Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 31

WHEN THE TRUTH KNOCKS ON THE DOOR OF THE HEART, IT MAY HURT, BUT ITS LIBERATING!

YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH GETTING TO “KNOW” Y O U, Part 2 WRITTEN BY GAYLE L. WALLACE

 

“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). 

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Second, A MIRROR VIEW of who I really WAS meant answering the KNOCK at the DOORof my HEART. “...Look! [Jesus, God’s TRUTH stands]... at the door [of his people’s hearts] and knock....” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).

Imagine this for a moment, the LORD of lords and KING of kings is KNOCKING on the door of YOUR hearts. Do you let HIM in? or Do you avoid or ignore the knock?“...On his (Jesus) robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV).

“...If you (HIS people) hear [his] voice and open the door, [Jesus, God’s TRUTH]... will come in, and will share a meal together [with you]... as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).

Most of God’s people would readily say, “yes, of course I’d open up” However, once they realize “the knock” is upon the DOOR of their HEARTS, the zeal to open up is short-lived. “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

It is easy to SAY or PROCLAIM you desire and want MORE of God until you find out what it costs. “...But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.”  Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not denyYou.” All the disciples said the same thing too...” (Matthew 26:34-35 NASB).

“...Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.”  But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girlsaw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied itwith an oath, “I do not know the man.” A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.  And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly...” (Matthew 26:69-75 NASB).

What about the RICH MAN in the bible? He was religiously devote and behaved according to God’s commandment. He knew MUCH about the commandments, but ONE DAY he desired and wanted MORE of God. “...As Jesus started on his way, a [rich]...man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ... (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

Jesus complimented the rich man on his knowledge of the commandments. “...You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

The rich man boasted on his “MORAL”  goodness in keeping God’s commands.  “... “Teacher,” he declared, “all these ”I” have kept since I was a boy...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

The rich man sounded like an “OBEDIENT” child of God. Not many, if any, of God’s people could boast of keeping God’s commandment since early childhood, but the rich man did. “ ...all these ”I” have kept since I was a boy...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

Yet, in spite of his “MORAL” behavior Jesus knocked upon the DOOR of the rich man’s HEART. “...[Jesus, God’s TRUTH stood]... at the door [of the rich man’s heart] and knock[ed]...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).“...Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  At this the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

The RICH man claimed he desired and wanted MORE from God UNTIL Jesus, God’s TRUTH KNOCKED upon the DOOR of his HEART. “...“Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ... (Mark 10:17-22 NIV). “...“One thing you lack,” [Jesus, God’s TRUTH] said [to the rich man]. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

“…Thy word is TRUTH…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “… The Spirit of truth (the WORD) …will guide you into all the truth. …” (John 16:13 NIV).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH led him into ALL the TRUTH. “...“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor,.” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV). “...If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you...” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT). “...Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor...” (Proverbs 22:9 NLT). “...Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed...” (Proverbs 28:27 NLT).

 God’s TRUTH shined upon his ways and together, they faced the rich man’s reluctance to OBEY ALL God’s commandments. “…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 , WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).

Within his heart, the rich man, was NOT willing to depart from his earthly wealth to KEEP God’s commandments. In the Old Testament, “…[God’s people]... ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, …” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH, allowed the RICH man to see the darkness within his own heart. “...“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor,.” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV). “...At this the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

Jesus SAW the sinful secret HIDDEN in the rich man’s 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 (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[The] ...Lord (Jesus, God’s TRUTH), which knowest the hearts of all men (women)…” (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).

It is interesting how God’s people SEEK the Lord, ask him to change them, fast and pray to be conformed into the image of Jesus, and even invite him to commune with them.

God’s people invite Jesus, God’s truth to any room in their temple, but the heart. “...Look! [God stands]... at the door [of their hearts] and knock. If you (HIS people) hear [his] voice and open the door, [God]... will come in, and [they] will share a meal together as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT). “...I will come in to him (her), and will sup with him (her), and he (she) with me...” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). “...I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you(each of HIS people)...” (Revelation 3:20 MSG). “...I will come in to him (her) and will dine with him (her), and he(she) with Me...” (Revelation 3:20 NASB).

Jesus ALWAYS accepts the invitation to help his people transform their minds and conform their behaviors. God’s people will continually invite him to fellowship with them, UNTIL, transforming and conforming becomes too costly or sacrificial. “…[God’s people]... ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

God’s people will, SADLY, like the RICH man walk away or ask God to leave; slamming the DOOR behind HIM.“...[Jesus] said [to the RICH man]. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor...Then come, follow me...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

God’s commandments also said: “...If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you...” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT). “...Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor...” (Proverbs 22:9 NLT). “...Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed...” (Proverbs 28:27 NLT). “...If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...” (1 John 3:17-18 NLT).

God teaches HIS people or children to BE HOLY, so that what they DO and WHO they are will MATCH. The RICH man BOASTED about “KEEPING” God’s TRUTH, but DID HE? “...Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  At this the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

What the RICH man DID and WHO he WAS “within” his heart; DIDN’T MATCH. The RICH man BOASTED about KEEPING God’s commandments. “...You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV). “... “Teacher,” he declared, “all these ”I” have kept since I was a boy...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

 Jesus, God’s TRUTH saw the rich man’s heart. “…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).

 “...Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH gave the RICH man instructions. “...If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you...” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT). “...Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor...” (Proverbs 22:9 NLT). “...Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed...” (Proverbs 28:27 NLT). “...If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...” (1 John 3:17-18 NLT).

“….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “...Jesus ...said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).“...If you love me, you will keep my commandments...” (John 14:15). 

“...the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).

The rich man’s decision revealed his “real” self. His actions spoke volumes and the bible says, out of the abundance of his heart. “...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks..." (Matthew 12:34-35).

 The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts (thoughts that tell you to walk away from God’s TRUTH, because you THINK you are too wealthy)…these … come from within, and defile a person ...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

“...He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).“…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Why would the rich man choose his earthly wealth over spiritual wealth? Let’s LOOK at his actions. He asked Jesus, God’s TRUTH what he needed TO DO to have eternal life (spiritual wealth). “...what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?...” (Mark 17:22 KJV).

The Lord HEARD him, knocked on the door of his heart and the rich man invited him in. However, Jesus, God’s TRUTH is enLIGHTenment.  “… [Jesus’] name is [also] ... called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… I am (jesus, god TRUTH is) thelight (revelation knowledge of God) ...of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV).

“…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT (god is spirit)… and they are LIFE….” (John 6:63 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).  “... the light (Jesus, god’s truth) makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) will give you light(revelation knowledge of god)... (Ephesians 5:19 NLT). “…THE WORDS  ...they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word was [and is]... God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… I am the light(revelation knowledge of god) of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “... He (jesus, god’s truth) is a light to reveal God to the nations (and to individuals)...” (Luke 2:32 NLT). Jesus, the Word of TRUTH is “.. A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB).

 “…The Light (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) … enlightens (or gives revelation knowledge of god, the holy spirit to)  every ...[REDEEMED]...man (woman)…” (John 1:19 NASB). “.. A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB).“...For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (God’s TRUTH)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NASB).

“... the light (Jesus, god’s truth) makes everything visible... (Ephesians 5:19 NLT).

The rich man had been exposed by God’s TRUTH. He DID NOT want to sell all he had. Jesus was asking TOO MUCH and he had GREAT earthly wealth.  “...The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go...” (Mark 17:22 MSG).

He had boasted of “KEEPING” all of God’s commandments, but God’s TRUTH had revealed HE HAD NOT kept and was NOT WILLING to keep ALL of God’s commandments. “...And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth...” (Mark 10:20 KJV).“...He said, “Teacher, I have—from my youth—kept them all!...” (Mark 10:20 MSG).

The rich man, rather than obey Jesus’, God’s TRUTH’s, instructions, choose to turn his back and walk away. “...he walked off with a heavy heart...” (Mark 17:22 MSG). “...he ... went away grieved....” (Mark 17:22 KJV).

The rich man was keeping God’s commandments on HIS terms. He turned away from the opportunity to REPENT. “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).“… REPENTand TURN TO God …” (Acts 26: 20 NASB).  “…Whosoever believeth in him SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life...” (John 3:16).  

In turning his back and walking away he was putting God’s TRUTH “out” of his heart and walking away from the opportunity to be converted. “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

The rich “went away grieved” without getting, THE MORE, he went to Jesus, God’s TRUTH to get in the first place; SALVATION. “...he was sad .... and went away grieved...” (Mark 17:22 KJV).

LET’S LOOK AGAIN: “...And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?...” (Mark 10:17 KJV). “...he went out into the street, a man came running up, greeted him with great reverence, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?...” (Mark 10:17 MSG).

Had the rich man stayed and FACED Jesus, God’s TRUTH, he would have received revelation knowledge. The revelation knowledge would have enabled him to have the break throughto THE MORE he desired from God. “…I had not known SIN, but by the law: for I had not known LUST, except the law had said, THOU SHALT NOT COVET…” (Romans 7:7 KJV).“…It was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet...” (Romans 7:7 NLT).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH wanted the rich man to KNOW that “keeping the law” can’t be DONE in the flesh. “...I am all too human ...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).

When the rich man responded, he said:  “...Master, all these have I observed from my youth...” (Mark 10:20 KJV). “...He said ... I have—from my youth—kept them all!...” (Mark 10:20 MSG).

However, Jesus revealed, God’s TRUTHS, to the rich man NOT to CONDEMN or JUDGE him, but to enlighten him. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).  

God told the rich man about helping the POOR to show him that NO HUMAN can, perfectly, KEEP God’s HOLY commands. “...If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you...” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT). “...Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor...” (Proverbs 22:9 NLT). “...Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed...” (Proverbs 28:27 NLT). “...If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...” (1 John 3:17-18 NLT).

The rich man was NOT willing to KEEP God’s commands “IF” it meant giving up HIS earthly wealth. “...thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent...” (Revelation 3:17-19 KJV).

 “…All scripture (god’s truth) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable ... for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man (woman) of God may be perfect (mature), thoroughly furnished unto all good works…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV).

“...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). 

“…I had not known SIN, but by the law: for I had not known LUST, except the law had said, THOU SHALT NOT COVET…” (Romans 7:7 KJV). “…It was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet...” (Romans 7:7 NLT).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH knocked on the DOOR of the rich man’s heart and he opened up. As they COMMUNED, together, the rich man was able to SEE specific areas of his heart that was plagued with sin and he was NOT ready to surrender to God’s instructions. “...Jesus ...said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).

God’s people and ALL of mankind have continually wanted to follow their OWN ways and desires; instead of God’s. “…[God’s]... people ...[will]... not listen to ...[HIM... They ...[keep]... doing whatever they [want]…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continueto live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

The rich man was NO different. He was NOT willing to GIVE UP his wealth for the service of God or others.“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

The rich man had made his WEALTH an idol and loved IT more than he did God. “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “...people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching....” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).“...They will follow their own desires...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “...They will reject the truth ...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH hits the bullseye EVERY time. “...the word of God isquick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit... and [is]...able  to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart...” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH is “NOT” LOOKING at how well his people PERFORM his commandments, because HE is focused upon the HEART. “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART (mind)…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart(mind)…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). God knows it is “…from within, out of the heart (mind) of man(woman), proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart(mind) “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

Many people, even God’s own people, fight to KEEP their secret sins and self-destructive habits, which beat them up and highly contribute to their willful choice to commit spiritual suicide. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).  “...I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless. “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. “The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!...” (Revelation 3:17-19 MSG).

“...As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent...” (Revelation 3:17-19 KJV).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH says to be ZEALOUS to repent. God’s people willfully and voluntarily choice to LIVE FREE from sin. “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).“… REPENT and TURN TO God …” (Acts 26: 20 NASB). 

It is a CHOICE, without question or excuse, to allow Jesus, God’s TRUTH to cleanse and sanctify the hearts of his people. “…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). “…Christ (God’s TRUTH) ….loved the church, and GAVEhimself for it; That he (God’s TRUTH) might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it,with the washing of water by the word (of god)….”(Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV).

“...Look! [Jesus, God’s TRUTH stands]... at the door [of their hearts] and knock....” (Revelations 3:20 NLT). “...If you (HIS people) hear [his] voice and open the door, [Jesus, God’s TRUTH]... will come in, and will share a meal together [with each of them]... as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH is “KNOCKING AT THE DOOR” of your heart. He desires to COMMUNE and DINE with you there. Jesus, God’s TRUTH desires to GIVE his people a CLEAN heart and INSERT TRUTH in their inmost parts. “…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). “...Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts...” (Psalm 51:5-6 KJV).

Open up the DOOR of your heart, God knows you anyway. . “..You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways…” (Psalm 139:1-3 KJV).

“…Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" says the LORD….” (Jeremiah 23:24 NLT). “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account…” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV). “…For his eyes areupon the ways of man (woman), and he seeth all his (her) goings…” (Job 34:21 KJV). “…Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalms 139:7 KJV).

God’s people and all people can come to HIM and confess their sins. God will show them love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and will cleanse them from ALL unrighteousness. “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).“…“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Had the rich man stayed, Jesus, God’s TRUTH, simply wanted to teach HIM, he couldn’t be SAVED by the WORKS of “keeping the LAWS,” but by GRACE through FAITH and that it was a FREE GIFT of God. “… I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God.  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law (human faith, self-effort), then Christ is dead in vain…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV).

By revealing the rich man’s LOVE for money, Jesus, God’s TRUTH was teaching HIM EVERYONE, upon earth, falls SHORT when it comes to “KEEPING” God’s HOLY standards. It also PROVES how EVERYONE of us NEEDS a SAVIOR. “…Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).     “I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (self-effort, human faith) could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated (disabled) by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

So when Jesus, God’s TRUTH, exposes the hidden sins of the heart, confess and allow him to cleanse you. God looks at the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “...[Confess and God through Jesus]... is faithful and just ...to cleanse [YOU]...from all unrighteousness...” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

Then you can FREELY praise HIM for all the GREAT things he has DONE for  you personally. “…[the] great things [he hath done] for ...[his people]…” (Psalm 126:2-3 KJV). “… he hath done marvellousthings…”(Psalm 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “… he had done so many miracles before them ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit of TRUTH is WORTHY  of all our praise and thanksgiving!! “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised:…” (Psalms 18:1-3 KJV).

“...On his (Jesus) robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV).

THE TRUTH MAY HURT, BUT ITS LIBERATING! 

GOD ALLOWS "YOU" TO BE SIFTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF CORRECTION ASK PETER

YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH GETTING TO “KNOW” Y O U, Part 5 WRITTEN BY GAYLE L. WALLACE

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The bible teaches Christian parents to “…bring [their children]… up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord...” (Ephesians 6:4). The key phrase here is the “….nurture and admonition……of the LORD...”

It means to train the children through love, correction, and discipline and for the same reason God trains his OWN children so “…that [they] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).

“...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters [of God] at all...” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).

 “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH……” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). 

“… His name (Jesus) is called The Word of God (scripture) …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable ... for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man (woman) of God maybe perfect (mature), thoroughly furnished unto all good works…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV). “... [Jesus, the Word] ... opened their minds to understand the Scriptures...” (Luke 24:45 NLT). “... Let the Spirit (the Word, scriptures, etc.) renew your thoughts and attitudes...” (Ephesians 4:23 NLT).

Peter needed to be corrected, so God told him this: “...Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permissionto sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers...” (Luke 22:31-32 NASB).

 “...Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start...” (Luke 22:31-32 MSG).

Satan “demanded,” which means he requested permission to SIFT or TEST Simon Peter and God, the Holy Spirit, ALLOWED it, just like he allowed testing for Job. “…Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause...” (Job 2:3 KJV).

IT PROVES, “...[God’s people]...wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places....” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV).

 “...And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels...” (Ephesians 6:10-12 MSG).

“.... I have prayed for you [PETER], that your faith may not fail...” (Luke 22:31-32 NASB). “...But I have prayed for thee (PETER], that thy faith fail not...” (Luke 22:31-32 KJV). “...Simon [PETER], I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out...” (Luke 22:31-32 MSG).

Thus, “….All things work together for good to [God’s people]... that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (Hebrews 13:5 & ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…[Satan thinks) ...evil against [God’s people]; but God mean[s]... it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).

 “…. The proof of [PETER’S]…faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory (which is his presence, his goodness, and his power) and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ...” 1 Peter 1:7 ASV).  

Job was a “…blameless, and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).  Job said, “…Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

“… [God]... knoweth the way that [each of HIS children] take; when he hath tried [them], [THEY]... shall come forth as gold [and Job and Peter DID]...” (Job 23:10 KJV).

Jesus was so confident that PETER would come through his TEST OR SIFTING he said to him: “...when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers...” (Luke 22:31-32 NASB).

“...When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start...” (Luke 22:31-32 MSG).

“...when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren...” (Luke 22:31-32 KJV).

“…[So]... brothers and sisters …when your faith is tested, your ENDURANCE has a chance to grow. So let it grow...” (James 1:2-4 NLT).

Peter SAID: “...clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE...” (1 Peter 5:5 NASB).

“...humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time...” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

Peter had OFTEN been corrected by God and later on God, allowed him to BE TESTED or SIFTED. Peter learned, first hand, who he REALLY was during the SIFTING of his SOUL. He SAW his own inadequacies and humbled himself under the MIGHTY hand of God.

When God allows his people to go through TESTING or SIFTING they willing choose to surrender to the affliction bought to them with HIS permission. “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house,a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

Job’s health was impacted too, “…Satan….smote Job with boils from the sole of his feet unto his crown…” (Job 2:7 KJV).

Job’s wife even said, “…Doest thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die…” (Job 2:9 KJV). “But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speakest. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10 KJV).

 Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

God allowed JOB to go through THE TEST or SIFT. “...The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord...” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).

Job lost EVERYTHING, upon earth, tragically and yet he said, “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job knew “…a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth…” (Romans 12:1 & Luke 12:15 KJV).  Apostle Paul, who said, “…for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7 KJV).

How many of God’s people are mad at God and blame him for allowing afflictions or difficulties into their lifestyles? “...Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does...” (1 Peter 5:8-11 MSG).

“...Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen...” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).

Job’s and Jesus’ response to their TESTS or SIFTING was humility. God’s people are to surrender themselves to God’s sovereign will, no matter what HE allows to happen to them. “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “…"Father ... not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Jesus said, “…LEARN from me, for I am gentle and HUMBLEin heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

Peter SAID: “...clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE...” (1 Peter 5:5 NASB).

“…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, …” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “...Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,and he shall lift you up...” (James 4:10 KJV).

“...humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time...” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

Nothing HUMBLES a man or woman MORE than real-life experiences of afflictions or difficulties. “…spared not his own Son [from testing], but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). Jesus “… learned he obedience by the things he suffered (or was tested in)…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH……” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).  “…that [they] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).

“...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters [of God] at all...” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).

“...humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time...” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV). It is surrendering humbly UNDER God, the Holy Spirit’s, mighty hand, that we ACCEPT the afflictions,  corrections, and chastisements HE ALLOWS.

God’s people ALSO WAIT patiently for God’s timetable in the SIFTING or TESTING. “...The… trying of [God’s people’s]… faith...worketh patience ...let patience have her perfect (maturing, spiritually developing) work, that [his people]... may be perfect and entire (spiritually mature and whole), wanting nothing…” (James 1:2-6 KJV).

 “…[God] knoweth the way that I (his people) take; when he hath tried ...[them], I (they) shall come forth as gold...” (Job 23:10 KJV). AND “….the proof of [his people’s]…faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7 ASV).

God has said:  “…In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ASV).

When being “TESTED”or SIFTED lasts TOO long it doesn’t feel like you are overcoming IT, but that ITis overcoming you.

Trusting God’s sovereign will, during TESTING, can become questionable to some of HIS own people. The long-term distress of SOME TESTS and the continual disappointment feels as if God is no longer involved with your test. However, God has said, “…[My people]... have overcome…” (John 6:33 KJV).  If Jesus said “...[My people]... have overcome” then THEY have! THEY win!!!

Even if THEY don’t understand the LONG “TEST,” they can CHOOSE to trust and depend upon God’s sovereignty anyway. “...O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?...” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).

God “… ways [are often]…past finding out…” and his ways will NOT always make human sense (Romans 11:33-34 KJV). “…the plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).  God “… is able to do [or  work ALL things together]… exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…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). God’s ways are simply “…past [our ability] to [find them] out…” (Romans 11:33 KJV).

Humility is also a sign that the SIFTING of the SOUL has done its righteous work in the HEARTS of God’s people. Jesus said: “…I am humble ...IN HEART …” (Matthew 11:29 NIV). In addition, “…[Jesus] ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he HUMBLED himself…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). Jesus “…humbled himself ….” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “...[God’s people are to willfully choose, like Jesus did, to]...humble [them]selves under the mighty power of God...” (1 Peter 5:6).  

Jesus said: “…Father …not Mywill, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “...He (gave Himself over to Him (God, the Father and the Holy Spirit) ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

During the SIFTING of the SOUL, “…Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way…I have NOT seem the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread…The Lord forsaketh NOT his saints; they are preserved for ever…The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell therein for ever… Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land…behold the upright; for the end of that man (woman) is peace…But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; he is their strength in a time of trouble. And the Lord shall help deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust him…” (Psalm 37:23-40 KJV).

 “…The plans [God has]…for [the SIFTED soul] … [are]… plans to prosper [them] and not to harm [them], plans to give [them, expectant]... hope and a future...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man (woman), the things which …[God, the Holy Spirit; Jehovah Jireh, your PROVIDER] … hath prepared for … [SIFTED souls] … that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

Another MIRROR VIEW of who are happens at the SIFTING of your SOUL, which REVEALS who you really are. It will also REVEAL whether you will choose to surrender to the TESTS God allows to afflict and correct you. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).  “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).

A MIRROR VIEW of who Peter was happened at the SIFTING of his SOUL. This means Peter chose to humble himself and  surrendered to the TESTS God allowed to afflict, chastise, and correct his soul. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). 

Jesus said to PETER: “...when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers...” (Luke 22:31-32 NASB). “...When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start...” (Luke 22:31-32 MSG). “...when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren...” (Luke 22:31-32 KJV).

Peter was eventually converted. He was still fearless, courageous, and bold, but his conduct was now GOVERNED and EMPOWERED by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit.

Peter became one of the PILLARS of the church and “the ROCK” as Jesus had affirmed he would be. “...And when James, Cephas (Simon Peter), and John, who seemed to be pillars...” (Galatians 2:9 KJV). “ ... thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church...”(Matthew 16:18-19 KJV).

Peter needed a LOT of correction, but God, STILL used him to ADVANCE the Kingdom. He was one of the most important biblical LEADERS and played a PIVATOL role in writing two of the New Testament epistles. “ ...I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (my church). And I will give unto thee (PETER and God’s church) the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven...”(Matthew 16:18-19 KJV).

 

 

IF GOD HAS ALLOWED YOUR AFFLICTIONS & DIFFICULTIES, WHO WILL YOU CHOOSE TO BE?

                                      
  YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH                                      GETTING TO “KNOW” Y O U, Part 4                      WRITTEN BY GAYLE L. WALLACE

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“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). 

*

Fourth and final, MIRROR VIEW of who I was happened at the SIFTING of my SOUL, which meant surrendering to the TESTS God has allowed to afflict and correct me. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).  “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).

I needed to learn that EVERYTHING “new” about me was God’s GIFT.  “…He is “SO” RICHin kindness and GRACE that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “…God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins…” (Romans 3:21-26 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV).

When people are broken, dysfunctional, invalidated, have low esteem, etc., they feel unworthy, unacceptable, and incompetent, on the inside, most of the time. God comes along and gives them multiple gifts. “…BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH BLESSED us with all spiritual blessingsin heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV). “… [Your heavenly Father] ... will supply all your [need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).  

 “…Now GOD GIVES [his people] many kinds of special abilities (and gifts) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the GIFT of God; NOT OF WORKS, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “...Jesus Christ...God’s free GIFT [that]...leads to our being made right with God ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT).

IN ADDITION, “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...  his GIFTof forgiveness..” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

 “…You will receive the GIFT of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).

“…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

 “… People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are GIFTS from God…” (Ecclesiastes 3:13 NLT).

“…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man (woman) hath his (her) proper GIFTof God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV).

“…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).  “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). SO “…What do you have (what blessings do you have) that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “…. if any man (woman) be in Christ, he  (she) is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new....” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Christ (God’s gift and riches) liveth in [God’s people]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 & Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am (I have what I have)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakableGIFT[S]…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

God’s helps his children USE their GIFTS and RICHES properly, which means his teaches them to USE them for HIS GLORY. “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God...” (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV). “...God is ...a very present help in trouble...” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “…He helps [his children]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps [each of his children]…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT “…[God is]…Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). ).  “…[god, the holy spirit]...you are my helper…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

God’s children are disciplined children, who learn to internalize his righteous and holy ways, especially when he ALLOWS them to go through various TESTS of afflictions and difficulties. “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, nottrue sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).

Through this PROCESS of TESTS God teaches his children a set of values, through his HOLY Word, that will GOVERN their thinking, emotions, and conduct while upon earth.“….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).  “…that [his children]... might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).

Let take a LOOK at Peter, for example. Andrew, his brother, introduced him to Jesus. Jesus  CHOSE Peter to be one of his disciples and changed his name to Cephas. Peter’s new name was Aramaic and meant “rock” or “a stone.”  "…You did not choose me but I chose you…” (John 15:16 ASV).  “...One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone...” (John 1:40-42 KJV).

Peter BOLDLY recognized the HOLINESS of Jesus and OPENLY admitted he was a sinful man. “...When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets beganto break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw that (Jesus’ miracle), he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!...” (Luke 5:6-9 KJV).

Peter was one of the disciples who LEFT EVERYTHING to FOLLOW Jesus. It was Peter who said: “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). “...And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they (including Simon Peter) forsook all, and followed him... “ (Luke 5:1-7; 10-11 KJV).

“...Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

“...For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

Peter was a studious and attentive disciple to Jesus’ teaching. He watched him, challenged him, observed him, communed with him, had courageous faith in him, and boldly questioned him. “...Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable...” (Matthew 15:15 KJV). “...Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?...”(Matthew 18:21 KJV). “...Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?...” (Matthew 19:21 KJV). “...And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away...” (Mark 11:21 KJV).  “...And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said,Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?...” (Luke 8:45 KJV).  “...Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?...” (Luke 12:41 KJV). “...Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life...”(John 6:68 KJV).  “...Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head...” (John 13:6-9 KJV).

Peter wanted to follow Jesus EVERYWHERE he went and he DID, except to the CROSS. “...Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards...” (John 13:36 KJV).

Peter was the one who called Jesus, the CHRIST and the SON of the LIVING GOD! Peter, personally, RECEIVED this revelation from God, the Holy Spirit.  “...And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven...”  (Matthew 16:16-17 KJV).

Peter witnessed Jesus’ miracles.“…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH, and dwelt among us...” (JOHN 1:14). “…Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were EYEWITNESSES and servants of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 NLT). “….Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were EYEWITNESSES, and ministers of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 KJV).  “…For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were EYEWITNESSES of his majesty….” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT). “… we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“...As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.  And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment...” (Mark 5:32-42 KJV).

“...And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's (or PETER’S), and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon [PETER], Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon [PETER].. answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink... “ (Luke 5:1-7 KJV).

Peter not only WITNESSED Jesus’ miracles, he personally EXPERIENCED his MIRACLES. “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutchesand from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

Peter witnessed and experienced, first hand, God, the Holy Spirit’s, power as a PROVIDER and a DELIVERER,  “...[At Jesus’ Word]...they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, ....And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink... “ (Luke 5:1-7 KJV).

 “...Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel (this could be a Christian Warrior) and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

“…I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…the Father (the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works) …” (John 14:10 KJV).

“… at God’s [miracle-performingWORD) … what we now SEE (everything witnessed and experienced) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (it came from the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God (the miracle-performing POWER of God)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

“... When this had dawned on him ... [Peter realized] ...  “he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things…” (Acts 12:7 NIV & Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).

“...the chains fell off Peter’s wrists...They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has ... rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

However, Peter was a bit ARROGANT and BOASTFUL about his dedication and devotion to Jesus. “...Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended...” (Matthew 26:33 KJV).  “...Peter broke in, “Even if everyone else falls to pieces on account of you, I won’t...” (Matthew 26:33 MSG). “...But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away...” (Matthew 26:33 NASB).

“…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought …”(Romans 12:3 NIV).  “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall…” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV).“...A man's pride (arrogance, boastings) shall bring him(her) low…” (Proverbs 29:23 KJV). “...For if a man(woman) think himself(herself) to be something, when he(she) is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Galatians 6:3 KJV). “...those who walk in pride he is able to humble...” (Daniel 4 NIV). “….[It is] from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts … wickedness, deceit, … pride, [arrogance, boastings, etc.,]... and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN; they are what defile you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT). “.. For everything in the world ....the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever...” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

“...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). Peter SAID, God looks at the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “… out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts…these … come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked:…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

“...Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away...”(Matthew 26:33 NASB). “...Jesus had said [to PETER[, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” ....” (Matthew 26:69-75 KJV). “...Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.”  But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly....” (Matthew 26:69-75 KJV).

Peter was frequently with the SAVIOR while he was upon earth, which empowered him to be bold about Jesus, God’s LIVING, powerful Word. Peter BOLDLY walked on water. “...Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”  And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus...” (Matthew 14:28-29 NASB).

Peter BOLDLY rebuked Jesus about saying he would die upon the cross. “...Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him,saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”...” (Matthew 16:22 NASB).

It was Peter who BOLDLY cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.  “...Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus...” (John 18:10 NASB).

It was Peter who BOLDLY proclaimed he’d NEVER forsake Jesus.“...But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away...”(Matthew 26:33 NASB). “...Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.”  But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!”....” (Matthew 26:69-75 KJV).

Peter was fearless, outspoken,  hot-headed, and BOLD as a disciple, but “often” WRONG. Jesus corrected him in each of the above scenarios. “...Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”  And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus...” (Matthew 14:28-29 NASB). “...But seeing the wind, he (PETER) became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!...” (Matthew 14:30 NASB).

“...Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him,saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”...” (Matthew 16:22 NASB).  “...But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s....” (Matthew 16:23 NASB).

.  “...Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus...” (John 18:10 NASB). “...So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?...” (John 18:11 NASB).

“...Jesus had said [to PETER], “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” ....” (Matthew 26:69-75 KJV). “...But he denied it ... And again he denied itwith an oath ....Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said...” (Matthew 26:69-75 KJV).

A MIRROR VIEW of who  you are happens during the SIFTING of your SOUL. When Peter was TESTED, he choose to DENY Jesus instead of surrendering to the challenges he faced and God has allowed to correct him. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).  “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).

IF YOU ARE GOING THROUGH AFFLICTIONS AND DIFFICULTIES, DURING THIS PANDEMIC, CIVIL UNREST,  ELECTION, JOB LESS, ETC., GOD ALLOWED IT FOR A REASON. WHO WILL YOU BE DURING THE SIFTING OF YOUR SOUL? 

PRETENDING WILL KEEP YOU FOREVER IN BONDAGE, ONLY THE TRUTH CAN SET YOU FREE!

YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH GETTING TO “KNOW” Y O U WRITTEN BY GAYLE L. WALLACE

 

“…. if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

*

Never in my life had I ever imagine myself sharing my many blessings in book form. I have always taken notes when the Lord would give me revelation knowledge, but my journals would only seem to be inspirational to my own consoling, during my own trials. 

 There is one thing I have grown to understand and see in my relationship with the Lord is that one has always got to be willing to change. As long as I am constantly willing to accept the changes the Lord has to make in my heart, I could easily begin to see God.

 For years my prayers and desires had been to have a close, intimate relationship with God. I didn't just want to heart what other people said about him, and what he could do, but I wanted to experience those things for myself. I could clearly see the need for changes in my life and at different times I would be shocked to know what kind of person I really was in the flesh. I can’t say that my transformation at times was not painful, because THE TRUTH can HURT, especially when you’re in DENIAL, but it is LIBERATING. 

Nevertheless, I was on a mission, seeking to find THE TRUTH at all costs. THE TRUTH helped me put SELF aside and to get to KNOW my OWN wretched thoughts and understandings. God’s Word shined a LIGHT upon the inside woman and gave me a MIRROR VIEW of who I really WAS. 

No matter what I discovered about my wretched SELF, I sought to achieve and find THE TRUTH. Today, I praise God for the indwelling Holy Spirit that fulfills me with the promises of HIS WORD. Happiness is always having something or someone to look forward to outside of yourself. 

I am confident in knowing that Jesus is ALWAYS there for me. My prayer is that whoever is reading this book today will SEEK to be changed by THE TRUTH. In addition, may the wisdom of our heavenly Father fall upon them through the Holy Spirit who empowers them with understanding and guidance in this world of deceiving sins as well as protect you from doubt. Amen.

There are four perspectives I want to share with you about how God’s Word SHINED a LIGHT upon ME and GAVE me a MIRROR VIEW of who I really WAS.

First, I really WAS a “new creation” in Jesus Christ, but the “un-transformed mind” made me continue to believe I WAS NOT a “new creation,” but WAS still the OLD me in the flesh.

A MIRROR VIEW of who I really WAS meant facing the  "past" ME in the flesh and accepting the "redeemed" ME as a “new creation” in Christ. “...Behold, I was shapen in iniquity (THE OLD ME); and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts (THE NEW ME): and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom (GOD'S TRUTH)...” (Psalm 51:5-6 KJV).

“...The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies...” (Psalms 53:8 KJV).

“...I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).  “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good,but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (the symptoms of that terminal condition) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…the wages of sin (the end result) is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…For all have sinned (all have a sin nature)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

It is extremely DIFFICULT to SEE ourselves as the scriptures, GOD’S TRUTH, describes us. The reason for this is that most people concentrate on how they appear, in the flesh, to themselves and others, while GOD, WHO IS TRUTH shines the LIGHT upon the 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 (God) about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[The] ...Lord (God), which knowest the heartsof 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).

“... the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword ...and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

Many people see themselves as “GOOD” hearted people because they base their spiritual righteousness on what they DO in the flesh or other faithful works done in or outside the church.“...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).

If there is NONE ‘GOOD” but God, then NO human being is GOOD without HIM. “….Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit and his Word) (TRUTH), you can do nothing (you can DO good deeds, but you cannot BE good)…” (John 15:5 NIV). 

“…There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “…ALL HAVE SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to BE good is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).

People want CREDIT, ACCOLADES, or REWARDS for being “GOOD” hearted people who are generous with their donations or other charitable deeds.“…There is [NONE]...that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV).

“…The flesh (the sinful nature’s effort to be good) profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor (donations), and though I give my body to be burned (charitable deed), and have not charity, it profiteth me NOTHING...” (1 Corinthians 13:3 KJV).

“...God seesnotas man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God looks at the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). It is“… from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts … [doing religious deeds] … these … 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).

GOD’S TRUTH is straight forward, simple, and enables you to SEE clearly WHO you REALLY are versus who you THINK you are or who you APPEAR to be. “...which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity...” (Matthew 23 KJV).

“…Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men ...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretencemake long prayer ...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides...Ye fools and blind ...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith ...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess ...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous...Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV).

“…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).   

“… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to BE good is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).

The previous scriptures are ONLY a few that describe who people are IN THEIR FLESH. “… the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).  “… from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts (thoughts that DIRECT or put COMMANDS of one’s behavior)…these … come from within, and defile a person (make their behavior unclean and make them walk in the flesh)...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

God’s people or children ACCEPT God’s WORD as TRUTH. “…Thy word is TRUTH…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “… The Spirit of truth (the WORD) …will guide you into all the truth. …” (John 16:13 NIV). “...[God’s people]...shall know the truth...” (John 8:32 KJV).

 God’s people KNOW the WORD of GOD cannot LIE; God’s character doesn’t change and therefore his promises are immutable too. “...For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself (immutable character)....God...[wanted]....abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel (immutable Word), confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things (his character and his word), in which it was impossible for God to lie...” (Ephesians 6:13-18 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 people also KNOW that by FACING and ACCEPTING who they WERE in the flesh helps and empowers them to BECOME who they ARE, right NOW, in CHRIST. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the WORD OF GOD)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).).  “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…if the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV). “...ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free....” (John 8:32 KJV).  “... It was for freedom that Christ set [his people]... free...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB). 

“... the truth shall make [God’s people]... free...” (John 8:32 KJV).

GOD’S TRUTH, as part of his plan of salvation, is to help his people understand who they WERE before Jesus Christ, so they will voluntarily desire and choose to BECOME “like” Jesus. The old IDENTITY is GONE. New Creations are NOT what you USED in the FLESH. “...You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language...” (Colossians 3:6-8 NLT). “...once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true...” (Ephesians 5:7-9 NLT).  “... thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were oncelike that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God...” (1 Corinthians 6:10-11 NLT).“…old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

THESE SCRIPTURES ARE TRUE ABOUT EVERY CHILD OF GOD!! “…The truth shall MAKE YOU FREE…” (JOHN 8:32 KJV). “… all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

GOD’S TRUTH tells God’s people who they USED TO be IN THE FLESH, so they can LOOK and SEE who they ARE in CHRIST JESUS. “….let us make man (woman) in “our” image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his “own” image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).

“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature (creation)...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).“...and man (woman) became a living soul (soul) ... [AGAIN] …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

“…beconformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “...Be … imitatorsof ...[Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“...For in him (Jesus Christ) we (God’s children or people) live, and move, and have [their] being (their NEW IDENTITY and freedom)...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

God said about Israel, “...For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth...” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

 “...[God’s people]... are [STILL]...a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light...” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

GOD’S TRUTH says HE has called, his people, out of DARKNESS into the marvelous LIGHT and it is an honor to be called by God, the Holy Spirit. However, on their OWN, God’s people will NEVER live up to their calling. . “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [the sin nature]. …I don’t really understand myself, for I wantto [live free from sin] …but I don’t [choose to depend upon God’s indwelling  SPIRITUAL LIFE]... Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is [the sinful nature]… living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to [live free from sin] … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sin nature and its practices]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

EVERY person upon earth can willingly and voluntarily CHOOSE to go to God to SAVE them. The lost and spiritually dead soul chooses to receive or accept Jesus Christ as their SAVIOR “…confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heartthat God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “Believeon the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “...Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost...” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God…” (ACTS 8:37 KJV). “...those (people) who had received his word were baptized;..” (Acts 2:41 KJV).

 “…. if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Once SAVED, the redeemed soul chooses to continually trust and depend upon GOD’S TRUTH to work WITHIN them and HELP them live FREE. “…Christ liveth in [the redeemed]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “….OLD THINGS (life without the indwelling Holy Spirit) are passed…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit of TRUTH) which worketh in [the redeemed] both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip [the redeemed]... with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in [the redeemed, through the indwelling Holy Spirit of TRUTH]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [all freedom from the FLESH]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those]... who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God is COMMITTED to HELPING the redeemed LIVE FREE. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helpsus in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

God people are NO LONGER controlled by their FLESH. God’s TRUTH tells them to: “... discipline [their] ... body and make it [their]... slave...” (1 Corinthians 9:27 NASB).

“…The sinful nature (the flesh) is always hostile to God. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…The sinful nature (the flesh) ...never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…[God’s people]... who are still under the control of their sinful nature (the flesh) can never please God. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

 “…[god’s people]... are not controlled by [their]... sinful nature (flesh). [their]... are controlled by the Spirit if [they] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“… (Christ lives within [his people], so even though [their] body (flesh) will die because of sin, the [indwelling Holy] ... Spirit [of TRUTH]... gives [them]... life because [they]... have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to [their] mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT)

“…Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature (flesh) urges you to do.For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit (the indwelling Holy Spirit of TRUTH) you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature (flesh), you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God (the indwelling Holy Spirit of TRUTH) are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

Through repentance and baptism, the redeemed soul, receives the GIFT of the indwelling Holy Spirit of TRUTH, which EMPOWERS to live right, live FREE, and endure the Christian journey.

“…the God of peace… may he work in [the redeemed, through the indwelling Holy Spirit of TRUTH]… what is pleasing to him (freedom from sin), through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within YOU]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God’s people say: “...I can do all things through Christ...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  He will “…strengthened [his people]… with might by his Spirit [of TRUTH]... in the inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He strengthens his people]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [THEM]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God  … work[s] … in … [his people] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

“...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (choose to) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

“...He (the indwelling Spirit of TRUTH) who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

A MIRROR VIEW of who you really WERE means facing the  "past" YOU in the flesh and accepting the "redeemed" YOU as a “new creation” in Christ. “...Behold, I was shapen in iniquity (THE OLD YOU); and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts (THE NEW YOU): and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom (GOD'S TRUTH)...” (Psalm 51:5-6 KJV).

FACING THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE TO LIVE A CHRIST-LIKE LIFE.

CAN GOD'S PEOPLE BE HOLY? IF YES, HOW?

 

YOUR SOURCE OF ATTRACTIVENESS or BEAUTY (HOLINESS)

“…BE HOLY AS I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:16 NIV).

“…WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS…” (Psalms 29:2 KJV).

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We are learning that most people, even God’s people, seek and pursuit most of their needs and desires of outside of themselves, even the quest for attractiveness.

Human attractiveness, whether feminine or masculine, is usually limited to the outer beauty or atttractiveness that constantly changes or simply doesn’t last. “… [outer attractiveness or]…beauty does not last…” (Proverbs 31:30 NLT).

The only attractiveness or beauty that DOES last “is” HOLINESS. God is HOLY. “… I AM HOLY (immutably set apart from sin)…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…Be holy,because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “...And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory (his presence, his goodness, and his working power)...” (Isaiah 6:3 KJV).

What should God’s people KNOW about God’s HOLINESS? The immutable STANDARDS that GOVERNS “ALL” of God’s thoughts, his words, and his actions are HOLY and SETS God APART from anyone or anything else! “…I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God’s complete and entire LIFESTYLE is GOVERNED by his HOLY STANDARDS at all times; without wavering, waning, or weakening.  “… I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God’s people CHOOSE him because of his HOLINESS that’s SETS him APART from any other object of worship. “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

“…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “...He careth for you...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… THE LORD (the HOLY ONE) … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… I the LORD am thy Saviour …” (Isaiah 60:16 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 LIVES by HOLY STANDARDS that when witnessed they will draw people to him. “…I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…” (Jeremiah 3:13 NIV). “... I…will drawall men (women) unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV). Draw means to “attract through intentional and purposeful effort.” 

People DRAWN to the HOLY ONE will find themselves wanting to belong to him, wanting to worship him, wanting to praise him, wanting to keep his commandments, wanting to know him, wanting to commune with him, and so on. “ ...if I (God, the HOLY ONE) be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men (women) unto me” (John 12:32 KJV).

“…O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. YOU SATISFY ME more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy…” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT).

“…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).“...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).

God’s DIVINE NATURE includes HOLY (set apart) character traits that REVEAL his presence, PROMOTE his goodness, and display his working power. God’s HOLY (set apart) character traits will ALWAYS lead him to DO the righteous thing without FAIL. “… I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…[he draws]... you with unfailing kindness…” (Jeremiah 3:13 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God’s HOLY character traits are WITNESSED and EXPERIENCED through his WORDS and ACTIONS. God KEEPS his WORD and DOES what he says he WILL DO. There is“… [No]….greater love…than this…” (John 15:13 KJV).“…This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will (revealed in his WORD), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV).“…He has granted to [his people]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “…in Him (Jesus, God’s HOLY WORD) they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).

God is “…watching over [his]… WORD to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall [God, the HOLY Spirit’s]… WORD be that goeth forth out of [his]… mouth: it shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God, the HOLY Spirit]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

God’s DIVINE character traits are LIMITED to one single VALUE and that’s HOLINESS. God’s DIVINE character traits are demonstrated through EVERYTHING he says, allows, chooses, or does.

God’s DIVINE character traits of unfailing and immutably HOLINESS will NEVER become outdated, even when pursuing the CONFORMITY to the IMAGE of his SON has little value to his people any more; if any at all. “…beconformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…[God’s people willingly choose to] ...PRESS toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH CALLING of God in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 3:14 KJV). “...Therefore, [God’s people make the choice to] be all the more diligent to make certain about HIS CALLING and choosing [them]; for as long as [they] PRACTICE these things, you will never stumble…” (2 Peter 1:10 NASB). God’s people are to CHOOSE to “…GROW to maturity…” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT). “…until Christ be formed in [them]…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV). “…until [God’s people] …become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

“… [With the help of the indwelling HOLY Spirit, God’s people]… are changed (conformed, etc.) into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

God’s HOLINESS is the immutable STANDARDS that GOVERNS “ALL” of HIS BEING and SETS God APART from anyone or anything else! God WANTS “HIS” children or people to LIVE by those SAME standards. “…[Jesus Christ] is the ...EXACT representation ofhis being (DIVINE character traits)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). Jesus said: “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” (John 14:9-10 KJV). “…In this world [God’s children or people]... are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “…Be holy,because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

Holiness is NOTHING to be afraid of, but something God desires HIS people to aspire to, seek after, and pursue.  “…Be holy,because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

God is covered and clothed in the attractiveness or BEAUTY of holiness LIKE a ROYAL garment.  God is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

It is the STANDARDS that GOVERNS his CONDUCT that RESULTS in HOLINESS and SETS him APART! “...On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV). “...In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus (the LIVING WORD of God; HIS STANDARDS), who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command (God’s HOLY STANDARDS (his WORDS)) without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “...May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him...” (Psalms 72:11 NIV). “...Give thanks to the Lord of lords...” (Psalms 136:3 NIV). “...Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods (who is SET APART by holiness), His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords (who is SET APART by holiness). His love never quits...” (Psalms 136:1-3 MSG).

God has given HIS people a free, new makeover, when they BECAME “New Creations.” “…If any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW creature (made over)…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

God’s people are AGAIN clothed, covered, dressed, or arrayed in the ATTRACTIVENESS or BEAUTY of God, the Holy Spirit’s HOLINESSthrough Jesus Christ. “…canst thou… array (dress, cloth, cover, etc.) thyself …with BEAUTY? …” (Job 40:9-10 KJV). NO.

“…the [majestic HOLY]…Spirit of God [comes to]...dwell in [his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…behold [now], all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [Indwelling holiness]...it is the gift of God[‘sSpirit]…”(EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).“….ye (God’s people) shall receive the GIFT of the Holy [Spirit]…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “ …God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [the]... HEARTS ...[of HIS people]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ is IN [each of his people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

God’s people get their STANDARDS from the indwelling “GOOD” seed, which is Jesus, the LIVING Word of God.   “…Christ [Jesus, the GOOD seed, dwells] in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV). “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into [y]our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  “…The sower (God) SOWETH THE WORD …The (spiritual) seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …[IS] sown in [THE] HEARTS [of God’s people]... (symbolic, also, of the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

“… [Jesus is also]...called The Word of God (the spiritual (good) seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “ …We have this treasure  (this spiritual (GOOD) seed) “in” earthen (human) vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). 

“…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT).“…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit represents a type of water and is referred to as a “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV). “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV). “… …The seed is the WORD OF GOD…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit  produces  ...(spiritual) fruit in [the lives of HIS people when the SEED is watered]….” (Galatians 5 NLT). 

Jesus GIVES God’s people the STRENGTH to KEEP God’s commandments (standards). “…He gives POWER to the weak and strength to the POWERless.…” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT).“….GOD …GIVETH strength and POWER UNTO HIS PEOPLE…” (Psalms 68:35 KJV).  “… [His people are]…strengthened with MIGHT by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).  

“…God… works IN [them]… to willand to act …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…God, …EQUIP[s] … [“his people”] with everything good for doing his will, and … work]s] … IN [them]…  what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [He]… IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that [they]… ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh IN [them]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [them] “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus) ...[they could]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…[God’s people]…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth …[them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

God has commanded his people through his Word to, “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). It’s NOT an OPTION. God’s says: “…If you love me, you will keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). So God’s people are commanded to “…let the BEAUTY of the Lord our God be upon [THEM]…” (Psalms 90:17 KJV).

“…It is …God [the indwelling Holy Spirit] ... who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those] who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...the Holy Spirit produces...[spiritual]....fruit in [his people’s]... lives…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…The [indwelling]...HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH [his people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, who is the SOURCE of HOLINESS will HELP “HIS” people. “…He helps [his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).  “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps yousays: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

“..Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE,[God’s people, that]… [you] may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit, will “…strengthened [you]… with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He will strengthen HIS people]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [THEM]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God  … work[s] … in … [his people] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within THEM]… he doeth the works (of HOLINESS)…”(John 14:10 KJV).

People will spend their life savings on physical makeovers in order to meet some “standard of physical attractiveness or beauty” They eventually learn it doesn’t last and many end up depressed or unhappy over it.

Close to 90% of the world’s population is affected by low self-image, which STEMS from how they, personally, rank they own level of attractiveness or beauty.

God meant for males and females to be created in HIS “likeness” and “image” which is NOT physical, but spiritual. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). Unfortunately, INNER BEAUTY has LOST its relevance.

 In the beginning God said, “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). When “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

Now most people, including God’s own people, covet some ideal of a “perfect” physical image, which is a form of IMAGE worship. It is their SOURCE of attractiveness or beauty. “...an image in the form of corruptible man (woman) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).

Image worship is when you are obsessively (covertly or overtly) devoted (mentally or physically) to becoming like someone (an earthly, created image) out of reverence for that “ideal” image whatever or whoever it is (your secret idol). The bible distinctly says, “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).

A god, graven IMAGE, or idol is ANYTHING that replaces the one, true God as the IMAGE of your devotion or focus in ANY area of your life. “...Thou shalt not makeunto thee any graven image, or any likeness(even in your heart) of any thing..” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).

Many of God’s OWN people covet “body images or self-images,” gleaned from the WORLD more than becoming conformed into HIS image. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).“...The Son (jesus Christ) is ...the exact representation (IMAGE) of his being (God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

Worldly images can easily become and some are prevalent forms of idolatry whether covert or overt. God’s people, right along with the rest of the world, worship and adore those images too. “...an image in the form of corruptible man (or woman) ...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB).

God’s people, right along with the rest of the world, believe these images are their source of attractiveness or beauty. They want to be conformed to those images as much as possible. Most likely, those images are human images, fake images, corruptible images, or pagan images and nothing even close to the image of Jesus Christ. “...[jesus Christ) is ...the exact ...[IMAGE]... of [God, the Holy Spirit]…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

The desire to become conform to an “ideal” worldly image replaces the desire to become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.  “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “...Be … imitators of[Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (the god image)…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “…In this world [god’s people are meant to be]... like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

It is GOOD to be physical fit and healthy, but the body is NOT the source of God’s people’s attractiveness or beauty.  “..bodily discipline (body image) is only of little profit...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).“...Physical training is good (for body image), but...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)“...Workouts in the gymnasium (for body image) are useful (helps keep you healthy), but...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).“..godliness (the God image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).

“...training for godliness (for God image) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)

“...a disciplined life in God (developing the God image) is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).

Outward attractiveness or beauty means a person merely wants to be SEEM physically and that will be the ONLY reward for all their hard work and efforts. “...Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven...” (Matthew 6:1 NIV). “... Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others...” (Matthew 23:5-7 NIV). “...And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full...” (Matthew 6:5 NIV).

The desire to be conformed to an ideal worldly or carnal image OFTEN replaces and/or takes precedence over the desire to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Holiness for most, including God’s OWN people, is NOT their MAIN or PRIORITY source of attractiveness or beauty. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [HOLY BEAUTY]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those] who are his [children]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…He helps ...[his children]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit will HELP his children, by EMPOWERING them through his indwelling HOLY Spirit to GOVERN their conduct in ways that SET them APART, which is HOLINESS. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). NOT “...an image in the form of corruptible man  (or woman)...” (Romans 1:21-25 NASB). INSTEAD, seek to “…Be holy,because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

God’s people are to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. As NEW CREATIONS, the indwelling Holy Spirit has already given them the “SPIRIT OF HIS SON”, which SETS them APART from ALL other peoples and nation. “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into [the] hearts ... [of his people]...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

“...You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light...” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

God said about Israel, “...For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth...” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

What happened to mankind’s original holiness? “…through one man sin entered into the world, and …passed to all men…” (Romans 5:12 KJV). “… one sinner destroy[ed]… much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “…The…Lord God asked…“What have you done?…“ …” (Genesis 3 NLT).  “…they hid from the Lord God …” (Genesis 3 NLT). “… [their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from [their]… God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

“….God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (the Spirit); and man became a living soul…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “God is Spirit…” (John 4:24 NIV).“… [their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from [their]… God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). They no longer had the covering of the Holy Spirit and could NOT clothe themselves with glory of his holiness as before.

“….they (Adam/Eve) suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they … cover[ed] themselves.  ..” (Genesis 3 NLT).“….they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves…” (Genesis 3:7 NIV). “…their eyes were opened… …“ …” (Genesis 3 NLT). They immediately died spiritually and were suddenly stripped of the God’s GLORIOUS covering.

Mankind is still dealing with the shame by trying to cover up those parts in which they are ashamed to expose to the public. “….they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they … cover[ed] themselves.  ..” (Genesis 3 NLT). 

It seems the corruption of image began in the Garden and has perpetuated itself from one generation to another for centuries. Mankind finds ways to cover his or her body image, which is really guilt, for having NO spiritual COVERING because of their sin. “….they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they … cover[ed] themselves.  ..” (Genesis 3 NLT).  “ …they hid from the Lord God.” (Genesis 3 NLT).

“…Can anyone hide from [God, the Holy Spirit]... in a secret place? [God is]... everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" says the LORD….” (Jeremiah 23:24 NLT).“…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account…” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV). “…For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings…” (Job 34:21 KJV). “…Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalms 139:7 KJV). “…they hid from the Lord God...” (Genesis 3 NLT).

 “….. AT THAT MOMENT their eyes were opened…Then the Lord God asked…“What have you done? …“ …” (Genesis 3 NLT). Adam and Eve were in the same place King David was when he said to God, “…against thee, thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight…” (Psalms 51:4 KJV).

Sadly, “… one sinner destroy[ed]… much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

Mankind struggles with the bondage of sin and it’s intrusive, perpetual guilt. “…I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself... Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the bondage of the sinful nature and its guilt-ridden practices]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

Mankind could NO LONGER “freely” choose to live out God’s righteous STANDARDS that at one time GOVERNED their behavior and SET them APART for God’s GLORY! “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t...”(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou… Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and BEAUTY …” (Job 40:9-10 KJV). Adam and Eve became “…deadin trespasses and sin” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). AND “….apart from …[God’s Spirit], [Adam and Eve could]... do nothing [their condition]…” (John 15:5 NIV). “....Who will free me from this life?...” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

God hates sin, but he doesn’t hate the sinner. Sin separates mankind from him and he loves each of them so very deeply. Sin MARS mankind by separating them from God, the Holy Spirit and the original image in which God created them.“…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). When “….God saw every thing he had made……[he said], it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

From the beginning, God, the Holy Spirit, has exhibited divine STANDARDS that immutably GOVERN his CONDUCT and SETS him APART from ALL others. God is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

Letting God’s standards GOVERN your conduct setsyou apart, which is holiness. Holiness is attractive or beautiful and is another way to WORSHIP God. “…worship the Lordin the BEAUTY of holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

The Hebrew Boys KNEW God’s standards.  “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).

The Hebrew Boys’ conduct was GOVERNED by God’s STANDARDS. “...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV). “... “We must obey God [and his Word (his governing authority)]... rather than human beings!..” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV). “...“It’s necessary to obey God rather than men....” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG).

The Hebrews Boys were SET APART from every else in the story. God was with them and promoted them. “…Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished ....I SEE FOUR MEN LOOSE, WALKING IN THE MIDST OF THE FIRE, AND THEY HAVE NO HURT;..” (DANIEL 3).“…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

“...Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him,and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort… Then the king PROMOTED Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon…” (DANIEL 3).

Like the Hebrew Boys ALL of God’s people are to “…worship the Lord in the BEAUTY of holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

“…[King Jehoshaphat]... appointed singers unto the Lord …that [they]…should praise the BEAUTYof holiness…” (2 Chronicles 20:21 KJV). “…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the BEAUTYof the Lord…” (Psalms 27:4 KJV). “….worship the Lordin the BEAUTY of holiness…” (Psalms 29:2 KJV). “…And let the BEAUTY of the Lord our God be upon us…” (Psalms 90:17 KJV). “…The Lord made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and BEAUTY are in his sanctuary…” (Psalms 96:5-6 KJV). “…O worship the Lord in the BEAUTY of holiness…” (Psalms 96:9 KJV).

Sin separates mankind from God. “God is Spirit…” (John 4:24 NIV). Therefore, if you are separated from his Holy Spirit, you are separated from TRUE attractiveness or beauty.“…let the BEAUTY of the Lord our God be upon us…” (Psalms 90:17 KJV). “…the BEAUTY of holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV). “…without holiness no one will see the Lord…” (Hebrews 12:14 NIV).

Without letting God’s Holy Spirit standards GOVERN your conduct and set you apart, NO ONE will “SEE” the LORD (his Word).

Without HOLINESS God’s people will never EXPERIENCE true attractiveness or beauty. They will ALWAYS be limited to the physical standard of beauty ONLY; the kind that won’t last. “… [Outer]…beautydoes not last…” (Proverbs 31:20 KJV).

Adam and Eve “…hid from the Lord God…” (Genesis 3 NLT).   “… [their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from [their]… God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

Even in our human relationships, when one of the spouses commits an act of infidelity, the sin separates them from their husband or wife. Sin ALWAYS separates.

However, God’ STANDARD of GRACE governs HIS conduct and sets HIM apart as the HOLY ONE of grace, mercy, and forgiveness, In addition, God’s STANDARD of LOVE also governs HIS conduct and sets HIM apart as the HOLY ONE who finds a way to restore or reconcile you back to himself.  “…[God, the Holy Spirit] ...pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “..The lord...[God] ... is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). God is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

“…God hath not called us for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). “…that we might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  “…Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “...[SO] put on the new man, which after God is created in …true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).  SO YOU CAN “… be holy in all manner of conversation...” (1 Peter 1:15 KJV).

The bible says, “…just as God said, “I will dwell in them andwalk among them;And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate (holy),” says the Lord. “ …And do not touch what is unclean…”(2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB). 

People may spend a lot of time on outer attractiveness or beauty, God’s people too, but God gives very little regard to the physical. “….For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come….” (1 Timothy 4:8 KJV).

 “...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). “...For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride...  All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). God knows, the heart can be UGLY and it “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

An apple tree is not known for its bark, but for its apples. A grape vine is not known for its branches, but for its grapes.  Neither are God’s people known for their physical attractive or beauty, but their spiritual fruit. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

The spiritual fruit makes it easy to WITNESS and SEE the presence, the goodness, and the working power of God, the Holy Spirit, through their holiness. “…every good tree bringeth forth good fruit….[and] a good tree CANNOT bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUIT YE SHALL KNOW THEM...” (Matthew 7:16-22 KJV).

“…The fruit of the [HOLY]...Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, “You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act …” (Matthew 7:16 NLT).

“…let the BEAUTY of the Lord our God be upon [HIS people]….. the BEAUTY of holiness…” (Psalms 90:17 & Psalms 29:2 KJV). “…Canst thou… array thyself …[with HOLY]… BEAUTY? …” (Job 40:9-10 KJV).

 Can God’s people make themselves truly attractive or beautiful with God’s holiness? NO. “… I am all too human, a slave to sin. …I want to do what 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 [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [heart] sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

God helps HIS people by sending his Son. "...You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide  ...” (John 15:16 ASV).

“…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

GOD RESTORED HIS people BACK to their ORIGINAL ATTRACTIVENESS or BEAUTY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. “…he(she) that is joined (attached, reconciled, restored, made whole, etc.,) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… it is the gift of God…”(EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).

When “…the BEAUTY of the Lord our God [is]… upon us…” (Psalms 90:17 KJV). "… [The] … Father is glorified by this…” (John 15:8 NIV).

GOD SAID, “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). AND REMEMBER “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

WHO OR WHAT IS THE "GOVERNING AUTHORITY" IN YOUR LIFE?

 

YOUR SOURCE FOR GOVERNMENT

“[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

*

For God’s people the GOVERNING AUTHORITY is the LIVING WORD of God, the Holy Spirit, who is designated as KING of kings, LORD of lords, and PRESIDENT of presidents. “… His name (Jesus Christ) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… 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 Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “...the Lamb (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

“...On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV). “...In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus (the LIVING WORD of God), who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command (governing authority) without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).“...May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him...” (Psalms 72:11 NIV). “...Give thanks to the Lord of lords...” (Psalms 136:3 NIV). “...Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits...” (Psalms 136:1-3 MSG).

Further, the bible tells his people the ultimate responsibility of government is upon HIS shoulders, which means the authority of CONDUCT is established by God, and God alone.“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords ... To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “...For to us a child is born, to us a son (God’s LIVING WORD) is given,  and the government will be on his shouldersAnd he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

From the beginning of creation, God established, made, or administered “governing authorities” that were meant to GOVERN the actions of behavior established by God’s HOLY LAWS (HIS WORD). “…In the beginning was the Word (established authority),and the Word (established authority) was with God (the holy spirit), and the Word (established authority) was God (the holy spirit). He (Jesus, his LIVING Word and established authority) was in the beginning with God (the Holy Spirit). All things came into being through [the established authority], and apart from [the established authority] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB)

God was ALWAYS and STILL IS the governing RULE over “HIS” people. God’s people are part of HIS KINGDOM and the “governing authorities” are HIS WORD. “...He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness, His ruling authority (his WORD) will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throneover that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this...” (Isaiah 9:6 MSG).

The Kingdom of God is RULED by God, the Holy Spirit, whose POWER is NOT limited by human laws or restrictions made by mankind or those chosen and put into positions of authority through an election by the populace. “...his kingdom ruleth over all...” (Psalms 103:19 KJV).  “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing (revealing) the glad tidings (good news) of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

Jesus, God’s LIVING WORD and “governing authority”, established and announced the Kingdom of God had come to earth. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

“... The word of God spread....” (Acts 6:7 NIV). “... the word of God continued to spread and flourish...” (Acts 12:24 NIV). “... So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed...” (Act 12:20 KJV). “...God’s word [was un]chained...” (1 Timothy 2:9 NIV). “... the word of God [was un]bound...” (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV).

Most people, including God’s people, have come to believe that “governing authorities” are merely human beings who are part of political parties, or organization, or other entities who have been PUT into man-made POSITIONS of authority to govern temporarily.

God, the “governing authority” told King Nebuchadnezzar, the mere man - who was PUT into a temporary POSITION of authority- THIS:“…Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue…” (Daniels 4 NLT).

Nebuchadnezzar DIDN’T listen. .“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords... To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).:

SO “...This is what is decreed (by God’s Word & governing authority) for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. …” (Daniel 4 NLT).

 “… Immediately what had been said (through God’s Word & governing authority) about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled …” (Daniel 4 NLT).

God’s people know the devil ONLY comes to STEAL, kill, and destroy, so it’s no surprise that his has STOLEN the concept of “governing authorities” and reduced it to MERE flesh.“…The thief cometh not, but to STEAL, and to KILL, and to DESTROY…” (John 10:10 KJV). “… ONE sinner (the devil) destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…”(Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

Because Apostle Paul in Romans 13 tells God’s people that “governing authorities” were God’s idea and established by HIM. However, they, like everybody else, SEE the “governing authority” as a MERE human being and NOT God, the Holy Spirit’s, WORD.

“...Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). God is the Holy Spirit. He told HIS people: “…ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).

“...Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“...there is no authority except that which God has established...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“...The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV), “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “....the Word (established authority) was God (the holy spirit)… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“....the Word  was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). Jesus, the Word said: “… I and my Father are ONE (Jesus and God’s were the SAME)…” (John 10:30 KJV). Jesus also said: “…All authority has been given to [HIM, God’s WORD)in heaven and on earth … [therefore,] the powersof heaven and the peoples of the earth [submit to HIS WORD (the governing authority) too] …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB &Daniel 4 NLT).

From the beginning God GAVE mankind his “governing authority” to assist in GOVERNING righteous and holy behavior. The “governing authority” was NOT a human being, but it was God’s HOLY STANDARDS for mankind’s CONDUCT upon earth.

The WORD of GOD was the “governing authority.” God, the Holy Spirit GAVE the first LAW ever! “…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).

God’ standard of holy and righteous behavior was NOT to eat of the” tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” They were to SUBMIT, by choice, to the “governing authority,” because God had established the holy law and it existed because HE had established it! “...All things (governing authorities) came into being through [God, the Holy Spirit’s, established authority], and apart from [the established authority] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

The Hebrew Boys were perfect examples of submitting to the “governing authority,” which is God’s WORD and NOT to those who were merely PUT into temporary POSITIONS of authority

God’s WORD, the “governing authority” in the LIVES of the Hebrew Boys SAID THIS:  “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).

The MERE human who was PUT in a temporary POSITION of authority REQUIRED THIS of the Hebrew Boys: “...Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

The Hebrew Boys’ conduct was GOVERNED by the “governing authority” of God’s HOLY LAWS (his WORD) and answered: “...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV). “...We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God [and his Word (his governing authority)]... rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross...” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV). “...Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail...”(Acts 5:30-32 MSG).

Therefore, “...Let everyone (of God’s people) be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“…[ALL] power belongs to God (not humans)…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV). According to bible scholars there are over 600+ laws of God in the Old Testament, which include the ten commandments and the Mosiac laws.

“...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar (the mere man who was PUT in a temporary POSITION of authority as a king)...[let]...it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, instituted laws that instructed his people on HOW to GOVERN themselves in life and worship. God told them: “…“IF” you refuse to LISTEN to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees (governing authorities), …all these curses will come and overwhelm you:…” (Deuteronomy 28 NLT). Most of God’s people DIDN’T listen.

“…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continueto live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“… Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

 “... Now the deeds of the flesh, [IF practiced by God’s people, will be]... evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn [my people], just as I have forewarned [my people “before], that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“... Everyone (no exceptions) who practices sin ...[on any level]... also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“... REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “ ... Return ... to the Lord ... [your] ... God... [AND HE] ... will heal [your] ... apostasy ....” (Hosea 14:1-4 NLT). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV).  

.“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords ... To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).

“...For RULERS (established governing authorities) hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended...” (Romans 13:3 NIV).

“… REPENTand TURN TO God …” (Acts 26: 20 NASB).  “….IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). “…HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.…” (John 3:18-20 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV). “…Whosoever believeth in him SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  “...[The]... rulers (God’s Word, the established governing authorities) hold no terror for those who do right,...” (Romans 13:3 NIV).

“...I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear...” (Luke 12:5 NLT). “...Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell...” (Matthew 10:28 NLT). “...There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy...” (James 4:12 NIV).  “...God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy...” (James 4:12 NLT). “...For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king (president, rule, government); it is he who will save us...” (Isaiah 33:22 NIV). “...For the LORD is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us...” (Isaiah 33:22 NLT). “...It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God...” (Hebrew 10:31 NASB). “...Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended...” (Romans 13:3 NIV). “...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords ......” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “… [Jesus, God’s Word and “governing authority” came]…NOT… to be served, but to serve...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

 “...For the one in authority (God’s WORD) is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers (God’s WORDS, the governing authorities) do not bear the sword for no reason. They (God’s WORDS) are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).

“… [Jesus’]... name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “....the Word  was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). Jesus, the Word said: “… I and my Father are ONE (Jesus and God’s were the SAME)…” (John 10:30 KJV). Jesus also said: “…All authority has been given to [HIM, God’s WORD)in heaven and on earth …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB &Daniel 4 NLT).

“... Now the deeds of the flesh, [IF practiced by God’s people or anyone else, will be]... evident ....I forewarn [my people and others], just as I have forewarned [my people and others “before], that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).  “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

The Hebrew Boys said: “...[let]...it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

“...And in hell [the unrepentant rich man]... lift[ed]... up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame...” (Luke 16:19-22 NIV).

The book of JUDE discusses the HISTORY of those who CHOSE willfully and voluntarily to REJECT the “governing authority”  and servants sent by God, the Holy Spirit. “...Dear friends ... some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus (the Word,  God’s “governing authorities”) first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful. And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment...” (Jude 1 NLT). 

“... These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.  And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT).

“...For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“... it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ......” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returnsto its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB). “...They (God’s WORDS) are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).

“…The law (God’s governing authorities and servants) of the LORD is perfect(mature), restoring the soul; The testimony (governing authorities and servants) of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts (governing authorities and servants) of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment (governing authorities and servant) of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments (governing authorities and servants) 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).

“All scripture (governing authorities and servants) is given by INSPIRATION of God, and is PROFITABLE for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). “…For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God SPAKE as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV). “...For the one in authority (God’s WORD) is God’s servant for your good....” (Romans 13:4 NIV).

“...Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the (governing]...authorities (and servants of God), not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience...” (Romans 13:5 NIV).“...These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT). “…[They]... will continue to live as [they] WANT TO, stubbornly (rebelliously) following [their] own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

However, the bible says: “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…If you love me, you will keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). “…not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).“…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).

“…O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. YOU SATISFY ME more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy…” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT). “...Therefore ,,,,submit to the (governing]...authorities (and servants of God) ...as a matter of conscience...” (Romans 13:5 NIV).

What GOD’S PEOPLE know, without a doubt, is ALL POWER and AUTHORITY belongs to God, the Holy Spirit, period. “…[ALL] power belongs to God (not humans)…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). “…All authority has been given to [HIM, God’s WORD)in heaven and on earth …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB &Daniel 4 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, appointed HIS WORD to be the “governing authorities” as well as arranged them, and established them for HIS people.

God allows human beings to be PUT into POSITIONS of authority, but they are NOT the “governing authority” HIS WORD continues to be SOVEREIGN.

EVIL RULERS are NOT the “governing authorities” they are PUT or are allowed to be PUT into POSITIONS of authority.

God IS and has ALWAYS been the KING of kings, the LORD or lords, and PRESIDENTS of presidents, but HIS “own” people REJECTED his POSITION as their KING, LORD, and/or PRESIDENT and asked for a HUMAN BEING instead. “...So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king(leader, Lord, President, etc.,)....” (1 Samuel 8:4-8 NIV).

God ALLOWED HIS people to CHOOSE to PUT into POSITION a HUMAN king (leader, lord, president, etc.,).“…The highway to hellis broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).  “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

"…I hate divorce (APOSTASY)," says the LORD, the God of Israel..." (Malachi 2:16 NASB). “…[Yet]...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV).

God ALLOWED them to PUT into POSITION a HUMAN leader, but he also WARNED them of the consequences of their CHOICE.  “...Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants.Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use.  He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves.When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

HUMAN leaders are PUT into POSITIONS of authority by PEOPLE who ELECT or CHOOSE them on their OWN volition. When God’s people make a mere MAN their king instead of HIS “governing authorities,” God concedes to their choice and no longer answer them since he is no longer their KING. “...When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lordwill not answer you in that day...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

The MESSAGE is crystal clear, God’s people are ALLOWED to PUT mere, finite men in POSITIONS of authority, but they are not to become their “governing authority”

When a mere man becomes the “governing authority” for God’s people they have REJECTED God as their KING and his established “governing authorities.”

Every CHOSEN leader PUT into a POSITION of authority may or may not be SELECTED by God, the Holy Spirit, but God allows his people to CHOOSE whom they want to SERVE.  “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV).

God does GIVE his people leaders to PUT in POSITIONS of authority. “…No one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.…” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV). “…He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers …[and other leaders]...” (Ephesians 4:11 NASB). “…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 NIV).  “…He gave some …..pastors and teachers…” (Ephesians 4:11 NIV). “…I will set up shepherdsover them which shall feed them… saith the LORD…” (Jeremiah 23:4 KJV).“…I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, evenmy servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd…” (Ezekiel 34:23 KJV).

Others were PUT into POSITIONS of authority, such as false prophets, that God did NOT choose.“...Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit...” (Ezkiel 13:3 KJV). “...This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to his people: “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the LORD!...” (Jeremiahs 23:27 NLT).

Every man or woman PUT into POSITIONS of AUTHORITY God DID NOT “GIVE” or “APPOINT.” “...They (those PUT into POSITIONS of authority by themselves or other humans) do not speak for the LORD!...” (Jeremiahs 23:27 NLT). “… [Those PUT into POSITION by themselves or mankind]… are such [that]… serve notour Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV). “..[A]... prophet (PUT into a POSITION of authority by themselves or other humans) who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die...” (Deuteronomy 18: 20 KJV).

.“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords .....” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “...the government will be on his shoulders..” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). God’s GOVERNMENT exists because of his CITIZENS, those in heaven and those upon earth.

While upon earth “...[God’s people]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV). “...[their]... citizenship is in heaven. And [his citizen’s]... eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV). “…[The REDEEMED]... are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. [They]... are members of God’s family.…” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT).

Evil leaders PUT in POSITIONS of authority by themselves or other humans will have to ANSWER to God, the Holy Spirit. “... The great day of judgment [is coming] ...Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment...” (Jude 1 NLT). 

“... These things happened as a warning to us ...These things happened to them as examples for [those living in the present times]. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT).

God’s GOVERNMENT and his “governing authorities” were put in place for the good of HIS PEOPLE (citizens, family members, etc.,), especially while upon earth. “...For the one in authority (God’s WORD) is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers (God’s WORDS, the governing authorities) do not bear the sword for no reason. They (God’s WORDS) are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).

God’s “governing authorities” are servants for good when ALLOWED to GOVERN one’s conduct by suppressing evil, maintaining justice, keeping sin in check, demonstrating God’s love and care, and protecting one from harm.

It is through the “governing authorities” that GOVERN the conduct of God’s people, citizens, and members of his heavenly family that let the WORLD “know” God’s Kingdom has come to earth. Jesus, the WORD showed himself FRUITFUL and MULTIFLIED!! “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

“… [God’s people or citizens are to be]....growing in every way more and more like Christ (the god image)…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and it drew the LOST, OPPRESSED, and NEEDY to God, the Holy Spirit. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

The righteous works came throughJesus, but were performed by God, the Holy Spirit. He DOES the WORK. “… God  … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [to him]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 “... The word of God spread....” (Acts 6:7 NIV). “... the word of God continued to spread and flourish...” (Acts 12:24 NIV). “... So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed...” (Act 12:20 KJV). “...God’s word [was un]chained...” (1 Timothy 2:9 NIV). “... the word of God [was un]bound...” (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV).

“…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; THEN will I hear from heaven and will FORGIVE their sin, and will HEAL THEIR LAND(NATION, COUNTRY, DESTINY, ETC.,)…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit is the KING of kings, the LORD of lords, the PRESIDENT of presidents who HATES evil, loves GOOD, and establishes JUSTICE.“...Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph...” (Amos 5:15 NIV).

“…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…God anointed  (as his living word & governing authority) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost (His indwelling presence and goodness)and WITH POWER (His working power). [And he]...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (the indwelling Holy Spirit) 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).

“...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “.. [Jesus, the WORD is a) Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “...[Jesus, the WORD]... has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT). “… [The WORD] ...reveals [God’s]... thoughts to mankind…” (Amos 4:13 NLT).

“… GROW (develop, transform) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV). “… [change, transform]… 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).

“…O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right (hate evil), [love good,]... to love mercy (maintain justice), and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).

“…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

God’s people, who were sent to the United States, don’t want the nation to be judged. God’s people are to be GOVERNED by the “governing authority” of God’s Word. “…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

God’s people submit to the “governing authority” that says: “...to do justly, and to love mercy...” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

The privilege and responsibility to vote, while upon earth, allows God’s people to contribute to SEEING justice DONE and MERCY, which God’s delights, in EXPRESSED.

“…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

“…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). “…MERCY triumphs over judgement…” (Romans 5:20, James 2:13 NASB).

“...Let everyone [of God’s people]... be subject (submit) to the governing authorities (God’s WORDS), for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience...” (Romans 13:1-5 NIV).

.“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords .....” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “...the government will be on his shoulders...” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).  “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the … HOLY SPIRIT … is the source of [EVERYTHING, even GOVERNMENT] …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 

 

 

 

 

MERCY MERCY ME, I AM THANKFUL GOD'S MERCY IS EVERLASTING!!

YOUR SOURCE OF MERCY

“. His MERCY is everlasting… “  (Psalms 100:5 KJV).

*

Grace extends to you undeserving favors, but MERCY takes it even further by withholding fair punishment from you. “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

In the story of the Ungrateful Servant, God’s grace gave him undeserved favor by erasing his entire debt. God’s mercy withheld the punishment of selling off his wife, children, and property. God’s acts of grace influences his acts of mercy. God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “...[Thankfully]... it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

God erased the servant’s debt so he no longer had to be punished for it by his creditors. Read the parable again and see God’s GRACE and MERCY in action. “…The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

“His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.

Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

Since grace is not a normal human response to wrongs and offenses, people usually devise some kind of punishment in retaliation. “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV).

In the story of the ungrateful servant, after all his own debt was forgiven and he was shown great mercy; look how his responds to his fellow servant: “..his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. “BUTwhen the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.  “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

GRACE will influence MERCY. In my last chapter I talked about people who showed me no grace and therefore no mercy either.

Instead, they chose to punish me for my alleged wrongs and offenses. “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV). Their punishment was to shut me out of their lives, stop talking to me, stop showing love and care, stop inviting me, or they blamed me for the entire situation, didn’t call or show concern, perpetually mistreated me while I was recovering from brain surgery of all things, and offered no comfort whatsoever. “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (justice, not revenge) belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord…” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

They felt justified for their actions and they found people to agree with their behavior. A 40+ year old relationship destroyed. “…Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness …they have no understanding, no fidelity, NO LOVE, NO MERCY. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.…” (Romans 1:32 NASB).

Without grace or mercy I experienced their wrath through mistreatment for months. On top of trying to recover from one of the worst experiences of my life; I was “punished” for my alleged wrongs by a key person important to my heart. “...‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

This made recovery challenging and I cried a little more than normal. I was already processing through the emotional realities of my brain bleed and why it happened TO ME in the first place. Further, I was now considered disabled. Where was my grace? Where was my mercy? Don’t get me wrong grace and mercy was shown among the many loving people that surrounded me, but NOT EVERYONE.

NOT my 40+ year friendship. I didn’t agree with the offenses I was accused of, but I didn’t negate them either. What offends or hurts one people may not offend or hurt another. People’s feelings are neither right nor wrong; they are just feelings. However, acting on certain feelings whether than truth can become destructive.

Thus, I witnessed and experienced, first-hand, how harsh, unkind, and mean-spirited human nature can be, especially when merciless people are deliberately treating or punishing you the way they “feel” you deserve to be treated or punished.

“...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (justice, not revenge) belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord…” (Romans 12:19 ASV). “…Furthermore…they have no understanding, no fidelity, NO LOVE, NO MERCY.…” (Romans 1:32 NASB). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

There are people you are not seeking to punish or get revenge on them, but maybe it is simply not healthy to associate with them; at the moment. However, you are or will be kind and merciful toward them.

I am basically talking about people who intentionally aim to punish or get revenge on another person, because they did something to them and they want to get them back. “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV). “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord…” (Romans 12:19 ASV). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

God is endlessly merciful to the worst offenders, the worst sinners, and the worst rebels. Even though he knows they are guilty of offending and sinning against him in MANY ways. “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]...mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…[God]…WILL HEAL their apostasy, [and]…love them freely…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV).  “...Fortunate for the undeserving, “...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “..Come boldly unto the throne of GRACE ...[and]...obtain mercy…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV).

“...Herein is [merciful]…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). “...For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God[‘s merciful Love]...”(EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV). God redeemed us back into a right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. . “…Christ …. died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, SO THAT HE MIGHT BRING US [BACK]…TO GOD…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Everybody, including your Momma, and all your cousins have sinned. “…All have sinned (including you and everyone else has) ...fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

Most MERCILESS people often deserve the very punishment they seek to inflict on someone else. MERCILESS people have forgotten or are not yet aware that they, themselves, have sinned against the HOLY God. King David said to God, “…Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just…” (Psalms 51:4 NLT).

“…against thee, thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest…” (Psalms 51:4 KJV).

God “IS” “... rich in mercy… [because of]... his great love…even when [you] were dead in sins, had quickened [you] together with Christ (by grace are ye saved)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...the just for the unjust...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (be punished)…” (John 3:16 KJV & 1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

You didn’t meet God’s standards of righteousness or holiness, but he responded with GRACE anyway through HIS free GIFT of Salvation in Jesus Christ. HE also made you brand new. “...Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

NO human being upon earth deserves salvation, or earns it, nor are they worthy of it. “...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy....”(Titus 3:5 NIV). “…[In HIS] ... love and in His mercy He redeemed [his people]…” (Isaiah 63:9 NASB).  “…Christ died for [your] sins according to the scriptures;  And …he was buried, and … rose again the third day according to the scriptures...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). God, being “... RICH IN MERCY… [because of]... his great love…had quickened [you] together with Christ (by grace are ye saved)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV).

“…O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy,and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).

“…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV). God’s mercy is generously offered to his people. He has shown them what is good through his GRACE and MERCY toward them and now requires his people to do the same.

“…Who isa God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…”(Micah 7:18 KJV). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…it is God who works in [his people]... to willand to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

Being MERCILESS toward others is NOT becoming of a child of God and does NOT offer HIM glory. “…Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time...” (JAMES 2:12-13 MSG). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

It doesn’t matter what someone has done to you, or how long they’ve done it, or how horrible it was, or how deserving they may be of punishment; it is NOT for God’s people to avenge or get revenge for themselves.  “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV). “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord…” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

God “...delights in MERCY" and not human revenge (Micah 7:18). “..O give thanks unto the LORD; for he isGOOD; for his mercyendurethfor ever...” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV).“...It came …to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy…” (Psalms 103:8 KJV). “…For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him…” (Psalms 103:11 KJV). “…But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children…” (Psalms 103:17 KJV).

God’s mercy is full of compassion and he totally empathizes with his people’s various problems with overcoming the sinful nature. “...For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV).

His merciful compassion through Jesus, which reveals HIS HOLY love shows his concern and understanding regarding the struggle mankind has with overcoming the sinful nature. “...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).

God, the Holy Spirit of MERCIFUL LOVE put on human flesh, which revealed his concern and empathize, on a personal level, with mankind’s plight with the sinful nature. “...Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people…” (Hebrew 2:17 NLT).

MERCILESSNESS was the stimulus that entered in my surrounding environment, but when I responded my REACTION was one of thankfulness for God’s MERCY.

A new behavior of thankfulness for his MERCY developed. We love ourselves and others mercifully, because God first loved us mercifully. “...We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…[God]...delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. …” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “...By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV).   And it “…prove(s) [to you]…what [is in your own]…heart, whether [you]…wouldest keep his commandments, or no...” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV). “….the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7 ASV). “...[God] knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold…” (Job 23:10 KJV).

When you show GRACE and MERCY to those, you think, don’ deserve it; it pleases God who “…delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). In fact, God’s requires his people to be merciful. “…O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).  “…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).  

MERCY will humble you and will cost you your pride. “...Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me...” (Matthew 16:24 NASB). However, WHATEVER and EVERYTHING you give up or gave up - God will give it back to you 100 times. “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that everyonewho has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in returna hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

You don’t have to like God’s merciful attribute that is governed by his love for mankind or understand it, but you do have to respect that MERCY is his delightful will. “… delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “...Are [Job and his friends]… saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course [he’s]…not! For God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

It gives God pleasure to show MERCY to human beings, no matter how undeserving. “…Who isa God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

Showing GRACE and MERCY to the underserving may be one of the hardest parts of the Christian journey. “...is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). You CANNOT do it without, the empowerment, of the indwelling Christ. “….apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). Yet, “...I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“…For it is Godwho works in [me]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…this is what [God, the Holy Spirit]... requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).  

God “… delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV) simply because God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…The Lord is ...of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “…The LordGod, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). So God’s merciful “love …always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God is CONFIDENT about his GRACE and MERCY. God, the Holy Spirit of MERCIFUL LOVE continually offers his SALVATION and gifts of HOLY love to EVERYONE who chooses to receive, even the WORST, unrepentant sinners. ”…  ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFTof God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through 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...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

MERCY is a hard thing to elicit from most human beings after some offenses, but NEVER from God. God’s MERCY is immutable and is always GOVERNED by his HOLY LOVE.  “… [God, the Holy Spirit]...delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

When human mercy runs out or is nowhere to be found God’s MERCY is there for you FOREVER!! “..O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old…” (PSALM 25:6 KJV).

God is your SOURCE of immutable MERCY. “…The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING….” (LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23). “…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV). “...[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 

WHY THEY CALL HIS SUFFICIENT GRACE; AMAZING!!

 

                                               
YOUR SOURCE OF GRACE

“…“My grace is all you need. …”“… MY GRACE is sufficient for thee…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 Corinthians 12:9 KJV & NLT).

*  

Grace is really NOT a natural response for most human beings. Grace implies that you WILL NOT treat a person according to their wrongs towards you.  “…“My grace is all you need. …”“… MY GRACE is sufficient for thee…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 Corinthians 12:9 KJV & NLT).

When someone does you wrong it is a greater temptation to do them wrong too through revenge, defense, violence, mistreatment, or a nasty, harsh physical or verbal response. “…The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him.In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

  “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.

Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

“…As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise…” (Luke 6:31 KJV). “…Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you;then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that…” (Luke 6:31-34 MSG).

When is the last time your first response was one of Grace? When is the last time you treated someone unjustly because you felt they deserved it? Just because you don’t treat someone according to their wrongs towards you doesn’t mean you are letting them walk over you; it means you’re simply responding in a way that can bring reconciliation or healing. “…I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV).

When people criticize you, upset you, mistreat you, or hurt you; it is hard to behave graciously. However, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and respond with kindness; it will always turn away anger. “…My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19 NIV).  “…A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger…” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).

A smile, a kind response, or a calm peaceful spirit will change the entire direction of the situation. “…The older counselors replied, "If you are good to these people and do your best to please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects…" (2 Chronicles 10:7 NLT).

God is continually gracious toward HIS people in all his responses. Grace is God’s love in action. Every time he responds to his people with unmerited favor he is demonstrating his amazing LOVING, grace. “…“My grace is all you need. …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT).

Grace is about God NOT treating his “covenant unity” people according to their sins and offenses against him. God, the Holy Spirit FAITHFULLY demonstrates HIS GRACE toward his people. “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…He … remains faithful (in his demonstration of grace) …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

“...even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

GRACE is God, the Holy Spirit’s LOVE in ACTION. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “...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). “…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

Grace, God, the Holy Spirit’s love in action, is the unmerited and undeserving treatment toward those who don’t deserve it, who didn’t earn it, and weren’t worthy of it. “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…”(Romans 5:6-8 NLT).  “…“My grace is all you need. …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). “… My graceis sufficient for thee: …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

Human beings, no matter how decent, will NEVER be an adequate source of grace. GRACE is an immutable attribute of God that is GOVERNED by HOLY LOVE. It is always a FIRST response from God, but not always from humans. During my recovery, many key people felt somehow I had wronged them, whether it was founded or unfounded. They treated me accordingly.

What I discovered is that when someone feels you’ve wronged them or offended them, even though you may sincerely apologized, they won’t always redeem you back into a relationship with them.

There is nothing you can do to redeem yourself back either without their grace, especially when someone feels you have wronged them and you can’t fix it.

In those moments you realized, ONLY the person you’ve wronged or offended can redeem you back into a right relationship with them. When Israel had wronged God he said, “…I WILL heal their apostasy (I will heal their unfaithfulness toward me), I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from them.…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV). “…Where sin increased, [My]...grace abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB). God’s “…graceis sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).  His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). His “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…I WILL HEAL their apostasy, I will love them freely…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV).

There is no worst feeling in the world than thinking you’ve wronged or offended someone, and you can’t redeem yourself or do anything to fix it.

 What is even worst is they are not willing to redeem you either. They shut you out, or reject you, un-invite you, cut you off, or treat you according to the way they perceive you deserve it. It was during this experience that I appreciated God, the Holy Spirit’s GRACE more than ever!

This is what the ungrateful servant did:  “…his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

“…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “…Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21-22 NLT).

“…I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too…” (Mark 11:24-25 NLT).

I couldn’t redeem myself from my wrongs or offenses yet I longed to be back into a right relationship with them. It didn’t happen. Automatically it made me remember their many wrongs and offenses against me. I begin to remember how God told me to show them grace and mercy. I treated them with God’s grace through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Eventually, I asked one of them: “Where is my grace?”

“...His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

For hours, days, weeks, and months I was treated according to what they thought I deserved. They claimed they were over it and had forgiven me, but treated me as if they were not. I was shut out, cut off, not spoken to, treated like a stranger, uncared for by them, and blatantly mistreated. I can’t even begin to tell you how hurtful it is to be treated without GRACE. Be EVER thankful for God’s LOVING GRACE!!!!

I truly thought, for certain, they would treat me with GRACE too as God had led me to treat them, but it didn’t happen. I felt like the fellow servant who owed a “few thousand dollars”: “…he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

We make mistakes with those we love and care for, whether intentionally or unintentionally and no matter what, we simply can’t FIX it. You learn through these experiences, hard as they are to process through, human beings ARE NOT your SOURCE of GRACE.

On the one hand it makes you realize God’s GRACE all the more. When I go to him confessing my many wrongs and offenses against him, God absolutely and completely forgives me. “...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). I had another chance with God and he won’t remember my mishaps because HIS GRACIOUS love covers them over. “…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

When you truly and authentically experience his LOVING GRACE you will choose to love like that too. “...We love, because he first loved us...” (1 John 4:19 ASV). "…For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little…" (Luke 7:47 NASB).

“…Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

God’s disciples are recognized by the way they demonstrate love “…one to another …” (John 13:35 KJV). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…But the fruit of the Spirit is love (demonstrated by Grace/Mercy), joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God’s GRACE-filled “…love is patient, [God’s grace-filled]…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. …[God’s grace-filled]…love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

Truly God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB). We make mistakes. We say things we shouldn’t say. We are not perfect, but finite and sometimes God’s people need sufficient GRACE.

Unfortunately, you can’t always gleam grace, in the moment, from your fellow human beings and sometimes that is challenging to overcome emotionally. It truly hurts the heart. I am sorry for those of you who are experiencing this kind of pain. God’s people are instructed to love “…one to another …” (John 13:35 KJV).

The redeeming GRACE is God, the Holy Spirit’s, GRACE. “...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). HIS GRACE-filled love covers many sins, forgets them, and remembers them NO MORE. His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). “…I will forgive …and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV).

No matter who doesn’t forgive you or allow their grace to redeem you; God will and can!! If God can forgive and redeem you; you can forgive and redeem yourself and others too. “...I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all…” (PSALMS 34:19 KJV).

“…I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV). “…I will restore… and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV).….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).

this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). God makes it clear about walking in GRACE. “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV). “…May the GRACE of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people…” (Revelations 22:21 NLT).

“...God’s wonderful grace...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “... [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). 

GOD'S HAS PERSONALLY ACCEPTED AND APPROVED OF YOU!

 

THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP #2 YOUR SOURCE FOR ACCEPTANCE and VALIDATION

“…[God]…hath made us accepted in the beloved...” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

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Self-acceptance and self-validation MAY be two of the MOST crippling and hard to fulfill needs or human desires people struggle with, privately. “….human desire (regarding the need to be accepted and validated) is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). Therefore, “… [God’s people]… are NEVER SATISFIED (with human acceptance and/or validation)...” (HABAKKUK 2:5 NLT).

In one’s formative years being approved of and recognized as worthy ALWAYS comes from CAREGIVERS, but if those NEEDS are never met, you’ll spend a lifetime seeking acceptance and validation from ANY kind of environment (healthy or unhealthy).“… [God, the Holy Spirit] … will supply all [your need for acceptance and validation]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God, the Holy Spirit, ALONE will]… satisfy …and refresh everyone …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB). “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing (can’t find satisfying acceptance and validation)…” (John 15:5 NIV).

When the CONFORMED person is MADE WHOLE, RESTORED, and RECONCILED to God, the Holy Spirit, they are NEW CREATION. “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I will put a new spirit in [my people] …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

New Creations are FREE from ALL past rejections and invalidations, but LIVING in and EXPERIENCING that FREEDOM is an ACTIVE process of sanctification that involves the will that enables the CONFORMED person to CHOOSE to renew their own mindsets. “…if the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV). “…the will of God (his heart’s desire, his choice, what he wants, etc.), [is]…your SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB).  “ ... in the PROCESS of TIME “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

 “…Christ ….loved the church, and GAVEhimself for it; That he might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it, with the washing of water by the word (of god)….”(Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV). “…The God of peace Himself SANCTIFY  (cleanse) you ENTIRELY…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “….ye are SANCTIFIED (cleaned) …in the name of the Lord Jesus (the Word), and by the SPIRIT (living water) of our GOD…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).

The active process of sanctification, through God’s Word, washes away past habitual/familiar lifestyles through DAILY repetition and practicing new behaviors and mindsets.“...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION (cleansing power) by the Spirit (God’s LIVING WATER) and faith (trust and dependency) in the truth (Jesus)…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB).

Daily repetition and practicing new behaviors and mindsets work together through a stimulus and response system too. Remember a stimulus is something that happens in the CONFORMED person’s environment. A response is the way the CONFORMED person reacts to that stimulus.

The RESPONSE is the way certain behaviors and mindsets are produced.

For instance if the STIMULUS is the WORD of GOD, the RESPONSE “will” be EMPOWERED by indwelling Holy Spirit to produce new behaviors and mindsets witnessed by spiritual fruit. “…Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God...” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [FAITH], gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “...This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

If this stimulus and response dynamic is repeated and strengthened, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, over a LONG period of time, new behaviors and mindsets witnessed by spiritual fruit will transform the old CONFORMED person INTO the image of Jesus Christ.“…the will of God ...[his people’s]...SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB).  “ ... in the PROCESS of TIME ...[sanctification]....” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

The old CONFORMED person’s transformation will eradicate the old habitual lifestyle of self-rejection and self-invalidation. “…old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

This PROCESS of sanctification and transformation happens through daily routine practices. The old CONFORMED person is watching, God, through Jesus (his Word) accept and validate them, which they begin to imitate and will start accepting and validating themselves. Jesus said: "...I and my Father are one..." (John 10:30 KJV).  “…what [Jesus SAW]... the Father doing … these the Son also doeth in like manner” (John 5:19 ASV) and he boasted that “….the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that he himself doeth...” (John 5:20 ASV). “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “...not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

The old CONFORMED person watches how God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, his living Word begins to accept them into his life and family, He validates them by showing them they were so valuable and worthy to him he purposely sent his Son to save them. “...He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The old CONFORMED person does NOT evaluate themselves BY the past  or unmet needs or desires, but self-improvement is BASED upon living out the NEW life they’ve ALREADY been given through Jesus Christ.

A NEW CREATION focuses on BECOMING who they ALREADY are by RENEWING their mindsets. Self-rejection and self-invalidation leads to a DIMINISHED spiritual life through a continuation of self-condemnations. There is no CONDEMNATION in Christ. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “….For by your [own]…words you will be justified (made right), and by your [own]...words you will be condemned (made wrong)…” (Matthew 12:37 NASB).

There is absolutely, “….none that doeth good, no, not [even] ONE” (Romans 3:12 KJV). You and every single person on earth “… [have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses (so-called perfection) are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “….there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not?” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). NO human being is perfect!!!

Thus, God’s people NO LONGER need to seek this approval or validation through their surrounding environments, especially from individuals who are finite and possibly LACKING themselves. “… [ALL have become]….. unclean and [their] righteousnesses (so-called perfection) are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  

 “….there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not?” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). NO human being is perfect!!! According to current statistics, 85-90% of the world’s population is affected by rejection and invalidation.

For God’s people, they are accepted and validated by HIM. “…This is my beloved Son: ….” (Mark 9:6 KJV). “...[Thus, God]…hath made [YOU (his people)]… accepted in the beloved...” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). So, “…BECONFORMED TO the IMAGE of His Son…” (Romans 8:29).  “…BEAR the IMAGE of the heavenly man…” (1 Corinthians 15:49 NIV).  HOW? “… [by faith]…we all ...are BEING TRANSFORMED into his IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV).

God’s people set goals to be LIKE JESUS by being CONFORMED to HIS IMAGE.  “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “...In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...Be … imitatorsof [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (the god image)…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

“… BE…TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND …” (Romans 12:2 KJV). What you think affects your image. “…as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (PROVERBS 23:7 KJV).

“….[God’s people willingly choose to] ...PRESS toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH CALLING of God in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 3:14 KJV). “...Therefore, [God’s people], be all the more diligent to make certain about HIS CALLING and choosing you; for as long as you PRACTICE these things, you will never stumble…” (2 Peter 1:10 NASB).

SO, “…GROW to maturity…” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT). “…until Christ be formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV). “…until we …become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

God’s people are EQUIPPED with EVERYTHING the need to DO God’s will upon earth “IN” Jesus. “…the Father that dwelleth in … [his peole through the Jesus], he doeth the works (of TRANSFORMING you)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God…works in [his people] …TO ACT (TO actually become TRANSFORMED) in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “ … God … equip [his people with the indwelling Holy Spirit and]... with everything good for doing his will (transforming into the image of Christ) …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [they cannot]... do nothing [his people cannot be TRANSFORMED]…” (John 15:5 NIV).“….For IN HIM[his people]... live, and move, and have [their] being (identity, acceptance, validation, etc.)…[they]... are …his offspring….” (ACTS 17:28 KJV).

God’s people are ALREADY accepted and validated through Jesus Christ, who has made them into NEW CREATIONS. “…if any man (woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). His people no longer has to strive, beg, or struggle for acceptance and validation. “….all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). God’s people are ALREADY WHOLE and LACKING nothing. “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

 “….IN HIM[God’s people]... …have [their] being (identity, acceptance, validation, etc.)….” (ACTS 17:28 KJV). “…It shall be done to you (experienced)... according to your faith (according to your trust and dependency upon what God has already DONE for  you)…" (Matthew 9:29 NASB).

When the old CONFORMED person is SAVED the habitual/familiar lifestyle NO LONGER applies to their NEW CREATION. However, if they don’t begin to RENEW their mindset, and allow God’s Word to help them change the conversation, in their MINDS, they will continue to BEHAVE the same as always. “….For by your [own]...words you will be justified (made right in your behavior and mind), and by your [own]...words you will be condemned (stay wrong/dysfunctional in your behavior and mind]…” (Matthew 12:37 NASB). 85-90% of the world’s population is affected by self-rejection and self-invalidation.

God said, in the VERY beginning, “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul...” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). When “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

Now mankind has a PROBLEM being good to themselves and sometimes others too. “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [self-rejection and self-invalidation]. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it,... [and]... 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. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want (WILL) to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong ... Oh, what a miserable person I am!…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

God’s people NO LONGER have to around self-rejecting and self-invalidating. WHY? “…[God]…hath made [his people]… accepted in the beloved...” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). Jesus is God’s “beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). “….IN HIM[God’s people] …have [their] being (identity, acceptance, validation, etc.)….” (ACTS 17:28 KJV). “….old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Christ liveth in [them]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

When God made mankind he said “… it was very good….” What happened? “…through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made…was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). “… one sinner destroy[ed]… much good…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). The devil took the opportunity“… to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” mankind’s acceptance and validation from God, the Holy Spirit. (John 10:10 KJV).

“….God saw every thing he had made…was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

How did the devil steal, kill, and destroy mankind’s acceptance and validation? God required “ONE” thing from his “…very good…” creation: He SAID to them: “….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). 

“… [But]… the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall NOT surely die…” (Genesis 3:1 KJV).

As you can see “… the devil …was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies…” (John 8:44 NLT).  

The devil is a liar and came into Adam and Eve’s life “… to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” them (John 10:10 KJV). He destroyed them with his LYING tongue (Proverbs 11:9 NIV).

God DID NOT say not to “touch” the tree nor did he call it the “tree in the midst of the garden.” However, Eve replied in this manner to the lying devil “…but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, 'Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest ye die” (Genesis 3:3 KJV). What God actually said was, “….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).

The lying mouth of the devil (serpent) changed God’s Word from - “….thou SHALT surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17) to - “…Ye shall NOT surely die…” Mankind’s image and likeness of God drastically changed. “...With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors...” (Proverbs 11:9 NIV).

“… AT THAT MOMENT their eyes were opened (opened to an existence without God, the Holy Spirit)…Then the Lord God asked…“What have you done? …“ (Genesis 3 NLT). Did they die?

Yes. They immediately as God said and became spiritually “…dead in trespasses and sin” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). “…through one man sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “… one sinner destroy[ed]… much good...” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

“….For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned…” (Matthew 12:37 NASB). The devil’s words revealed he was a liar from the very beginning and hated God’s truth.“… the devil …was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies…” (John 8:44 NLT).  

God says you will know HIS people by their spiritual fruit. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). Spiritual fruit won’t lie and will always tell the truth, because it is produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The devil’s words were false and proved to be wrong. “… the devil …was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies…” (John 8:44 NLT).  

The devil’s own words condemned him as a liar. “…by your [own]…words you will be condemned…” (Matthew 12:37 NASB). “… the devil …was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth…” (John 8:44 NLT). Satan’s words proved and confirmed him is “…the Father of lies…”

The bible says: “...With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors...” (Proverbs 11:9 NIV). “.... The loose tongue of the godless spreads destruction...” (Proverbs 11:9 MSG). “…the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart…  “…[it is] …out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45 RSV). “...A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of…” (Luke 6:45 NIV). He is “…the Father of lies…”

The devil’s LIES were the STIMULUS in the environment and the RESPONSE made Eve REACT by eating the fruit. Sinful behavior began. “…... SIN (violation against God’s holy instruction) entered into the world—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

“…And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gavealso unto her husband with her; and he did eat…” (Genesis 3:6 KJV).

This verse is a good example of the stimulus and response dynamics, which started with listening to the DYSFUNCTIONAL words of a LIAR.

The LIES made Eve SEE something, which made her WANT it or LUST for it, even though God, the Holy Spirit had given her EVERYTHING she NEEDED. “….the woman SAW that the tree was good for food…” (Genesis 3:6). “… For everything in the world—….the lust of the eyes—….comes not from the Father but from the world…” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

The tree evidently, was pleasant to gaze upon. “….and …it was pleasant to the eyes…” (Genesis 3:6). In addition, it possessed the power to make her prudent. “…a tree to be desired to make one wise...” (Genesis 3:6). “….when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, IT BRINGS FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:15 NASB). “…for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

The devil comes into YOUR surrounding environments, spreads HIS LIES and diminishes God’s TRUTHS.  “...With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors...” (Proverbs 11:9 NIV). “… the devil …was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. …” (John 8:44 NLT).  God told Eve if she ate the fruit she would surely dies, but the LYING devil said: “...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…” (GENESIS 3:5 NLT).

Satan’s lies destroyed Adam and Eve’s spiritual life when “…... SIN entered into the world—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

Eve demonstrates how responding to the surrounding environments, full of LIES, can destroy how people behave. “.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes NOT from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

Not only does Eve eat the fruit, but she gives it to her husband also. “…and although they know the ordinance of God …those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them…” (Romans 1:32 NASB).  In this case, Eve KNEW the truth, but after being convinced by lies, she chose to have her way and followed the devil. “...they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NIV).

“...With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors...” (Proverbs 11:9 NIV). The “covenant unity” between God’s Holy Spirit and Adam and Eve’s soul was destroyed. That’s WHY the devil came into the environment. He came “… to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).

The heart stores information (lies or truth). When needed, the heart will send the information it chooses to the mind in order to direct one’s behavior. That’s why the heart and its “stored” information “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it?…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “...For from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts… wickedness, [self-rejection, self-invalidation, etc.,]…  All these evil things come from within...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

Therefore: whatever the old CONFORMED person did, whoever they were, whatever their mistakes, however long they did wrong; whoever they wronged, whatever they’re guilty of, regardless of life’s rejections or invalidations, and in spite of their many, many, many flaws and  shortcomings; God’s GRACE is sufficient.  God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).  “…Where sin increased, [GOD’S]…grace abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB). His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). GOD’S “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “….old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“… [God] …hath made [HIS redeemed people]… accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). Jesus is God’s “beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). “….IN HIM[God’s people] …have [their] being (identity, acceptance, validation, etc.,)….” (ACTS 17:28 KJV).

The old CONFORMED person may  feel like Paul did when they are first saved: “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I CAN’T...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Nonetheless, God has made each of his REDEEMED children “...alive together with [Christ]…” (Colossians 2:13 ASV). “…[They are part of]… a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people …[and God]… hath called [his people] out of darkness (out of ALL lies) into his marvellous light (into his truth)....” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).“...Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“…If so be that ye have heard him,and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former CONVERSATION the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind…”(Ephesians 4:21-23 KJV). “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:1 KJV). AND “…beconformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). 

“…To be conformed to the image of his Son...” “KNOW” Christ is “IN” YOU (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you…” (Romans 8:11 KJV). You can say, “…Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).“…Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “...Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ [and Christ “IN” them], he (she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“…We (God’s people) all ...are BEING TRANSFORMED into his IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV). God’s people can, by faith, “…BEAR the IMAGE of the heavenly man…” (1 Corinthians 15:49 NIV).

Therefore, RIGHT NOW, AT THIS MOMENT, “...[God]…hath made [YOU]… accepted in the beloved...” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). “... [God, the Holy Spirit] ...chose ...[you] ...” (Ephesians 1:11 NLT). “...God  ...[chose YOU]... to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth...” (Deuteronomy 7:6). GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THROUGH JESUS IS YOUR SOURCE OF ACCEPTANCE and VALIDATION.

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the … HOLY SPIRIT … is the source of [EVERYTHING]. …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 

QUIT BEGGING FOR ACCEPTANCE & STRUGGLING FOR SELF-ACCEPTANCE

THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP #1 YOUR SOURCE FOR ACCEPTANCE and VALIDATION

“…[God]…hath made us accepted in the beloved...” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

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Environment acceptance means you are safely welcomed and belong to a particular place, group, family, community, or relationship that “surrounds” you.“…[God]…hath made [EACH OF HIS PEOPLE]... accepted in the beloved...” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

In addition environment acceptance to places, groups, families, communities, or relationships that surround you also means you are approved of, or favored, or validated by them."… I chose you….” (John 15:16 ASV).   “... [God, the Holy Spirit] ...chose ...[you] ...” (Ephesians 1:11 NLT). “...God  ...[chose YOU]... to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth...” (Deuteronomy 7:6). “…The God of our fathers hath chosen [each of HIS people]…” (Acts 22:14 KJV). “….according to [His]... purpose…” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV).“...For [the Lord] blesses the righteous, [or the chosen and surrounds] him (her) with favor as with a shield...” (Psalm 5:12 ASV).

“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “...Do not conformto the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will...” (Romans 12:2 NIV).

 “… [Your heavenly Father] ... will supply all your [need NOW]… according to His riches in glory (or his presence, goodness, & working power) in Christ Jesus…”(Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things…” (Matthew 6:32 KJV).

To CONFORM, in this BLOG will also, mean to behave in ways that REFLECT the dominant standards, attitudes, practices, abuses, mistreatments, shortcomings, etc. of the environments in which you currently exist or previously existed in and surrounded you.

The REASON a person CONFORMS to these dominant standards, attitudes, practices, abuses, mistreatments, shortcomings, etc. is to succeed in getting their NEEDS and human DESIRES met in the environments in which they exist or are surrounded by.

CONFORMING to dominant standards, attitudes, practices, abuses, mistreatments, shortcomings, etc. requires DEVELOPING behavior patterns (healthy or unhealthy), often without question, in order to create peace or harmony within that surrounding environments.

The surrounding environment (includes people, of course) trains the CONFORMED person, inadvertently, to behave in ways they are expected to behave, required to behave, or have been forced to behave.

If the CONFORMED person does NOT behave in ways that are expected, required, or forced upon them, they may be rejected by the surrounding environment.

The CONFORMED person thinks and believes the surrounding environment is the ONLY resource for getting their needs and human desires met, even though they have NEVER experienced it and are merely settling for what they CAN get from the environment.

The CONFORMED person will spend their lives in bad situations (environments) BEHAVING in ways that make them LIVE A LIE. They FEAR being further rejected and/or invalidated more than they do being mistreated, abused, used, or disrespected.

Whenever the CONFORMED person comes into a similar environment like the traditional one in which he or she was raised or trained to behave, they will automatically and unconsciously get into place and begin to comply with the established rules

One of the most prominent REASONS a person CONFORMS to these dominant standards, attitudes, practices, abuses, mistreatments, shortcomings, etc. is to get their NEEDS and human DESIRES for love, acceptance, or validation met.

If the CONFORMED person NEVER gets their NEEDS or HUMAN DESIRES met, within the FIRST environment that surrounded them, they have, most likely developed and learned dysfunctional relationship patterns.

In addition, they will end up repeating those dysfunctional relationship patterns over and over again BECAUSE they’re familiar.

The FIRST environment, that surrounded them, created the dysfunctional relationship pattern, but because the CONFORMED person didn’t get their needs or human desires met they will continue to SEEK them in the SAME kind of environments.

When the CONFORMED person continues to SEEK their needs and human desires in the SAME kind of environments they WILL NEVER be fulfilled. And the negative dysfunctional relationship patterns become deeply fortified or worsen.

Thus, the CONFORMED person REPEATS experiences of feeling UNLOVABLE, UNWORTHY, being treated DISREPECTFULLY and with little or NO attention, because it is, again, what is familiar.

These dysfunctional relationship patterns have, obviously, affected the CONFORMED person in adverse ways. Feeling unloved or unworthy USUALLY stems from experiences or training within earlier surrounding environments.

Some individuals become desperate in their efforts to GAIN what they need or desire from their surrounding environments (whether it’s healthy or not). In some of the worst case scenarios, the CONFORMED person can become extremely sad, depressed, and/or suicidal.

When the CONFORMED person is SAVED they experience God’s accepting love, his willingness to supply their every need, and his total, satisfying validation of them personally. “…God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “….Human desire is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). AND “…[Only God will]… satisfy …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB).

God ACCEPTS the CONFORMED person into HIS FAMILY as one of his BELOVED sons or daughters, then God VALIDATES them by demonstrating how much they, personally, matter to him. “… AS MANYas received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE “SONS”  (daughters) OF GOD (children of God)…” (John 1:12 KJV).  “... [THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

“… [HIS children,]… enjoy the promise of blessings (provisions)becauseTHEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).   “…Your … [provision] … be upon “Your people!” Selah…” (Psalm 3:8 NASB). “…The LORD “will” … [PROVIDE ] … his people with peace…” (Psalm 29:11 KJV).

“…[they]... are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). WHO? “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Because [they]... BELONG to him … ” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…  [Everyone who belongs, to him through Jesus and] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of … [provisions] … because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

He CARES for them by listening to them, taking care of their every need, keeping his promises, being faithful in his behaviors toward them, and always being presence, good, and showing his working power.  “...[God’s people]... shall call upon [him], and [he]...will answer [them]......” (Psalm 91 KJV). “… He remains faithful, …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “...He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). “…[Nothing]…will be able to separate [his people] from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

 “...[God, the Holy Spirit] careth for [his people].” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“…[God, the Holy Spirit]...will supply all [his people’s] NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). ).  “…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [HIS people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...For [the Lord] blesses the righteous, [and surrounds] him (her) with favor as with a shield...” (Psalm 5:12 ASV).

God wants his people to CONFORM too, but NOT by force this time, but by CHOICE.  “...Do not conform[any longer]...to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind....” (Romans 12:2 NIV).

The old CONFORMED person enters into the relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, conformed to a habitual/familiar lifestyle where their behaviors and mindsets continue to make them ACT in ways that have been expected, required, or forced upon them from the worldly environments that surrounded them. “…  the whole world lies underthe power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

The old CONFORMED person develops his or her habitual/familiar lifestyles, from their “initial” surrounding environments, through EVERYDAY repetition and the strengthening of particular behaviors.

This repetition and strengthening of particular behaviors or mindsets work together with what is called a stimulus and response system. A stimulus is something that happens and DEMANDS attention, in the CONFORMED person’s surrounding environment. A response is the way the CONFORMED person reacted to that stimulus.

The RESPONSE is NOT only the way the CONFORMED person reacted, but it is also the way certain behaviors and mindsets were produced.

For instance if the STIMULUS is blatant rejection and invalidation, The RESPONSE may produce behaviors and mindsets of self-rejection and self-invalidation.

If this stimulus and response dynamic is repeated and strengthened over a LONG period of time, eventually the behaviors and mindsets of self-rejection and self-invalidation become a habitual and familiar lifestyle for the person CONFORMED by it.

The CONFORMED person’s habitual and familiar lifestyle of self-rejection and self-invalidation was, most likely, shaped by spending their formative years in environments that demanded and produced those behaviors and mindsets.

The CONFORMED person watched others, in their surrounding environments, reject and invalidate them, and they modeled the same rejecting and invalidating behaviors and mindsets toward themselves.

The CONFORMED person watched people, for years, in their surrounding environments, reject and invalid them. Long after leaving the environment, they, themselves, continue to model the behavior and mindset of rejecting and invalidating themselves too.

The CONFORMED person became self-rejecting and self-invalidating through a LONG PROCESS, which was a constant part of their normal or daily routine UNTIL it became FAMILIAR.

Self-rejection and self-invalidation was LEARNED and became a habitual/familiar lifestyle that the CONFORMED person finds DIFFICULT to change, as an adult, because those behaviors and that mindset has become NORMAL.

When behaviors and mindsets become NORMAL they can operate unconsciously, because the physical brain also plays a MAJOR ROLE in supporting their continuation.

Without God, the Holy Spirit’s indwelling POWER, despite your best intentions, NEW and IMPROVED behaviors and mindsets are challenging to maintain, especially when dysfunctional lifestyle patterns have impacted you behaviorally (actions), mentally (mindset), and physically (brain) your entire life.

This means when it comes to self-rejection and self-invalidation that habitual/familiar lifestyle has BECOME a BIG part of WHO your are, how you ACT, THINK, and the way your BRAIN is physically WIRED.

Self-rejection and self-invalidation is the NORMAL way you SEE yourself, the way you IDENTIFY yourself, and the way you ALLOW yourself to be treated EVEN if you don’t like it.

Self-rejection and self-invalidation CONTROLS the way you act, think, and allow yourself to be treated, “UNTIL” you choose to become FREE from it. Jesus Christ SETS you FREE, which means ALL dysfunctional patterns CAN be broken.

First, you BECOME a NEW CREATION in Jesus Christ, who makes you WHOLE and HEALTHY again by changing your IDENTITY. “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME (MADE) NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... AS MANY as receivedhim (Jesus, into their hearts), to themGAVE HE [God, the Holy] ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD…” (John 1:12 KJV). “... In him (Jesus) we (his people) live (have spiritual life), and move (produce spiritual fruit), and have [their] being (spiritual identity as a new creations) ...[They]... are ... his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

Second, you CHOOSE to RENEW your mindset so it AGREES with your NEW IDENTITY. “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “...the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image [and likeness]... of the One who created him...” (Colossian 3:10 NASB).  “… We all … are changed (transformed, RENEWED) into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

Third, God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE the HEALING through Jesus and your goal is to trust and depend upon his “finished” work by devoting yourself to studying HIS WORD and exercising your God-given FAITH. “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…God (the Holy Spirit) ... Himself SANCTIFYyou entirely…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “…[HIS indwelling Holy]... Spirit and [your]... soul and body be preserved [together]... complete…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “…alive with Christ…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). “…A living (Spirit)soul(soul again)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…GROW to maturity…” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT). “…until Christ be formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV).

Fourth, your focus is NO LONGER trying to get your need or human desire for acceptance or validation from outside resources. You have been MADE WHOLE. Now your GOAL is to be like Jesus and be CONFORMED, by choice, to “HIS IMAGE.” "... [Jesus, his Word]... said, IT IS FINISHED…” (John 19:28-30 KJV).  “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... divine power hath given unto [his people]... ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). Therefore, “…beconformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

The old CONFORMED person chooses to commit to renewing their mind in order to transform into their new identity as a person who is MADE WHOLE and HEALTHIER through Christ. “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “...old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME (MADE) NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

The more the old CONFORMED person REPEATS and STRENGTHENS their commitment to RENEWING their mind the STRONGER their NEW IDENTITY as a NEW CREATION becomes. The bible says: “...If any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW CREATURE…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….”(Romans 12:2 KJV). Otherwise, “….you [will become] ... slaves of the one you obey (follow)…” (Romans 6:16 NIV).

“…The sinful natureis always hostile to God (therefore, the old mindset, affected by the sinful nature through self-rejection and self-invalidation, is also hostile to God). It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature (through the old mindset witnessed through self-rejection and self-invalidation) can never please God.But you are not controlled by your sinful nature [anymore]. You are controlled...[by choice]... by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW CREATURE (accepted and validated) …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [New Creations]… are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works …” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV). ). “…alive (spiritually) with Christ…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). “…A living (Spirit)soul(soul again)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“... 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...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, Andskillfully 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).

“… (Christ lives within [new creations], so even though [their] body will die because of sin, the [indwelling Holy] ... Spirit gives [each of them]... life because [they] have been made right with God (reunited with God, the Holy Spirit).The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to [his children’s] mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within [them]. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do (through your old mindset) what your sinful nature  (self-rejection and self-invalidation) urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die (spiritually in those areas). But if through the power of the Spirit (the indwelling Holy Spirit) ... put to death the deeds (such as self-rejection and self-invalidation) of your sinful nature, you will live (a lively spiritual life). For all who are led by the Spirit of God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…The sinful natureis always hostile (unfriendly or injurious) to God . …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“..[The sinful nature]... never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“...those who are still under the control of their sinful nature (through self-rejection and self-invalidation) can never please God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“...[god’s people]... are not controlled by [their] sinful nature [through self-rejection or self-invalidation “unless” they choose to be]. [they] are controlled by the Spirit [if they choose to be and]... if [they] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“… (Christ lives within his people)... The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in [them].And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to [his people’s]...mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within [them]…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“… The [indwelling Holy] ... Spirit gives [God’s people]...life because [they] have been made right with God (reunited with God, the Holy Spirit). …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature (through self-rejection and self-invalidation) urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die (spiritually in those areas). But if through the power of the Spirit (the indwelling Holy Spirit or SEED) ...put to death the deeds of your sinful nature (the controlling self-rejection and self-invalidation), you will live (FREE, indeed). For all who are led by the Spirit of God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…Who will free mefrom this lifethat is dominated by (the old mindset of self-rejection and self-invalidation, which is) SIN? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… The answer is in Jesus Christ (the Word) our Lord (the indwelling POWER of Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Even with God’s indwelling POWER, some of his people find self-acceptance and self-validation, as long as they’ve desired it, is extremely difficult, especially if it was something that was NORMAL and they’d become FAMILIAR with. “…If any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “….all things (salvation, spiritual life, acceptance, validation, etc.) are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Self-acceptance means you love who you are right now and are happy with yourself (vices and virtues). Self-validation means YOU recognize your OWN worthiness and legitimacy. “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

Environmental-acceptance/validation and self-acceptance/validation are so LINKED together they will either support one another or one will eradicate the other. “...For in him (his presence is the new surrounding environment) we (his children) live, and move, and have ...[their]...being (identity of acceptance & validation); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring (children)...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

Environmental acceptance/validation is usually the eradicator. It can impact or totally eradicate your sense of acceptance and your need to be validated. “...old things are passed away...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

An old CONFORMED person will have problems perceiving how they fit or don’t fit into their new surrounding environments. They often feel they don’t live up to the standards their new surrounding environments require or demand. “…You [NOW]... belong to God, my dear children. …” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV).

STRICT, LIMITED, or ABUSIVE environments don’t respect differences or diversity that doesn’t fit into the life that makes “them” comfortable, so they reject and invalidate. “…Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “…And do not touch what is unclean…” (2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB). “…God chose [each of his people]... in Christbefore the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4). “….[They, which includes YOU]... belong to God…” (1 John 4:4 NLT).

The whole ideology of acceptance and validation is about belonging, fitting in, mattering, and being recognized as worthy. ).“...[Thus, God]…hath made [YOU]… accepted in the beloved...” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

However, belonging and worthiness is largely based on the acceptability and validation of the ones who have the power or control in the current environments that surround you. “…The earth is the [god, the holy spirit’s] and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…the world is mine (God, the Holy Spirit’s), and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine (God, the Holy Spirit’s)…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).“...[Thus, God]…hath made [YOU]… accepted in the beloved...” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

In other words, what “you” think or need is negated while what “they” think or need is fully supported by the surrounding environments “they” control and created to suit them. “... The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...Casting all your care upon him...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  “...he careth for you…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The name of the Lord is a strong tower (REFUGE); The righteous runs into it and is safe…” (Proverbs 18:10 NASB). “…God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble…” (Psalms 46:1 NASB). “…you will find rest for your souls…” (Matthew 11:29 NASB).

The need and desire to be accepted and validated by those in the surrounding environments can NEGATIVELY influence how people dress, their idea of beauty, whether they’ll smoke, drink, or party, take illegal drugs, their prejudices, their virtues, their vices, and their various other pursuits. “...pagans run after all these things,and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well...” (Matthew 6:30-33 NIV).

The need and desire to be accepted and validated is powerful and can, obsessively, drive one’s behavior and mindset, consciously or unconsciously, throughout their entire lives. “… [God, through Christ]… freely give [his children]... all things (acceptance & validation)…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God will supply all [their need]… according to His richesin glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).  HEALING from self-rejection and self-invalidation begins with God, the Holy Spirit, but renewing your mindset is YOUR CHOICE. “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN: body, SOUL and SPIRIT)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…Be transformed by [choosing to renew]... your [own] mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

Self-rejection and self-invalidation was developed from learning to seek acceptance and validation outside of one’s self and NEVER finding it. “….Apart from [God, the INDWELLING Holy Spirit]… [God’s people will not and cannot]..do nothing (or find self-acceptance or self-validation within themselves)…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Whereas God, the Holy Spirit comes along and says you can find those things (acceptance & validation) within your SAVED self which is NOW a NEW CREATION in Jesus Christ. “…HIS divine power hath given unto [his people]... ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).