The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives

Another Excerpt from my Bible Study Notes, posted at It's About HIM

Failure Before the Cross, Part 3

In the days we live in there is much spiritual deception. It's past being religious, it's outright Satanic at times. There is much emphasis on weird manifestations, and outlandish behavior and claims in what some call revival. Be so careful, beloved. Much is blamed on the Holy Spirit that He has no part of at all. If you want to know if He is actively working where you are here are your guideposts:

Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

When He shows up, He will convict and expose what is out of order and what is wrong. He will reveal where people have missed the mark, wandered into error and have violated God's law. To be convicted is to be found guilty of violating the divine law of God and it is punishable by death so it's no wonder He wants to bring those He finds guilty to repentance. The Lord is so willing to forgive and when we look around and see the sad condition of this world and its inhabitants, this eagerness, this willingness to forgive on God's part, for the sake of His Son, testifies of a heart of love that almost takes my breath away. What kind of love is it that caused His Son to cry out from the depths of His pain and despised shame on that cruel cross "Father, Forgive them!" I know that was a God-produced cry in the heart of His Son. It had to grieve the Father's heart but at the same time the Father wanted to open the way for these to run into His very presence and find forgiveness and communion with HIM whose Son they murdered?

My feeble mind can't comprehend this. I have to look to Him and depend on Him and cry out Oh, Father, give ME your kind of holy love for I am not able to love those around me like this!!

When the Holy Spirit shows up He not only reveals wrongs, and failures, and exposes that which is out of order, and sin, but also makes clear what is right. He doesn't do this in a harsh or malicious way, He is gentle, not wanting to discourage us or bring us to despair. He lovingly corrects a parent. He has been sent to parent us, to prepare us, to teach, guide and strengthen us. Those who speak for Him in ministry, they are gentle, easy to be entreated, peaceable, compassionate, the law of kindness is in their mouth. If it is not, they aren't completely crucified with Him yet or something is wrong. The Holy Spirit comes and judges in us, exposes it privately to us those things that will condemn and damn us and so we can see it and repent. The Lord loves us so much He allows things and situations to come at us that though they may be very unpleasant, and we will be pressed by them hard, He has a reason. He sees things in our hearts that are unlike Christ, and often we don't. He has seen it from the start, beloved, but yet He has patiently loved, and led and worked with us, and taught us to strengthen us to be able to face unpleasant truths about ourselves. When He begins to show us our hearts, He is right there with us to remind us of His love so we don't fall into despair and give up. When He allows hard times or places into our lives to squeeze us it's to cause that thing in our heart we don't see to come to the surface so we can see it as He convicts us, and exposes it to our understanding. He does this so we can repent and be cleansed and forgiven. What a merciful God! The next time you are in a hard, unpleasant place, remember this. He knows how you feel and He's right there with you. He will hold you up and encourage you if you cry out to HIM and not to people. Run to His Word, run to HIS embrace not yourself, or others. He is WELL able to hold you up-and once you experience how HE holds you up you will not want to run anywhere else ever again.

So, how can you tell if the Holy Spirit is actually manifesting among God's people? His presence brings conviction, revelation of what is wrong and how it should be, and this is brought into the light to bring about brokenness and repentance so He can cleanse and forgive us and restore us. Jesus never said there would be gold dust in the air. He never said there would be people flopping around like fish out of water. He never said people would be making animal sounds. This is an internal, unseen work, but clearly felt by those being ministered too. (The kingdom of God is within you, remember Jesus said this and it comes not with observation (Luk 17:20-21) His presence will produce a reverence for God-an orderly, decent reverence. It will produce joy which is expressed in different ways. One might cry, one might run and shout hallelujah. One might begin to sing. One might begin to praise. However they express their gratitude and worship to God, is not ours to judge. If it is HIM it will be right.

Joh 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Joh 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

This too, identifies the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He had so much He wanted to show them but He knew they could not receive or endure it. It's so important to recognize this. There are things that just cannot be preached to people who have not been filled with the Holy Spirit of God. They can't receive this. You can't preach "Deny yourself-reject yourself and embrace the life of another" to someone who is a new convert until they get rooted in the truth and see enough of Him they would rather have HIM than self and get filled with the Holy Spirit. You can't preach meat to babes. It will choke and discourage them. This is why ministers so desperately need to seek God for the messages they bring to the pulpit. ONLY the Holy Spirit knows what the people really need, and are ready for, and only HE can bring life to the Word so it feeds and strengthens rather than kills as a dead letter.

The Lord is speaking about the individual ministry of the Holy Spirit to the person here, as well as corporately to the Body of Christ. When the Holy Spirit is present, He will show the right way and lead you through this Holy Bible which is the Word of God Almighty to us, and open our understanding. He who made our minds has to enlarge our understanding so we can embrace this truth. He has to reveal it to us. He didn't come to speak of Himself, but to reveal Christ to us. The glorified, risen Christ. He hears what is said between the Father and the Son, and that is what He says. Just as Jesus said, "The Word that I speak is the Word of Him who sent Me" so the Holy Spirit speaks the Word of the One who sent Him. He will also show us what is going to happen or change in our lives. He shows us what has to go, He shows us what needs to change. He warns us of snares and traps in the way ahead. This requires an active seeking of the Lord on our part. We have to understand and believe He lives in and with us by faith as we seek understanding and seek to know the Lord, the Holy Spirit will reveal Him to us. We can't leave our Bibles closed and not show up for prayer and study and expect to learn anything. We can't let our minds wander on everything but the Lord and expect a divine revelation of anything except that we are on dangerous ground and need to get back where we belong.

Communion Before The Cross 2

This is an excerpt from

"Communion Before the Cross, Part 2

Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall

be done unto you.

If we stay in Him, if we tarry in His presence, remain in our place in Him, and we hold closely His Word, His commands, as our Treasure, our Life, then what we crave and desire more of Him will be ours. It will be our portion-performed for us by HIM. It will be shown to us, fulfilled in us. His Divine Nature, manifested in and through us, as it was in Christ and as it was in Paul. His will shall come to pass in us because if His Word abides in us, it will cut us loose from that which is unlike Him. What a promise! The more we see and learn of Him the less we will want what is unlike Him! He says, the things I have spoken to you, I said them so that when the things you will soon face happen, you may have MY calmness, my delight, in your heart, in fullness. Heb 12:2 says He despised the shame of the cross but for the joy set before Him He endured. We must remember this. We may despise the trial and the shame and reproach the world will throw on us and at us. But HE is our EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD. Hold on to that, no matter what happens. Hold on to HIM. Mansions in heaven aside, gold streets aside, gates of pearl-who cares? HE did these things for His reasons. He prepared a place for His Bride. But HE is our Prize. HE is our Reward! Earthly praise and acceptance of men? Keep it. Reputation among men? He didn't have it so neither should I. Wealth and Fame? On earth-nah. But in hell I want to be known as one who will not let go of faith in the Word and will refuse to be shaken loose from the Rock on which I stand! In heaven, I want to be known as the one who loves Him enough to give Him all and be satisfied with just HIMSELF. His fellowship. I didn't say miracles, or visible ministry known by crowds. I said known by HIM, in private. That is my reward. Him and Him alone.

Oh, God help us be willing to lay down our lives for you, for our friends, as You did. You laid down Your life for us. You know in the Greek, that word for 'lay down' is tithemi. (G5087) Could that be where we get the word 'tithe' from? That means you laid down what wasn't yours anyway, but what was set apart for God before you ever got it to start with. He laid down everything, His heart, mind, soul, the very essence of His life in that body was nailed to that cross for us. His whole person. Nothing was reserved for self. No provision was made for self. All to God's will. He says "You're no longer My servants, but you are My friends. My beloved, dear to My heart. You will revelation, understanding of all things of the Father. I make them known to you. I declare spiritual truth so you can understand. You did not choose Me, I chose you. I made the choice to call you to Myself, for a purpose. You will lead others into this same life I have for them that I share with You. Because My life is in you, you will be able to ask of the Father and He will give you what you require. You must love one another unselfishly as I have loved you. The world does not love this way, so they will not understand or like you or accept you. Know that now. They did not accept Me and they will not accept you. They will persecute and despise you as they have Me. When this happens, you must remember what I have said. You will drink the cup I drink.

The Comforter, the One I send to parent and take care of you, on whom you must depend totally, He will bear record of Me to you. He will reveal who I really am to you. He shall know My heart and share it with you. He will give you the power to bear witness (G3140) martureo, the root word for martyr, in the same family with the Greek word "martus" (Act 1:8). He is telling them that they will give a firsthand account based on their personal experience with Him and intimate knowledge of who He is to others. In short, He's saying because you yourself KNOW me, you can reveal me to others. You can't teach or show what you yourself do not know. That is hearsay and not reliable. You will testify to them what you yourself know, not what others say or think.

Having Confidence in God

Php 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Php 2:2 Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

If you have found your consolation or comfort in Jesus Christ, in trusting your soul and your life into His hands, and if you have found comfort in knowing He loves you, and you have experienced the compassion and merciful intervention in your life of the Holy Spirit, you are a very blessed person. If you have found the love of God shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost, you are blessed indeed. Not only the love God has for you, but the knowledge you have gained of HIM that has stirred within you a fervent love in return FOR God. Paul is saying, if this is your experience in Christ, it would make my joy complete if you have that attitude, that intention, to show others that same comfort, that some compassion and mercy you have been shown in your failures. In your time of need when the Holy Spirit has ministered strength and comfort and love to your troubled heart, have that same mind toward others in the Body of Christ, and those around you who are lost and dying without HIM.

Php 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Whatever you do for the Lord, or for others, do not do it with ambitious competition, striving to out do someone else, and gain a reputation. Do not seek material gain, or men's praise as reward for your service. That is vanity. That's how the world does things. We are not to fashion ourselves after the world. We must serve with meekness, considering others and their needs before our own, trusting the Lord to meet our needs. It's a hard thing to say, and our carnal minds will not like it, but we must let the Lord help us realize He's already promised in Php 4:19 that He would supply all our need or necessity, and in Mat 6:33 we are told to seek first HIS kingdom, (not what self wants) and all these other material necessities would be supplied. He wants to relieve us from that burden that consumes those in the world, and much of the church world, so we can concentrate on HIM and the abundant, surrendered life He wants us to have, one filled with and ruled by the Authority of His Holy Spirit. We need our thoughts reprogrammed- if you will, to think as He would.

Php 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

There are a lot of different ways this can minister to your heart. I believe this Word is going to step on my toes hard today. I pray as it cuts, that the uncleanness will be released to flow out of the wound as a lanced boil, and the Holy Ghost poured in as the balm of Gilead with purifying fire. To say I hate the way the (my) carnal mind works and rebels against the precious Word of God is an understatement. What do we do when we are presented with a need? When you are out among the masses of humanity, and you pass someone who is disabled, or perhaps you run into an acquaintance, or neighbor, or backslidden friend and they have an obvious need. Perhaps their child is sick and burning up with fever. Perhaps they have gotten bad news from the doctor. Or maybe you go to the hospital to visit a sick friend or family member, and while you are there, you see another family, people you don't know, and you hear the Critical Care physician deliver a stunning blow to this family, and you watch as they erupt in grieved cries, despairing over an impending loss of a loved one who is dying. You stand there, and the Holy Spirit of God in you stirs and urges you to approach them and offer to pray. Immediately, fear assaults your mind, and doubt on its heels. You stand there paralyzed with indecision, torn between wanting help and being afraid of looking foolish if nothing happens. (Self isn't dead yet because this is motivated by pride-not wanting to look like a fool-and that also is an indication of unbelief in Almighty God being Almighty with in us)

Ouch, Ouch,Ouch.

After all, you are not Apostle Paul or Jesus. You've never worked a miracle. (But it's not us doing the works, it's to be HIM in us, as it was with Jesus Christ, doing the works)

Maybe it's not that serious a situation. Perhaps you run into a friend, one you've been praying for, and you know their home is in turmoil, and their spouse is very much against them serving God and going to church and rocking the boat, but they are on the way to the hospital or doctor with a feverish child. That Holy Spirit stirs in you, urging you to ask if you could pray for the child. You look at the spouse, and see the dislike for you in their eyes, (or perhaps that's just what the enemy wants you to think) and you feel like if I even mention it, he's going to get mad and she's got enough to deal with so let's not make it worse. What if you pray and the child doesn't get better immediately? They'll think you are a phony. You will look stupid. (there's that pride again) Why would God answer your prayer? You are pretty messed up yourself, you haven't prayed like you should, you haven't read your Bible like you should, so who are you to pray for their need, and expect God to come through for you? Fear and doubt causes you to waiver and it's over. You walk out the door, on your way to church, or about your business, with a "I hope everything's going to be ok." and you are swamped suddenly with shame, and a sense of failure, and you hear the devil laughing in your mind, at your weakness and fear.

Php 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

First of all it's a mistake to look at yourself, period and I'm definitely preaching to myself here. Don't look at your weakness. God already told you in His Word unlike the devil who uses the smart and tricky things of this world, the LORD uses the weak and foolish things to confound the wise. (1 Cor 1:27). And perhaps, in hindsight, that wasn't an "I don't like you" look the spouse was giving you, but a scowl of the enemy trying to intimidate you into doing exactly what you did, (nothing) and the person whose face was animated was totally unaware of being used. He was just a worried and stressed father, lost without Jesus, trying to survive in a dreary world, trying to make it without the Divine Help he and his family so desperately need. Ouch.

When you see a need in your family, in your community, in someone's life you know, and you are confronted by that need in an immediate way, the devil will try to attack your mind with fear and doubt because He doesn't want you to realize the Word of God really works, and God honors His Word when somebody believes Him and stands on it. Especially if that somebody is a blood washed saint of God, who has a sincere desire to serve God in truth and in spirit, and is battling powers of darkness they don't really understand. But Paul tells us in 2Ti_1:7 God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love and of power and of a sound mind. That fear and doubt that hits your mind and tries to cause indecision is NOT from God, it comes not from HIM that calleth you. This attempt at persuasion comes from a very devious adversary who is out to steal, kill and destroy any and every body he can. He doesn't want you or anyone else to know that God's Word really works!

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

In 1Co_2:16 we are told we have been given the mind of Christ. It's written in the Word of God. We've been given the Holy Spirit to help us understand it. We've been given the access we need to the Throne of Grace to find the help and the wisdom and the power to live and walk as He would, and did. In victory, not defeat. We have to let this mind be in us and we do that, I believe by devouring the Word of God, praying for understanding, and praying for God to perform His Word in us, which I know He wants to do and having an intimate relationship with HIM as Christ did. Remember the old saying, you are what you eat? Eat the Book. I mean meditate and pray about what you read. The more you think on His Word, and ask Him for understanding, the more you will understand. When you understand, it works. When you understand how it applies to you it's more effective. It becomes a part of you.

Oh, God help us next time we are faced with a situation like that, where there is some soul in need of a witness of Christ, that we don't fret over looking foolish. We are not to make of ourselves a reputation anyway. Jesus didn't. He pointed all back to God, with humility and meekness. In 1 Cor 4, verses 9-10, Paul said God made us a spectacle to the world, to angels (including the devil) and to men. He said we are fools for Christ's sake. Every child of God is on display, whether we realize it or not. Others watch. And they hear the accusing voice of the devil when we mess up. If we let him provoke us to react in the flesh, with wrath, which never works the righteousness of God then he has grounds to accuse us not only to God, to our selves, to other men. He will mock and say 'yeah, where's your God? Where's all that power you are supposed to have?'

Only when we are fully under the authority of God, can we ourselves have the authority OF God working in and through our lives. I've read that, I've heard it preached, and I believe it. When Jesus stood outside Lazarus' grave, He was surrounded by those who did not believe, who did not understand His ability. Lazarus was dead-beyond hope. But here stood Hope in the flesh.

Joh 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
Joh 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Joh 11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Joh 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Joh 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

There was no doubt in Jesus' mind that God would answer Him because He had a relationship with the Father. He spent time with Him, He knew Him. Because He spent time with His Father, He knew what the Father wanted. The Father was able to show Him things, just like He will us, through the Holy Spirit, if we make ourselves more available and concern ourselves with spiritual things more than temporal, carnal things. Consider Jesus is the Pattern, and He said greater works you will do than these because I go back to My Father. Would He tell us we could do the works He did, if we couldn't? He said He made His peace available to us. He offers it. But it's only found in knowing HIM for ourselves. We can't make it on mamaw's faith or papaw's preaching. His Son suffered and died and He rent that veil from top to bottom so we could enter His presence and if we don't we cheat ourselves and make Him look like a liar by our ineffectiveness. OUCH. OUCH.

Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

The Lord walked this earth in the flesh and knew He was still the Son of God, part of the Divine Trinity that created this earth and breathed the breath of life into man and made him a living soul. He worked miracles, He fed the poor and hungry, He raised the dead, healed the sick, cast out devils, cured leprosy, but He did not seek fame or fortune, or men's praise. NO.

Joh 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

Joh 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

He did not lean on the wisdom of men, He did not seek the advice or counsel of man, because He knew, just like He told Jeremiah in Jer_17:9, the heart of men is deceitful, and can't be trusted. The carnal mind will deceive even the man himself. He never promoted Himself or asked for money from the people. He never sold anything. When that woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of His garment and was healed, do you think He started selling pieces of His clothes to the poor and sick with the promise of healing? Not on your life. He gave freely to those in need, needing nothing from their bank accounts nor seeking honor for His own reputation.He always pointed others to the Father. He never sought prestige, though none was ever more worthy. He never sought to be honored, though He alone among them all was deserving. HE was and is our example, folks.

1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

When you look at these Scriptures carefully, you see Christ humbled Himself, and set the example, and then was exalted by God.

Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Php 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

When we suffer, yet we patiently endure, as the Scripture exhorts, and we wait on God, trusting Him to work everything out and being content with how He chooses to work things out, then He can exalt us when it pleases Him. When we will be able to glorify Him in the eyes of others and not try to take the credit for what He does.

Amo 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

That's a great question. Who will you agree with? When you are away from church, and you're out on the job, or at home, at school, or at a family reunion, or something, it could be the office party for so and so's promotion. Whatever your difficult place is, when you are there, you are on the firing line. The enemy has his guns loaded and is shooting those fiery darts at you. You are faced with those around you who are lost and dying without God-because the wages of sin is death. Those without eternal life in them are walking dead people. Now you are faced with this trial, and you get the hard looks from the cynical unbelievers, who almost dare you to mention the Bible or Jesus to them and you sense it by their body language or expression, or they flat out tell you. When you are in such a place remember this: that devil already has them convinced there is no hope, which is why they often behave so badly. Inside they are pressed and desperate, and afraid. They feel alone, but put on a false smile, and lie and pretend to be strong when inside they are terrified and tired. They've seen so many phony, hypocritical Christians in name only, that they just don't believe anymore. They have been convinced there is truly no way out, nothing better for them, and no hope of being free from the chains that bind them. But, saints, WE have hope in us, we have CHRIST IN US their only hope of glory, and we too often give in to fear and don't let HIM rule from the throne in our hearts. We know the Word says we have been made acceptable in the Beloved. (Eph_1:6) That devil will tell us we are not because we have failed somehow, and we let his lies keep us from the One who died for us, and sustains us every waking hour. This must stop, and again, I'm preaching to myself, here, too. I know I am guilty and I hate it. I thank GOD for helping me see the light! He said awake, and shake thyself from the dust (flesh) and Christ will give thee light (understanding-ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall MAKE you FREE).

He wants to give us a revelation of who He is and what He can do if we just trust Him and let Him. The devil doesn't want us to step out in faith and obedience to the Word of God because when we submit to God, and obey His Word, then He is glorified. When we refuse to bow to the fear and doubt the devil throws at our minds, and stand up and say to those in need, "Can I pray for you? God can help you. God loves you." When we can do this, without fearing that God will let us down and leave us in the lurch looking like we are crazy, people can see the glory of God, that hope that is found only in Jesus Christ. When we see this around us, this terrible needs of those who are lost, and desperately need HIM and we do nothing, we don't pray, we bow to the lies of the devil in defeat, and out of fear, don't act, we are consenting with the thief. (Psa 50:18) We see the devil destroying, and we do nothing because we let him intimidate us. We let our own failures intimidate us instead of running back to the cross, back to Jesus Christ, in repentance and faith we will get the help we need to stand.

(Joh 6:37) He tells us He will never turn away empty anyone who comes to Him for help. We let the devil shoot down and discredit the Word of God in the eyes of those who need so badly to see the life of Christ in us, by our indecision, and timidity, which is the result of a lack of prayer, which results in a lack of faith, which is the result of a lack of spending time getting to know God ourselves.

Psa 50:17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.

Psa 50:18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

If we never pick up His Word, if we never seek to understand what He had written, what cost the lives of many of the saints of old whose testimonies are there for us to read, and we don't stand up to the devil, in the name of Jesus Christ, and stand against his dark works and destructive power raging in the lives of those around us who don't know they can be free, who don't know their harsh taskmaster was defeated, and made a show of openly at Calvary, then we consent to his deeds. We are what might be called silent partners. We are consenting with the thief who would steal the glory from God and trick us into bowing before the fear and doubt he fires at us with, when we are faced with a need that God wants to move in. Remember His own deliverance in our lives, and know that He wants to do the same thing for others. He saved us when we couldn't save ourselves. He washed and cleansed His people when they could never have cleaned themselves. He snapped the chains and fetters that held us bound when we had no hope of ever being free. He wants to do that for those around us. We are His witnesses. And there is HOPE.

Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

I find it interesting that Jesus gave the disciples authority to heal the sick and cast out devils in Luke 10. He sent them out to preach repentance for the kingdom of God is at hand. BUT when it come to being witnesses (martyrs, human sacrifices for the glory of God, by letting the Spirit of God walk and talk and minister through their earthen vessels) they had to be endued with power from on HIGH. That is what we need-to be filled with the Holy Ghost. That is not an optional suggestion-but a command. He would never have commanded this were He not willing to perform it because we cannot fill ourselves.

Wait, wait, wait on Him. We must have this. We need Him.

One disclaimer here: I see these things because He shows them to me. Often I feel ashamed because first and foremost it is me He is dealing with. I feel a pressing need to also share what He shows me, because we are to provoke one another to good works. To edify one another not beat each other down. IF it were not possible to live and walk as Jesus walked, He would never have said "As He is in the World So are WE" and He would never have made His Holy Spirit available. HE is the key. We can't do this without the Holy Ghost, people. HE is necessary. I see these things, and often feel frustrated because I don't have all things I write about working like they should in my life and that lack causes tough mental battles in my mind. But God will not show us something He is not willing and able to make reality in our lives. This is my Hope. He is taking me where only He can and making me what only He can. I may not be experiencing or living everything I write about but it is the desire of my heart and I have a promise from Him, that if I delight myself in HIM and I do, He will give me the desires of my heart-and that is HIM. HE alone is the desire of my heart.

Workers of Inqiuity

This is an excerpt from some Bible Study notes posted on my main website,
It's About HIM

and you can download the entire file to read if you like : http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/2/2/727206/Its%20About%20Him%20pdf%20files/Works%20of%20Iniquity.pdf

Something I think we all should consider:

Jesus said this:

Joh 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Joh 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
Joh 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
Joh 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Joh 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

Eph 2:10 tells us we were ordained to good works. Eph 2:9 tells us we cannot boast in works because Eph 2:8 tells us works will not save us, but God's grace alone. This means whatever you labor in to do for Him, whatever task or deed, will not and cannot save you. Consider very carefully how these individuals will fare when they stand before Him on that day, trusting in what they have done:

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

To trust in self and works means His sacrifice was meaningless, and unnecessary. It is to say God was wrong to send His Son to suffer like that. It's to exalt self above the knowledge of God. It's to reject the sacrifice of the Savior and say I can save myself because I dress like holiness people should. It's to say I can save myself because I fast and pray and others don't. I can save myself because I give to the poor and am nice to people and others aren't. This is why He condemned the Pharisees. We are ordained-meant to walk in good works but we must know that nothing saves us but faith in Him and His sacrifice-that finished work of Calvary that paid the price for our sins in the eyes of a HOLY GOD. Whatever else we do, we should always point away from self and to HIM as He always pointed to the Father. Of course, that kind of faith requires behavior and attitude adjustments in every area of our lives. Now, consider the emphasis I put on certain parts of the Scripture above and let's examine ourselves, as I also must do. I believe this will cut most of us to the quick. The things we do in His name, is it HIM in us doing it? Have we put self so completely out of the way that HE alone is seen and heard in what we do? Are we totally dependent, and seeking His mind, so He can reveal to us what He is doing and would have us do? In order to do His works, we must be in communion with Him and learn from Him in total dependence just as Jesus did, else we can do nothing but misrepresent Him. As Jesus said, the Father shows Him what He does. What has the Father showed us lately, in prayer? Is what we are doing for the Lord, in His Name, being done because He showed it to us and told us to do it or are we leaning to our own understanding?

Jesus said of His own self He could do nothing, as I hear, I judge, but He didn't seek His own will, but the Father's. He never said "Father I wish to do this or that" but always "Lord, what will THOU have ME to do?" And what self wanted was never a consideration. Without Him in us doing the works we can do nothing acceptable in His sight. If we try to do it in ourselves, He will call it iniquity. God help us. Oh, Lord God help us. We are born in self, raised in self, lived and walked in self so long it has to be a divine operation of God to deliver us from self. This is where the cross must be preached again in the House of God. It's a vital thing that believers understand the purpose and meaning of the cross in their own lives. That is what this believer is seeking to understand. For the next however long it takes, I want to study carefully the cross. Only the Holy Spirit can lead me there and help me understand. That is another reason the Lord sent Him to us. To open truth that is vital to us as we seek it. Thank you Jesus. Lead me to the cross, Holy Spirit, give me grace and courage to not draw back, in Jesus' precious name. Amen.

Where are the Signs?

I wonder how many people sit on church pews, with a hunger for the reality of God that in their heart that is frustrated week after week, day after day by what they see and hear in what is supposed to be His House. How many are seeking and longing for the Word of God preached in power, compassion and purity, under the anointing? There's a difference between men getting up and talking, read a few Scriptures, and give their opinion on what they mean, often slamming the church with the Word. How many really break the Bread of Life and serve it up with fear and awe to the people? Would this not feed the sheep rather than discourage them?

I wonder how many people read the Word of God and know He said "These signs shall follow them who believe" and consider this, and look around and say "Lord, where are the signs?" How long has it been since you saw somebody so full of the Holy Ghost that the fear of the Lord was thick in the room? His Word is true, but I think His heart is grieved over the complacency of His people. How many are at ease in Zion? How many have traded the true power of God for an outward appearance of godliness that has no power? How very many people read the Holy Word of God without even understanding how it applies to them? How many have gotten their own ideas, handed down from mamaw or papaw, or the Pastor, about what salvation is? Holiness is not an outward behavior it's a PERSON. People might look and act holy, but have no real power. When was the last time there was a prayer meeting that followed a message from the pulpit so convicting that people were on their faces afraid to leave, wanting to draw nigh to Him, and be filled? Isn't that what "Tarry" means?

My heart absolutely aches inside with grief for what I see in the church world around me. So many of the sheep are weak and sickly. Malnourished. So many are being fed that which is an imitation of the real thing. I want to see HIM, I want to know Him in the fellowship of His suffering-and the power of His resurrection. I want to see a church burdened for the lost- and passionate about HIM not their religion or beliefs! I mean, people we say Jesus is coming, but why aren't we more burdened to pray for those who aren't ready to meet Him if we really believe that? Are we carefully examining ourselves? Our behavior reflects if we actually believe in the imminent return of Christ or have just made mental assent to the truth but aren't moved.

Noah was "moved with fear" to prepare an ark for his family to escape the wrath to come. What are we doing, people? Are we busy debating doctrine and theology? Are we busy online chatting with friends? Shopping? Working? Surfing the net? Too busy to pray and seek the face of God for mercy on a country that has storm clouds of judgment moving in swiftly overhead and has already started to fall? We need to be fortifying ourselves with the Word of God and praying through to His throne of mercy and filling ourselves up on HIM so we will be prepared at the midnight hour when panic stricken people are running everywhere looking for answers. He is coming. He isn't coming for those who are comfortable, and aren't longing for Him. He isn't coming for those who are too busy for Him. He isn't coming for those who are satisfied with their religion and trusting in it. HE alone is our hope of glory. His blood alone is our covering. Just as we couldn't stand in the core of a nuclear reactor without protective clothing, and gear, neither can we stand in the presence of THE HOLY Lord God Almighty without being covered by the blood of Jesus, trusting in HIS righteousness. If we know Him, we won't be living like the world, we won't be indulging the desires of our flesh and carnal mind, we will be seeking His grace and strength to overcome these things. This world is lost and on its way to hell and what are we doing? My heart grieves at the arrogance, and pride, and casual attitudes I see in the house of God. There is more to Christianity than what I see. He loves His Bride so very much. You know if you are part of Her. You know if your heart longs for His perfection, His presence, and an ever greater revelation and understanding of who He is. The Bride's heart aches for HIM not the things of this world. They so pale in comparison they do not satisfy her. She, like Abraham and Sarah, has her eyes on the unseen and eternal. God is looking and listening for the cry in the hearts of those who are desperate for HIM not religion.

Is there a cry in your heart or are you satisfied? He loves you so very much! He paid such a high price for us! We are precious in His sight. I'm not trying to bring anyone down, just expressing the grief in my heart. Shouldn't HE be the center and have pre-eminence in every service? In our hearts and lives?

Christian Celebrity?

1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

He said you are so willing to be religious, but only when it is easy. They were envious of each other, arguing and debating over who is the best speaker, purely because certain speakers would appeal to their intellectual ideas and educated minds. Those who weren't as well educated as these former pagans, those who weren't as knowledgeable of the law, as were the Jewish converts, and those who had little philosophical understanding, as the Greek and Roman converts, well, you can begin to understand why they were having trouble getting along. There was so much quarreling and debating over ideas and man centered focus, when the main focus should have been the Word, and Christ Himself-not the minister. It's not the messenger that is to be glorified, and exalted, but the Message. The Christ, the Holy one of God who shed His blood for us that we might have life. This was all still desiring to please the flesh, certain speakers appealed to certain ideals and expectations they brought with them out of the world.

Paul said, you are acting like normal, earthly men, not sons and daughters of God who have eternal life living within them. You make too big of a deal about the things that don't really matter, in this temporary life. It's the world and day that is coming that matters. He reminded them, we are only ministers, teaching what we have learned from the Lord, by the power of the Holy Ghost, to you. We try to instill within you the seeds of truth, and doctrine, and we trust God to water what we've sowed, by building on it, truth, upon truth. But it's the life of God, the power of God that enlarges and causes the seed to grow.

1Co 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
1Co 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.

There should be no Christian celebrities. You might not like that statement, and you might not agree with it. Consider what the Word says. So much of the church copies the world. The world has their celebrities, so does Christianity. The movie stars and music stars are grossly overpaid, live in luxury, and have their award shows and pat each other on the back, and that is the world. The celebrity mentality is guilt over success and a need to feel like they are actually "making a difference" and they pass out awards to each other and praise each other. That is the way of the world, one can expect this kind of behavior. But, Christians are supposed to be different. Christ is supposed to be the focus and receive all the glory. It bothers me that the Christian singers and musicians have been tricked into following this same example. So much flesh being glorified, while God gets lip service. How much money is wasted to put on these 'awards shows' and hand out meaningless trophies for 'best song of the year' or best new vocalist, and how in the name of all that is holy does God get glory out of those who are supposed to be a separate, called out people, following the traditions of the world? If we are doing all we do for the glory and honor of God, as it is supposed to be, then why, oh why, do we give in to this need to be recognized, and honored by the public, for what we do? That need for self recognition must be crucified. People, those who walk this path have already received their reward in the public recognition and praise of men they have received. (See Matthew 6:2-5)

Can you imagine the Lord, and His disciples, the apostles, behaving in such a way? No. Flesh wants to stand in the spotlight, even if it's a religious spotlight and bask in adoration, compliments, and praise of men. Those who plant and sow the seed of the Word, the Gospel, whether in song, music, or ministry, should not think more highly of themselves than they should. Paul said I was with you, and I spoke to you the things of God, but I didn't use big fancy words, or flashy gimmicks, no, but there was a real demonstration of the Holy Spirit and the power of God because flesh did not try to touch the glory. Paul did not want to draw attention and build their faith up on the man speaking, but in the invisible, and almighty God. (1 Cor 2:3-5). That's the pattern, church. Self gets nothing and God gets everything. That's only fair, since HE alone brings life, deliverance, help and hope. He alone makes the difference. I love good Gospel music. I love Christian praise and worship music. But flesh is polluting so much of it. When the Holy Spirit is in charge, advertisement and marketing methods are not necessary. He draws, He provides, He moves, and Christ is glorified and people are truly delivered as HE breaks the yokes.

By His Own Power

1Co 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

That word ‘raised up’ in the original Greek, means to waken, rouse, literally from disease, death, lying down, or sitting. Figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, non-existence. To awake, lift up, raise again, or up, rear up, stand, take up. He’s not just talking about the resurrection or the rapture here. I think he’s also talking about raising us up from our failures, and despair over them. Remember, he’s addressing a people who had failed here. They could have been afraid of offending this one who was in sin, so they didn’t confront him. Or perhaps there was something of the world still holding their hearts and they thought nothing much about what he was doing-taking it lightly. But sin is sin, and if you condone it, you are guilty too by association. But he can raise us up from the dust of our failures, he can wake us up and lift us up and stand us on our feet and say “now, this is the way, walk ye in it!” Isa 30:21. He will also raise up us by his own power. Yes, he raised the Lord Jesus from the death of the grave. His flesh had to die. If we will let him through his Spirit help us die to our own ways, own wants and thoughts and take up his, and put on Jesus, let us take our self life to the cross and crucify it with Jesus, consider it dead, then he will raise us up in his power, to do his will. But we can’t lead and be in charge. Only the Head is in charge. He will do this by his own power. It will be a miracle, his force, his ability, his might, and he has an abundance of power and strength to do this.

Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

Zec 4:6 Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

We aren’t to with forethought provide care or supply to please our flesh. We are not to do this because if we please our flesh we can’t please God. Our flesh doesn’t and can’t be agreeable to God. It’s two contrary natures. The one sinful and rebellious, the One Holy and pure. By “flesh” that word means (aside from the obvious) the body, human nature, with its frailties, and passions, and carnal thinking of self. In the world it’s “self first, self now, self always.”

Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

To “walk” in him means to tread, walk , figuratively to live, follow, go and be occupied with. As I’ve already learned there are two ways he is received. One, is to associate with, know about, hear and learn about. Then there’s the other meaning-when you’ve heard it and reached out eagerly with force and laid hold on him, and drew him to you, embraced him, and took him in and made him welcome, and committed yourself to him and whatever he says is right. Oh, he is truly priceless. Matchless. He is more than a Masterpiece, more than a Treasure, he is EVERYTHING.

1Co 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

One. United completely. Joined, as in marriage. In the Greek, that word ‘joined’ means to glue, to stick like glue, cleave, keep company. By implication this type of joining is very intimate, it’s the joining of spirits-two becoming one. United, fastened together. United in purpose, and all other ways. The only comparison I can think of is the joining of a man and his wife together in intimacy. Their two bodies become as one flesh. Joined. In complete agreement.

Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.

Imagine-he’s not just content for me to walk with him, he comes to dwell IN me. There’s no greater intimacy, he knows me better than I do. Nothing is hidden from him. Yet, he still loves me. He doesn’t get fed up and walk out the door. He knows my anguished heart recognizes its own shortcomings and yearns in a way I can’t describe for his purity and holiness. When I looked up the word “holiness” I did not find anything that mentioned how I dress or look. There was nothing mentioned about how much I had or didn’t have. It said “pure, without mixture.” Pure. Without mixture at all. Can’t have God and the world. You’ll love one and hate the other. You’re either all his, or not. He won’t take half-way. He knows for new believers it’s a growing process and you don’t grow up into that or into him overnight. But there comes a time in our lives, when we have to make a decision. Am I going to sell out to God and give him everything I am or am I going to hold out on him? Am I going to give him part of me? No, I want to give it all to him. Anything I would hold back would be corrupted because he wouldn’t have no part in it. What good would that be? It has to be HIM.

1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

If you look at this complete chapter in context, of 1 Cor 6, you know that the Apostle Paul was dealing with a certain body of believers in the Corinthian Church who had tolerated sin in their midst, for one of their members was indulging in sexual immorality. He was having an affair with his stepmother, and people knew it, and accepted it, and still fellowshipped with him. Paul was explaining how that as believers we are placed in the Body of Christ, and as such we need to realize we are members-parts of the Body of Christ Jesus, the Lord of glory. He is the Head of the Body. The Body is to follow the Head, and should not defile the vessel of the Lord. If it does it cannot long remain joined to the Lord. Light has no fellowship with darkness. But then he gives a glorious word of hope, that God can by his own power raise us up, just as he raised Christ from the dead. Where there is repentance, and forsaking of sin, He can raise us up out of our failures, flaws, fears, and raise us above the drawing power of the world, he can fill us with himself as we are joined to him, as we determine to cleave to him. And the world will have no attraction to us any longer. We can see the world as it really is-a dark and desperate place-not a place to run to when the Christian life gets a little hard. Walking with God is a supernatural life full of wonder and excitement for those who will yield and let God have control of their lives. It’s a life of peace, and rest, and contentment. He can thrill my soul like no one ever has, or could. He brings joy-for as I realize and begin to understand his wonderful love for me and how far he’s went to secure me in himself, and the price he paid for me, it’s humbling, mind-numbing. Yes, there will be suffering, yes there will be hard times, but knowing we are in his hands at all times and nothing comes that he doesn’t allow, and knowing and trusting his love for us sustains us when we have to face trials. Knowing he goes through it with us and never leaves us strengthens us. God doesn’t have spoiled brats. He suffered greatly, and I should not listen to anyone who tells me being a Christian means I won’t have to. That is a false gospel. Am I better than the Son of God? No. The Bible even tells us that all who live godly in Christ will suffer. (1 Peter 2:21)

Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

I found out something interesting in this verse. The first word “blessed” means “adorable, blessed” (bless-ed) . But the second word “blessed” means to speak well of, to bless, thank, or invoke a benediction upon, to prosper, or praise. This is from the Greek word “eulogeo” where we get our word “eulogy”. Let that settle in for a moment. This is saying when God blessed us with these spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, he has eulogized us. A eulogy, according to Webster’s is “praise; a speech or writing in commendation of a person, on account of his valuable qualities or services.” Now pause a moment and let THAT settle in before we go on here. A eulogy is given only of someone who has died!!! Remember when Jesus said he that follows me must deny himself and take up his cross?

You are not your own, you’ve been bought with a price, we’ve already read that. We need to understand and believe and accept it and begin to live and walk accordingly if we are not already. We need to take our plans, our ambitions, our desires, our thoughts, ways, and attitudes, and bring them to the cross and leave them there-reckoning ourselves, as Paul said, dead to the ways and wants of this world and our flesh. This is a hard saying. I know that. If you are not in love with Christ this will make you recoil in horror. But if you can hear what the Word is saying here, with those spiritual ears, and see it through the eyes of God-what Glory is waiting for those who do this! Oh, I’m not there yet, but I’m coming, Lord. He’s leading. And this time, by his grace, I’m not backing up or down. I’m going through. I’m going in. I’m going up!

Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.

If we serve him, we are to wait on him, minister to his need. What on earth could the Lord who is ruler of all, owns the universe, all of them, and all in them, need? And let me tell you, my mind has had so much difficulty wrapping itself around this truth-while my heart cries out for it. He died to reconcile us to the Father. Why? Because he loves us. Because he wants a personal, intimate relationship with us. Fellowship. This breaks me up. This God who is so holy he told Israel, don’t you bring me a sacrifice with a spot or blemish. Don’t you bring me your weak and sick and lame. Bring me your best. And I look at me, and the more I read his word, the more I see in his mirror everything I want but am not yet. The trials he has allowed in my life have revealed things in my heart I didn’t know were there and left me feeling ill. Sickened. Like a hypocrite. All I have to offer him is me. A human being with too much carnality, who despite her best intentions gets provoked to wrath at times, whose heart is not perfect, but rife with unclean things of bitterness and resentment. And fear. Insecurity. In short, polluted. And that is the best I can bring the God I love so much. Why does that make me cry? Why does that break me up inside? There is nothing good I can bring him in me, and I have finally began to see this in the Light of His Truth, and I feel broken. Desperate for him, but afraid to approach such pure Holiness with such a pathetic offering. But I can’t stay here. It’s not what I think that matters, it’s not what I see, it’s what HE SAYS that counts.

Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Oh, praise God for the blood! Hallelujah for the One who was willing to suffer and die so I could be free to love him and serve him and live with him forever! Without Fear! (Luk 1:74) I thank God our Pastor has been reminding us what God said to Joshua “Be strong and be of good courage, you’ve not been this way before. But God is going to bring you in to his promises!” Sheer faith in the God I love, in his desire to have me with him (as inconceivable as that is to my mind) is what I must have. Jesus Christ faced the death of his body on the cross. He had to trust that the love of God would not allow him to stay dead, that the power of God would raise him up again. He committed it all to his Father’s hands. He came not to do his own will, but the Father’s. As we was in the world, so must we be. The world we live in is a wilderness. We can’t do this ourselves. We can’t raise ourselves above it. But he can.

Son 8:5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bore thee.

Son 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

Son 8:7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

My Beloved is the Lord. His love for me was strong enough that he faced and conquered death. Nothing has changed his love for me. Oh, Father, open thou mine eyes that I may see and know. And understand. Only you can help me not be afraid because in my heart I want to die so I can see you. You told Moses no man can see my face and live. So crucify this flesh, destroy the carnal mind, burn up the chaff, consume the flesh, and be glorified in me and through me. Take this pathetic little offering and break it, bless it and multiply it that others can see you in this dark world. All I want is you Lord. Your way, your word, your life. Your heart for those around me. Take me higher. Take me deeper. Bring me in to your fullness. Nothing else is going to satisfy.

It can seem like such an unattainable prize. But with God, nothing is impossible. I was thinking on these things today, and the Holy Spirit brought something to my remembrance that made me want to squeal with delight. It relieved me over something I’d been fretting about for weeks now.

Remember Abraham and Sarah? Remember how God had promised them new life? They waited on the promise, tried to help it along by their flesh and Ishmael was the result. But God did not let their failures stop the promise. They didn’t give up hope that God would fulfill his word. Sarah’s womb was dead. In Luke 1 Elisabeth’s womb was dead. But God put this wonderful new life there. They longed for life, and they loved God, and they could not do it themselves. God deliberately waited until they were unable to do it, until it was humanly impossible for them to do it. We can’t have the life of God except he put it in us. And it is such a precious thing, such a treasure, not to be taken lightly. In 1 Sam 1, Hannah was hungry for new life but was barren. She cried out to God, just like Abraham did, just like Zechariah and Elisabeth did. God heard their prayers. He answered with new life. He took people who were too old and unable to give birth to new life, renewed their youth and gave them new life. Children. Children who loved and served him. Isaac, and John the Baptist. Samuel. I had been looking at my flaws, and failures, and felt like I’d missed it, and I want the life of Christ flowing through me. I hunger for more of him. I know I’m not worthy, in myself, but he is willing to work in me and help me be what I could never be. He can make me be what I can’t. He can raise me up in heavenly places and I could never raise myself up there with him.

Rom 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Oh, that scripture gives me hope. He calls things which are not as though they are!!!!!!!!! He sees me as what I am in Christ, not in my own flesh.

Rom 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:

Think about it, saints! I don’t have to consider that I can’t do it in my flesh, that I am incapable of doing or having this-because without Him, I can do nothing. That is how he set it up! It was deliberate on his part. With God nothing is impossible. Nothing is too hard for him. He wants me to have Himself. He said it’s his good pleasure to give his children the kingdom. I can’t do it, but he can! And what blows my mind is he’s giving me the assurance he WANTS TO DO THIS, not just for me, but for all his children who lack this. For those who will yield to him and believe him. When you start believing what you read in his Word and applying it to yourself, it gets so exciting!

Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Now, this is a little different meaning than in Eph 1:3. When he’s raised us up here, it means to rouse from death, to revive spiritually, rise with. (Christ). In order to attain this-and the seat has been saved for us, that is what it means when he says “he has made us sit together” literally in the Greek that means to give or take a seat in company with, make to sit down together. Oh, he’s given a seat to us in the heavenlies with Christ. He’s reserved us a seat. But in order to take that seat, we have to die to self. We have to fully surrender our selves to him. Nothing of flesh can inherit the kingdom of God. Nothing of flesh can stand in his presence. His presence would consume it. We have to be in the Spirit.