Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 17

THE SOURCE OF IT ALL “…PROVE to be MY disciples… [or i...

  THE SOURCE OF IT ALL

“…PROVE to be MY disciples… [or in a relationship with God through Christ]…?” (John 15:8 NIV).

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If you’ve read my other books you know I like to start out with some “food for thought.” We will be focusing on sources and resources. Sources, which can be a person or thing, supply you with something you believe you need or something you want. In other words what you need or what you want comes from or begins with “THAT” person or thing or “source.”

Resources, which can be a person or thing also is something, temporarily, USEDto supply you with something you believe you need or something you want. In other words what you need or what you want comes THROUGH the resource (people or things), yet still begins with the “source.”

“…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  Jehoshaphat called on the “SOURCE” for help. He didn’t call on his own army.

“...He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. …We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ …O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” …” (2 Chronicles 20: 1-30 NLT).

Jehoshaphat had his own army and they had been USED as a resource for many victories, but he NEVER lost sight of who his real “source” was.

“…As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph…” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).God sent Jehoshaphat a “resource” in Jahaziel, who supplied him with a divine message.

“…He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.…you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, …Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). Jahaziel was a temporary “resource” through which God, the “source,” sent a message of comfort and promised victory.

“…Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

Jehoshaphat did what God told him to do through the “resource.”  He put his confidence in God, the Source. He was joyful and went out to war, with his army, singing and praising God, his SOURCE. What happened?

“…At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them.

After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.

….On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. …the Lord had given them victory over their enemies.

They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets …When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side… (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

King Jehoshaphat had his own army, which was normally a “resource” of victory for him, but God, did not USE them this time to defeat the vast army coming against his kingdom.

Fortunately Jehoshaphat “knew” that his army was only a temporary “resource” and God was the main “source.” Therefore, he called on his help. Jehoshaphat followed these instructions: “….Don't put your confidence in … people; there is no help for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT).

Jehoshaphat didn’t get upset or disappointed because his personal army was not a resource for this war and couldn’t meet his need to defeat the vast armies. Instead he never lost sight of who his “source” was and “….After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor….” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

God has promised to supply all your need through Christ Jesus. YOU LACK NOTHING. We see the PROOF that King Jehoshaphat was in a relationship with God by his victory! God is gloried by the way he supplied his need.

 So the question to you is “What’s your proof?” "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

If your answer is Godly fruit; does it show? Jehoshaphat and his army, by “….singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor…” demonstrated, they KNEW, who their SOURCE was (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

TRANSFORMING YOUR RESOURCES is about learning the difference between a source and a resource. God is your ONLY true Source: “…only believe…” God, “…will supply ALL your NEED…” (John 12:32 & Philippians 4:19 KJV).

TRANSFORMING YOUR RESOURCES encourages you to depend on the NEVER changing God who is consistent about his love for YOU. God is always your ONE, immutable Source for supplying your EVERY need. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). ARE YOU READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR RESOURCES TO THE “ONE” TRUE SOURCE?

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CHRIST WITHIN YOU "PROVES" TO BE A TRANSFORMING INTIMACY!

                                   

  CHRIST WITHIN YOU PROVES TO BE A TRANSFORMING INTIMACY

"…ONE SPIRIT...?" (John 5:6 MSG).

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I like to start my published books out with some food for thought. If you are reading this blog I assumed you desire to experience a deeper intimacy with God or with other love ones in your life You can buy the book in the link below. So, "What is this deeper intimacy"? Let’s get sex out of the way.

Sex is not the intimacy that lasts or matters most. It is an act of intimacy; that was meant to express the intercourse that has already taken place; between two hearts. True love allows intimacy to develop in the heart first and is why real lovers wait for the proper time to engage in sex. 

When intimacy is developed in the heart, first, love will be easier to maintain in the long run of the relationship. The bible doesn’t have you sustain from sexual pleasure before marriage as a punishment, but so you don’t miss out on what truly matters in the area of intimacy: two hearts becoming one, not simple two physical bodies.

If you shape your experience of intimacy around the act; you will find intimacy limited to that act. However, if you shape your intimacy around the intercourse of two hearts, it will outlast the act, which will eventually alter with age anyway.

No matter who you are, no matter how good you are sexually, no matter how liberal you are in engaging in the sexual act – you will come looking for real intimacy one day.  

So let the “one spirit’ attachment to God teach you and train you in regard to what real intimacy is while the spring still blossoms in May “…He(she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). 

For when the winter comes and it will; the heart may be too tattered or hardened by the “act” to know real heartfelt intimacy. The human heart may not be able to find heart-to-heart intimacy, or even recognize it staring right in one’s face.    

Even deeper, is the intimacy that happens between the soul and the Spirit (God and you through Christ), not merely two souls or  two bodies. If you are “one spirit” with God, you are already intimate with Him through Jesus Christ, but you may not be experiencing the depth of that intimacy.

         Let me give you a quick analogy. If God wanted to make a cake, he would mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and so forth together. Once those items are mixed or joined together; they cannot be unmixed or un-joined. They are NOW ONE "new" UNITY.

         Those ingredients are forever attached and together they have become something altogether different: a cake or a NEW CREATION. Those who are joined with God through the Lord are forever attached to Him and thus have become altogether different “in” Christ.’ They are, indeed, a NEW CREATION.

          Those who are joined to God through the Lord are “one spirit” with Him; an intimacy with God that literally transforms an individual completely “…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“…Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ (one spirit), he (she) is a NEW creature: …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

 “…God’s (Holy) Spiritdwells inyou?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB). God says:  “… I AM HOLY..” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man becamea living soul (soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

God said: “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he (God, the Holy Spirit) them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV).  “...and ...[God, the Holy Spirit]....breathed into his(her) nostrils the breath of life (His “own” Spirit)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

 “...and man (woman) became a living soul…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). Being attached to God is a HOLY covenant, form of intimacy, that BINDS, together, the soul and SPIRIT.

In addition, intimacy with God is TRANSFORMING. You become “...one spirit...” with God. You become a “...new creation...” in Christ. You become a “...a living soul...” You become “...whole” again (body, soul, and Spirit).

“…May God himself, … make you holy and whole, put you together … [again]—spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

The original God IMAGE returns. In Genesis God said: “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he (God, the Holy Spirit) them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).  “...and ...[God, the Holy Spirit]....breathed into his(her) nostrils the breath of life (His “own” Spirit)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “...and man (woman) became a living soul…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

In the New Testament: “…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).   “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).  God said: “…I will put a new spirit “in” you  …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

 SO, “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

Intimacy with God is not about his knowledge of you or your knowledge of him. He KNOWS “everything” about you and you may know a lot about him.

“... O Lord, You have searched me and known me.You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue. Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is toohigh, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit?Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You ... Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way...” (Psalm 139 NASB).

 Accepting salvation in Christ is similar to accepting a person’s marriage proposal. God chose you to be “IN” a Holy covenant (intimate) relationship with him, personally. If you accepted his invitation, spiritual intimacy begins.

In the Old Testament: “...[God, the Holy Spirit]....breathed into his(her) nostrils the breath of life (His “own” Spirit)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “...and man (woman) became a living soul…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

In the New Testament: “…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).   “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).  “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “...[And, he(she) became] ...a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Knowledge helps you know ABOUT something or someone. INTIMACY helps you “KNOW” something or someone. Knowledge is information, intimacy is experience.

 “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). God has put himself in the place (your heart) where intimacy, with him, can begin. “…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT (with God)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God’s Spiritdwells inyou?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB).

God’s indwelling Holy Spirit is proof that you are already ATTACHED to God. “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…God has given [you] HIS [holy] Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [you].” (1 John 4:13 NLT).

So the question to you is “Do you want to be intimate with Him?” If the answer is yes, then it is time to move beyond, simply, knowing about God to experiencing God through his presence, his goodness, and his power. “And this is life eternal, that they might know [be intimate with] thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3 KJV).

By getting to “know” God, through experience, you will begin to SEE, for yourself, his glory (presence, goodness, and power) working in and through your OWN life.

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PROCESS IS NECESSARY FOR TRUE TRANSFORMATION

TRANSFORMING PROCESS

“…And in the PROCESSof time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

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A PROCESS, of any kind, involves a sequence of actions or movements that effect forward changes. “…And in the PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). These forward changes can be a gradual, or rapid, or extremely slow, or steady procession of activities.

Regardless of how fast or how slow the PROCESS; it is ALWAYS a continuous sequence of actions or movements with a definite purpose and end result. “…Through this PROCESS the priest will purify you from your sin, MAKING YOU RIGHT with the Lord, and you will be forgiven.…” (Leviticus 5:10 NLT).

PROCESS aims to move or carry things or individuals forward and the sequence of actions or movements often seem non-existence or practically invisible. “…walk BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

The sequence of actions or movements, in a PROCESS, are individual tasks or procedures that ALL link together to produce a goal or reach an end result. “…Then he must bathe himselfwith water in a sacred place, (NEXT)put on his regular garments, and (NEXT)go out to sacrificea burnt offering for himself and a burnt offering for the people. Through this PROCESS, he will purify himself and the people, making them right with the Lord….” (Leviticus 16:24 NLT).

The PROCESS of sequences and actions is about a thing or possibly an individual BECOMING altered through this procession of forward movements. “…Through this PROCESS, HE MADE the altar holy by purifying it…” (Leviticus 8:5 NLT).

Eventually, PROCESS will produce a result after a certain amount of time. “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

Further, PROCESS is a sequence of actions and movements that require a certain amount of time and particular tasks or procedures that work together. “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

In other words, PROCESS involves TIME and the WORKING together of tasks or procedures.

When does PROCESS happen? PROCESS is a part of daily life. We constantly find ourselves involved in a sequence of actions and movements in order to get things done. You may be in the PROCESS of getting dressed for work, or the process of cooking breakfast for the family, or in the process of helping your boss with a project at work, or in the process of checking your social media sights, or in the process of making a cake, or in the process of having a board meeting.

PROCESS is a daily experience and usually when you finish the tasks or procedures you will be done. However, there are exceptions. There are some PROCESSES that take time. If you are in the PROCESS of losing weight or building muscles; this takes a little more time such as weeks or months.

Why is PROCESS necessary? Without PROCESS nothing would ever get done.  The priest in the following scripture had to bathe himself, put on his regular clothes, and go out in order to do the sacrifices required for himself and the people.

It was the process necessary to make himself and the people RIGHT with God. “…Then he must bathe himselfwith water in a sacred place, put on his regular garments, and go out to sacrificea burnt offering for himself and a burnt offering for the people. Through this PROCESS, he will purify himself and the people, making them right with the Lord….” (Leviticus 16:24 NLT).

How is PROCESS accomplished? PROCESS is accomplished by following the sequence of actions or movements required for a particular task or procedure to be completed. If you want to make a specific cake; you will follow a sequence of instructions (actions) in order to make it. If you don’t follow the sequence of instructions (actions) the cake won’t get done.

Some daily PROCESS is routine: getting dressed, going to work, taking care of yourself and family, grocery shopping, driving to appointments, and/or exercising. Normal, daily PROCESS has a start and an end. We can pretty much control or get a grip on daily, routine PROCESS.

What about those abnormal, rare, uninvited, and uncontrollable PROCESSES? Those PROCESSES that have a start and end too, but you don’t know how long it will take, or when it will be over, or everything you need to get it completed?

Those unexpected PROCESSES cause you to have faith in Romans 8:29: “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…And in the PROCESSof time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

However, usually you don’t know what the “things” are that are working together for good (the end result). “...ALL “THINGS” work (PROCESS) together …” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). You don’t know the time factor. “…And in the PROCESS of “TIME”…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). You don’t even know the sequence of actions or movements necessary to complete the PROCESS or make it move forward like you would prefer. “…walk BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

This is the challenge of PROCESS. Most people get tired of routine or mundane PROCESSES and look for more convenient ways to get through or short-cut the sequence of actions and movements it takes to finish a particular task or procedure.

When the PROCESS of cooking dinner every day became inconvenient FAST foods or pre-cooked meals gained popularity. When the old-fashion way of calling people or visiting them became inconvenient social media gained popularity.

Making PROCESS convenient eliminates many of the routine and mundane sequences of actions and movements and reduces the time allotted to those tasks or procedures.

However, God has NOT changed his method of PROCESS. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God does NOT reduce the sequence of actions or movements nor does he limit the time for the PROCESS of task or procedures necessary to complete a WORK in your life. “…And in the PROCESS of time“IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

PROCESS HAS A PURPOSE. “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for GOOD to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

Without going through the sequence of actions and movements you will NEVER see the end results of what God has in mind for you. “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

The part you don’t like the most in PROCESS has the most IMPACT on your future blessings. Routine, mundane, and allotted time are the most important part of PROCESS with a PURPOSE.

Routine or repetitiveness gives people their sense of security or control where skills, abilities, and self-discipline can develop in a liable place.

Mundane or ordinary circumstances give people consistency, predictability, and normality where a sense of self is developed without chaos or confusion.

Allotted time, or seasons, or phases give people a sense of calmness where self can progressively develop without rushing or hurrying through tasks and procedures.

Routine, mundane, and allotted time are the most important part of PROCESS with a PURPOSE because they are the components God uses to DEVELOP you. Develop means to grow or change.

PROCESS WITH A PURPOSE serves God’s main goal or end result for your life. “… GROW (develop) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV). “…Be conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “…until we …become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV). “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed (developed) into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

PROCESS WITH A PURPOSE includes the development of Christlikeness. The PROCESS involves a sequence of actions and movements that require tasks and procedures that result in You being just like Christ. “… GROW (develop) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV). “… [change]…into the SAME IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).)  “…[the]…image of HIS SON...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…[into the]…fullness of CHRIST…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

How does the PROCESS WITH A PURPOSE begin? First, God gives you a NEW HEART. “…I WILL GIVE you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

Second, upon salvation God plants the seed of Christ in your heart. “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ…” (Galatians 3:16 KJV).

Third, your heart is now considered good soil. “…Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth.But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred…” (Mark 4:3-8 NLT).

Fourth, the seed of Christ will die and germinate (develop) in your heart. "…Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat (seed) falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit….” (John 12:24 NASB).

Fifth, the seed of Christ will duplicate himself. “…Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good….” (Genesis 1:24-25 NLT).

PROCESS with a PURPOSE will include, along with routine, mundane activities, long stretches of time, training, practice, shaping, conditioning, and molding.

Training means to strengthen one’s information skills and abilities through a sequence of actions and movements that include tasks or procedures which result in gaining knowledge was there was none. Training repairs, or replaces, or develops weaknesses, informs, and builds strengths. “… GROW (develop) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).

Practice is the work that is required to sustain or cement those new skills and strengths. Practice “is” the sequence of actions or movements that include REPETITIVE tasks and procedures which adjust, adapt, or refine one’s new skills and abilities. “…Beconformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

Training for new skills and abilities and having them practiced is the ideal way to SHAPE new behavior. Shaping (transforming) happens when you want another behavior (skill or ability) that may not be currently present in the individual’s character created. Shaping “is” the sequence of actions or movements that include step-by-step tasks and procedures which become the agent that actually builds one’s new, transformed skills and abilities. “…transformed by the renewing (shaping) of [my] mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  

Conditioning is when training, practice, and shaping become a natural, habitually response that continually improves or maintains one’s new skills and abilities. Conditioning “is” the sequence of actions or movements that involve routine tasks which eventually become a natural or effortless response that refines and keeps up one’s new skills and abilities. “…until we …become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

Molding becomes apparent when the sequence of actions and movements from specific tasks result in a new skill or ability one desires to repeat. Molding, therefore, “is” the sequence of actions or movements from specific tasks which produced a targeted outcome one desires to repeat over and over again.“… [Therefore]… we all … are changed (molded) into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

I don’t know anyone who likes the PROCESS of PURPOSE. As exciting as the outcome of PROCESS may be much of it is routine, mundane, and time-consuming. Yet to benefit from the untold blessings and miraculously favors that only PROCESS brings it is a necessary journey.

I have been through much PROCESS. I have experienced many BLESSINGS!! I am proud to say because of PROCESS I am what I am. “…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

I will say, most people will abort the PROCESS. We live in convenient and short-cut times where instant results are preferred. God says, “…"This is the way; walk in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “…I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV).

The PROCESS of PURPOSE is God’s decision and not man’s to decide. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “…Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I amthe LORD thy God ….which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go….” (Isaiah 48:17 KJV).

Unless you go the way of PROCESS God has set for you; you won’t finish the journey triumphantly like God intended.

God told Lot to escape to the mountains, but it was more convenient to go to the city, Zoar, which means small, so Lot went there. Eventually, he had to go to the mountains, but by that time, he had become small-minded (Zoar) and ended up living in a cave once he got to the mountain.  “…Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” Then Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lords! Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die.  See now, this city is near enoughto flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (isit not a little one?) and my soul shall live.” And he said to him, “….Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.[Eventually]… Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt in the mountains ….for he was afraid to dwell in Zoar. And he and his two daughters dwelt in a cave…” (Genesis 19:18-21, 30).

PROCESS HAS A PURPOSE so endure it by faith.

WE HAVE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH

                               

WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH.

The one thing that couldn’t be enslaved - when Africans were brought over to America, and were separated from their families, homelands, culture, and past - was their FAITH. “...God’s word [which is “spirit” and dwelled within some of them]... was un]chained...” (1 Timothy 2:9 NIV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV) “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “...[SOME of the Africans slave, themselves].... like fragile clay jars contain[ed] this great treasure [within them].... This makes it clear that [their]... great power is from God, not from [them]selves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). Thus, “... the word of God (dwelling within some of the African slaves) [was un]bound...” (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV).

The white slave master had not SIMPLY bought to their country a SLAVE, but they had ALSO bought the SPIRIT of GOD that already DWELLED within some of them! God’s KINGDOM had come to AMERICA through the AFRICAN SLAVE. “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).

A KINGDOM is a REALM or COMMUNITY of people in which a SOVEREIGNTY “RULES. The white slave master RULED the African body, but God, the Holy Spirit RULED the AFRICAN SOULS! Thus, “...the kingdom of God is within you (the KINGDOM of God dwelled within some of the African slaves)...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).“...his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). “...if I (Jesus, his powerful Word) with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV).

The African’s indwelling Spirit which had the power to produced spiritual FAITH could NOT be enslaved. The bible says: “...speaking to  one another in psalms and hymns and SPIRITUAL SONGS, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord...” (Ephesians 5:19 NASB). Thus, it (“spiritual” FAITH produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit) EMPOWERED them to create thousands and thousands of spiritual songs UNIQUE to the AFRICAN AMERICAN, it provided a SECRET language for them to speak to each other in the way the bible said without the slave master’s understanding, and it “IS” and was an ORAL TRADITION they were able to PASS on to their descendants like a PRICELESS HEIRLOOM. “…God who does the [CONFIRMING] work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT [still] DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … It is the …Holy Spirit who gives all these …. POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is God who works in you…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep … work[s] in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). INHERENT in God’s HOLY SPIRIT (in whomever that SPIRIT dwells) is power, authority, faith, and other [spiritual]... fruit. “… The fruit of the Spirit [produces]  … love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).“…the Spirit of God dwell[s] in you [and dwelt in the African slave]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  

BY FAITH some AFRICAN slaves produced spiritual songs UNIQUE to them. “...speaking to  one another in psalms and hymns and SPIRITUAL SONGS, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord...” (Ephesians 5:19 NASB).  BY FAITH they created a language UNIQUE to them. BY FAITH they passed on a PRICELESS HEIRLOOM, to their descendants, that was UNIQUE to the AFRICAN AMERICAN child of God. GOD’S SUPPLY OF FAITH is witnessed IN HEBREWS and PROVES what is can EMPOWER people to DO. People endowed with God’s SUPPLY OF FAITH, produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit, will DISPLAY HIS “working” POWER AND AUTHORITY through their UNIQUE ACTIONS. “..THE STORIES OF FAITH  (PEOPLE WHO WERE EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT that produces the fruit of FAITH witnessed IN) ...Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. BY FAITH these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

NONEtheLESS and unfortunately, when slavery was ABOLISHED in 1865 many AFRICAN AMERICANS began to ABOLISHED their UNIQUE FAITH distancing themselves from it to the point it has become a MEMORY, or part of the ARCHIVES of slavery, or simply activities from past HISTORICAL EVENTS.

For instance, the SPIRITUALS SONGS (also called negro folksongs, plantation songs, slave songs, etc.,) derived from the African American, with its UNIQUE quality. It COULD NOT be adequately WRITTEN DOWN, reproduced, or stolen, because the SPIRITUAL SONGS’ un-duplicable intonations, special rhythms, call and response styles, soulful movements, and improvisations COULD NOT be easily copied, written, stolen, or performed in the SAME UNIQUE way by others who were NOT a part of that EXPERIENCE, even to this day.

They were CALLED “Christians” because they WITNESSED that Jesus Christ was their LEADER or the ONE they followed. The songs of the AFRICAN SLAVES were CALLED “spirituals” because it WITNESSED that God’s SPIRIT dwelled with them and it was HIS SPIRIT that was being DISPLAYED “through” them.“...And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers of people; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch...” (Acts 11:25-26).

SPIRITUALS were and are the EVIDENCE that AFRICAN AMERICANS developed their OWN national, “distinguished” MUSIC, which MANY have readily FORSAKENED and ABANDONED simply because of their ORIGINS. “...speaking to  one another in psalms and hymns and SPIRITUAL SONGS, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord...” (Ephesians 5:19 NASB).  

The SAME with the AFRICAN FAITH they bought with them to America and inspired them to ADOPT and BRIDGE biblical TRUTHS that began to FUEL, EMPOWER, and STRENGTHEN their TRUST, DEPENDENCY, HOPE, and BELIEVE in the God, the Holy Spirit again, who they ALREADY knew, in deeply PERSONAL and LIFE-CHANGING WAYS.

The SAME bible the slave masters attempted to USE to enslave and KEEP enslaved the African people, was the same bible that “amazingly” revealed biblical TRUTHS that SET THEM FREE!

Thus, THEIR FAITH, produced and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, HELPED them DEAL with the oppression of SLAVERY, THEIR FAITH was an ANCHOR for the African American protestor during the civil rights era, THEIR FAITH was the UNIFYING call to ALL DEMONSTRATORS who STOOD against the laws and policies that intended on KEEPING them from equal rights, and THEIR FAITH HELPED them tap into God, the Holy Spirit again, whom they ALREADY knew as their SOURCE, their HEALER, their DELIVERER, and their SOVEREIGN ruler of EVERYTHING!

The AFRICAN AMERICAN example of FAITH and SPIRITUAL SONGS reveals, to their descendants even in the 21st century, what it was that INSPIRED them to HOPE and FIGHT regardless of their situations and circumstances. They said, in word and song, NUMEROUS times: WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH!

African Americans are QUICK to throw AWAY their HEIRLOOMS and TREASURES, such as FAITH and SPIRITUAL songs as if they do NOT express or demonstrate a RICH heritage like any other cultural group. Standing upon the SHOULDERS of the ancestors means their EFFORTS, whatever they were; whether you agree with them or not; whether you believe in them are not, WERE nonetheless, the STEPPING STONES in which, their descendants, have been ABLE to GO FARTHER toward FREEDOM and SUCCESS than they DID. Their descendants, whether they acknowledge it or not, have come THIS FAR, by THEIR ANCESTORS’ FAITH!

I can HEAR an UNIFYING CALL, from the ancestors PAST, telling their descendants, STAND against unjust LAWS and POLICIES by STANDING by FAITH too and with SPIRIUAL SONGS that will strengthen you as YOU, like they did THEM. They are telling their descendants to continue to trust and depend upon God to bring about equal rights for ALL PEOPLE! We have MORE SPIRITUAL knowledge and resources than THEY DID, but the SAME GOD that HELPED them will HELP protestors NOW. God does NOT CHANGE. He is the SAME GOD yesterday, today, and ALWAYS!

This is NOT just an AFRICAN AMERICAN heritage, but it is the HERITAGE of the whole CHRISTIAN NATION. God’s people are NOT overcome by EVIL, but are TOLD, through God’s Word, to OVERCOME evil with GOOD. God is GOOD, which means they OVERCOME ALL this EVIL through God, the Holy Spirit.

 

JESUS: THE WORD OF GOD

                          

THE WORD OF GOD

“… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

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As this book comes to a close I must ponder on what I have learned. I don’t want to simply give out information without first getting an understanding of how to apply what God has revealed, to me, to my own life.

I have learned just because you KNOW about something doesn’t mean you KNOW something or SOMEONE. “…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV).

 Knowing ABOUT something is in the category of second-hand knowledge. KNOWING something is EXPERIENCE. “…He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT).

What is the point of knowing ANYTHING; if you don’t KNOW the ONE who is EVERYTHING! “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is begotten of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8 ASV).

I have learned God’s WORDS are SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). God is SPIRIT. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). The “WORD” is spirit and God is spirit; they are one and the same. “…the Word was God  … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

GOD’S IS SPIRIT, THEREFORE, HIS WORDS ARE SPIRIT. GOD’S WORD REVEAL EXACTLY“WHO” HE IS.

I also LEARNED the WORD became “flesh” or a human vessel. “….The Word became flesh…” (John 1:14 NASB).

However, the human vessel was flesh or human, but the spoken words were Spirit. "…That which is born of the flesh (human) is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit (of God) is Spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…the flesh profiteth NOTHING…” (John 6:63 KJV). “….THE WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, SPEAKS “HIS” WORDS, through human mouthpieces. “… [JESUS SAID]…I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a [WORD], what I should say, and what I should speak…” (John 12:49 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, “SPEAKS,” his WORDS, which are SPIRIT, through human flesh, yet his words are NOT human. “…God is not human “…God is Spirit” …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV). “…Not oneof all the LORD's good promises … failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45 NIV). “…My [WORDS, they are SPIRIT and they]… SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).

God’s WORDS (which are SPIRIT), have been around since the beginning of CREATION and was SPOKEN through human MOUTHPIECES. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).  “…In the beginning was the Word (which is spirit), and the Word (which is spirit) was with God, and the Word (which is spirit) was God…“…God is Spirit”” (John 1:1-4 NASB & John 4:24 KJV).  “…. All things came into being through Him (The WORD, which is SPIRIT),and apart from Him (The WORD, which is SPIRIT) nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… [The Father, the Word, and the SPIRIT]…. [THESE] three agree in one [god]…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).

THE WORD OF GOD is SPIRIT. God specially created JESUS, who came in a human vessel. He was also a human mouthpiece that SPOKE God’s WORDS, which are SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV). "…That which is born of the flesh (human) is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit (of God) is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV).

Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, HAS ALL POWER. “… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).

JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, DEMONSTRATED THAT POWER!
“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?)with the Holy Ghost (god IS SPIRIT) and WITH POWER: (WHAT DID THE HOLY SPIRIT & GOD’S POWER CAUSE JESUS TO DO?) [HE]... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD[who is SPIRIT] WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…[GOD, who is SPIRIT]... anointed [ENDOWED him (Jesus, the Word) with the POWER] to preach the gospel to the poor …to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sightto the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, confirms the WORD has the inherent POWER to do exceedingly GREAT WORKS. “… [HE]... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD[who is SPIRIT] WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, confirms NOTHING is too HARD for the WORD to accomplish. “… [God] is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, confirms that things impossible for humans are POSSIBLE with the WORD. “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] POSSIBLE [with God, who is SPIRIT] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 “…THE WORDS … they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). . “I (Jesus the Word of God) and the father(God, who is Spirit) are one…” (John 10:30 KJV).   The “WORD” or JESUS is spirit and God is spirit; they are one and the same. “…the Word was God  …” (John 1:1-4 NASB).

SINCE GOD IS SPIRIT, HIS WORDS CAN “ONLY” BE SPIRIT TOO! “…THE WORDS … they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).  THUS, “…God is not human “…God is Spirit” …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV).

Therefore, “…You can ask for anything in my name (IN MY WORD, which is spirit), and I “will” do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “…You can ask for anything in my name (the word of god, which is spirit)...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “….You may ask for anything you want…”(JOHN 15:7 NASB). “…Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV).

 “…And this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus), that, if we ask any thing according to his will (WHICH IS his word), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “… [We] … Receive from him anything we ask, because we keephis commands (follow his instructions) and do what pleases him…” (1 John 3:22 NIV). “…If we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him…” (1 John 5:15 NIV).

“…Jesus (the WORD of GOD) … said, “Father (Holy Spirit), thank you for hearing me (the WORD of God). You always hear me (the WORD of God...” (John 11:41-42 NLT).

Therefore,“…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The Father (Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the [confirming] works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

 “… [His word] shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God, the Holy Spirit]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God, the Holy Spirit]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “…I will do whatever you ask in my name (in my word), so that the Father may be glorified (confirmed) in the Son (the WORD)…” (John 14:13 NIV). “…I will do whatever you ask in my name (in the Word of God)…” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [Depend upon THE WORD OF GOD and] …what [you] say will happen [and]…will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV).

The HOLY SPIRIT “WILL” do; not “MIGHT” do, WHATEVER you ask in JESUS name, which is THE WORD OF GOD. “…… HIS (JESUS) name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

Whatever you ASK “IN” the WORD of GOD “WILL” be done and it “WILL” bring GLORY (CONFIRMATION and REVELATION) to God. “…I will do whatever you ask in my name (IN MY WORD), so that the Father may be glorified (revealed and confirmed) in the Son (the WORD)…” (John 14:13 NIV).

This is not MAGIC and God is NOT a genie in a bottle. What God is SAYING is that he has GIVEN you FULL permission to UTILIZE the power and authority inherent in his WORD to accomplish his plans and purposes upon earth. “…Christ, who is the head over every power and authority (Colossians 2:10 NIV). “… The Son of Man (the WORD) has authority on earth to forgive sins...” (Matthew 9:6 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authorityhas been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).

THE POWER AND AUTHORITY IS “IN” THE WORD. “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Mein heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).

Thus, GOD HAS GIVEN “HIS” PEOPLE POWER AND AUTHORITY “THROUGH” HIS WORD WHICH IS “IN” THEM. “…God, who had given such authority to men…” (Matthew 9:8 NASB). “… Jesus (THE WORD) ….gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases…” (Luke 9:1 NASB). “… I (JESUS, THE WORD) have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you…” (Luke 10:19 NASB).

“…You can ask for anythingin my name (in my authority, which is my word), and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “….You may ask for anything you want…” (JOHN 15:7 NASB). …Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV). “…I will do whatever you ask in my name (my authority, which is in my word), so that the Father may be glorified (revealed and confirmed) in the Son (the WORD)…” (John 14:13 NIV).

 “…And this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus, the WORD), that, if we ask any thing according to his will (his word), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…Jesus (the WORD)…said, “Father (Holy Spirit), thank you for hearing me (the WORD of God).You always hear me (the WORD of God)….” (John 11:41-42 NLT). “… [We] … Receive from him anything we ask, because we keephis commands (or follow his instructions] and do what pleases him…” (1 John 3:22 NIV). “…May he (God, the Holy Spirit) work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the Word of God)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…If we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him…” (1 John 5:15 NIV). “…Jesus (the WORD)…said, “Father (Holy Spirit)… You always hear me (the WORD of God)….” (John 11:41-42 NLT).

The POWER and AUTHORITY to ASK, or DECLARE or DECREE a thing,  or call those things that are NOT as though they were, or any GREAT work that is DONE according to and in agreement with GOD’s WORD, his WILL, and his PLAN it will be DONE!! “… I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me (dependence upon me; the Word of God) will do what I (Jesus, the WORD) have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in my name,(Jesus, the WORD with inherent power and authority) so that the Son (also the WORD OF GOD) may bring glory (revelation and confirmation) to the Father (God, who is SPIRIT).  You may ask me for anything in my name,(the WORD, with inherent power and authority) and I will do it...”  (John 14:12-14 NIV).

Jesus, the WORD OF GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowers true followers to DO the SAME WORKS Jesus DID. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?)with the Holy Ghost (god IS SPIRIT) and WITH POWER: (WHAT DID THE HOLY SPIRIT & GOD’S POWER CAUSE JESUS TO DO?) [HE]... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD [who is SPIRIT] WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…[GOD, who is SPIRIT]... anointed [ENDOWED him (Jesus, the WORD) with the POWER] to preach the gospel to the poor …to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sightto the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

The KEY is this: “…I will do whatever you ask in my name (which is the word of god that possesses inherent power and authority), so that the Father may be glorified (revealed and confirmed) in the Son (the WORD)…” (John 14:13 NIV).

 “…And this is the confidence that we have in him (the Word with inherent power and authority), that, if we ask any thing according to his will (also his word), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…Jesus (the WORD)…said, “Father (Holy Spirit)… You always hear me (the WORD of God)….” (John 11:41-42 NLT).

GOD ALWAYS “HEARS” HIS WORD!

The WORD of GOD has authority and it WORKS “in” and “through” true followers to DISPLAY God’s POWER upon the earth. “…the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God is the SOURCE that SUPPLIES POWER and AUTHORITY to his WORD and DISPLAYS his POWER through willing human vessels like Jesus. “… Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know…”  (Acts 2:22 NIV).

God is the SOURCE that SUPPLIES POWER and AUTHORITY to his WORD and DISPLAYS his POWER through ALL of his true followers who are willingly submitted to him. “… So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders… “ (Acts 14:3 NIV). “… [God’s people shall] serve as signs … from the Lord…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT).  “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (and authority) THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). For instance, “…God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles…” (Acts 19:11 NLT).

 “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep …work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

 

CHOICES: THE HUMAN WILL IS GOD-GIVEN

  CHOICES:  HUMAN WILL IS GOD-GIVEN

“…THERE ARE THREE …. the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV). “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 CORINTHIANS 8:4 KJV). God “…does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).“….let us make man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).

 *

“….let us make man … after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). I am NOT trying to debate established doctrine, but I am trying to challenge you to look at new perspectives as a way to further encourage your understanding of God.

In the beginning, God made YOU after his likeness in several ways. He gave you his SPIRIT. He gave you a WILL to do as you CHOOSE or PLEASE. He gave you a SOUL which included a mind capable of receiving downloads of WORDS from God meant to INFLUENCE, DIRECT, and EMPOWER your LIFE with abundant, loving GOODNESS.

How are these ways made in God’s likeness? First, he gave you his Spirit. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “….let us make man… after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).

Second, God gave you a will, although on a much, much smaller scale than his sovereign will. God “…does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… [God]… does as he pleases… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “… Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).  “….let us make man… after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).

 Third, God gave you a SOUL which included a mind capable of receiving downloads of WORDS from God meant to INFLUENCE, DIRECT, and EMPOWER your LIFE with abundant, loving GOODNESS.

For example: “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

“…Then God SAID (God downloaded (commanded) the words to Jesus ), “Let there be light” (Jesus spoke his words); AND THERE WAS LIGHT (The Holy Spirit abundantly and lovingly did what God downloaded (commanded) and Jesus spoke)…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

The World was flooded with LIGHT, even to this DAY and mankind is abundantly and lovingly blessed by the LIGHT.  “…Then … THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

The Holy Spirit DOES what Jesus SPEAKS and God downloads or COMMANDS. “…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…THERE ARE THREE …. the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV). “…The only begotten (created) Son (WORD), which is in the bosom (secret, intimate place) of the Father, he hath declared (explained, revealed) him…” (John 1:18 KJV).

God originally downloaded (commanded) WORDS to Jesus (also his MOUTHpiece) that influenced and empowered the creation of the entire universe. “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth…” (Genesis 1:1 KJV). “…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

“….Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. …God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light….God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” …God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” …God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. …God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.  …God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”  …God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind.  …God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so.…God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds…” (Genesis 1 KJV).

“…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…”(Romans 1:20 KJV). Do you “SEE” the POWERFUL influence of God’s WORD today?“…in him (God’s POWERFUL WORD) ALL THINGS hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV).

God’s creation abundantly and lovingly provides for mankind year after year after year. “…The Son … sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).

No matter what else changes, evolves, alters, transforms; God’s WORD will STAND forever!  “…My counsel (WORD)… SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV). “…Heaven and earth shall pass away, but MY WORDS SHALL NOT pass away (die)…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).

From the beginning, mankind was created after God’s likeness, which included a human WILL.“….let us make man … after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).

Everything God created was GOOD, even human WILL. “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

However, human WILL “IS”finite and DEAD by itself, but INVINCIBLE and ALIVE with the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. “….Apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).“…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

The human will was created to WORK along with the Holy Spirit. “…it is God which worketh in [me] …  to will ...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

The human will works BEST and OPTIMAL when connected with the Holy Spirit. “…May … God … equip you with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…may he work in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

The Holy Spirit EMPOWERS the human WILL to CHOOSE LIFE. “….Apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

When the Holy Spirit is not empowered by the Holy Spirit it BECOMES overpowered. “ … I want to dowhat is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good,but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… We know … the whole world lies under the power of the evil one…” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

“…Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? ….” (Romans 6:16 NLT). “… So, since we’re out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we’re free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it’s your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you’ve let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you’ve started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!” (Romans 6:16-18 MSG).

 “…If the Son…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).

The human will is FREED to connect with the Holy Spirit again. “… he that is joined (again) unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

We don’t know how long the GOOD relationship, in GENESIS, between Adam, Eve, and God lasted BEFORE the UNION was SEPARATED.  “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).  “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

However long it lasted Adam and Eve freely and voluntarily choose, on their OWN volition (will),to remain TOGETHER in the relationship with God and God with them. “…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itselfunless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches … apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

Mankind STILL has this God-given GIFT of CHOICE to this VERY day. “… A man can RECEIVE nothing, except it be GIVEN HIM FROM HEAVEN…” (John 3:27 KJV). “….every good gift and every perfect gift is from above ...” (James 1:17 KJV).  “…It is the same and only Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “…therefore choose LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

God has NOT taken man’s human will back. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). Therefore, “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Human WILL is invincible and alive with the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, but it is FINITE and DEADLY without it. “… I want to do what is right, but I can’t … I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). But, “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from … [the Holy Spirit] … [I] … can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).“…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

What happens when the human WILL ACTS independently of the HOLY SPIRIT? “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t.I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Before the very first recorded ACT of human will, God downloaded some WORDS to Adam and Eve: “…of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: BUT of the tree of the knowledge of good and evilTHOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT …[or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

Satan, who can’t download spiritual words, but can upload deadly carnal LIES came along SAYING:  “…ye shall not surely die.…” (Genesis 3:4-5 KJV).

 “…The woman was convinced. She sawthat the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wantedthe wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

The exercise of the woman’s human WILL was MAJOR. She voluntarily and willingly chose independent of God’s downloaded WORDS to her. “…the tree of the knowledge of good and evil THOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT … [or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).  It was CATATROPHIC. “… she took some of the fruit and ate it. …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

The human WILL, without the Spirit, can ONLY choose DEATH. The CHOICES for death are WIDE and VARIED, but the CHOICE for LIFE is narrow. “…Enter through the narrowgate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life,and there are few who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB). “Jesus saith…I am the way,the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

Eve’s CHOICE ALTERED her path. Her CHOICE KILLED her UNION with God and reduced the human will to a deathtrap. “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

Eve’s human WILL CHOOSE willingly and voluntarily the WAY of DEATH, which is ANY way that is NOT GOD’s way or the way of LIFE. “…the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, … they are LIFE….” (John 6:63 KJV).

 Mankind DIED - the ONLY death that really matters - at “THAT” very moment (when Adam and Eve ate the apple) as God’s WORD HAD downloaded (or commanded). … Thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

 “… [Eve’s] … iniquities (as a result of her independent human will choosing the way of death) … [immediately] … separated[her]… from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…Every man (or woman) is tempted, when … [they are] … drawn away of his own lust (human will or what YOU want or choose), and enticed. Then when lust (human will or what YOU wanted or chose) hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

 THAT day “…Sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

 “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed] … MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “… [They were] …separated… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). They were NOW “…DEAD in trespasses and sin…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). “…Through … [Adam and Eve] … sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). NOW “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

God knew he loved Adam and Eve, and Adam and Eve really believed they loved God too, until they were tested. “…If you love me, you will KEEP my commandments…” (John 14:15).

This is the KEY to using the human will to CHOOSE, even when it comes to LOVING God: DEPEND completely on the indwelling SPIRIT.. “….Apart from … [the Holy Spirit] … you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Thus, “…The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman.“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She sawthat the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

 “…So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  

IMMEDIATELY, Adam, Eve, and ALL of mankind became “…separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

God downloads (commands) his WORD. Jesus Speaks his commands, and the Holy Spirit does what God commands and Jesus speaks. “…in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…At that momenttheir eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “… [They immediately] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

 “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

God, the INDWELLING Holy Spirit SEPARATED from mankind. Mankind DIES the only DEATH that matters. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (Body) … [but] … the breath of life (Spirit) … [separated] … and man became a … [dead] … soul (Soul) …” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).  “… MUCH GOOD … [was destroyed]…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

Mankind USED his or her HUMAN will to CHOSE death from the book of Genesis. They can use their HUMAN WILL, today, to choose LIFE. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). God “…does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  “….let us make man … after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

There are really ONLY two CHOICES: LIFE or God’s way/will and DEATH or the human WAY/WILL. “… I have set before you life and death… therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

When HUMAN WILL was first CREATED, along with everything else, it was VERY GOOD. “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

What MADE human will GOOD was its connection with the Holy Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…Renew my life with your goodness…” (Psalms 119:40 NASB).

Apart from the Holy Spirit the human will is NOT GOOD. “….there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not?” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). And finally know, “… there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “ … We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6 NLT).

What can MAKE human will WHOLE again and RESTORE or CONNECT it to God; the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT? “….LET US MAKEman … after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…May God himself, … make you holy and whole, put you together … [again]—spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

Who can return human will BACK to God’s original, created “image” and “likeness” that was ONCE so VERY good? “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

The ANSWER: “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man be in Christ, he is … [MADE] … a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I will put a new spirit “in” you  …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

Therefore, “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

God WANTED “YOU” back in UNION with him. Thus, “...HE GAVE his only begotten Son …” (John 3:16 KJV).

GOD downloaded his WORDS of LOVE to YOU through JESUS Christ. “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

The POWER of the Holy Spirit made it possible for you to be restored to the UNION with God. “… he that is joined (attached) unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

The FATHER’s (God) WORD (Jesus) is POWERful(Holy Spirit). “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father (GOD), the Word (JESUS), and the Holy Ghost (POWER): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).

 “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…God ….GAVE his only begotten (specially created) Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).   “…NOT that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).“….HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

The PROOF of God’s LOVE is this: “… he  … SENT HIS SON to be the propitiation for our sins…” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

GOD “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but DELIVERED him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by “SENDING” Christ to die for us WHILE we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…There is no GREATER LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God’s LOVE is enough to COVER over ALL that separates YOU from him. “…Love COVERETH a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

God’s LOVE is enough to forgive every single sin, big or small, and cleanse (FREE) you from all of them just to bring you to HIM again. “…If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to FORGIVE us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

God’s LOVE is enough to ERASE and ERADICATE your record of wrongs and promises NEVER to remember them again. “…love …keeps NO RECORD of wrongs. …” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…I will … remember their sins NO MORE…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV).   

God’s LOVE, for YOU, is enough to last your WHOLE life and ALL eternity. He has “….loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).  A “…Love … [that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God’s LOVE, for you, is so GREAT that he created a begotten SON; to be a living sacrifice in order to bring you BACK to him. “…Christ also hath once SUFFERED for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might BRING US … [back] … to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

God’s LOVE, for you, NEVER weans, wavers, or is faithless. “… The … FAITHFUL love of the Lord, [for you], NEVER ENDS...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).

However, to FULLY benefit from God’s LOVE it requires you to exercise your human will by CHOOSING to RECEIVE God’s provision for RESTORING the UNION with him, which is through SALVATION in Jesus Christ, the SAVIOR. “…the promise is received by faith…” (Romans 4:16 NLT). “… AS MANY as received him, to them GAVE THE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD…” (John 1:12 KJV).

HOW do you GET the INDWELLING SPIRIT back and become RESTORED to the original, created “image” and “likeness” of God or WHOLENESS? CHOOSE to: “…Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “…For WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made UNTO SALVATION…” (Romans 10:10 KJV).  “…For WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED…” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

 “…Christ hath REDEEMED us … That the “BLESSING of Abraham” might come on … [US] … through Jesus Christ; that WE MIGHT receive the promise of the Spiritthrough faith…” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

“… AS MANY as received him (JESUS), to them GAVE HE … [BACK] … POWER (INDWELLING SPIRIT) TO BECOME THE “SONS” OF GOD (children of God) … [AGAIN]… …” (John 1:12 KJV).  “…God has sent forth the Spiritof His Son “INTO” [YOUR]… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

 “…God, in his grace, freely MAKES US RIGHT in his sight…” (Romans 3:21-26 NLT). “…I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth …I DELIGHT in these things…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). “…HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

“…God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were STILL sinners…”(Romans 5:6-8 NLT).  “… [His] … GRACEis sufficient for [you]...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).  “…For God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…NOT THAT WE LOVED, God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…God ….GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).   

“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13 :8 NIV). GOD’S “…Love ispatient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  

 “… [Nothing] … will be able to separate … [you] … from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). God, through Christ, has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “….CONTINUE IN MY LOVE….” (JOHN 15:9 KJV).  “…Love… the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).

The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is God. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is PROOF of a restored soul. “….He restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…I will restore…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is PROOF of a restored UNION with God. “…The believers were filled WITH … the … [INDWELLING] … Holy Spirit…” (Acts 13:51-52 NLT). “…He [or she]… that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I will put a new spirit in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

Therefore, “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together …[again]… —spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

 You may EXIST, you may be physically ALIVE, and you may be BREATHING, but you can ONLY be spiritually DEAD or ALIVE!!! “…the body without (apart from the indwelling Spirit) the spirit is dead!!!…” (James 2:26 KJV).

“….let us make man … after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). He gave you his Spirit. “… [He] … breathed into his nostrils the breath of life(spirit)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

God gave you a will, although on a much, much smaller scale than his sovereign will. God “…does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

God gave you a SOUL which included a mind capable of receiving downloads of WORDS from God meant to INFLUENCE, DIRECT, and EMPOWER your LIFE with abundant, loving GOODNESS. “…The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned. In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).

The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is also God’s WORD. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you … they ARE SPIRIT….” (John 6:63 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is … [in] … you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“…THE WORDS (from Jesus, downloaded from God) THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT … and they are LIFE….” (John 6:63 KJV). “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19) OR “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

 

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THE EVIDENCE OF GOD IS SEEN THROUGH HIS WITNESSES

                                                                       
                      HOLY GLORY

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

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God’s HOLY GLORYis basically witnessed in the MANY manifested expressions or demonstrations of his invisible PRESENCE. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). Jesus said, "I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV).  “…Now the Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “… the Lord, in your presence…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… You set me in Your presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “…YOU MAKE HIM “MOST” BLESSED forever … in YOUR PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

God is PRESENCE is also within his people.“…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).“…if Christ be in you… [then] …the Lord …[is] … in your presence …” (Romans 8:10 KJV &Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

God’s HOLY GLORYis witnessed in the MANY manifestationof the  MANY expressions or demonstrations of his GOODNESSESES or "KIND" DEEDS.  “… “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it wasVERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

“…Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). The bible says, “…for the lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). ““…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…for he is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “…GOODand upright is the Lord…”(Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORYis witnessed in the manifestationof the  MANY expressions or demonstrations of his POWER witnessed through his LIVING WORD (Jesus).   Jesus healed blind people, deaf people, a woman with a spirit of infirmity, lepers, and many others (Matthew 9:27-31; John 9:1-7; Mark 7:31-37; Luke 13:11-17, 19:11-19).

Jesus turned water to wine (John 2:1-11). Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44). Jesus blessed the fishermen with supernatural increase (John 21:1-14) Jesus fed thousands, twice, with a few loaves of bread and some fish (Matthew 14:32, 15:32 & Mark 6:30, 8:1; Luke 9:10, & John 6:1-14).

Jesus delivered people from demons (Matthew 8:28; Mark 1:23, 5:1; & Luke 4:33, 8:26). Jesus STILLED the storm (Matthew 8:23 & Mark 4:37, & Luke 8:22). Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48, & John 6:15). Jesus ROSE from the dead (John 21:1-14).

All these ACTS of GOD’s reveal, express, demonstrate, or WITNESS ALL the things God’s GREAT "working" POWER is ABLE to DO or PERFORM. God is ALL-POWERFUL and ALL POWER belongs to HIM. “…powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit's presence is GOOD, his kind deeds are GOOD, and his working power is GOOD.“… “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it wasVERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God’s HOLY GOODNESSis witnessed as an everlasting, immutable trait of his HOLY nature that GIVES mankind a WITNESS to WHO GOD IS through his presence, his multiple kindnesses toward them, and his working power.

God’s HOLY GLORYis also manifested in  HIS NAME. The proclamation of his HOLY NAME, alone, gives GLORY to WHO HE IS! “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).  “…I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

The various forms of God, the Holy Spirit's name(s) carries with them DIVINE presence, DIVINE goodness, DIVINE power, and HIGHLY distinguishes him from any other false gods. “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

What is God’s HOLY GLORY in this verse? God’s HOLY GLORYembodies ALL the manifestations of his PRESENCE, his HOLY, KIND DEEDS, and his HOLY POWER that distinguishes him from ALL other false gods. “…Thou (God) are GOODand doestGOOD (holy goodness)…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful (holy) deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB). “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).  

As a child you were told not to look directly at the sun.  If you do happen to look at the sun with the naked, human eye, the damage to the retina is irreversible.

God’s HOLY GLORYis more brilliance than that of the sun. “… And the city had no need of the sun … for the (holy) glory of God did lighten it …” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is manifested through his creations.  His HOLY GLORY alone is so SET APART from SIN and SO PURE it is like a blinding, transparent light that is too brilliant for the naked human eye.“… It shonewith the GLORY ofGod, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal…” (Revelation 21:11 NIV).

In Exodus, “…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said …“you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” … When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

Looking directly at the sun damages the eyes, looking at God’s HOLY Glory will kill you. “…You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

God’s HOLY GLORYembodies ALL the manifestations of his presence, his HOLY, KIND deeds, and his HOLY POWER that distinguishes him from ALL other false gods. “…Thou (God) are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB). “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).

God’s HOLY Glory, UNLEASHED, is too RADIANT on the human eye; he has to put it into earthen vessels. “… When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “ …we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

God’s HOLY Glorydistinguishes HIM from all other false gods “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

His HOLY Glorymarks him with supreme and superior magnificence MATCHED by NO other deity or human.  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

God’s HOLY gloryestablishes him in a category all by himself, “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are veryGREAT;You are clothed in SPLENDER Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).“…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

His HOLY Gloryplaces Him HIGH above all other worldly riches, above earth, or heaven. “…His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB). “… Let Your glory be above all the earth…” (Psalms 57:5, 11 NASB). “… His glory is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB).

God’s HOLY Gloryis flawless and “…there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…. the whole earth is full of [your]…(HOLY) glory…” (Isaiah 6:3).

There are many explanations and definitions for God’s HOLY GLORY. I will only discuss, briefly and in a basic way, three aspects of God HOLY GLORY: the visible or audible manifestationof his HOLY Glory, the power of his HOLY Glory, and the ULTIMATE and radiant witness of his HOLY glory.

The visual or audible manifestations of his HOLY GLORYwas often reported in the bible “..And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have SEENthis day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth…” (Dueteronomy 5:24 KJV). “…The heavens declare the GLORYof God…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are tellingof the glory of God…” (Psalms 19:1 NASB). “…God’s glory is on tour in the skies…” (Psalms 19:1 MSG).

“… The heavens DECLARE His righteousness, And all the peoples have SEEN His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB).

“It came even to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the GLORY of the Lord had filled the house of God…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV).

“…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest SEE the GLORY of God?” (John 11:40 KJV).

“….The God of GLORY APPEARED unto our father Abraham…” (Acts 7:2 KJV).

“… the glory of the Lordappeared to all the congregation...” (Numbers 16:19 NASB).

“… He has appeared in His glory…” (Psalms 102:16 NASB).

“…Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and SAWthe GLORY of God…” (Acts 7:55 NIV).

“And the temple was filled with smoke from the GLORY of God and from his power … ”(Revelation 15:8 KJV).

“… to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top…” (Exodus 24:17 NASB).

 “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of God did lighten it…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

“And [For 40 years] [God’s glory] went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light (His glory); to go by day and night…Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the GLORY of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the SIGHT of all the Israelites during all their travels…” (Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).

“… The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people “SEE” HIS GLORY…” (Psalm 97:6 KJV).

The pillar of cloud, pillar of fire, and the smoke representedGod’s presence, goodness, and power, and were visual manifestations of his GLORY. These objects or VESSELS, used to be WITNESSES of God’s GLORY were visible to the Israelites.  “…Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his GREATNESS …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

In the midst of the fire they heard the audible manifestation of his HOLY GLORY “…Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

The POWER of his HOLY GLORYis manifested through his HOLY GOOD DEEDS. “…..This sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY ofGod…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?…”(John 10:40 NASB). “…Jesus said…I AM the resurrection and I AM the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...”(John 11:43-44 KJV).

“….HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...” was the manifestation of his HOLY GLORY and HOLY GOOD DEEDS. “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

The ULTIMATE and RADIANCE of his HOLY GLORYis manifested and witnessed in his presence, goodness, and power SEEN “THROUGH” Jesus Christ. “…The Son is the radiance ofGod’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11 KJV).

 “For God, who commanded the light to shine out ofdarkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the GLORY of God in the face of Jesus Christ…” (2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV).

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things Godmay be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the GLORYand the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11 NIV).

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of Goddid lighten it, and the Lamb (Jesus) is the light thereof…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

“… His glory is great through Your salvation…” (Psalms 21:5 NASB).

When you know what his HOLY GLORYis, like the angels, you can personally recognize God’s HOLY PRESENCE, GOOD DEEDS and POWER when you SEE it. You can acknowledge it, praise it, or reverence it.  “…“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his GLORY…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY…” (Number 14:21 NLT).

Remember, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

 “…Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father…” (Philippians 2:11 KJV). “The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being….”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

As his child, God wants you to see his HOLY GLORY and experience the power of his HOLY GLORY. “He said to [them].., "You are My Servant, Israel (HIS PEOPLE), In Whom I will show My GLORY…” (Isaiah 49:3 NASB).

You are servants of God. He WANTS to show you and demonstrate through you, His HOLY Glory which is confirmed “through” Christ. “….The Word (Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we [can see] His (God’s) GLORY  (goodness, good deeds)…” (John 1:14 NASB). You can see God’s HOLY Glory because, “… The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the EXACT representation of his being….”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is the PRESENCE of God himself, his WORKING POWER, and ALL his RICHES or GOODNESSES that COMES through Jesus. So what are the “riches” or "goodnesses" of His HOLY GLORY? “…The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make KNOWN what is the RICHES of the GLORY…..; which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…I pray that out of the riches of His GLORY, He may strengthen you with POWER through His Spirit in your inner being…” (Ephesians 3:16 NIV).

The manifestation of his GLORY, personally, is “Christ in YOU.” The question changes FROM: “What is God’s Glory,” TO: “Where is His Glory?”

This truly boggles the mind, but it is nonetheless true, His HOLY Glory is IN YOU!  “…To whom God would make KNOWN [where]… the riches of the glory [is]….. which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “ …We (YOU) have this treasure in earthen vessels,that the excellency of the POWER may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORYis, therefore, his PRESENCE experienced through Christ Jesus. “…Know ye not your own selves …that Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“… We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jarscontaining this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

Redeemed believers have RECEIVED the GIFT of the indwelling HOLY Spirit (God’s GLORY) through Jesus Christ. When you don’t know the value of something you will abuse it. Paul knew he had received something priceless and valuable. “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

The “…riches of God’s (Holy) glory….” highly contributes to the welfare, overall health, and healing of ALL mankind. “…I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). NLT).

God’s HOLY GLORYis his manifested goodnesses witnessed through his creation, his grace, his mercy, his salvation in Jesus Christ, his love, his indwelling Holy Spirit, the way he sustains and upholds the world, through his magnificent promises, though his many benevolent, kindnesses, and good deeds, through the air we breathe, through sunshine and rain, through his refuge and strength, through his many comforts, and the list could go on and on. “ … I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You,And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious  splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.  Men shall speak of the  power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness.  They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You.They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord sustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all [look to You, And You give them their food in due time.You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever…” (Psalms 145 NASB).

When you say “GLORY” you are giving PRAISE to the manifested WITNESS, you either, personally, seen or heard regarding God's presence, goodnesses, or working power. “… Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away.  Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps;Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills;Fruit trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and winged fowl; Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and virgins; Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory (manifested PRESENCE) is above earth and heaven. And He has lifted up a horn for His people, Praise for all His godly ones; Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 148 NASB).

Everything that belongs to God will manifest his HOLY GLORY. Redeemed believers BELONG to God and “contain” his HOLY GLORY through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do nothave the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

God’s people and ALL of his creation will exhibit his HOLY GLORY in one way or another. “…Let every created thing give praise (be a witness of his PRESENCE) to the Lord…” (Psalms 148:5 NLT).

His HOLY GLORY is his manifested PRESENCE, GOODNESS, or WORKING POWER witnessed through the natural world in many ways, his Word, or through God’s people, who BELONG to him. “… All Your worksshall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You…” (Psalms 145 NASB).

No matter how God chooses to manifest his GLORY, his HOLY SPIRIT is the SOURCE of it ALL!! “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God’s HOLY GLORYis CLEARLY manifested in the MANY expressions and demonstrations of his invisible PResence, goodness, and working power, which is CLEARLY SEEN! "…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… the Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “… the Lord, in your presence…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… [God makes YOU] ... “MOST” BLESSED forever … in … [his] … PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

GLORY to god, the holy spirit!

 

EVERY SPIRITUAL GIFT AND BLESSING COME FROM GOD AND GOD ALONE!

IT’S ALL BEEN “GIVEN” TO YOU.                                         WHAT DO YOU HAVE THAT HASN’T BEEN GIVEN TO YOU?

“…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

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God is the GIVER of LIFE and ALL things. “…his divine power hath GIVEN unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto LIFE and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…It is the same and only Holy Spirit who “GIVES” ALL THESE GIFTS and powers, deciding which each one of us should have… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). Along with LIFE God GIVES “…unspeakable GIFT(S)…”(2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).  

  “…God will generously PROVIDE (give) all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

 God GIVES: “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). ”… ye [are]…saved by grace through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal lifethrough Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFTof the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart… a GIFT the world cannot give.” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his properGIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:3-5 KJV).

“[God, through Christ]… freely give us all things?...” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…Therefore let no man glory in men…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV).

Even Jesus said, “…I have revealed you to the ones YOU GAVE MEfrom this world. THEY WERE ALWAYS YOURS. YOU GAVE THEM TO ME, and they have kept your word.  Now they know that everything I have IS A GIFT FROM YOU, for I have passed on to them the message YOU GAVE ME. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).

Jesus’ words, his works, his miracles, and everything he did were GIFTS from God and manifestations of God’s glory (divine power and divine nature). “…The Father which sent me, he GAVE MEa commandment,what I should say, and what I should speak…” (John 12:49 KJV).  “…The works which the Father HATH GIVEN ME to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me…” (John 5:36 KJV). “…Now they know that everything I have IS A GIFT FROM YOU, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).

The WHOLE existence and purpose of Jesus Christ’s appearance was a manifested GIFT from God. When you truly see Jesus or get a revelation of him, you will see the heavenly father “IN” him, “THROUGH” him, and his divine “POWER” working “FOR” him on your behalf.

“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath SEEN ME HATH SEEN the Father;and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9 KJV). “The Son is the RADIANCE of God’s glory and the EXACT representation of his being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

Jesus Christ, himself, and all his words and acts culminate into one GREAT GIFT from God. “…he that hath SEEN ME HATH SEEN the Father…” (John 14:9 KJV). "I and my Father are ONE." (John 10:30 KJV). “…Now they know that everything I have IS A GIFT “FROM” YOU…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).

Jesus said: “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV). ALL his acts were a GIFT from God.

 "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30 KJV).

God is the GIVER of ALL things. “…his divine power hath GIVEN unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto LIFE and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).  “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

God is the GIVER of temporary things, of things everlasting, of powers in heaven and earth, of life, of grace, of blessings, of divine promises, of eternal life, of peace, of joy, of comfort, of hope, of holiness, of righteousness, of salvation, of divine faith, of the indwelling Holy Spirit, of Jesus Christ, of miracles, of knowledge, of wisdom, of ministry, of purpose, of goodness, and of all things.

“…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). God “…does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… [God]… does as he pleases… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).

 “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…Now they know that everything I have IS A GIFT “FROM” YOU…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).

Jesus said to God, “…All mine are thine, and THINE ARE MINE…” (John 17:10 KJV). Jesus said, "I and my Father are ONE." (John 10:30 KJV). “…Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT).

God is the GIVER of LIFE and “ALL” THINGS. We can NEVER out give God.  “WE LOVE, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV). You don’t GIVE to God to get something back from him. You give to him BECAUSE he first GAVE to you. Therefore, “…WE GIVE you only what you first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT).

My FOOD FOR THOUGHT rest on two questions: “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). Therefore, “…Who has given him so much that he (God) needs to pay it back?” (Roman 11:35 NLT).

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GOD GETS GLORY FROM YOUR OBEDIENCE

HIS GLORY WITNESSED: through YOUR OBEDIENCE

“…If you love me, you will keep (cooperate with or follow) my commandments…” (John 14:15). “…to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).“... If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).“… [Jesus]... bec[ame] obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Matthew 20:28 & Philippians 2:8 KJV).  “…I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38 KJV).

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“…If you love me, you will keep (cooperate with or follow) my commandments…” (John 14:15). What does YOUR obedience to God consist of? Obedience to God consist of  HUMAN CHOICE. Obedience to God is NOT forced upon any of the redeemed; it is “their” CHOICE to obey God or not to obey God.

For example, Adam and Eve were the first, living souls, to be given a CHOICE to obey or not to obey. God, the Holy Spirit, GAVE them one HOLY instruction:  “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

 BUT“…The woman [became] ... convinced [to eat from the tree, anyway]... She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

 “….She [CHOOSE to take] ... some of the fruit and [eat] ... IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

Not only is obedience to God a CHOICE, but it is a willful act of submission to HIS instructions as the ONE who has sovereign authority over your life.

Obedience as a “willful” act means it is the redeem’s loving desire to submit to God’s instructions. Jesus said: “…not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

The “ONE” in sovereign authority over the redeem’s life is God, the Holy Spirit. “…If the Lord will, [I] ...shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “…not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

When the redeemed person SUBMITS to God, the Holy Spirit, they are choosing to willfully YIELD their human wills to HIS divine will.“…to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

Yielding in willful obedience, to whomever you CHOOSE, means you have decided to COMPLY with “their” instructions for your life. “…to whom ye ...[CHOOSE TO]...yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye...[CHOOSE TO]... obey...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

Not only is obedience a CHOICE and a WILLFUL ACT; it is a demonstration of LOVE for the ONE you follow. “...why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?...” (Luke 6:46 KJV). “...If you love me, you will keep (cooperate with or follow) my commandments (the things I say to you through my word)…” (John 14:15).

Obedience cannot be REDUCED to simply following a bunch of religious rules and regulations. God’s holy instructions don’t just guide ethical or religious behaviors, but they also transform the human heart. “...This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me...” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV).

Those who, through self-effort, follow or adhere to the list of rules, regulations, biblical instructions, or commandments greater than others, often, consider themselves MORE holy or righteous.“… Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their ownrighteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!  I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’  I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted…” (Luke 18:9-14 NLT).

Self-effort or trying to follow God’s Holy instructions through the flesh is NOT obedience and will NOT profit the believer. “...the flesh (sinful nature) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...[The SINFUL NATURE]... never did obeyGod’s (HOLY) laws, and it never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“…The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants ...so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT). “….“…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do right is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “... APART FROM [Christ]... you can do nothing …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “…[jesus “is”] ...the GIFT of righteousness (goodness)…” (Romans 5:17 KJV)."....The [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives...goodness …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

The problem with MERELY following or adhering to rules, regulations, biblical instructions, and commandments, through self-effort,  is that it MAY help regulate BEHAVIOR, but it “WON’T” transform the human heart. It is the heart that matters to God.“...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV).

Obedience NEVER comes from the outside in (through behavior), but from the inside out (through transformation). God knows it is “…from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

“…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain the whole world (through ethical or religious behaviors), and lose his (her) own soul?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV).

Following rules and regulations, though self-effort or the flesh could lead to hypocrisy.  

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward (religious), but are within (the heart) full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV).

 “...Trivialize even the smallest item in God’s Law (Holy Word) and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom...” (Matthew 5:19-20 MSG).

 “…He  (Jesus) knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).

“...hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup (religious behavior) and of the platter, but within (in the heart) they are full of extortion and excess...” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV).

“...hypocrites!... Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. ..” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV).

“…This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV).   “… Many deceivers have gone out into the world…” (2 John 1:7 NLT).

“…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (in disobedience), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV). 

Authentic OBEDIENCE comes from a sanctified HEART. “...God SEES NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one needed… to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT).

A sanctified HEART comes from the indwelling Spiritwhich also EMPOWERS God’s people to obey his Word. . “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ  …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Authentic obedience will EMPOWER you, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to follow and adhere to God’s commandments, which means it is NOT gained by self-effort or duty-bound behavior. “….apart from Me (the invisible, indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Authentic obedience REQUIRES trust in, dependency upon, and cooperation with the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…God … does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… God  … work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

1)     You TRUST INthe indwelling Holy Spirit to WORK obedience “in” and “through” you.“…The [invisible] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of obedience) IN and THROUGH [his people]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to enable obedience) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

2)     You DEPEND UPONthe indwelling Holy Spirit to strengthen and empower you to obey. “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ (by depending upon him)  which strengtheneth me …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…God …works in you TO WILL (to want to obey) and TO ACT  (to actual obey) in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

3)     You COOPERATE withthe indwelling Holy Spirit by willfully choosing to follow and adhere to God’s instructions (WORD). “… Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives (by choosing to cooperate with the Holy Spirit). Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV).

Jesus trusted in, depended upon, and cooperated with God, the invisible Holy Spirit.. “...He (Jesus) gave Himself over to Him (God, the Holy Spirit who judges) ...justly (fairly)...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV). “…I (Jesus,) do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me (Jesus), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). HOW? “…God (the Holy Spirit) anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit (himself) and POWER,…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

 “…Jesus of Nazareth ... went around doing good and healing all  (HOW?)...because …God [the holy spirit]… was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

“…The [Holy] ...Spirit of the Lord (of Jesus)  … anointed [empowered HIM] to preach the gospel to the poor ... [empowered him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

REMEMBER, “… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit FIRST and then he] ...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [BECAUSE] ...GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “…Apart from [God, the Holy Spirit] YOU can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV).

Was God’s GLORY WITNESSED through Jesus’ obedience? “…Jesus saith  … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER…” (John 14:9 KJV).  “…The Son is … the EXACT representation of his being (presence, power, goodness, etc.)…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “...Jesus explained, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does...” (John 5:19 NLT).

Jesus was a WITNESS for God’s GLORY by what he DID in OBEDIENCE. Through Jesus’ obedience we WITNESS God, the Holy Spirit’s presence, his power, and his goodness or his GLORY. “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).“… [Jesus] ...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [BECAUSE] ...GOD...[the Holy Spirit]... WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

Jesus was a WITNESS to God’s GLORY (his presence, power, and goodness upon the earth) because he was also UNITED in a covenant relationship with HIM. "...I and my Father are one.,," (John 10:30 KJV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnessesof all things which he did …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

God’s MANIFESTED GLORY through Jesus backed up and PROVED Jesus was WHO he claimed to be. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnessesof all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

 “…God (the Holy Spirit) publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

 “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Jesus, had an earthen vessel, just like YOU, so WHO “actually” DID the WORKS, through HIM?

The Holy Spirit, within Jesus, actually DID the WORKS. “…[Jesus said]…the Father (the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).  “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

“…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him (her), he (she) bears much fruit… ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "… [if you] ...bear much fruit, [you] ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…God (the Holy Spirit) publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

God backs up Jesus’ claims with the demonstration of his PRESENCE, his POWER, and his GOOD nature. For instance, JESUS saves through God’s INDWELLING presence, power, and kind nature “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).

“…God saved us ...He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE (GOODNESS) through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “…Since it is through God’s kindness  (GOOD NATURE)…[and] not by [your] good works... [it].. is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

GOD’S GLORY IS WITNESSED THROUGH  Jesus’ WILFULL OBEDIENCE, WHICH WITNESSES HIS PRESENCE UPON EARTH,  HIS POWER AND GOODNESS. “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world …[was] ...clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “... The [invisible]...Holy Spirit produces (makes)... this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“…The [invisible] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of making spiritual fruit) IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). "… [The]… Father is glorified (his presence, power, and goodness is made known or WITNESSED) by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit (such as spiritual fruit), and ...PROVE to be [his]… disciples” (John 15:8).

WHEN YOU, like Jesus, TRUST IN, DEPEND UPON, AND COOPERATE WITH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT by following God’s instructions; HIS GLORY WILL BE WITNESSED THROUGH YOUR OBEDIENCE too!

Your obedience is not MERE acts of your flesh witnessed through religious behaviors, but obedience is an act of the HEART WITNESSED through willful submission to follow God’s instructions for your life.

Obedience is NOT an act of duty or obligation, but one of LOVE. “….love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV). AND “…If you love me, you will keep (cooperate with or follow) my commandments …” (John 14:15).

Obedience is a CHOICE, it is WILLFUL SUBMISSION, and it is an ACT OF LOVE. No one is perfectly obedience, but they have a desire to be obedient, and will daily make an effort to work out their own salvation.“….WORK OUT [your]… own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV). “

Working out your own SALVATION includes following God’s instructions daily by: “…[Choosing to put]… aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

It is actively “…[choosing to] …throw offyour old sinful nature and your former way of life…” (Ephesians 4:22 NIV).

“... [It is also choosinb to]…put off falsehoodand speak truthfully to your neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT).

It is “….[choosing to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

“….Ye also [choose to]…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth….” (Colossians 3:8  KJV).

“…[You choose to lay] … aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” (1 Peter 2:1 KJV).

How can you obey and work out your OWN salvation on a daily basis? “…[You]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ (the Word of God) which strengtheneth ...[you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). .“…it is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in [you]… both to will (to desire to obey) and to do (to actually obey)...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the Word of God; the indwelling Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Working out your OWN SALVATION is also a CHOICE. “… [You]… are given...exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be PARTAKERS of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 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. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…[CHOOSE TO]...GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND “ELECTION” SURE; FOR IF YOU “DO” THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL...” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

BELIEVERS have a CHOICE to willfully SUBMIT and loving FOLLOW God’s instructions. “... I ...[choose to] ... die daily...” (1 Corinthians 15:31 KJV). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit (much spiritual fruit)” (John 15:8 NIV).

HOW?  “…God ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit (the righteous conduct of the Holy Spirit) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

"…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit (much spiritual)...” (John 15:8 NIV).

When god’s glory is upon something or someone, it means, at that moment, IT OR THEY are being a witness for his “very” presence, his power, and  his immutable goodness. “…The Son (Jesus, the Word of God) is the RADIANCE (witness, revelation) of God’s Glory (his presence, his power, his goodness) and the EXACT representation of his being (Holy nature))…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus saith unto him, Have I (the WITNESS of  his Holy Spirit) been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath SEEN ME (Jesus) HATH SEEN the Father (God, the Holy Spirit); and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9 KJV). “… I (Jesus) and my Father (the Holy Spirit) are ONE [and the same]…” (John 10:30 KJV).

“..... [Jesus]... took the humble position of a slave  ...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT).

“…[Jesus]...HUMBLED himself and became obedient unto death (inward), even the death of the cross (outward)…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).  

“… [Jesus] ...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [BECAUSE,] ...GOD [THE HOLY SPIRIT] ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “…The Fatherthat dwelleth in [JESUS], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…Jesus saith unto him ...he that hath SEEN ME (Jesus) HATH SEEN the Father (God, the Holy Spirit)...” (John 14:9 KJV).

"…My Father is glorified by this...” (John 15:8 NIV).

GLORIFIED BY WHAT? YOUR OBEDIENCE!

THE MEASURE OF FAITH IS SUPPLIED BY GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT

                                                                                  
                               FAITH

“…Now FAITH IS the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

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Faith is often a hard concept to grasp. God “…dealt (GAVE) to every man (woman) the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

The “measure of faith” and the “fruit of faith, from God, is the perspective of faith, this books takes and believes to be the assurance, certainty, or confidence of things hoped for and evidence or proof of things not YET seen. “…Now FAITH “IS”the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

From this perspective, the Hebrews 11:1 Faith is God’s GIFT. “… FAITH “IS” …” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is …faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

Activating the Hebrews 11:1 faith depends upon HEARING God’s WORD. “… [The measure of or Spirit of] …Faith cometh by HEARING… the WORD of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). HEARING God’s word ACTIVATES the Hebrews 11:1 faith, within the believer, through the indwelling POWER of the Holy Spirit. “…According to the POWER (the Holy Spirit) that works WITHIN us…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB). THIS FAITH, SUPPLIED BY GOD'S SPIRIT, IS "EMPOWERED FAITH!"

When “the measure of faith” or the “Spirit of Faith” empowers the redeemed believer it is experienced as complete dependence upon the indwelling WORK of God “IN” and “THROUGH” them. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)

When common human faith motivates people it is dependent on non-spiritual principles or values, human reason, established bodies of human knowledge, human logic, or scientific theories. However, without God’s WORD, the Hebrews 11:1 faith is not activated. .“…[The measure of or the Spirit of] ...Faith cometh by HEARING… the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).

Human faith is often experienced as trust in one’s OWN understanding OR someone else’s character, nature, logic, reason, knowledge, or behavior. “… LEAN NOT unto thine own (or anyone elses's) understanding…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

When “the measure of faith” or the “Spirit of Faith” empowers the redeemed believer it depends on hearing the trustworthy WORD of God to become ACTIVATED. It is experienced and witnessed as a strong, confident dependence upon the Lord, which is also the WORD and the indwelling WORK of the Holy Spirit. “…Trust in (depend upon) the Lord (the word)with ALL thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Faith, of any kind, is a system of belief that usually involves an absolute trust in or dependence upon a person, a thing, or idea and concepts. “…He… [completely] … entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

Faith, of any kind, is usually a personal unwavering conviction about certain religious truths, or human truths or facts. “…Abraham believed God [the HOLY SPIRIT}…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

Faith is the opposite of disbelief and is therefore motivated by confident trust in or dependence upon “A” person, “A” thing, or ideas and concepts. “…Trust in (or depend upon) the Lord with ALL…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

Faith, of any kind, is a FIRM, sincere, and confident belief in one’s OBJECT of FAITH; whatever “IT” is or whoever “IT” is. “…Abraham believed God (his object of faith), and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). HAVING FAITH IN GOD IS THE "RIGHT" THING TO DO OR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

People struggle with their faith in God. Most people think faith in God relies totally upon their human faith or human effort.

However, human faith or human effort often takes redeemed believers on the path of uncertainty, ambiguity, insecurity, or doubt at times. “…I DO believe; help me overcome my unbelief!...” (Mark 9:24 NIV).

This book will basically discuss the Hebrew 11:1 faith, or “the measure of faith,” or the Spirit of Faith that comes from God as a GIFT through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…The [God-given] measure of faith...”(Romans 12:3 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is …faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

Human faith is experienced as human-effort and usually DEPENDS upon things or people from the natural world as OBJECTS of FAITH.

Faith (belief), human or divine, is empowered by something or someone, a person, considers absolutely and totally trustworthy. “….The decrees (WORDS) of the Lord are TRUSTWORTHY, making wise the simple…” (PSALM 19:7 NLT).  “…All your commands are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “…your laws are perfect and completely TRUSTWORTHY…. “ (PSALMS 119:138 NLT). “…This hope is a strong and TRUSTWORTHY anchor for our souls…” (HEBREWS 6:19 NLT). “Everything you have heard and seen is TRUSTWORTHYand true…” (REVELATION 22:6 NLT).

This person considers something absolutely dependable or someone’s WORD completely trustworthy. “… [God is]… WATCHING OVER [his] WORD TO PERFORM IT …” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall my word … that goeth forth out of my mouth: IT SHALL NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).  “…Not one of the good promises which the Lordhad made to the house of Israel failed; ALL CAME TO PASS…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). 

Dependable and trustworthy people have PROVEN reliability and character. It may be EASY to GIVE them, without fear of disappointment, your complete hope or expectancy. “… HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “…For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIMWILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “… HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED… (ROMANS 9:33 NASB). “…In You they trusted and WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED…. (PSALMS 22:5 NASB).

A dependable and trustworthy something or someone is a SAFE choice for entrusting your complete hope or expectation in. “…He… [completely] … entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

Faith, human or divine, in a dependable and trustworthy thing or person becomes stronger and stronger every time the DEPENDABLE or TRUSTWORTHY thing or person PROVES reliable. “…Not one of the good promises which the Lordhad made to the house of Israel failed; ALL CAME TO PASS…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). 

When faith in a dependable or trustworthy thing or person grows it becomes more than knowledge; it becomes experience.

Experience develops into a deeper, more committed dependability or trust in “that” thing or person. Job had a committed dependability upon God and he said, “…Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

Faith, in a dependable and trustworthy thing or person, becomes a reliance upon their PROVEN RECORD. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

Once a PROVEN RECORD is established, it becomes easier to make a confident and personal commitment to trust in or depend upon “that” THING or PERSON with ever growing certainty. “…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  

Once a PROVEN RECORD is established in a thing or person, over a LONG period of time, it or they become TRUSTWORTHY as an OBJECT of one’s dependency or trust.  “….IS THERE ANY ROCK (TRUSTWORTHY) LIKE OUR GOD…..” (1 SAMUEL 2:2 KJV). “…All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are TRUSTWORTHY….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT).

 For example, God told Abraham he would have a son at 90+ years old and from that son he would make him a GREAT nation. “…Abraham believed God…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee…” (Genesis 17 KJV). “…And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. …And in thee SHALL ALL FAMILIES of the earth be blessed…” (Genesis 12:2-3 KJV).

However, God told him to sacrifice his only son on the altar. You may wonder, like I did, if Abraham sacrifices his son on the altar, how will he become a GREAT nation through Isaac. After all, he is already past 99 years old. Well, “…Abraham believed God…” (James 2:18-24 NIV)..

“…It was BY FAITH that ABRAHAM OFFERED UP ISAAC as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead…” (Hebrews 11 NLT)

“…Abraham believed God…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping--believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!" (Romans 4:18 NLT).

To this day, everyone who has faith in God, like Abraham did, is considered Abraham’s seed. “…Understand, then, that those who HAVE FAITH ARE children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who RELY ON FAITH are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith…” (Galatians 3: 7-9 NIV).

Abraham was empowered to have unwavering faith in God. “…Abraham believed God…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing..." (Romans 4:18 NLT).

Abraham was empowered with a FAITH that enabled him to sacrifice his only son while expecting that God would STILL be able to make him a GREAT nation through Isaac. “…Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

The object of Abraham’s faith was the trustworthy, HOLY, dependable Jehovah God. “…It was BY FAITH that ABRAHAM OFFERED UP ISAAC … Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was ABLEto bring him back to life again.…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “… Is there any thing too hard for [God]?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

Human faith depends upon a person’s OWN human effort whereas the Spirit of Faithdepends upon the indwelling WORK of the Holy Spirit.

Doubt need “NOT” be a party to the Spirit of Faith. “…YOU MUST BELIEVE (depend upon) AND NOT DOUBT….”(James 1:6-8 NIV).  The extreme of doubt is inundated with uncertainty, skepticism, double-mindedness, instability, hesitancy, or distrust. “…A doubleminded man (woman) is unstable in all his ways….” (James 1:8 KJV).

The extreme of doubt comes when no one and nothing is considered dependable or trustworthy. "…Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and DOES NOT DOUBT in their heart but believes (depends) that what they say will happen, it will be done for them….” (MARKS 11:23 NIV).

Hebrews 11:1 faith, or the “measure of faith,” of the “spirit of faith” is meant to produce assurance or a certainty of things “hoped for” while doubt WILL produce the uncertainty of things “hoped for. Thus, God “…dealt (GAVE) to every man (woman) the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…WALK BY [THAT]…FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…IT SHALL BE DONE TO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR [indwelling Spirit of]…FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).  

Human faith enables a person to depend upon self-effort, other human effort, a place, a thing, a plan, or established ideas, knowledge, or concepts that are based on human information, reason, scientific facts, or logic.

Hebrews 11:1 faith, or the “measure of faith,” of the “spirit of faith” empowers the redeemed believer, through the WORK of the Holy Spirit to put complete confidence in God.

The SPIRITUAL fruit of FAITH, produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit is activated by “hearing” the Word of God, but the redeemed believer chooses to willfully depend upon the indwelling WORK of the Holy Spirit.

Faith, whether human or divine, chooses to rely upon something good happening, regardless of what else is happening or is said, by way of their dependable and trustworthy OBJECT OF FAITH. “…Now FAITH IS the substance (assurance, certainty, etc.) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

Faith, whether human or divine, depends upon and completely trust IN “that” thing or person, without wavering; expecting that what they “hope for” will eventually come to pass. “…And in PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

Putting faith, whether human or divine, in a thing or person means you EXPECT the desired OUTCOME “WILL” happen. “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

Faith, whether human or divine, is an important part of everyday life. “…WALK BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

Somewhere along the line, common, routine, or general human faith is placed in a person, yourself, a place, a thing, a plan, human information, or an idea. Every day faith is a natural part of life.

Common, routine, or general faith is necessary to sit down in a chair, drive a car, to have assurance you are safe in your home, that the water you’re drinking is drinkable water, or that the food you eat from the store is safe.

Common, routine, or general human faith depends regularly on the air that is breathed, the ability to walk, run, talk, be independent, and have the ability to make decisions for your life.

Having common, routine, or general faith makes life a lot more pleasant. It is a pleasure to get in a car and be able to depend upon it to drive safely from one place to another instead of walking. It is a pleasure to bring food home from the grocery stores to feed yourself and your families and be able to depend upon it to be SAFE for yourself and family.

Faith, therefore, is necessary to have a healthy life with reduced stress. So many things people depend upon are taken for granted such as; breathing, walking, talking, making choices, or the gift of time. Without some level of faith, human or divine, life can be unfulfilling, unhealthy or restrictive, or full of fear.

Without some level of faith or trust, human or divine, all that is left is doubt. Doubt ushers in uncertainty, fear, along with negative perspectives and expectations of life. If you don’t have common, routine or general every day faith life can be wishy-washy and unreliable MOST of the time.

Faith is used every single day of your life. Human faith, however, altars and wavers, but the indwelling Spirit of Faith never loses its potency, power, sustainability, or consistency. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   “…The Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Human faith results in human effort which will enable you trust in temporary resources that don’t and won’t last forever. “…after a while the brook dried up….” (1 KINGS 17:1-7 NLT). “…So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until…” (Exodus 16 NLT).

Hebrews 11:1 faith empowers you to trust in and depend upon God, the Holy Spirit and the object of faith that NEVER changes, is absolutely certain, and will never let your hope down.“… [Spiritual]...FAITH IS the substance (CERTAINTY) of things hoped for (EXPECTED)…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). “… [Spiritual]...FAITH IS … the evidence (PROOF) of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

However, the OBJECT of Faith that you depend upon or trust in will be the OBJECT of Faith that produces the results of your HOPE or EXPECTATION. “…IT SHALL [always]… BE DONE TO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).  Human or Divine. 

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