Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth 10

~ Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth! ~

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of The GOSPEL of CHRIST. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you STAND firm in one SPIRIT, contending as one man/woman for the FAITH of The GOSPEL without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be SAVED! ~ and that by GOD! For it has been granted to you on behalf of CHRIST not only to BELIEVE on HIM, but also to suffer for HIM, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1 ~ WORD FOR TODAY ~

~ THOUGHT FOR TODAY ~

The Apostle Paul continuously encourages the believers to TRUST GOD and STAND upon HIS WORD! He does not seek to make anyone comfortable in sin. It was not his intent to allow them to become dependent upon him, but to be ever mindful of the LORD’S presence in their daily  life wherever they were. Accepting JESUS CHRIST into your heart does not mean that life will always be; “A bed of roses without thorns.” It is clear that Paul’s goal was to strengthen them in their walk with the LORD and encourage ALL believers to STAND firm upon the WORD of GOD if alone or together wherever they were.

God always has intended that “Christianity” be a daily lifestyle centered around Him. 

” HE IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE!” 

 

” Latter Day Spiritual Warfare”

There is much dissension within the CHURCH today in these “Latter days” over denominational differences and practices. The Spiritual Warfare has heightened.  Many embrace a liberal and somewhat lax approach to the WORD of GOD others are dogmatic, quite controlling and or legalistic. Some a bit comical and saturated with much worldliness. Some congregations have a somewhat cult like environment that encourages “group think” and exclusivity among their members. Quite often they idolize their buildings and worship  one another more than they worship GOD.  They are in many cases told who and who not to respond to. Unconditional acceptance is given to those who comply…  Some make it their top priority to impress others to join and want to increase membership, attendance, tithes & offerings.

 

“KNOW YE THAT YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF GOD!” 

 

LORD HELP US ALL!!!

 

 

PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT!

The majority, however, are very inviting to all yet still STAND firm on THE WORD… Therefore, one must be discerning & prayerful whenever or wherever in attendance. Be cognizant of what is going on around you. Study fervently and daily apply and embrace the Truth of God’s Word. Be attentive whenever the Word is going forth. Let this not “quench the Spirit” within you. “Yet simply, have an “exit ear” to the things that are contrary to sound doctrine. “PRAY without ceasing” ALL throughout worship and invite the presence of the LORD for ALL to benefit. KEEP YOUR FOCUS on the LORD!

 

“More GOSPEL; less gossip.” The “Last Days” are upon us.

“PREACH THE WORD; be prepared in every season and out of season; correct rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the TRUTH and turn aside to myths. But you keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist …” II Timothy 2

 

” I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my Help. My Help cometh from the Lord which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121

THE CHURCH BELONGS TO GOD. THE CHURCH IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST.  GOD’S CHURCH CONSISTS OF THOSE WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CHRIST JESUS INTO THEIR HEARTS AS THEIR SAVIOR & LORD.   HEAVEN IS GOD’S THRONE AND THE EARTH IS HIS FOOTSTOOL.  GOD IS PREPARING & CLEANSING HIS CHURCH TO PREPARE HER FOR THE COMING OF CHRIST JESUS! NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR HE ILL RETURN. THEREFORE WE ARE TO LIVE AS THOUGH WE ARE EXPECTATING HIM EVERYDAY!

CHRIST GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS CHURCH; “…THAT HE MIGHT PRESENT IT TO HIMSELF A GLORIOUS CHURCH, NOT HAVING SPOT OR WRINKLE, OR ANY SUCH THING; BUT THAT IT SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH…” EPHESIANS 5

 

We serve and all knowing omniscient God!

GOD is absolutely and totally aware of everything that has happened within HIS CHURCH. He knows ALL that is happening and ALL that will happen within HIS CHURCH. He also knows what is happening within ALL of our lives throughout this world. God is amazing! Nothing comes our way that He is not aware of, He either ordains it or allows it. In HIS time He works it all together for our good when we are “Called according to HIS purpose.” God wants to be a part of every area of our lives. Each day is a day to draw close to the Lord. To allow Him to manifest and multiply the Fruit of HIS Spirit within us.

 

 

It is important to STAND upon the WORD of GOD. Yes, there are times when we will be misunderstood… But so was CHRIST JESUS! Suffering is part of being a Believer. Know that GOD will bless us despite of what others do. They cannot undermine who we are in the eyes of the Lord. It is important to live your life daily to please God regardless of what others say or do.

 

WE CAN “STAND UPON GOD’S PROMISES” KNOWING THAT NO man, or woman ,nor anything can ever pluck us out of HIS HANDS! HOLY FATHER, WE THANK YOU FOR THE “SECURITY & SIGNIFICANCE” WE HAVE IN YOU!

 

When you STAND for what is RIGHT the LORD STANDS with You! “The gates of hell WILL NOT PREVAIL ” against the LORD’S CHURCH! Keep in mind that we the people are GOD’S TRUE CHURCH! Daily be adorned with  the spiritual  Armor of God. “BE GOD’S CHURCH EVERYDAY AND EVERYWHERE!” True unity in the SPIRIT is based upon our desire and determination to share and daily live out the infallible GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST!

~ LIVE EVERYDAY; “ TO GOD BE THE GLORY! ” ~