The one desire for my blog is that the soul who is hungry for what they know not, may come each day and be filled with the true bread of life from the Father’s table (John 6:32-35).
5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. 7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:5-11 (KJV)
Life is a hill. Break free from the masses at the bottom who walk in the stubbornness of their own heart and are thereby chained with complacency. Mediocracy craves the waking sleep of entertainment, amusement, and distraction. While excellence is only found by those with attentive ears, who are eager to learn, and whose are hands put to purposeful work. Listen and hear, “Climb my people, climb!”
What are ears to hear and eyes to see?
Ears that don’t hear and eyes that don’t see only judge and defend (Scripture). The deaf and blind say in their heart “I have the right to determine what is right and wrong for myself” (Scripture). The blood of Abel still speaks to us all about how it is always better to do what is right according to God rather than according to our own deceitful heart (Scripture). Ears that hear and eyes that see seek to learn and apply what God has said is righteousness (Scripture). The referent exaltation of God with a corresponding distrust of one’s own heart is the beginning of wisdom (Scripture). Ears that hear and eyes that see are those who demonstrate a good understanding by being doers of the word (Scripture).
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon all your faithful people your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
143 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. 2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. 3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. 4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. 5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. 6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. 7 Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. 8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Psalm 143:1-8 (KJV)
We struggle against the darkness of a world-wide culture of death that seeks to enslave us all with fear, uncertainty, and doubt. As a remedy, the world only offers lies and vanities. Freedom comes when you no longer desire to be like the popular of this world, and are totally liberated from the human hamster wheel known in America as “keeping up with the Joneses.” Those who don’t come to know Jesus Christ will find themselves going round and round chasing the same vanities as the rest of the world day after day, and year after year. Let it not be so with us, brothers and sisters. Let us look up, and live in the joyful expectation of the hope that the Lord has placed within us.
How does faith grow stronger?
Faith increases in proportion to our willingness to tolerate the testing of it (Scripture). When we understand the conditional requirements of faith (Scripture), then we can actually praise God even in the face of the fatigue and discomfort that so often accompanies the buffeting feelings and circumstances that test our faith (Scripture). 1st condition: Faith is given to us so that we can fulfill our great commission to serve as ambassadors, stewards, and teachers of Jesus Christ (Scripture). Second condition: Faith must be properly placed: adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting in Almighty God (Scripture). Third condition: Load and fire, that is to first pray and then command in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Scripture).
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon all your faithful people your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
16 The trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; 17 Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. 18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. 19 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. 20 Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. 21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. 22 The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. 23 Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. 24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. 25 So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. 26 There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein. 27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. 28 That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. 29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. 30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. 31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. Psalm 104:16-31 (KJV)
Some ask: “Can’t I just take a pill, have my stomach stapled, or get this belly fat sucked out of me?” Such people want to gain the fruit without working for the harvest. They want the well-being without having to turn to the lifestyle that produces it. They want the ends without the God appointed means of grace. This is the way of Cain. He sought to worship God as his own heart desired, and not the way that God commanded. Woe to the clay that rebels in such a way against the Potter. Wise is the one who chooses the God ordained narrow path that leads to eternal life. The tempestuous winds of this world will often buffet us, but blessed be our Rock. Know for certain that abiding in our Lord Jesus Christ is our guarantee of a safe haven amidst every storm. Come out from every other place. By faith abide in Christ alone.
What is prayer?
Prayer is an attitude and a privilege (Scripture). Whereby we can stir up the gift of God, which is the Holy Spirit (Scripture), and mentally ascend into the realm of the third heaven to actually FaceTime with the living God (Scripture). No soldier is properly equipped without a means of communication with his commander (Scripture). Prayer is the push-to-talk radio of the soldier of Jesus Christ (Scripture). A parked car cannot be steered, neither can the Christian Soldier by led unless he is walking in the Spirit (Scripture). And finally, prayer is the humbling of self under the mighty hand of God (Scripture).
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon all your faithful people your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Psalm 103:6-19 (KJV)
From zero to hero on whatever track you choose, always happens the same way. In the beginning, there is awkwardness. As an intermediate, nothing news worthy can be seen. However, with continual focus on making small improvements every day, champions are forged over time. This process requires patience. Patience is easy for those who have found rest in the Lord. Learn to gladly confess your weakness and trust in the Lord with your whole heart. Understand this, that getting upset or discouraged over your failure to rightfully perform even the simplest of God’s commands, is the hidden underbelly of pride. Those who pity self in weakness, will also exalt self when made strong. Open our eyes Lord, and let us see the truth. Grant us a heart to repent. That we may know it is only by turning from all sin and accepting our own weakness that the power of Christ can rest upon us. If it comes quick or if it is delayed, be determined to stay in the love of God, come when and what may.
What is the fear and trembling produced by salvation?
Knowledge of the infinite greatness of Almighty God produces a reverent fear (Scripture). Trembling is a carefulness produced by understanding our inability to be holy apart from the mercy and grace of God (Scripture). Worshiping the Lord with godly fear and trembling is to worship in spirit and truth with a carefulness to have all our ways conform to His righteousness (Scripture). That is the salvation not available to the fallen angels who are only filled with hatred and dread of their impending everlasting doom (Scripture). Fear and trembling are the brightness of noonday that follows the dawn of salvation where we experience the blessing of reverence and godly fear that is given in answer to prayer (Scripture).
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon all your faithful people your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1 (KJV)
Having enough money is desirable, but no amount of money is enough to purchase eternal salvation. Only the credit that comes by way of the Cross of Jesus Christ can do that. His blood shed on the Cross is therefore, precious beyond all measure. By grace we are saved through faith. He has bestowed His love upon us and we are healed. Worldly desires are vain. To believe otherwise is to be deceived. God uses everything for good for those who love Him. And if you have Jesus, you certainly have all that you need. Therefore, rejoice! Let the redeemed of the Lord praise His holy name now and forever more!
Is money the answer for everything?
Money is the answer for all questions of how to please the flesh (Scripture). Money is a useful tool (Scripture), but it can easily be turned into an idol when the affections of the heart are set upon it (Scripture). Money is like fire useful for cooking (Scripture), but it can also burn up everything when out of control (Scripture). Money is strength (Scripture), but without temperance it is only cruel and harmful (Scripture). Money increases might (Scripture), just never forget that in the end it cannot save anyone (Scripture).
Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
97 The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. 2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. 3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. 4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. 5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Psalm 97:1-6, 11 (KJV)
Strength is the jewel of youth. By adding wisdom, strength is fastened into a crown of honor for the mature. In the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord, the opportunity has been given for exchanging one’s own strength for divine strength, and for exchanging the prideful chains of the self-life for the shining wings of righteousness. Seek happiness and it will flee from you. Seek righteousness first just as the word of God commands, and happiness will be added to you. As a preliminary step, the Master bids you to count the cost. A total surrender of your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ is a non-negotiable requirement. This will be hard for flesh and impossible for the carnal mind to accept, but once done most everyone wishes they had chosen to do it sooner. Humble yourself therefore, under the mighty hand of God. He will make you perfect, which means to establish, strengthen, and settle you for all good works in due time.
How can we be sure in a world full of increasing uncertainty?
The full assurance of faith comes from believing the testimonies that Jesus Christ has risen (Scripture). When it comes to the Holy Bible, believing only some of the gospel while denying other parts always produces a wavering faith (Scripture). Faithful in little, faithful in much, as well as every little stroke and every incredible revelation of the Word of God is truth from beginning to end (Scripture). Complete assurance follows complete belief (Scripture). Taste it and you will see (Scripture).
Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Getting up early every morning to read the Holy Bible first thing has completely transformed my life.
19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. 20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death. 21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses. 22 The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea: 23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same. 32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah: 33 To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. 35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God. Psalm 68:19-23; 32-35 (KJV)
The world is full of vanity and lies. Let us turn from them and turn toward God with our whole heart. You have to stand firm in faith long enough to get to a point where the narrow way that leads to eternal life becomes so enjoyable that it eliminates the desire for all that is contrary. The love of God compels us to do this from within, and not just from external motive of outward conformity to the rules. All who hold fast to faith come to the place where there is an eagerness to sacrifice lesser things for greater things. We gladly give up the old life trapped in sin for the much greater new life lived in the freedom purchased for us by the blood of Jesus Christ. Faith in God is required from beginning to end. God is more willing to give than we are to receive. God is willing to give more abundantly than we can ask or think. Our Lord Jesus Christ has provided us with the ability to meet the conditions, which is to take His yoke upon us so that we can learn from Him. We can be sure that if we chose it, He will fulfill His promise to lead us into all righteousness. Praise and glory be to God for His love and faithfulness, which endures forever.
Where does our faith come from?
Faith is a gift from God (Scripture). All have faith (Scripture), but not all have faith in God (Scripture). Faith is to humans what instincts are to animals (Scripture). The soul is restless according to the saints of old (Scripture), until it comes to rest in God by faith (Scripture). What God said to Gideon (Scripture), He says to all: “Go in the faith you have and you shall reap in due time” (Scripture).
Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Psalm 121 (KJV)
Inconvenience is a rubber bumper that helps to keep us in the will of God. Prayer and rejoicing is called for when faced with difficulties and trying times, because only then can faith in God be exercised. Faith will praise and thank the Lord after prayer and before any evidence of deliverance can be seen. This is how our elders were able to obtain a good report, by trusting the Lord and rejoicing before seeing His blessings. They reasoned and agreed with God. Complainers unwittingly agree with the devil. Broken plans are a part of life. Get over it, let go of what you can’t and make the best use of what you’ve got. God will always provide you what you need. Realize if you always have what you think you need before you start, you would never learn to trust God. The counsel of the ungodly is to make it happen for yourself, and the world will applauded those who appear to do just that. This illusion of control is a house built on the sand though. The righteous cling to the truth that God alone is in control of all things. They stand in the readiness that comes from the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, praying for every need and waiting on the Lord with joyful expectation. God has predestined us to bear the appointed fruit in the appropriate season. Not one second early, not one second late, but precisely at the proper time. Do you believe the Scriptures?
What does faith do?
Faith must follow-through (Scripture). Faith is the eye that sees (Scripture), and the hand that receives (Scripture). Faith starts and ends with love (Scripture). Faith is the surety and assurance for confidently taking the 3-point shot (Scripture), and glorifying God with praise and thanksgiving is like the follow-though motion that completes every successful 3-pointer (Scripture), which ensures faith doesn’t end before the ball passes though the spiritual hoop called hope and sinks into the net of this physical world (Scripture).
Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Faith and Fitness Blog 