God’s Word Is Sure

God's word is above all; His steadfast love reveals his promises; He confirms we can fully partake in all the covenant founded upon His grace provided through Jesus Christ.

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God’s Word Is Sure

Hebrews 6:16  For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.  17  Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath,  18  that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.  19  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,  20  where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Those who have put their faith and reliance upon Jesus Christ are the heirs of promise.  God was determined to show that He was and is a covenant keeping God!  Men swear an oath by contracts; God made an oath by His counsel and promise founded in His Word.  God's word is so strong it can give us a strong hope of assurance that no other can bring.  God can not lie and His word is steadfast and sure.  The sureness of His word is the anchor for our soul.  This blessed assurance come from Jesus Christ our High Priest.  Jesus was the forerunner into the presence of God on our behalf.  God's word is steadfast and unmovable and has granted those who believe in Jesus access into His very presence.

2 Corinthians 1:20  For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

God’s promises are yes and amen!  When Jesus said He came to give life and life more abundantly it was a promise established on the authority of God!  This is to the glory of God through us!  You can experience His promises; it is not elusive.

2 Peter 1:16  For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  17  For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."  18  And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.  19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;  20  knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,  21  for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus came to earth to seek and to save that which was lost!  The sureness of the mission was the Father Himself testified of Jesus!  Peter was a first hand witness to this testimony the Father spoke.  Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy; Jesus fulfill the purpose and plan of God.  At the revelation of Jesus there comes a knowing of God.  At the revelation of Jesus comes a reconciliation to God.  At the revelation of Jesus comes victory over sin. 

Romans 8:37  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  38  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  39  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The word has provided for every believer to be counted more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  Reconciliation between God and the believer is to the strength of sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

Romans 8:32  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

God’s provision is based on the sacrifice of Jesus.  When Jesus poured out His soul as a sin offering the Father was appeased by it.  The object of your faith must be in the provision the Father made.  Victory over sin, death and the grave is already provided for every believer. 

1 Corinthians 1:7  so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,  8  who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  9  God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

You can count on the faithfulness of God who has called you into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ.  Oh what great provision is found in the word of God.

Acts 2:38  Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  39  "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

Your surrender to His work is all that is required.  Jesus wants to baptize every believer with the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 30:5  Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

Psalm 19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;  8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;  9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.  10  More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.  11  Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.

Submitting to the word of God is where maturity, and the victory provide, is experienced.  Conversely not submitting can prevent us from experiencing the victory already provided.  However the provision is not in question; the provision is sure base upon the authority of the word of  God

1 Peter 2:6  Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."  7  Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,"  8  and "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.  9  But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  10  who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 

The scripture makes clear the believer is a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.  The sure word of God has declared who the believer is and the purpose the believer is called to.  We the believer are called to proclaim His praises.  To you who believe He is precious; Jesus is so precious!

Hebrews 7:22  by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.  23  Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.  24  But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.  25  Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 

God’s sure word has brought us into a better covenant that brings salvation to the uttermost!  Jesus, our High Priest, lives to make intercession for us.  Lean into the greatness of the provision and be a partaker of the fullness of the covenant.

Hebrews 8:6  But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.  7  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

Jesus Christ is the sure foundation that has brought to us  a better covenant which is established on better promises.  God’s word is the sure word that can bring every believer to abundant life, leading us into triumph, and walking with victory over all sin.

Hebrews 9:9  It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience;  10  concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.  11  But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.  12  Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.  13  For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh,  14  how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 

The blood of Jesus purged our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.  The old covenant could only offer a temporary purify of the flesh.  The blood of Jesus purges a conscience from dead works and joins us to God's Spirit to spirit.  This is the sure word that will set the believer free.

Matthew 4:4  But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

It is time for us to hear what the Spirit is saying about Jesus and all He has done at the cross.

Matthew 17:1  Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;  2  and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.  3  And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.  4  Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."  5  While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"  6  And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.  7  But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid."  8  When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

The word came directly from the mouth of God “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”.  Moses represented the law and how it spoke of the coming Messiah, and Elijah spoke of the all the prophets that point to the Messiah.  Jesus Christ is the substance of what the law and the prophets pointed to; now we have been appointed to hear the words of life from Jesus!

Matthew 11:28  "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  29  "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  30  "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

The Joy Of The Lord

The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! God has appointed His joy for your life!

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The Joy Of The Lord

Isaiah 61:1  The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;  2  To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;  3  To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Jesus has an assignment with all those who belong to Zion .  Isaiah 61:1-3 is a job description, if you will?  One of Jesus' first sermons He used Isaiah 61 as He text.  Hebrews 12 says you have come to Mt Zion. 

Before you can be a partaker you must be willing to release what you have.  Let go of the broken heart, the captivity, the oppression, the mourning, the ashes, the heaviness.  In it’s place is healing, liberty, freedom, comfort, beauty, and joy.  Jesus wants to make a trade with you; will you surrender to the offer?  If you will make the trade you will be called a tree of righteousness, the planting of the Lord.  What a deal God has for the believer.  We some time sing the song “I’m trading my sorrows, I’m trading my shame.  I am laying it down for the joy of the Lord”.  It is time for us to arise and understand God has an appointment for us.  It involves the depths of His goodness.  Beauty, joy, praise, complete liberty found and total freedom in Jesus Christ.  It is time for the expectation of the church to rise to the level of God’s word.  Why would we settle for less than what God’s provision has brought us?  “Trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD”.  Believe it!

2 Peter 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 

It is time for the church to walk in the fullness of the revelation of God’s provision.  It is time for us to rise up and be partakers.  God’s divine power has given us all we need.  We have been given great and precious promises and God calls us to be partakers of them.  If you are born again these promises are yours! 

Hebrews 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him!  Part of that joy was that He would be restored to His former glory He has with His Father; however part of that joy was He realized His death would bring many sons to glory.

Hebrews 2:9  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.  10  For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  11  For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Your joy can be full by the virtue that Jesus is not ashamed to call you brethren.  What divine influence we have been given.

Philippians 3:1  Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

Philippians 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Rejoicing in the Lord is one way to keep your joy full! 

1 Peter 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4  to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,  5  who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7  that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,  8  whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

The promises of God are so great.  If we will learn to meditate upon the greatness of His word we can live in rejoicing with joy inexpressible!  Meditation upon the word of God can bring your soul, emotions, and thoughts in line with what God has already spoken to your spirit.  God wants to trade your spirit of mourning for His joy.  Consider what Christ has done and then consider it again.

Psalm 5:11  But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.  12  For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

The goodness of the Lord can lead us into rejoicing.  When you have falling in love with the precious name of Jesus it can be your source of Joy.  Here is a great passage to meditate upon and let it bring a praise to your mouth.

Psalm 9:1  I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.  2  I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

What comes out of your mouth can determine the depth of joy that you walk in.  We tell our fishing stories, what's going on with our job, or who is going to the Super Bowl.  Wake up church, let God put His word in your mouth.  Some times we are not rejoicing in the Lord because that is the furthest thing from our mind.  It is time to renew your mind with the goodness of God.  The way of victory is not elusive; walking in and with the joy of the Lord is not just a nice idea.  Put His word in your mouth and you can walk in the joy of the Lord.

Psalms 16:11  You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Call for a church dinner and you have a crowd; call for a prayer meeting and a hand full show up;  It is time for the church to have a change in our mindset.  Coming into His presence must be more valuable than eating a lunch together.  Jesus declared that His Father’s house should be a house of prayer!  God give us over to a holy hunger for you!  Let the church house become the house of prayer that the Father seeks.  It is time for us to worship in spirit and in truth.  If the church wants to walk in the fullness of joy we must have a change in our mind set.  There is change coming and our churches will become houses of prayer, power, and joy.

Psalm 30:4  Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.  5  For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Understanding the greatness of God’s grace is a key to changing our mindset.  His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.  Sing praise to your God, His favor is here and joy comes in the morning!

Blessed Eyes Blessed Ears

You have blessed ears and eyes to hear and precieve the Word that the Spirit speaks to the church. Let all thoughts and imaginations that exalt themselves against His knowledge be brought low and the truth of Jesus Christ be lifted high.

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Blessed Eyes Blessed Ears

Matthew 13:16  "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear;  17  "for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Blessed are your eyes and ears for they see and hear.  The revelation that Jesus Christ brings gives you blessed eyes and ears.  The prophets of old and many righteous men wanted to be able to look into and partake in the covenant of Jesus Christ.  Here we are, the privileged ones, being extended the understanding of the inheritance.

1 Peter 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4  to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,  5  who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,  7  that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,  8  whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,  9  receiving the end of your faith; the salvation of your souls.

So many times we have just read over opening verses in the New Testament considering them beautiful flowering greetings; actually there are many beautiful truths established.  1 Peter is an example of beautiful truths that can establish our hearts in the love of God.  The Father has begotten us again to a living hope!  The hope is derived through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  Every believer has an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that does not fade away.  What a beautiful truth many just read over and give no consideration to the depth of the truth.  What God has given you is kept by His power.  Knowing the goodness of God is causation to rejoice; we may face trials knowing that God has good things for us and His goodness is ready to be revealed.  Keep your eyes on your redeemer.  When the revelation of Jesus Christ is great enough it becomes joy unspeakable and full of glory.  If the object of your faith is properly placed in Jesus Christ you will know joy.  God is good and the eternal work He has done and is doing is the source of joy.  Psalm 16 brings revelation that in the presence of the Lord there is joy forevermore.  This is not elusive or a good opening thought in 1 Peter.  We can walk in the joy unspeakable and full of glory life.

Psalm 16:5  O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.  6  The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.  7  I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.  8  I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.  9  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.  10  For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.  11  You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

When our expectation is in God we recognize Him as our portion and our cup of inheritance.  Intimacy with God is depending upon His counsel and instructions.  Intimacy with God brings us in His presence which is the source of fullness of joy.  It is my prayer that the revelation of Jesus Christ will grow greater in every believer.

Psalm 103:1  Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!  2  Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:  3  Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,  … 12  As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Remember  the covenant we have been birthed in.  His benefits include all our iniquities being forgiven and healing from all our diseases.  What a revelation it is to know that our transgression have been separated from us as far as the east is from the west.  We serve a covenant keeping God.

John 1:29  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

1 John 3:8  He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus Christ came to save the sinner; the blood of the lamb is great enough to wash away all sin.  This is indeed the beginning of the covenant that gives us living hope.

Hebrews 13:20  Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,  21  make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

All that we have in Christ is through the blood of the everlasting covenant.  God is working in us what is well pleasing in His sight.  God desires to be glorified in our lives; His desire is making you complete in every good work.  What a mighty God!

Galatians 3:8  And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed."  9  So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.  10  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them."  11  But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."  12  Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them."  13  Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"),  14  that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Blessed are your eyes and ears to see and hear the covenant of blessing is for us.  This covenant is based upon the work of Jesus Christ and the object of our faith being centered upon Him; it is our only way to walk free from the curse and live in the blessing.  Galatians 3:12 declares that the law is not of faith!  The law says “the man who does them shall live by them.”   The law is about man’s performance and the doing of them.  Knowing the fullness of the blessing is to know that Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.  We receive the promise of the Spirit through faith!  Those who still labor under the law must recognized the truth Paul laid out here in this passage.  “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law , to do them.”  Some want to live by bits and pieces of the law; however it is all or nothing!  No one is justified by the law in the sight of God.  Many believers are not walking in the inexpressible joy provided through faith in Jesus Christ; it is simply because they are still living with faith in their own performance as opposed to their faith being completely in Jesus Christ.  Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law.

Romans 4:3  For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."  4  Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.  5  But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,  6  just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:  7  "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;  8  Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin."

Blessed are your ears and eyes to hear and see the truths that the Apostle Paul laid out.  Now to him who works the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.  Our salvation must be completely based upon grace.  Paul said it clearly in verse 5 “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”  We are the blessed people to whom the Lord shall not impute sin!  The object of our faith must ever be in Jesus Christ the crucified one.  Life is found exclusively in Jesus Christ so the object of our faith must never be move to any other one or thing.  Being partakers of all the blessing provided in Christ depends upon the degree of revelation of Jesus Christ we walk in. 

Romans 5:18  Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.  19  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.  20  Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,  21  so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men.  By one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.  The divine influence of God reigns through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  We must keep our eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.  This indeed is the blessing that the prophets of old wanted to look into and which we are partakers.  Rejoice in the Lord for the depth of His marvelous grace toward us.  This is your living hope!  A full revelation of His grace will lead us to walk into triumph and do the works He has called us to do.  

Expectations Directed and Met

God wants to change your expectation; your expectation of God is a barometer measuring your knowledge of God, your intimacy with God, and the strength of faith.

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God Wants To Change Your Expectations

Psalm 62:5  My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.  6  He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.  7  In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.  8  Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

If you change the expectations of a man you can change his destiny and the outcome of his life.  This Psalm of David teaches us a great deal about expectation.  Is your expectation for God alone?  David had learned to put trust and expectation exclusively in his God.  God is the source of strength and refuge.  God is a safe place to pour out your heart. What you expect from God can measure your knowledge of God   What you expect from God can measure your intimacy with God.  What you expect from God is like the barometer of your faith.

Ephesians 3:20  Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  21  to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.  Believer what is your expectation of God.  You don’t have to settle for less.  This passage is not just some good sounding words that the Apostle Paul put together to make his letter flow to the Ephesians church.  There is revelation of truth we can walk in.  What is it you have been asking for and thinking you want from God.  He has declared He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above what you have been asking and thinking about!  Don’t miss the last phrase “according to the power that works in us!"  There is a power at work in the believer and God will do the exceeding and abundant reply by it!

Ephesians 3:14  For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  15  from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  16  that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,  17  that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height;  :19  to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Learning to be in His presence will change our expectations.  Paul’s prayer for the church is my heart’s cry for the church.  God strengthen every believer by Your Spirit in the inner man.  It is an encounter with God that will change your love walk; it is time for every believer to be rooted and grounded in the love of God.  To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge is the heart beat of God.

Hebrews 6:19  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,  20  where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Here in Hebrews 6 Jesus is our forerunner into the presence of God.  God expects us to show up in His presence.  Like the young woman and young man pursuing romance we need a longing and an hungering to be in His presence.  Some have grown discouraged in God because of unmet expectation; God wants to move your barometer of expectation.  God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

1 Peter 2:9  But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Expectation can be raised as we proclaim the praise of God.  God has done such marvelous thing for us we need to put His praise in our mouth.  If we are born again we have so much to be thankful for.  Again the writer is not just filling the pages with nice words.  Stop pause and consider what it means to be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a hold nation, His own special people.  If you begin to mediate on what He has done for you, that will indeed put a praise in your mouth.  Put a praise in your mouth and expectations will rise!

Matthew 15:22  And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed."  23  But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us."  24  But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ."  25  Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!"  26  But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs."  27  And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."  28  Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

This is a true life story of Jesus changing a woman expectations!  This woman was not of Jewish descent but from Canaan in Mark 7 it says she was a Greek.  This woman had called out to Jesus calling Him “Son of David”.  She had enough knowledge of the ways of God she knew the Jews where God’s chosen people.  The Word says Jesus would not answer her a word!  The disciples were ready to run the foreigner off!  Jesus had a greater purpose in mind and that was to change the woman’s expectation!  Jesus declared He was not sent except to the lost sheep of Israel .  Now the woman comes before Jesus with integrity and worships Jesus and implores Him for His help.  So many have called out to Jesus for His help and much like this woman did not see themselves as qualified to receive.  See what the Master does!  It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.  This woman found hope in the words of Jesus!  Now she was not pretending to be Jewish but asked to receive from the crumbs of the table like a little puppy.  She now had a sure expectation she could receive from God.  Jesus called her faith great!  That woman’s daughter was healed from that very hour.  Some believers are like this woman from Canaan ; what you think you know about God disqualifies you from receiving from His hand.  God wants to change your expectation!

Colossians 1:12  giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  13  He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,  14  in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

We have something the Greek woman did not have; we have the power of the cross.  God the Father has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light!  Let your expectations be raised because the Father Himself has qualified us to be partakers!  Expectations rise when the truth of God’s word is unveiled in the believer’s heart.

Ephesians 2:13  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  14  For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,  15  having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,  16  and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

Much like the Greek woman in Matthew 15 we did not qualify to be partakers in the promises of God; however Jesus came and broke down the middle wall of separation.  We too have been brought near by the blood of Jesus.  We don’t have to settle for the crumbs from the table because Jesus abolished in His flesh the enmity and gave us peace!  Your expectation of your God can rise because enmity has been put to death! 

2 Corinthians 10:4  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,  5  casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,  6  and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Many people think they are ready for spiritual warfare not realizing it begins with one’s own thought life.  If your life experience has taught you that you can not receive from God it is time to bring that thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 

Acts 1:8  "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem , and in all Judea and Samaria , and to the end of the earth."

Jesus the groom has given His bride a precious gift the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  This is the strengthening of the inner man.

Acts 2:33  "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. … Acts 2:36  "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."  37  Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"  38  Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.   39  "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

Here recorded is the first time Jesus baptized believers with the Holy Spirit.  Peter told those who heard them speaking and tongues and acting drunk they needed repentance and water baptism in the name of Jesus and then hear the promise!  You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!  Exalt the truth of the Word above your thought life.  This promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was to every believer without exception.

Luke 11:10  "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  11  "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?  12  "Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?  13  "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Jesus taught His disciples to pray.  Jesus ended the teaching with the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!  Raise your expectation, if God is your Father you can ask Him for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Based on the authority of the word of God nothing stands in the way from you receiving all the Father has intended for you!  Jesus finished work at the cross makes every believer qualify for the inheritance of the saints.

Romans 8:32  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

The goodness of God can raise your expectation barometer  When faith arises expectations rise with it.  Don’t allow your past experience set your barometer of expectation!  Live by the word that has come from the mouth of God.

Put Your Wedding Garment On

Don't come in naked; put on your wedding garment. God wants to put a robe of righteousness upon you.

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Put Your Wedding Garment On

Matthew 22:1  And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said:  2  "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,  3  "and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.  4  "Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."'  5  "But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.  6  "And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.  7  "But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.  8  "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.  9  'Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.'  10  "So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.  11  "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.  12  "So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.  13  "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'  14  "For many are called, but few are chosen."

I was in prayer meeting and the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart.  His direction was to tell folks not to come in naked but put on their wedding garment.  My heart at the time was meditating on being in God’s  presence.  After that word I began to meditate on “putting on the wedding garment”. 

Here in Matthew, Jesus begins teaching about the kingdom of heaven; how does putting the wedding garment on  relate to the kingdom of heaven?  A certain king prepared a marriage for his son and told all the invited guest to come to the table; the dinner is prepared and all things were ready!  None of the original invited guest came.  Not only did they refuse the invitation they did harm to the servants of the King who had invited them.  The king would not stand for an empty banqueting hall at such an important event.  He sent his servants out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good.  The scripture says the wedding hall was now filled!  There was one without a wedding garment the king was irate and had him cast out.

The good and the bad were brought together and the king had provided wedding garments but this guest had chosen not to put the wedding garment on.  Then Jesus declared many are called, but few are chosen.  The difference between the called and the chosen was defined by Jesus.  The Jewish nation was called and they would not come to the wedding table; those from highway both bad and good were invited to the wedding table.  Only those who came in with the wedding garments were said to be of the chosen.  If you are coming in the King’s presence put your wedding garment on.

John 3:26  And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified; behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!"  27  John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.  28  "You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.'  29  "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.  30  "He must increase, but I must decrease."

John the Baptist brings a revelation about Jesus here in these verses.  John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the bridegroom and declares the fact that Jesus has a bride.  John said He rejoiced to hear the voice of the bridegroom and his joy was fulfilled by hearing the voice of the bridegroom.  These truths shared in scripture begin to show an intimacy God planned to have with man.  If Jesus is the bridegroom of the kingdom the wedding garment becomes very important and special.  Put on the wedding garment.

Luke 7:27  "This is he of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.'  28  "For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

Jesus declared a revelation here in Luke.  John was the greatest of all the prophets; the truth unveiled is he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he!  My brother and sister it is related to the wedding garment!

Revelation 3:14  "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:  15  "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  16  "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.  17  "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'; and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;  18  "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  19  "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  20  "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  21  "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.  22  "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' "

The Laodicean city had hot and cold water springs and the city piped this water in.  The cold water or hot water was refreshing but the lukewarm was useful for nothing.  This church saw themselves as rich and having need of nothing; they had no idea they were poor, wretched, miserable, blind and naked.  They had not put on white garments or if you will, they had not put on the wedding garments.  They were in a state to be vomited out of God’s mouth.  Jesus invites us to come and dine with Him.  We must be clothed with the wedding garment.  Jesus stands at the door and knocks ready to put His garment of righteousness upon us.

Isaiah 61:10  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Romans 13:12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.  13  Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.  14  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Ephesians 4:22  that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,  23  and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,  24  and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

God has made the provision and made us newly created beings.  According to God we have been made in true righteousness and holiness.  It is the new garment if you will.  Put off the old man and put on the new it is the only way to walk in victory!   It is why the King invited us to the marriage supper!

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Live the life you have been created to walk in; it is the abundant life found exclusively in relationship with Jesus.  Put on your wedding garment.