STUMBLING Block or BUILDING Block ? ... WEIGHING our Witness of CHRIST'S Divine Scales

Are we a Stumbling Block or a Building Block to Young Christians ?

Are we causing weakened, young, or  new Christians to STUMBLE  or to be EDIFIED  by our actions  or … 

·       by our words ? 

·       by our countenance ? 

·       by our attitudes ?

Is what they SEE in us drawing them closer to CHRIST JESUS ? 

Is what they see us doing REMINDING them of The LORD ?

Is what they see in us bringing CONVICTION upon them... without us speaking a word  ? 

If NOT, then we need to change something we are doing.  

Is our walk so full of "freedom" from the "Law" that our freedoms cause a young or weak brother to stumble ?  

Does our "freedom" wound the conscience of a weakened brother, causing him to think that self-indulgence is okay with The LORD ? 

Weak brothers, as the Apostle Paul terms them, may NOT necessarily be "weak" because they do not love CHRIST JESUS. 

They may have wounded hearts.

These wounds may stem from circumstances over which they had no control as a babe, child, or youth. 

Oftentimes, such wounded ones STRUGGLE every day with trying to "be normal" or "be happy." 

Even though they have turned to CHRIST with all they know, they may  have  wounds that simply have not been  healed yet, in the timing of The LORD.

We older ones in CHRIST realize that  those deep inner healings come as  we  pick up our Cross and walk with The LORD JESUS, daily. 

As we eradicate sinful acts AND ATTITUDES from our lives, The LORD  strengthens us to live deeper in CHRIST.  

When we go deeper in CHRIST JESUS,  then the healings come.

For each of us, HE+ calls us to walk in the ways of righteousness with Our LORD. 

 No, we DO NOT FOCUS on our "healings."   Rather, we FOCUS on CHRIST HIMSELF+.  We strive to please HIM+ in act and attitude. 

When we fail, we repent.

HE+ LOVES HONESTY.  When HE+ sees our inner honesty... then …

HE+ picks us up, cleans the dirt off, and lovingly says,

" Next time, do it MY+ way."

Just like the 10 lepers that were healed in Luke 17, as we GO TOWARDS GOD,  HE+ heals us !

Marvelous!  There is nothing we have done to "earn" our healing... just like the 10 lepers. 

·       We simply MEET JESUS.

·       We acknowledge with everything that is within us that HE+ is indeed MASTER.... JESUS MASTER+ .

·       We ask HIM+ for mercy.

·       We listen for His+ Word to us.

THEN WE OBEY HIM+ !

And, as we walk along that path of obedience --- ALWAYS GOING TOWARDS THE LORD --- HE+ brings the healing.

Thus, those weakening and draining wounds we have carried so long gradually are healed as we make it a point to walk  closely with CHRIST JESUS daily, picking up our Cross. 

Then, we can hear HIM+ clearer.  We have authority and freedom when we are freed from sin.

Then we have some privileges and responsibilities because Our FATHER knows HE can trust us with them.  

HOWEVER ...   it is those "freedoms"  that the Apostle Paul was warning us about using .

The freedom and authority addressed in 1 Corinthians 8 was being able to eat meat, flesh, which had been sacrificed to idols and then sold in the market place. 

Some Christians knew they could cleanse the meat, spiritually, and thus were NOT eating corrupted flesh. Their conscience was clear.

Some, however, seeing them do this, thought it was "a thing allowed" ... when really, it was NOT CLEAN before GOD.   The  weaker brother did not realize the TOTAL situation, and thus, he was made to stumble into sin.

He was only trying to "be normal" or "be happy," just like he saw OTHER Christians do or be. 

In our day, what if we should see a pastor or upstanding Christian walk into a bar or tavern? 

A young Christian might not realize  that he was going there to rescue his neighbor from drink.  The young or new Christian might think the pastor was going to "un-wind" with his friends ... so it must be okay for him to do to this, too...  at the local bar. 

An older Christian might have been delivered from lust of the flesh, so he has the "freedom" to attend a swimming party with friends and family.  He himself will not fall into sin if he attends. 

However... if a younger Christian who has NOT fought the battle with lust of the flesh sees him attending, what will he think ? 

The ladies will be there in skimpy, form-fitting swim wear which is seldom modest.  The men will be scantily dressed also, to show their fine forms.

Yes, they are friends and family, but lust feasts on revealed flesh, regardless to whom it belongs.

The younger or weaker Christian will think this: 

"This must not be wrong to do because THAT older CHRISTIAN is attending. So I can go with my friends and family to the swimming pool ( lake, party, hole, etc.). "

Thus, following the example of the "freed" Christian, the younger, weaker brother  is  put in harm's way and his conscience is made weaker and even wounded.

Thus, let us spiritually WEIGH  the witness we are ABOUT TO  GIVE  when we do things.

Not only is our witness to the world, but also, our witness and responsibility is to younger or weaker brethren. 

Why should we think about them ?

BECAUSE CHRIST DOES.

Hear the Scriptures.

I  Corinthians 8

8:9

But take heed lest by any means 

this liberty of yours 

become a stumblingblock 

to them that are weak.

8:11

And through thy knowledge 

shall the weak brother perish,

for whom CHRIST died?

8:12

But when ye sin so against the brethren,

and wound their weak conscience,

ye sin against CHRIST.

+  +  +

Brethren,  let us  not  sin against CHRIST with our “freedom.”

Let us always walk in agapA  love  towards the young, the weak, and the new Christian. 

WHY is There NO REPENTANCE in Babylon the Great ?

A Guest Post by Brother Brendon Patrick, OGS +

1 Samuel 15:23

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the Word+ of the LORD+, HE+ has also rejected you from being……”A NATION”.

How can such a perfect nation repent of its sin?  Are we not a “Christian” nation? Well, are we REALLY?  Do we not have a constitution? Do we not have rights? 

 

Some are even teaching that America is really Israel !  That’s a very sad false teaching, a doctrine of devils.

 

America is the Flagship Nation of the NWO, the New Secular Order of the Ages.  It has been lifted up as an idol for millions of people, while America openly rejects the LORD GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob/Israel.

The LORD+ has called to America to REPENT for Decades, and yet NO repentance has come, not church wide, and certainly not national.

America has sealed its own doom.  If you think that this is not so, just wait a short time yet.

GOD IS NOT MOCKED! 

WHAT AN INDIVIDUAL 

--- OR  NATION ---  

SOWS THEY WILL ALSO REAP.

 

America prints and distributes the majority of pornography on earth.

America is also a world-class leader in gun-running and drug-trafficking. Just ask  the Bush-men … or their bankers. 

 

America supports and promotes and defends sodomy and all manner of gross sexual perversion as acceptable “lifestyles”.  Many “churches” also support this. 

 

To fill up the cup, America is pressuring OTHER countries  to  accept  these  sexual perversions as  “normal” , as part of the ever-popular  “human rights” for persons who do  every immoral, unrighteous act that human beings can indulge in.

America   supports national infanticide in its government-financed abortion mills. Nearly 60,000,000 unborn babies have been murdered with government approval. Some of these are kept alive and killed at the appropriate times to get higher prices for their body parts.The LORD GOD hears the cried of these innocents... and KNOWS  who has done it !

Once again, America fills up the cup of her unrighteousness by EXPORTING abortion mills to other countries.  If one looks closely,  it is highly probable American money  can be found supporting the EXPORTATION of this evil. Laundered, of course.

 

NEED MORE ?

 

Here is the nail in the coffin of Babylon America. They have supported and financed the enemies of Israel, pouring Billions of dollars of financial support into those islamic groups that are sworn to the destruction of the Jewish State and that TEACH and HOPE  to kill all Jews and all followers of The MESSIAH+ , Yeshua+ ha Moshiach / Jesus Christ, Who+ is the only Hope of this world and the Adamic race.

America has forced Israel to give up land that was its own, won in a war of annihilation that was declared against them by multiple muslim countries, a war they DID NOT START.

America did this in the interest of a FALSE, two-state peace plan, that favors the “death cult” of islam while setting Israel up for destruction. The “leaders” of the U.S. know what they are doing. It is purposeful.

The LORD GOD knows their plans and says that ALL nations that attempt to interfere with HIS+ Land and people will be CUT IN PIECES. The US, UN, UK, and EU are going to be cut in pieces.

By these actions, America has sealed its fate. America has raised its fist in GOD’S Face and dared HIM+ to do something!

NOW, WATCH AND SEE

WHAT HE+ WILL DO!

AMERICA IS WITHOUT EXCUSE.

No matter who wins an election or a pre-determined, hidden “selection:” the wrath of GOD still remains on a wicked and decadent and self -worshipping nation.

There is a price to pay for mocking The LORD GOD, and the godless leaders of America, and their “bosses” are going to find that out the HARD WAY!  

 

America , like England,  like the European countries,  has had GREAT LIGHT.   There is NO EXCUSE for choosing evil and un-righteousness.  

 

America is not a nation of  heathen people.  No rather, America is a nation of CHRIST-rejectors.  Woe unto such a land !  They would rather have darkness than Light. So they shall.

For the Children of YHWH: 

Get alone with HIM+, spend time with HIM+ in HIS+ Presence. Learn to know HIS+ Voice, and PUT HIM+ First in ALL THINGS.

HE+ IS YOUR LIFE.

EVEN IN THE MIDDLE

OF THE COMING STORM.

Heavenly Father, help us to stand for You, for Your Dearly Beloved SON+, and to overcome all things and to be with You forever .

Amen  + + +

WHY has World Vision Lost its Vision ... of CHRIST ?

World Vision's Multi-million dollar head-quarters.

WHY has World Vision lost its Vision of CHRIST ... and replaced it with a vision like unto the WORLD ? 

 

The World Vision Director of aid to the poor in the Name of CHRIST JESUS  has been  siphoning off  $7.2 million a year to aid militant muslim activities, in the name of Hamas. 

 

Mohammed El Halabi, the Gaza director of World Vision, looks on during a court appearance in the southern Israeli city of Beersheva on Thursday. DUDU GRUNSHPAN / AFP - Getty Images

This report was made public on  Thursday, August 4, 2016,  after a lengthy investigation in Israel. 

 Mohammad El Halabi, World Vision's manager of operations in Gaza, was arrested by Israel on June 15 while crossing the border into the enclave, which is under the de facto rule of Hamas, a group on the Israeli and U.S. terrorism blacklists, according to a news report by Reuters. ( See link below. ) Mr. Halabi, WV Gaza Strip Director

 

Briefing reporters on Thursday, a senior Israeli security official said Mr. Halabi, who has run  World Vision's Gaza operations since 2010, had been under extended surveillance.

The official said Halabi, a Palestinian, had confessed to siphoning off some $7.2 million a year, about 60 percent of the World Vision's Gaza funding, to pay Hamas fighters, buy arms, pay for its activities and build fortifications.

"Money was used to fund Hamas and pay armed wing fighters, and food and health packs intended for Gaza residents were also given to Hamas operatives, rather than to their intended recipients, the poor and meek of Gaza," the official said.

In another report, more lengthy, from Israel Today, the sickening details of Mr. Halabi's system of diverting the Christian's donations for the poor were listed.  A very clever system of deception was involved, including fake companies and militant "workers" in those fake companies.  This has been on-going since 2010. 

 

All of this was discovered during a lengthy investigation beginning in mid-June, when Israel arrested Mohammed El-Halabi, World Vision’s Gaza branch director, on suspicion of terrorist activity.

During the investigation, Mr. Halabi revealed that he has been a Hamas member since his youth and had undergone organizational and military training in the early 2000s.

 

Ed. Note:   Where was the screening for Mr. Halabi before he joined World Vision?  How THOROUGHLY was it done ?  Why was Mr. Halabi  trusted so much?

Was Mr. Halabi even a CHRISTIAN ? 

In what Christian church IN GAZA was he a member ?

 

WHO VOUCHED for Mr. Halabi's CHRISTIAN WALK ? 

--- OR ---

Does World Vision make it a habit to  recruit indigenous  workers and directors who are  NOT CHRISTIANS  ... as long as they can speak the language ? 

In 2005, Hamas dispatched Mr. Halabi to infiltrate World Vision. Mr. Halabi related that Hamas believed that he had a good chance of infiltrating the humanitarian aid organization because his father works for the UN.

 

Ed. Note:  So, does that make Mr. Halabi jr., a CHRISTIAN, covered by the Blood of JESUS, walking in the ways of The LORD ?

 

Does  his  father's position  make Mr. Halabi  WORTHY to  handle the  funds  donated by Christians for the poor ?

 

 

Or... was he hired without being converted to CHRIST JESUS ?  Are non-Christians hired to work for World Vision ?  If so ... WHY ?

He added that his father, Halil El-Halabi, who has served as head of UNWRA’s educational institutions in the Gaza Strip for years, is a member of Hamas and uses his position as a UN employee to help the terrorist organization.

 

Shortly after being employed by World Vision, Mr. Halabi began to use his position to benefit the Islamist terrorist organization, primarily by diverting funds meant as aid to strengthen Hamas’ terrorist arm.

Over the years, Mr, Halabi advanced in the charity’s hierarchy until he was appointed director of the Gaza branch. In this capacity, he controlled the budget, equipment and aid packages which amounted to tens of millions of dollars.

 

Mr. Halabi employed a sophisticated and systematic apparatus for transferring World Vision funds to Hamas.

He established and promoted humanitarian projects and fictitious agricultural associations that acted as cover for the transfer of monies to Hamas.

Examples of these projects and associations include: greenhouse construction; restoration of agricultural lands; mental health and public health projects for Gaza residents; aid to fishermen; a treatment center for the physically and mentally disabled; and farmers’ associations.

 

All of these projects and associations were used to transfer funds to Hamas.

 

The money allocated by World Vision for projects and farmers’ associations reached Hamas in various ways, such as the false registration of Hamas terrorists as employees in charity-sponsored projects; issuing fictitious receipts and inflated invoices in which the difference paid by the charity was transferred in cash to Hamas; transfer of the charity’s checks to Hamas terrorists, etc.

The investigation revealed that the main method used to divert money to Hamas was to put out fictitious tenders for World Vision-sponsored projects in the Gaza Strip.

The “winning” company was made aware that 60 percent of the project’s monies were to be designated for Hamas. In this way,  Mr. Halabi ensured a steady flow of cash into Hamas coffers.

According to Mr. Halabi, the funds he diverted to Hamas were intended mainly to strengthen the terrorist arm.

 

As such, they were utilized to finance the digging of terror tunnels, the building of military bases and the purchase of weapons.

 

 

Ed. Note:  ... all for the DESTRUCTION of ISRAEL.

 

 

Some of the money went to pay the salaries of Hamas terrorists and, in some cases, senior Hamas terrorists took large sums of money for their own personal use.

Mr. Halabi regularly transferred to Hamas equipment that he had ordered on behalf of World Vision, supposedly for agricultural aid. The equipment included: iron rods, digging equipment, pipes and building materials, and was used in fact to construct Hamas military outposts and to dig terror tunnels.

For instance, he initiated a greenhouse project in order to use the greenhouses to hide the sites where terror tunnels were being dug.

 

In addition, a project for the rehabilitation of [fictitious] fishermen was actually used to provide motor boats and diving suits for Hamas’ military marine unit.

Another regular method of acquiring equipment for Hamas was to disguise Hamas warehouses as World Vision warehouses.

Trucks bringing supplies to the Kerem Shalom Crossing between Israel and Gaza would unload their goods at Hamas warehouses instead of legitimate World Vision warehouses. Hamas operatives would pick up the supplies in the dead of night.

According to Mr. Halabi, the humanitarian aid donated for the residents of the Gaza Strip was in actual fact given almost exclusively to Hamas terrorists and their families.

Non-Hamas members almost never received any benefit from the aid, despite their relative level of need. Needless to say, this is in contradiction to the accepted practice of the humanitarian aid organizations.

 

Ed. Note:  I believe this is called "stealing from the poor."  And THAT  is accountable as "STEALING FROM THE LORD GOD. "

 

 

Every month, Mr. Halabi distributed thousands of packages of food, basic commodities and medical supplies to Hamas terrorists and their families, commodities that World Vision had intended to go to the needy. 

See this link for more details: http://www.israeltoday.co.il/Default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=29759

 

What went WRONG, World Vision ?  Why did World Vision not catch the fake and phony identities of the recipients of $7.2  million a year ?  

 

 

Despite your many " independent and internal audits" you claim have been conducted on your World Vision branches ... how could such a thing happen that a WORLDLY GOVERNMENT would be able to catch the GLARING  discrepancy... and you , World Vision,  could not ?  

And even MORE SO... 

Where is the HOLY SPIRIT among you ?

 

 

Why has HE  departed from your midst ... so much so that NO-ONE in your operation  had any  idea

FOR 6 YEARS

 

that your Gaza Strip director was mis-using the funds donated by hard-working, well-meaning Christians, thinking they were helping the poor ?

 

 

Perhaps, The HOLY SPIRIT vacated your fine offices when your group could not figure out what was the Will of The LORD ... or take a righteous stand against same-gender "marriages," falsely so called.  

 

Likely, though,  this public  fall  has been a long time in making.  It did not develop over-night.

 

 

You  advertise World Vision as a CHRISTIAN organization, but it is without a doubt  that World Vision does NOT  share the Good News of Salvation through JESUS CHRIST  in  ALL of the 100 countries in which you serve.

 

How do we know that ?  We know this must be true because SOME OF THOSE NATIONS  and  territories -- like the Gaza  Strip --- will NOT ACCEPT an open salvation message of The LORD JESUS CHRIST with the aid you bring !  They will not even allow you into their area  if  you openly preach the Gospel.

 

 

Is The LORD JESUS CHRIST pleased with The LIGHT+ of the World ...  the ONLY  LIGHT+ which can help any person on this globe ...   being kept under a bushel ?

 

 

And in the Gaza Strip, how in the WORLD are you proposing to change the mind-set ( not to mention the control of the demonic spirits inhabiting islam ) of the young WITHOUT JESUS CHRIST ?   It cannot be done.

 

 

As dupes,  the young people there are PURPOSEFULLY kept hopeless ... until they find "hope" by joining a radical group of jihadists and have some money,  dignity, and self-worth... twisted though it may be.

 

 

THAT  is the official program of the leaders in the Gaza Strip. They will not allow "help" into that area to benefit the poor BECAUSE it gives the poor hope and hurts their recruiting process.

 

 

In the long run, the young recruits will kill  in  false hopes of paradise , only to end up in a burning hell themselves ... but you do not care.

At least, you do not care ENOUGH  to  present them a straight salvation message that The LORD JESUS CHRIST  can  remove the bondage of sin and give them TRUE HOPE . 

 

No, rather, World Vision is more concerned with having a "broad-based"  Christianity ( i.e., one that offends no-one )  so that the FUNDS KEEP ROLLING INTO the organization. 

Is CHRIST JESUS concerned with "the organization's" well-being ... or with SOULS  rescued from the school of HELL ? 

 

You are Messing with FIRE.  Our LORD has seen your motives and your  double-talk.  HE+ has seen your  pandering to Man instead of a clean Walk with HIM+. 

 

HE+ has watched your  strenuous efforts to be "politically-correct"  instead of RIGHTEOUS before GOD.  You CANNOT RUN a  Christian organization by CEO's;  they think too much like the world. 

 

A CHRISTIAN organization MUST be run by those who are sold-out  to JESUS ,  instead of to the system...  if you want to do the work of CHRIST JESUS in this world.  

 

Your organization has been weighed in the balances and found wanting ...  fine disclaimers notwithstanding. 

From World Vision's official website...

WE ARE CHRISTIAN

We acknowledge one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In Jesus Christ the love, mercy and grace of God are made known to us and all people. From this overflowing abundance of God's love we find our call to ministry.

We proclaim together, "Jesus lived, died, and rose again. Jesus is Lord." We desire him to be central in our individual and corporate life.

We seek to follow him -- in his identification with the poor, the powerless, the afflicted, the oppressed, the marginalised; in his special concern for children; in his respect for the dignity bestowed by God on women equally with men; in his challenge to unjust attitudes and systems; 

in his call to share resources with each other; in his love for all people without discrimination or conditions; in his offer of new life through faith in him. From him we derive our holistic understanding of the gospel of the Kingdom of God, which forms the basis of our response to human need.

Yes, World Vision...  so how does being "politically-correct"  fit into this fine statement of purpose

 

... while  politically being Israel's enemy ? 

 

... While turning a blind eye to the funding of  

THOSE WHO DELIBERATELY GO AGAINST   

the  teachings 

and PERSON of JESUS CHRIST our LORD , 

as the Hamas and other jihadists ?

Is  HE+  World Vision's LORD ?

 

Ed. Note:  Here is a call to all serious-minded Christians to make it a point  to give funds for the needy  WHERE THE SALVATION MESSAGE OF JESUS CHRIST   goes  ALONG WITH IT.   

 

More and more, there are humanitarian Christians  giving aid in these troubled areas who are NOT ALSO sharing the GOOD NEWS of CHRIST.  They will be accountable.

+  +  +

 

I+ Did NOT Bring You THIS FAR ...

. . . Just to drop you.

BE  STILL

and know that I  AM  ELOHIM ~ 

~ the plural but united ~

ONE.

+  +  +

 

I +  did not bring you along this far, just to drop you.... just to let you flounder,  just to let you wander along aimlessly to return to your old ways. 

 

I +  have a PLAN that   I+ am Working   in your life.  This divine plan is being worked out through strife and turmoil, at times. 

 

I+  am  taking you through these valleys for one reason:  for you to cling to ME+ ,  closer than ever before.

 

I+  do  not  want you to fear death.  I+  have conquered death.  I+  do not want  you to fear  life . I+ am the Life. 

 

Look  forward to being with ME+,  should you die.   Look  forward to being with ME+,  should you live.

 

Live  always   in  My+  Presence.   Live ONLY  for  ME+,  no matter what you are "doing."  If you live for ME+  in secret,  I+  will reward you openly.

 

I+  will direct and guide your steps, even if you do not realize it.

Be at peace  when you walk through your  day.  Consult with ME+  about everything. Tell ME+ about it before you tell others. 

 

Please ME+  in the secret places of your heart.  If you do THIS, I+ will please you !  My+ Joy will remain  upon you and your joy will  be full. 

 

BE   STILL

and know that I am ELOHIM;

I+  and My+ FATHER

are ONE.

 

Return to ME+  in  STILLNESS  as soon as you can,  in your day.  Do NOT go from chore to chore.  One chore begets another.  STOP your  Self.  Settle.

 

Come and be still before ME+ and know  that I am ELOHIM. 

 

I+  am Jehovah-Jirah, your Provider. 

I+ know what you need. 

It is STILLNESS with ME+.  

Come.

 

Come now.

+  +  +

Our FIRST LOVE of JESUS CHRIST !

REVELATION 2 

Courtesy of BIBLE GATEWAY

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith HE+ that holdeth the seven stars in His+ right hand, Who+ walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

 

 I+ know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

 

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for My+ Name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Nevertheless I+ have somewhat

against thee,

because thou

hast left thy first love.

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I+ will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I+ also hate.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I+ give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. 

+   +   + 

Our FIRST love of JESUS CHRIST overwhelms our hearts !  

When we realize all HE+  has  done for us,  all  HE+  has cleansed us  from,  all the pain and sorrow HE+ has borne for us… we melt with LOVE towards Our SAVIOR+.

We  CRY  for JOY ! 

All  stony coldness vanishes.  All  lies and other defenses are washed away.  Our insurmountable burdens  actually roll away.

 

We are so LIGHT that we feel we could FLY !  Our hearts pour out gratitude and love for HIM+.  We cannot keep silent. We cannot keep from telling JESUS how MUCH we love HIM+ … over and over again. 

This first LOVE OF JESUS 

is important . 

Without it,

Our LORD says

HE+ will remove our candlestick ! 

But, how do we KEEP this FIRST LOVE of JESUS active and living in our hearts ?

We  must JOIN HIM+.

When we are close to JESUS, His+ Presence overwhelms our hearts, just like at the time of our FIRST LOVE of CHRIST. 

We join HIM+ when we submit to His+ Word.  Submission to His+ Word, you see,  goes against every particle of our flesh.  

 

We join HIM+ when  we  LITERALLY  apply the very words of Scripture in our value system and live them:  owe no man NOTHING! … turn the other cheek … forgive 70 times over …. sell what you have and give to the poor and come, follow ME+.  

 

There are many, many other words in Scripture which we have ignored or excused ourselves from applying.

We say, for instance,  the head-covering ( veiling ) is for “another culture, another time.”  

Yet, many serious Christian sisters have discovered the Anointing Presence when they go against their flesh and this modern culture and don a serious head-covering.   

 

Persecution, albeit minor,  will start immediately … because the satan does NOT LIKE it.  The satan does not like ANYONE who dares to APPLY the words of Scripture literally.  

 

However, along with the minor persecution will come an ANOINTED POWER to witness to CHRIST JESUS.  Strangers will be drawn to you and ask you serious SPIRITUAL questions or ask you for prayer. 

Then, His+ joy will rest upon you and your joy will be full. You will return to your FIRST LOVE of JESUS.

 

Every … yes, EVERY … act  of  obedience will bring a different set of persecution from family, friends, and yes even within the church circles.  Mocking, snide remarks, cold-shoulders and  sometimes removal from positions of  authority accompany certain acts of obedience. This is called “the cross.”

 But, His+ Joy will rest upon you !   You will bask in His+ Presence.   You will return unto your FIRST LOVE of CHRIST JESUS.  HE+  will  not remove your candlestick.

 

If, dear friends, your love for JESUS is dull and dreary, done by rote and is a burden ( ho-hummm ) , THEN BE ON GUARD.  Flee to JESUS and seriously ask HIM+ to show you WHERE your obedience is LACKING. 

 

 HE+ is faithful ... and will show you. 

 

Ask HIM+ to show you in His+ Word  where  your  “next obedience”  should be.  We do NOT STAY at the same levels of obedience day in and day out.  NO… yesterday’s gains will NOT SUFFICE for today’s growth. 

 

Dullness of spirit is a sign that  we are missing the mark; we are NOT WALKING in ALL the obediences HE+ has marked out for us. 

 

Let  us  therefore determine to RETURN unto our FIRST LOVE OF JESUS. 

 

Let us YOKE UP with His+ Will, as revealed in His+ Words.  Disregard NONE of them.  

 

 Do those things,  embrace those obediences, that HE+ shows you in His+ Word,  and YOUR FIRST LOVE of JESUS  will  return to you,  over-whelmingly !

+  +  +