may ask what about sin? My answer would be Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. He defeated sin long time ago.

Our Covenant with God Part2

There are three types of Believers, one who does not know their rights in God, therefore unable to partake of their Covenant benefits. For example, a Christian who does not know they can be filled with the Spirit speaking with other Tongues. Then there is the Believer who knows their rights but are not taking advantage of them, as in Isaiah 28:11-12 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (Referring to speaking with other Tongues.)

They are stressed out, having all kinds of concerns, not knowing that they can build themselves up on their most holy faith by praying in the Spirit. Then there is the Believer who not only know their rights but are benefiting from that knowledge. John 14:26 But the Comforter, whichis the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. They are looking to the Spirit for guidance.

Here are few Covenant realities.

John 17:6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Do you understand the spiritual implications behind that statement? He (manifested) or revealed the Father as Jehovah Rapha when Healing was manifested through him. He revealed the Father as Jehovah Jireh when He fed the five thousand men, not including the women and children.

He revealed Him as Jehovah Tsidkenu the Lord our righteousness when He left hell after three days and nights and ascended to heaven in the presence of God. This covenant provides us with what we need and desire, this Covenant is a revelation from His heart to ours.

I will show you the difference between the way it was and the way it is. Ephesians 2:11-12  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands.That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

We were destitute knowing nothing, having nothing, but then he sent Jesus. In Hebrews 2:10 it says that He brought many Sons to Glory. How awesome is that?

When you get some time study John 17, it will bless your life. Let us look at a little bit of it. We have already mentioned he manifested God’s name to those men by healing, delivering, casting out devils, calming seas, raising the dead and a host of other things.

Luke 7:11-15 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 

This type of miracle is everyday in the ministry of Jesus, but some do not understand that the same thing should happen in our lives as the Spirit wills. I will say it again, the same types of things should happen in our lives because of this Covenant we have with Him.

Matthew 14:25-31  And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 

The words little faith is talking about little in duration, and the word doubt is double in the Greek language, in other words Peter had a second thought.

Our Covenant with God Part1

God’s desire to give has given way to this expression of His love, (for God so loved the world that He gave) after all what good is it to have all He has and can do all He can do if not for us. I hear and read all the time about God’s omnipotence how awesome His power is, how He can never fail, but we cannot forget all of this is for us.

Ephesians 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. This drive to give, to help, to preserve is all for us.

Psalm 8:4-6  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, (or the Godhead) and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet. Why would He do this, why would He raise us above angels and all else crowning us and giving us dominion?

It is all because of His love for us and his never-ending desire to help. This is the reason for the covenant we have with Him in the blood of Jesus.

Genesis 12:2-3  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. 

I want you to see something, God alone initiates this, man is alone and destitute, but God comes to his aid. Ephesians 2:12 explains, that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

God assumes the responsibility, Romans 5:8 But God commendeth (or demonstrates) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

How does this knowledge help us to pay our bills or get delivered from a terrible habit or receive healing for our bodies? The answer is 2Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

He has already given to us all we would ever need or desire, but it is through the knowledge of the Word. That is why we do not beg God for anything, that is why we are not waiting on Him, He is waiting on us.

Christian people are begging God for what already belongs to them, this is a truth that cannot be overstated. We must take what has been given by faith. Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive (or take) them, and ye shall have them. 

Because of the Covenant we have with Him all His promises are not yes and no, but yes and so be it. Think about it, when you go to Him for healing, finances, wisdom, the answer is already yes. You see there is no curse in this Covenant because it is between God and a resurrected man Jesus.

Hebrews 6:17-19  Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.

The covenant God cut in the blood of Jesus is an anchor for our souls, it means we do not have to stay up late worrying or go through the day paralyzed, we can  rest assure He has already seen the need and provided and answer.

Misplaced Pride

In 1968 James Brown wrote the song Say it loud I’m black and I’m proud, what an awesome anthem for the black man. One verse sings, Some people say we’ve got a lot of malice Some say it’s a lot of nerve But I say we won’t quit moving Til we get what we deserve We’ve been buked and we’ve been scorned We’ve been treated bad, talked about As just as sure as you’re born But just as it takes Two eyes to make a pair, huh Brother, we can’t quit until we get our share. When I think about being black it occurred to me that I had nothing to do with it. I did neither did you. Being Black was not my choice it was God’s. Being a Christian is my choice if I was Black, Asian, Indian, or whatever. I personally am prouder, (if you want to use that word) of my spiritual heritage than I am my natural heritage. Let me state emphatically so there is no misunderstanding, I care more about being a Christian than I do being a black man. When I shed this body that will be the end of this black thing but living with Jesus forever will not make a difference what color I am. I say misplaced pride because listening to the writings of some people you would think that God loves Black people over everyone else, which He does not. Someone may say but the black man is the first man created, well even if he was someone had to be first, whether he was black white yellow or red. What if God determined Willie is going to be German or Willie is going to French, what is it to me? As Christians, it is erroneous for us to make major decisions based on the color of our skin. As Christians, it is so unwise to make decisions based on color and sexual preference. Think about it, we are spirit beings having a soul and living in a body, to make major decisions based on our bodies the lowest part of us is so unwise and it causes problems in the realm of the spirit. Some Christian do not vote the will of God, they vote black, or they vote whatever sexual preference they may be experiencing. Let us be wise, understanding what the will of the Lord is. As a Christian whatever happened to Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Or 2Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. As Christians, we will have to choose, God’s way or the World’s way.

No Fault Religion

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

It is true that God is all powerful, all knowing, and is everywhere at the same time, but knowing that alone is not enough to receive His help or benefit from His promises.

I read articles from the internet, tweets from Twitter, posts from Facebook and many give the impression that because He can do it, they will automatically receive it, which is not true.

2Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. How can we reconcile this scripture with the fact that many are not getting what they need? When we pray and the opposite happens many tend to think it was God’s will, but what if it was something more.

I have gone to funerals where the Minister attributes to God the passing of small children under the assumption that he wanted them with Him in His garden in heaven. If God is that selfish, I do not want to live for Him, no, something else is going on and we need to find out what.

The insatiable need to be right.

There is something on the inside of man (it is called pride) that hinders him from considering that he might be the problem, not God and in many cases not even Satan. They figure I prayed for money the money did not come so perhaps God had some reason for withholding it and they go on with life.

Proverbs 18:1-2 AMPC He who willfully separates and estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment. A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself. He will not listen, if there is a problem it cannot be him because he is always right.

They have built up this system of belief that if I lose it is not my fault the blame lies somewhere else.

1Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part, 1Corithians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly.

If he came to give us life and to give it to us abundantly, if he promised us long life and he did, then where lies the problem? Isaiah 5:13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge.

Luke 19:41-42  And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.  Psalm 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. 

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

The power that works in us is His Word and His Spirit.

2Peter 1:2-3 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

What do we do with this verse? Many times, people are praying and sometimes begging for things that God has already given them. They pray for peace and joy they pray for love and meekness which we already possess, they are all fruit of the reborn human spirit.

We pray for faith when faith does not come from praying it comes from hearing. We pray for patience when patience is developed as we stand in trials and temptations.

No fault religion is when we take our hands off our lives and assume no responsibility for the outcome. No fault religion is when we cease to grow in God’s Word and take this approach Que sera sera what ever will be will be, but just know it is not my fault.

Let me give you an example, some pray God I know when you get ready to take this sin from me you will do it in your time. 2Corithians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

It is up to you and I to take His Word and cleanse ourselves, it is up to us to apply his faith to any given situation believing we receive.