DIFFERENT CHAPTER 4, PART 3 THE REVELATION OF DIVINE TRUTH: EMPOWERMENT

DIFFERENT

CHAPTER 4, PART 3

  THE REVELATION OF DIVINE TRUTH:

EMPOWERMENT

My Brothers and Sisters,

Throughout the Bible, God is compelling us to become more than the sum of our flesh. Why? In order to empower us to conquer sin and to become like Him. We are invited to become like God. In doing so, we are not claiming our own power. We are not claiming to be God. We are not claiming that alone we are Holy, or that we don't need God to possess His character. God, has stated His plan for His Creation and through Christ Jesus He alone has empowered us to become like Him.

In the Book of Jude, God defines humanity as He intended for it to become:

Jude 37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

Christ Jesus, the perfect man. Our example to behold of the upright human being. If we follow His example, it will lead us to peace, rest, tranquility, which is to be in harmony and communion with God.

Nonetheless, time and time again, many Believers rely upon the phrase, "We are only human," to explain their behavior and make themselves exempt from being accountable, as if God erred in His creating us. Must we be reminded that God doesn't make mistakes?

"To err is human; to forgive, divine." This line from a famous poem by Alexander Pope tells us that humans are capable of forgiving, which is a divine and godly quality. Pope is acknowledging where good character comes from and that humans are capable of such behavior, although, we are flawed. Why is this important? It moves the mind past, just being human.

When we lock ourselves into the mindset of just being human, we fail to see who God is to us and who we are to Him. We become isolated, unable to have a close relationship to God. We become deaf and unable to hear His voice. We fail to see the purpose of being human and the potential that we have. We doom ourselves to never rising to the heights that God has created us to rise. We condemn ourselves to becoming accessible puppets and slaves of darkness.

God did not create us to be only human. He placed His spirit within us to give us life, therefore, we are a Spiritual Being inside of a human body, a body made of earth. Where does this defeating ideology come from that we are only human? I see the devil in the mix. If we truly Believe the Word of God, how can we as True Worshipers, utter this phrase and pass it on to others believing we are consoling them or offering them a rational explanation for their flaws, faults, mistakes, failures, and problems? God may have given us flesh and blood, but, He told us to walk in the Spirit; for the Spirit is the life force that drives us, empowers us, and keeps us connected to God.

Well-meaning people have tried to offer me counsel and consolation by telling me that I am only human. In doing so they expected me to see myself as they see me and see life as they see life, but, I can no longer see myself as just flesh and blood, functioning under the power of my own brain. I cannot cower and retreat behind false beliefs and ideology that diminish who I am and more importantly, diminish who GOD IS and who He is to me.

I pity the blindness of those stuck within the imprisonment and weakness of their flesh and pray for their awakening to a new life of empowerment through Christ Jesus. Amen

Words and ideas can isolate us in darkness and keep us from seeing the Divine Truth which has been revealed to us in the flesh, that we may come to have abundant and eternal life. But, what need have we for The Truth, The Way, and The Life, if we are only human? These fleshly bodies are earthly bound. We see them die and go into the grave. "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust." But, lo and behold, the Word of God says:

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7

If we truly believe, then, we know without doubt that Jesus defeated death and the grave to make us more than conquerors. As Believers, we are undefeated in mind, body, and spirit. We claim VICTORY and abundant and eternal life as joint heirs with Christ to the Kingdom of God. We do not deny our humanity, but, surrender it to God to be empowered and perfected. Thus, we embrace that which has been revealed to us as Divine Truth. What IS man that God is mindful of Him?  When we imitate the perfect man, we are as we were intended to be in the Garden of Eden. We are the image of God.

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. Jude 37

Father,

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17 KJV
your servant and soldier, united with the One,

mishael




* From "An Essay on Criticism" published 1711, written by poet and writer, Alexander Pope (1688–1744)

 

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SELF REFLECTION: A Look in the Mirror

Once again, when we look at Jesus' parables, He is challenging us to examine where our heart lies. Closely examining your heart, answer the questions below.

DISCUSS your answers with a mature Believer who can guide you in your spiritual relationship with Jesus and our Father, and/or have group discussions to learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives.

QUESTIONS: Write down your questions and discuss them with a mature Believer or submit them to this blog.

1.  Have you ever wished someone would reap what they sowed? In other words, get back the pain and sorrow they had caused someone else? Living and walking in the Light of Divine Truth, (God), what need have we to be caught up in the corruption of evil doers? Please read Psalm 37 below. Psalm 37 contrasts the virtues of a  good man and the deeds of a  wicked man. Each man has a different end. How much do you care about the kind of life you lead and how it will end? Does your life reflect how much you care or don't care? How?
2. In our world today, we find many people caught up in wishing harm to an opposing political party or opponent. Have you participated in trying to destroy an opponent, political or otherwise? Should we wish harm on others? Will we, too, reap what we sow by wishing harm on others?
3. Can you see how those who do evil and claim to be followers of Jesus and Children of God are really isolated by darkness and cut off from God? Should we hold them accountable for their behavior, although, they've been influenced by darkness and the adversary? Will they change if they don't accept responsibility for every part of their lives?
4. People often see safety and power in numbers (multitudes, large groups), but, not so with God. God often uses one person or a small group of people to change circumstances and the world. Those who are isolated and cut off from God feel that they are right and powerful because there are many people who believe as they do. They believe that because of their numbers they can overrule Divine Truth. In Psalm 37, what does it  say will happen not only to individuals, but, to all who are wicked, isolated, cut off from God, and who go against righteousness?
5. Are you truly Different, led by Divine Truth, or are you isolated, following false light?
6.  If you choose to follow the ways of the world, just sometimes, are you still living in the revelation of Divine Truth? Are you trying to serve two masters?
7. In what areas of your life is God excluded, forgotten, or banned? How can you include God in all that you do? Will those around you understand you?
8. Have you excluded God mentally, physically, or spiritually in any way today?
   Yesterday? --This Week? When you were alone, or with friends? In a conversation? What were you doing, where you did not acknowledge the presence of God?
9. When we live in Divine Truth and Holiness, we are not comfortable participating in that which is unholy. Can you take the pressure and criticism from others, who do not feel or believe as you do?
10. Do you cave into pressure and play a game, watch a movie, or take part in a conversation that makes you uncomfortable? Why or why not?
11. If you refuse to speak up and speak truth, does that make you complicit and an active participant when you know that others are doing or saying something wrong? Why or why not?
12. Do you stay around people with negative behaviors (cursing, gossiping, lying, taking drugs, excessive drinking, vandalizing, bullying, violent, willfully stubborn, prideful and ignorant, etc.) just to have friends or to be a part of a social gathering? Does something within you tell you that it is wrong? How long have you been doing this? Do you feel that you have no other choice? Are you afraid to be Different?
13. Do your words speak peace and goodwill for others, even when they plot and come against you? If not, are you trusting God? Are you following false light when you wish evil upon others? Are you filled with peace or fear?
14. Do you believe that God can and will fulfill all of your needs and desires within His Will for you? Do you believe that God can take away your fear, if you surrender your will to Him?
15. Reading God's Word gives us knowledge of God's plan for mankind. However, do you know God's Will for you? Have you asked Him?

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REFERENCED SCRIPTURE

Psalm 37 King James Version (KJV)

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.

18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

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Jude King James Version (KJV)

1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. 

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