The Test of Devotion/Where is the Lord God of Elijah?

2 Kings 2:1 “And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.”

Elijah was God’s Prophet. He had been called, when Israel was at one of it’s worst times.

He had proved that God was “the God”, before all Israel in a “showdown” with the four hundred priests of Baal, who were supported by Jezebel, the queen. (1 Kings 18:36-39)

His success there, thwarted the efforts of Jezebel to destroy the worship of God.

There were still those who were idol worshippers……but she could no longer kill, and torture those who believed in God, as she had before.

There had been a renewal of the worship of the Lord, because of Elijah.

But now it was time for Elijah to be taken to heaven. Years before, Elijah had been told to anoint Elisha as prophet, in his room. (1 Kings 19:16, 19-21)

And Elisha had been a servant to Elijah, as his helper, while his training had been going on. (Some say this took about ten years…for Elijah’s ministry went through Ahab’s reign into his son’s 2 Kings 1)

2 Kings 2:2 “And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el.”

So Elijah and Elisha traveled from Gilgal to Beth-el together.

Elijah had asked Elisha to stay at Gilgal, but Elisha would not leave him. Where he went, his helper would go also.

Elisha knew that God was going to take Elijah, and he wanted to hear every instruction, every prayer, and every help he could, before that happened.

He also felt that being with him till the end was his duty.

That God would show him what to do nest, by it.

We have been called to follow Christ Jesus. Through His Word, He has shown us many things.

We know we are born again, but often, we are conscious of a lack of power in what we do….

How are we to do all we have been called to do? Of course, it is through the power of the Holy Spirit within….manifesting Himself through us….are we letting Him?

2 Kings 2:4 “And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.”

They travel on, together…they are traveling south and east…toward the starting place where Israel first came into the land of Canaan…to the River Jordan.

2 Kings 2:6 “ And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me unto Jordan. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.”

Stay here? Elijah asked, at both places…….But again came the reply, “I will not leave thee.”

Did Elisha know exactly what would happen?

I do not think so.

But, I believe, Elisha knew that the ministry of Elijah was ending…..and his, as God’s prophet to Israel, was beginning.

He knew that he would need to see the work Elijah started, done.

There were many who had come out of hiding, and now worship the Lord openly….but they needed instruction….so Elisha was to teach them.

God would part them….that was His Will……but Elisha would continue on as Elijah’s servant, and companion, till God did.

He would not leave him, till then.

2 Kings 2:7c-9 “…and they two stood by Jordan.

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, that a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”

Here Elisha sees once more the power of God Elijah received, and put to use.

And here, Elijah asks him “what shall I do for thee?”

Without hesitation, Elisha asks for a double portion of the power of God.

Why a double portion?

He felt that he needed more of that power of the Holy Spirit, to help him finish the work Elijah had started.

It is one thing to begin following the Lord….it is another to persevere through testing and trials….so…

If Israel was to be guided according to the Word of God, then Elisha would need double the power that Elijah had been given.

It is one thing to show God, as “the God”; as Elijah had.

But to guide the believers of God, into the life which they ought to have, stay with them, or visit them, to help them again and again.

This was Elisha’s ministry.

He felt that such a work, would need great power. The enemies of God were still at work. Idolatry was always a problem.

Elisha felt, if he was to serve acceptably as God’s Prophet, he would need much of the Holy Spirit.

2 Kings 2:10 “And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.”

Now if Elijah had said this at the first, we could understand Elisha’s sticking close to him.

But that was not the reason for him staying with Elijah.

His devotion was to the man who lead him into a deeper knowledge of God.

Elijah had taught Elisha many things, shared his experiences, and manifested to Elisha the great faithfulness of God to His people.

Now it was time for Elisha to do the same with the sons of the prophets (groups of believers which met together in various cities), and with Israel.

Elijah’s ministry would now be passed on to Elisha, to be finished.

2 Kings 2:11-13 “And it came to pass, as they went on, and talked that, Behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went by a whirlwind into heaven.

And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My Father, My Father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them into two pieces.

He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;”

Going on, walking and talking, as they had done so many times; God parted them, with a chariot of fire and horses of fire.

Elijah was taken up to heaven, without seeing death, and Elisha saw him no more.

Elisha then tore his outer clothes in two pieces, to show he was no longer just Elisha…..and he picked up the mantle Elijah had dropped (which had been cast upon him when Elijah had called him. 1 Kings 19:19).

He was now Prophet in Elijah’s place.

2 Kings 2:13-14 “He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of the Jordan;

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said,

Where is the Lord God of Elijah? And when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: And Elisha went over.”

He asked, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”…..are you with me as You were with Elijah?

He had received a double portion of the Holy Spirit which had been on Elijah.

He was now to finish the work of leading the believers of God, in Israel, on to a more full, and joyful life with God….even in these trying times.

In his ministry, Elisha dealt with kings, captains, and those which would be kings.

But his ministry mainly centered around the circuit he walked with his servants, to preach and instruct those that believed in God and stayed true to Him.

From Gilgal, to Mt. Carmel, to Samaria, to Beth-el, and around, Elisha went delivering the message of God; saving such as came to seek God’s help, and leading others to a fuller knowledge of God.

Elisha died an old man….ministering till the last to those who came to him. (2 Kings 13:13-21)

We, too, have a ministry for which we should seek the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

He is in us, if we are born again; but to have His power in our lives, we need to submit to Him.

The condition of Elisha receiving the double portion, was that he stay with Elijah to the end, and see him go.

So we, too, need to “stay with” the Holy Spirit, by obeying what we have been given to do, removing all that hinders His influence within us, and standing in the place Christ Jesus won for us in His Victory on the Cross.

Where is the Lord God of Elijah? He is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8-9b “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace;…”

He is ever ready to give power to the faint, and to them that have not might, He increases strength. (Isaiah 40:29)

But it is as we “stay with”, and yield to the Holy Spirit within.

Forgive

Forgive in Scripture, in the Greek, means: to send away whole.

Plainly, sin and offenses leave “holes” in our lives; so to forgive, is to make each place healed….as though there was no hurt. (It does not take away the knowledge of the offense….but the wound is healed.)

Matthew 18:21 “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?”

Jesus had been talking about people offending children, and other people. As He said, “it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!” (Mat. 18:7)

In that light, Peter asks the Lord, how many times should he forgive an offending brother?

Jesus then sets down a clear statement about how we are to forgive.

Matthew 18:22 “Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.”

I don’t know what Peter thought of this number…..but I would have thought, “How am I to keep count? I’ll never remember what number I am at.”

But that was the point: we are to forgive, and to forgive, and to forgive, without trying to count to a certain point, because God forgives us and our offenses to Him, without measure.

Matthew 18:23 “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.”

This begins a parable which shows the willingness of God the Father to forgive us.

And that He requires that same willingness within us, for those who sin against us.

Matthew 18:24. “And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.”

Here is a huge debt! This is a picture of the debt of sin we all have. (Romans 3:23)

Matthew 18:25 “But for as much as he had not to pay, (and none of us could pay the debt we owe to God), he commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.”

What was to be done?

To get as much from the investment in this man, this king would have to sell the man and his family, into slavery; and confiscate all that he had, to be auctioned off.

Matthew 18:26-27 “The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Then the Lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.”

Sometimes we think that we can earn God’s approval by doing better, by becoming religious, or by good works.

But the only means whereby our debts are removed before God…..is His forgiveness.

But God, through Christ Jesus, does forgive our debts.

And how should we act, because He has forgiven us?

We should forgive those that trespass against us.

If you read the rest of the parable, you will find this forgiven servant, went out from where he might have been put in slavery…….and finding a fellow servant which owed him money (a very small amount compared to the amount he was forgiven).

What did he do to this fellow servant?

Matthew 18:28-30 “…he laid hands on him, and took by the throat, saying, Pay me what thou owest.

And his fellow servant….besought him, saying, Have patience with me and I will pay thee all.

And he would not: but…cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.”

What?!

What unkindness, and ingratitude for the forgiveness he had received!

Did he think he merited to be forgiven? And others did not?

The fellow servant’s debt was small in comparison to his, and he did not need that money to repay his own debt…..Should he not have forgiven freely, as he was freely forgiven?

(Yet how many times we act the same way to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We get angry and say things. We ask forgiveness and it comes…..but when others say something about us? Do we forgive?)

But the Lord found out what he had done. It saddened Him to hear.

Calling the servant back, he required at his hand the same treatment he gave his fellow servant.

Why?……because he had not “compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee.”(Matthew 18:33)

Jesus was stressing to His disciples the importance of not offending each other…..and if the offense has come:

to forgive, as our Father in Heaven has forgiven us.

Much blessing is given those to do forgive (hard as it seems at the time).

And much sadness and depression comes to those who do not.

Forgive, as I forgive you, Jesus said. And joy and blessing will follow.

Mark:

2 Timothy 4:11 “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”

It was not always so. Mark the writer of the Gospel of Mark, was first named in:

Acts 12:12 “And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.”

He was a believer, young and right in the middle of things from the first.

The verses where he is first mentioned, was where Herod began a persecution against the church.

James was taken and killed by the sword. (Acts 12:1-2). And Peter was taken, and put in prison.

But Peter, was kicked awake by an angel, and brought out of prison (Acts 12:6-11).

Then he found his way to Mary’s house, a Christian who had kept a prayer meeting going for his release.

Acts 12:5, 12 “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; for many were gathered together praying.”

Mary was John Mark’s mother, and Mark saw many wonderful things in those early days.

But his personal faith was not so strong. (Which suggests that seeing miracles, or great spiritual acts does not always increase faith…by themselves.)

Paul and Barnabas had John Mark for their helper, when they went out on their first missionary journey.

Acts 13:5 “And when they were come to Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.”

But as they went on in their missionary journey; John Mark became frightened and decided to go back from the work, to Jerusalem, where he thought he would be safe.

Acts 13:13 “Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.”

Paul and Barnabas continued their journey, experiencing many wonderful and terrible things (this missionary journey was where Paul was stoned: Acts 14:19).

But no John Mark.

After the first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas went up to Jerusalem to speak about the growing problem of Judiazers.

(Those that taught they could not be saved except they follow the Law, as well.)

Acts 15:1 “And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.”

Paul and Barnabas were sent by the brethren to go to Jerusalem, and having spoken about what the Holy Spirit was doing among the Gentiles…..it was determined that God had received the Gentiles…

so they made the decision to admit them, without making them follow the Law.

John Mark must have come with the men which came back to the church at Antioch, for he is Barnabas’ nephew.

Some while later, Paul and Barnabas begin to talk of visiting the churches they had preached to before (Acts 15:36)

But before they get started, “a contention”.

Acts 15:37-38 “And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

But Paul thought not good to take with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia and went not with them to the work.”

You will notice the terms the Holy Spirit uses here:

Barnabas “determined”.

Paul “thought not good”.

John Mark was Barnabas’ nephew, and he would want to give him another chance to do what he should have.

But his “determined”, meant, he already had his mind made up.

He was going to do this. No matter what anyone said….this is never a good attitude.

Paul “thought it not good”. He was looking at the churches.

How would it appear to them, to have someone who would not hazard his life for Christ to come and minister to them?

These churches had begun to experience persecutions……how could Mark stand before them?

Now notice the Holy Spirit’s terms for the results of this “contention”.

Acts 15:39-40 “And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.”

Barnabas “took”. His mind had become hard, unmoving on this point; this was what he was going to do.

Paul “chose”. Thinking what should be best for Christ’s work.

Barnabas took off with Mark. It seems as if the Holy Spirit is emphasizing his willfulness. What a shame! You never hear of Barnabas’ work in the Scriptures again.

Paul chose, having the recommendation of the brethren, unto the grace of God.

Two different choices…two different ways.

But what about Mark?

Was there really a second chance for him? Of course….with the Lord, in His Way, there is always a way of forgiveness and restoration.

Some say that under the hand of Peter, he grew up into Christ.

For he was Peter’s helper.

1 Peter 5:13 “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.”

Some say the Gospel of Mark is actually Mark, writing it for Peter.

Whether that is true, Mark was restored to a work, for the Lord.

He grew up, and began to understand the true value of the life in Christ Jesus, no matter what the place or circumstances.

For it is not just miracles, and signs; but life, real life in our spirits, souls (personalities), and bodies.

Paul wrote later of Mark:

Colossians 4:10″Aristarchus my fellow prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom you received commandment: if he come unto you receive him:)

2 Timothy 4:11 “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”

Mark has become “profitable”….a vessel meet for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:20-21)

Later Paul writes about bishops:

1 Timothy 3:6-7 “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

He also wrote:

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation (everyday actions), in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

We are to keep growing by yielding to the Holy Spirit, in encouragement, correction, and guidance.

We will never have sinless perfection…but we can be forgiven…grow…and go on with Christ.

Mark did.

Partakers of His Holiness

Hebrews 12:10 “For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.”

Let us consider “Holiness”, for there is a lot of confusion about this word.

Holiness when it speaks about God, is His sinlessness.

This attribute is the beauty and perfection of all His attributes, which are many. He is Good, Mighty, Powerful, Merciful, full of Grace, Purposeful, Wise, and much more.

But Holiness is the greatest attribute, for His purity of thought, will, and action is wonderful.

(Imagine a God who was wicked, or greedy, or impure. What a hell, created beings would be placed in, under him.)

But holiness, when it speaks about Christians, is when we willingly place ourselves at God’s disposal; to do with us as He wills.

To send us where He wills. And to give us the circumstances of our lives, as He wills.

(In essence, it is the same as sanctification. Holiness is the noun; sanctification is the process of getting there.)

So when it says “that we might be partakers of His holiness”…..it means that we, by the Holy Spirit within, begin to experience God’s love of purity.

We begin to seek how to please Him, by the obedience of life and heart.

This is a process, which begins at new birth, and continues on, throughout our Spiritual lives.

When we fall down, He will correct us, and we get back up, to walk with Him.

Hebrews 12:11 “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grieveous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

It is for our profit…..that we might have the freedom of a life, lived in fellowship with Him.

Fellowship is what God wants to share with us.

(We go from the fellowship of children, knowing mostly His love and care….

to the fellowship of disciples, learning His ways and commands for “me”….

to the fellowship of friends, walking and sharing all He has for us….

and it continues on, and will forever!)

The Lord showed me this, very clearly once:

Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”

I was an alcoholic. And when I became born again, He removed the desire for the drink.

Praying about the great and wonderful grace He had given me….

…He said, “I didn’t pick you up out of the gutter, so you could be….”somebody”.

I picked you up, and cleaned you up, so that I could have fellowship with you.”

This was all for His own sake: And I praises Him for it!

Hebrews 12:12-13 “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”

Lift up the hands which hang down. Tired? Are you weary in well doing?

Then raise up your hands in thanksgiving and praise….

Remember the many mercies He has given you, and begin there.

Ephesians 5:19-20 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in you heart to the Lord;

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

Then the present gifts of grace and peace will come to mind, and thank Him for them.

And most of all remember to thank Him for Who He is to you. Savior, Friend, Comforter, and King.

(Don’t you feel your heart being lifted, even now?)

And the feeble knees. Those things which should be holding you steady, are feeling weak?

Strengthen them by determining to stand in your place (not someone else’s place… being like someone else never make you strong) as He has shown you.

(Sometimes it takes great determination to overcome the fear; but if you will determine, He will give you power to overcome.

And if you do not know: will to know and He will show you. John 7:17. “…he shall know of the doctrine, or will…”)

And make straight paths for your feet.

If you have been “wobbling” back and forth from the world’s plans,….to God’s will…….Stop!

(“A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8)

Has your experience been like the ship in a storm: up, one minute; and down the next?

He has stability and established strength for you (1 Peter 5:10). You can make straight paths for your feet.

This is to set in order before Him the purpose we were created for; and the means, or way that you should take.

Seek the Lord for just what you should do, each day.

Well, you say, I have to go to work, or school. Or today I do the laundry, or visit Aunt Mary.

What it means is that we are to bring all our plans for each day to Him, and seek guidance from Him for them….what ever they are.

It is not just where we go, but in the attitude we take with us.

I have visited many people, not because they were nice, or even because they wanted to see me….

But I went, because the Lord wanted me to.

Simple as that. And then, it was according to God’s Will. The Lord’s blessing could attend it.

I have gone to my job, with the same attitude; Because the Lord told me, I was not there as men pleasers; but “I serve the Lord Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

This is to make straight paths for your feet. You will not stumble or fall, if you follow your Master, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Where He leads, He has gone before. When He stops us; it is so we will not fall off a cliff (even if we can not see it).

Yield to the Holy Spirit’s impressions within, and Christ’s guidance in His Word to us; and be “partakers of His Holiness”.

Isaiah 30:21 “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the Way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

His Voice is in our ears, if we want to hear…

This way leads to joy,…and usefulness.

Ye are the Salt of the Earth

Salt, in scripture, is the preserving power of active righteousness, and grace.

Salt preserves whatever it is in. It keeps it from becoming putrid and rancid. It kills the germs which would destroy it.

So salt, as Jesus talks about here, is the grace which always seeks the right way of acting and doing. It preserves us from the corrupt policies of the world, and the rotten attitudes and opinions from within ourselves.

It keeps us set aside to God, and His will for us.

In the narrow way, we are helped and maintained by the preserving power of salt.(The empowering of grace, which supports our obedience, each day)

Matthew 5:13 “Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt hath lost it’s savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and be trodden under foot of men.”

(Salt works its way into things. If you salt meat on the outside, and let it set; that salt will work its way into the meat, and season all of it.)

Like salt on meat, so the “salt” of active obedience, and grace works its way into our hearts, cleansing and purifying us; so that we can have that strengthening fellowship with our Lord Jesus, that we need.

Every sacrifice in the Tabernacle, was to be offered with salt. The nature of man is corrupt; and so it must be “salted”, so the sacrifice unto God would be acceptable.

(Romans 12:1-2). For the salting showed the Covenant of God, who set aside a people to be His, in righteousness, and holiness. The salt symbolized this.

The salt for the sacrifice was provided by money which all the people gave. It showed that fellowship with their Holy God, was to be enjoyed, and preserved by the obedience of all the people.

Leviticus 2:13 “And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the Covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thy offerings thou shalt offer salt.”

The salt of grace tests everyone.

Mark 9:49-50 “For everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith shall ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. ”

Either it will preserve us from the uncleanliness of the world, the flesh, and the devil;

Or our sins will be a fire within us. For the pleasures we secretly desire, and won’t put away; will burn us up.

Salt is good. For all who use it. Grace is the unmerited favor of the power of God in a Christian’s life.

Are we putting to use, the “salty” nature of grace for ourselves?

Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

We are to “season” our conversations with the knowledge of Christ, and grace. We are to use wisdom and grace to answer every man that asks us of the hope that is within us, with meekness and fear.(1 Peter 3:15)

Ephesians 3:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Salt is good. It preserves our hearts, and tongues. Let us use the salt of grace, and have fellowship with Christ Jesus in all we do.

Let us be the salt of the earth, helping to preserve those we come into contact with; by showing forth the righteousness of Christ.

Keep the Garden of our Souls

Genesis 2:15 “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”

In the beginning, God placed man in a beautiful garden, to dress and keep it.

After the fall of man, when he was chased out of Eden for his sin; he was given another garden to keep: The garden of our souls.

Our souls are our minds, hearts, and wills….our personalities.

Proverbs 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are issues of life.”

Is our soul-garden producing fruit? Or is it full of thorns and briers?

Hebrews 6:7-8 “For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, recieveth the blessing from God:

But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.”

Here is the complaint of many workers of God…they have been busy keeping a watch for other souls (by prayers, and the Word)….

but often forget the one thing needful for themselves…..fellowship and communion with Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus, when He was here on earth, gave a parable about a certain fig tree:

Luke 13:6–9 “He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years have I came seeking fruit on this fig tree and found none: cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground?

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I dig about it, and dung it:

And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that Thou shalt cut it down.”

Yes, He was speaking about Israel here….yet the meaning is true for all who are not bearing fruit.

(For you see, we all bear fruit, if we have His Spirit and faith within)

The Father is telling His gardener, Jesus Christ, to get rid of this plant. I’ll plant something else….it is no good.

But Jesus says, Father Lord, let Me dig about it…..give them more of the influence of the Spirit, and more Light.

Let Me fertilize it by showing more of My Word. I will cause an awakening to come, and see if they will respond and yield.

If they yield and obey Me; and bear fruit (the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23] within)…..all will be well.

If not, then they are in Your hands to trim, or cut off any excess; or remove it altogether.

But how do we keep our souls? How do we bear fruit?

It comes, in yielding to the life within. Yeilding is to come over to Their side.

God places His life within us by His Holy Spirit, and gives us faith.

Faith is an active ingredient….It works, and never stops working in us…to keep us grounded in Him.

By faith we believe…(Hebrews 11:3)

By adding to our faith, by the promises God gives us, we receive much more….(2 Peter 1:5-8)

By faith we overcome…(1 John 5:4)

By faith we remove the mountains of problems and anxiety….(Matthew 17:20)

It is our shield against the fiery accusations of the devil….(Ephesians 6:16)

We are sanctified by faith…(Acts 26:18)

Christ Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith.

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.”

He works within us….and around us in our circumstances…..and for us….to bring us into His presence with praise.

Let us learn to yield to Him, in His Word, His Spirit, and His light.

Jude 20-21 “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

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

What grows in the garden of your soul?

Jude 24-25 “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,

To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

A New Way

Joshua 3:4 “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: Come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which you must go: For ye have not passed this way heretofore.”

“You have not passed this Way, before.”

The Israelites were crossing Jordan to obtain their inheritance as God’s people.

They were to keep in their sight the Ark of God, which was way out front, for that would lead them right.

There would be battles, some miraculous, others hard fought. (Jericho—Joshua 6:20; the forced march to Gibeon—Joshua 10:9-10)

There would be failures, and repentance’s. (Achan’s theft—Joshua 7:10-11)

There would be those who did not want to leave the safety of the camp, to go into their own territory. (Joshua 18:3-4)

And mostly there would be God, always present, guiding and leading….first, by Joshua.

Then by the Law and priests.

Then by their own love of God……if they would continue in it.

We have not passed this Way before. We are entering into new territory, new promises.

There is new ground to walk, new heights to be gained.

[Once I was taking one of my prayer walks, and I was praying about some things the Lord had been dealing with me about….when the Lord showed me that I had finally got these things into my life.

(Sometimes, when you have been working at something for a while, as I had, we need to see just how far we have come….it is a great feeling to know you have got further with the Lord.)

Wow! I felt on top of the heights! And the Lord let me feel that for awhile as I praised Him for bringing me through.

Then it was like He nudged me, and said, “But up there is where we are going”……and as though the fog lifted before me, I saw a mountain, very high, and a pinnacle there.

Yes, I had finally gotten this habit taken care of, but there was so much more to have in Christ….and He wanted me to know the….’where “we” are going’.

There had been joy before, but now there was joy poured forth. I felt empowered to leap mountains.

I have found, since then, the way up, is difficult….but He has been with me. And He has always been my greatest joy.]

“You have not passed this Way, before.”

Our inheritance is in what we become, by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

And the calling and ministries He has given us.

It is the fruit of the Spirit within. As we bare this fruit within, we conqueror our souls.

Christ has saved them…now we are to possess them and give them back to Him, in love, joy, peace, etc.

Luke 21:19 “In your patience possess ye your souls.”

In other words, have your mind, heart and will under subjection to God,….so no matter what is going on around you, you will be kept and steady in the storm.

The Holy Spirit uses His Word to guide us into bearing these fruits; having what the Lord has for us….within us…and then through us.

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith,

Meekness, temperance; against such there is no law.”

Love: The Spirit first makes sure, you know, you are loved of God. (1 John 4:19)

Then He implants love within you, for the Lord, and His people. He leads you into desiring Him, in all His attributes.

Joy: This is a choice fruit….for it is the lifting up of our hearts and minds, no matter what is going on. It is of the Lord, and not circumstances…and it can not be “worked up”, but it is a gift from our most Joyous God. (It makes us like cream….always rising to the top)

Peace: This places us firmly on the only solid ground…the Rock of Christ…and keeps us there. The wind, storm, and enemies below may threaten….but can not move us off our Rock. (Philippians 4:7)

Long-suffering: This is “putting up with” people for Christ’s sake. Giving them another chance. In the Greek it means, “long enduring temper” or patience.

Gentleness: Being as kind to others, as Christ has been to you.

(We know a “yeller”. When this person would get frustrated or upset, their voice would get louder and louder. Not screaming or horrible words, but loud. It took a long time for the Holy Spirit to work this in that person’s life. And as they say, Keeps working in me.)

Goodness: This comes from the “good works” we are to do as His workmanship…”created in Christ Jesus unto good works…”(Ephesians 2:10).

We are to be useful: to our family, our church, and others. (Romans 15:14)

Faith: This is a gift from God to us, that we might know Him, and this we are to do…using our faith, we are to increase our knowledge of the Lord by believing.

(Matthew 9:28-29 “And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus said unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto Him, Yea, Lord.

Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you.”

We are to increase our faith by believing Him, in all situations.)

Meekness: This is becoming humble…letting the Lord have all the glory, and letting Him exalt you, when He thinks it is good.

[It is interesting to note, that as we go on with the Lord, we become more focused on giving Him all the praise…for we realize, after dealing with us so tirelessly, He deserves more than we can ever give.]

James 4:6 “But He giveth more grace, wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

Temperance: Self-control, or to have the mastery over yourself.

And this leads us back to:

“In your patience possess ye your souls.”

God wants us to obtain all the promises, all the gifts, all the fruits…..all…everything that He has for us, in and by the Holy Spirit within.

He uses every situation, everyday to lead us forth to new things.

Will we be lead out, and follow Him?…..”for ye have not passed this way, before”.

The Seven sayings of Christ on the Cross

Luke 23:33:

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.”

Christ is now brought to the place of His greatest suffering. The beatings are past but the shame and desertion by God; death, and burial ahead.

But how does He meet them?

Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”

The first thing He says on the Cross is: “Father, forgive them.”

He forgave them first. They did not ask for it; but He, as the greatest King, forgave the greatest debt, and He did it before they asked.

The “them”, were those chief priests who tried Him and took Him to Pilate,

the Jews who cried “Crucify Him”,

and those who stood and mocked Him, even in His miserable suffering,

the people crying,

and the Romans who nailed His hands.

As the mocking continues, the malefactors enter in. But then one speaks up for Christ:

Luke 23:40-42 “But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

And we indeed justly;…but this man hath done nothing amiss.

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”

Here, one is saved, by belief in the Lord; and one is not. For the second thing Jesus said on the cross was another word of forgiveness, and also blessing:

Luke 23:43 “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be. With me in paradise.”

Then, looking down Jesus saw His mother, and John, the beloved disciple, who was the only one who had followed Him from the Garden to the Cross.

He, alone of the disciples, stood at the foot of the cross, ready to be arrested, if necessary, to stay close to Jesus.

So Jesus speaks the third sayings:

John 19:26 “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!”

John 19:27 “Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”

Here, Jesus sees to His mother, committing her into the hands of John, the beloved disciple.

She was to look on him as the son she lost.

He was to look on her as his mother, and take care of her, seeing to her in her old age.

(This he did, and it is said, that she went with him on his preaching tours; that her bones are buried in the wall of Ephesus.)

Six hours the sun had shone down upon all of this suffering.

Luke 23:44-45 “And it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.”

The sun “was darkened”: The awful agony of the sin bearer, fulfilling the suffering of the wrath of God on our sin, was “darkened”. No one but God and Christ, could enter into this propitiation.

God darkened the sun, to show that this was not for view; no one would understand such suffering, and so, no one could truly view it in it’s terror. This suffering went on until He paid the price for all that would come to Him.

In this time, Jesus spoke the fourth saying:

Matthew 27: 46 ” And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani ? That is to say, My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

God forsaking Him was because of our sin; for God can not look upon sin, without wrath.

And Jesus was “‘made sin for us”. (2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we may be made the righteousness of God in him.”)

The price paid, Jesus spoke the fifth saying:

John 19:28 “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.”

They had offered him wine mingled with myrrh to deaden the pain, earlier; but He refused it. He would feel every moment of pain, that He would be able to pay the full debt of our sin.

Mark 15:23 “And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.”

But this time, they gave him vinegar.

John 19:29 “Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.”

Then, He spoke the sixth and seventh sayings:

John 19:30 ” When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

Luke 23:46 “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, (That is He cried for all who would hear, to hear “It is finished”) he said, Father, into they hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”

Jesus, having finished the work of atonement, cried out; but then he gave his spirit unto the Father, in the last solemn moment before death.

Christ was our High Priest, who offered Himself as the Sacrifice for sin, for us.

In every saying there was love, offered again and again, for those who would receive it.

He drained every drop of suffering for us. And died, was buried, and rose again to give us His Eternal Life.

Do you have Him in your life?

The Woman taken in Adultery

Jesus is sitting in the Temple, teaching to all the people, when some scribes and Pharisees bring a woman in, and put her in the midst of His teaching session.

John 8:4-5 “They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?”

Here is a historical fact: Adultery in Israel was to be punished by stoning.

Here is the lesson: God’s forgiveness overrules sin’s punishment.

Here are several men, older and younger who find a woman who is “taken in adultery”; or committing it at the time the men walked in.

There were no thoughts that this was a mistake….”No, I did not do what they are accusing me of. I’m innocent.” No, she did it.

What these men were doing there, is not said; except that they did it to trick Jesus, so they could accuse Him.

But, Jesus, knowing the reason in their hearts for this question, simply ignores them….or so it would seem.

He begins to write in the sand with His finger.

What He wrote, is not known.

They gathered around Him as vultures, wanting His destruction…..more than the woman, they were supposed to be questioning about.

(I, personally, think Jesus was writing dates; maybe when they had been with this woman…they all knew where to find her. Or other names of the women they had used.)

Whatever He wrote (and it does say “wrote”), when He had wrote enough, He stood up, looked at them, and said:

John 8:7 “So when they continued asking him, He lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

The Law was God’s Word. It was right.

Yet it was the judges that were wrong.

They did not want to condemn this woman alone….they wanted grounds to condemn Jesus.

So again, Jesus stoops down and writes on the ground.

He had answered their question…..with a question to their conscience.

John 8:9 “And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and woman standing in the midst.”

Here is power, not on their hearts, but on the conscience.

Our conscience is the part of us that believes there is a judgement somewhere, somehow; whether by God, or not.

That all our actions, have a reaction back at us.

Their conscience convicted; they simply left. Retreat was the best defense.

But the woman stayed.

This is an amazing thing, I believe.

She could have tried to leave when they were leaving, or afterwards; but she stayed to hear Jesus’s judgement.

And because she did….Halleluia….we have the lesson of forgiveness.

John 8:10-11 “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?

Than she said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more.”

She called Him, “Lord”; that is why she stayed, because she bowed to His Lordship. She was guilty, she deserved to be condemned, but she was the only one to stay and here what He judged.

And because she left herself in His hands, she left with a new life…”go and sin no more.”

This woman came in, a sinner, and left forgiven. The scribes and Pharisees came in self-righteousness, and left convicted.

The difference is in yielding to the Light of Jesus Christ.

She did. They refused.

John 8:12 “Then spake Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

And remember He says: the light of life. It isn’t light for an instant….but for a lifetime.

He is light. He is life. Let us stay and yield to Him; and rejoice that our sins can be forgiven.

Christ will Rule….Let us Consider Judas

Christ Jesus came to seek and to save all who will come to Him.

Now He seeks that we will follow Him, and make Him our King.

Matthew 6:10 “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”

Of our own will , bowing to His Will that He might rule and reign within us; in His Kingdom of Light and Love.

It is my conviction, that all who refuse Him as King, place themselves as enemies of Christ, and must yet hear this from Him:

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither and slay them before me” (Luke 19:27)

We think we can deal with God, and still keep options open in case we change our mind. A back door, so to speak.

But we never really have the fullness of anything God gives us, until we are fully His.

Luke 16:11 “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”

This is money, of course, but also all the things God has given us: Our relationships, and our jobs, are we being faithful?

God will not give you more than a taste of those “true riches” until you are surrendered to Him.

Have you ever thought of Judas?

His calling to follow Jesus, was never told.

Why he followed Jesus, he never said.

It soon came to light that he was a thief, and stole from the Man he said he followed, and from those that were with him.

The first place you hear of Judas, was when Jesus called the men which followed him, disciples.

He gave them power to heal; and a commission to go and preach, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

In the list of “the twelve”, was Judas.

Matthew 10:4 “Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”

Notice the time when Jesus called Himself the Bread of Life.

John 6:35 “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

Judas was there with the other disciples, and at this time there were more than twelve. After Jesus says to them that they would have to “eat” his flesh, many of His disciples “went back”.

John 6:66 “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

Jesus was talking of having Him in their lives, which would give them life, as bread does.

But many refused His saying…not because they did not understand it, but because it was “a hard saying”. It demanded, what they were not ready to give. So they left.

John 6:60 “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?”

Yet Judas stayed. Again, why?

John 6:64 “But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.”

Notice, Jesus makes a difference between believing not, and betraying him.

If Judas had “believed not”, he would have left with the others who refused to believe that Jesus was going to give them a better life, than they had.

But Judas was the betrayer. Already there were signs of betrayal.

For he pretended to follow Jesus, while he sought occasion to steal from Him.

(John 12:6 “This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.”)

And then to sell Him. And Jesus knew.

It was an act so vile, because of the privilege he was given….three years he spent time with Jesus.

And because he could have walked away….anytime.

How much he would have seen in the time he had spent with Jesus?

How many miracles? How many lepers cleansed, the blind to see, and the multitudes fed!

How many times he heard how Jesus answered every accusation, and question!

Just how much Light, he was sinning against!

Was thirty pieces of silver worth it? (Matthew 26:14-15)

Have you ever considered his “repentance”, and what came of it?

Matthew 27:3-5 “Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to that.

And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

The word “repented himself” here, in the Greek, means regret. A feeling that he had hurt himself, by doing this, and so he wanted to retrace his decision, to save himself……when that could not happen…..he destroyed himself.

(There are several Greek words which are translated “repent”. But to truly “Repent” is to change our minds, hearts, and wills about something. It is to act completely different toward the object. We are to repent of our sins…and our attitude about the Lord.

Matthew 21:28-29 “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.

He answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented, and went.”

This is true repentance….to change his mind and heart about his answer, and the attitude to the father….and go and do.)

He regretted for himself, that he had betrayed “innocent blood”.

Not a word about betraying God’s Son to death…..for money…..by a kiss.

Why not choose something else….except that Judas wanted to show how much he despised the Lord….so he betrayed Him by a kiss.

(But it was all too late. The Son of God/the Son of Man, which he never believed in, or loved, was going to die a cruel death….for the sins of the world.)

He went to the wrong people, if he wanted forgiveness for his sin.

If he thought they would do anything about it, he was wrong.

He had seen Jesus being condemned, he could have spoken up for Him at the counsel.

But he didn’t.

He realized he had been blinded by his greed; but that was all.

It was all a self-centered cry of desperation; to try and change the judgement that he was feeling heavy upon himself.

And he realized, too late, that the money he loved so much, was useless now.

Judas killled himself, rather that seek forgiveness from the only One who could forgive sins.

What about us? Have we regret, because of the things that are now coming upon us, because of our sins?

Or are we repenting, changing our minds about the sin?

Peter, who denied Him, was forgiven….he ran to an empty tomb…and ran to Jesus on the sea shore. (John 21:14-17). When asked three times about his love, he answered, grieved at the asking….for he remembered three denials….yes, Lord, I love you.

Peter really loved the Lord…..

Judas despised Him and would not come and humble himself and seek forgiveness.

Again, what about us?

But that did not stop God’s Purpose…..nor can any.

Our Lord Jesus died, and rose again; to save all those who would come to Him.

He has all power and authority, and reigns in Heaven; and in the heart of everyone of His people here, who give Him the throne of their hearts.