The Way Ahead - THE GRACE OF GIVING
The Grace of Giving
Guest Blogger - Minister Timothy M. Williams Sr.
Founder of Word of Life Teaching Ministry, Danbury, CT
CURRENT ISSUE: I give and give and give but yet I am not seeing financial increase in my life. It's seems the more I give the less I have to pay my bills. I know God is not a liar, so what's the problem?
FOUNDATIONAL TEXT: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Corinthians 9:7-8 KJV)
THE WAY AHEAD: I have met so many Christians who don’t have their basic needs met, or they struggle in the area of provision and finances. This is the kicker though, they are consistent givers. Meaning they tithe and give offerings, and value what the word says; “what so ever we sow we will reap”, “give and it shall be given unto you”, “God shall supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”. I’m sure these all sound familiar! However, these Christians struggle with seeing these scriptures become a reality in their life. Why?
Well, I want to suggest that the issue with these Christians is not with obeying the word. They are obedient to the word consistently; however, obeying the word is not the only thing you have to do to be successful in the things of God. Many Christians believe all they have to do is obey, and this is where they fail. Oh, I know this is a shock for many of you, but it is true. Look at your situation if you are one of the Christians I’m referencing. You are consistently obeying the word with your finances but with little to no success. God is not the problem, so there has to be something you are not doing, or it would be working (The word does work!). I tell Christians the word of God works if you work it right or the way God intended for it to be worked. The key is the attitude of the heart. In the Old Testament God told the Israelites they had to do two things to eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19-20). He said they had to be “willing and obedient” not obedient only.
Obedient deals with the doing or carrying out the word; however, being willing has to do with the attitude you have when you obey the word or the mindset or heart motive you have when obeying the word. When God ask us to obey him he has a will or intent he wants to accomplish by asking you to obey. To be willing you have to share the same will as God when you obey Him, and this is where most Christians fail. Typically, when the word is not working for you, it is because you are not doing it right, or you have the wrong heart motive or a different intent or will than God’s. This is typically the case in the area of finances. Look at Romans 8:6 where it states that if you are carnally minded you will have death but if you are spiritually minded you will have life and peace. The “minded” reference has to do with our attitude of our heart or how we think about a thing. If we are thinking about a thing spiritually or with the right heart motive, then we can expect life and peace; however, if we are thinking about a thing carnally or with carnal motive we can expect the symptoms of death. This is simple and is seen throughout the New Testament.
The motive most Christians have in the area of giving is not “giving” but “paying”. Now, I know this is what we have been taught, but this is not consistent with the covenant we now live under. In the Old Testament (under the law) they “paid” because they were not spiritually alive and could not reap the benefits of being spiritual; however, in the New Testament (under grace) we can activate the spiritual aspect of the word (2 Corinthians 3:6). In the old covenant, the people were spiritually dead on the inside (Christ had not died so that we could be born again). In the new covenant, however, we are made spiritually alive in Christ. The way we reap the full benefits of being spiritually is by having the right motive or attitude of heart when we do the word. This will then make both willing and obedient then the power of the will be activated and the word will work for us. You see, “paying” is of debt (Romans 4:4) or obligation, and giving is of grace (2 Corinthians 8:7).
Most Christians feel a debt or obligation to provide their seed to the church or to help others versus having a full unforced willingness to give (2 Corinthians 9:5). This keeps them from working the word when it comes to finances and provision the way God intended for it to be worked. Giving has to be an act of Love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son” (John 3:16). Love is unconditional paying is conditional. Giving is an act of love which means it is unconditional. If we are giving (obedience), but we are doing it with the intent to pay an obligation (this “will” is different than God), then we will not reap the benefit of our giving. You have to be both willing and obedient to eat the good of the land. Planting your seed in the church is not about meeting some obligation to the church it is about helping others who the church ministers to. Your tithe and offerings should be purposed to meet the needs of the ministry because the church is meeting the needs of the saints. You may ask, okay, is there scriptures which confirm this? I thought you would never ask! There is!!
The only in-depth teaching I have found on giving in the New Testament is 2 Corinthians 8 & 9. It’s interesting that we many times try to use the Old Testament to teach what we are to do in the New Testament. Yes, the Old Testament is important because it shows us what happens when we do not obey the word (1 Corinthians 10:6-12), and it teaches us what not to do. However, the old covenant is not to teach us how to operate under the covenant we now live under. We have to look first to the new covenant teaching to understand how to operate spiritually. This is true because we are now fully spiritual alive because of our new relationship with Christ. 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 shows the attitude that you should have when you are giving and some practical instruction on how to give.
First, you have to have the right motive for giving. This passage speaks of an offering the church of Macedonia had given willingly (2 Corinthians 8:3). The purpose and intention of their giving was to minister or serve the saints (2 Corinthians 8:4). Why does God give to us, because he needs something in return, or to pay us? No, God gives to us for the sole reason of blessing us and supplying our needs. This is His will when he gives; therefore, we have to have the same will in our giving; to meet the needs of others unconditionally. Our giving has to be an act of love, unconditional expecting nothing in return. This is the way God gives!
Second, we have to see the ability to give like a gift or a privilege (2 Corinthians 8:7). Paul calls giving a “grace” or a “gift”. This is the same Greek word used in 1 Corinthians 12:4 when it speaks of the “gifts” of the Spirit. It is the word “charisma” which means gift, grace, or endowment. We have to see the ability to give as a “gift” or “endowment” for the purpose of serving the saints. Paul says, as we abound in other spiritual gifts, we should also abound in this gift of giving.
Third, we have to give not by commandment, or because of obligation (2 Corinthians 8:8), but out of our attitude of love towards the others who we give to. If we feel forced to give then this is not truly giving. Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:5 calls this giving as a matter of “covetousness”. The Greek word “covetousness” in this passage actually means “extortion”. I have been in services where after the offering I felt beat up. I gave just because I felt so guilty if I didn’t or felt so obligated. It felt like my arm had been twisted and I was made to give. Our giving has to be voluntarily and sacrificial the same as what Christ did for us. He gave his life so that we could have life. He did not have to do it, but he gave his life willing, sacrificially, with nothing to gain. We cannot give to get. We neither should give because we feel force to. This is inconsistent with the will of God.
Finally, don’t get caught up on the amount of your giving. Give according to what you have and not according to what you have not (2 Corinthians 8:11-12) and it will be acceptable to God. Many Christians think that it is the amount they give that will make them successful in giving. The more you give then the more you get. Jesus explained this is not true when he describes a widow in Mark 12. He said that when she cast in 2 mites that she had given more than all them who had given before her. Why? Because the other gave a portion of what they abundantly had, however, this widow was willing and did give everything that she had. This widow gave everything she had in a very small amount which in the spirit was more than the greater amounts that others gave before her. She was willing and obedient and this pleased God. Those who had come before her weren’t willing to give everything they had. If they were they would have, but none of them did but only this widow. In God’s eye, she gave more than them all. It’s not about the amount you give but the magnitude of the sacrifice you a willing to make in your heart to help others. Again, giving sparingly is not about the amount you give. If you want to be an abounding giver, and then give according to what you purpose in your heart (the amount God speaks to your heart to give). Then give it willfully, sacrificially, and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
If you change your mind about your giving and employ the principles and practices of the heart outlined in 2 Corinthians 8 & 9, then you will reap the full benefit of your giving. As a matter of fact, this way of giving is so pleasing to God that it will cause all grace to abound unto you so that you will have sufficiency (all your needs met) so that you will have more than enough for yourself and you will also have enough to abound to every good work in service to others (2 Corinthians 9:8-11). This is God’s will for you and the “Way Ahead” in having your every need met!
I pray that you have been blessed by this month’s blog. I encourage you to keep the Word before you, protect your inner man and only speak the Word of God, that you may experience prosperity and good success in every area of your life.
The Way Ahead - THE POWER OF WORDS
CURRENT ISSUE: It's hard for me to find anything positive to say or talk about. I am constantly dealing with negative circumstances, and my mouth seems to get me in trouble all the time. Where am I going wrong?
FOUNDATIONAL TEXT: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21 KJV)
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth; thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. (Proverbs 6:2 KJV)
THE WAY AHEAD: As I was reflecting on this month’s issue, the Lord reminded me of the “Three wise monkeys”. They are a pictorial maxim. Together they embody the proverbial principle to “see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil”. The monkeys are Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; and Lwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil. Sometimes there is a fourth monkey depicted with the three others; the last one, Shizaru, symbolizes the principle of "do no evil". He may be shown covering his abdomen or genital area, or crossing his arms.
To address this month’s issue, our focus will be on Mizaru, Kikazaru and Lwazaru, each of which represents a gate that leads to or from our hearts [our inner man]. These gates are our eyes, ears and mouth. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a gate is any means of entrance, exit, or access. Our heart on the other hand, is the place from which everything we encounter in life is conceived. It is the incubator of our destiny.
Proverbs 4 verses 20 -23, describe the heart as the place from which the issues [boundary or border] of life flows [are set and established]. My friend it is our responsibility to protect our hearts from negative influences, if we desire to experience the goodness of God’s blessings in our lives.
So how does one protect their heart? You do it by monitoring what you see, hear and say. It is a fact that what we experience in life is the result of what we allow to enter and come out our hearts. As a child we had this saying, “sticks and stone can break my bones but words will never hurt me.” According to the Word of God this is not a true statement. Words, my friend are so powerful they can change the course of nature (Mark 4:39 NLT).
What you see and hear will determine what you say, and what you say will determine your outcome in life, good or bad. Proverbs 18 verse 21, states that death and life are in the power of the tongue. If you are constantly experiencing negative situations, take inventory of what you are allowing to enter your heart. In other words, stop watching the news so much; stop listening to music that’s sensual and full of profanity. Don’t get me wrong I am not against music or TV; I am just giving you examples and trying to make you aware that it is really important that you take heed to what you are allowing to enter your spirit.
If you desire change in your life, you must have faith that the power of the Word of God can change your circumstances and that you have the right to access that power.
“By faith we know the worlds were framed by the Word of God…”
-Hebrews 11:3 (AMP)
Next you have got to get the Word in your heart. It must be in your heart before you can release it out of your mouth. Having made this statement, allow me to draw your attention to the book of Joshua chapter 1 and verse 8
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
-Joshua 1:8 (AMP)
The Process for Changing your Circumstances:
Joshua chapter 1 and verse 8 gives us the process for changing our circumstances by the power of the Word of God.
1 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth…” means to confess the Word. In other words, make the Word of God your first response to any negative situation.
2 – “…but you shall meditate on it day and night…” To meditate means to think deeply and continuously, to utter, to speak and to mutter. Mediation consists of looking at the Word and listening to the Word as you speak the Word out loud.
3 – “…that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it…” means to obey and yield to the Word.
4 – “…For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.” Means that you will receive the blessing of the Lord associated with the Word you have mediated on.
In closing, I want to leave you with the words of Peter to God’s chosen people that were living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
- 1 Peter 3:10-11 (NLT)
I pray that you have been blessed by this month’s blog. I encourage you to keep the Word before you, protect your inner man and only speak the Word of God, that you may experience prosperity and good success in every area of your life.
Inspirational Interview With Laura J
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What Inspires You The Most About Her As a Sister?
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The Way Ahead - "...FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE..."
A few weeks ago as I listened to a great man of God teach on "DESTINY: God's Unique Plan for Your Life" , Father directed my attention to Psalm 139:14, as Dr. Micheal D. Moore defined the word "Unique". As I meditated on Psalm 139:14, I began to see just how colorful God is when it comes to His creation.
In reading Psalm 139:14 in context, you will discover just how unique you are. Understanding your uniqueness is vital to your natural and spiritual existence. It allows you to see yourself through the eye's of Father, this in itself enhances your ability to be all that Father has created you to be which leads to you being able to do what you were created to do.
Psalm 139:13-18 (NLT)
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my bodyand knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
Please understand that your uniqueness encompasses your IDENTITY and ABILITY in God. To assist you in grasping what I am delievering to you today, allow me to present the word UNIQUE to you as webster dictionary defines it.
UNIQUE
- Being the only one of its kind
- Being without a like, equal or rival
- Distinctively
- Unusual
- In a class by itself
- Second to none
- There is nothing to compare you
My friend, you are second to none, Father made you the way you are to fulfill "HIS PURPOSE" for your life. Stop wasting time trying to be someone else. Stop trying to do what other's are doing. YOU are YOU, so do YOU! You were "...FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE..." is another way of saying you are UNIQUE in person, talent and ability. Here is my point to you today, when the LORD created you, He looked at you and said "IT IS GOOD!"
Why The Delay?
Why The Delay?
JOSHUA 21
43 So the LORD gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it. 44The LORD gave them rest all around, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers. And not a man of all their enemies stood against them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. 45Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.
JOSHUA 18
1 Now the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of meeting there. And the land was subdued before them. 2But there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes which had not yet received their inheritance.
3Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: "How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?
I don’t know about you but it sure sounds good to me and I for one can stand to walk in some more of that ‘JOSHUA 21’ experience. I like the very sound of it! If I were shopping I would want to put it on. If it were a car, I would want to drive it. If it were an entrée; I would taste and see how good God really is. Count me in, I want what God has and furthermore I especially want it if He says it is mine!
I don’t want to leave any gift from God unwrapped or unused. I want to appreciate and apply everything he gives to me because, check the record, every good gift really does come from him. So, I absolutely love the idea of receiving a land gift from God. It doesn’t matter to me whether that land is material or spiritual, I know that if it comes from God it’s a good spot to have. And truthfully, I could really use some of that rest! That’s why I praise God for spring break, because I’m going to get me a piece of that no matter what my wife thinks she’ll have me doing this week, but that’s between me and you. Even more so, I praise God that my soul is rested in him! Glory to God for peace of mind and a day free of worry and internal turmoil and spiritually debilitating aggravations. Not only that, but the Lord knows I really do appreciate him giving me victory over the haters and evil wishers that rise up every now and then in my life trying to block me or stop me from getting to my destination. And how I thank God for lifting up a standard against them. How I thank God that I know when I line up under his divine will and obey his word, that the battle is not even mine; that it is his and that he will fight my battle for me and he never loses!
Yet, with all of that knowledge, I must go on record to tell you that I am still nowhere near the ‘verse 45’ of this passage. In fact, sometimes I feel so far off that it seems like that experience must exist on another planet or something, if it exists at all. Could it even be real or true to anyone’s life that they too could claim “45Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” Yes, I believe that it is possible or else God wouldn’t have included the possibility in his word neither would we see the reality of those who actually lived it out so powerfully in scripture. Remember Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Esther, Deborah, Paul?
Think about it, the chapter 21 experience is where most of us want to be and where even a great many of us go to great lengths to pretend to be. Yes, without respect for titles, callings, degrees, material possessions, popularity, supposed anointing, the size of one’s ministry or any of the other false measures we too often use to gage whether or not we are there yet; most will tell you in a New York minute, that this is what we want for ourselves; this is where we are headed or this is where we are. Yet, if we have any honesty at all; why is there such a gap between what we say we want; what we say we have and what we really do? More so, why is there so much space between what we have and who we are?
Great question; let’s probe a little further. I read chapter 21 and it really inspired me. I like inspiration, but it was chapter 18 that convicted me and led me to the doorway of change. Perhaps too, it is chapter 18 where many of us might find ourselves today, right here-right now. Though we may have every intention of getting to and living out an authentic chapter 21 experience let it be known that our good intentions alone are not good enough. No, they will not suffice to move us over a few more chapters of life to conquer the territory assigned, promised and ordained for our lives. Pray as often as you like and get as much oil thrown on you as you may choose but there are some principles that cannot be violated for this level of spiritual possession to be obtained.
Can we get after it? Joshua in his godly wisdom and courage rolled up on his people and asked Israel a bold question. I can see him now … he stood straight up in their face with a mirror in one hand and a sword in another [just in case someone tried to jump bad on him.]
“3Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: "How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?”
See they had been waiting on an inheritance kind of the way that many of us are waiting on deliverance. They had been waiting on an inheritance kind of the way that many of us are waiting on promotion. They had been waiting on an inheritance kind of the way that many of us are waiting on a better relationship. They had been waiting on an inheritance kind of the way that many of us are waiting on more self-esteem. They had been waiting on an inheritance kind of the way that many of us are waiting on a better life. You get the point! They thought they were waiting on God but God stirred up the man of God’s heart to get in their face and tell them; God is waiting on you!
How did those signals ever get crossed? How did they get the conversation flipped and twisted? Wasn’t anybody taking notes? Where was the secretary? Didn’t they have scribes? How did they think that they were waiting on God? Could I tell you? It is the same reason that we make this sometimes fatal mistake today…because it sounds real spiritual! Face it; you can back up the ‘waiting on God’ thing with scripture! In fact, that is the # 1 blanket answer that millions of Christians [I’m sure] are using to rationalize and explain away our dysfunction.
So, let me drop this on you because I’m on break and I’m about to go get me some rest! Besides, some people have checked out already because this for sure is not the message that they want to hear. But if there is one soul listening anywhere just hold on a little while longer and ask yourself a few questions that I have been struggling with and wrestling with myself.
Is it possible that you are in chapter 18 rather than chapter 21 because of you? Is it a small chance that even though you go to church; even though you pray, fast; study; give tithes; encourage folk and all of that; you still find yourself far behind where you could be and even should be?
Let me tell you what I’m finding out and if you would only hear God’s voice and ask him to speak directly to your heart; you will be so much closer to that chapter 21 than you have ever realized. It’s so within your reach if you can just see and understand that the most common reasons why so many of us stay in chapter 18 with only enjoying the partial success and partial victories rather than the abundant life that God says is ours is because we are following the common and inferior thinking of the crowd and our lowest self. Let me say it this way:
- Sometimes we are not ready for the level of victory and success that we think we are and if we got it we wouldn’t even know what to do with it or how to handle it when we did.
- Sometimes we write checks with our mouths that our everyday lives just don’t have the substance to cash. [Yet]
- Sometimes we talk about a lot more than we are willing to walk about.
- Sometimes we spend so much time blaming other people and circumstances for the lack that is totally self-imposed within ourselves.
- Sometimes we blame ‘the enemy’ not knowing that ‘he’ is ‘us.’
- Sometimes we act like it must not be God’s will to bless us; because the desire of our heart hasn’t fallen out of the sky and after all we did stand a long time in the prayer line.
- Sometimes we act like we are real spiritual and that we are waiting on God and the truth is that we are lazy, full of excuses, disobedient and the truth is that God has been waiting on us.
I have to go. No, really I do. I’m moving out of this chapter 18 myself and it’s not going to happen sitting here all day. I don’t know what you are going to do with this matter and I don’t know the specific s of what you need to do or change but I believe with all of my heart that if you get transparent with God and yourself like never before; you will run into the answer. I don’t believe that is has been what happened to me that is holding me back; it is what I have done with what happened to me. I do not believe that it is other people that have held me back; it is me putting people in a position that they could. It is not the fact that I just don’t have the time to go any further or to make any more progress because I‘ve had the same time allotment as everyone else; its’ what I have done with my time. It’s not the distractions that have come in my life; it’s the distractions that I have opened the door for and made friends with. It’s not the inconsistencies of other people; it’s whether or not I have been consistent to God’s vision for my life. It’s not that I have been hurt and scarred by others; it’s whether or not I have truly learned to love and be good to myself like I should. You have it, I’m sure. What it all boils down to is ME and in your case YOU. We are all fairly consistent; the problem for many though is that what we are consistent at is being inconsistent with who we are, what we say and what we do. When we get those three consistently lined up just right then great things will happen and we will be catapulted into chapter 21.
As we cross over our challenges and scale the great walls of self-imposed limitations together; let’s be sure to pray for one another and give one another a word of encouragement should we see one another lagging. I’m chapter 21 bound and won’t stop until I get there. See you on the highway. NO MORE DELAY.
JHOW 60th Diamond Anniversary
Diamond Celebration Activities Planned
18 April – Wednesday
Prayer Service led by Pastor Carolyn Stoval-Gilbert,
Missionaries With the Vision [JHOW]
19 April – Thursday
“Diamond Relationships in Marriage & Family,”
Minister Marvin & Lela Brown [JHOW]
20 April – Friday
60 Years on the Potter’s Wheel [JHOW]
Dynamic Pottery Presentation - Minister Marvin Brown & Deacon Russell Collins
21 April – Saturday
430pm - Anniversary Banquet [Tickets $60 each adult / $30 each child]
Guest Speaker: Award Winning Business Woman, Author, & John Maxwell Certified Life Coach, King Pinyin
Award Winning Gospel Artist – Wanda Trent Phillips
Special Presentation: Comedy Central, News 4 & HBO personality – Cleto Rodriguez
Artistic Presentation - Prophetic Artistry
Author & Poet - Phillip Joyner
22 April - Sunday
Special Anniversary Worship Service Celebrations
11am @ JHOW
Special Guests – Dr Earl Grant Jr & The Covenant Community Church Family
Gospel Artist Wanda Trent Phillips
4pm @ West End BC
Special Guests – Pastor Keith Graham & the Now Word Covenant Community Church Family
Gospel Artist Wanda Trent PhillipsThe Baptist University of the Americas Choir
The Way Ahead - THE WAY OF ESCAPE
FOUNDATIONAL TEXT: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV)
DEFINITION: Escape – To slip or get away, as from confinement or restraint; gain or regain liberty. To slip away from pursuit or peril; avoid capture, punishment, or any threatened evil, to issue from a confining enclosure, as fluid, to fade.
THE WAY AHEAD: The King James Version of Hoses 4:6 inform us that “…people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” This tells me that knowledge or should I say godly knowledge is the key to ones escape or deliverance from anything that is destructive to their lives. This is why it is vital for a person especially a Christian to allow the word (the knowledge) of God to be first place in their life. Allowing the Word first place in our hearts, say’s to God that we agree with His plan and purpose for our lives which includes you and I living a life apart from our sinful nature. In other words, understanding that God’s will (His plan and purpose for us )is His Word, and that it was sent to seek and to save (prosper, deliver and preserve) those were lost, will give you the confidence and assures that God wants you to live a life that is governed by His Word and not your flesh.
The Amplified version of Galatians chapter 5 and verse 17 tells us that the desires of the flesh are opposed to the Holy Spirit; which means that if a person participates in sinful activities they simply are following the leadings of their flesh verses the Holy Spirit. So why does this happen in the lives of Christians? The answer is simple; they aren’t feeding their spirit man with the Word of God, which is vital in trusting in God’s ability to empower them to walk away from sin. Even though we have a new nature in Christ and it is our desire as Christian’s to do what’s right in the sight of God, many times we find ourselves yielding to the desires (lusts) of our flesh because our spirits are weak due to spiritual starvation (the lack of studying the Word and praying) which eventually will lead one to living an immoral life style.
So what is the answer [the way ahead] to overcoming the desires of the flesh? To answer this question, please allow me to draw your attention below to 1 Corinthians 10:13 which is our foundational text taken from the Amplified Version of the Bible.
And it reads “For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.”
Overcoming the Desires of the Flesh:
1 – The first step to overcoming the desires of the flesh is to understand that you are not alone. The above scripture states that what “…has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man…” In other words, what you might be experiencing in life is no different from what others are experiencing. It is very important that you know that others are dealing with the same or similar issues that you are because failing to understand this could result in you and I not forgiving ourselves for what we may have participated in which could lead to loneness with no hope for overcoming our issues. So don’t be hard on yourself, just repent and continue to move forward, “…therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ.” (Romans 8:1 KJV)
2 – The second step to overcoming the desire of the flesh is to know that “God is faithful to His Word”. He promised to never leave nor forsake you in times of trouble. Meaning, that He is there to help and assist you at all times [this doesn’t give you the right to continue doing wrong] but if you do make a mistake don’t run from God run to Him because He is the way out of every ungodly situation we might find ourselves in.
3 – The third step to overcoming the desire of the flesh is to know that with every temptation or trial, God always provides a way out. In others words, if you are in the middle of a battle with your flesh, don’t give in to the pressure, stand your ground trusting that God is there with you to lead you out. Pray and ask Him to give you strength to endure the trial and to deliver you from the situation and He will. Jesus (the Word) said to His disciple (Peter) that He “…is the WAY, truth and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV) meaning that Gods Word is the exit from every destructive, negative and life threatening situation.
4 – The fourth step to overcoming the desires of the flesh is found in Paul’s writings to the church at Corinth. Prior to warning them of the dangers associated with yielding to fleshly temptation. Paul explained that the key to his victory in overcoming his flesh was that he kept under his body and brought it into subjection. (1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV) The word subjection means to bring under the dominion of another. Therefore, what Paul was saying, is when his flesh tries to rule or suggest to him to do something immoral, he takes authority over it by bringing his body (flesh) under the dominion of the Word of God.
So how does one bring their flesh under the dominion of the Word of God? Good question, you do it by speaking to it, when the urge hits you to sin simply say “Flesh, I command you to line up with the Word of God. I am no longer ruled or dominated by you but the Spirit of God, I take authority over you and your power has no authority over me because I am dead to sin. My body is the temple of God, today I am choosing to stand in the liberty that God has provided for me, and therefore, I am free from your influences in Jesus Name.” There you have it, the key to bringing your body under the dominion of the Word of God.
The Way of Escape: For years after becoming a Christian my life was a living hell due to my addiction to pornography. I suffered a lot of hurt and pain before finding out that the Word of God was the key to my deliverance. Below are the steps I took that lead me to my victory over pornography [the desires of my flesh.]
Steps to Victory:
I. Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (prospered, delivered and preserved.)
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10 KJV)
II. Receive the Infilling of the Holy Ghost
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19 KJV)
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:49 KJV)
III. Make up Your Mind to be Free
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:8 KJV)
IV. Be Accountable to Someone you can Trust
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. (James 5:16 AMP)
V. Use the Authority You Have in Christ
Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. (Luke 10:19 AMP)
VI. Confess the Word of God Only
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth; thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. (Proverbs 6:2 KJV)
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. (Matthew 8:8 KJV)
VII. Guard your Heart
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (Proverbs 4:23 NLT)
And He said, What comes out of a man is what makes a man unclean and renders [him] unhallowed.
For from within, [that is] out of the hearts of men, come base and wicked thoughts, sexual immorality, stealing, murder, adultery,
Coveting (a greedy desire to have more wealth), dangerous and destructive wickedness, deceit; unrestrained (indecent) conduct; an evil eye (envy), slander (evil speaking, malicious misrepresentation, abusiveness), pride (the sin of an uplifted heart against God and man), foolishness (folly, lack of sense, recklessness, thoughtlessness).
All these evil [purposes and desires] come from within, and they make the man unclean and render him unhallowed. (Mark 7:20-23 AMP)
VIII. Guard your Mind
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)
IX. Know that Your Body is the Temple of God
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV)
In closing, I want to encourage you with the words of the Apostle Paul’s to the church at Ephesus.
(Ephesians 6:10-17 NLT)
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness.
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
It is my prayer that this month’s blog was a blessing to you in your walk with God. I encourage you to keep the faith, continue to guard your heart with all diligent and trust God with your life. Until next month be blessed and remember that in all things you are more than a conquer.
Favor - The Secret Ingredient to Victory Right Here - Right Now [Part 5]
Genesis 39
20Then Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. 21But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. 23The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.
- CREAM ALWAYS RISES TO THE TOP
- GOD DOES HIS BEST WORK BEHIND THE SCENES
- WE SOMETIMES SUFFER FOR DOING RIGHT!!!
- YOU CAN BE IN PRISON WITHOUT BEING A PRISONER.
Questions:
1. What are some of the 'secret ingredients' you saw God use in Joseph's life?
2. What are some of the 'secret ingredients' you've seen God use in your life?
Inspirational Interview With Pastor Cheryl Washington
Listen In & Tell A Friend
Download | Duration: 00:26:31
Inspirational Interview with
Dr. Cheryl A. Washington,
Shadrack Temple International at Daystar
Attitude!
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