Making God More Then A Resident. (Mercy & Grace)

We all should understand, to know who God is, we have to develop a relationship with him and then we develop an understanding of who he is as The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

“Who are you God?” Ever ask yourself that question. Just knowing that he provides, protects and manifests himself in amazing ways seems a little shortsighted and inadequate to me. Do you want to know who your Father in Heaven is? Do you want to know whom your creator is -who created you for a specific purpose? Do you want know his heart and why his actions? I want to know his heart. The blessings are nice but if your parent gave you a bike for your birthday and you were estranged from that parent would that gift mean anything to you if you didn’t have a relationship with that parent?

"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

God gives sunlight and rain to the “just and unjust alike” but since many of his chosen creation are estrange from him, the “gift” of sun and rain and anything else means nothing to them.

What is God’s heart? Who is the Giver Himself?

You marry for love or for money? You have faith in God because of his gifts or because of who he is -which is love.

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” 1 John 4:16

In the same line of thought: You put your trust in things or the maker of all things.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19

Where should our treasure and hope be?

Why would we give our soul, our focus, our heart, and thought emphasis to a world that doesn’t value us for us? The world did not create you so it doesn’t care as long as it can use you and abuse you and drop you when you are no longer useful to it. God is the one cares about you. He doesn’t want to be some estranged giver that just gives gifts. He wants us to know Him.

Who is our Heavenly Father? What are some of his attributes?

God’s esteeming love, mercy and grace are a good place to start.

Grace

God’s free and unmerited favor toward sinful humanity.

(Grace happens when we turn to God because we don’t highly regard our own fleshly efforts because they often lead to sinful lusts and behaviors (pride, arrogance, boastfulness, greed, envy, fighting, deception, gossip, hate, vengefulness, unforgiveness, shortsightedness, etc.) Grace has nothing to do with our own ability to achieve anything BUT trusting God do the work through us. It is surrendering ourselves and focusing on God where He empowers us to do the right things.

Mercy

Forgiving; compassion; withholding of punishment or judgment our sins deserve.

(God knows our weakness and the fist full of fleshly solicitations offered to us in the midst of circumstances -so we turn to God’s mercy. Mercy is drawing/ turning to God for help. It takes us to admit our weakness for us to receive his mercy. Think: Can we receive God's mercy if we don't turn to God? Knowing his faithfulness and how we should act as His children we seek God's mercy. God's mercy and grace go hand and hand to empower the Christian soul.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Esteem

To value or appreciate.

(God values and appreciates us)

Knowing and walking in these things we understand God is for us not against us.

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:31-37

Do you ever think about how God can see our potential in us when we cannot see that potential in ourselves?

“For when we were still decrepit, lost sinners- enemies- He sought us out. He saw in us what only His love could see. He saw treasures in the midst of corruption, sin, and depravity. He purchased as precious what many considered worth little or even worthless. He saw beyond our state and saw what only His grace could produce.” (John Bevere from the Drawing Near page 22)

“People with good sense restrain their anger, they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.” Proverbs 18:11

God doesn’t do anything that he doesn’t ask his children to do. When God overlooks our wrongs, he restrains his anger against us -does he not?

God sees us even more deeply then our sins. More deeply then the human mind can really comprehend and/or understand. He sees our potential in his mercy and grace. ( I must add, in order to receive his mercy and grace is you must turn to Him and accept His Son (JESUS CHRIST) who had paid the price for our sins with is own life and in doing so has given us eternal life and relationship with the Father which allows us to avoid sin and corruption. In accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, He give us His Holy Spirit which changes our heart so we no longer live to do those sinful and corrupt things we used to do before we came to Christ.)

People mistake God's mercy and grace... thinking that gives them and accuse to sin but that is wrong. God’s mercy does that give us a right to sin- for only when we understand the true meaning of God’s mercy -we see mercy as away to turn from sinful motivations to God. Sinful motives are all so readily available to us but through God’s mercy and grace we can overcome the sinful urges and naggings in and around us. But if we have no reverence for God we will continue to fall into and practice sinful behavior caused by sinful urges and naggings in and around us.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

“He will show you a way out” - It’s not us. So be careful to whom you are listening to. God is faithful but we cannot remain faithful to God or anyone else without God’s mercy and grace. And if we only intellectualize these attributes of God then what kind of relationship do we have with God? Brothers and sisters in Christ... you are the temple of God but even thought He may live in the same “temple” as our soul- ask yourself how much time do you spend with him?

To those considering coming to Christ Jesus: I have met several individuals on this pathway of life who have told me they won’t set foot in God’s house because they need to fix themselves up or straighten themselves out first and I have had to tell them that God already knows how messed up we are so what difference does it make if we think we are straighten up or not. Plus to what standards of “straightened out” are we going to compare ourselves too? God is the only one who can transform us. Just think if a Christian makes a mess of their lives when not surrendering to God in different situations, - a person who thinks they have to fix themselves before coming to God will always be estranged from Him. Come as you are and let Him transform you into the person He created you to be.

God says: “And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart,” Ezekiel 11:19

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” Romans 12:2

If God was not a merciful God how could we come to him to be saved? How could we go to him for help? How could we ever change our way of thinking and doing things?

Ever notice how a child picks up similar behaviors as their parents? They stand or sit or talk like their parents. And those children that don’t spend time with their parents pick up the behaviors of their peers, which can be positive or negative. It is the same way with God and us. The more we get to know our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ- the more we pick up his characteristics and attributes.

“Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance and patient endurance leads to godliness.” 2 Peter 1:6

In college I had a roommate. His name was Obie - short for Obadiah. I occasionally called him Obi-wan. Living with Obadiah I got to know him not just as a student attending the same college but also as a friend.

In a way- our heart is our mobile dorm room and God doesn’t just want to be our roommate- He wants us to know him.

We seem to intellectualize and componentized our relationship with God to the point we put up a room divider up in our heart.

Born-again Christians know what God’s words mean by God’s Holy Spirit but do we take time to understand the reasoning and meanings behind the words? We understand the words but do we obey them? Just because we are familiar in God’s words doesn’t mean we really respect them and grasp them. We can be knowledgeable in God’s word but if all we have is familiarity and no fear respect or love for God’s word then we will fail wisdom and deceive ourselves.

“These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far away.” Matthew 15:8

“For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:19

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [you] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [you] double-minded. “James 4:6-8

“Yet when we lose the fear of God we reduce Him down to our level….”(Drawing Near by John Bevere page 93)

Do we know God for the Holy God he is?

Do we know his mercy? Do we know his grace? Do we know his esteeming love? Do we know his heart? Do we know him? What does our fruit portray about our relationship with him?

Are we just doing the talk and the motions of religious activities? Is God attending, participating, welcomed and involved in all the facets and aspects of our life? Jesus is the head of the body but he cannot be the head of us if we don’t make Him the head.

I have had to ask myself this question: “Is God invited and is God guiding and participating in this venture on my side of this activity.”

I may write this blog but if I do it to empress people then it worthless. I write this blog because God is teaching me something and if I can share that knowledge with other Christians great but my true treasure is in the heart of what God is teaching me not to broadcast my Christianity. I am excited about what God teaches me and I want to share it others.

If we are doing something “just” because everyone else is doing it then why are we doing it? If your heart isn’t in it for God and/or God isn’t directing you personality to do it then why do it?

Ask yourself: “Is my love for the Lord evident in my reasoning for participating in this faith-based activity- no matter how good intentioned it may be?”

I remember as a child going to my grandparent’s house. Their love made it feel like their house was my 2^nd home. Same should be true about our activities we do in the Lord’s name.

Is God at home in our heart or is He observer/ visitor?

“And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.” Ephesians 2:7

Jesus Christ at home in our heart affects us in everything we do.

"As for me, God forbid that I could boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of him, my interest in this world died long ago, and the worlds interest in me is also long dead. It doesn't make any different now whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we really have been changed into new and different people. May God's mercy and peace be upon all those who live by this principle. They are the new people of God. From now on, don't let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus. My dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Galatians 6:14-18

From having peace beyond human apprehension and understanding -to loving others- to be empowered by God's grace, to turning and drawing from God's mercy, to seeing you as God sees you, to forgiving others to being faithful, to having hope, joy and more... Christ must be welcomed to be more then a resident. Our eyes and hearts must look humbly upon God's rightfully Holy place and there we will experience a closeness with God.

“Turn”

“Turn to me” would make a wonderful lyric for a song.

Talking about the soul and the flesh and the Spirit as “motivators” of the soul a word continues to be emphasized in my readings. The word is “turn”. Another word is to "draw." To what source are you going to "turn" or "draw" from?

What a person “turns” to will drastically effect their outcomes in this life and into eternity (heaven or hell). If they turn to Christ they will have life but they if they turn to their own fleshly understanding there is decay and death.

With help from God, because I could never do this myself, I was able to make this table. You start with the Soul God has created at the bottom of the two columns. The two columns represent what happens when we decide to follow the Spirit of this world or the Spirit of God.

Spirit of God (Sound Mind)	Spirit of this world. (Not Sound Mind)
7. Life	7. Decay & Death
6. love, peace, hope, joy, humility,	6. Twisting and distortion of enlightenment directed by sinful desires.
5. Productive as individuals in Christ Jesus.	5. Unproductive: following the ways and understandings of the flesh.
4. Respect For God	4. Not acknowledging God for who He is.
3. Trusting God	3. Trusting the world, people, themselves.
2. Knowing God	2. Knowing there is “some” higher power.
1.Walking in the Enlightenment of Christ (Spirit Understanding)	1.Knowing some words of enlightenment (Fleshly Understanding)

The “Soul” God has created.

When we as Christians “turn” to the Spirit of God who lives inside of us, he gives us a “sound mind” but if we “turn” to our own fleshly understanding it will produce pride, fear, frustration, anger, hatred, envy, and depression to name a few - very destructive. (Romans 1:28-2:1)

It’s pretty much a principle of Spirit filled life verses the principle of sin and death.

Romans 8:5-6 “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind there is life and peace.” These principles make their own natural spiritual law.

Romans 8:12 “So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

We must understand that just as the sinful nature is so readily available to us so is God readily available to us if we trust in Him.

We have to “deliberately depart” or “turn from” what our sinful nature wants to do and “respond” to the Holy Spirit who called us to not act as the rest of this world does.

1 Peter 2:11 “Dear bothers and sisters you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls.”

1 Peter 3:10 For the Scriptures say, if you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

Isaiah 55:7-8 “Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Remember Paul saying in Romans “When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.”

Don’t let thoughts and awaiting solicitations from evil come to fruition by your actions. Turn from them to God who will give you the mercy and grace you need to overcome and be productive in any given situation. Remember God’s grace can overcome any thorn in our flesh if we get under the protection of God’s faithfulness and grace.

Hebrew 4:15-16 “This High Priest of ours (Jesus Christ) understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

"Turn"- to Jesus for his mercy and grace.

Motivation in Reverence and Fear.

“This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance … Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. The joy and moral stimulation of work no longer must be forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits. These dark days will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men”

- FDR Inaugural Address March 1933

“ Recognition of the falsity of material wealth as the standard of success goes hand in hand with the abandonment of the false belief that public office and high political position are to be valued only by the standards of pride of place and personal profit; and there must be an end to a conduct in banking and in business which too often has given to a sacred trust the likeness of callous and selfish wrongdoing. Small wonder that confidence languishes, for it thrives only on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection, on unselfish performance; without them it cannot live.8 Restoration calls, however, not for changes in ethics alone. This Nation asks for action, and action now.” - FDR’s Inaugural Address in March 1933

History tends to repeat itself when we don’t put fear where it belongs.

When it comes to fearing people, circumstances, and thoughts that have not come to fruition- they don’t do us much good but placing fear where it truly belongs brings fruitful results.

Proverbs 9:10 “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

Proverbs 1:7 “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

Proverbs 14:27 “Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.”

Proverbs 15:33 “Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.”

Deuteronomy 13:4 “Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.”

“-you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:9-10

I don’t know why this is but for a majority fear and reverence for God does not come until they come under the enlightenment of Jesus Christ. For all of us, we come to God out for self-preservation reasoning. We come to God for eternal life in heaven not hell. We come to God for a better life. We come to God because the life we sought gave us no sustaining nourishment. We came to God because the life we had was miserable. We came to God because we worried and feared the things in this life. We came to God because we felt our life was worthless and pointless. We came to God because there was no other way out of the hole we found ourselves in. We came to God because he had showed us his faithfulness in our unfaithfulness. We came to God after we swam deep within ourselves and found this shiny seed that instinctively pointed us to God. I would even say those lucky enough to be “broken” by pride, folly, and false idols (such as money, religion, and possessions and popularity) do come to God after seeing how fragile life is. Of course you have those who put their soul hope in other human beings and in the material things of this world instead of God and end of up losing their soul one way or another instead of giving their life to the one who could save it.

“And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites when he judges. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as foreigners hereon earth. For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” 1 Peter 1:17-19

“Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God.” 1 Peter 1:21

Through Christ one comes to trust in God. Through Christ we see how holy and awesome God truly is. And who better to fear then the LORD who made your very soul? If you are in the LORD then there is nothing else to fear. There is freedom in the LORD.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

It is impossible to live in power, love and self-discipline when we are not living according to the spirit and not understanding who God truly is.

In the Enlightenment of Jesus Christ we start to understand the importance of having reverence and fear of God.

“As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature. So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to know God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin. So dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away. And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:3-11

Living in the faith of Jesus Christ = comes a life of moral excellence.

Moral excellence =knowing God better.

Knowing God better =Self Control. (Dependence on God through Holy Spirit)

Self-control =to patient endurance.

Patient endurance= godliness.

Godliness= love for other Christians.

Grow in this understanding=become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Think about this. You are in a stressful situation. You know how Jesus wants you to live. You have a choice to depend on your feelings, thoughts, understandings, circumstances, imaginations which lead you to unwarranted fear, anxiety, stress, and paralyzing reasoning OR trust in God who gives you the self-control. You trust God and you are able to patiently endure the stressful situation and act appropriately instead of taking out your stress on those around you. Hence the more you live in this mindset of Christ you are able to live in godliness regardless of the circumstances around you and are able to love and be productive vessels for God. You are sustained in the ways of the Lord not in the ways the flesh which often doesn’t put fear where it rightfully belongs.

This is not saying you have to work to earn your salvation. Salvation is a gift from God made only possible through Jesus Christ. It saying it is impossible to live in enlightenment and in a life of moral excellence if you “don’t” keep your thoughts on how Jesus Christ wants you to live through the Holy Spirit. Without the guidance and acknowledgment of God we do foolish and shameful and even destructive things.

(Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” I say, “I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you faith through my good deeds.” Do you think it’s enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?) James 2:18-20

James is saying your faith in Jesus Christ should result in godly actions.

“… be even more careful to put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:12-13

God’s “saving work” is the Holy Spirit who Jesus Christ sends to those who have faith in him. The Holy Spirit reminds and motivates us in how we should live as representatives of Jesus Christ. God ways sustains us as well as remind us to have a healthy amount of respect for God who we will have to answer for our actions.

Fear of God can advance us in living a successful productive godly lifestyle in Christ.

Hope these notes were helpful to you.

Cont. Study of the Principles of Enlightenment

Enlightenment must be done and lived out in the Holy Spirit.

Enlightenment has confines and principles because Jesus is enlightenment itself. If you don’t have Jesus you cannot live in enlightenment. You can instinctively know words of enlightenment but they aren’t much good if you don’t know the source of where that enlightenment comes from. It is like having a sink connected to no source of water. It is like a light switch connected to no power. It is like having a loved one’s perfume but not being with the one you love.

Jesus is enlightenment. Jesus is the Word. People need to be connected to him to be enlightened and walk in enlightenment.

John 1:1-4 “In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn’t make. Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone.”

Isaiah 55:8-13 "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the LORD's name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love."

I used to live where thorns and nettles once grew until I gave my life to God and Jesus was revealed to me. I could not have joy or peace without Jesus who is the Word. I could not accomplish what God set before me without Jesus. He is the everlasting sign of power and love. What is even more satisfying- is he is continually to be revealed to me. He is never grows old or becomes boring. Like it says in Ephesians 3:19-20 “May you experience the love of Christ, thought it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now glory be to God! By his might power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through the endless ages. Amen”

In John 8:12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."

John 10:9-11 Jesus said “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”

Jesus is the source of enlightenment he sends the power to the switch, the water to the sink, and is the source of LOVE. Not the love the world was twisted and manipulated to it shameful and sinful ways.

Psalms 19:7-9 The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.

Living in enlightenment glorifies God but those who seek enlightenment to glory themselves will reap decay and death. Enlightenment taken out of the context and being of Jesus is a mess of perverted truths.

Enlightenment taken out of the context and Spirit of Jesus breeds- twisted human understanding and reality. Words of Enlightenment not used in the confines and Spirit of Jesus indulge and thrive in “worldly” society, religion, pride, sexually immorality, which obviously denies any reverence towards God. Twisted and manipulated theses truths of God are once used by one not filled by the Holy Spirit. Symptoms of these individuals are arrogance, disobedience, presumption, broken promises, cold heartedness, idol worship, un-forgiveness, greed, coveting, hate, drunkenness, envy, murder, fighting, deception, gossip, and encouraging others to do the same. These incrust the soul and hold it slave and captive to the devil. (Romans 1:21- 32)

Ephesians 2:2-3 talking to Christians says, “You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else.”

Galatians 5:19-25 “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told [you] in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those [who are] Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

We must live via the Holy Spirit to walk in the light of Jesus Christ.

Enlightenment as Your Motivation

People appreciate God's truths. Probably because they are instinctive.

Romans 1:19 "For the truth about God is know to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the worlds was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature. So they have not excuse whatsoever for not knowing God."

In fact other religions have been created using God's truths. People put God's truths up in their homes- some as reminders and some as decorations. People collect books of words of enlightenment. They take up life styles of certain movements and religions based on words of enlightenment. And even though their efforts might be good intentioned- they lead no where productive in the end because all enlightenment starts with honoring and respecting the one true God and being given the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. (This "honor and respect" must be a constant and continual objective in seeking true enlightenment.)

Proverbs 9:10 "Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment."

"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Enlightenment and a righteous walk with God only comes through faith. We walk by faith not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

We often depend on our sight more then our faith. Sight does little to guide a person in real enlightenment. I have found sight linked with human understanding and presumptions are the root cause of many problems. Words of enlightenment must not just be words or intellectual phrases but rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ. There enlightenment produces restraint, humility, grace, understanding, and love.

The spirit of this world (Satan) loves to twist, manipulate and change the truths of God just a little bit so they sound good. They sound so good in fact -we often take the words as entirely true and as FACT but they are not so. That is why is is important to be watchful and diligent and know the word of God for ourselves. If we only know the word of God but don't following it's meaning by God's grace we only deceive ourselves. Satan has created many false teachings using only partial truths of God using humans that don't fear or respect God as his vessels to enact these false teachings.

False versions of Christianity have attracted many because their creators have twisted and used God truths. It is only after a closer examination of these false versions of Christianity- we find their religions have denied the deity of Jesus "Christ" who gives the Holy Spirit who gives life in truth and enlightenment. False faiths say things like Jesus was a created spirit like Lucifer (Satan) who had to earn eternal life but Jesus was with God in the Beginning (John 1:1-3) and could lay down his life and pick it up again (John 10:18). God doesn't have earn eternal life- he is eternal life. God is the one true God and there are no others gods but Him. Satan has twisting truth and saying things like we can become Gods if only we do this and this and this," but there will only be one God who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

"And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life." 1 John 5:20 Jesus IS eternal life.

False faiths say things such as Jesus is Satan's brother but that is not at all true for Satan is a fallen angel and Jesus is God who sends his angels to watch over us. They also say Jesus was only a prophet.

People who deny the source of enlightenment (Jesus Christ) will never walk in that enlightenment in which they seek or want to achieve and admire.

This is what the Lord says: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the LORD. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives. But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by the long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit." Jeremiah 17:5-8

Of course if it is evil that one wants to achieve - evil one will get but be reminded that the prince of darkness (Satan) is very selective in what he shares and does not share - for his objective is take as many souls with him to the pit of hell.

The one who is enlightenment (Jesus Christ) only gives the Holy Spirit to those who believe and trust in him and through the Holy Spirit one can live "in" enlightenment. Mormons claim to have the Holy Spirit but do they really if they deny Jesus Christ as being eternal life?

Through the Holy Spirit we can live not just in good intentions but live in a purpose and role God has intended and assigned to us. We can have peace, hope, love, gratitude seeing God directing and being instrumental in our lives.

We are enlightened in all occasions that come in this life -both good and bad.

We are no longer slaves to doctrine and religion that does not save our life in the end. We are no longer wishing and hoping and fighting condemnation and trying to appease false ideals and gods but we are living in the will of God.

We have something more valuable then gold or silver and that is the peace of God.

Jesus said: "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27

People no longer have to be entangled in the sticky entanglements that drown and burden soul but can be encouraged by giving their life to the Lord Jesus Christ and continually to do so everyday to be enlightened and directed.

Colossians 2:3 "In him (Jesus Christ) lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Through a life filled in the Holy Spirit, the words of God's enlightenment come off the pages, pictures, signs, and frames to live in your heart.

“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had the veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord --who is Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

When Jesus Christ comes to live one's heart, he enriches that soul. Jesus uses the talents and giftings God the Father has created in us to bring him glory instead of some false religion- false god and false hope. And while you live in "this" true enlightenment you are given a satisfying life.

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

You give your soul to the world - it wasn't meant for the world- you give your soul to the world and you will lose it.

Remember:

Jesus said: “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" Matthew 16:25-26

Motivation: Jesus Christ= living "in" enlightenment. Without Jesus Christ =there is "no" living in enlightenment.

"And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let you lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that comes from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in the human body and you are complete through your union with Christ....." Colossians 2:6-10

Pride as Your Motivation

I have been thinking about what motivates people. I guess it builds on the last entry about our soul and God’s will. “You don’t want to gain the whole world and lose your soul.”

Let’s use pride as our source of motivation. There are all kinds of things that encourage prideful thinking. Here are a few that come to mind: Understanding, presumption, feeling wronged, hurt, unrecognized, someone is favored over you, someone’s point of view is favored over yours, someone not understanding your perspective, wanting the last word, feeling competitive, compared to, feeling liked, feeling disliked and the list goes on and on.

But pride should not be a motivation factor in our Christian life because it does not come from true self-love.

Self-love does not see a need to compete, outperform or battle against yourself/ your soul or your “neighbor.” It is accepting whom you are in Christ then allowing God to use, which you are. Self –love comes through Christ. It is seeing God created you and made you for a purpose.

I have come to learn that through Christ we have peace with ourselves and God and we aren’t here to battle flesh and blood but the evil prince of this world who is Satan and his demons. Yet as we see and understand this adversary we see we are no match to his tactics when we walk in motivation stirred on by human understandings. He is so tricky and divisive he would use our own human ways to motivate us to go after him in the “flesh.” Heck that is what he uses to keep people from God and to drive people from their Christian faith. And in reality we should avoid him as much as possible like the schoolyard bully. God is going to deal with Satan and his demons so don’t try going after him in some heroic thought. Simply stand your ground.

I sometimes think Satan schools us on occasion. A good beating helps us see we need God on our side.

We are armored vessels that carry God’s light. We as Christians are part base and part acid- one part earth and one part heaven- which makes up salt and without true Godly motives we are only as good as earth. The things of earth no matter how beautiful- will become dust and useless.

God has made many beautiful things on this earth but He reminds us even though beautiful- they all will fade and die away. Fleshly motives such as pride will become meaningless and worthless. Even the things I might enjoy like painting, writing, and photography may only be satisfying like a seasonal garden. The things we might enjoy which may be harmless- will only sustain our individuality for a short time.

Religion without Christ will only last a season as well. Jesus is our day-to-day motivation. He sustains us but if sinful motives come in on the tide watch out that they don’t sweep you out. If they do they will toss you back and forth in the unsettling waves of the sea taking your assurance of your faith even though Jesus has shown himself true to you in so many ways. Jesus will even go after the one being tossed in the sea- hoping they will turn to him- to be hoisted out of the behaviors and customs of the world that swallow the soul and make individuals forget their creator and forget themselves.

What motivates you soul?

Your motives are not to be twisted.

Even instruments and the appointed in the church… they are no more important then those who attend the church. If those appointed, start to act and believe they are more important because of their positions –then they are fooling themselves and taking God’s glory and forgetting the standard they are to live by. They did not come by their learnings, giftings and talents by themselves. We as Christians are of all one body.

And though the moon is lit at night- it doesn’t produce it’s own light. For what happens when the earth sits in front of the moon- denying the sun’s light to hit it?

Earthly motives soon are exposed by lack of light.

Now quiet your being for a moment. Focus on the one who give us Holy Spirit filled motivations.

I first find gratitude/ humble thankfulness. What do you find?