“Some people!!!” I think we all have those whom we just can’t quite figure out. Strange, often irritating little nuances that don’t seem intentional, but still tend to cause us to want to go the other way! Well, I wonder where something like that comes from!?

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Paul said something really strange, that he no longer knew folks “after the flesh!” Could that even mean him or her?! He went on to say, he once evaluated Jesus “according to the flesh,” but no longer!

Those little personality traits that others have, sadly determine our “circle.” This is why churches tend to homogenize by race, by economics, by social status, and most cleverly, apart from the aforementioned, they will tend to “click” by entertainment style! (Possibly the most deceptive and dangerous.)

We’ve seen it over and over, culturally diverse congregations who “love the praise and worship,” OR “love the hymns,” OR the “soft-spoken teacher,” OR the “raging preacher!” Caught up on these commonalities, the comers have effectively overcome the stigmas of class for the pseudo fellowship of style! But will they go home with one another to pray and break bread?

Scripture clearly tells us, we are to die to our old nature, giving way to the Spirit of Christ that should now lead us. That’s why Paul could say, no matter how the world defined a man, his new nature sought to see the heart of a man. Even his impression of Christ had gone from “charismatic Rabbi,” to the “incarnate of the Word of God!”

“LORD, transform my old way of living and looking at others. How can I possibly know or provide Your healing balm to the afflicted, if I am yet drawn to, and repelled by the mere personalities of lost people?

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Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

~2 Corinthians 5:16 KJV

And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same.

~Luke 6:33 KJV

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

~Galatians 5:16 KJV

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

~James 2:9 KJV

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

~Philippians 2:3 KJV

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It is important that we realize, this God we worship is far outside our capacity of understanding, in our natural thinking. For example, while God’s wrath was raining down fire and brimstone on the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, His lovingkindness was attentive to the tiniest sparrow seeking out food for her young.

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We must never let our limited reasoning bring us to the conclusion that God thinks like we do! In the beginning, He didn’t make Himself like us, rather, He created us in His image. It was only when our wickedness and insufficiency almost consumed us that He, indeed, did become one of us, to intercede for us rather than destroy! Don’t try to figure it out, just trust Him, submit to His Love, and believe His Word.

God is good and His mercy never ends. We must stop trying to fit Him into our finite thinking and accept the mustard seed faith that He longs to plant in our hearts. Don’t try to make sense of God’s way, just trust Him and watch as His ways slowly become yours.

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Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

~Matthew 10:29 KJV

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; And his truth endureth to all generations.

~Psalm 100:5 KJV

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

~Malachi 3:6 KJV

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

~Romans 8:29 KJV

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

~1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV

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It is easy, especially after experiencing being “washed” from our old ways and guilt, to lose sight of the Truth that while I was still wallowing in my sin, God was affectionately drawing me to Himself! We find it hard to reconcile our judgments with God’s, but His ways are higher!

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We are taught in Scripture that the Price has been paid! What we often fail to grasp is that it was paid before I accepted the reality of the payment! So, that would mean the sin I so clearly see in those around me, God is looking past through His Son! Certainly, He still sees and deals with sin, but it is in no way a deterrent to His pleasure with his creation, or to His unending, indescribable Grace!

We must remember, though judgment is part of who God is, and that the day of His intense wrath is certain, it is all a part of His plan. The things we get so “shook up” over, are not various problems and sources of irritation to some “god” who’s trying to hold things together, but rather controlled events before an Almighty God taking pleasure in His complex creativity. He is worthy of all Glory, and Honor, and Power, for this all is His doing, and He has said, “It is very good!”

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And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

~Genesis 1:31 KJV

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

~Revelation 4:11 KJV

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for me.

~Romans 5:8 KJV

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

~Matthew 5:44-45 KJV

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

~2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

~2 Chronicles 16:9a KJV

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I am now one with Christ, I am as He is, so how can I think, say, or do the things I used to do? The Bible tells me I am a whole different creature than I was before becoming a Christian!

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Our old, fallen nature craves independence. The original sin was the attempt to be as God is. Even now, as Christians, we teach our children that they can be anything they choose, if they put their minds to it. We are taught from the earliest age to pursue our own ability and the rewards of ambition; yet as disciples of Christ, we are taught total submission and reliance. Is it any wonder theologians and pilgrims alike are forever tempted to twist and “adjust” the Word of God?

We wrestle to keep the letter of the Word, while compromising the Heart of it. How this must break our Father’s heart. A Father who alone knows the best provision for our every need, and has reached down and offered that provision at His own great expense. He has made us, “joint heirs” with His only begotten Son, Jesus! When I surrender to His way, I literally become a sibling of Christ, and an ambassador of the righteousness of God, in Christ!

I take the broken flesh of Christ in and drink His blood daily. What astounding reverence that should bring! This can only make sense by faith of heart. A faith only granted by God’s Holy Spirit. We must, at all costs, seek the unchanging Truth of God’s Word. Everything in the world is working together, by sinister design, to distract us from the potency of the unfeigned, never changing Truth.

We are now the living representatives of God in Jesus Christ! We are one with Christ! He in me, I in Him, and we in the Father. It’s how eternity plays out, and the only way to know victory in this corrupt existence is to deny the broken independent part of me, and by faith become the submissive, redeemed possession of God.

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Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

~Romans 8:17 KJV

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

~2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

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Deep inside, every man thinks he knows what would be best in most situations, so he assumes the power and authority of God. That’s why we find disappointment in prayer. Rather than praying His will as we’re taught, we take Him our own short-sighted plans, with hyped-up prayers for His intervention. Isaiah told us, His thoughts are not our thoughts.

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Believers must embrace the Truth that God is greater! We gladly give a nod to that Truth, but scarcely appropriate it in our prayers. The Word tells us that our new existence is by faith alone. That means, little of it will likely make sense to our natural mind. Our spiritual being exists in another realm, a realm where one day we will co-exist with Him, and it is quite different than the one we know now. Only faith, and complete trust in the “Lover of our souls, could ever prepare us for such a future and hope.

Fill your new mind with God’s Word, it is the mind of Christ. Here and now, we are surrounded by opposition. We live in a hostile territory bent on our destruction, with forces constantly opposing us, but in eternal reality, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!

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Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

~Romans 8:26 KJV

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

~Romans 11:33-35 KJV

Gird up now thy loins like a man; For I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who hath stretched the line upon it?

~Job 38:3-5 KJV

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

~1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

~1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

~Matthew 6:10 KJV

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We’ve all heard Romans 3:23, and most often when someone is awkwardly confronted with guilt over a shortcoming. Though it’s comforting in times of defeat, it is also enlightening in times of sweetest worship! Like everything about us, in considering this passage, it points to the absolute vitality of the LORD Jesus Christ!

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If I fail, I am reminded that sin is my nature, and if I experience great victory, I realize it’s because I was raised from defeat. When God was pleased to create the world we know, He knew the fate that would befall His beloved mankind, but He also foresaw the overwhelming Love that would redeem those who would succumb to His lovingkindness.

Genesis is filled with far more questions than answers. More answers than natural man will ever uncover, but the fascination with, and fear of Almighty God, leads those who will, to rejoin Him for those intimate walks through the Garden in the cool of the evening.

The “Ancient of Days” is not dismayed with our sinful rebellion; He anticipated it from the beginning. Rather, He is glorified and pleased when against all earthly amenities, man chooses obedience. Jesus, the Son of God and Son of man, our redeeming “second Adam,” has broken the penalty of disobedience and shared with us the Son-ship only He deserved.

Yes, all have sinned, and sin cannot be painted ugly enough, but the Blood of the sinless Lamb of God washes us whiter than snow. May we jettison the distractions, and any distracting sin, and begin today to walk in the earnest of the fullness God has created us for. Beloved, we are now sons too! And yes, we have all sinned, but the Children have left the pigpen of sin for the acceptance of the Beloved!

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

~Ephesians 1:6 KJV

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

~Romans 3:23 KJV

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

~Isaiah 1:18 KJV

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

~Hebrews 12:1 KJV

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

~Luke 15:17-18 KJV

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Jesus’ “Great Commission” to the Church was: “Go, preach the Gospel” in all the world. As the young, on-fire seeker begins his pilgrimage, it’s common that he desires to be a fervent soul winner. He is ever looking for the entrapped, wounded victims and addicts that he may preach the Gospel to them and see them converted. Often the impassioned young evangelist becomes disenchanted, then discouraged, and is soon disengaged. The Seed, often eaten up, even before it settled to the Earth.

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In Revelation, the readers are instructed to leave the unjust and the filthy to themselves; contrary to everything we’ve garnered about evangelism in the New Testament. But if you continue reading, in verse 17, we’re instructed to live lives that would invite the “thirsty” to “come.”

Sadly, the quotas set by the world that determine success, are used to measure effective evangelism. Yet, Jesus said it’s a narrow path that leads to Life, and only a few will find it. Ours is not to tell everyone we meet to come to God and find freedom and peace, even though our lives should certainly prove that fact, because many, though anxious for heaven and “freedom,” are content in their chains!

The Truth remains that the Gospel, mixed with Faith, brings about freedom, peace, and salvation! Without the faith being determinately applied, the Gospel will not be experienced!

May we live exemplary lives of God’s righteousness! Lives that cry: “Come!” to a lost, deceived generation intent on racing into eternal damnation. The ones who want to have Life, will see it in those who revel in it. It will not be everyone, or even most, but the seekers, when they see it, will certainly want it!

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But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

~Matthew 13:23 KJV

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

~Revelation 22:17 KJV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

~Romans 1:16 KJV

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

~Revelation 22:11 KJV

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

~Matthew 7:14 KJV

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The significance of our bodies, and the need to reverence and care for them, cannot be overstated. After the new birth, we indeed become “spirit beings,” yet we are still “housed” in these earthen vessels, and for a very important purpose.

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Man could, by God’s wonderful and mysterious will, only be redeemed through another man, the “Man, Christ Jesus.” He indwelt flesh so that He would be an acceptable sacrifice for our transgressions. He willingly sacrificed His flesh as the sacrificial Passover Lamb, and instructed us to “eat” that completed Sacrifice! Whereby, our flesh becomes, by faith in His work, sanctified! But of what use is sanctified flesh in a fallen, sinful world? Consider how useful His flesh was to us, then consider sacrificing our own flesh in His name, for the lives of those around us. “Greater Love hath no man!”

So let us care for our bodies, as temporary, but valuable containers, filled with the redeemed image of God. Instruments belonging to Him, and given to us that we may glorify Him by denying the former sinful ambition to “be our own gods,” and submissively allowing His Holy Spirit to live out His original will, against all earthly forces, through our joyful obedience. “Spending” our lives here through all manner of infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses that the ongoing Life and Purpose of Christ may dwell richly in us.

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“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

~2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV

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

~Romans 12:1 KJV

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

~1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV

“When he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

~1 Corinthians 11:24 KJV

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.”

~1 Corinthians 11:28 KJV

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Paul tells us in Colossians that we are supposed to walk according to the same Faith that we were saved by. Considering how long ago the salvation moment occurred to some believers, this may pose quite a question. Then in Hebrews, we’re told we cannot please God without faith. Even more astounding than that, Paul says that whatever is not of faith is sin!

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This sounds a lot more involved than what we’ve been taught in most churches for the last 5 or 6 decades, and frankly it’s not nearly as attractive to many who would seek a redeemed, heaven-bound life of health, prosperity, and worldly riches while still here on the fallen planet. Only by faith could the lifestyle Christ described, be victoriously lived, and ONLY by the Holy Spirit’s leading could it ever be desired. But exclusivity is limited only by the seeker’s desire for Truth.

We experience the miracle of rebirth only by faith. To walk amidst the emotional debris of this fallen society and its candy-coated sin, in any kind of victory requires the same degree of faith that was exercised when we experienced Salvation for the first time! We trust that God has our every encounter planned for our good…by faith. We can sing and rejoice in suffering…by faith, and we are commanded and equipped to minister to, and please our God…ONLY by faith.

Dear believer, we must incorporate ever-growing faith into every prayer, every good work, and every breath we take in these earthen vessels. All we need is already provided, but it will ONLY be experienced…by Faith.

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For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

~Romans 1:17 KJV

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

~Colossians 2:6 KJV

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

~Hebrews 11:6 KJV

Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

~Romans 14:22-23 KJV

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

~2 Thessalonians 2:10 KJV

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Jesus told Nicodemus that we must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Paul points out that our "flesh and blood" cannot inherit that Kingdom. So how is the transition made, and what does it look like?

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We are told in no uncertain terms that we must voluntarily die to the life we've built here on earth, in order to begin (here and now) the eternal Life, real LIFE that John speaks of. So, how did Scripture instruct us to die and grasp a literal new existence? The short answer is, by faith; but lest that be considered a "cop out," let's look more specifically.

As we covered before, we must reject our old ways of living. Entertainment, habits of Life, motivating interests, and anything else held dear to our old life! It’s like entering a marriage! We are told to leave father and mother and cleave to our new mate. Next, we "practice" obedience to the commands of our new LORD. Yes, it sounds harsh to our delicate and politically correct ears, but the gospels and the whole of the New Testament speaks of commandments, not suggestions. As we obey, Christ manifests Himself to us. Then, little by little we surrender every dark corner of our person to His, sanctification in action!

As long as we are privileged with these redeemed "vessels" in this fallen world, we are privileged to spend our lives to extend the salvation of Jesus through the honor of giving, loving, suffering, and even dying as He did. Through the fellowship of these losses, we become more like Him each day until we finish our course and become just like Him!

So, you could say this house we've built is gutted and methodically remodeled to fit into the New Neighborhood. Then, at a predetermined time and place, we will be instantaneously transformed into a House not made with hands, fit for the City of God! Our passion and His good pleasure will guide us through the "remodeling" process here on earth, conforming us to the original Messiah's image. Let Him work! Don't count the cost, just let Him work, longing for the ultimate change of address. Oh, what a glorious day that will be!

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Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God

~1 Corinthians 15:50a KJV

For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us

~1 John 1:2 KJV

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

~Colossians 3:3 KJV

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

~Romans 8:11 KJV

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

~Colossians 1:27 KJV

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John the Baptist declared, "I must decrease but He must increase!" How exactly is this supposed to happen? Simply by faith and practice, another way of saying, "Trust and Obey!"

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Jesus said we must deny self, meaning abandoning our old preferences and practices for new. The Holy Spirit through Paul declared that he had been executed with Jesus! We must come to the acceptance that the Good News is about a complete, and very literal makeover that results in newly conformed flesh as a result of a totally transformed Spirit!

Eternal Life is to be a gradual and always progressive process in these mortal, corruptible bodies, but then completion and perfection upon beholding our Master! We will be like Him!

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He must increase, but I must decrease.

~John 3:30 KJV

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

~Galatians 2:20 KJV

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

~Luke 9:23 KJV

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

~1 John 3:2 KJV

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

~Romans 12:2 KJV

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Can the follower of Christ reach perfection here on earth? Certainly! Even though there will always be a stain, and nature of sin abiding in the flesh of man, and there will be occasional failures and mistakes as long as we're in these bodies, but there most certainly is a perfection of heart that God loves to see in His children. It's the heart that purely desires to please Him in all their ways, and has been redeemed through the work of Christ at the Cross.

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Did John contradict himself when he wrote, “Those who are born again do not sin,” and then in the same letter; “If we say we have no sin, we lie!”? Not at all. He is indicating that the new creature that is born of God, "the Spirit man" is incapable of sinning, a principle not familiar enough to the children of God. This is why Paul continually stressed that the "old man" must die, as he is not capable of pleasing God; the old man can ONLY sin!

We read that Noah, Job, and even David walked perfectly before God, though the Bible sometimes graphically describes their moral failures. But their hearts were open and perfect before God!

There indeed is a perfection expected of, and available to the believer today, which should be our normal! It comes by abiding in Christ and walking IN the Spirit. Do you desire to walk perfectly before your heavenly Father? Walk in the Spirit! These are the “all things” we're told we can do in Christ!

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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

~Philippians 4:13 KJV

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

~Galatians 5:25 KJV

I will behave myself wisely In a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

~Psalm 101:2 KJV

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

~1 John 3:9 KJV

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

~1 John 1:8 KJV

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

~Colossians 3:3 KJV

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

~Romans 8:8 KJV

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We're often reminded of Jesus' words that we must deny ourselves to follow Him, but have we considered what that means? Denying allegiance to one thing, to fully pledge my allegiance to something else!

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When we think of denying something, on the surface, we think of maybe denying ourselves dessert, or depriving ourselves of a comfort or luxury, but Christ is clearly referring directly here to surrender of current means and ambitions, to qualify for a New Life! When Jesus spoke of men who deny Him, He spoke of disavowing or distancing, but when Peter denied Christ, and when Jesus spoke of denying self, the word is to "utterly reject!"*

This is not a surface denial of expendable things, but rather a move of passion away from everything we've ever trusted or believed in, in order to grasp an unseen, eternal promise that has so violently stirred something within, that we would willingly let go of, and despise anything that could hinder our opportunity to experience the fullness of what has gained the soul's desire.

May we pray! Pray that the stirring takes place in every soul we encounter, every friend, stranger, and enemy! For we have no enemies in the spirits of men, only desperate, dying souls still shackled to the sweet, attractive trinkets that almost dragged us into hell. Everything that doesn't point to Christ and His Love must be abandoned, despised and denied! We've heard the Call, now we must abandon all to experience that "good part which shall not be taken away."

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But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

~Luke 10:42 KJV

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

~Luke 9:23 KJV

who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

~Matthew 13:46 KJV

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

~Luke 14:26 KJV

And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

~Luke 19:8-9 KJV

*Strongs Concordance

G720 - contradict or disavow

G533 - deny utterly or reject

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Jesus Christ - the Anointed Messiah, was a Purpose! Yes, He was a man and yes, He IS God, but the whole "taking on of flesh" was for a very specific purpose! Symbolic and literal at the same time, carnal and yet very spiritual. Jesus' body was more specific and necessary to man than anything else God ever provided! The holy, perfect, virgin-born body of the Savior was begotten of God to be a passageway to Him, for His beloved, fallen creation.

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We, in turn, are admonished to receive bread by faith, considering it to BE His flesh and consume it as His earthly existence, into our flesh. In so doing, we pledge to end our lives and begin to follow His example of service, sacrifice, and suffering. Not nearly as attractive as the vibrant, happy Christianity offered today, but biblically authentic, nonetheless. This Way produced Peace, confidence, and power not found in the modern congregation of believers but replicated with a contemporary prostitution of the original. The less followers it attracts, the more the leaders adjust and reinvent it. The greatest loss is realized, in that, without following the commanded guidelines of dying to self and being born again, there is no consequential New Life.

As we take the elements of communion, let us consider that we are very solemnly pledging to walk only where Jesus leads from this point forward, abandoning our own desires and ambitions. We are called to become His ambassadors! Anything else is vain robbery.

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To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

~2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

~John 17:18 KJV

At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

~John 16:26-27 KJV

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

~Acts 1:8 KJV

"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."

~John 19:30 KJV

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The depths of the greatest mystery are so clear to the seeking eye. Paul tells us that we are already seated in heavenly places, and Hebrews directs us to boldly enter into the "holiest," implying the "Holy of Holies," but as Thomas rightly cried, "HOW?... WE DON'T KNOW THE WAY!" Jesus told Thomas, "I am the Way..."

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The eternal Spirit-God was pleased to temporarily "put on" flesh like ours, in order to redeem the spirit He had placed in us that is like His! Jesus! To reach our carnal, primal intellect that gate-keeps over our spirit, Jesus made Himself the literal, in the most superior spiritual sense, Passover Lamb, to be literally Eaten - yet symbolically as Bread in our carnal realm!

As the faith-filled ritual of eating the sacrificed Passover lamb spared the children of Israel from the death angel, so the faith-filled eating of the Bread of Life (the flesh of our LORD Jesus) spares our lives from the eternal judgment of God. But it doesn't stop there. That sinless Flesh that took the weight of all sin, was indeed the Veil that guarded entrance into the Holy of Holies!

Take, eat, this is His body, and it fully provides the Way to the Father, the Truth to guard our minds, and the Life eternal that was stolen in the garden. We are now accepted...in the beloved!

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

~Ephesians 1:6 KJV

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

~Hebrews 10:20 KJV

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

~John 14:6 KJV

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

~John 6:53 KJV

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

~Luke 22:19 KJV

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It has been said, "You never miss the water until the well runs dry." We seldom consider the implications in a spiritual application. But consider our prayers before meals (assuming that is still being practiced by the reader), they are generally sincerely repeated, yet robotically as a "step" in the dining process. Most believers will also acknowledge prayer before falling asleep, and/or upon waking. Consider those “prayers” during a severe shaking, knowing that God now hears would be most vital. Oh, that we, as the children of, and representatives of God, would practice such intimacy in prayer always rather than in times of desperation.

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Do anger, insecurity, and worry not clearly spring up in the garden of our lives, in the absence of intimacy with God? Thanksgiving should dominate our thinking, not only for well-being experienced therein, but for the resulting intimacy and overshadowing Peace of God that it brings.

Too often, the things we tend to thank God for, are things Scripture tells us, Are NOT even from Him! While eternal commodities like, getting through these evil days with divine peace of mind, and access to and clear interpretations of the Word of God, seem to go unnoticed and sadly unapplied.

May we go into today considering the inevitable shaking ahead. There will be a shaking, globally, but let us never forget, we all are appointed our own personal “final shaking” when we meet Jesus Face to face. There will be a reckoning of everything we’ve done over a lifetime. In the face of such thoughts, simple prayers like, "Oh Lord," fall from our lips without thinking. The inevitable "crossing over" should be our longing of soul, not a fear that drives us to our knees.

"LORD, You saved me! I am a citizen of The Kingdom that I cannot see. Cause me to not only focus on that Kingdom, but begin to experience it, here and now. May my remaining days, among these lost and broken souls, bring You the Glory You so richly deserve. Dominate my mind, my words, and all of my being. You have certainly snatched me from the shaking to come. My heart and my mouth will not cease to bless the LORD!"

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I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

~Psalm 34:1 KJV

"And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

~Hebrews 12:27 KJV

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

~Philippians 4:6 KJV

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

~1 John 2:16 KJV

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Trusting in the LORD is the absolute key to victorious living. Jacob said he had lived 130 years that were long and evil, yet he held relentlessly to the Word he had received long ago from the God in whom he trusted. There is a difference between trusting that God will take care of me and mine, and trusting that He is my Provider, to the degree that I refuse to look elsewhere, because ALL of my hope is in Him.

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When Christ's Words became more than the people could bear, and many walked away, Peter proclaimed, "Where can we go, You alone have the Words of life!"

The Living Word of God, read in Scripture and revealed in the heart, is our ONLY food and our ONLY drink. The flesh still needs bread and water day by day, but the flesh will eventually die. This New Life that we must learn commitment to, thrives on every Word spoken of God. Do I desire to strengthen my flesh or my spirit?

We are promised provision to keep the flesh alive for a time, we must not spend our spirit's resources and strength on what God has promised. Our goal now is to feed and nourish the New Man born inside. Jesus instructed us to come to Him for everything we need, Bread, gold and silver, and salve to perfect our sight for the things above. He alone is the Provider worthy of all our trust and reliance.

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And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.

~Genesis 47:9 KJV

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding.

~Proverbs 3:5 KJV

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

~John 4:32 KJV

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.

~Revelation 3:18 KJV

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

~Deuteronomy 8:3 KJV

Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

~Isaiah 55:1 KJV

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We love to sing and proclaim being "overcomers," but it's a bit indicting to say such when we're neck-deep in the weights of pleasure, luxury, entertainment, and ambition. Scripture indicates over and over that these are the initial things that should be overcome, that we might find the means to overcome the real obstacles like fear, worry, and bitterness! But by Christ's provision, I can overcome ME!

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Lord, teach us again the virtues of biblical fruit inspection! Some of the colorful, juicy fruit we love to produce and partake of is literally poisonous to our soul; while the rich, nourishing fruit from the Tree of Life can hardly even be seen with our carnal, self-serving eyes.

The disciples left all, and they gained ALL, many being imprisoned and executed for their faith. May I become submerged in this New Life You have provided, to the degree that the amenities of the old life be seen for what they truly are. I want to know You now, in the fellowship of Your suffering, that my life may be abundant here, and my treasures safe with You in my heavenly residence.

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Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

~1 John 4:4 KJV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

~Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

~2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us

~Hebrews 12:1 KJV

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

~Matthew 6:21 KJV

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Scripture indicates that one of the sad realities of the last days is the “falling away" of the brethren. Here the Spirit is forewarning of broken fellowship in the Body of Christ. It's not clear if these fallen ones are Christians or just emotional converts. It was John who described those who "were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.” The lines get blurry here in the last days, as everyone is so distracted with the sparkly, temporary things of contemporary society, things not associated with Christianity, but deeply entrenched in modern, Western Christianity.

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Regardless, the effects of culture on the church, the Love of Christ, and the tender-hearted benevolence of the saints, remains the scripturally, undisputed benchmark of genuine Christianity. Fellowship among the saints is the garden of spiritual unity, and of the knowledge of God! How can we find nourishment spiritually if we lack the hunger for corporate worship?

In this darkest scenario the impassioned seeker retreats to the Throne of Grace! Here, not only mercy is found, but Grace that provides fellowship with Christ our Brother. The earthen vessel continues to function below on earth, while fellowship and worship surround the believer in the Spirit, effectively filling the heart with Joy. It is here that intercession is made for fellow seekers who will be led to corporate worship again.

Take heart abandoned believer! You have not been excommunicated. The beloved, the great cloud of witnesses, and your Elder Brother, Jesus Christ the righteous, urge you on until fellow believers are drawn to worship with you. These are unique days, but all provision has already been made, and your Father is never taken by surprise by the contents of the hollow of His mighty hand!

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Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?

~Isaiah 40:12 KJV

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

~2 Thessalonians 2:3 KJV

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

~John 13:35 KJV

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

~2 Timothy 4:16 KJV

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, And raise me up, that I may requite them.

~Psalm 41:9-10 KJV

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

~Matthew 24:12 KJV

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Our bodies were created with a most unusual need; the need to stop and shutdown on a regular basis, to mimic death, and be restored by being still and silent! Sleep! Even though it sounds funny to put it that way, we have all found that this unusual practice is not only desirable, but capable of consuming some. Sadly, some find sleep to be an escape from the waking hours of life and abuse it. Others are frustrated by its insistence, as it seems to interrupt their incessant drive. It's interesting how Jesus handled sleep. Much like prayer, it proved in His life to be a necessity, and Scripture indicates that He engaged in BOTH whenever He could.

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Like a baby resists naps, the young believer seems to avoid prayer, as though it were an interruption to their busy schedule. But as the mature, healthy man recognizes, and prioritizes a good night's sleep, so the well-rounded believer learns that regular times of dedicated deep prayer, is critical to the new man in Christ. Even as most folks have a favorite pillow or a comfortable bed, Jesus too had a "preferred place" for His time alone with the Father. He could (and did) pray wherever and whenever He could, but there were times and places He preferred. Even as a favorite bed or comforter may be special for our sleep, so that secluded place with “the Comforter” becomes even more precious to the twice-born child of God!

Find what you've been missing. Intimate, intentional Prayer IS to the new man, far more to your soul than a good night's rest to the body! You will find prayer brings forth a "new morning" each time you come away from your "re-connection” with your Father. Likewise, sleeplessness can cause disorientation and grouchiness, and prayerlessness manifests itself to those around us. So, close your eyes, lay your head on the pillow of God's Grace, and draw the Comforter up and over you in prayer. We often don't even recognize how badly we need it!

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But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

~Luke 8:23-24 KJV

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

~Mark 1:35 KJV

Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: For unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up.

~Psalm 5:1-3 KJV

If I say, I will speak thus; Behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, It was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then understood I their end.

~Psalm 73:15-17 KJV

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