NO MATTER WHAT, GIVE THANKS!

“In everything give thanks;
for this is God's will for you
in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
New American Standard Bible

Life is filled with different experiences, some good and others not so good. The believer can find assurance in every situation that arises because Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” While every situation may not be good, the scripture says that all things will work together for good, fitting into the overall plan of God for our life.
It is vitally important to maintain God’s perspective especially when going through trials and tribulations. God will hear the voice of your words (Deuteronomy 1:34-35). The only acceptable response is thanksgiving and praise. We must remember and know that everything is working in God’s plan to bring us to an expected end which is to be conformed into His image.
The Apostle Paul exhorts the church at Thessalonica to always give thanks, no matter what. The next statement is strong. Why give thanks? Because it is God’s will for you. Giving thanks in the midst of circumstances and situations demonstrates that we trust the loving hands of God. It shows that we have confidence in His plan for our lives.
We don’t give thanks FOR everything; we give thank IN everything. We must know that into each life a little rain must fall. However, we must trust and know each situation is filtered through the hands of our loving heavenly father to perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us (I Peter 5:10).
When we murmur and complain, we are OUT of the will of God. To murmur means to “grumble, complain; to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide.” Murmuring and complaining displays that we do not trust the power of God to deliver us out of trouble and doubt that He knows what is best for our lives. God despises murmuring and complaining. He said in Numbers 14:29, “your corpses will fall in this wilderness, even all your numbered men, according to your complete number from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against Me.” God wants thanksgiving and trust, not doubt and complaining. This is His perfect will for your life.
Do you want to be in God’s perfect will? Do you trust His hand in your life? Do you trust that He knows what is best to perfect you? When we have this confident trust in Him, we will be able to give thanks, no matter what!

DYING TO GIVE LIFE

“For we who live are constantly
being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake,
so that the life of Jesus also maybe
manifested in our mortal flesh.”
2 Corinthians 4:11
New American Standard Bible

The Apostle Paul suffered many things during his missionary journeys. Because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, he suffered physical, emotional and spiritual warfare, yet he endured so that many would come into the faith.
Paul’s determination is awe-inspiring. Rather than murmur, complain or give up, he counted it a privilege and honor to suffer for the cause of Christ. He understood that ‘the cause makes the martyr, not the punishment.’ Paul boasts of his sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 and says, “Five times the Jews have given me their punishment of thirty-nine lashes with a whip. Three different times I was beaten with rods. One time I was almost stoned to death. Three times I was in ships that wrecked, and one of those times I spent a night and a day in the sea. I have gone on many travels and have been in danger from rivers, thieves, my own people, the Jews, and those who are not Jews. I have been in danger in cities, in places where no one lives, and on the sea. And I have been in danger with false Christians. I have done hard and tiring work, and many times I did not sleep. I have been hungry and thirsty, and many times I have been without food. I have been cold and without clothes.”
Paul constantly put himself in harm’s way because of his “load of concern for the churches.” He was willing to physically suffer and experience the ‘fellowship of Jesus’ suffering for two reasons: so that the life of Christ would be manifested and so that he could experience the power of Christ resting on him.
Not only did Paul love God, he loved God’s people. He labored so that they would come to the faith and travailed so that they would mature in the faith. Paul said, “I will gladly spend myself and all I have for your spiritual good, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.” He was thoroughly convinced, persuaded and determined to propagate the gospel of Christ, regardless of the consequences or the response from those he faithfully served.
Are you willing to suffer for the cause of Christ? Do you find it a privilege to suffer for righteousness’ sake so that others can experience the life of Jesus Christ? Are you willing to die to yourself so that others can truly see the life of Jesus? In the same manner that Christ willingly laid down his life so that we could live, we must follow in his footsteps so that the life of Jesus can be manifested in our bodies and in the world.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
2 Peter 1:5-7
King James Version

In his first epistle, the Apostle Peter gave instruction on how to overcome opposition from without. Now, he equips the saints on how to deal with opposition from within.
Peter begins by reminding the believers of their ‘like precious faith.’ He goes on to establish that God has provided, by His divine power, all things that are needed to live the ZOE kind of life and holiness. He then begins to present the strategy for growth in the Christian faith.
He encourages the believers to add to their faith seven other Christian graces: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. By adding these, the believer will be established in their relationship with the Lord and kept from stumbling. This maturity in the things of righteousness will grant them access to the kingdom of God.
However, Peter also informs them that not heeding instruction will render them spiritually blind, short-sighted and behaving like unbelievers.
Spiritual growth of the believer first is pleasing to God and enables the believer to enjoy the kingdom of God now, which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Additionally, obedience and growth will assure the believer’s heart that he will receive a crown of life at Christ’s return.
Another aspect of growing in righteousness is the protection it provides from the ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing.’ The false teachers were spreading the ‘doctrine of devils’. The Apostle Peter wrote the saints of Asia Minor to warn them of the false teachers who had infiltrated the church and spreading erroneous doctrine. The safeguard against being led astray was to grow and mature in the faith they had received. The saints had to become intimate with the genuine faith so they would not be deceived and ensnared by the counterfeit.
Spiritual growth and development has many rewards, both present and future. Determine today that you will allow nothing and no one to impede your progress in growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Develop an intimate, personal relationship with Christ. False teachers are in the world? Have you grown to a point where you can discern the spirit of truth from error? Arm yourself with the truth of God’s word so you will be able to recognize and walk in the way that leads to life everlasting.
The enemy of your soul comes to divide and subtract. But, when you add to your faith, the Captain of your Salvation will begin to multiply and increase you exponentially!

LIVING ON BREAD & WATER

“Jesus said to them,
"I am the bread of life; he who comes to
Me will not hunger, and he who
believes in Me will never thirst.”
John 6:35
(New American Standard Bible)

Immediately after Jesus feeds the five thousand he begins his discourse about being the true bread. When the word spreads of Jesus’ miracle, the people began to look for Jesus and even boarded a ship to follow him from Tiberias to Capernaum. However, Jesus knew the true intent of their hearts and said they were not really interested in seeing a miracle. They followed only because they had gotten a good meal and were satisfied for the moment. They only wanted more bread to satisfy their natural hunger. They were aware of the manna their fathers received in the wilderness and wanted more of the same and even wanted to make him a king. Jesus reminds them that although their fathers ate manna, they still died. The people always confused the natural food that would perish with the spiritual food Jesus offered that would last for eternity. The people were so spiritually blind, they could not perceive that not only could Jesus feed 5,000 effortlessly, he was the bread of life that could feed the entire world. Jesus told them that it is not enough to come, but believing in Him was also a necessity to end hunger and thirst.
There is a price and many who followed walked away in disgust. But, those who remained knew he ‘had the words of eternal life.’ He continually tried to shift their perspective from a temporal view to eternity. One of the major problems the people had, and we still have today, is that many people are only concerned with satisfying their immediate desires. Again, Jesus was trying to get them to think in light of eternity. By eating and drinking of Him, the promise of eternal life in His presence is a reality.
Jesus deals with two of the most basic and important needs of man: the need for food and water. Without either, man will cease to exist. Jesus provides both, not only for a short time, but for eternity. To eat of the bread of life and drink of living water means to realize that without God, we will cease to exist spiritually. Completely rely, cleave and trust in Jesus Christ. There is no other way to experience abundant, eternal life.
Don’t follow Jesus for the fish and loaves (temporal satisfaction). Eternity is calling. Be sure to feed on the bread of life and drink the living water today! You will never hunger or thirst again.

ENCOURAGE & BUILD UP

“Therefore encourage
one another and build up one
another, just as you also are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
New American Standard Bible

The history of cheerleading gives great insight into the power of encouragement. The inspiration to jump out in front of the bleachers came from a fan who had written to the school newspaper to complain that the losing team would start winning if it had the backing of the fans. One of the university’s professors took this statement one step further and declared that the collective stimuli of hundreds of students, focused on sending positive encouragement, would turn the tide of their losing streak. A first year medical student latched on to the theory and moved the cheers to the game. His example filtered to other campuses, paving the way for bigger changes.

We find a great biblical example of an encourager in the person of Barnabas, ‘the son of encouragement’ (Acts 4:36). He was a man who gave encouragement and consolation to his friends, becoming one of the most respected persons in the church in Jerusalem. Barnabas was the mentor of the apostle Paul. He encouraged the Jerusalem church to accept Paul as an apostle of Christ, convincing them that he was sincere. He became John Mark's mentor when Paul refused to take him on a missionary journey.

Every believer should engage in the ministry of encouraging and building other brothers and sisters in the faith. Furthermore, Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.” We should look for opportunities to promote growth in the Christian wisdom, affection, grace, virtue and holiness.

The Day of the Lord is at hand. Yes, we all need to know how to encourage ourselves in the Lord. But, often we need someone to ‘come along side’ to exhort, comfort and encourage us in the ways of God. We all have enough ‘haters’! We need some kingdom builders and holiness promoters. Today, find someone who you can encourage in the Lord and exhort them in righteousness and holiness.

MY ASSIGNMENT

“It is because we know this solemn fear
of the Lord that we work so hard to
persuade others. God knows we are sincere,
and I hope you know this, too.”
2 Corinthians 5:11
New Living Translation

The Apostle Paul’s ministry is marked by great passion, zeal and perseverance. He endured persecution on every level possible, yet he remained vigilant and determined to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul declared that he was set for the defense of the gospel (Philippians 1:7, 17) and, that he never “shunned to declare the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Paul was commissioned to be ‘a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth’ (Acts 13:47). He persuaded the Gentiles to come to the faith and exhorted them to remain in the faith.

Paul’s motivation for preaching the gospel was not for selfish gain, but rather he was ‘compelled by God to do it.’ In Acts 20:22-25, he prepared himself to go to Jerusalem knowing only that the Holy Spirit warned him that suffering and jail awaited him regardless of the city and furthermore that he would lose his life. Paul’s assignment was paramount. He said “But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love” (Acts 20:24). He was so convinced and determined to fulfill his mandate and assignment, he said, “How terrible for me if I didn't do it" (1 Corinthians 9:16)!

Paul’s assignment was to persuade others to believe and accept the glorious work of Jesus Christ. He allowed nothing and no one to dissuade him because he was persuaded and thoroughly ‘convinced that God was able to guard what he had entrusted to Him until that day’ (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul entrusted his very life into the care of Almighty God. He was ready to be poured out (2 Timothy 4:6) and even willing to be ‘forever cursed – cut off from Christ! – if that would save his kinsmen’ (Romans 9:3).

What is your assignment? Are you ready to go all the way to complete the assignment? What is motivating your mandate? Self-glory? Fame? Fortune? Or, is it the love of Christ. Are you allowing something or someone to deter or impede your progress from completing your course? Determine today to not let anything stop you from completing your assignment for the kingdom of God.

BACK TO THE BASICS

“A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
New American Standard Bible

Man realized simply using one strand or fiber provided virtually no strength, two fibers added more strength. However, three strands twisted together in different directions proved to be much more than three times stronger than the single strand. With that premise in mind, we have the cord of three strands. This idea is used in wedding ceremonies symbolizing the union of God, husband and wife. Today, the 3 fold cord will serve as a reminder of the three BASIC Christian disciplines of Bible Study, Prayer/Meditation, and Fasting. This three-fold cord of disciplines in the life of the believer will ensure the victorious Christian life.

Disciplined living for the Christian means an intentional surrender to the superiority of the Spirit leading to the Lordship of Christ over all of life. Through the tests of life, the believer’s life must be reinforced by consistent engagement in the three disciplines. These three BASIC disciplines should not be regarded as drudgery, unpleasant or some legalistic requirement, but rather a source of joy, strength and peace. Actually, it is the response of the believer to the grace of God. The disciplines are the means by which we are changed into the image and likeness of God and should not be neglected.

PRAYER/MEDITATION – Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest says, “We look upon prayer as getting things for ourselves. The Bible idea of prayer is that we may know God.” Prayer also needs to be stressed as a dialogue, as a communion between us and God. A new Christian asked the pastor what he must do to pray. The pastor said, “Prayer is not doing something, it is being with someone.”
BIBLE STUDY/DEVOTIONAL READING – Searching the scriptures to understand the heart and mind of God is essential to the victorious Christian life. The Bible must not be handled just to learn more information, but to allow the still small voice of God to teach, instruct and correct our lives.
FASTING – Denying the flesh of food is not exactly pleasurable or popular, but certainly a necessity. Missing a few meals reveals what is really controlling us, either the body or the spirit. Fasting increases our effectiveness in prayer and increases spiritual power for deliverance from bondages.

These are lifelong disciplines for the believer. Let’s get back to the basics and ensure our Christian lives are a 3-fold cord that will empower us to endure until the end.

WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

“When I was with you, you saw the struggles I had

{with people who were against our work}. And
now you hear about the struggles I am having.

You yourselves are having the same kind of struggles.”
Philippians 1:30
Easy-to-Read Version

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church of Philippi to encourage them in their walk in the Lord. The overall theme of the book is to exhort the believers to REJOICE in the Lord, or be ‘fully satisfied in the Lord and again be fully satisfied.’ The theme becomes more significant when you realize Paul was a prisoner of Rome at the time of this writing and yet, his attitude was one of gratefulness and joy.
Paul experienced enormous physical suffering during his missionary journeys, not to mention the emotional and spiritual suffering. However, he counted it a privilege not only to trust in Christ, but to suffer with Him as well (Philippians 1:29). Not only did Paul suffer, but the believers at Philippi also experienced the struggle of living this new way of life. Paul explains that not only is it a privilege to suffer for the cause of Christ, but the manner and attitude in which you respond to the suffering is paramount, as well (Philippians 1:27). The Christians were exhorted to ‘strive together for the faith of the gospel.’
Once we name the name of Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will suffer persecution. Regardless of the type (i.e., physical, emotional or spiritual), intensity and frequency, we all experience some adverse circumstances for living a holy life in a crooked and perverse world. We are in the struggle together – not struggling against one another.
Today, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers for someone who may be experiencing severe persecution today for their faith in Jesus Christ. Not minimizing the persecution that you endure, but realize there are people who may be suffering severe religious oppression. Trust and know that God is mindful of your struggles and has placed you on someone’s heart to pray for you, as well. Remember, we’re all in this together.
Religious persecution is still very prevalent in our world. Please visit http://www.persecution.com/ to learn, read and pray for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who struggle for the faith that was once delivered to the saints.

WHAT REALLY MATTERS

“For I want you to understand what
really matters, so that you may
live pure and blameless lives
until Christ returns.”
Philippians 1:10
New Living Translation

It can be very easy to be distracted by things that don’t really matter. For the moment they can seem so very important, but in retrospect, many of the things that took so much of our attention, energy and peace seem so small and insignificant. In light of eternity, priorities can change drastically. In the heat of an argument being right, getting your point across, or just stating your opinion may seem supreme, but in light of the fallout and broken, wounded relationships, those things don’t seem to be very important. It is imperative to know what really matters.
The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the saints at Philippi was that they would be able to recognize, discern and distinguish the things that were really important in light of eternity. At the time of his writing the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul was in a prison because he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. What really mattered to Paul was the furtherance of the gospel even if meant him being imprisoned (Philippians 1:12). The Apostle was committed to the defense of the gospel regardless of the motives of others. He knew that some preached Christ for contention, others in pretense and yet others from a heart of love. Nevertheless, he rejoiced because what really mattered was that Christ was preached (Philippians 1:18).
The only way to know what things are really important is to grow in love and in knowledge and insight of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:9). As we mature, the knowledge of Christ will produce in us a lifestyle that will cause us not to stumble or cause others to stumble until the day of Jesus Christ. Knowing what really matters will produce the ‘fruits of righteousness’ which will bring praise and glory to God.
Thinking in light of where we will spend eternity will give a better perspective of what really matters. Presenting Christ to others, having a pure heart, without offense and loving-lasting relationships are really what are most important. Today, evaluate your life and determine what really matters.

MEDITATION

“This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.”
Joshua 1:8
(The Amplified Bible)

Today, reflect on the treasures of God’s Word. Ask God to give your further insight and revelation of a particular passage of His word or a previous meditation. Make time to Engage God through prayerful meditation.

Meditation is a biblical principle. (Read Joshua 1:8; Genesis 24:63; Psalm 1:2; 63:6; 77:12; 119:15; I Timothy 4:15) To meditate means to “to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak.” It “is a discipline in which the mind is focused on an object of thought or awareness. It usually involves turning attention to a single point of reference. The practice may engender a higher state of consciousness.”

Cud is a portion of food that returns from a ruminant's stomach in the mouth to be chewed for the SECOND TIME. Cud is produced during the physical digestive process of rumination, or "chewing the cud". The idiomatic expression “chewing one's cud” means meditating or pondering.

We do not want simply information, but revelation that leads to transformation. James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” It is possible to have all the right information and yet not have an intimate relationship with God. (Read ‘Religion or Relationship’).

Today, go back and read a meditation that you have received a second time. See what the Lord will say to you.


Be Blessed!

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

“Thou art weighed in the balances,
and art found wanting.”
Daniel 5:27
King James Version

Belshazzar, the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar, reigned as co-regent in Babylon with his father, Nabonidus. Belshazzar was left to rule the city while the king traveled the Middle East. For whatever reason, Belshazzar decided to have a huge celebration with thousands of people in attendance. Some suggest that in his drunken stupor, he ordered the holy vessels from the temple in Jerusalem be brought and used for his profane use, idolatry (Daniel 5:3-4).
During the celebration, the fingers of a man’s hand wrote on the wall before Belshazzar. The writing is “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN” which means “NUMBERED, FINISHED, WEIGHED, DIVIDED.” This, in turn, means that God has numbered Belshazzar’s days, he has weighed his worth and found him wanting, and lastly that his kingdom will be taken away and divided between the Medes and the Persians.
The system of weights and measures in use among the Hebrews was derived from Babylonia and Egypt, especially from the former. Weights were used in a balance to weigh out silver and gold. The balance consisted of a beam with its fulcrum in the middle and its arms precisely equal. From the ends of the arms were suspended two scales, the one to receive the object to be weighed, the other the counterpoise, or weight.
The prophet Daniel gave the interpretation of the handwriting on the wall and rehearsed the fate of his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar, who was deposed and driven from men and lived as a wild animal for seven years because of his pride. Yet, Belshazzar failed to learn from the error of his forefather. Daniel reproves him and says, “you have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all of this. But instead you have chosen to lift up yourself in pride against the Lord of heaven in whose hand your breath and all your ways are in” (Daniel 5:22-23).
That very hour, the Lord put Belshazzar in His balance. Proverbs 16:11 says, “A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work.” In the Lord’s balance, the weight of the counterpoise is the standard of the Lord, or what He expects and requires. When the Lord weighs us, “what is crooked cannot be straightened and what is lacking cannot be counted” (Ecclesiastes 1:15). By the grace and power of God, we each must set in order the things which are wanting, or lacking, in our lives before we are weighed in the balance of the Lord. So, how do you measure up?

WAKE UP!

“Another reason for right living is that you know

how late it is; time is running out.
Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer

now than when we first believed.”
Romans 13:11
New Living Translation

There are approximately eighty different types of sleep disorders. One disorder in particular is hypersomnia. According to Wikipedia, hypersomnia is characterized by reoccuring episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or prolonged nighttime sleep. Different from feeling tired due to lack of or interrupted sleep at night, persons with hypersomnia are compelled to nap repeatedly during the day, often at inappropriate times such as at work, during a meal, or in conversation.
In like manner, many saints are spiritually asleep. The Day of the Lord is at hand and it is certainly inappropriate for sleep at this time. In this context, the Bible associates sleep with inattentiveness, complacency, carnality, passivity and negligence. Considering the time; the perilous times and return of the Lord, the saints are exhorted to come from the place of slumber and sleep and awake to righteousness.
Many refer to the church as the ‘sleeping giant.’ Why? The church on its knees is stronger than any military force known to man. The effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous avail much. A praying church can change the landscape of our society and hasten the coming of the Lord. At a time when the church should be stirred to fervent prayer and intercession, many long to be entertained and have their itching ears tickled with a smooth word. Not only must we awake to prayer, but awake to fasting. Jesus told his disciples, “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). Certainly there are situations in individual lives, communities, nations and world that would qualify for the category of ‘this kind.’ The body of Christ must replace feasting with fasting. Of course, we must awake to not only being hearers of the word, but DOERS of the word. This requires reading, study and meditation of the word of God. It is the ‘engrafted word’ that is able to save our souls (James 1:21). The church must also awake to true repentance. We cannot just be sorry or apologize. Being sorry is only the first step. But, we must sorrow to repentance. We must repent and turn from our wicked ways (2 Chronicles 7:14).
The body of Christ must awake from sleep regarding righteousness and holy living. We must not remain passive or politically correct regarding morality. We cannot be silent or look the other way regarding the leaven of sin in our churches and especially in our own individual lives. The King, the master of the house is coming.
Are you sleeping at an inappropriate time? The alarm is sounding. Time is running out. Stopping hitting the snooze bar. If you continue to hit the snooze bar, eventually you will stop hearing the alarm. Wake up!

HERE COMES THE JUDGE!

“It's judgment time for Christians.
We're first in line. If it starts with us,
think what it's going to be like
for those who refuse God's Message!”
I Peter 4:17
The Message Bible

The vehicle that God has chosen and ordained to bring forth His kingdom in the earth is the Church. Jesus told Peter, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The Church of Jesus Christ is the catalyst for change. As the Church goes, so goes the world!
God has already clearly stated His intent for the church. Ephesians 5:25-27 says, that Jesus loved the church so much that gave his life on the cross so “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” God is going to have a beautiful bride and He is going to use the fire of His Spirit to accomplish His goal.
We know that in the days of Noah, God used water to purify the earth. But, in 2 Peter 3:5-7, we find that in the last days God will use fire to purify the earth. It is vitally important to remember that God is not going to destroy the earth per se just to destroy it. His intent is to purify it and create a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).
God’s intentions are always pure, righteous and just. He always has an expected end in mind and that is to bring glory to Himself. Having this in mind, it only makes sense that the beginning of judgment would start with His BRIDE, the church! The same fire used to bring purity to the earth must first begin with the vehicle that He will use to judge the world. Since the saints will judge the world (1 Corinthians 6:2), the saints must be first be purified by fire.
Always remember God’s intent. We are first in line for God’s judgment by fire not to destroy us, but to purify and cleanse us so that we can be presented to Him in peace. Although going through the fire may not be pleasant, it is necessary to produce the desired result. The prophet Malachi says, “For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal or like a strong soap that whitens clothes” (Malachi 3:2).
God’s judgment will leave no stone unturned. He will judge sin and unrighteous, idle words, works, thoughts, motivations and intentions of the heart. No one can escape the judgment of God. Judgments are not always bad. He could rule in your favor. God’s judgment is always just. If He did not allow the angels to escape, He certainly will not allow His children to escape. Ultimately, those who obey and receive Him and those who reject Him will receive their just reward. So, rise up in repentance & obedience. Rise up in prayer, fasting and study of the word. Rise up in holiness and sanctification. Everybody rise. Here comes the Judge!

IDENTIFICATION PLEASE

“When we obey God,
we are sure that we know him.”
I John 2:3
Contemporary English Version

There are various forms of identification today. There are passports, driver’s licenses and now the State ID card. With the rise of identity theft, there are more and more programs to monitor credit. When making a credit card purchase, a picture ID is required. Of course, the photo must match the person presenting the card. Many times the clerk does not verify the user or will only give the photo a cursory glance before completing the transaction.
God’s identification system is totally different. You can have the ordination or license credential card, JESUS t-shirt, ‘I Love Jesus’ bumper sticker and the Ichthus on the back of your car and yet not be recognized as a child of God. The only valid identification in the Kingdom of God is obedience to God’s commandments. Simply stated, keeping the commandments of God proves your identity as a citizen of the kingdom of God.
When going to God with petitions, we must have proper identification. John 9:31 says, “We all know that God does not listen to sinners, but he listens to anyone who worships and obeys him.” We cannot complete kingdom transactions without the proper identification of obedience to God’s word.
Jesus asked, “So, why do you call me 'Lord,' when you won't obey me” (Luke 6:46)? The term LORD describes a person, “to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding.” When we call Him LORD, it means that we agree that He has ownership of our lives and He alone is the one who has decision-making power over our lives. It is an affront to God when we call him Lord and refuse to obey His word and conform to His will. Furthermore, it is an insult to Him for us to think we can operate in His authority or expect His favor upon our lives or when we disobey His word.

Obedience to God’s word:
1. Confirms your love for God (John 14:15);
2. Confirms you know him (I John 2:3);
3. Guarantees answered prayer (I John 3:22);
4. Ensures you will live well and prolongs life for you and your children (Deuteronomy 4:40).

The children of God, those in union with the Father and the Son, are identified by obeying the word of God. In order to complete kingdom transactions and claim the promises of His word, obedience is required. You can be sure God always verifies identification!