My Journey through Romans 14

What’s On Our Plate?

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

Parts of the speech by Patrick Henry

“But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. …It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.”

“……It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace²but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

 

When studying Romans 14, the first thing that came to mind was the “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech made by Patrick Henry. Tis true that “different men often see the same subject in different lights…”  Tis also true concerning the word of God. Paul said in verse one (1)  “Him that is weak in faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.”(arguments) In short, we as Believers are to help others who are learning the word of God. Do not argue points about what you know versus what they are beginning to know. Their plate is just beginning to be prepared. Help them to rightfully know what to put on their plate. Well, that’s what it says to me. 😛 

The word on the street is that those (bible scholars) academically taught about the word of God arguably have more knowledge about what the Holy Bible and its references contained thereof. (What’s on their plate? Is it practiced?)

It is also arguable that there are also many who study on their own that can be considered bible scholars. (What’s on their plate? Is it practiced?)

It is unarguable that many can read the same book, study the same subject and see it in “different lights.” We do it here at WordPress i.e., share our views; some are the same and some are different pertaining to the same bible verses. We exercise our liberty of thoughts on many subjects like many before us. Nothing has changed.

Surely you know that we have all been fed milk before meat. As Believers, we also know that if anyone is without understanding(feeding), we are to feed them properly when leading them to the truth. “For no man liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” (vs 7)  We should not be like the scribes and Pharisees that placed stumbling blocks, so to speak, on the plates of those wanting to sup with the Lord. Please read Matthew 23

Thinking Inside the Plate Moment– You have taken the liberty to eat French cut green beans on your plate with pork seasoned with iodized salt and I have taken the liberty to eat Italian cut green beans with beef seasoned with pink salt. Which one of us is seasoned for hell’s feeding plate?

Now, I gathered that this chapter revolved around the argument of what is lawful and unlawful to eat. To this very day, some Believers follow certain dietary rules and point toward the Holy Bible as their reasoning.  Some still argue about the observance of the Sabbath day and will climb a mountain that is not there to prove their point of view. I must ask. Do we as Believers not realize that these things are not reliant on us having access to the Kingdom of Heaven?  The bible tells me that if we practice following the commandments and we break one of them, then all are broken. What is your understanding? and What is your understanding of Matthew 15:11?  ^“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”

The most important verses that stood out to me were- 8-“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, WE ARE THE LORD’S.” 12- “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”Knowing this, would you as a Believer still argue over and judge others according to their personal beliefs about what is biblical to eat?  More importantly we may want to ask ourselves, Is God a God of technicality? When we meet Him on the day of judgement do you think He will say ‘Technically, you have been a good and faithful servant except for the times you ate the wrong food, and you worshiped me on a Sunday, off to hell you go’? I don’t believe so. The adversary would like us to think on those terms; arguing about what God said and didn’t say. Remember he has a line that will catch the weakest of us “Ye, hath God said…?”

And I close with some last thoughts and another portion of Henry’s speech:

“They tell us, sir that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.”

Though we read the same thing and have different opinions, the time is upon us to arrive at the truth together, that which God “hath placed in our power.” We are in need of a plate filled with spiritually seasoned food. I refuse to be fed by and chained up by the devil on the subject of what’s on my plate. The Lord rebuke you Satan.  As Patrick Henry asked “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?” Beloved, let not our minds become a slavery breeding plate for the adversary about what is not to be eaten nor argue about what day the Lord is worshiped. For sure what’s on our plate that is eaten or not eaten is not something that determines our liberty or death in Christ. “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”(vs11) Amen. That’s my belief unless the Holy Spirit tells me otherwise.

Thank you so much for blessing me with your visit.

My Journey through Romans 13:8-14

What Love Is Not.

I find it fascinating that this four letter word packs so much power, yet it is so hard for many to understand its power. It is also fascinating to me that when a woman gives birth, how love is immediately manifested once that baby passes through the birth canal. The same is true for those mothers who have a C-section. Along with that love comes relief and excitement. The pain is immediately forgotten because love overshadows it. A woman has gotten through what seems like a stormy season; she is blessed and the child (someone else) is blessed that the mother had enough love to whether periods of gestation. At least that was my experience with my three gifts from the Lord. Not to mention that the five times my  “only daughter” was pregnant, I experienced having all her symptoms as though I was going through the birth with her. That was so weird to me. After each delivery, I was dead tired. She tells people that I gave birth to my grandchildren. 😛  Perhaps, I should have stayed out of the birthing room.

Eve was also excited when she bare Cain, she told Adam, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” After the birth of my first child, I said ‘Lord have mercy, look ____ (ex’s name), we have a baby boy’, and that baby boy is still close to me til this day at the age of 35. I am blessed. He thinks he is my father now. I was really excited and felt an immediate need to protect him as with all my children I bore.

I hate to admit this, but I feel I must. Some people who knew me years ago, knew how I felt about children at that time. Before I had my first child, I did not have a liking for children because they seemed like little pests to me. I had no inkling of what love was for children. Praise the Lord, I now know. God showed us firsthand what love is in Genesis 1:27 –So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. I believe if He had not love, we would not exist. As a matter of fact, everything that He has done and continues to do is out of love for us all. A main point about the word love is this: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

In verse eight (8) the love Paul speaks of is not of that much difference than the love we have for our own family members. He had learned from experience and from Jesus that we are to “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” We know that love fulfills the law; so where do we understand it more? It is here in  1 Corinthians 13.  

We know from experience that it is hard for us to love others as God intends for us to love. For whatever reason, a lot of us just don’t have love for others.  Some of us even hate our family members. We as Believer’s/Christians need to keep searching our hearts like we search for stuff on the internet. Search until we find the love that overshadows our dislike for others and for family members.

Yes, people are full of disappointments and hurt which appears to be a given for us. Make no mistake it is not love itself that does those things to us. Let me prove my point. Can you imagine how God felt when His son died on the cross for our sins? People. Can you imagine how God felt when Adam and Eve whom He created sinned against Him? People. Can you imagine how He felt when Satan turned against Him? Yes, People. Can you imagine how He felt when He had Moses lead His children out of Egypt and they turned on Him? People. I think our problem with love is that most of us don’t place an emphasis on what love is not. And now, since we have the basics of what love for others really is, let us move forward to knowing what love is not for others. They are found in verses 9-10 of this chapter.

Love is Not:

• Committing Adultery/Betrayal against one in a marriage

• Killing another for any reason

• Stealing from others

• Lying on and for others

• Desiring what others have

• Harboring hate for others in your heart

• Treating others with hostility/ill-will

• Ignoring and neglecting to fulfill the law of God

Is it safe to say that at some point in all of our lives that we have shown and still show what love is not? Yes. I repeat, we most assuredly have a problem with knowing what love is not. Jesus is returning, though we know not the day. Hence, time is upon us to work at showing what love is not for all. This is why I believe Paul goes on to alert us in verses 11-14-“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

Besides, hating others is a sin that leads to other sins. Believe it. Stop looking at the world through rose colored glasses. In 1 John 3:9-11 we are reminded that “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.”

May we all understand this message of what love is not by waking up from our “works of darkness” and putting on our “armour of light.”  Lord, help us in Jesus name. Amen.

Thank you for stopping in. Be blessed. Enjoy the quotes.

My Journey through Romans 13:1-7

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! God Is In Control

What does Paul say about us subjecting to higher powers? Who gave him the authority to say so? Do you believe that Paul’s trip on the road to Damascus gave him this awareness?

Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

The first thing I want us all to see is that this verse clearly states “every soul”. Since the beginning of man, we must acknowledge that there was and is to this very day, no power but that of God, our Creator. What person or “god” do you know that is capable of having such powers that He alone spake and all things were created?  What other being alone breathed and man became a living soul? Do we even think deeply about the fact that He prepared the earth for man before he formed man and gave man authority?  Peradventure, those questions are answered correctly, then some may understand that any power that men have or think they have is ordained of God. Read Genesis 1:27-28

When we believe as fact “For there is no power but of God:”, then we can better understand the choosing of our leaders. I hear so much negativity about the newly elected U.S. president and his chosen cabinet that are to be subject to him. I won’t preach about it here. I have say, but no control over “the powers that be are ordained of God.”  We can be assured knowing the history of God; that God was the Authorizer of a person’s earthly authoritative position from the book of Genesis to Revelation.

Secondly, verse one (1) brings to remembrance all the kings, seers, judges, midwives, etc., that God allowed people to put in place in the Holy Bible. This verse is also applicable to those who are head of household, those over others in the workplace, those shepherding others in the church, those under military rules, etc.  Therefore let us be mindful of three (3) things concerning authority  out of that one verse:

1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers
2. There is no power but of God
3. The powers to be are ordained of God

In other words, Trust God. If you are upset about any rulers, just repeat verse one (1) over and over again, so much so that when somebody communicates with you their feelings about current rulers, you will have a quick and true response.

Peter, who saw the transfiguration of Jesus also confirms what Paul said: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”-1 Peter 2:13-17 

And if we do not obey God, Paul clearly informs us of our outcome and why we should be subject to higher powers in verses 2-4: Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

In verses 5-7, we are taught the basics about paying tribute, custom and honour to others, which I won’t dwell on either, because it too leads back to verse one. All over the earth, many citizens are upset about those in authoritative positions(yes some are crooked, selfish and evil) and many want to retaliate and do physical harm. For the many who are Believers, please remember what we are told in Romans 12:

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 God is in control….For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? –Isaiah 14:27

Thank you for stopping in. Be blessed.

My Journey through Romans 12:9-21

 

An Exercise on How to Overcome Evil with Good- Walk Daily with the Spirit of God           

Get on your Nike’s on because we are going to “Just Do It.” as the slogan says. I personally prefer Under Amour sneakers. We are going to practice our walk daily with the Lord as one in the body of Christ. Let us begin.

Exercising Our Personal Behavior (vs 9,19) Read Luke 10:30-37; 2 Thessalonians 3:11-18

• Let love be without dissimulation (pretense). We should be what they call “Keeping it One Hundred” real with one another in the sincerest of ways. Let us not be two-faced but genuinely one-faced. If a person refuse to acknowledge your sincerity, do as Paul said do not regard them as an enemy. Be not in your heart an avenger. That’s love. Keep walking in the Spirit of God and stay focused on the love you have inside for God. I find myself walking away from people because I am so against fakeness. It’s a childhood thing. 🙂
• Abhor that which is evil. From our experiences we know that hate is a heavy-duty dislike for things and people and it separates the best of us, more importantly it separates us from God when dealing with those in the body of Christ. Note it says hate “that” which is evil, not the person that is evil. That person can always “turn again” to the Lord whether or not you’re a part of their life. Forgive yourself and forgive them if you harbor any spirits of hatred towards them. I’m still waiting to hear present day keeping it one hundred sermons on this matter. 😛
• Cleave to that which is good. The best vivid picture I can give here is one of baby animals clinging to their parents as they move about, even in rough terrain. Those little creatures hang on for dear life. If they fall off through rough terrain or attacks on parent, notice that the parent will either pick them back up or the baby KNOWS by the parent’s bodily stance to cling to them again. (TYHS) We should have enough love for others to treat them in this way when they are going through some stuff and the person should be comfortable enough to want to cling to us in such a time. They are only going to cling according to our sincere stance. It amazes me that some animals are more caring of their self and their own than most humans.

Exercising Our Behavior towards Family Members & Church Members – brotherly/ affectionate (verses 10-13) John 13:34-35; Galatians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 12:26

• Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love… We should show members of our family and our church family that they are of great importance to us. I must reiterate as I have done in several posts…Don’t tell people that “everybody is going through something” especially when they confide in you about their issues. That is so not Christ-like and it shows no affection whatsoever towards the person(s); to them it is as though you are casting whatever they are going through to the wind without any cares.  Please understand this. 
• Be not slothful in business; be fervent (passionate) in spirit serving the Lord. Serving others is a business.  A spirit of slothfulness is a difficult spirit to work with. It comes down to you either don’t know how to or you don’t want to work with others because of past dealings. If you find serving in your church is not for you, then be sure to serve others on your own as God leads you to do so. I’ve found there are many out there who do not want to be affiliated with a church because they have been asked to attend the church in return for their service. This should not be so. As a Christian, just do your part. Either way, we are told to;
• Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and continue instantly in prayer for others. Yes, one can hope, be patient, and pray on their own. However, when we sense something is not right with someone, we need to call them up or visit with them to let them know they are not alone. Pray with them. It may give them hope to rejoice in. Don’t say what to them? “_____________________”When one feels left out or alone, regardless of who or what caused it, what hope do they have to rejoice in?  What hope do they have to pray?  Some people are just not at a spiritual level to see the unseen. This is real stuff that affect families in the body of Christ a lot more than we are willing to admit. What are you going to do about it as a member? Warning!!!! Avoid gossip, church cliques, false prophets and false doctrine.
• Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. If we see a need, fill it, especially for the homeless, the poor, the widows, the sick, the jobless, your family and church members. This type of hospitality has fallen to the wayside with that bad seed mentality planting by thinking “I gotta worry about me and mine.”

Exercising Our Behavior towards Others- (verses 14-21) John 10:16 says And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

• And this is why we should bless and curse not those that persecute us in Jesus name. There are still others out there who need to be brought to Jesus.
• We should rejoice with them because there is a way God will reach them through us.
• Be of the same mind toward them, because we don’t know what others have been through and why they may not believe in God. Hence, we are not to be wise in our own conceitedness. Yeah, we think we know everything about why a person is this way or that, when the truth of the matter is we know nothing of the sort. We can’t fit in their shoes to know their walk; which is why we as Believers need never to look down on others and gossip about the things they are going through. Hell is never full.
• Return to no man evil for evil. Separate yourself from people that do you harm or just flat out bring you down all the time. Let nothing separate you from God. Live peaceably with all, and let the Lord take care of the rest. The Lord knows better than us on how to stop an enemy in their tracks.

Because we are not perfect, we will get a leg, mind, or heart cramp during our walks. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good(vs21). Get back up, overcome and “Just Do It.” Read Proverbs 16:1-9 and let the Lord God our Master direct your steps. If people don’t want to communicate and/or be cooperative, walk away. I pray that we all choose to walk daily with the Lord, because we are all on the Devils’ hit list.

Thank you for visiting.

 

My Journey through Romans 12:1-8

Guidance for Building One Another Up – An Exercise in Training the Physical Body to Become A Spiritual Body

Additional Reading : 1 Timothy 4

Inside of each and every one of us is the ability to build something. It begins in our childhood with us piling stuff on top of other stuff, taking sticks and leaves to build a campfire or birds nest and building a step to reach snacks sat upon a high shelf by parents. Most of us have built mud cakes and little mud huts when playing with mud and sand castles out of sand. To my knowledge, toy building blocks and upgraded sticks have become very popular the last 30 plus years. I also enjoy building with the grands. Lo, if only we were builders like the ants, birds, and bees. And, throughout our lives we build relationships with others. 

In this chapter Paul focuses on not just building something but on us building one another up in the church. I am glad you asked. How is that possible when we have issues with one another?  How is it possible when people ignore you?  How is it possible when people refuse to work with and communicate with you to get something done?  It is obvious that some of us cannot be friends forever with others and some are just passing through our lives as a lesson.

Paul gave us several ways to build upon when dealing with such people, especially those within the body of Christ.  Let us remember who the letter was written to: the called of Jesus Christ, to all in Rome who were beloved of God called to be saints, and those he considered “brethren”.  The present day people would be all of those who call themselves Believers, Christians, Children of God, those who are in the body of Christ and those who have received God’s mercy and grace. Clear?

Let us begin.

• The first and the biggest building up is that we must present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This is our reasonable (makes the most sense) service. In reading the Holy Bible, you will find that God dealt with us as individuals first while teaching us accountability. (vs10) (1 Cor. 3:16-17 ; Ephesians 4:23; Pray Psalm 141)
• We must not be conformed (dressed to please) to this world. We are to make a spiritual change to be in line with the Spirit of God. (vs. 2)(Exodus 23:2; Leviticus 20:23; 1 Peter 1:14; Pray Psalm 19:12-14)
• Transform (change) ourselves by the renewing of our mind. (vs 2) (Ezekiel 18:31; Pray Psalm 51)
• Do not walk around thinking you are higher than God. Remember the Tower of Babel. Think soberly (vs 3) (1Peter 5:8, Titus 2:12;Pray Psalm 131)
• Remember that we are many members in one body having not the same office( this is diversity of gifts) Think of it this way, you work in an office building shared by many, your tasks are different ,you have an office to self, but all are working together as a whole for the company. It is important for us all to be on one accord according to these verses. Some preachers don’t like this message coming from the pews. I wonder why? (vs. 4-5) (1Corinthians 12:12-14 & 12:28; Ephesians 5:30; Proverbs 27:17; Pray Psalm 133)
• Realize that there is a diversity of gifts imparted to those who art in the body of Christ according to God’s grace. God created more than one planet in the universe and they all revolve around each other. When God created Adam, he said what?  “I will make a help meet for him.” Each apostle Jesus chose had different gifts. Amen. (vs.6-7) (1 Cor. 12:5; 12:11; Pray Psalm 20)
• We are to use our gifts accordingly. Those who have the gift of encouraging should encourage those struggling in the body of Christ. Don’t reiterate a fact that “Everybody is going through something.” God never did that. Those who have the gift of giving of time and resources should do so with simplicity to meet the needs of others. It is true, we’re not all cut out for this. If it causes you problems it’s obviously not your gift to use at the time. Those who are in a position to shepherd over others, lead others, and/or instruct others should do so with diligence (carefulness and attentiveness) and be mindful that this gift is not only imparted to them. Those of a compassionate character should show mercy to others with cheerfulness. (vs. 8) (Hebrews 3:13; 2 Corinthians 8:12; James 1:17; James 3:1-3; Luke 6:36; Isaiah 30:18; Pray Psalm 23)

Each of these verses clearly display that we as the body of Christ are to be on one accord with the Lord.  Isaiah 30 also gives us a lesson on what happens when we are not on one accord with the Lord.  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+30%3A1-33&version=KJV 

Your church may be struggling with the ability to save souls by sharing the Gospel, to build bigger, to keep lifelong members, and struggling with ongoing stress among and between members, hence a sign of discord instead of being on one accord. The church has got to stop covering this up and acknowledge it. Let us stop having so many “ministries” that we lose focus on both the people in the body of Christ and the Spirit of God.  Anything that interferes with worshiping God is discord and shows rebellion toward God.  We need to be very attentive to Isaiah 30:1: Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: I confess I have had my moments of rebellion. It’s good to regard that old aphorism “once you know better, you do better.” Therefore, I encourage both you and I to exercise this physical body until it become a spiritual body by setting our affection on things above and not the things on this earth. (Col. 3:2)

Thank you for taking time out to visit this blog.

My Journey through Romans 11

God’s Remnant To Remain Through It All – An Olive Tree Lesson

Romans 11:1-6- I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”?  And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.  And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

(vs. 24) After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

When we read about the olive tree in the bible, we probably think of it as being a big tree or don’t give a thought to it until we read the book of Revelation. Surprisingly, I’ve learned it is a rather small tree.  Per Wikipedia : The olive tree, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa. It is short and squat, and rarely exceeds 8–15 m (26–49 ft) in height.  The silvery green leaves are oblong, measuring 4–10 cm (1.6–3.9 in) long and 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) wide. The trunk is typically gnarled and twisted.  Olive trees are not native to the Americas. Olives like hot weather and sunny positions without any shade while temperatures below −10 °C (14 °F) may injure even a mature tree. They tolerate drought well, thanks to their sturdy and extensive root system. Olive trees can live for several centuries and can remain productive for as long if they are pruned correctly and regularly. (Bingo! News for the year.)

Bible facts that I noted and four lessons learned while studying this chapter:

I. The olive tree stood through the great flood. (Gen.8:11)It is the tree the dove picked a branch off of.

Lesson learned: We are a small people regardless of our stature or status in today’s world. We as believers in Christ should have much faith to endure great floods that come upon us and encompasses us round about. We can stand through it all and watch the Lord rescue us TODAY.  And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. (Exodus 14:13)

II. The oil has to be beaten out of the olive. (Lev 24:2; Num. 28:5; Grapes were smashed.)

Lesson learned: We as believers in Christ must go through a beating with fire and a wash with fuller’s soap to be separated from the crap that grew within us and on us before the return of the Lord. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.  He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,  and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years. “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty. (Malachi 3:2-5)  Let us not be forgetful of what Jesus went through for us. What we go through is just a dead limb falling off of the olive tree. The place where the limbs break have the opportunity to reshoot(new growth) once it receives the proper nutrition(the knowledge and love of God). May the Holy Spirit give you wisdom concerning that thought as He gave it to me in writing this thought upon my mind and heart.

III. The olive tree is wild by nature (Rom. 11:17)

Lesson learned:  Like the olive tree we are gnarled and twisted at times, yet we are still capable of producing good fruit. (TYHS) We go through many stages in life of disobedience to God due to our wild sinning nature. We need to grasp the truth, NONE of us as shepherds and sheep’s are perfect.  When we have been refined in God’s fire and stood through floods what we should not do is let what others think of us and our past keep us in a position of disobedience like the Israelite’s did because the word says “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (Ephesians 2:1-3)

I think the olive tree is so representative of our personal family trees (ancestry listings) and church family trees(membership listings). It gives me an understanding of our similarities. Some of us have a sturdy trunk and extensive root system. All are twisted and even as mature adults we get injured. We are not as holy as we think we are with our falling leaves and broken branches. However, we can tolerate a drought with the help of the Holy Spirit. We can stand through floods; we will be beaten to smatterings and we are wild by nature. We need and we should desire correction from the Lord. The word from the Holy Spirit- “Shelia, it’s about the pureness of the oil.” (TYHS) (Read Romans 11:11-24)

Break Time: Have you ever noticed how quiet things are after a storm? Can you imagine the quietness Noah experience after the storm?  Imagine the quietness of the Israelite’s when God opened up the earth to put thousands in check. (Read Numbers Chapter 16 & 26) When we believe and receive correction – in the end we need to remember this: But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; (Isaiah 43:1-3)

AND

IV. Heed the voice and teachings of God. For of him, and through him, and to him are all things; to who be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

Lesson Learned: Listen for the Lord’s voice when He calls you and be obedient, Wherefore COME OUT from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.(2 Cor. 6:17)

Beloved, with this new year that is upon us,it is my prayer that we work to make this a true verse representative of who we are in Christ before His return, for we shall be God’s Remnant To Remain Through It All – Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.( 1 John 3:9)

Note 2 Self- There ain’t nothing wrong with being God’s leftover (remnant)

 

My Journey through Romans 10

Just Zeal Ain’t Gonna Get It. Wake Up All Ye Believers. It’s Time to Know God.

Grab your hot cup of cocoa and warm gingerbread for this read.It’s kinda long.  This message is precisely for those who art in the Body of Christ. Though many may not find this as an encouraging blog, I assure you that if you look honestly within self and your churches, this blog is meant to encourage you and set you on fire for the Lord. As you know, I’m not a “tone it down” writer. Did God “tone it down” to the church in Laodicea? (Rev. 3:14-21) (TYHS) Let me start with Paul’s reality of many, even TODAY that say they “know God”:

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. (Romans 10:1-2)

Paul was a unflinching writer of what he had done, what he had seen and what he had heard. It is for these reasons that he could say: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”(Romans 10:3-4)  Paul came to know God.  He did not just go from city to city preaching and writing to Believers for entertainment like a Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus show. Lord knows if we are honest with ourselves, we know in our hearts and minds that we have become a congregation that does not know God in the way He wants us to know Him. We can’t even share our confessions with one another in church (James 5:16) without being whispered about. Some rely on being entertained in the church by too many circus acts. These  are just a few things showing that we are not submitting to the righteousness of God. That’s a no-no. And now we move on to the real stuff. 😛

A Real Moment

There are many a time I’ve fallen short of knowing God when under attack by family members, church members, and illnesses. Let’s call the shortness self-sufficiency- the natural stress response when we all tend to forget that God is in the midst. Get the hence, Satan. In this world, there are too many (Believers included) who are the protégé of evil, and way too many shepherds misusing (double-tonguing) the word of God as though they were a professional at using every wind instrument in an orchestra. It is exhausting and sickening to know, to see and to hear of these non-Christ like behaviors that continue to go on in the church. If we knew God, our behaviors would be different. Amen. Daniel fell sick for a reason knowing the outcome of disobedience for the Lord’s people. (Read Daniel 8)

I came to the conclusion that there are many members sitting in many churches crying out to know God. There is a suppressing of the knowledge of God going on. How do we stop suppressing the knowledge of God? By faith first. Paul said, But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (vs. 8-9) And  “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (vs. 17) Begin with faith when you preach, teach, and learn the truth of and about God. (TYHS) EVERY BODY in the church needs to wake up and start believing in this truth 100% that Paul shares with us. We have the zeal, yet we are not feeling the burn of the knowledge of God. Not only do we show that we have not faith in God, but we also show that we have not faith in each other in the church.Stop playing church.

I wish shepherds knew what is really on the mind and hearts of their members. I wish members knew what is really on the mind and hearts of their shepherds. This would eliminate gossip, the uncommitted and hardened hearts within the body of Christ. All are afraid to speak the truth in love to one another. Until truth is communicated within the body of Christ, we present-day Laodicean’s (most churches if not all) will continue to be naked without the covering of God. Personally, I’d rather have hurt feelings instead of walking around both blind and naked all the time in church. It would do us good to heed this message for “These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”  (Rev. 3:14-17)

Because we are lukewarm, we are sickening to God and he has become very nauseated with the church.  It is natural for us to spit out anything bad tasting from our mouth, is it not? God prefers us to be either for Him or against Him, does He not? When you have a close friend, is it your wish for them to be for you or against you?  Jesus is the Believer’s husband, we are the bride, should we not agree to “ride or die” (to be down with your husband/wife no matter what, through it all the good and the bad.) with Him? Yes there are members (individually I might add) who are committed to “ride or die” with God; the problem is that we, the church as a WHOLE have become spiritually uncommitted and we lack the knowledge of God.

Stop the “Self-Sufficiency” teachings that teach us to rely on self first. Stop the “Leadership Training” that limits the gifts of others within the church. Stop avoiding and frowning upon the testimony of Christ that others have to share. Without testimonies, over half of the bible would be missing.

Stop having church favorites. The church is NOT a catering business in which one caters to a select few because of so-called church positions. The church is not a business entity period. We need to use the heart of God. He is no respecter of persons.(Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11)  He gives visions to many in the church. Did he give visions to only one person in the bible? We all have to share these God-given visions with one another. If shepherds open the doors of truthful communication in love with all church members, gossip would not rear its ugly head from the pulpit and the pews. The church is not a venue where the ‘I scratch your back, you scratch mine’ mentality  should be taking place. Favoritism shows a lack of knowledge present within the body of Christ. We all have to work together using the knowledge of God. In many churches, even the zeal is gone. BB King would say “the thrill is gone.” Change the setting of your hearts to show favoritism towards the mind of God.

The church is not a theater. In many churches, people who ACT as though they know God can come across as friendly to visitors, but have a problem being friendly with their own members. Stop it with the wearing of a Christian name tag in the church for visitors to see. Let us stop with the man-made teachings and the micromanagement in the body of Christ. Stop these things because they are not in line with His word. (Read Isaiah 29:13 ; 1 Timothy 6:20-21; Titus 1:16) May we begin to obey the word of God. His question found in Luke 4:46 pertains to us today : ^“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

We are just like Israel, up and down, all day, every day. ‘But to Israel he saith, “All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” (vs. 21) We need to get back to the bible to have God’s kingdom mentality. The Lord said “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Rev. 3:19-20)  Just zeal ain’t gonna get it. Wake up all ye believers, it’s time to know God. There is going on in the world a widespread planting of in-home churches as in the days of old with many that know God and those that truly want to know Him.

I came across this message while looking for something else: It is written by Steven H. Atherto. I’m not sure why it popped up in my search. 🙂

http://www.thefishermenministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/How-should-the-Church-Operate.pdf

Prayer Moment– Lord, we repent of our sins committed within your churches.  Help us Lord, we who are offended by this message to come to know you spiritually and to become obedient to your word. Come into our church doors Lord. Set us on fire with the knowledge of you. Cover our nakedness in Jesus name. Amen.

My Journey through Romans 9

All You Need to Know About God’s Mercy- A Choosing of One Over the Other

Read slowly the following verses:

¹³ As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. (Ref. Malachi 1:2-3)

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

¹⁵ For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

¹⁶ So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

¹⁷ For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

¹⁸ Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

So what say you of God’s mercy? We often cry out loud, “Lord have mercy…” when tragedy happens or when someone does something outside of their character. We ask quietly in prayer, “Lord have mercy…” when things are not going the way we want them to go in our lives and/or in the lives of others.

Some of us as Believers wrestle with believing verse 13 as being something God could do. Even though Esau aka Edom was hated, we find in studying God’s word that Esau (Edom) was still blessed. Know the spiritual meaning of the events between Esau and Jacob to understand God’s statement so I don’t have to go into it here. (Read Genesis 25- 27) We know that everything starts “In the beginning, God”.  We know that Esau and Jacob (Israel) were twins. We know from God’s mindset, there can be only ONE ruler that He chooses to oversee and follow through on His will. That I firmly believe and Jesus is the CHIEF model for my belief.  There have also been many a times, God has stepped in to put a chosen person back in line with his will; Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jonah and even you and I, are just a few that he chose to have mercy on. From the beginning to the end of the bible, we are shown that there is always a choosing of one over the other.

Years ago, I purchased a book titled “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”. It was a book written about lessons learned in the authors’ life. As for me, all I really need to know about life and how God operates I learned in the book of Genesis. The events found there clearly show why He had to come down to earth as Jesus in the NT face to face to show us what we need to know. Is that not the mercy of God leading us back to Him as in the beginning?

In some cases, we show mercy upon those we do not know but hear about via news reports and those that don’t seem fitting to receive our mercy, but God. When we see others that we truly love losing their way in life or hurting do we not choose to show mercy by helping the one that is lost and in pain? There are also those who some choose to harden their hearts against (last U.S.A election is a prime example) as God chose to harden Pharaoh’s heart against God’s own people.(TYHS) A quote came to my mind made by General Thomas Jonathan Jackson aka “Stonewall Jackson” of the Civil War, that reminded me of our election outcome. He said “Duty is ours; consequences are God’s.” Many exercised their duty to vote, enough said.  Isn’t that eerie, Stone Wall and here we are about to inaugurate a President that wants to “build a wall.” Get ready to Watch God Work is all I can say. The Holy Spirit led me to say more about our election than I wanted to. Thank you Holy Spirit, there must be a message in here for someone out there. 

Wisdom Moment– There’s a message here for you. Grab it!  God is about to do some great things in teaching the world who He is once again. It’s his H.M.O. (holy modus operandi) He made the choice. The bottom line is that God chooses to works through whom He wills. Being a preacher’s kid, a doctor, or a church goer doesn’t necessarily put one in the line of God’s will to lead. Remember that God chose Paul, a murderer of His chosen people.(TYHS) Question to you beloved reader: What did you learn about God’s H.M.O when he chose to show Paul mercy? And what did Paul teach us about ourselves in 1Timothy1:15? “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

Now beloved, go back and read the verses at the beginning of this blog; add verses nineteen(19) through twenty-nine (29) to get a blessing. It is a truth for me in reading this chapter that ‘All You Need to Know About God’s Mercy- A Choosing of One Over the Other’ is a message that we all need to be attentive to. It’s not about hate, but about righteousness and God’s choice to fulfill His will and promises.Glory Hallelujah!

I leave you with some quotes from the author of All Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Robert Fulghum:

“I know what I really want for Christmas. I want my childhood back.
Nobody is going to give me that. I might give at least the memory of it to myself if I try. I know it doesn’t make sense, but since when is Christmas about sense, anyway? It is about a child, of long ago and far away, and it is about the child of now. In you and me. Waiting behind the door of or hearts for something wonderful to happen. A child who is impractical, unrealistic, simpleminded and terribly vulnerable to joy.”

My Journey through Romans 8

No Condemnation – A Pardoning of the Lord?

Let me begin by sharing a few scriptures that speak about condemnation. I’ll start with the three most important verses (KJV) first to give us the Root that oversees the act of condemnation.

John 3:17- For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:18- He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 12:47-48- And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

• 1 John 3:20- For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
• James 5:12- But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
• Psalm 103:12-As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
• Isaiah 55:7-Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

In Romans 8:1, we will find three (3) requirements necessary for Believers to receive “no condemnation”: (1) one must be in Christ Jesus, (2) one must not walk after the flesh, (3) one must walk after the Spirit; of which a daily practice of these requirements will be advantageous to us for our walk with God.

With that being duly noted, we can better understand this fact. Not all Believers walk after the Spirit. We all experience unexpected wrestling matches because of the law and sin against the spirit and the flesh.  But, then there is God’s grace and mercy. Per Peter, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)  And, John tells us that “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)  We should look at these two verses as encouragement for the Believer when Satan tries to set us upon the pedestal of condemnation as he tried with Job. Thank you Holy Spirit!

Thank you Jesus! And why should we thank Jesus?  Because what was a mystery to the people in the OT is no longer a mystery to those of us today.

Knowledge Moment – Thomas asked Jesus what was the way and “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:5-6) Paul confirms this in his letter to Timothy concerning the “knowledge of the truth”: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

Please read the full chapter to understand the depth of the glory to come. I close here with the knowledge Paul shared with us: “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  (Hence, a good reason for us to follow the three(3) requirements listed above- that’s just my view.I’m working it! 😛 )

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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. (Romans 8:34-39)

The Final Proof of No Condemnation and that there will be A Pardoning of the Lord – (Revelation 22:3-4)-And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. Now that’s very encouraging, ya think? And you say, “I agree with you Shelia in Jesus name. Yeah!”

My Journey through Romans 7

To Live or To Die, that is the question. The question is NOT “To be or not to be.” However, “Shake-us-sphere” aka Shakespeare came close in his soliloquy.  😛

On this journey I made a list of seven notes about being released from the law and sin. It’s important to acknowledge to self that we as Believers do indeed sin and sometimes become so bound up in it that we are unable to release ourselves from it. Peradventure, some are astonished about what sin is and wrestle with it daily.  If we are not cognizant of our sin, what then? (((JESUS)))   And now, allow me to share my words of understanding. Please read the bible verses in Romans 7 to receive your understanding.

1. God’s law never dies. (Entire Bible)
2. If you strictly follow the law then the law has dominion over you as long as you live. It’s basically a marriage between you and the law. Paul gives an ensample of a marriage between a man and woman. A living spouse is only released from the marriage if the spouse dies and is free to remarry without being labeled an adulterer/adulteress. If both are still living and one remarries then that one is called an adulterer/adulteress. According to the word a divorce still bounds one to that marriage even if one remarries. Huh? The only thing that is clear to me with this scenario is that the point is this: someone must die for another to be released from the law. (vs.2;3)
3. You only become dead to the law by the body of Christ which is a good thing. If we are honest with self and with God, we know how impossible it is for us to follow the whole law. Who alive have not broken one or more of the Ten Commandments? Even so, now we are assured that Christ is the ‘someone’ that released Believers from the law. Believers that are alive in Christ “should bring forth fruit unto God.” (vs.4)
4. Let’s swim for a moment. While swimming in the flesh w/o some lifeguard protection, the motion of deadly waves can cause one to drown. Drowning = Death. Sometimes the flesh thinks its ok to swim in calm waves. Don’t be fooled by the motions. By law, oceans always have waves. (vs.5) Ocean Moment- http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/wavesinocean.html
5. Deliverance from the law allows you to be more attentive to serve in newness of spirit (the new way) and not serve the flesh which is administered by the letter (the old way). Point– An antique piece can be renewed, yet it is still an antique. (TYHS) In Christ, you still have the same old body but you are no longer bound in that old body when you have freedom in Christ. The chains have been broken; the prison door has been opened. Peter can testify to that. ( vs. 6) Speaking of testify…why is it that some churches no longer allow time for testimonies anymore? Sad!
6. The law is NOT sinful, but you learn what sin is because of the law. Let’s look at it this way using this statement- “I would not have known it existed had I not seen it there with my own eyes.” (vs.7)
7. Sin is always ready to seize its moment because of the law. Remember, it is always alive and crouching at your door looking for that opportune moment for breaking the law. (vs.8)

In verses 9 thru 23 we will find the wrestling match between the law and sin, the spirit and the flesh. S-T-R-E-S-S is what it boils down to. The wrestling between the spirit and the flesh cause us to be in a ‘do I do’ or ‘do I not do’ constant Thorn-ful Stress Head Lock.

Story Moment– (Read Genesis 32-33) This study reminded me of the wrestling match Jacob had. Let me go into the childhood part of mind here before closing out this blog. Jacob was on his way to meet his brother Esau, who he betrayed while in the flesh.(TYHS) He was afraid to approach Esau first, so he sent his servants ahead of him with a message for Esau. Messengers returned with a report from Esau. Jacob becomes scared, puts the people and things he love most into one group and the people and things he loved less in another group. Guess which group was placed in front to allow a chance for the other group to flee.

He then prays to God, chose gifts to appease Esau and sends his servants ahead of him with the gifts as he slept in the camp. He woke up from his sleep and took his two wives, two maidservants, and his eleven sons and other stuff he had over the crossing of Jabbok’s brook. (Still serving the flesh)  Now he was alone, the wrestling match begins with “a man with him until the breaking of the day.” 

The man could not get a good choke hold on Jacob, so he used his touch move to the hollow socket of Jacob’s thigh to push it out of joint to slow Jacob down. Jacob still had a hold on him as he asked Jacob to “ Let me go, for the day breaketh.”  Jacob said “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” He asked Jacob what was his name. He then told Jacob that his name is “no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power (wrestled) with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Out of that wrestling match comes a new name and something to remind him of why he received it. What something reminds you that you are new in Christ and blessed?  To live or to die, that is the question beloved.

Jacob was blessed by the man and he believed that he had met God face to face and that his life was now preserved. The story ends, Jacob has no fear of meeting Esau, they meet, hug cry (you know what forgiveness releases you of) and introduced family they never met. And so, Jacob arrived at his destination without wrestling with his brother.

There were three points that the Holy Spirit shared with me here. (1) Jacob was no longer serving the old flesh(backstabbing a family member), but was now living and serving God with a newness of spirit and with a new name. I guess flesh shrinkage does wonders. (2)God can work through you to change even the negative attitude of another person that has cause to be against you. Is that not a blessing? Go ahead. Let’s shout for that is an opportunity for a “Praise God” moment. I surely can’t wait for the day that I receive my new name. (3) No where in the bible does it allude to the adage “choose (pick)  your battles wisely” that is preached and taught. The bible does show and tell us that we are to be ready for battles(wrestling matches) as Jacob was. Had he not been ready to fight, the wrestling match would have been over before daylight, don’t you think?

And now I close.

The bottom line of this wrestling match is as Paul states in verses 24-25: O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

 Thank you for reading and may you receive many blessings and understanding from the Holy Spirit.

 

Come, let us worship and sing with joy, “I will never be bound again”.

https://youtu.be/r4vx1YKAU7U