“How you ought to walk.”

Paul said, “Brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;”

Through this scripture we must understand that there is a manner in which we should walk, meaning behave and live. His Word is what teaches us “how we ought to walk.” Yet, I am eye witness that some do not obey this truth. And in not teaching “how you ought to walk” have created a body of cripples and babies. For the purpose of this writing I will address some behaviors in regards to praise.

While singing, dancing, shouting and declaring their righteousness in God, in the midst of all these antics there is no joyful shouting of salvation, because there is no understanding of salvation. There is no consideration of how to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Because there is no teaching of “how you ought to walk.” There are rituals, traditions and behaviors that display godliness, yet deny the power of true godliness. Godliness, having reverence and respect for God, piety toward God, holiness unto God, which means being obedient to God. And walking before Him worthy of the vocation in which we were called.  

We sing “we summon your power O God” and work ourselves into frenzies then when physically and emotionally fatigued think we feel the presence of God. The whole display is exhausting. His Word says that God inhabits the praises of His people. The word inhabits means to dwell, remain, abide. The definition indicates that His presence is to exist in the praises of His people. Therefore, singing, dancing, shouting etc. for any manner of time has nothing what-so-ever to do with God’s presence, for these actions which are temporary can not possibly produce inhabitancy.

We are called to live our lives as praise to God through obedience to His Word then His presence abides in us. His presence doesn’t fall on us over and over again as in the day of Pentecost. C’mon man! When we lift our voices in song to Him, His presence that is in us is what flows out of us. Does not His Word say, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living waters.” This He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive.  His presence is to inhabit us! Yet, if you live your life in disobedience, sin and disregard of His Word, you are not praise to Him no matter how loud you sing or how much you dance. This is evidence that you do not know “how you ought to walk.” 

His Words says, yet now brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance. I realize most are not taught “how you ought to walk” however, when you hear truth, as in today, you must receive truth and walk in truth. “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” This scripture means, change your mind, being contrite or remorseful for your behavior and turn toward the true God and worship Him in truth. Again, times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord is not equated with physical demonstrations of praise, it is of an obedient heart and manner of living. His Word says, “This people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”

As we begin or as with some continue to walk “how we ought to walk” then God’s presence will abide in us.  And we through our lives will praise Him saying, “The Lord is my strength and my song, and He is become my salvation; He is my God, and I will prepare Him a habitation; my God, and I will exalt Him.”

Pray

I have wanted to write about prayer for quite a while. I have been leery of how to communicate in written words a topic so dear to my heart. Prayer is simple yet so misunderstood and at times made complex. Today, I pray that these words would enlighten your minds as to the benefits of prayer and encourage you to pray.

Jesus gave his disciples a few directions. He told us when we pray don’t be like the hypocrites. For hypocrites pray in front of everyone to be seen by men. He said, when we pray, go into a private place and pray before our Father. He said don’t use vain repetitions as the heathens do. For the heathens think they will be heard because of their many words. He said, “Don’t be like them.” “Our Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

Then He goes on to tell us in what manner we should pray: “Our Father in heaven. Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts. As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

Before I expound of the scripture above the next sentence Jesus says is, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Hear ye His Word beloved, for His Word says, “we know that God does not hear sinners,”  herein, hear and know that if you harbor unforgiveness toward any your prayers are not heard by God.

Now in the manner that Jesus told us to pray we see that His Words are clear. First our prayers are to God alone. True prayer must be directed to Our Father in heaven. Our prayers are for His ears. And “the prayer of the upright is His delight.” 

What is most important for this writing is the spirit of this prayer. Our acknowledgement is that God is in heaven and that He is above all. Our prayers should be that His will would be done. We know that His Word is His will.

When we pray and set our hearts and minds on His will all of our issues whatever they may be get perspective. For it’s during this time that we realize that He truly is God in heaven and above all. And we are His, if we walking according to His Word. Then we have peace and confidence that His will, will be done on the earth. We understand that our life is about Him and His will for us and we believe and accept that it is good!

As we continue to seek Him through prayer and obedience to His Word  our understanding will increase. We must be diligent. Therefore beloved, pray without ceasing!

Becoming the sons of God!

How often have you said, “Enough, “I’m done, I’m tired?”  How many times have you decided that you have done all that you are willing to do and taken all that you are willing to take? Regardless of it’s at the hands of loved ones, colleagues, friends or foes. We’ve all uttered those words either to ourselves or to others. Of course we never call it grumbling or complaining we call it “venting”, that way we feel justified. 

Well, I am guilty of this very thing. I can’t even think of how many times my heart has been in this exact condition and I have uttered those exact words. Today however, I heard the Word of God so clear, His chastening so true. He said, “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” I have not one word of defense. There is nothing to say to excuse, justify or explain why His Word isn’t obeyed.  The only acceptable response is, forgive me Lord! He continues by saying, “I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Being the sons of God is our destiny! The whole world is waiting and groaning that the sons of God would be made manifest.

So what can I say? When I take my mind off my thoughts and feelings and set my mind on things above, not things on the earth His peace that passes understanding keeps my heart and my mind. Then I consider Him. When has His mercy or generosity toward me waned? When has His mighty arm been shorten toward me? I opened my eyes this morning and my chest was filled with breath. I have been given another day on earth to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. I have been given another day to glorify His Name through my obedience to His Word. We can be the sons of God and the light of the world. If we will humble ourselves under His mighty hand and believe He will always be with us. He will strengthen us to do that which we would not do or know to do on our own.

Therefore I pray that we would be perfect, just as our Father in heaven is perfect. And that we would just as our Lord did, endure all, for the joy that is set before us. Becoming the sons of God!