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This particular Word was given to me in a dream this morning in a rather powerful manner. I was given this Scripture reference multiple times while Pam and I were dealing our two year old whom we took to school. He was rather unruly but the moment I took him into my arms, he was at peace and immediately fell asleep from exhaustion.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul wrote:
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.
15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Each and every blog I write is given to me by FATHER for your and my benefit. Some days it is for encouragement, direction, and instruction whereas other days it is for correction. Some of these blogs may cause the reader to be offended and if it does there might be some core issue needing attention. When Truth brings forth light, the darkness is revealed and should be acted upon by seeking FATHER and have HIM expose the root of the offense.
The Truth of the Word exposes the guilty. To the pure all things are pure but to the impure all things are impure thus your response will reveal your heart when FATHER speaks forth HIS Word to you. I write each day out of Love for all who read the blogs on this site. It is FATHER’S Love in me flowing through me to you so that we all are raised up IN HIM.
I prefer not to bring forth the rod of correction but FATHER knows I am willing because it is necessary to deal with the root of the issue, not just the symptoms. Some of these writing may stir up unwanted emotions but surely they must be dealt with in order to allow good fruit to come forth. Those who are in constant turmoil must realize they must change. You only need to look back at their recent history to see that something is preventing them from walking in peace and blessing.
Paul continues:
16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
When I look back at my younger years, I would not have wanted anybody to imitate me. I was brash, self-serving, and driven. FATHER had to do major surgery on my heart and I suspect that is why HE would have me focus on certain areas for ten years at a time as part of my training of following HIM. HIS patience had to overcome my faults and of course that was easy since HE is never in a hurry.
Paul had an unworthy youth as well yet he could now say “Imitate me”. Why? Because he now had the revelation of FATHER’S Love operating in his life and knew the necessity of correction. The times ahead may be quite challenging and those who are intent of remaining immature and unwilling to change will suffer in the greatest manner. I hope to look back and see that these writings helped prepare people for what lies ahead.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod (of correction), or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
The reader chooses what they want to receive out of these writings. I receive many communications from people with testimonies of how these writings have help them or loved ones. I purposely include Scripture as the basis of these writings so that we all can benefit and be filled with FATHER’S Word. In 2 Timothy chapter 3, Paul writes:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
There is a work to be done by the pure in heart. Others will simply sit on the sidelines doing nothing. Training and education require that we are willing to be corrected and receive FATHER’S Wisdom and Understanding. Those two attributes are often missing among the younger believers. They acquire knowledge and skill but FATHER’S Wisdom takes time to receive and that is why Proverbs emphasizes the need for getting Wisdom. Father will open your eyes to understanding as you are ready to receive it.
If you perceive guilt or offence after reading a blog, look in the mirror and do an assessment. My only intent is to write what FATHER gives me. Some of the past writings have caused me to repent as FATHER revealed some needed correction in my own life. The Word has a cleansing aspect to it and we should embrace the purification process rather than defend an “indefensible” position. Each of us needs to detoxify in order that our lives be pure and acceptable before HIM.
The greatest challenge most people are faced with is the willingness to change. Our flesh does not want to change because it is comfortable with the familiar and it wants to direct us away from the unknown. When we exercise we suffer fatigue. When we work long hours we suffer mental drain. When we confront an emotionally charged topic we suffer from the imbalance among those involved. Suffering is the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.
In Philippians chapter 3, Paul wrote:
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Jesus Christ suffered pain, distress, and hardship on our behalf. Consider that fact that the SON of THE MOST HIGH GOD was willing to suffer for you and me. If anyone did not deserve to suffer it was Jesus Christ yet He found it necessary to suffer through the death on the cross in order that we might live unto HIM. It was a decision He was willing to make out of Love for us. Accept FATHER’S wisdom in the necessity of suffering.
We too must suffer to some degree in order to grow and mature. You literally tear down your muscle when you exercise and as a result your body repairs it and builds it up to a greater degree thus you become stronger. This larger, stronger muscle allows you to do more. This simple example provides us with a Truth about becoming Christ-like. Our flesh must suffer and we must be willing to subject it to suffering in order to change. Paul made this point when he counted all things “loss” in return for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus.
What are we willing to give up to change? Some of us need to give up a toxic relationship with another who keeps us held back. We must simply rise up above the shackles that keep us from our purpose in life. Fear of change often causes people to remain in submission to a state of futility and emptiness.
There were times in the past when I was required to perform to the point of exhaustion. Coaches will push the players beyond their mental limits in order to show them that their bodies are not as limited as they thought. Once I broke through the barrier of the illusion I was under concerning by body’s ability, my performance improved. The coach had to break through the limits set by my mind, will, and emotions. “I can’t” became “I can!”
Isn’t this what happened to the ten lepers whom Jesus passed in Luke 17?
12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.
13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
They were willing to change their perspective and in one day they went from a death sentence to freedom. As we embrace change we will open up news doors to enter. Did you really want to stay as a baby in diapers? Did you really want to remain in school without ever experiencing life as an adult? Change is happening all around us whether we are ready or not, especially now. Chaos is coming to a greater degree as the world’s systems are in flux. You will either resist change or embrace it. If you embrace change, FATHER is able to lead and guide you through the challenges ahead. Yes there will be suffering involved but as you mature in Christ, you will look back and be glad you went through the death of your old man.
Do not remain in the shadows of darkness but be of good courage and walk toward the light. HIS Love is there awaiting your presence.
In Romans chapter 8 Paul speaks of the two general paths of mankind- the flesh versus THE SPIRIT. Jesus Christ open the door to the path of walking in the fullness of THE SPIRIT and we are no longer under any requirement to walk according to the flesh:
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
The choice is ours which path we take and stay on. There are those who chose the path to THE SPIRIT, operated by THE SPIRIT, and then later submitted to their fleshly desires because of their unwillingness to fully put to death the deeds of the body. They lacked the maturity to withstand the worldly temptations and failed to fully guard their hearts. Their eyes focused on the temporal rather than the riches in Heaven.
You must make a firm decision to put to death the deeds of the body in order to live. As you do you will see life from a different perspective. No longer will the temporary be your focus and priority but instead you will become sensitive to FATHER’S Voice and HE will lead and guide you throughout the day. You will no longer approach what appears to be overwhelming projects with reluctance but will embrace them with positive energy.
You will not allow others to ruin your day. There are those who have a goal to spread misery to whomever will listen. You will begin to respond in Love with FATHER’S appropriate Word for their situation and leave it at that. Your priorities will change because you have become aligned with FATHER’S priorities and agenda. This will apply in all areas of stewardship. Resources will no longer be hoarded but placed into service or removed as clutter. Your schedule will become fluid as FATHER blesses your day with a productivity you had not experienced in the past. Even the most mundane tasks will take on purpose. Your flesh has no say in the day.
Paul continues:
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
As you proceed through the day you finally understand “take no thought for tomorrow” but are satisfied with whatever FATHER has given you to do today. Whether it be great or small, it matters not to you because you simply enjoy the path. You now are able to truly smell the flowers with gratitude and you are able to view HIS creation with joy. Walking in THE SPIRIT is a narrow path but once the flesh is finally nailed to the cross you will embrace each day with anticipation. The flesh will attempt to resurrect itself but you are unwilling to dig it up for you now know the joy unspeakable.
The other path was placed there for perspective. Without darkness how could we fully appreciate the light? Without the trials of the flesh how could we be fully grateful for FATHER’S grace and mercy? Forgiveness is critical to the narrow path of walking by THE SPIRIT. As you release others, you are released to walk unhindered along the path of Love and life. It becomes exciting to walk in this small segment of eternity and you begin to understand why you were put here.
A transition of some sort occurred yesterday. It happened to be 50 days since Easter which occurred before Passover this year. FATHER has us move through phases that contain both a beginning and an end with the door closing at the end so another phase can begin its course. In Scripture, the number 50 is associated with Pentecost and jubilee, both are associated with a separation and release.
In Acts chapter 2 we find the disciples waiting and separated from the general population:
1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
Prior to the cross, the disciples were expecting an external event where the Messiah would conquer Rome and establish the Kingdom on earth. They were looking for an outward solution without regard to their inward problem. It was necessary for Jesus to reveal His plan and correct their thinking. So it continues to this very day that our thinking must be corrected by FATHER as we mature in HIS SPIRIT. As the disciples were separated, they were being prepared to receive the Holy Spirit and power.
We should embrace correction rather than resist it. In order to grow and mature we will make mistakes which provides a basis of gaining understanding and wisdom. When you are untried and tested, you have no assurance of performance and when you are confronted with life’s decisions you tend to lean toward soulish and self-fulfilling actions and answers to your problems. They are generally meant to relieve the short term issue at the cost of the long term. Peter wanted the Kingdom “right now” and was willing to confront the soldiers at the garden in order to assure his perception of Jesus’ external plan occurring.
We should pursue correction rather than avoid it. David realized this in Psalm 51:
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.
If we embrace correction then we will grow and mature unto Christ. Once we mature, the chaff is removed from us. During a harvest the chaff is removed from the wheat and only the productive, life-giving “fruit” remains. The chaff has served its vital function of enveloping the fruit until it ripen. Our soulish man provides a vital function as well when we are able to view it in comparison to our spiritual man. The chaff came before the fruit in order to allow it to grow.
By making mistakes, you are given an opportunity to learn and grow into maturity. This time of learning should be viewed in a positive manner in that it provides you a first hand comparison to light versus darkness. As I look back on my life, I made plenty of soulish, self-seeking decisions intended to exalt my ego and I experienced the repercussions of those decisions with regret. These experiences allow me to contrast a life being led by FATHER and now I can be a witness to those who are in need of hope. Joseph, David, Paul, and many others had to experience life’s failure in order to appreciate the narrow path revealed to them by FATHER.
We need to be strengthened in order to properly deal with life’s challenges. You become stronger as you embrace correction. Failure to change only perpetuates further weakness. Our goal should be to walk in the fullness of HIS SPIRIT and in order to do that we must change from our current state. As we move toward the purity of the fruit to be harvested and are willing to be separated from the chaff, we will embrace the prayer of Paul in Ephesians chapter 3:
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Amen!
Paul wrote in Romans chapter 8:
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose.
Our CREATOR created everyone and everything for a purpose and there was nothing done haphazardly. The only question to be answered is what is your purpose and most often you only need to look at what you gravitate toward and have natural skills to accomplish. We are not all called to the same calling and there are many administrations of THE SPIRIT. One excellent example are those men and women who were “gifted” to build the Tabernacle in the wilderness:
Exodus 35:10 ‘All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make all that the LORD has commanded:
11 the tabernacle, its tent, its covering, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; 12 the ark and its poles, with the mercy seat, and the veil of the covering; 13 the table and its poles, all its utensils, and the showbread; 14 also the lampstand for the light, its utensils, its lamps, and the oil for the light; 15 the incense altar, its poles, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, and the screen for the door at the entrance of the tabernacle; 16 the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles, all its utensils, and the laver and its base; 17 the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court; 18 the pegs of the tabernacle, the pegs of the court, and their cords; 19 the garments of ministry, for ministering in the holy place—the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests.’
Moses was given the instructions but the artisans were gifted by FATHER to do the work in an excellent manner. The children of Israel made brick in Egypt but that did not keep them from doing the things they were gifted to do and/or say. When you are at an apparent standstill, ask FATHER “What is it you would have me focus on today?” Stop, listen, and allow FATHER to direct you. In Psalm 37:
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
FATHER will steer us through this physical life as we learn to trust HIM and be led by HIS SPIRIT. Apparent roadblocks will arise but you will be assured that HE will not give you more than you can handle. Instead of looking at the negative aspects of a situation, see it as an opportunity for FATHER to show you something in order to mature you to walk at a higher Spiritual level.
HE has entrusted you with the situation you are in. FATHER is not unaware of the situation you are in. Just as HE was preparing those artisans while they were toiling away in Egypt, HE is preparing you for greater things in your life. Your next encounter could be the turning point in your life. You should expect each day to bring forth greater wisdom, understanding, and knowledge as HE develops your skills by placing you in situations for them to be used. Consider the four young men in Daniel chapter 1:
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
FATHER will gift you and place you where HE wants you to begin your journey and live. Trust HIM to guide you rather than allowing the dictates of the flesh to direct you. As you seek HIS FACE and HIS VOICE, HE will direct your path. FATHER is the ONE you cant trust to guide you without fail. Align yourself with your gifts and purpose and HE will give you a fulfilled life of service to HIM. Love, peace, and joy will prevail no matter what situation you find yourself in. Its all about trust.
A picture full of unconditional Love:
If is FATHER’S desire to dwell in us in HIS fullness and be HIS expression on earth. This is exactly how Jesus walked the earth and ministered to all mankind. In Colossians Paul wrote:
19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
It pleased FATHER to send HIS Son on behalf of all mankind. FATHER wasn’t reluctant to bring forth this plan but was the Initiator of the plan. We must come to the realization that FATHER wants us to be fully immersed in HIS SPIRIT and shine brightly to a world filled with darkness. This is not something we must plead with HIM about but instead HE is patiently waiting for us to come into full maturity and express HIS Character.
Jesus prepared His disciples to go into all the world and minister life to all mankind. That mandate has not changed nor has FATHER repented of HIS Divine Intent. You might say “What can I do in the state I’m in?”. Remove the restrictions you have placed yourself under by your mind which by its nature will limit you. Seek to change and FATHER will oblige for it is your choice in how your future plays out while on this earth. In Luke chapter 17 there were ten lepers who were destined to be outcasts for their remaining days. Their chronic disease represents “death” and they were not allowed to dwell among the people. In anyone had no future, it was a leper yet fortunately for this group, they did not settle for that fate:
11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.
13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
They called out to the manifested Son of FATHER and it pleased Him to heal them of their death sentence. Jesus did not require them to enter some lengthy course on healing nor did they have an extensive set of conditions to meet. Jesus responded:
14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
All that was required was faith in His Word, nothing else. They had to step out of their current comfort zone and take action in response to His Word. Are you cemented to your couch unwilling to step out of your comfort zone? Are you predisposed to the passive life of being a hearer only and not a doer of the Word? Fortunately those ten lepers were willing to act for what else could they lose? Nothing.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
Within this group of ten there was a “remnant”. He was as a “tithe” or firstfruits given as a example of being made whole. At first he was a “taker” like the rest of the group but then he became of “giver”, unlike the others. What happened to this giver?
17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?
18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”
19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well (whole).”
Jesus was not reluctant to heal anyone. As a matter of fact, it was His desire to heal all who believed His Word. It pleases FATHER for us to fully embrace HIS Word and act on it in faith. It also pleases FATHER that there are a remnant who desire for HIM to dwell in them in HIS Fullness and they daily pursue that narrow path which brings forth this fullness. The door to the path is at the cross and they realize the necessity of dying to the flesh and no longer being conformed to the world. We don’t have to convince FATHER to dwell in us for HE wants to and is fully pleased to occupy our temple and let HIS Glory overtake our temple. When that happens, no man can stand in HIS Presence. This is how peace will fill the earth.
In Philippians chapter 3 Paul writes:
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
Just as Paul was an example for those whom he ministered, we should be an example to those we encounter. Both Paul and John (the Beloved Disciple) had a clear understanding of Divine unconditional Love and emphasized it in their writings. John had first hand knowledge and experience of Jesus’ example of Love and it is no wonder that the Revelation of Jesus Christ was given to him as the last book of the Bible. He had been prepared to receive and write the Revelation.
Men look for FATHER in formulas, numbers, and signs but I say don’t be limited to those examples of HIS handiwork when seeking a higher understanding of HIM. Seek the ONE WHO created those formulas, numbers, and signs and HE will respond accordingly. HE is not some distant god but is omnipresent as is HIS SPIRIT. Present yourself as a Holy, acceptable, living sacrifice and HE will guide you in all your affairs. Become sensitive to HIS leading and you will meet up with those needing ministry.
Paul continues:
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
The cross of Christ symbolizes Love acting to sacrifice itself for the purpose of forgiveness of sin and attaining victory over the flesh. Paul warns us of those who continue to walk in the flesh whose end is destruction. They are more interested in satisfying “self” or the ego and they set their mind on worldly matters rather than Spiritual Truths. They are predisposed with the things of the world and earthly riches rather than that found in Heaven. Their quest is temporal and will never fully satisfy their belly. Their priorities always point back to self rather than others.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 1, Paul refers to the cross of Christ:
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written,
“I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
My writings are simple and direct. I am not interested in trying to impress people with complex messages that few can understand. I know that FATHER meant for all men, women, and children to understand the Gospel, not a select few who have the supreme intelligence to follow a complex subject. After all, Jesus only spent 3 1/2 years ministering and did not require His audience to walk around with a dictionary. His message was simple and straightforward. The wisdom of the world attempts to divide whereas the Wisdom from Above is intended to unify. It is simple- we must die to the flesh and take on Divine unconditional Love to fully mature in Christ. We must not dilute the cross of Christ by some clever speech and pulling verses out of context in order to bypass the cross. Jesus said to take up your cross and “Follow Me!” Any questions?
The mind has such difficulty in processing the cross and that is why the disciples (especially Peter) were not expecting victory in this manner. They assumed that Jesus would call forth 10,000 angels and defeat the invading armies of Rome. Jesus did the opposite and sacrificed His flesh so that man could be redeemed on an everlasting basis. In Philippians chapter 3, Paul continues:
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
The cross is the portal between earth and Heaven and it represents the place where transformation occurs. The resurrection would have not taken place without the cross. As we die to the flesh we position ourselves to become conformed to His glorious body and thus be known as the mature Body of Christ. There will be no question of our citizenship and loyalty. All of the rhetoric of the world becomes noise when compared to the Wisdom from FATHER. The cleverness of man is no match for the CREATOR of Heaven and earth.
If you haven’t already, change your citizenship to the everlasting. Walk toward the cross and you will find The Door to enter through. It is hidden from access to those whose god is their belly. HE opens the door AND HE closes the door. The time is short.
PS: My wife was again awakened earlier this week by a door shutting. What she heard was in the SPIRIT.
FATHER has awaken me twice this week at 5:55 AM, including this morning. At the same time today, we had another earthquake:
3.2 on the Richter Scale located: 12km SE of Cherokee, Oklahoma, on 2016-05-05 at 05:55:55 AM (USGS website)
The number 5 symbolizes FATHER’S grace, goodness and favor toward humans and is mentioned 318 times in Scripture. 318 is the number in Abraham’s army. It looks like we are going to need a lot of grace soon!