No laughing matter!

v23 n1

Laughter; something that many do, yet seldom with a full understanding of the situation. Much of that which people laugh at, is not really humor. Often times, it is really a mocking, scorning, or ridiculing someone else's tragedies or misfortunes. Joy is of the Spirit; so the question is, how content are you with your walk with God? Are you being the example of the believer that you should be?

All too often, the church as a whole, does not take salvation, and all that it does entail, very seriously. For many, it is nothing more then a social gathering. For others, it is a “bless me” club. And in most instances, it is the people gathering together, to tell God how they think that things should be run or handled. Few seek to find that strait and narrow path that will lead them to Father’s house; which can only be found by being led and guided by the Spirit of truth, by and through the Word of God, so that one will never have reason to be ashamed or blotted out of the book of life, for they have taken the time, and put forth a maximum effort to rightly divide His Word of truth.

One is to seek first, the kingdom of God. Asking God for that salvation, that they may be born again. For one has to be born again, in order to see the kingdom of God; to have their understanding enlightened that they might walk in the Spirit, so that they are able to see how and where they are to enter into His kingdom. It is into this gate or door, that only the righteous in God’s eye can enter. This door or gate can only be gone through by one seeking, recognizing, and then walking in the righteousness of God, Christ. (Rom 8:8-9). For He is the only way into God’s kingdom; established by the truth of His Word.

Many whine and complain about their lives, and how God is using or utilizing them. Yet, the real question is or should be; how faithful have you been in that which He has asked of you already? Have you been faithful in that which seems to be the least of what He has asked of you? Have you been faithful in that which you have considered, not to be of much importance?

How long will you halt or waver between two opinions? A question that Elijah ask the children of Israel many years ago. (1 Kings 18:21). How long will you halt or waver between that which God has asked of you, and that which you want to do? For most, they live their lives the way that they want to, and then when problems arise, (and there will be many that arise with that kind of an attitude), they run to God, wondering why things are going wrong. (And in some instances, even blame God for their troubles.) [Deut 28:15].

The two opinions that people halt or waver between are faith and fear. For we know that whatever is not of faith, is sin. We know, or we should know, that without faith, it is impossible to please Him. We also know, that after we receive the gift, that it is developed by hearing the Message delivered by the Word of God, Christ. The only way (Jesus Christ is the only way to Father) to have a consistent and constant relationship with Father, is by continuing in His Word on a moment by moment basis. Today, if you harden not your heart.

If you are not operating in faith, then one has to be operating in fear, and this is the devil’s realm. There is no middle ground, or fence to be riding on, when it comes to salvation. It is either faith or fear, life or death, trust or doubt in God and His promises. There are no grey areas either. That is why those that fellowship, commune, talk and worship God, must do so in Spirit (Rom 8:9) and in truth. (John 17:17). Without His Word hid in our heart, it is impossible to please Him! Not because I say so, but because His Word clearly and plainly tells us so.

How serious do you take your salvation? Do you only study those parts of the Word that are pleasing to you and your flesh? I often have people ask me, “why is God mad at me?” When I ask them what they mean by that statement, they will respond, “but God is always correcting me!” These types of questions are usually asked out of ignorance. They are given because His people perish for lack of a working knowledge of Him and His Word. The Word clearly tells us that God rebukes and chastens those whom He loves.

Definition for rebuke: 1651 elegcho-1) to convict, to refute, to confute a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose 2) to find fault with, correct, 1) to reprehend severely, to chide, to admonish, to reprove, 2) to call to account, to show one his fault, to demand an explanation, b) by deed: to chasten, to punish.

Definition for chasten: 1) to train children a) to be instructed, to be taught, or to learn b) to cause one to learn 2) to chastise a) to chastise or castigate with words, to correct; used of those who are moulding the character of others by reproof and admonition.

So when a person rejects God’s correction, they are rejecting His love. They are telling Father that they do not need, nor want His love. Many assume that they are quite capable of doing okay without His help or assistance. They want to show God how capable and good that they think they are. Have they forgotten the scripture that tells us plainly, that without Him we can do nothing? Whose counsel have you been listening to?

Who or what exactly is it that you have been listening to? What is the basis of your spiritual foundation? Is it based in and on the revealed truth of God’s Word?

Without the vision, without the revelation, without the revealed truth, the people will perish! The human eye cannot see it; the human ear cannot hear it; the human understanding cannot comprehend it. It can only be done and accomplished in the realm of His Spirit. The veil of the flesh must be pulled back and removed, to see, to observe, to hear and understand that which the Spirit of God wants to lead us and guide us into. (John 3:3-8). The flesh must be out of the way!
One’s relationship with God by and through Christ Jesus, should be the most important thing in your life. It is supposed to be of more value then your stock portfolio’s, or retirement funds, or anything else that tries to make a person independent from God.

Seeking first the kingdom of God, which one is able to access through Christ Jesus. One must also remember that His kingdom is not of this world. One must seek each day to remain seated in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus. Casting down any thought or imagination that would try to get us to leave this place of eternal security. Where exactly are your affections this day?

That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.