Leaders, aren't!

There is no leadership, in the kingdom of God, but that of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, Paul said, "Follow me, as I follow Christ Jesus".

Facetime!

Radical Dependence

John 25:5 New Living Translation

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

God's Thoughts

Isaiah 55:8-9 

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.”

This is the Lord’s declaration. 9 “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Psalm 33:11

The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Isaiah 46:10

declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

Job 23:13

But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does.

Daniel 4:37

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Psalm 92:5

How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!

Prewrath Rapture?

Jesus' Coming (Parousia) Matt.24:30, 37, 39 1 Thess. 4:15-16 

Clouds Matt. 24:30 1 Thess. 4:17 

A Trumpet Sounds Matt. 24:31 1 Thess. 4:16 

Angels Involved.  Matt. 24:31 1 Thess. 4:16

 Christians are Raptured Matt. 24:31, 40-41 1 Thess. 4:17 

 The Unprepared Caught Unaware Matt. 24:39 1 Thess. 5:3 

 Destruction and Judgment Matt. 24:39 1 Thess. 5:3 

 Normal Lives Prior to Jesus' Coming Matt. 24:37-39 1 Thess. 5:3 

 Jesus Comes Like a Thief Matt. 24:43, 48-50 1 Thess. 5:2, 4 

 Keep Watch and Be Ready Matt. 24:42-44, 1 Thess. 5:4-6

A Joyful Heart!

Proverbs 17:22    A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Practice makes Perfect...

James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Luke 9:23

1 Corinthians 9:25

1 Timothy 4:8

John 13:17

Philippians 4:9

John 3:21

2 Peter 1:10

1 John 3:7

1 John 3:10

Matthew 6:1

Hebrews 5:14

Matthew 7:23

Romans 7:19

Romans 7:15

Acts 24:16

1 John 1:6

1 John 2:29

1 John 3:9

2 Peter 1:5

Galatians 5:21

Colossians 3:9

God created the Nations of the Gentiles at Babel

Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV  19. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20. built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himsel as the chief cornerstone. 21. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx58eiYCP_iFAUwS2r6CfyBoKdnQ6D5F08

Today, if you hear His Voice

Hebrews 3:7-8  So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness."

Joel 1:14, 2:12-13 “Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord, your God, and cry out to the Lord. ‘Yet even now’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.” 

Summary of the Book of Joel

https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Joel.html

"Practical Application: Without repentance, judgment will be harsh, thorough, and certain. Our trust should not be in our possessions but in the Lord our God. God at times may use nature, sorrow, or other common occurrences to draw us closer to Him. But in His mercy and grace, He has provided the definitive plan for our salvation—Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins and exchanging our sin for His perfect righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). There is no time to lose. God’s judgment will come swiftly, as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2), and we must be ready. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). Only by appropriating God’s salvation can we escape His wrath on the Day of the Lord."

Practice & Discernment?

How do they relate?

Innocent, Blameless, Holy, Righteous

"Innocent. No inward corruption or defilement, that is full of distrusts, but just a holy, divine likeness of Jesus that dares believe that God Almighty will surely watch over all. Hallelujah."

Smith Wigglesworth -The Active Life of the Spirit-filled Believer.

"But you know we shall never know the mind of God till we learn to know the voice of God."

Blameless: innocent of wrong doing.

https://www.gotquestions.org/go-and-sin-no-more.html

There are two instances in the New Testament when Jesus told someone to “sin no more,” and they were each under very different circumstances. The first is when Jesus healed an invalid by the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1–15). Afterward, Jesus found the man and told him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you” (verse 14). It is clear that Jesus knew what had caused the man’s condition. We are not told the specifics of the man’s physical impairment, but the context implies that it was caused by sinful choices. Jesus warned the man that he had been given a second chance and that he should make better choices. If the man returned to his sinful behavior, he would have wasted the opportunity Jesus gave him to live whole and forgiven.

The second instance is in the account of the woman taken in the act of adultery (John 8:3–11). When the woman’s accusers brought her before Jesus, expecting Him to pronounce judgment, He told them that the one who was without sin should throw the first stone. One by one, the condemning crowd left. Then Jesus told the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more” (verse 11). She had been caught. She was guilty. She did deserve stoning according to the Law of Moses (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). But the religious leaders who had dragged her there had no concern for holiness. They were trying to trap Jesus into saying that the Law did not matter (verse 6).

Jesus often reminded those religious leaders that He had not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). He, as God, was the Author of the Law (2 Timothy 3:16). The Pharisees focused on the letter of the Law but missed the true spirit of it, which is given in Galatians 5:14: “The whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” When Jesus refused to condemn the woman, He was not minimizing the importance of holiness. He was offering her the same kind of forgiveness He offers every one of us (Acts 3:19).

In saying, “Go and sin no more,” Jesus was not speaking of sinless perfection. He was warning against a return to sinful lifestyle choices. His words both extended mercy and demanded holiness. Jesus was always the perfect balance of “grace and truth” (John 1:14). With forgiveness comes the expectation that we will not continue in the same path of rebelliousness. Those who know God’s love will naturally want to obey Him (John 14:15).

When we turn to Christ and receive His forgiveness, we experience a heart change (Luke 9:23; Acts 1:8). Forgiveness is not cheap, and it does not excuse the sin that separated us from God. It cost God everything to offer us the cleansing that pronounces us righteous before Him (John 3:16; 15:13). Rather than continue in the self-centered path that led us astray from Him to begin with, the forgiven can walk in God’s path (Luke 14:27). A move toward God is a move toward righteousness, purity, and holy living (1 Peter 1:16; Romans 8:29). We cannot experience the transforming power of forgiveness without being forever changed.

It goes without saying that the woman caught in adultery did not return to her infidelity. She had met Jesus. She would not be perfect. No one is. But she was forever changed. Her eyes had been opened to the depravity of what she was doing. Sin no longer held the appeal it once did. When we meet Jesus, sin no longer holds its fatal attraction. Grace changes things. “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1–2).When we are born again (John 3:3), the power of the Holy Spirit breaks the power that sin once had over us (Romans 6:6). Once we lived only to please ourselves, but when we have been forgiven, our motivation changes. We now live to please God (Galatians 2:20).

It should be the goal of every Christian to “sin no more,” although we recognize that, while we are in the flesh, we will still stumble (1 John 1:8). God’s desire for each of us is to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). We still sin, but sin is no longer a lifestyle choice (1 John 3:9–10). When we fail, we can come to God and ask forgiveness (1 John 1:9; 1 Peter 4:1–2). And if we are truly God’s children, He will correct us, disciplining us when we need it (Hebrews 12:6–11). His work is to conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

Made in the Image of God.

The attributes of God are to be revealed in our relationships.

I am made in the image of God. He made me a man. Genesis 5:2. He made me with specific attributes that no one else has. I am unique. And in the eyes of God, irreplaceable. Priceless!

What does that mean?

It means I was created to manifest, and reveal the attributes of God in a unique way. How? Think relationships. I am a child of God. I am a friend of Christ. I am part of the body of Christ. I am the Bride of Christ.

I have everything in me, as God's creation, born again by the Holy Spirit, as an individual, to reveal God's nature and unfathomable love for us all.

Well, it certainly begins with me. Like Jesus said to the harlot, "neither do I condemn you, now go sin no more." Wow, be blameless, which means being innocent of wrongdoing. How is it possible for me to do that?  Jesus said...

Matthew 11: 28. Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest. 29. Place my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble,n and you will find rest for your souls,o 30. because my yoke is pleasant and my burden is light.”

Sin no more? Even the apostle Paul said "the things that I don't want to do, that I do". And, "I am the chief of sinners". And yet he says, "be a follower of me, as I follow Christ".

Really? Yes. As he followed Christ. Did he know something I need to know?

How can I "rest" if I am to "sin" no more? Learn to "Be" who God created you to be. Mary chose the better part.

Luke 10: 38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Who has God created you to be? Only He knows. He aches for the chance to tell you. Do you want to know? Are you paying attention? Are you resting at His feet listening? "Let this mind be in you that is in Christ Jesus". We are not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

Behold, the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent (change the way you think) and be baptized (engulfed) into the everlasting Love of God. A lifestyle of repentance is a lifelong journey of transformation into the "Likeness and image" of Jesus. He is our example. Our friend. Our Savior, and Lord.

"Come to an end of yourself. Humility is the fertile ground of a teachable heart. Allow the Lover of your soul to blast the light of truth into the darkness of your history to reveal the plan He has had for you from the beginning. He has one goal, to share himself with you" RB

Lift a load!

Do you need a definition of responsibility? Here it is!...

"Lift a load!"   

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DqvmnrfK5NY&feature=share&utm_source=EKLEiJECCKjOmKnC5IiRIQ

Shoot. Are there other definitions?

The tree... of the knowledge... of good... and evil...

When they ate the fruit, then they hid themselves from God. They explained "we were naked" So! They hid from God.

What was this "tree" that God said if you eat of it's fruit you will surely die?

A tree of the "knowledge of Good and evil"?

The enemy of our soul said eat.

Satan said eat. Then promised, they would be able to discern good from evil...

Remember he is a liar.

Their first "observation" was "they are naked" and when God came, they ran and hid themselves. It was because they decided being naked was evil. But God sought them out? I am reminded of...

Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

And these verses from James 3:16-18

16 For wherever jealousy and rivalry exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.

17 However, the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, willing to yield, full of compassion and good deeds, and without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is grown from the seed of peace planted by peacemakers.

Think about our thoughts...

Check this out...

We don't know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.

I heard a radio commentator say that.

Annihilation? it's the second biggest Promise.

What do I mean? A promise is always about your future. Fundamentally there are two, oh crap, well there are more, but I want to focus on the only one that is true, and the other that most people are relying on. 

The promise of annihilation is what most people put their hope in. The idea that no matter what happens or goes on, in the end my life goes up in a puff of smoke where I exist no more.

But the true promise of our ultimate future gives us a choice for where we end up. We can choose life in eternal relationship with God or eternal separation from Him.

All the others promises about your ultimate future are lies. They are based in religion. I define religion simply as "A pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance."

Taste... and SEE!

Experience and understand.

Lord rest upon me and may your presence (Face) shine and be experienced and recognized in their lives.

I don't want to know Him so that He'll use me. I want to know Him, to know Him! So that He knows me!

Taste and see? Have I tasted, do I see?

Have I tasted God's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as He dealt with me in meekness? YES!

Do I see His character flow through me authenticly? Not outwardly doing kind things but inwardly actually being kind.

It's easy to "do", it's much harder to "be". Only by your Grace Lord.

Peace? Rest? In the Lord?

REST...

https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-Sabbath.html

PEACE...

https://www.gotquestions.org/rest-in-the-Lord.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/let-peace-Christ-rule-hearts.html

Pay Attention?

Why, and to what?

Be intentional with your time and what you pay attention to. Why?

What you pay attention to reveals what or who you are most devoted to!

TIME? You only have a limited amount of moments.

ATTENTION? You only have a miniscule capacity to comprehend.

I'm thinking in terms of Eternal Pofitability.

https://biblehub.com/mark/8-36.htm     https://biblehub.com/matthew/6-19.htm

God is on his way!

He came first as the sacrificial lamb.

He comes now as the conquering King.

Conquering what?

Malachi 4:1–2 (ESV): 4  “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

And just like that! Time flies by.

Time waits for no one.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO REDEEM THE TIME?

In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul instructs, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Other translations say "redeeming the time" (KJV, NKJV) or "making the most of your time" (NASB) or "making the most of every opportunity" (NIV). Colossians 4:5 expresses something similar: "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of time." The Greek word translated as "redeeming" or "making the best use of" is exagorazo. Strong's Definitions explains it as, "to buy up, i.e. ransom; figuratively, to rescue from loss (improve opportunity):—redeem" (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1805/esv/mgnt/0-1/). We also see this word in Galatians 3:13 and Galatians 4:5 where it refers to Christ's redemption of us. So what does it mean for us to redeem the time?

Most simply, "redeeming the time" refers to stewarding our time in a way that glorifies God. Each of us has a limited amount of time on this earth (James 4:14), and we are to use it in ways that honor God (Colossians 3:17).

Lord, thank you for your mercy and long-suffering. Continue to transform my thinking. Without your guidance I am lost. Your Grace is evident in all the blessings you deposit in my life. Help me be the example you want me to be in their lives. You've changed my thinking, help me change my ways, that I might be an example for them to follow. You've shown me mercy, let me be merciful. You've been patient with me, help me to be long-suffering. Your hope has been based on the person who you created me to be. Let me see them as you see them. Give me words that express your heart and mind that I might speak into their lives the Love, your love, that set me free to discover who you created me to be. I know I've only started. Thank you.

Freedom?

When the powers that be regulate / control the digital realm, no one will have freedom.

Yet... You don't need to "own" Twitter to own it.

No unbeliever cares if the church changes the culture.

Does God?

Ministry?

What you do isn't your "ministry". Who you are! That's your "MINISTRY"!

"It doesn't matter what you do, do it as unto the Lord"

Don't try to sharpen someone's axe. Introduce them to the one who sharpens your axe.

Prognosticators of current events and their veracity?

April 25th 2022.

As I surveyed the the digital realm to get a sense of current events, I found the multiplicity of opinion from unaccounted perspectives, distracted and occupied my time as I tried to understand what I should be doing and how I should make sense of my situation... Then the word "eschatology" came to mind. So I Googled it.

Second Guessing?

What's up with that? Second guessing decisions I'm trying to make, I mean when wanting to obey God's guidance. I seem to do it all the time.

Imagine. The Bible says "God told Abram to go to a land I will show you and then gave him a promise that He would make him a great nation".

Okay. I always wonder how God did that exactly. Did Abram know who God was before God told him to go to a land that He would show him? Was it a vision, was it a face-to-face conversation, was it with thundering and lightnings and earthquakes that God made his Will known to Abram?

No one knows.

But Abram obeyed! It seems he thought, that's a good idea. He packed up and left. That's all we know. Second guessing... Not so much.

Fast forward...

Abraham. The Bible tells us God told him to go and sacrifice his son, his only son with Sarah. The miracle child of their old age. On Mount Moriah, 3 days travel.

Was it a vision, was it a face-to-face conversation, was it with thundering and lightnings and earthquakes that God made his Will known to Abraham?

No one knows.

So Abraham set out. He had 3 days to think about what God had told him to do. Second guessing? I don't know. 

What do you think?

Reliance!

The state of depending on or trusting in something or someone.

You Are, so Be, and you'll Do

 BEcoming who God created you to be, you will do what pleases Him.

New Angle on Community

What is the foundation of community?

Your presuppositions with respect to what is community, might include, ie. a community of friends, an interest group, a small group, a life group, a home group, a Ministry group, a "circle the wagons with those of like mind" group. I hope you get my point as I ask the question...

What is the foundation of any community? I mean after all of the other issues have been dealt with. And we seek out fellowship within a designated, available and amiable group.

My Premise: All of us want to be... Recognized, Identified, and Known.

Here's a fun side note as you think about "What is the foundation of Community?". 

"Cheers" was a sitcom (late 80's early 90's) that had a Theme song

What was the first community in the Bible?

What was the first "Community"?

It's a trick question. Here's a hint. The word "First" connotates a beginning. As an example, many churches in COMMunities across America have "The First" in front of their name. Separating themselves from other, Baptist, Church of Christ, Church of God, Pentecostal, etc. The idea? They were there first.

Okay. Now that I've got you thinking. I'll just give you the correct answer.

What was the first community in the Bible? That didn't have a beginning? Here it is!

GOD!

As revealed in the two "Testimonials" that He has provided & maintained for all of us. The one true God, Triune, Trinity? 3 in One! A Unity in the diversity of "Father, Son and Holy Spirit"!

Whatever COMM-UNITY we participate in, as a Bible believing, born again believer, it should reflect the UNITY that Jesus prays for in John 17.

Please look John 17 up. It was the last prayer that Jesus felt the need to pray, before he was taken up.

"Father let them be as one as We are One, you in me and me in you, and they in us" RBV

(Click the link)

Crap! How is that even possible?

Fully Actualized Kingdom Saint?: Distraction and Excellence. Connecting to Reality.

2011...  Click the link - Distraction and Excellence. Connecting to Reality.

Distraction.

Most of the times I'm being distracted I become a distraction.

another feed back loop.

Greg Laurie

-Turn worry into worship

All things work for good to those who...

- Fear into Faith

- Panic into Prayer.

Trust the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Recognize God and all your ways. And he will direct your paths.

Thinking about your thoughts, the feedback loop of the Holy Spirit

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

• Take every thought captive to the lordship of Christ
• Pray without ceasing
• Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
• Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus
• John 5:19 Jesus said "I don't do anything except what I see my father doing" 
• John 20:21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
• All the promises find their yes in Christ
• Peter 1:4 NIV  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Partakers of the Divine Nature

2 Peter 1:3  His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His owna glory and excellence. 4Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

10Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, 11and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A strategic truth of God's strategic will.

1 Cor. 14:1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

Our Salvation? Access! Hints to His Lordship. Our transformation.

Ephesians 3:11-12 NIV

11 according to His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Know what you believe and why you believe it!

What's the point of this Hymn...

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood

Support me in the whelming flood;

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found;

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne.

The God of Hope

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Perception and the inertial frame that is me?

Embodied perception refers to a conglomerate of theoretical claims postulating that the body, its movements, and the interaction with the environment fundamentally shape people's perception of the world.

• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
• There is no accounting for taste.

The Standard of Unity in the Body of Christ?

Diversity of the Body of Christ?

• 1 Corinthians 12:12 Living Bible (TLB) Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the “body” of Christ.
• Revelation 7:9 (ESV) After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

THE STANDARD OF UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST - The Mind of Christ

Philippians 2:5 

• NIV- In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
• NRSV- Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
• AMPLIFIED- Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],

  

LOVE IS THE BINDING FORCE OF UNITY

Colossians 3:14 (NIV) And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

THE PURPOSE OF UNITY

5. Ephesians 4:11-13 (MSG) He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.

THE MEANS OF UNITY

John 17:23 (NLT) I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

THE PROOF OF UNITY

Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

VICTORY IS THE GOAL OF UNITY  

Philippians 1:27,28 (MSG) Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God.

Further Study...

www.gotquestions.org

1 Corinthians 2:16 (ESV) “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 2:16, Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13 and then makes a statement concerning all believers: “We have the mind of Christ.” Having the mind of Christ means sharing the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ, and it is something that all believers possess.

Having the mind of Christ means we understand God’s (“Strategic”) plan in the world—to bring glory to Himself, restore creation to its original splendor, and provide salvation/Redemption for sinners. It means we identify with Christ’s purpose “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). It means we share Jesus’ perspective of humility and obedience (Philippians 2:5-8), compassion (Matthew 9:36), and prayerful dependence on God (Luke 5:16).

In the verses leading up to 1 Corinthians 2:16, we note some truths concerning the mind of Christ:

1) The mind of Christ stands in sharp contrast to the wisdom of man (verses 5-6).

2) The mind of Christ involves wisdom from God, once hidden but now revealed (verse 7).

3) The mind of Christ is given to believers through the Spirit of God (verses 10-12).

4) The mind of Christ cannot be understood by those without the Spirit (verse 14).

5) The mind of Christ gives believers discernment in spiritual matters (verse 15).

In order to have the mind of Christ, one must first have saving faith in Christ (John 1:12; 1 John 5:12). After salvation, the believer lives a life under God’s influence. The Holy Spirit indwells and enlightens the believer, infusing him with wisdom—the mind of Christ. The believer bears a responsibility to yield to the Spirit’s leading (Ephesians 4:30) and to allow the Spirit to transform and renew his mind (Romans 12:1-2).   

Warning against Rejecting God’s Grace...

He is shaking all that can be shaken so that what remains is that which cannot be shaken

Hebrews 12:26 His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe.

Matthew 18:3

New Living Translation

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

English Standard Version

and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Berean Study Bible

“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Berean Literal Bible

and said, "Truly I say to you, if you are not converted and become as the little children, you shall never enter into the kingdom of the heavens.

King James Bible

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven

The battle for our Attention?

WIKIPEDIA: Attention is the behavioral and cognitive process of selectively concentrating on a discrete aspect of information, whether considered subjective or objective, while ignoring other perceivable information. William James (1890) wrote that "Attention is the taking possession by the mind, in clear and vivid form, of one out of what seem several simultaneously possible objects or trains of thought. Focalization, concentration, of consciousness are of its essence."^[1] Attention has also been described as the allocation of limited cognitive processing resources.^[2] 

Attention is manifested by an attentional bottleneck, in terms of the amount of data the brain can process each second

The weapon of spiritual warfare against attention is "distraction"...

Do you ever think about your thoughts? Have you ever wondered why you argue with yourself?

2 Cor. 10:3-5 MEV 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, 5 casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

IDEA - noun.  any conception existing in the mind as a result of mental understanding, awareness, or activity.      a thought, conception, or notion:

Knowledge?

WIKIPEDIA... 

Knowledge is a familiarity or awareness, of someone or something, such as facts (descriptive knowledge), skills (procedural knowledge), or objects (acquaintance knowledge) contributing to ones understanding. By most accounts, knowledge can be acquired in many different ways and from many sources, including but not limited to perception, reason, memory, testimony, scientific inquiry, education, and practice. The philosophical study of knowledge is called.. epistemology? 

"the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion."

Justified belief?

Godliness? Holiness? Righteousness? All wrapped up in the word "Blameless"!

Godliness - “a proper response to the things of God, which produces obedience and righteous living.”

"Put simply, godliness is living a fruitful, obedient Christian life" Dr. David Jeremiah

The Oxford definition of righteousness is “the quality of being morally right or justifiable,”  So, righteousness is the condition of being proven or declared morally excellent, while holiness is the condition of being consecrated or dedicated to moral excellence.

Christ-followers should focus their effort on pursuing holiness in conduct, attitude, and thought.

Repentance for the Born again believer?

Re-engaging with God's perspective by aligning with His Heart and Mind.

In Prayer! In His Presence! I go to Him for the big things I think are important. They are! BUT, He speaks to me about the small steps. The little things that are weighty. Steps of obedience; essential to the transformation of my mind. And therefore, my actions.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. Recognize His guiding Voice in everything you are doing. And He will lead you in the way He created you to be!.

God's thoughts?

What if you only cared about what God thought of you, instead of what others thought about you?

What if you only cared about what God thought of others, instead of what you thought of others?

How would your life be different? 

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

battle fronts?

How many fronts are you engaging the enemy in?... Here's a better question. How many fronts is the enemy engaging you in?

https://www.gotquestions.org/suffering-for-Christ.html...

"To follow Christ means we die to our own way of doing things. We consider our will, our rights, our passions, and our goals to be crucified on the cross with Him. Our right to direct our own lives is dead to us (Philippians 3:7–8). Death involves suffering. The flesh does not want to die. Dying to self is painful and goes against our natural inclination to seek our own pleasure. But we cannot follow both Christ and the flesh (Luke 16:13; Matthew 6:24; Romans 8:8). Jesus said, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62)."

Unity in Diversity

 “Unity does not equal conformity or uniformity. Diversity of perspective, aligned with the Holy Spirit, provides needed perspectives for unforeseen opportunities.”

The way?

Jesus is the Way!?

He said I am the way the truth and the life.

The Way? Not just the path but also the door.

Exchange of Sovereignty?

Isaiah 46:8-11
“Remember this and stand firm,
recall it to mind, you transgressors,
9 remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
10 declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
11 calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it.

End of Days? Do not let yourself be deceived!

The time is coming quickly, in fact it is already here, that if we continue to trust our own understanding we will be led down a path of deception. Change is upon us, rapid change is overtaking the world. As evil aligns itself on a global scale, this change will decieve many.

Make right your relationship with the Father, make right your relationship with your spouse, make right your relationships with your children and grandchildren, make right the way that you are walking, everything will be shaken, strengthen what remains, seek the Lord while he may be found. Today is the time! How many tomorrows do you think you have? Are they enough?

Will you raise a Hallelujah in the middle of the storm?

Why God Hides Himself and 5 ways to Find Him - Joseph Mattera

OCTOBER 8, 2019/ https://josephmattera.org/god-hides-5-ways-find/

Scripture teaches us in Isaiah 45:15 that God hides Himself. This means that He does not reveal Himself to casual seekers – truly it is the glory of God to conceal things but the glory of kings to search things out Proverbs 25:2, hence it is a royal and noble task to plumb the depths of the knowledge and glory of God!

Diamonds are usually not found on the surface of the earth – they have to be sought out and dug up out of the earth. If they were easily found they would be common and as worthless and common rock and dirt. So, how does a person find God and to whom does He disclose Himself?

For one, it says in Jeremiah 29:13 that we will find Him when we search for Him with our whole heart! He reveals Himself to those who search for Him as for hidden treasures. Proverbs 2:4-5

Secondly, we need to respond to Him when He initiates contact with us: when He prompts our heart to seek His face we need to immediately respond and seek Him Psalm 27:8. We are to seek the Lord while He may be found, Isaiah 55:6, which means there are God-ordained opportune times when He is specifically drawing us to Himself – to ignore this prompting is to take advantage of the grace of God since no one can come to the Father unless the Spirit draws Him John 6:44 another moment like this may never come!

Thirdly, we need to consider the fact that God never told us to “merely say prayers” but to hunger and thirst for Him and earnestly seek Him Matthew 5:6; Hebrews 11:6.

Fourthly, He expects believers to regularly carve out time and initiate contact with Him as He admonishes us to intentionally grow in the grace and knowledge of Him and draw near to God so He can draw near to us 2 Peter 3:18 and James 4:8.

Lastly, God doesn’t reveal Himself to the casual observer but to those who prioritize a worshipful relationship with Him above all else. This means carving out quality time pouring over His word, worship, and prayer on a daily basis that gives God the opportunity to reveal Himself and mature us in His Son. He said, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me” Proverbs 8:17.

It's Time!

Serious real honest genuine open pursuit heart mind trust obey change transformation

Corporate Revival begins with an individual Heart

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 51:10-12 Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit.

QUOTE FROM R.A. TORREY 

“I have a theory…that there is not a church, chapel, or mission on earth where you cannot have revival, provided there is a little nucleus of faithful people who will hold onto God until He comes down.

First, Let a few Christians – there need not be many – get thoroughly right with God themselves. This is the prime essential. If this is not done, the rest I am going to say will come to nothing.

Second, let them bind themselves together in prayer groups to pray for revival until God opens the heavens and comes down.

Third, let them put themselves at the disposal of God for Him to use them as He sees fit in the winning of others to Christ.

That is all. This is sure to bring revival to any church or any community. I have given this prescription around the world. It has been taken by many churches and many communities, and in no instance has it ever failed, and it cannot fail.”

------------

Corporate Revival begins with the individual

Intimation? Inklings?

INTIMATION: the action of making something known, especially in an indirect way.

John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him...

 
INKLINGS: a slight knowledge or suspicion; a hint.

Have you ever thought "I think God is trying to tell me something"? If so, understand it is the Holy Spirit's way of drawing out those who are serious about their relationship with Him from those who aren't.

where do you put your hope?

Where you put your hope really reveals where you put your trust.

Hope reveals your thoughts for the future. What you trust in is the foundation of your hope. Are your thoughts based in the reality of your situation. I mean a clear understanding. Or are they based in wishful thinking?

If the foundation of your hope is sinking sand and not the "Solid Rock", then your hope is based on lies and delusions of who you "think" you are.

Why the Cross.

“The New Hampshire Confession.” “We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.”

Psalm 89:14  Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.

"Righteousness is the moral standard of right and wrong based on God’s divine standard. Justice is the equitable and impartial application of God’s moral law in society. And God wants both." https://decisionmagazine.com/tony-evans-gods-kingdom-demands-righteousness-and-justice/

GENESIS 18:16–33

“For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice” (Gen. 18:19).

https://www.journal-advocate.com/2019/08/16/roberts-sin-and-the-fall-the-rebellion-of-humanity/amp

In The Presence of God - CORAM DEO

Integrity.  noun

1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

"he is known to be a man of integrity"

2. the state of being whole and undivided.

"upholding territorial integrity and national sovereignty"

"The integrity of one's life needs to take place in Coram deo.  Learn to live/operate from and within your relationship with God in the Here and Now", as opposed to merely living/operating according to your understanding of the principles of God." Proverbs 3:5-6

Coram Deo is a Latin phrase translated "in the presence of God" from Christian theology which summarizes the idea of Christians living in the presence of, under the authority of, and to the honor and glory of God. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/what-does-coram-deo-mean

Follow me as I follow Christ

To know Christ, and him crucified

The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy

They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto death

Forsake not the gathering together of the brethren

When they gathered together they all had something to share about what God was doing in their lives

Paul a disciple of christ? 

Savior & Lord! By Grace, through Faith?

SAVIOR...

Colossians 2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Romans 5:2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 4:16 Because of this it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, for the promise being sure to all the seed, not to that which is of the law only, but also to that which is of the faith of Abraham,

1 Peter 1:5 They are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God's power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time.

Romans 3:24 Yet 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.


LORD...

Matthew 7:21  Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

James 1:22  Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.

Luke 6:46  "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and yet don't do what I tell you?

Substitutionary Virtue?

If you're a fan of a sports team it's because you have some sort of connection with that team. You identify with the team by geography, or maybe you identify with the team by your participation in what the team represents ie. high School or a college you attended.

You identify with the team in some way. Like by sport; I'm a Packers fan, by school; I'm an Notre Dame fan. You cheer on your team and praise the virtues of particular athletes and their team. You feel good when your team wins. I might say you rejoice when they win, because they earned it. Hard work, teamwork, dedication and stick-to-itiveness. 

Commendable virtues applied and the victory gained. 

You rejoice and feel good? Because your team won. As though their victory was your victory? Isn't that weird?

Addictions 2

 Ad·dic·tion - noun: the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.

We are all addicts of something...

• Alcoholic: addicted to alcohol.
• Workaholic: addicted to work.
• Chocaholic: addicted chocolate.
• Spendaholic : addicted to spending money.
• Sportsaholic : lives to watch or play sport.
• Talkaholic : Incessant talking.
• Tweetaholic : Addicted to tweeting.

The one addiction that trumps them all is the “addiction to self-will”.

"I'm going to do what I want to do!"

It began in the garden of Eden and continues to this day. We are aware of Good and evil and seem to instinctively know when someone has trespassed against us. We don't pay heed to God's guidance and counsel and instead we "trust in our own understanding" as we respond/react to those who have done us wrong. Thus the cycle of self-will reaps ill-will in our hearts and our relationships. And we find all sorts of ways (other addictions) to ease our unhappiness for a moment!

A Relationship Addiction? You think, I need someone to love! 

You really mean "I need someone to love me." Well not really. What you mean is that you want someone to like you. To laugh at your jokes. To want to spend time in your presence. To agree with your perspective and to make you happy. (There's so much more that I could list.) Let's just say you have "Expectations".

God's Will

God's tactical, unique and specific will for you is unlike anyone else's. But His will for you is in the context of Psalm 33:11...

"But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."

God Strategic Will, His plan and purpose throughout history, are revealed "in Christ". The Strategic truths found in the bible are foundational to equip you to understand His tactical will for you and how He's called and equipped you to help Him with His Purpose & Mission; to Redeem all of Creation.

the bread and the wine

What is the bread? The thrashing floor.

What is the wine? The wine press.

The bread of life

Prayers of the intercessor

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” 1John 5:14-15.

JESUS OUR EXAMPLE...
Luke 22:42 says, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Billy Graham answered the question about prayer this way: “Prayer is spiritual communication between man and God, a two-way relationship in which man should not only talk to God but also listen to Him. It is like a child’s conversation with his father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things he needs.”

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to 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 12:1-2.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us how to apply God’s will to our lives: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
As does Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
"For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND and PURPOSES OF THE LORD, SO AS TO INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]" 1 Cor. 2:16 Amplified Bible

https://www.gotquestions.org/intercessory-prayer.html

God calls all Christians to be intercessors. It is God’s desire that every believer be active in intercessory prayer. What a wonderful and exalted privilege we have in being able to come boldly before the throne of Almighty God with our prayers and requests!

 

There is Abundance of Grace in Christ

Romans 5:17  (NABRE)

For if, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

"Indwelt" by the Holy Spirit not "possessed' by Him. In fact Indwelt by the Holy Spirit means "I possess Him".

Romans 8:9: “You . . . are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU holyjoys.org/who-is-the-holy-spirit

"Understand that the Holy Spirit is a real Person, not just a force or a presence or a power. You must recognize Him as a Person. He can talk to you. He is praying for you, just as Christ is praying for you. He will teach you what you need to know. He will guide you in your decisions. He tells you that you are a child of God. He will personally clean up the “rooms” of your innermost being when you let Him. You can submit to His voice or reject His voice. If you disobey His voice, He will be grieved. If you persist in your disobedience, you will grieve Him out of your life. Respecting the Holy Spirit as a person is necessary for your relationship with Him."

Read More

Jesus says I see you!

We all want to be noticed, recognized, and known. 

 There is overwhelming joy in knowing that Jesus sees me and knows me. Because I know He loves me despite my failings. A sovereign joy because I believe His promises to me. They are a sure foundation for my future. This is why I delight in His corrective chastisement as He guides me in the call and plan He created me to fulfill. 

John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.

There is no Joy outside of God's sovereign Will.

https://www.randolphbrown.com/2014/11/known.html

A father's Heart?

 How do we describe it?

Why seek God?

For His heart and mind, what He thinks and how He feels about you and the situation you are "currently in".

For His presence! For peace and rest.

For His power! To overcome.

For His Authority. To walk in His ways.

Truth Separated from God Becomes Deception

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life (Light). No one comes to the Father, except through me.

John 1:4  In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

Ephesians 2:18  For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Truth is like a "lit" candle. It burns in the darkness and Lights our way. Without oxygen, the flame goes out. But you still have a candle in your hand. You may think you are walking down the path because you possess a candle. But without oxygen, you are bound to stumble, fall and, eventually die.

Like oxygen to a lit candle, the Holy Spirit is to Biblical truth. Biblical principles separated from the Holy Spirit become deception.

The promise attained?

Remember when you gave your life to Christ? All the promises find their yes in Him. The promise of God motivates obedience. Obedience is a path of discovery and growth. Then you obtain what was promised. Your motivation fades. You rely on what you know. You trust in your own understanding. And God waits patiently.

You’ve “attained”. Gone is the need to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” Your love for God becomes gratefulness and dependence fades away. You are thankful but your seeking heart subsides. Self-will dominates your thoughts. You have yet to learn God’s love for you is revealed in not what he can give you but in His desire to be with you. For you to know Him, and for Him to know you.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 

Matthew 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Paul said...

Phil. 3:10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.

A promise to restore what was lost? The enemy can fulfill such a promise.

The promise of eternal life is fulfilled only "In Christ."

John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and

Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Free Will

"Free Will" is made possible by choice. This not that... 

The ability to make a choice is "FREEDOM."

The choice to stay "FREE" is to accept responsibility for the consequence of your choices. You can say "No, thank you" to those who would limit your potential because of their expectation for you.

"FREEDOM, RESPONSIBILITY, CONSEQUENCE?"

Be free. And don't blame anyone else for the choices you've made in the past and the consequences that resulted. Seek the one who knows exactly who He created you to be. His plan for you, it's like no one else's. You can't imagine His hope for your future. Get to know Him. Trust His guidance and follow it.

A Word from the Lord 02-15-2011

02-15-2011   This great adventure I have had the privilege to participate in is about to go through a time of unexpected hardship. As it will be for every small enterprise that has set out to be successful.

Foundations will be shaken and the outcome is not guaranteed. But it will be a time also of exceptional opportunity for those who saw it coming and for those who get prepared. Time is short, but in a multitude of counselors, we can circle round and build the bulwark that will give us a chance to weather the storm. If we survive we will be in a position to take advantage of new opportunities that we had not conceived of before.

We need to look around us and understand who it is that have parts to play. The ones of like mind, not only committed but energized by their personal convictions. 

In the economy of God's Kingdom, there is no leadership but that of the Holy Spirit.

We are called to go and make disciples. A disciple is fundamentally a follower. In the kingdom of God, they are a follower of Jesus Christ.

https://rickhowerton.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/you-are-my-disciple-if-the-five-ifs-of-a-disciple/

John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

In the world, leadership is highly valued. But in the kingdom of God, it is servanthood that is the path to greatness. So what is a true Disciple of Christ?

Rick Howerton Sums it up very well...

"IF someone exhibits love toward others, learns and lives the expectations unearthed in Scripture, denies self in all situations, has as their first relational allegiance Jesus Christ, and will die for the cause of Christ, then they can rest assured, they are a disciple of Jesus Christ."

---------------------------------------------------

All that are led by the Spirit of God, they are the children of God.

The greatest among you will be servant of all 

PROVOKE!

Where is it used in the Bible? 

This will help you make sense of my March 7th posts...

Prov. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.
6 Remember (Recognize) the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. 7 Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

Oh, and this...

 Romans 8:14
New International Version
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

New Living Translation
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

English Standard Version
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Berean Study Bible
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

New American Standard Bible
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God.

NASB 1995
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

NASB 1977
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Amplified Bible
For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Christian Standard Bible
For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All those led by God's Spirit are God's sons.

Contemporary English Version
Only those people who are led by God's Spirit are his children.

Good News Translation
Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Certainly, all who are guided by God's Spirit are God's children.

International Standard Version
For all who are led by God's Spirit are God's children.

NET Bible
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.

Modern Translations

Gosh, and this one!

Hebrews 11:6 

Modern Translations

New International Version

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

New Living Translation

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

English Standard Version

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Berean Study Bible

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

New American Standard Bible

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.

NASB 1995

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

NASB 1977

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Amplified Bible

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

Christian Standard Bible

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

Contemporary English Version

But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.

Good News Translation

No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation

No one can please God without faith. Whoever goes to God must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

International Standard Version

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently search for him.

NET Bible

Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

And this Scriptural truth...

Romans 14:23

Modern Translations

New International Version

But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

New Living Translation

But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

English Standard Version

But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

Berean Study Bible

But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.

New American Standard Bible

But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

NASB 1995

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

NASB 1977

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Amplified Bible

But he who is uncertain [about eating a particular thing] is condemned if he eats, because he is not acting from faith. Whatever is not from faith is sin [whatever is done with doubt is sinful].

Christian Standard Bible

But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin.

Holman Christian Standard Bible

But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from a conviction, and everything that is not from a conviction is sin.

Contemporary English Version

But if you do have doubts about what you eat, you are going against your beliefs. And you know that is wrong, because anything you do against your beliefs is sin.

Good News Translation

But if they have doubts about what they eat, God condemns them when they eat it, because their action is not based on faith. And anything that is not based on faith is sin.

GOD'S WORD® Translation

But if a person has doubts and still eats, he is condemned because he didn't act in faith. Anything that is not done in faith is sin.

International Standard Version

But the person who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not act in faith; and anything that is not done in faith is sin.

NET Bible

But the man who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not do so from faith, and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Let's consider this Scriptural truth...

James 4:17

Modern Translations

New International Version

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.

New Living Translation

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

English Standard Version

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Berean Study Bible

Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.

New American Standard Bible

So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin.

NASB 1995

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

NASB 1977

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Amplified Bible

So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.

Christian Standard Bible

So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible

So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn't do it.

Contemporary English Version

If you don't do what you know is right, you have sinned.

Good News Translation

So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin.

GOD'S WORD® Translation

Whoever knows what is right but doesn't do it is sinning.

International Standard Version

Therefore, anyone who knows what is right but fails to do it is guilty of sin.

NET Bible

So whoever knows what is good to do and does not do it is guilty of sin.