I'm sure that many of us have heard the saying, "you only live once". This statement is designed to reinforce the sentiment that since you only have one life to live and you "only go around once", that you ought to take advantage of it and live life to the fullest and do the things that will make you happy and allow you to enjoy life. This is where the concept of having a "bucket list" and fulfilling certain life-long dreams comes from. The only fallacy in this perspective is that it is not true. The truth of the matter is that you don't just Live Once. There is an After-Life to the life that we live on this earth. The reason why it's important to conceptualize this reality is because the "Second Life" that we live after this first one is going to last a "whole lot longer" than the one we're living now. Therefore, it would behoove us to develop a proper perspective thereof.
This misunderstanding of "you only live once" is affecting detrimentally the witness of many Christians. A lot of us as believers have bought in to this temporal and finite thinking. We too, go about life with the mind-set that "this is it". We too approach our lives with the misunderstanding that makes us feel we have to make the most out of our situation from a material and circumstantial standpoint. If we embraced the teaching and mind-set that Jesus used regarding life, we would think totally different. As believers in Christ, we do not need to be living for what we can get out of "this life", we need to be living for what we can get out of the life to come. Let me say it again. We don't need to be living for what we can get out of this life, we need to be living for what we can get out of the Life to Come.
When we die, all human beings (saved and unsaved) have an Eternal Destiny. God is an Eternal Spirit (John 4), and since He made man in His Image and after His Likeness, we too are eternal spirits (Genesis 1). With this in mind, there is an "eternal life" or for some, an eternal existence, that awaits every human being that's ever existed on this planet. What the Christian needs to understand is that there is an Eternal Destiny that God has already ordained for us as His children. But the challenge is, your ability to "inherit" and receive that Destiny is contingent upon how you handle the temporal probationary period God has given us while we're here on earth.
Peter asked Jesus one day what the disciples would receive for the sacrifices they had made to follow Him. Jesus responded, "Assuredly I say to you...you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 19, NKJV). Jesus was describing to them the role they would play in the After-Life. When Jesus was being tried by Pilate, His response to him was, "Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of Power" (Matthew 26). Jesus was describing His Eternal Destiny as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Saints, don't get caught up in the here and now. Yes, we have to live "in" today, but that doesn't mean we have to live "for" today. Let the Holy Spirit prepare you for the crown that Jesus has already set aside for you (Revelation 3). Make the choices today that will allow you to reign with Him in His Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20). For the truth of the matter is, you will live more than once.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
The Expectation of Miracles
A few years ago, the Gospel group the Clark Sisters, put out a song entitled "I'm Looking for A Miracle". I want to ask, are you looking for a Miracle today? Better yet, not only are you looking but are you expecting a Miracle? I don't know of too many people, saved or unsaved, that could not use a Miracle in their lives. Whether it be physical, relational, financial or vocational; everybody could stand to see God's Supernatural Intervention in their lives. However, Miracles for many of us, and I'm talking about Christians, is more of the exception but not the rule. We say things like "it was a miracle that the Lord woke me up this morning". That's not true. Just like it's not a miracle that you're breathing or thinking (unless God intervened supernaturally for you to do those things), it's not a miracle that you woke up this morning. Why do I say that? Because God did not have to stretch the Natural Order of things in order to get you up. I didn't say God wasn't responsible, I said that God didn't perform a Miracle.
I'm stressing this point because if we continue to mis-define what Miracles are, we won't know what to expect, let alone how to access and receive Miracles when God does perform them. A Miracle is a Supernatural Act of God that overrides the Natural Order that He has created. There is a Natural Realm and there is a Supernatural Realm. Most human beings operate strictly and solely in the Natural Realm. However, God has granted the privilege to His children (Christians) to operate in both. This is why if you're a believer in Christ, then you're not restricted to just functioning in the Natural Realm. You have access through faith in Jesus to operate in the Supernatural Realm as well. This is where Divine Miracles come from.
One of the reasons why the mainstream church does not witness more Miracles with a consistent degree of regularity is because of our conditioning and our lack of faith. In the church I grew up in, we were not taught to expect the Manifestation of the Miraculous when we would come to church. Not that we weren't taught that God is a Miracle-Working God, but we weren't taught to expect Miracles, let alone how to access them on our behalf. It's interesting that many churches will preach that scripture, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13). When you look at the Ministry of Jesus, all He did was Miracles. That was the norm and the expectation of those who followed Him. So why aren't we witnessing more demonstration of the Miraculous in His church, if His Ministry hasn't changed?
Saints, we have to make an adjustment in our faith. I want to challenge you to just start expecting a Miracle. I'm not asking you to make some Radical Spiritual Shift; I'm just encouraging you to expect a Miracle. You know where you need God to intervene Supernaturally. It may be in your family, it may be in your finances, it may be in your health; but expect it. Then I want you to ask God specifically for a Miracle in your area of need. Don't tell Him what to do, and don't tell Him how to do it. Just ask God for a Miracle in your area of need, after you've established a level of expectation. I guarantee you, if you'll raise your level of faith expectation, God will show you demonstrably that He still works Miracles on behalf of His children.
I'm stressing this point because if we continue to mis-define what Miracles are, we won't know what to expect, let alone how to access and receive Miracles when God does perform them. A Miracle is a Supernatural Act of God that overrides the Natural Order that He has created. There is a Natural Realm and there is a Supernatural Realm. Most human beings operate strictly and solely in the Natural Realm. However, God has granted the privilege to His children (Christians) to operate in both. This is why if you're a believer in Christ, then you're not restricted to just functioning in the Natural Realm. You have access through faith in Jesus to operate in the Supernatural Realm as well. This is where Divine Miracles come from.
One of the reasons why the mainstream church does not witness more Miracles with a consistent degree of regularity is because of our conditioning and our lack of faith. In the church I grew up in, we were not taught to expect the Manifestation of the Miraculous when we would come to church. Not that we weren't taught that God is a Miracle-Working God, but we weren't taught to expect Miracles, let alone how to access them on our behalf. It's interesting that many churches will preach that scripture, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13). When you look at the Ministry of Jesus, all He did was Miracles. That was the norm and the expectation of those who followed Him. So why aren't we witnessing more demonstration of the Miraculous in His church, if His Ministry hasn't changed?
Saints, we have to make an adjustment in our faith. I want to challenge you to just start expecting a Miracle. I'm not asking you to make some Radical Spiritual Shift; I'm just encouraging you to expect a Miracle. You know where you need God to intervene Supernaturally. It may be in your family, it may be in your finances, it may be in your health; but expect it. Then I want you to ask God specifically for a Miracle in your area of need. Don't tell Him what to do, and don't tell Him how to do it. Just ask God for a Miracle in your area of need, after you've established a level of expectation. I guarantee you, if you'll raise your level of faith expectation, God will show you demonstrably that He still works Miracles on behalf of His children.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Spiritual Depression
A lot of times people have the impression that being a Christian automatically makes you a happy person. The image of the Christian is that because they have God in their life and Jesus as their Savior, that no matter what is going on in their life, they're still supposed to be "happy". In Christian vernacular, a lot of times we translate this for "joy". However, this is all a misconception. There are going to be times when, as Christians and children of God, we are going to have hard times. We are going to be depressed. We are going to feel sad. We are going to be disappointed; and we are going to be stressed. As a matter of fact, as we mature in the Christian faith and in our walk with Christ, there will be seasons where we will have to endure "Spiritual Depression". Of course this is not a topic that is frequently addressed in the mainstream church, but it is biblical.
The bible says in the 4th chapter of James, "be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness". That sounds like a recipe for Depression to me; and it is. But not emotional or psychological depression, it's Spiritual Depression. The Word is telling us to be deliberate and intentional in regards to mourning, weeping and being afflicted. It actually says to turn our laughter and joy into tears and sorrow. Depression. There will be times saints where we will not feel good and we will not be joyful. Even in regards to submission to God's Divine Will for our lives. That's ok. You don't have to "fake" being happy or feeling good just because you're a Christian or just because you're Saved. As a matter of fact, according to the Word of God, some of us might be feeling too good for our own spiritual good. Spiritual Depression is a mandate for the development and maturity of the believer in Christ.
Then let's take a look at Jesus. As He was preparing to Bear His Cross, He said to His disciples, "my soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death". Exceeding sorrowful. That's Spiritual Depression. Hebrews chapter 12 goes on to say, "ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin". As Jesus was challenged to internalize the turmoil and terror of the suffering that He was about to endure in paying the price for the sins of the world, He was so stressed that He was sweating blood (Luke 22). That's Spiritual Depression. Even Jesus, as the Son of God, was required to experience this Spiritual Depression.
Saints, the reality of it is, is that you are not going to be able to accomplish all that God has assigned and called you to do if you do not learn how to experience, internalize and endure Spiritual Depression. There are too many of us, particularly as Christian leaders, that are trying to by-pass this process of Spiritual Development. There are no short-cuts to God's Discipleship Program. Either you submit to the process or you're disqualified as a son (Hebrews 12). No, it's not easy. Yes, it's hard. But He's Worth it. And remember what the word says, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30). We can get to the Brightness of the Morning if we learn to endure Spiritual Depression.
The bible says in the 4th chapter of James, "be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness". That sounds like a recipe for Depression to me; and it is. But not emotional or psychological depression, it's Spiritual Depression. The Word is telling us to be deliberate and intentional in regards to mourning, weeping and being afflicted. It actually says to turn our laughter and joy into tears and sorrow. Depression. There will be times saints where we will not feel good and we will not be joyful. Even in regards to submission to God's Divine Will for our lives. That's ok. You don't have to "fake" being happy or feeling good just because you're a Christian or just because you're Saved. As a matter of fact, according to the Word of God, some of us might be feeling too good for our own spiritual good. Spiritual Depression is a mandate for the development and maturity of the believer in Christ.
Then let's take a look at Jesus. As He was preparing to Bear His Cross, He said to His disciples, "my soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death". Exceeding sorrowful. That's Spiritual Depression. Hebrews chapter 12 goes on to say, "ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin". As Jesus was challenged to internalize the turmoil and terror of the suffering that He was about to endure in paying the price for the sins of the world, He was so stressed that He was sweating blood (Luke 22). That's Spiritual Depression. Even Jesus, as the Son of God, was required to experience this Spiritual Depression.
Saints, the reality of it is, is that you are not going to be able to accomplish all that God has assigned and called you to do if you do not learn how to experience, internalize and endure Spiritual Depression. There are too many of us, particularly as Christian leaders, that are trying to by-pass this process of Spiritual Development. There are no short-cuts to God's Discipleship Program. Either you submit to the process or you're disqualified as a son (Hebrews 12). No, it's not easy. Yes, it's hard. But He's Worth it. And remember what the word says, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30). We can get to the Brightness of the Morning if we learn to endure Spiritual Depression.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Running the Race
If you are familiar with track and field events, then you're familiar when, at the beginning of a race, the announcer says to the runners, "on your marks, get set, GO". Saints, that's where we are right now. We're at the beginning of the Race. I'm sure many of us have been on the Journey for quite some time. But understand, the Journey that many of us have been on has been primarily for Preparation. In most sports, there's a Training Period, where the players simulate, if you will, the real games (pre-season games, scrimmages, etc.). But there comes a time where the practices and the exhibition games cease; it's time to get down to business. And that's where we are in the Spirit realm. It's time to get set for Running the Race.
The scripture says in Hebrews 12, "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us". If you're going to be ready for Running the Race, there are some things you're going to have to lay aside. Whatever things are "weighing you down", you're going to have to let it go. For some of us it's relationships. For some of us it's the stress of our jobs. For some of us it's the frustration with our families. For others it may even be disappointment and maybe even disgust in our churches. Whatever it is saints, you've got to let it go. You can't afford to let it continue to weigh you down and stress you out. You won't be fit for Running the Race.
Then we've got to lay aside the Sin. Many of us have certain sins that seem to "easily beset us". What is a challenge for one person may not be as challenging to another. But whatever your "sin challenge" may be, now is the time to let it go. We're moving into a Season where Holiness and Righteousness are imperative and a prerequisite for participation in this Kingdom Movement. Yes, God's Grace is always sufficient, and we will always have an Advocate with the Father when we sin (1John 2). But remember what Peter says in the first chapter of his first epistle, "wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance". There was a time when God, if I can say it like this, would let us "get away" with certain sins; primarily because of our ignorance (Acts 17). But not anymore! Jesus died not just to forgive us for our sins but to purge us from our sins as well (Titus 2). If we're going to be fit for Running the Race, we've got to lay aside our sin.
Lastly, if we're going to endure in Running the Race, we have to have Patience. This is not a sprint, it is a Spiritual Marathon. There are a lot of things that God is working out behind the scenes on our behalf that we have no clue about. That's why we've got to learn to Run the Race with Patience. Abraham inherited the Promises of God through Faith and Patience (Hebrews 6). Some of us, even in regards to the things of God, are in too much of a rush. And if you're not careful, you're going to rush yourself right out of your Blessing. Be Patient. Wait on God. He's got everything under control. At His Appointed Time the Divine Plan will be manifested. But in the meantime, we've got to make sure that we're staying focused and prepared for Running the Race.
The scripture says in Hebrews 12, "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us". If you're going to be ready for Running the Race, there are some things you're going to have to lay aside. Whatever things are "weighing you down", you're going to have to let it go. For some of us it's relationships. For some of us it's the stress of our jobs. For some of us it's the frustration with our families. For others it may even be disappointment and maybe even disgust in our churches. Whatever it is saints, you've got to let it go. You can't afford to let it continue to weigh you down and stress you out. You won't be fit for Running the Race.
Then we've got to lay aside the Sin. Many of us have certain sins that seem to "easily beset us". What is a challenge for one person may not be as challenging to another. But whatever your "sin challenge" may be, now is the time to let it go. We're moving into a Season where Holiness and Righteousness are imperative and a prerequisite for participation in this Kingdom Movement. Yes, God's Grace is always sufficient, and we will always have an Advocate with the Father when we sin (1John 2). But remember what Peter says in the first chapter of his first epistle, "wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance". There was a time when God, if I can say it like this, would let us "get away" with certain sins; primarily because of our ignorance (Acts 17). But not anymore! Jesus died not just to forgive us for our sins but to purge us from our sins as well (Titus 2). If we're going to be fit for Running the Race, we've got to lay aside our sin.
Lastly, if we're going to endure in Running the Race, we have to have Patience. This is not a sprint, it is a Spiritual Marathon. There are a lot of things that God is working out behind the scenes on our behalf that we have no clue about. That's why we've got to learn to Run the Race with Patience. Abraham inherited the Promises of God through Faith and Patience (Hebrews 6). Some of us, even in regards to the things of God, are in too much of a rush. And if you're not careful, you're going to rush yourself right out of your Blessing. Be Patient. Wait on God. He's got everything under control. At His Appointed Time the Divine Plan will be manifested. But in the meantime, we've got to make sure that we're staying focused and prepared for Running the Race.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Spiritual Activation
In reading the scriptures, you find that there were several people during Jesus's Day that were "waiting for the Kingdom of God". Joseph of Arimathaea, the "secret disciple" of Christ (John 19), is described as one who "also waited for the Kingdom of God" (Mark 15). In Luke chapter 2, the scripture describes Simeon at Jesus's birth as one who was "waiting for the consolation of Israel". And then in Luke chapter 3, the scripture says that the people "were in expectation...whether he were the Christ". These scriptures show that during the time of Jesus, there was an expectation for the manifestation of the Kingdom of God.
Why is this significant? Because we are now in a Day of Expectation. We are now in a "waiting" period. There ought to be in all of our hearts and spirits a deep anticipation for what God is getting ready to release in the earth. He's getting ready to release A Kingdom Move of God. Many of the saints have been waiting for a Move of God. The Spirit has had many of us in preparation, in training, in pruning, in purging, in development; all in anticipation of the Manifestation of the Kingdom of God. I'm sure some of you are saying, "how much longer"? I'm sure there are others of you that are wondering, "I don't know if I can take much more". Be encouraged saints! The time of the Father draweth nigh. But here's what we want to understand: we're simply waiting now for Spiritual Activation.
I am believing that if you've been submissive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit for your life, then you've been in spiritual training and development for the last roughly 3 to 5 years ( in terms of intense spiritual deliberation). You've been challenged to endure a lot of shifts, a lot of changes, a lot of sacrifices, and a lot of waiting. But I want to assure you, it's not in vain. Remember the disciples (of Jesus) went through the same type of training with the Master.
But if you remember, after Jesus was resurrected, He gave them one last Face to Face training session on the Kingdom of God (Acts 1). They then asked the question (and I paraphrase), how much longer do we have to wait for the Manifestation of the Kingdom? Jesus did not answer their question directly, but He answered their question: once you've been Spiritually Activated. That's all we're waiting for now saints. If you've been faithful to the Lord and you've carried out what He's assigned you to do during this Season, then rest assured, you will experience Kingdom Manifestation in your life. Our testimony should be that of Job, "all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come" (Job 14). In Acts chapter 2, the Disciples were finally Spiritually Activated. Just like Moses was at the Burning Bush, just like David was as he fought Goliath, just like Jesus was when He was baptized by John the Baptist and empowered in the wilderness after enduring Satanic attack. Hang on in there saints just a little while longer. And just like the Disciples, once they experienced and received Spiritual Activation, God will use us to change the world.
Why is this significant? Because we are now in a Day of Expectation. We are now in a "waiting" period. There ought to be in all of our hearts and spirits a deep anticipation for what God is getting ready to release in the earth. He's getting ready to release A Kingdom Move of God. Many of the saints have been waiting for a Move of God. The Spirit has had many of us in preparation, in training, in pruning, in purging, in development; all in anticipation of the Manifestation of the Kingdom of God. I'm sure some of you are saying, "how much longer"? I'm sure there are others of you that are wondering, "I don't know if I can take much more". Be encouraged saints! The time of the Father draweth nigh. But here's what we want to understand: we're simply waiting now for Spiritual Activation.
I am believing that if you've been submissive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit for your life, then you've been in spiritual training and development for the last roughly 3 to 5 years ( in terms of intense spiritual deliberation). You've been challenged to endure a lot of shifts, a lot of changes, a lot of sacrifices, and a lot of waiting. But I want to assure you, it's not in vain. Remember the disciples (of Jesus) went through the same type of training with the Master.
But if you remember, after Jesus was resurrected, He gave them one last Face to Face training session on the Kingdom of God (Acts 1). They then asked the question (and I paraphrase), how much longer do we have to wait for the Manifestation of the Kingdom? Jesus did not answer their question directly, but He answered their question: once you've been Spiritually Activated. That's all we're waiting for now saints. If you've been faithful to the Lord and you've carried out what He's assigned you to do during this Season, then rest assured, you will experience Kingdom Manifestation in your life. Our testimony should be that of Job, "all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come" (Job 14). In Acts chapter 2, the Disciples were finally Spiritually Activated. Just like Moses was at the Burning Bush, just like David was as he fought Goliath, just like Jesus was when He was baptized by John the Baptist and empowered in the wilderness after enduring Satanic attack. Hang on in there saints just a little while longer. And just like the Disciples, once they experienced and received Spiritual Activation, God will use us to change the world.
Friday, February 12, 2016
A New Season
It is time for us to recognize that, as we move forward, we have Shifted into a New Season. One of the biggest challenges, I believe, for many Christians is to identify and discern when God has made a Shift in the Season. I want to declare unto you today that this Seasonal Shift has come to pass. Many of you may be feeling like over the last few weeks, some things have changed in your life rather abruptly. This is not a coincidence. For all intents and purposes, things appeared to be going along rather smoothly. Then all of a sudden, "Bam", things changed. All of this doesn't mean that you were "doing something wrong". If you were (or are) the Holy Spirit is faithful to convict you of sin (John 16). But more than likely, the changes you've experienced are simply a sign of the fact that we are in A New Season.
When God shifts the Season, it becomes incumbent upon us to make the necessary adjustments to keep up with God. The God we serve is a God of Movement. He's not a stationary God. He's not a stagnant God. He's a Dynamic God, He's a Missionary God, and He's always on the Move. Therefore, as His children, we have to make sure that we're Moving right along with Him. This is why it's dangerous to get "settled" as a Christian. Regardless of the context; ministerially, relationally, vocationally, maritally, financially. As subjects of the King of kings and Lord of lords, God is apt to pronounce a Shift in any area of our lives at any moment for which He sees sovereignly fit. Therefore, it would behoove us to stay on our "spiritual toes" if you will.
The challenge in properly addressing A New Season is to assess accordingly what the New Season requires. When God Shifts into A New Season, there are some "new" and "different" things that He's requiring of us in order to stay in alignment with His Divine Will and Purpose for our lives. If we fail or refuse to make the necessary "shifts" in regard to the New Season that God is embarking upon, we can get left behind. But it just makes sense; no one (all things considers) wears shorts in the winter when it's 20 degrees. No one wears a fur coat and gloves in the summer when it's 80 degrees. Why? Because the attire is not conducive to the season. Such is the case in the Spirit Realm.
A prophet of God shared a revelation with me once that the Lord had given them. They shared that the Lord gave them a vision of walking down the street. The street was straight, and the prophet was right behind Him. Then all of a sudden the Lord turned the corner, and the prophet could no longer see the Lord. The lesson that the Lord was teaching was (and I paraphrase), make sure that you stay close enough behind me so that when I Shift and turn the corner, you can always keep Me in view. Now is not the time saints to lose sight of what the Lord is doing in our lives and in the earth. Make sure that you allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the necessary adjustments that you need to make entering this New Season.
When God shifts the Season, it becomes incumbent upon us to make the necessary adjustments to keep up with God. The God we serve is a God of Movement. He's not a stationary God. He's not a stagnant God. He's a Dynamic God, He's a Missionary God, and He's always on the Move. Therefore, as His children, we have to make sure that we're Moving right along with Him. This is why it's dangerous to get "settled" as a Christian. Regardless of the context; ministerially, relationally, vocationally, maritally, financially. As subjects of the King of kings and Lord of lords, God is apt to pronounce a Shift in any area of our lives at any moment for which He sees sovereignly fit. Therefore, it would behoove us to stay on our "spiritual toes" if you will.
The challenge in properly addressing A New Season is to assess accordingly what the New Season requires. When God Shifts into A New Season, there are some "new" and "different" things that He's requiring of us in order to stay in alignment with His Divine Will and Purpose for our lives. If we fail or refuse to make the necessary "shifts" in regard to the New Season that God is embarking upon, we can get left behind. But it just makes sense; no one (all things considers) wears shorts in the winter when it's 20 degrees. No one wears a fur coat and gloves in the summer when it's 80 degrees. Why? Because the attire is not conducive to the season. Such is the case in the Spirit Realm.
A prophet of God shared a revelation with me once that the Lord had given them. They shared that the Lord gave them a vision of walking down the street. The street was straight, and the prophet was right behind Him. Then all of a sudden the Lord turned the corner, and the prophet could no longer see the Lord. The lesson that the Lord was teaching was (and I paraphrase), make sure that you stay close enough behind me so that when I Shift and turn the corner, you can always keep Me in view. Now is not the time saints to lose sight of what the Lord is doing in our lives and in the earth. Make sure that you allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the necessary adjustments that you need to make entering this New Season.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Paying the Price
As we press into this Kingdom Move of God, one thing we must be cognizant of is that there is a Price to Pay in order to receive the Kingdom of God. Salvation is free. But it cost the Father His only begotten Son and it cost Jesus His Life. So salvation may be free for us as believers, but it was very costly to God. However, with the Kingdom, there is a price that we have to pay; and the question is, are you ready and willing to Pay the Price.
Jesus says in the fourth chapter of the Book of Revelation, "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire". There is a cost to discipleship. There is a cost to reigning with Christ (Romans 8). There is a cost to receiving and advancing the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven. One of the reasons why we don't witness more of a manifestation of the Kingdom of God in the earth realm is because we don't have more believers willing to pay the price to bring the Kingdom down from the Heavenly Realm. There's a price to pay in order to access that dimension. This is why Jesus says to us "count the cost" (Luke 14). There is a price to pay for the manifestation of the Kingdom of God.
One of the costs that has to be paid is the Cost of Sacrifice. If you're going to follow Jesus and be an instrument and vessel of His Kingdom Advancement in the earth, you're going to have to sacrifice. You're going to have to Sacrifice your Self. You're going to have to sacrifice your pleasures, your wants, your desires, your preferences. That's why Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "not my will, but Thy Will be done" (Luke 22). You're going to have to pay the price of crucifixion of the flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5). You may have to sacrifice your reputation, sacrifice your status-quo. You may have to sacrifice your career. You may have to sacrifice certain relationships, particularly with family and friends. But if you're going to be a witness of God for the manifestation of the Kingdom of God, you're going to have to make a major sacrifice to do so.
Lastly, you're going to have to pay the Cost of Suffering. This is where many believers, including preachers and ministers, draw the line. We don't mind believing in the Lord Jesus, and we don't mind serving Him. But it's another thing when we're called to Suffer for Him. However saints, there's no getting around the challenge of having to pay this price. Many of us avoid this cost because Suffering automatically entails Pain. I mean, who in their right mind wants to willfully endure pain and that which they know is going to hurt? That's why the scripture says, "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2). The natural mind won't be inclined to suffer for Christ, but the supernatural mind will. The scripture also says, "for even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps" (1Peter 2). The days of convenient Christianity are over. God is putting together His army that's going to be supernaturally empowered to usher in a Kingdom Revolution that's going to impact the world for generations to come. The question is, are we willing to Pay the Price to be the witnesses and workers thereof.
Jesus says in the fourth chapter of the Book of Revelation, "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire". There is a cost to discipleship. There is a cost to reigning with Christ (Romans 8). There is a cost to receiving and advancing the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven. One of the reasons why we don't witness more of a manifestation of the Kingdom of God in the earth realm is because we don't have more believers willing to pay the price to bring the Kingdom down from the Heavenly Realm. There's a price to pay in order to access that dimension. This is why Jesus says to us "count the cost" (Luke 14). There is a price to pay for the manifestation of the Kingdom of God.
One of the costs that has to be paid is the Cost of Sacrifice. If you're going to follow Jesus and be an instrument and vessel of His Kingdom Advancement in the earth, you're going to have to sacrifice. You're going to have to Sacrifice your Self. You're going to have to sacrifice your pleasures, your wants, your desires, your preferences. That's why Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "not my will, but Thy Will be done" (Luke 22). You're going to have to pay the price of crucifixion of the flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5). You may have to sacrifice your reputation, sacrifice your status-quo. You may have to sacrifice your career. You may have to sacrifice certain relationships, particularly with family and friends. But if you're going to be a witness of God for the manifestation of the Kingdom of God, you're going to have to make a major sacrifice to do so.
Lastly, you're going to have to pay the Cost of Suffering. This is where many believers, including preachers and ministers, draw the line. We don't mind believing in the Lord Jesus, and we don't mind serving Him. But it's another thing when we're called to Suffer for Him. However saints, there's no getting around the challenge of having to pay this price. Many of us avoid this cost because Suffering automatically entails Pain. I mean, who in their right mind wants to willfully endure pain and that which they know is going to hurt? That's why the scripture says, "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2). The natural mind won't be inclined to suffer for Christ, but the supernatural mind will. The scripture also says, "for even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps" (1Peter 2). The days of convenient Christianity are over. God is putting together His army that's going to be supernaturally empowered to usher in a Kingdom Revolution that's going to impact the world for generations to come. The question is, are we willing to Pay the Price to be the witnesses and workers thereof.
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