Ministries of Wayne Weaver > Blog > Holy Spirit

Shepherded – Part 2

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By arlen
On May 16, 2018
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As we continue to learn about this subject of shepherding, we see that the description of true disciples is that of individuals transformed by the power and Word of God. This miraculous transformation completely changes the nature of the natural man into a divine nature that is spiritual and realistic. The new nature developed within a person changes him, and he becomes as a sheep desiring the presence of a higher source on whom it can depend. Many sincere children of God carry a deep concern that they would be led by the Spirit of God, which is part of the well-being of the saint. We must embrace this verse Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. With great carefulness we order our steps in the healthy fear of God. The idea that once we are led by the Spirit of God we become sons, is not arranged in the correct succession. Sons of God are led because within them they have an unquenchable desire to be led into a place of trust, following the voice of the Spirit.

From where does the voice of the Spirit proceed? It comes from the Spirit of God and must be discerned regardless through whom it is voiced. True Sons of God have moved beyond their own prejudice concerning whom they perceive to be carriers of His voice. God even used an ass to speak to Balaam. If we are still offended by the carrier of the true voice of God, then we will not be coherent to the sound of His voice and therefore will disregard the importance of being Spirit-led. The true discernment of the vessel being used is in the voice rather than what is spoken. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. As the shepherd knows his sheep so the sheep know his voice. There is clear communication between the shepherd and the sheep. Let us never forget that one of Christ’s very close disciples spoke the words of Satan. He simply questioned the necessity of Jesus’ journey to the cross, and Jesus told Satan to get behind him. The suggestion from Satan through Peter was life without death; the voice of the Holy Spirit is life through death. The Holy Spirit brought spiritual glorification through resurrection in the body of Jesus after He died (never to die again).

The voice of the Spirit is what we must trust because it does not change. Man can change and camouflage their intention, but the tone, voice, and purpose simply cannot be disguised when it comes from the Holy Spirit. John 18:37 says that everyone that is of truth heareth His voice. Here we understand that if a man does not dwell in truth about himself and is living a counterfeit life, then he will not hear the voice of the Spirit of God. It is only the pure heart that receives tuning, like an instrument of music, on a constant basis. Abiding sin, preconceived ideas, and even dislikes will obstruct us from acknowledging the voice of the Holy Spirit.

True sheep are led by a voice that changes them. A great eternal division is described at the end of time; there will be a clear dividing. The dividing line is drawn between sheep and goats. Always be aware of loners in the kingdom. Through years of experience, I consider those who have not been under the spiritual care of a pastor to be dangerous people who are tossed, taken, and led by self—ruled by a deep root of some bitterness. These people are not clothed in true righteousness and holiness. Because of the distance they strive to maintain, they will follow those who do not necessitate personal discipleship. True sheep will seek to be discipled on a constant basis and will maintain a close relationship with their shepherd, desiring correction within. This is a healthy day-to-day experience that cannot be maintained by an author from a distance. Writings such as these cannot replace true discipleship and rubbing elbows in maintained relationship with the pastor who watches over your soul. This is God’s way of bringing personal spiritual development and is an absolute necessity for true discipleship. In the book of Jude we find those who have not learned discipleship God’s way. You cannot be discipled by a shepherd you cannot walk with. The disciples of Jesus walked with Him and communicated with Him constantly. Jesus corrected them, and they received His correction—all except the one who betrayed Him. Don’t be that one.

So, being disciples of Christ, we learn to walk under those called to lead and fulfill God’s necessity of discipleship within us. May I conclude further that a person will never add much value in the Kingdom of God, regardless of appearances, until he becomes a sheep who finds no offense in being shepherded? This wisdom is alone by God’s design. Hallelujah!

Shepherded – Part 1

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By arlen
On May 9, 2018
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Being shepherded is a very difficult position for most religious individuals to hold. To be divinely shepherded by the great Shepherd requires humble submission and simple obedience. So long as we provide the answers, and find ourselves capable of living them out on our own, we stand in great personal lack in the eyes of our heavenly Shepherd. Along our path of pilgrimage, we often face times and places where we desire to hold onto everything except answers that truly settle our questions.

True sheep rarely know exactly where to go and must almost always be led to secure places. When sheep are led into a building, they are generally incapable of making sensible judgement of where they should go until they are in the sheep stall. Most buildings look dangerous to sheep until they find their stall. The sheep stall can be in a field, valley, or cave; on a hillside, or in a building great or small. You see, the sheep stall is near the presence of the Shepherd and offers a place of peace and safety that no other can offer. Spiritual people will see the parallel in their own lives and the places into which they are led. There is tremendous comfort in being led by a greater hand, unseen, yet trusted. It is a hand of protection, comfort, and peace. So few people understand this experience because they are in charge of their own lives, having their own ambition and controlling their own territory. Matthew 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. It is obvious that there are many who refuse the Shepherd because of an inner condition that resists the unknown.

True sheep don’t possess the need to know, therefore at times they live with so many questions, bringing them into states of perplexity and even bewilderment. God knows that when a sheep is bewildered the Shepherd’s voice will be heard clearly when He speaks. Imagine the weeping of a bewildered lamb, not hearing anything beyond its own cries of mourning, as it strains to hear the sound of a distant shepherd. It seems that often the saints of God mourn for the voice, the touch, and the presence of the Messiah as they gaze into the distance, yet He is next to them in unfelt presence. At once, in a long and lonely valley, the sheep is touched by the invisible hand, hearing that familiar voice of peace and comfort.

Our master Shepherd loves for us to desire Him. He longs for our patience to endure and for our peace to be perfected in Him. He loves to see our joy multiplied as we endure things that are difficult beyond words. Our own understanding is often perplexed and found unfruitful. Our great Shepherd will never leave us, nor will He ever forsake us, but He will cause us to seek after Him. It is in this condition that He can lead us to the streams unknown by goats or those of rebellious nature.

Jesus was led as a lamb to the slaughter and became the Savior of the world. Once the lamb-nature prevails within a saint, they can be led to usefulness beyond measure. The disposition of a lamb is one of following unconditionally because their trust is won, and they never allow distance between them and the Shepherd. The old nature tends to seek answers before it seeks the Shepherd. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are led. The security of this is feared by the majority as too flimsy to live by. When we are being led, the Shepherd is in control. He is being trusted and honored and will therefore lead us in the path of His own righteousness for His name’s sake. This is the place where David found that he could be led by the great Shepherd and not fear evil, even in the valley that had shadows of death and appearances of abrupt endings. Life goes on if you follow the great Master of Life, and He will most definitely lead you into deeper waters of restoration where even evil is not feared because you have learned the hand of the great Leader! Hallelujah!

Influenced

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By arlen
On May 2, 2018
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There is enormous significance in the source of influence which sways differing personalities by persuasion of thought or opinion. This is exactly what happened in Eden, the Garden of God. In the Kingdom of God, persuasion comes by spiritual inspiration, revelation, and even supernatural attestation at times. The true saint operates on a separate platform of truth. We need to gain an understanding on these elements of authority to discern the extreme evil within things that seem to be so insignificant and innocent. There is a mystery of iniquity that has cloaked the church for centuries, but it has become more prevalent in this latter day than ever before. Could it be that evil has more influential power than does heavenly truth? The church of our modern-day longs after the world in so many ways. We look to the world for ideas and influences to pattern our lives after. We’ve regressed into numb neutrality so that we can be like the world and do like the world does. We run churches like profit centers and businesses to raise the American dream, rather than maintaining a heavenly scene of spiritual power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit. We apologize to the world and to sinners because we do not approve of sin. We have crept to the edge, trying to get as close to evil as we can while still in Christ.

The true saints of God are not enticed nor influenced by things seen or heard. The work of the Holy Spirit is a gentle raining of heavenly mist-like inspiration and spiritual gratitude that fills the soul with love, joy, and peace. The deathly nature of the world simply does not hold appeal to the true saints of God. We truly do not love the world, not even the things that are in the world. The thing that matters most for us is the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us in the purity and holiness of God. We despair over the realization of spiritual powerlessness. We spend hours in the Word of God for cleansing and understanding, as we seek His presence and to receive more of Him. We long to be influenced by Almighty God on a constant basis. We think about Christ all day long. His presence is real to us, and we plan our days accordingly so as not to neglect Him. He is like gentle rain to our soul. There are times when the influence of the Holy Spirit is so clear and abundant that it’s like receiving baptisms of Him for weeks and longer.
These are all things that the natural man finds foolish. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Let us remember once again—in the Kingdom of God, we are influenced by spiritual inspiration, heavenly enlightenment, and revelation from the presence of God. Our life is genuinely affected by our heavenly Father, and Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. When the presence of these spiritual influences is missing from our lives, we seek to be satisfied by other influences of fleshly enticement.

Have you ever noticed that certain people motivate you to live a Godly life? Have you also noticed that there are certain people that rob you of the love of God? It is all about influence. Ungodly personalities draw you away from God, even having the ability to do so in mere moments. Sanctified people of God draw you into His presence. They are influenced by heaven, and in turn, influence you in the same way. There are many spiritual thieves and robbers working in the name of Christianity with whom we rub elbows. Somehow, we think we ought to feel guilty that we do not want to be around them. Ask yourself this question: do my friends affect me towards a deeper walk with Jesus, or do they draw me away from Him? And remember—friends will do to you what you do to them, that is why you are friends!

Do I need to change my friendship with the world? Do I bring an influence of God-consciousness to them? Do people feel hesitant to cuss in your presence? Many times in my life I have prayed for true Christian friends. May I suggest that you do the same and ask the Lord to send the right people into your life, for friendship and for His glory. When God sends these people into your life, you cannot be possessive of them or they will not find friendship in you. The spiritual benefit goes both ways through heavenly influence, and oh yes, they are also a lot of fun! Hallelujah!!!

 Sons of God – Part 4 

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By arlen
On April 11, 2018
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Before the manifestation of the sons of God takes place at the end of the age, must there be a change of spiritual environment? I do believe there are sons of God in our day, though rarely manifested as such because of the strength of antagonism against true biblical faith. In our day, faith is mostly understood as a way of practicing a belief system of doctrinal associations. It is a lifestyle of repetitive practices and preferences rather than decisive obedience through the imprinting and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit must have complete access to His temple to be a daily source of empowerment, fulfilling the purposes of God on Earth. I want to underline the truth that it is not an impulse-driven drama of misinformed emotion that guides the people of God. It is most often within these carnal parameters that we find the development of denominationalism that has thrived since the second century. This was not from God and is not found in the Bible’s history. I believe there can be areas of importance in denominational separation such as specific times we find in church history. Important developments being the separation from the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Church of England, and Lutheran church.

The Bible is undeniably clear about the intense anticipation within the creature and a great expectation for sons of God to come forth in manifestation. Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. The reality of this truth is that the power of the invisible God would again be obvious in a pure and apostolic authority upon the earth. This, I believe, will be witnessed as preparation before the return of Christ. Jesus will not return to a sick bride. He will return to one that is clean, spotless, holy, without blemish or wrinkles or anything remotely similar.

Where do we find any such earnest expectation for these sons to appear among us? Where are these children of God that are truly in anticipation for this truth to come forth? We must not misunderstand by thinking that great achievements and accomplishments of our own hands can replace that which can be achieved only in the spiritual world of divine consecration. Jealousy and competitive Christianity has ruled denominational agendas for years and must be replaced with a deep hunger and thirst for righteousness that few experience. There must be an atmospheric spiritual change among the professors of Christ to where they will welcome a deeper work of God—like in the days of Jesus and the Apostles.

The accumulation and summons of wealth that is hoarded in the name of contemporary evangelism is not what you will find in the manifestation of the sons of God. These manifested sons of God are not dream career-minded saints, driven by egos in pursuit of Christ. This move that God will bring upon the earth in the latter day will not come by self-seeking; it is the result of those seeking holiness and deep truth in Christ, willing to suffer the consequences so that the power of God can be manifested. The true, life-changing gospel does not come with human recognition. Rather, it seats us with Christ in heavenly places in Him. It is a place of faith in the promises of God. There is a place of true spiritual royalty where we reign with Christ in heavenly places—far above all principalities, powers, might, and dominion. This is a component of Christ’s inheritance with the saints. From Ephesians 1:18 it is paramount that the eyes of our understanding become enlightened; that we may know the hope of his calling, and what the riches are of His glory with the inheritance in the saints.

The true sons of God will always face rejection in the world’s environments because the power within is a threat to the unseen forces that exist. Those who have been used throughout the ages became familiar with rejection and the denial of pleasant reputation because of the places they have walked in secret. God has allowed these sons to be misunderstood so that they can stand before His very presence with nothing of themselves to present. These are they that stand before God as did Abraham, Elijah, and others of deeper usefulness. It is these who hold a purpose of holiness and consecration far deeper than is visible to the human mind and eye. Are all Christians sons of God? All have been given power to become the sons of God, the scripture’s wording clearly states that the power to become is not past tense. Does the power to become sons lie in the hands of the Holy Spirit?
I believe there is a spiritual movement coming at the close of the age that is more powerful than anything that has been witnessed on earth. This is a church that we clearly read about in the Apostolic age. It is a church that Christ presents to Himself—a glorious church not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing but it will be holy and without blemish. The power to bring such a church into existence can only be found in the advanced work of the Holy Spirit and by His unadulterated gifts in full function. Hallelujah!

Sons of God?

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By arlen
On March 21, 2018
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Where are the Sons of God? There is a great mystery and misinterpretation about man’s function in the Kingdom of God on Earth and the ability he is to perform with as an overcomer. There are numerous accounts where Jesus speaks about flesh and blood that give understanding on things not naturally perceived. After Jesus spoke to the disciples in John 6 Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Why is it that there are so many that seem so lifeless? It comes from having so little of Jesus within our life. The true sons of God do eat His flesh and drink His blood in a spiritual sense that the natural man finds no understanding in. Our flesh part of man needs exchanged by the flesh and body of Christ and so our blood has to be exchanged for His. The spiritual application seems insensitive but is very real. The spiritual son has distinct realities where he is given the option to put on Christ and suffer the consequences. It is at this point where our outer man must decrease.

As Jesus spoke more on the subject it became so offensive to them that many disciples left Him and walked no more with Him. We must never forget that the natural mind cannot receive anything from the Spirit of God. It is actually impossible according to the Bible. An easier way to understand this is simply that the Holy Spirit does not speak to the natural mind. Our flesh and blood cannot even inherit the kingdom of God and therefore there has to be a sovereign exchange. This exchange is clearly the sub-humiliation of the professing saints under the sphere of laying down our life for an eternal one that bears the nature and presence of Christ. This is not near anything that most Christians experience but is the only means given to become Christ-like in nature. These are sons of God. 1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God… So how does this all work or how do we understand the deeper Christian life? Since these are facts concerning eternal life, it needs to concern us deeply about the deeper understanding of Christ’s gateway of salvation in a deeper sense than most ever walk in. Paul could not speak much about this because of their carnal condition as they were only on milk and carried the ability to hold offence. We clearly read Paul’s dilemma in 1 Corinthians 3.

I want to address this subject and the different facets of genuineness to draw us to truth. First, I find it important to understand what the Bible says about our needy mind. Romans 12:2 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. When a person has been transformed by salvation, something transpires from the throne of God that grants divine authority and opportunity for that soul to enter the door of divine sonship. It is alone possible through the narrow path of spiritual faith. It is absolutely not automatic but only a doorway. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: We understand that power to become offers a suggestion and not a final act of transition. God has granted this power to all them that choose to believe. Most have no idea what the Bible speaks about here and would even argue that all are sons yet could never confess that they would be themselves.

Among the deepest cries of spiritual earthen vessels is the spiritual expectation for the sons of God to manifest themselves as men of power and authority so great that even Satan trembles. Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. The earnest expectation of the creature speaks about anticipation, possibility and hope for the deeper work of the Holy Spirit. One distinguished criteria manifested in true sons of God is boldness through meekness that causes them to be led by the Holy Spirit always. Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. True sons of God are at a loss without the Holy Spirit’s constant presence. It is a daily continuous relationship of cohesive action that divides the ties of the human understanding of spiritual things. I will write further on this subject for the next reading.
Hallelujah!

Being Led by The Spirit

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By arlen
On January 31, 2018
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Being led by the Holy Spirit is often viewed as being some kind of mystical experience of spiritual ecstasy. This is far from the truth in every way. Being led by the Spirit is an act of obedience to that which the Holy Spirit has inscribed within our heart. I have found that some of the greatest miracles performed by God’s hand in my life, were simply brought by obedience to something burdened in my heart by the Holy Spirit. I have often said that He leads our feet where He wants our face. Many are led by their face and what they see and hear, walking away from the place where God wants them to function. Lot is an example of this, having been led by what he saw by his face, he walked into Sodom.

The problem with most Spirit-filled believers is that they do not trust what is in their heart to do. When the baptism of the Holy Spirit comes upon a man, he is called to walk in the presence of God by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. The sign of divine sonship is the basic truth of a walk of simple obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit within, not without. We must recognize unquestionably that the Holy Spirit lives within the true children of God. Many clearly do not carry that authentication, having no confirming results of fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The affirmation of the Holy Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit is not our own fruit, but solely the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual fruit cannot be cooked up or produced by ability outside of the power of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Some have forms of this fruit, but they are circumstantial and not spiritual fruit. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance… These fruits abide under all circumstances when the presence of the Holy Spirit is within the temple of God. A lack of the fruit of the Spirit, speaks of a lack of the presence of the Holy Spirit. A lack of the presence of the Holy Spirit, speaks of the misunderstanding of the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit. When we are not being led by the Spirit, we are led by ourselves. When we are led by ourselves, we are not sons of God. When we are not sons of God, who are we? Many stand in this unsure position, not knowing who they are. Our confidence is in the conclusion of who we think we are.

Most professing Christians have almost no sense of the Holy Spirit within them, they are missing the link we must have between us and heaven. While many would argue this position, it is because they lack regard for the importance of being led by the Spirit—this being the only way to true sonship. Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit and came forth out of the wilderness by the power of the Spirit. When we are obedient in being led by the Spirit, we become empowered by the Spirit. This truth is the difference between powerlessness and living by the supernatural power of the Spirit. It was never God’s intention for His children to live out a form of holiness, without being filled by the power of the Spirit. Once one experiences the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, He becomes a reality within. This person is aware of His indwelling, and overflowing presence always. This brings a constant desire to be led by the Spirit. He becomes a guiding reliance that you are lost without.

When we are led by the Spirit, we are led into all truth; we love embracing the truth regardless of the cost. He comforts us, and we are receptive to being taught by Him. Many will desire to teach us preferences, but we cannot receive it when it is the opinion of man and not from the Holy Spirit. There will always be those who desire to derail the Spirit-filled man by foreign opinion, and mixed concoctions of self and pretense. But when a spiritual man knows the voice of the Spirit within, he is not persuaded by opinions or things contrary to the truth written in the Word and in his heart. Being led by the Spirit is being faithful to that which is written. Being led by the Spirit is being faithful to that true voice. True followers, who are full of the Holy Spirit, are as sheep to their master. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. Jesus said in John 18:37, “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice”. If we are of truth, we hear His voice and it can be difficult to follow at times, but we hear it distinctly. Hallelujah!

The Spirit of Man

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By arlen
On January 3, 2018
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If there is any one thing on earth that God desires to compare Himself with, it is mankind; it is in us that He is expressed. We are created in His likeness and image. The source of God’s expression of similitude in likeness and image, was His own eminent righteousness and holiness. We tend to recognize this only in the physical sense, but the greater aspect is spiritual. This is exemplified in that God created us as spiritual beings, designed to live forever. These details of image and likeness have multi-dimensional depth that most do not recognize for lack of the pursuit of understanding. The fall of mankind in Eden was a massive shift away from God’s pattern of righteousness and holiness. There were no slight shifts of mere error in Eden that day. It was a gigantic and extremely destructive phenomenon which massacred the relationship between God and man. To begin to understand this collapse of horror, we must understand the Creator’s mighty spiritual impregnation of our eternal spirit within.

Within man there is an incredible edifice, designed to be strong enough to contain the presence of God and to disperse the resemblance of the majesty of His presence. This is a holy place and a temple of God, garnished as His office where the sacred meeting of His presence with man occurs. The directive given to Adam had connotations of maintaining order and beauty of the garden and everything within the garden. The outworking of this union was through spiritual strength with primary elements of dominion. This spiritual union between God and man was to subdue everything that was above and beneath the earth.

The destroyer was already present in the garden, lodged in a tree called knowledge. Somehow it was the tree of knowledge that he found to be the instrument of enticement. The contamination of that tree was to be subdued in one way—by leaving it alone. ‘Do not touch or eat of it’, was the simple solution of obedience. Herein we must understand that Adam’s dominance was to be propagated by these two directives—firstly, do not touch, and secondly, do not eat of that which hangs on its branches.

The pure and complete defense mechanism with which God equipped man, was righteousness. The opposite of that righteousness was to touch and eat from the branches of the tree of knowledge, where good and evil lodged together. When we look at God’s righteousness as being the defense against Satan’s artillery, we begin to understand our position in Christ. Paul instructs us in Ephesians 6:14 to cover the heart with a breastplate. He calls this breastplate, righteousness. We think of guarding the heart and tend immediately to forget that our heart is protected from the inside out. The righteousness of Christ is what protects the heart; it protects the heart against engagement from within. With this shield in place, the heart is protected from engagement through the mouth as well. The defense of Christ in the wilderness was alone what was written. We also must remember the silence of Christ throughout His trial, prior to His death. Satan goes about to steal, kill, and destroy. Satan wants to steal what is in the heart, which is what he did in Eden. This he can do if we give in to him with the mouth, for out of the mouth, the heart speaks. This is when the breastplate stands in full defense and we shall never flinch here with reasoning. Oh, that I would have understood this earlier!

God’s expression of likeness and image is exemplified in man. Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the heart. 1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him, even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Our spirit is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our spirit knows all about us and God’s Spirit knows everything about God and us. This lies within us and is called a temple. This temple headquarters between God and man is lodged within us and is called our spirit. Never do we find the Bible teaching that the spirit can be annihilated or become extinct. This one function was designed to house the voice of God, or the Spirit of God. At the fall of man, the voice fled and was later found walking in the cool of the day seeking Adam. The spirit of man chased out the presence of God from within him, becoming void, dormant, and hollow—vulnerable to death and all its forms.

When Christ transforms fallen man and the Holy Spirit enters him, all that was stolen from Adam in Eden is restored. Christ’s righteousness is restored immediately and man becomes a new creature. The forgiveness of sin and acknowledgement of iniquity starts a radical and progressive move of restoration in man’s spirit. The Holy Spirit immediately finds the place originally designed for Him and flies with wings of a dove to His place of rest, and the glory of the Lord restores the temple of praise and power and majesty to reign till the return of Christ!

The Will of God

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By arlen
On December 13, 2017
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Is the will of God something we have naturally obtained? When I look at the will of God concerning humans, my thoughts turn to duties that God assigns as a specific task for us to fulfill. One thing that is always in the picture of the will of God, is that He receives the glory and honor in everything we do. Is it not true that when our ability is admired, we receive the glory? Where the Bible speaks about the will of God, it never mentions anything that can be accomplished with much practice or great mental ability on our part. Certainly, we all must work to be able to feed ourselves, as the Bible indicates. So, is the will of God in what we do for a living or our common practices in fulfilling obligations? What is the will of God? If the will of God is not included in our work, then the vast majority of Christians would be outside of the will of God.

In the prior writing, I spoke of the three specific forms of God’s will. His good, acceptable, and perfect will. I wrote about the requirements for finding God’s will for our life. Once our own way is surrendered to Christ, His way becomes a visible picture to follow. There are so many people who try to surrender things, but fail to surrender their own way. This writing is a preface to a deeper teaching in the following writings concerning our body, soul, and spirit.

I understand that man is made of three specific functions. The body, soul, and spirit are the triune manifest of the human being. The body is the earthen vessel which was made from the dust of the ground. The soul was the result of the breath of God when He created Adam. The spirit is the divine central heart of the being, and is the very place indwelled by the Holy Spirit.

First, I want to look at the function of the body. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our body contains all three relative functions designed by God, enabling us to do His will. Within this body, we are entirely capable of doing the will of God. When a man becomes born-again, he is brand-new and needs to function in a completely new way. Here is where the word, obedience enters the picture. Obedience is always to one thing; it is continually to the will of God. Knowing the will of God is of utmost importance so that we can fulfill that which we have been created for. We have been created in His image and His likeness. I believe the ‘good will’ includes what the body or human being does. The body does works primarily with hands and feet, and accomplishes things great and small. The body carries the soul and spirit, and transports these functions to where they need to be. The body is needed to function in the good will of God and it is within our body that the soul and spirit can function.

The soul is where our mind, will, and emotion are contained. This is the means of decision for the function of our being. I want to use a simple form of explanation—if our mind says go, and our will says go, and our emotions say go, guess what happens? We go! Our mind decided the direction of our feet. Our will decided to follow through and step forward. The emotions told us how fast to step. This is a simple way of understanding our functions. Our soul must be in subjection to a higher power or else it will fail in every way. Our soul needs to understand the acceptable will of God in the way it adapts its behavior to the purpose it serves.

Our spirit is the antenna that receives hearing by way of inspiration, enlightenment, and revelation. If our spirit is tainted with our self-life, we can easily hear wrong through our imagination and be deceived like Eve. Our spirit is the deeper compartment of our being. This part of our life needs a deeper transformation, otherwise the Holy Spirit will not function there. It must remain in a constant state of transformation by way of daily death, and resurrection. It is in this compartment that the perfect will of God is revealed.

The spirit of man yields upwards in spiritual quest to know God and His ways. Ecclesiastes 3:21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? The transformed spirit of man is spiritually-minded, and the carnal man is earthly-minded. It is within the spirit of man that the Holy Spirit dwells and empowers the whole being to do the perfect will of God.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. V.10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

The Body is for the Lord

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By arlen
On December 12, 2017
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The righteousness of God appears to be the underlying foundation upon which all things exist which are subordinate to God’s plan, and the pattern of His eternal supremacy. Our body is a pre-existent design created to function as a constituent of the Creator’s righteousness in the heavenly family extended on Earth. We as man were created to rule over His estate, through His delegations of authority and with simple obedience to what has been designed and written. God implemented His plan through the human race, placing them in the garden Eden. He gave them global dominion over all things on Earth, giving them only one ‘thou shall not’. Humans were designed as representatives, to carry a valuable presence upon their bodily image with the likeness of the supreme Creator. God’s image and likeness carried uncontaminated traces of His eternal strength and supreme power on the earth.

As children of God, we need to have an understanding of what God’s righteousness is, and come into unadulterated surrender to it. This was all forfeited and lost in a spiritual sense in the Garden of Eden. Righteousness is the foundation and forum of continuity that draws from the existence of God’s holiness and influence, bringing us back into perfect fellowship with Him. This plan of endorsement was instituted as a legal acceptance agreement which originated from the eternal and foundational oracles of God; not tainted in any way by human effort. This plan was eternal and original with God and remains in perfect condition, never having changed. God never changed His righteousness. Even His requirements are same. The only way to God’s righteousness is to remain in full, uncontaminated relationship with Him. How is this done? The requirements for righteousness stand eternal as an unending constitutional vendetta against disobedience in any form—whether on earth, or in heaven. God’s eternal plan for His kingdom power, is holiness in righteousness; the plan was perfect. His righteousness never failed, nor was it ever diminished.

Abram was the first man after the fall to be accredited as righteous before God. God’s acceptance was complete and assured based on one thing—he believed God. Genesis 15:6 And Abram believed in the Lord; and he accounted it to him for righteousness. How is it that faith is so powerful, it actually reconciles with the eternal God? It is the only acceptable God-approved way to bring us back under His divine authority. This is why it is impossible to please Him any other way. Abram did not believe in God in the way which we in our modern day hear about believing. He did not believe things about God, he believed God. He moved by faith in that which he was told to do, and that which was told to him was by faith.

There is only one source of acceptable righteousness with God in our day; it is through the Son of Righteousness. Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; V.22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference. It’s all in Jesus because He paid God’s acceptable price for our sin, to restore God’s righteousness to fallen mankind. This avenue is called grace by God’s gift of kindness. This grace allows God to accept faith which does not even come from us, but has made an appeal to us as a means of redemption. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Emphasis added).

There are people who say they believe this truth, but only know it in their mind and their life remains filled with sin and filth. If the truth does not set us free, it is not truth. It is within our body that all of this is contained. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. There are many temples which are filled with other things, where the Holy Spirit is a stranger at the door. It is our duty to welcome the Holy Spirit into our temple and give Him full access to use the vessel as He desires, without argument. 1 Corinthians 6:19 What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? V.20 For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. We do not belong to ourselves anymore. If we belong to ourselves, then we do not belong to God. We were purchased when Christ hung on the cross. 1 Corinthians 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. The Holy Spirit will only dwell in a holy place. So, what is our purpose on earth? We are the temple of the Holy Spirit—here to bring glory to God by His authority alone in Christ. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Hallelujah!

Sensational Enticements

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By arlen
On November 15, 2017
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There are many things presented to us with the intention of distracting us from genuine and empowering truth. Paul’s speeches were not given with enticing words of wisdom through the perception of man. When Paul spoke, there were accompanying demonstrations powerfully wrought by the Holy Spirit. Things were changed, and the power of God shook the surroundings. Hearts were pricked and lives were changed; the enemy was defeated. 1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. When the wisdom of God is proclaimed, there is life, action, and stirring in the hearts. People are drawn towards God because they are influenced and changed by His presence. Apostle Paul writes that our faith should not stand in the wisdom of man, but in God’s active power. Sensational words from a capable speaker can get people moving but hearts remain unchanged. Their astounding quips and quotes are often enticements that can make a person feel good for a day or two.

When God speaks, it is in a way that is often unusual to man. He speaks as though He has searched the hearts that will give ear. The wisdom of God is often spoken in a mystery filled with hidden wisdom 1 Corinthians 2:6 His word is not contemptible but original which God ordained before the world unto our glory. When man speaks his own wisdom, men say ‘wow!’. When God speaks from Heaven His express word we say, ‘woe is me!’. We are not necessarily struck down by it, but are changed by it through His expressed glory from Heaven. Paul teaches us that philosophy and vain deceit has a way of spoiling our faith in God and should be guarded against so that it does not rob our simple faith in Christ. Words of sensational enticement are designed for a quick bump in the mind, but the heart stays unchanged. Many will pay dearly for a bump of mental stamina, but have little to show for it because the power therein is but mere human echo.

When the Holy Spirit speaks, it is with demonstration and not replication. It is never enticing but is a wooing of hope in times of necessity and refuge to the hungry. When God speaks, it is not information but demonstration. It is an answer by way of propagation and enactment filled with strength that does not come from mere nature. When the Holy Spirit speaks, it is more impartation than words. It propagates a spiritual outcome in the life and heart of a man. When God speaks, it brings man’s questions to silence. When man speaks, it causes more questions. Man’s enticing words of self-wisdom will point you to the place of roving treasure. When God speaks, he fills your earthen vessel with wonderful treasure.

The Lord helps us to avoid being enticed by the impressiveness of man and to rather be drawn to the glory that is demonstrated from Heaven. He helps us to sit at the well of His word and not at the swell of man’s concepts. The power that God works within us is capable of things far superior to that which our own hands can form. He can change our surroundings and bring us His favor and blessing for His glory.  Let us never forget nor neglect the Lord in our conquest to fulfill our daily duties upon the Earth.

Lord, might we always rely on strength that is not visible but that which comes from faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit so that we are not tempted to draw honor to ourselves. Success is not ours but yours and we are in you through death and resurrection by the Holy Spirit.  Deuteronomy 8:18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth. You are our wealth and control the cattle on a thousand hills.

When a task is before us it is in the provision of God that we trust not the ways of man. There is a verse that I hold near to me always. Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established. This is how He directs my writings and messages and all decisions I make going forth. Hallelujah!