There is no rush anymore on my part to try and keep up with others, and I have the Holy Spirit and His leading to thank for that. How many times over these past almost two decades (17 years - 2008) on this blog have I encouraged brethren that it is not a competition, it is team effort.
It is working together harmoniously to achieve a goal (namely, to further the kingdom of God) with Jesus/Yeshua's help via the Holy Spirit? In truth, I came through a bit of a slump, but thank God for good and true friends (who also happen to be brethren), who not only pray but also send an encouraging email, with choice scriptures.
I love the Word, and no matter how matter how many times we may read through the Bible, it is so rich that the right scripture at the right time when our spirit (body, soul -- spirit) needs uplifting is truly the wisdom and foresight of El Shaddai.
Also an email received with a link that lead to a video with Zac Poonen teaching. I should listen to more of his teaching. I remember now that years ago, (20?), a friend sent me a link to a video of his, and I found it very uplifting back then.
I did not follow up with it, as I was not well-settled in the Lord back then, and now wholly surrendered. I do not know why, but I do know I had great peace with his teaching. Again, I would have to check him out more. He is 86 years old, formerly an Indian Naval Officer.
According to a quick search, he has been a Christian for 56 years. I am so very grateful to the Holy Spirit who promises to set us in the path of good teachers. No one teacher, no one person is perfect, but we allow ourselves to be taught SOLID doctrine, not doctrine of demons or lukewarm, whitewashed gospel messages.
Then, we share - we share to help a brother, a sister - and glorify our King, our Jesus. Before I move on to the quick message I plan to post, I would like to share a couple of nuggets. Allow Jesus to providentially answer your prayers. He will.
First Nugget
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| God's Word is a real treasure purified gold |
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace. [Rom 6:14]
Brother Poonen said it took him 56 years of struggling as a Christian before he discovered a simple secret. And that's just it. If we can just allow ourselves to be taught by others, instead of thinking we have to have all the answers, this walk can be so much easier. Pride can be so subtle.
Zac said that for most of his Christian walk he carried a heavy burden. To cut to the quick and to put it simply, he read the above scripture as a command rather than a promise.
Here is the difference, as he explained it. He said we tend to depend more upon our flesh than the Holy Spirit.
Sin "should not be" master over you - is how most of us read that (it is how he read it for all those years). He said that is a "command". Bro Zac continues: "But when we read it as "sin shall not be" master over you - it is a promise - a promise of God!"
"Do you see the difference?" he asked. Lightbulbs turned on in my head too. When it is read as a 'command', it is a heavy burden we must carry. It is something that we have to do.
However, when we receive it as a promise, it is something that God says HE will do for us. He removes the burden.
Come unto Me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [Mat 11:28]
Just as Jesus/Yeshua promised. He gives us rest. One thing we gained in the Garden of Eden (along with a fallen nature) is our "independence". We can do it!
We do not need someone else because we can manage just fine on our own. Thank you very much! Can we? If God pulls the rug out from under us (pull the carpet of pride we float around on like a magic carpet, high above everything, over the heads of people below us...) Pull that rug out and see how independent we are.
We are not under the LAW; we are under grace. Zac says the meaning of 'law' means that we are going to try and overcome sin by our own struggle...a never-ending, wearisome struggle (heavy laden).
He says, so if you are weary and heavy laden (sick and tired of being defeated and wondering why), the Lord invites us to come to Him. This teacher explains it wonderfully.
There are only a certain category of people, he discovered through the years, who really enter into the Spirit-filled life of overcoming. And not only overcoming, but empowerment for service. It's open to all of us, but not everyone enters in.
He said most Christians never enter into it, even before they die. It is an hour long video, which I have not watched in full. Nevertheless, if you would like to hear him explain how to lessen this struggle, he speaks far more eloquently than I do. The lesson is contained within the first 10-15 minutes if you would like to check it out. Under Grace Zac Poonen (struggled for 56 years, then discovered a secret)
Be a Zero
One other quick nugget, from the same teacher (Zac Poonen). It has to do with being nothing. Sounds depressing, hey? lol
Wealth,[0] beauty,[0] position,[0] personality,[0] education,[0] sports,[0] intellect[0]: whatever you strive for, whatever is important to you, people put great value on what they are strong in. Many believe they are the most qualified and desire to be a leader.
We need to become zeros. Jesus has to be first. A zero is nothing, absolutely no value or worth UNLESS one is put in front of it. Only when another comes FIRST is does the zero have value. When we become zeros, and put Christ Jesus (Messiah Yeshua) first, then we have value.
Without Him, we can do nothing [nothing of eternal worth and value]. With Him, we are valuable, refined as silver is refined, and purified as gold is purified.
I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in Him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me, you can do nothing. [Jn 15:5]
This word was posted back in 2022. I am led to post it now.
I Beckon You
I beckon you – I am calling, come deeper. I am
doing a good work in you; for I am the Potter. My vessels of honour are being
prepared, as all things align to My will. Those who heed My call are the ones
who will do My will. Great shall be the reward. Selah
The season of consequences has ended; it has been
served in full. The hour of silent suffering comes to an end. All these years I
have encouraged you by reminding you that one day is as a thousand years to
Me, and that My timing is not as yours.
Now the appointed time arrives. Yet as little
children, My people are impatient. Let all unfold decently and in order, for
all My promises are true. Come deeper and stay in the presence of My glory for
a while, and the peace and power to wait will be your portion,
as I give it freely to those who trust and wait upon
Me.
Come to Me and I will answer you in ways that you
would not expect, but will know it is from Me.
Behold you among the heathen,
and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days,
which you will not believe, though it be told you. [Hab
1:5] NKJV
https://crossinthewilderness.blogspot.com/2022/12/deep-calls-unto-deep.html
And do
not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him
who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
And Abraham
called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh: as it is
said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. [Gen
22:14]
And Moses
built an altar, and called the name of it, Jehovah Nissi: For he said, Because the LORD has sworn that the Lord will have war with
Amalek from generation to generation. [Ex
17:15,16]
Immanuel –
Emmanuel
Isaiah 9 (garments
rolled in blood – [vs 6] unto a child is born, Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
My people,
trouble comes from within the country, controlled by the 'greater' outside the
nation. The harlotry and witchcraft of those who hide in darkness, who
hide in secret, has not gone unnoticed by Me
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