Saturday, July 6, 2013

The Same Today And Forever

The Same Today And Forever

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

And he said: "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;  The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;  My shield and the horn of my salvation,  My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:2-3

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:8-9

         The Resurrected Christ is alive and He is the same today and forever. Even today, He proves His living presence in our midst by performing wonders and miracles. He fills our hearts with divine peace and joy. Yes, we can accept and proclaim the truth that Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross and He came to life on the third day and He is still alive and with His Heavenly Father preparing a place for us.  We can take away the unbelief from our heart and believe that there is nothing impossible with our God. We can ask whatever we want in the mighty name of Jesus, and surely He will give us  all that we want and make us a winner in everything for God’s word is unchanging:

Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on the way.  And the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing,  "since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?  "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."

And the LORD said, "Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, "I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know." Genesis 18:16-21

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Psalm 32:10-11

Yes the Lord will bless those who command their children and their household to keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice. He will bring to them what He has spoken to them. But the Lord will also arise and judge those who do unrighteousness and justice and reward them accordingly for God’s word is unchanging:

"Woe to Nebo! For it is plundered,  Kirjathaim is shamed and taken; The high stronghold is shamed and dismayed- No more praise of Moab. In Heshbon they have devised evil against her: 'Come, and let us cut her off as a nation.'  You also shall be cut down, O Madmen!  The sword shall pursue you;  A voice of crying shall be from Horonaim:  'Plundering and great destruction!' "Moab is destroyed; Her little ones have caused a cry to be heard; For in the Ascent of Luhith they ascend with continual   weeping; For in the descent of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.  "Flee, save your lives!  And be like the juniper in the wilderness. For because you have trusted in your works and your treasures,  You also shall be taken. And Chemosh shall go forth into captivity,  His priests and his princes together.  And the plunderer shall come against every city;  No one shall escape. The valley also shall perish,  And the plain shall be destroyed, As the LORD has spoken. Jeremiah 48:1-8

"I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. Revelation 2:23

Yes even in the current time of life God gives to each one according to his or her works! As a result many will reap what they had never expected including sickness, diseases, dismay and destruction. God is a God and there is none like Him. He kills and He makes alive. He wounds and He heals and none can deliver from His hand especially when He raises His hand to heaven and whets His glittering sword and His hand takes hold on judgment. He will render vengeance to His enemies,  and repay those who hate Him. His word is true:

'Now see that I, even I, am He,  And there is no God besides Me;  I kill and I make alive;  I wound and I heal;  Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.  For I raise My hand to heaven,  And say, "As I live forever,  If I whet My glittering sword,  And My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies,  And repay those who hate Me.  I will make My arrows drunk with blood,  And My sword shall devour flesh, With the blood of the slain and the captives,  From the heads of the leaders of the enemy." ' "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants,  And render vengeance to His adversaries;  He will provide atonement for His land and His people."  Deuteronomy 32:39-43

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! Philippians 3:1-2

For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3

Yes, sudden destruction comes on evil and wicked men when they least expect it for God is not to be mocked. Whatsoever a man sows so shall He reap. God’s word is unchanging:

"While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease." Genesis 8:22

But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is destruction; Their throat is an open tomb; They flatter with their tongue. Pronounce them guilty, O God!  Let them fall by their own counsels; Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,  For they have rebelled against You. 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.  For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. Psalm 5:7-12

He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Proverbs 29:1

Let no man say he is above the truth for then he is the liar. He has deceived himself into believing he is above the spiritual laws of the universe. He thinks he can escape with clever calculations and cunning tricks to escape the consequences of his behavior and sinful ways. However, eventually they get him in the end. He falls victim to his own well-laid plans because they were the plans of men and not God. Let every man be a liar and God be true. There is no escaping God. He will find you wherever you run or hide upon the entire earth. There is no escaping Him and his truths. They are all about us and never changing and always present everywhere at all times. Jonah found this out to be true when he lay in the belly of a real live whale for three days. He could not escape the truth for the truth is the Lord and He is present everywhere always.

Men may think they have won. Men may think they have overcome but it is God who determines the outcome. His truths determine the result. If men follow the line of thinking of the truth they will find peace, joy, well being and happiness because these things are only found in the Lord. However, if men think they are above such things they will pay the consequence for their ignorance of the universal spiritual truths that exist all around them everyday of their lives.  God’s truths are eternal. Like a coolly burning blue white flame, they burn out the imperfections in our lives. They destroy the darkness in our souls and they heal the whole person—body, spirit, soul and mind. God is not to be mocked what a man sows he reaps, but nor is a man whipped when he is already down. God forgives and uplifts the truly humble heart. Therefore, our humility is more important than anything else for without it we can never enter the Holy of Holies to find mercy and grace in time of trouble.

Persistent sin by people, including God’s people, brings the judgments of God upon them, not His blessings. God is not to be mocked whatsoever a man sows so shall he reap even in the current time of life! His word is unchanging:

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.  Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.  And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:19-26

The Heavens and earth are full of God’s Glory and He never changes in His intentions and purposes for those who truly love Him and desire to serve Him with all of their hearts. He is the Way-maker and the winds in the storms of those who serve Him. He is bringing men to freedom in Himself. There are many who desire and will be set free. No longer will they have to live under a cloud that has held them so long. Now, they will step easily into the River and drink deeply of Him—often and long!

Many of God’s people are crying out to God to bless them and don’t find an open heaven but trials and tribulations, many of which are caused by their own foolishness. It’s a fact that Apostle Paul suffered greatly when he became a Christian because he reaped what he had sown in murdering Christians especially Stephen. God is not to be mocked whatsoever a man sows so shall he reap applies to every one. And Apostle Peter told us:

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.  Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.  For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:  "Who committed no sin,  Nor was deceit found in His mouth";  who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;  who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed. 1 Peter 2:17-24

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;  having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:13-17

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.  Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.  For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  Now  "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:14-19

There is no credit if you are beaten for your faults?  If you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed but if you suffer for being a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters there is no glory in this?  It is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil? We better wake up to the fact that God is not the cause of all of man’s suffering even though He works it all for good to them that love God and are called according to His purposes. Many sufferings are needless because God’s people don’t use their faith to be healed and delivered of them. God’s word is unchanging:

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He has broken the gates of bronze,  And cut the bars of iron in two. Fools, because of their transgression,  And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.  Their soul abhorred all manner of food,  And they drew near to the gates of death.  Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them,  And delivered them from their destructions. Psalm 107:15-20

Why did God call these children of men fools? Because they were afflicted because of their transgression and their iniquities just like Jesus warned men about:

"For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'  "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,  "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. "Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Matthew 5:20-25

"And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12

He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. Luke 1:52

Proud and arrogant ones don’t consider the possibility of the reality of the judgments of God upon them in the current time of life because they are after all Christians, the apple of God’s eyes and once saved always saved? They forget that that judgment begins in the house of God (1 Peter 4:7) and But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes," be "Yes," and your "No,"  "No," lest you fall into judgment (James 5;12). Yes we get into great trouble and tribulation by saying the wrong words in life.  And that is why wise King Solomon wrote and stated:

You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. Proverbs 6:2

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Proverbs 8:13

Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 10:6

Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Proverbs 10:14

He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:3

A proud and arrogant person has to have the last say in any matter and all things have to meet his approval otherwise it cannot be accepted or true. At the root of most stumbling through unbelief and disobedience (self-will) is that primary ingredient of man's fallen nature which the scripture calls pride. We read in Proverbs 16:18 that "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a FALL," Pride is simply the ADULATION of SELF, wanting to be a law unto oneself, independent, with a feeling of importance, and a desire for acclaim from others. There are DEGREES of pride, of course, and ALL of us have a measure of this problem whether we are willing to admit it or not. The very methods of God's dealings with us from salvation on, are designed to strike at this root problem of our carnal nature, so that "no FLESH should glory in his presence" (1 Corinthians 1:29). Pride makes a person inflexible, unyielding, and unteachable, and through it one is deceived into trying to justify SELF in many ways.  Especially there is a tendency to maintain one's own worth, works or merit, as a means of gaining favor with God, or acclaim in the sight of men.

Due to pride, which makes a person inflexible, unyielding, and unteachable and to act in ignorance, neglect or willful rejection, many of God’s people reject for today His healings, signs, wonders, miracles and tongues. These things recorded in the book of Acts are merely a sample of the things which Jesus began to do in working with His disciples through the power of the indwelling Holy Ghost after He had gone back to heaven.

It’s a fact that many of God’s people haven’t learn to keep their mouth shut because their pride and arrogance forces them to speak. They forget that a picture is worth a thousand words and a true anointing on a person speaks for the person and not his words! They forget that pride is one of the greatest of all sins and is a sin which God hates. As a matter of fact God goes out of the way to humble a proud person. God’s word is unchanging:

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: "Now prepare yourself like a man;  I will question you, and you shall answer Me: "Would you indeed annul My judgment?  Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?  Have you an arm like God?  Or can you thunder with a voice like His?  Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor,  and array yourself with glory and beauty. Disperse the rage of your wrath;  Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him.  Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low;  Tread down the wicked in their place.  Hide them in the dust together,  Bind their faces in hidden darkness.  Then I will also confess to you  That your own right hand can save you. Job 40:6-14

It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord:  I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago-whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows-such a one was caught up to the third heaven.  And I know such a man-whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows-  how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.  Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.  For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.   And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelation, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:1-9

Because Paul was a proud boastful person, a thorn in the flesh was given to him, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest he be exalted above measure. And this thorn was not removed from him even though he pleaded with the LORD three times because God contends with the proud and gives grace to the humble. The root cause of Paul's demonic thorn was his pride and the fact that the LORD hates pride and arrogance, the evil way and the perverse mouth and pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Hence less Paul be destroyed by it and take a great fall like many TV Evangelists and Pastors that we know, God purposely gave Paul a demonic thorn in the flesh lest being puffed up with pride he would fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Yes, pride was the number one sin that caused the devil to fall and causes many of God’s people to fall! God’s word is unchanging:

"How you are fallen from heaven,  O Lucifer, son of the morning!  How you are cut down to the ground,  You who weakened the nations!  For you have said in your heart:  'I will ascend into heaven,  I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation  On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,  I will be like the Most High.'  Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit. Isaiah 14:12-15

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:14

Yes, it doesn’t pay for “whoever” to be proud at all because the rewards he shall receive even in the current time of life will be painful.   But for the HUMBLE AND MEEK, the good news is that the same LORD who healed Job and delivered him from all his suffering and sickness and restored to Him double all His losses hasn’t changed?  He is the same LORD who delivered Joseph out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and his entire house? And what He has done for one He is able to do for another including perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle them after they have suffered for a while! God’s word is true:

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,  casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:6-10

 



WALTER KAMBULOW VICTORY MINISTRIES http://walthope3.blogspot.ca

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