Devotion: Be Heaven’s Ambassador

Do you know that you are “an ambassador?”  Most people do not realize that they themselves are in fact “ambassadors.”

According to the Merriam- Webster Dictionary, “an ambassador” is

“a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment.”

Basically, “an ambassador” is “an authorized representative or messenger.”

“Don’t you realize that you can choose your own master?  You can choose sin (with death) or else obedience (with acquittal).  The one to whom you offer yourself—he will take you and be your master, and you will be his slave” (Romans 6:16 TLB).

Non-believers believe that since they have not formally committed to following God and do not subscribe to any form of religious authority or religious belief system, they see their non-belief as being “independent free-moral agents,” not representing anyone or anything.  They believe they are working independently of any commitments or obligations to any supreme or governing entity but we see from this passage that this is not exactly the truth.  According to this scripture, the one to whom we choose to be our master is the one to whom we become a slave or “an ambassador.”  For the non-believer, because they have made the conscious choice not to serve God, have unknowingly chosen to become slaves to sin and are “ambassadors” to principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world, which includes the master puppeteer, Satan.  For the believer, because they have made the conscious choice to serve God and follow Christ, have  chosen to become slaves of righteousness and are its “ambassadors.”

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God” (II Corinthians 5:17-20 TLB).

Through what Christ did on the cross, God made peace and brought us back to himself.  And in doing this, God gave us “the ministry of reconciliation,” entrusting us with his message of reconciliation.  But this honor of preaching this news of peace belongs to those who are in Christ.  Those who are in Christ be a new creature, a new creation if you will.  Remember, it was through his death that Jesus took two groups (Jew and Gentile) and made them part of himself.  And in making them a part of himself, Jesus was able to fuse the two together into a new creation, into a new man.  It is this new creation, this new man that are “the ambassadors for Christ, his representatives.”  God uses this “new man” to urge others to come into his favor, to be at peace with him, and to be reconciled to him.

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain” (II Corinthians 6:1).  “For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building” (I Corinthians 3:9).

We are God’s coworkers, workers together with God.  We are God’s partners, working side by side with God.  We are “the authorized representatives or messengers” of God.  We be “Heaven’s Ambassadors,” ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, preaching the news of peace, urging others to come into God’s favor, to be at peace with him, and to be reconciled to God.  The question that you have to ask yourself is “Am I good ambassador or am I bad ambassador?”

We trust that today’s inspirational message will give you a new perspective on your role of being “Heaven’s Ambassador.”  We pray that this message will bless you, as well as inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If you are blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: You Are A Spirit

As we look at the creation of man, we can actually see man being created with three distinct parts; spirit, soul, and body.  We know that man was created in the image and after the likeness of God.  According to the first chapter of Genesis, God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness (Genesis 1:26).”  Many people have a hard time reconciling the fact that mankind is “created in the image and after the likeness of God,” but the original man and the original women were “created in the image and after the likeness of God (Genesis 1:27).”  And since each of us are a copy of the original man or the original woman, then we too were “created in the image and after the likeness of God.”  Now, when God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,” he was not referring to the image that you see when you look in the mirror.  Jesus tells us “God is a Spirit” (John 4:24), which means you must be a spirit as well.  Wow!  You are actually a spirit being, created in the image and after the likeness of God.  Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite told Job and his two friends that “there is a spirit in man” (Job 32:6-8).  This statement implies that the spirit, which is in man and man himself are not the same.  However, this does not mean that your spirit is not similar to the form that you see in the mirror because throughout the Bible, God is described as having features such as “hands, arms, face, and back parts” (Exodus 33:22-23), but you are a spirit being first.  What you see in the mirror is your physical body.

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7).

We see from scripture that God formed, molded, or shaped man’s body from the dust of the ground.  We also see this fact strongly emphasized by God after the fall of man.  God tells man that he is but dust; “for it was out of dust that he was taken and it is to dust that he will return” (Genesis 3:19).  Now we have the physical body, formed from the dust of the earth, but there is no life in this body.

“… and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7).

Now we have the lifeless body, which God breathed the breath of life into and the body comes to life.  This breath is the same breath that God “gives to all living things” (Numbers 27:16).  When we die, we see the creation process in reversed.  We already know that our bodies return back to the dust from where it came, but “our breath,” the breath that God breathed into our nostrils, “returns back to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

“… and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7).

Then, there is the soul, the thing that man became.  Man became a living soul after God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.  The soul is defined as the nonphysical aspect of a person, which contains person’s most important feature, his or her essence.  This is where the deepest and truest nature of a person can be found.  It is here that the most complicated human attributes can be found, such as a person’s consciousness, thoughts, feelings, and will.  The soul is where a person’s emotional and moral nature and be found.  This is a place where the most private thoughts and feelings are hidden.  The soul is the thing that gives each person his or her distinctive character.  It is also believed to be the one part of man that continues to exist after the body dies.

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 5:23).

In this passage, Paul makes mention of our whole spirit and soul and body.  Paul has described man as “a tri-partite being,” made up of three individual parts, asking that our “entire spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.”  So the reflection that you see in the mirror, that physical body that you see, is made of dust and to dust is where it will return.  However, within the reflection is that real you; a spirit being that has a soul, all living inside of that image in the mirror.

“... This message is from the Lord, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the human spirit” (Zechariah 12:1 NLT).<

To summarize, you are a spirit created in the image of God that became a living soul, all living inside of a body.  We pray that today’s inspirational message will give you a new perspective on what it means when it is said, “you are a spirit being.”  We also pray that this message will bless you, inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: You Are Part Of Christ's Body On Earth

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Scripture tells us there is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.  Should there be any variations when we are told through scripture that there is only one?  Should there be variations amongst the members in the one body, “the so-called body of Christ?”  Believers are taught that each of us have different assignments, but does this mean that the members of the one body have different objectives?

Here is an interesting statistic, discovered a few years back while doing some research:  there are more than 103.5 million members in more than more than seventy-five different church bodies that make up the “so-called body” body of Christ.  But if there be one body, shouldn’t these members of this body at least have the same objective, the same vision, and the same mission before them?  What about their knowledge of Christ, shouldn’t that be similar amongst the member?  If not, does this mean that the members are permitted to have varied beliefs as to who Christ is, what he is and where he comes from?  If there be only one Lord, shouldn’t the more than 103.5 million members in the more than more than seventy-five different church bodies that make up his “so-called body” be in agreement about him?  One would surely think so, unfortunately, this be not the case.

“But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion (opportunity) from them which desire occasion (opportunity) that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed (transforms himself) into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (II Corinthians 11:12-15).

The problem is that Satan has infiltrated the body of Christ and divided the kingdom.  He has entered the organization and has become part of it so much so that he is hard to recognize.  That one we believe to be him in disguise is usually not him but that one we believe to be a member of the body is actually him in disguise.  We have allowed him to get close to us and close to our hearts.  We have allowed him to come into our family and become a part of it.  We have allowed him into our house and have set a place at our table for him.  We have allowed him to influence whom we talk to, what we think of, what we say, what we believe in, and much more.

“And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.  No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil (plunder) his house” (Mark 3:24-27).

Christ has one body, which is the church (Romans 12:4-5; I Corinthians 10:16-17; I Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:1-6).  The misunderstood teachings, misguided theologies, and misinterpreted doctrines that have been introduced by Satan have blinded the mind of man to the truth pertaining to the body of Christ.  Because man did not control and maintain these truths contained in the wonderful gospel, Satan has divided the body of Christ (the church) into the many different factions that exist today.  Imagine the power the body of Christ (the church) would have if it could unite as one and agree as to what the Bible says about God, Jesus the Christ, salvation, and many other things.  This is what Satan does not want to happen, unity among the people and agreement on the gospel of Christ.  Since Satan has divided man, the gospel of the glory of Christ is now hid from man.

The truth of the matter is that there be only “one body of Christ” and every member, those more than 103.5 million members in the more than more than seventy-five different church bodies that make up the body of Christ needs to have the same objective, the same vision, and the same mission.  Every member should have the same knowledge of Christ and hold the same beliefs, without variation.  Scriptures tells us, “he who ascended up on high, leading captivity captive, gave gifts to men” (Ephesians 4:8).  Scripture also tells us he who ascended up on high gave these gifts to men for three specific reasons.  One of the reasons for the gifts was “for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).  The other reasons were “for the perfecting or equipping of the saints and for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:12).  But it is the purpose for these gifts that we are most drawn to.  The purpose for these gifts is to bring us “into unity or in agreement about the faith and about our knowledge of the son of God” (Ephesians 4:13).

We pray that today’s inspirational message will give you a new perspective on “being part of the body of Christ.”  We also pray that this message will bless you, inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: Your Hairs Are Numbered

How awesome is God?  God is totally awesome!  How awesome are we?  We are totally awesome as well!  But why are we totally awesome?  It is not because we said so.  It is not because we may have thought so.  No, it is because God has said so.  Listen to the words of King David as he speaks of God’s glory and man’s honor.

“O Lord our God, the majesty and glory of your name fills all the earth and overflows the heavens.  You have taught the little children to praise you perfectly.  May their example shame and silence your enemies!  When I look up into the night skies and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you have made—I cannot understand how you can bother with mere puny man, to pay any attention to him!  And yet you have made him only a little lower than the angels and placed a crown of glory and honor upon his head.  You have put him in charge of everything you made; everything is put under his authority: all sheep and oxen, and wild animals too, the birds and fish, and all the life in the sea.  O Jehovah, our Lord, the majesty and glory of your name fills the earth” (Psalm 8:1-9 TLB).

God thought so much of us that, according to King David, he “placed a crown of glory and honor upon our head.”  God thought so much of us that he “put us in charge of everything he made and put everything under our authority.”  God thought so much of us that he is actually mindful of us, he pays attention to us, and he visits with us.  How awesome is that?

“Look at the birds!  They don’t worry about what to eat—they don’t need to sow or reap or store up food—for your heavenly Father feeds them.  And you are far more valuable to him than they are” (Matthew 6:26 TLB).  “What is the price of five sparrows?  A couple of pennies?  Not much more than that.  Yet God does not forget a single one of them.  And he knows the number of hairs on your head!  Never fear, you are far more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7 TLB).

Jesus gives us a comparison of just how much God cares for us.  Jesus tells us to look at the birds, who do not “sow, reap, or store up food and have very little value, yet God cares for, feeds, and does not forget a single one of them.  Jesus tells us “we are far more valuable to him than they are.”  We are so valuable to him that “He knows the number of hairs on your head.”  How awesome is that?  God knows the smallest of details about us, about our life, about what we are going through.  Just keep that in mind when you feel lost and alone.

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).  “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

You are never alone because God knows exactly where you are and he has promised to never leave you.  He will neither fail you nor forsake you.  So be strong and of good courage and fear not.  He promises to strengthen you, to help you and to uphold you.  Remember, “He knows the number of hairs on your head” and how awesome is that!

As always, we give thanks and glory to God for his wisdom and understanding.  We are so blessed to be able to share with you, those things that God has placed in our hearts.  We continue to pray that our inspirational messages will forever be a blessing to each of you and that you will be the better for having read them.  If you are blessed by what has been provided, please feel free to share so that others may be blessed as well; for as freely as our Father has given this to us, we freely give so that others may share in the love and be blessed.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: Whom Do You Walk After?

Whom do you walk after?  Are you one who be in Christ but walks after the flesh?  Or are you one who be in Christ and walks after the Spirit?

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1 KJV).

For them who be in Christ but walk after the flesh, allowing themselves to be controlled by their lower natures give their minds over to the things of the flesh and live only to please themselves.  But them who be in Christ but walk after the Spirit, allowing themselves to be controlled by the Spirit give their minds over to the things of the Spirit and live only to do those things that please God.  Those who walk or follow after the flesh are carnally minded and headed for condemnation and death, because the carnally minded are enmity against God and cannot please God.  But those who walk or follow after the Spirit are spiritually minded and headed for life and peace (Romans 8:5-8).

Not long ago, we discussed a phrase that was coined to define a so-called believer who confesses and believes in Christ Jesus but lives a lifestyle that does not appear to glorify God while claiming the forgiveness and acceptance of God.  In that discussion we found that “a person who believes in Jesus Christ as his or her savior but is dominated by the physical needs or the strong desires of the body or the flesh in contrast to all that is spiritual” is by definition, “a carnal Christian.”  We also found that “carnal mindedness was enmity against God” (Romans 8:7) and determined on only following one’s evil flesh nature.

We found that making the effort to follow after the Spirit actually led to us being controlled by the things of the Spirit.  We also found that those who are living according to the way of the Spirit give their minds to the things of the Spirit.  They be controlled by their spiritual natures and give their minds to spiritual things.  They want to live their lives doing those things that were pleasing to God, which in itself leads to life and peace everlasting.  And this is why there is therefore now no condemnation to them, which are in Christ Jesus, who walk after the Spirit.

What so many who walk after the flesh fail to understand is that their carnal Christian lifestyle actually does not and never can obey or please God because their “carnal mindedness was enmity against God,” bent on only following their evil flesh nature.  We see from the eighth chapter of Romans that those who are living according to the way of the flesh give their minds to the things of the flesh.  They be controlled by their earthly natures and give their minds to earthly things.  This “carnal mindedness” is in total opposition to God, does not submit to the law of God, and is not able to do so.  Those whose minds are given to the flesh cannot please God.  This is why there is therefore condemnation to them, which are in Christ Jesus, who walk after the flesh.

But thank God for his grace and mercy and for revealing the truth to us.  Since the Spirit of God resides in us, then we be not in the flesh but in the spirit.  We are devoted to the spiritual things and are not devoted to earthly things, because the Spirit dwells in us.  If the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead be dwelling in us, then he who raised up Christ from the dead will in the same way, through his Spirit that is in us, give life to our mortal body, which is currently under the power of death.  Therefore, if Christ be in us, then our body be dead because of sin but our spirit has life because of righteousness.

If any man has not the spirit of Christ, he is not one of his and does not belong to him.  He is in debt, for it is his lower nature, the way of the flesh that he be obligated to live under the rule of.  If anyone lives according to the way of the flesh, then death will come to him.  But if he be under the influence of the Spirit and have put to death the works of the body, meaning you have put to death your old bodily habits, you will live, for only those who are led and guided by the Spirit of God are the true sons of God.  If you be in Christ, then walk, not after the flesh, which actually pertains to “The Law”, but after the Spirit, which actually pertains to “grace and truth.”  “So, whom do you walk after?”  You may want to examine yourself just to make sure you are actually walking after the right one.

As always, we pray that our inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings. - KW

Devotion: Be A Giver

We have had several discussions about prosperity over the past few months.  We know that scriptures say, “for it is he (God) that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant” (Deuteronomy 8:18).  While the passage makes it abundantly clear that prosperity is truly of God, it also appears to state the purpose, the reason God gives his children this ability to get wealth or as some have put it, to get rich.  We know that most of the time, the prosperity message is taught as a means for an individual to increase one’s own self.  But, while this may be man’s purpose for striving to achieve wealth, it is not God’s purpose for giving us the ability to get this wealth.

God’s purpose or reason for prosperity is to not to increase someone so that person can get more things for him or herself.  No, God needs us to help him establish his covenant.  God needs us to help him fulfill his promise to our ancestors.  God’s purpose or reason for the prosperity is to increase someone so that person can be a blessing to others.  God needs us to give, so that we can be a blessing, so that we can be his blessing to others.

God may have been able to rain manna from the sky for the children of Israel while they were in the desert (Psalm 78:24), but when it comes to money, it is a completely different story.  God cannot manufacture currency and have it rain down from heaven to help those in need.  For one, it is illegal to manufacture currency.  Then, imagine what an influx of counterfeit money would do to the financial stability of a country or even the world’s financial stage; it would be catastrophic.  Therefore, God has instituted a system, where he uses the wealth that he gives his child the ability to get, to provide for those children who have need in the kingdom.  This is the covenant God made with our ancestors, and he uses his children to help him establish it.

So maybe now you can see the truth about prosperity.  God is not against prosperity or against you having financial prosperity as long as you remember the reason for your prosperity, to be a giver.  God wants you to be a giver, so that you become a blessing to those that need God’s blessings.  You are all God has to do this.  You should live to give and not live to get.  We know that this goes against all that the world’s financial system has taught you, but you need to get plugged into God financial system.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.  For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).

Having money will only amplify that which is already in someone’s heart.  If a person has a heart for selfishness, then having money will only intensify that selfish desire.  But, if someone has a heart for giving, the money will make stronger that desire to give.  When a person has the heart of a giver, they understand that what they give returns to them, in full and overflowing measure, pressed down and shaken together to make room for more, and running over.  Please note that it is man, who will give into the giver’s bosom and not God.  The person understands that with what measure they use to give is the same that men will use to give back.  The person understands that they have been entrusted to watch over what they already know, belongs to God.  This person understands the true purpose, the true reason for the prosperity.  The person understands that everything belongs to God; the earth and everything in it and all of the inhabitants belong to God (Psalm 24:1).  This person knows that no man has ever taken any of what they claims belong to them, with them when they left this earth.  If any of it were theirs, you would think that they would be able to take it with them.  It has not happened yet.

Once again, we know that our commentary will not settle this long-running debate.  However, we do pray that our commentary just might offer a clearer understanding of the true purpose for the prosperity.  As we always do, we pray that you will be abundantly blessed, greatly informed, and that you will be the better for having read the message.  If you are blessed by this message, please share it with others so that they may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: Meeting Together

Did you know that God is not calling us to go to church?  Actually, he is calling us to be his church.  He wants us to be the hope of the world.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.  Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20 NLT).

Known as “The Great Commission,” Jesus commanded his disciples to go and teach or make disciples of all nations.  He commanded that these new disciples be taught to observe all things whatsoever or to obey all the commands Jesus had given to his own disciples.  But what exactly is a disciple?  A disciple is not only a believer or a follower, but a disciple is more importantly a student and a pupil.  A disciple is a person who has been trained.  You cannot make disciples without some type of teaching.  And yes, there is a difference between preaching to someone and teaching someone.  Preaching proclaims the gospel where teaching explains the gospel.

This is not to say that there is no place for the preaching of the gospel, but preaching alone does not make disciples.  For example, preaching can proclaim the good news of salvation and can convert sinners into “born-again believers,” but what about afterwards?  What happens to the “born-again believer” once they have been saved or converted?

A person who is “born-again” should reflect or be like Christ, but not everyone who claims to be “born-again” is able to do so.  They more than likely continue to live a lifestyle that is contrary to being Christ-like mainly because they have not been taught that Christ-like lifestyle.  Scripture tells us “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17) and when that word comes in the form of a salvation message, then salvation is all that person will have faith for.

We fully understand that a person’s own evil desires play an important part in his or her lifestyle choices, but when the person is not taught to observe all things whatsoever or to obey all that Jesus commanded, then that person’s life tends to be run by the previous doctrines he or she used before becoming “born-again.”  This is why there is this emphasis on teaching others to become disciples and not just “born-again believers” or “new converts.”

For the true disciple of Christ, he or she will have the tools needed to live a Christ-like lifestyle, but it would be entirely different for “a new convert.”  A true disciple would have the faith to put God first, above everyone and everything else where “a new convert” may be in that growing stage where he or she is trying to find the true path to Christ.  Without the proper guidance, “a new convert” may stumble upon the wrong path going in the wrong direction or even resort back to old habits.  Most people are struggling with the hell they live in on this earth and are trying to find a way to overcome their situation.  And though the salvation message will make them feel good for a moment, it does nothing for the long haul to show them what to do after salvation.

Making new converts true disciples will help them to be more Christ-like in their actions and in their lifestyle choices.  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever or to obey all the commands of Jesus will give them the tools they need to teach others to become disciples and not just new converts who are left to find their own way.

There is a lot more to being a disciple than what we have stated here.  This was just a short introduction for those who have that ear to hear and want to obey “The Great Commission,” where they go and make disciples of all nations, teaching “born-again believers” to observe all things whatsoever and to obey all the commands of Jesus Christ.  You first must become a true disciple yourself; you must become a student and a pupil of the teachings of Christ.  God is not calling us to go to church; he is calling us to be his church.

We forever pray that our inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings. - KW

Devotion: Sprinkle The Blood

There is power in the blood of Jesus.

“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building (creation); neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place (Most Holy Place), having obtained eternal redemption for us.  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth (sets apart) to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot (blemish) to God, purge (cleanse) your conscience from dead works to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:11-14)?

His death rescued mankind from the penalty of sin.  He came as the High Priest of the new covenant, a covenant that would come later, having better promises and a better system than the one of old.  Because he now has a more perfect tabernacle, one not made of hand nor made by men nor being a part of this world, but one resurrected, he was able to bypass the restrictions of the old tabernacle and go straight into the Holy of Holies to once and for all obtain eternal redemption for us.  Using his own blood as the payment and not the blood of goats and calves, he entered into that inner room in the holy place and secured our eternal salvation.  He set us free.  For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of young cows could cleanse those under the old covenant from sin, how much more should his blood, he who came with a new covenant, cleanse us inside and out and transform our lives and our hearts.  With help from the eternal Holy Spirit, he, who being perfect and without a single sin or fault offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice.  He willingly gave himself to God to die for our sins so that we could be free from the concerns of having to follow and obey the rules of the old covenant and live all out for God.  That’s right, it was Jesus Christ who did all of these things for us and that’s why “there is power in the blood of Jesus.”

“And almost all things are by the law purged (cleansed) with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (forgiveness).  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified (cleansed) with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures (copies) of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place (Most Holy Place) every year with blood of others; for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world (ages) hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look (eagerly wait) for him shall he appear the second time without (apart from) sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:22-28).

Under the old agreement, almost everything was cleansed by blood.  We see that without the shedding of blood, there was no forgiveness of sins.  Moses, after giving the people all the laws of God, dedicated the first covenant by sprinkling the blood of calves and goats over the book of the law and over all the people.  Scripture tells us that it was necessary for Moses to make the things down here on earth, all copied from the things in heaven, pure with these offerings, but the real things themselves in heaven, were to be made pure with a far more precious offering.  So, Christ, who did not enter into the earthly holy place, which was a copy of the one above, entered directly into the real temple in heaven itself and appeared before the mercy seat of God.  However, unlike the high priest down here on earth, who offered the blood of animals year after year as atonement for our sins, Christ went before the face of God, once, to make an offering of himself on our behalf.  By dying, Christ was able to put away the power of sin for all times as the ultimate sacrifice, unblemished and without a single sin or fault.  Again, it was Jesus Christ who did all of these things for us and that’s why “there is power in the blood of Jesus.”

We forever pray that our inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: A Member Of The Body

Many believers have been taught we are supposed to “be of one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God,” but is this truly the case?  Are the so-called believers truly “of one body?”  We, as so-called believers claim to worship the same God, follow the same Jesus, and be touched by the same Holy Spirit, yet our beliefs are so different.  And while we “politely tolerate” each other, our pride does not allow us to come together as one.  The statement, “That’s not how we do things here” instantly blocks any attempts at unification.  But aren’t we supposed to be a body of like-minded people with one common purpose and one common goal?  Apparently, we missed that memo and have missed the point as well.

Scripture records that Jesus, when he ascended upon high, he gave certain gifts to man. “Some of us have been given special ability as apostles; to others he has given the gift of being able to preach well; some have special ability in winning people to Christ, helping them to trust him as their Savior; still others have a gift for caring for God’s people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God (Ephesians 4:11 TLB).

But it is the purpose of these gifts that we find most intriguing and what is to be accomplished by them.  “Why is it that he gives us these special abilities to do certain things best?  It is that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity; until finally we all believe alike about our salvation and about our Savior, God’s Son, and all become full-grown in the Lord—yes, to the point of being filled full with Christ.  Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth.  Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all times—speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly—and so become more and more in every way like Christ who is the Head of his body, the Church.  Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly, and each part in its own special way helps the other parts, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:12-16 TLB).

So, if you be one who has been given a special ability or gift to do certain things by Christ, then you have but one job and it has been clearly spelled out; “the building up of the Church, which is the body of Christ to a position of strength and maturity.”  If you be a member of the one body, then you too have a role to play as well.  Paul begs us “to live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these.  Be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.  Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit and so be at peace with one another” (Ephesians 4:1-3 TLB).  Imagine a body perfectly fitted together, with each part helping and working with all of the other parts so that the whole body is healthy, growing, and full of love.  Imagine a body where “finally we all believe alike and come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.”  Imagine that!

Again, we pray that today's message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

Devotion: You Are God’s Work Of Art

If any man be in Christ, that is, when a man comes into a basic union with the risen Lord, he is a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17).  Old things, the old life are passed away at that moment of salvation:  all things that are, at the moment of salvation, become new.  This is not talking about anything physical becoming new but a new creation in the spirit.  When you are renewed or made brand new, you are new in the spirit not new in body.  If you were bald before being reborn, you will be bald after being reborn.  The same applies to being overweight, if you overweight before, you will be overweight afterwards.  God has changed your spirit and only deals with the spirit part of your threefold nature of spirit, soul, and body (I Thessalonians 5:23).  He does not deal with your soul, which contains your desire, your will, your intellect, and your mind nor does he deal with “your body.”

You have the privilege of dealing with “your soul” and “your body.”  You must be in control of your desires, your will, your mind, and your thoughts.  You must also be in control of “your body.”  This means that you cannot be bound by the desires of the body of the flesh.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service” (Romans 12:1).

Yes, that is right.  You are to present “your body” as a living and holy sacrifice, the kind that is acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  When you think about all that God has done for you, this cannot be too much to ask.  We understand that this is a difficult task because you have allowed “your body” to be charge for so long and that it will hard to take back control of it.  We also know this; “your body” will not go down without a fight.  “Your body” will be fighting for its life.  Notice that we did not say the body would be fighting for your life; it will be fighting for its life.

“But I keep under (discipline) my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (disqualified)” (I Corinthians 9:27).

Like an athlete in training, he will punish his body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to.  You must be in control of “your body” and you must train it to do the things that it should, not allow it to do the thing that it wants.  Here is another way to look at this presenting “your body” thing.  When you want to sell your house, you do all the things necessary to present your house in the best possible shape.  Basically, you completely clean your house, from the inside to the outside.  And when you do these things, you do not ask your house for permission, but you do those things that you believe the house needs so that it is presentable to any potential buyers.  You do the same thing with your car when you want to sell it.  You clean up your car inside and out, so that you can present it in the best possible shape.  It is the same with “your body,” the house that you live in; you are to present it in the best possible shape to God.

If you wanted to paint your house or your car a different color, would you ask for its permission before you painted it?  Then, why would you need permission to tell “your body” what to do?  And no, this does not mean that you only put on a “fresh coat of paint” so to speak.  Most of the problems that you have in life are flesh related meaning “your body” is your biggest problem.  Do not allow “your body” to dictate to you what it will do.

We pray that the commentary will be a blessing to you as well as informative.  If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings - KW

The Church, The Bride, And You – The Conclusion

Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy:  for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (II Corinthians 11:1-3).

We have also heard this passage used to support the church is the bride ideation.  Because of what Paul stated, many believe the bride (the body) is betrothed to one husband and is to be presented a chaste virgin to Christ.  Paul is speaking about himself, speaking about what he has done, and speaking about what he wants to do.  Paul betrothed the church at Corinth to Jesus when he converted them and taught them about the gospel of Jesus.  Paul wants to present them as pure, natural, and clean in thought and deed to Christ, not having their minds corrupted with false doctrines by false teachers.  He is truly concerned that they may lose that which they have received from him and their minds could be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ by one preaching another Jesus (II Corinthians 11:4-33).  Basically, Paul wanted the Corinthians to be true to their first love; Jesus like a chaste virgin should be to her future husband.  Since we, being the bride, do not fit this example, then who or what is the bride?

The Church, The Bride, And You

God has made Christ the supreme head of the church.

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all (Ephesians 1:22-23).

The church represents the body of Christ.  When you look at human anatomy, you find the head attached to the body and the body attached to the feet.  The head (Jesus) is attached to the body (the church) which is attached to the feet.  But what is the body of Christ?  Just as the human body is comprised of many parts working together as one, so it is with the body of Christ.  In fact, the members are baptized by one Spirit to form one body, nourished by the same Spirit so there is no disunion in the body.  You are the body of Christ and member of the body, individually.