“For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:11-13)

According to that passage above, there is to be no divisions within the body of Christ. For we are to be in unity with all our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. But unfortunately, we have created Denominations and Associations which could cause divisions among us. And why is that? Do we really think that our fellowship is better than those down the road? Paul the apostle summed it up best when he said: “I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal?” (1 Corinthians 3:2-4 NKJV)

So, according to apostle Paul, it’s not about following him nor any other person except one, and that is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For we can be found guilty bragging about teachers of today and yesterday. This is wrong brothers and sisters in Christ. For God’s word tells us who we should brag upon and follow: “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” (Matthew 4:18-22)

Now, it may be true that we love our God from the heart. We may also be totally sincere in our faith as Christians, loving each other and praying and reaching out to the lost as well. However, at the same time we are building these invisible walls of separation by labeling ourselves. And the sad part of it all, we do it in plain view of the world who is watching and maybe even mocking us. (See Romans 2:23-24) For if we would examine most of the early churches in the New Testament, we would see that they were only referred to according to their locality such as a name of the city or of a person who owned the house. So, these types of labeling were not to show a distinction from one another but to aid the reader to understand their locality.

Therefore, God calls us to be one in Christ and to dwell in unity with fellow believers. Jesus prayed for this Christian unity so that the world may see our love for one another. And not only that, but he also prayed for oneness so that the world would recognize that he truly came from the Father. For Jesus said: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:20-21) And again, this unity can only be accomplished if we obey God by breaking down these dividing walls that we have made. Because let’s face it, if we don’t do it, God may do it in such a way that would surprise us all.

Below are some passages that show references to church locations:

• Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Romans 16:3-5)
• For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. (1 Corinthians 1:11)
• The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (1 Corinthians 16:19)
• Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:1-2)
• Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house: (Philemon 1:1-2 KJV)

A few years back, the Syrian Christians were praying for revival and believing that God would do a great work in their land. They like us had their churches along with their different denominations. And then came the war with its bombings and terrorists. Churches were destroyed and down came their denominational barriers that separated believers. Those Syrian Christians groups who at one time may have questioned each other’s salvation are now gathering together. This they are doing with weekly prayers, asking God to move in their nation and in their churches. Now, these same Christians continue to spread hope in the face of hopelessness, holding high not a political or denominational banner but the banner of Jesus Christ.

And let’s not forget what happened when persecution broke out against the early church as described in the book of Acts. For we read that: “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” (Acts 8:3-4) So, even though Saul caused havoc for these Christians, it worked out for the good. For we read that these believers were scattered everywhere, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. Now, we read that Saul (who is also called Paul) later on converted over to Christianity after having an encounter with Jesus himself. And let’s thank God for that. For he wrote a good portion of the New Testament epistles.

We cannot put God in our own little theological box. Yes, sometimes we get up on our little “soapbox” and act like we know everything. However, we know that God’s ways and thoughts are much higher than ours. For we read: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV) Yes, it’s true. Therefore: “And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” (1 Corinthians 8:2-3) So fellow Christians, instead of causing divisions, let’s just humble ourselves before God and be the body of Christ that we’re called to be. For we must embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ and seek unity for God’s Church. Amen.

Who hath directed the Spirit of Jehovah, or being his counsellor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are accounted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt-offering. All the nations are as nothing before him; they are accounted by him as less than nothing, and vanity. (Isaiah 40:13-17 ASV)

• the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)
• If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. (1 Corinthians 8:2 ESV)

We Christians must always keep our eyes stayed upon the Lord. This way we can be led by his Holy Spirit into all truth. And let’s always remember that we are called to be one in Christ. For Jesus said: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” (John 17:20-23)

And let us also remember what we are commissioned to do. For Jesus said: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Yes, it is true. We are to be the light and salt to this lost world. Therefore, let us stop causing divisions and be soul winners for Christ instead. Amen.

Below are some references concerning what was mentioned above:

• Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
• Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 18:19)
• Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Romans 16:3-5)
• And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. (1 Corinthians 8:2-3)
• For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.

(Note: Text other than the King James Version is abbreviated after each verse. Also, they are listed below in more detail to assist you in your study of God’s word. Therefore: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15)

• NKJV = New King James Version
• ASV = American Standard Versi
• ESV = English Standard Version  

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)

We Christians are so blessed because we have God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Therefore, those fruits listed above should be displayed in our daily lives. And the first fruit we come to is LOVE. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31 KJV)

Next, we have JOY. “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11 KJV) Then we have PEACE: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 KJV) Then of course we have all the other fruits which are: “patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control.” All of these are essential in order for us to have a sound Christian walk.

So, having said all that, shouldn’t we be examining our own lives to see if we are displaying all the fruits of the Spirit? Because even though we may be doing great works for the Lord, it could profit us nothing if we are doing it with the wrong motivation. For Paul the Apostle said: “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ASV)

Therefore, everything we do must be done in love. This would be true even if we see evil being committed and get angry. For even our Lord Jesus got angry at those who were doing wrong. For the Pharisees believed it was wrong to heal on the Sabbath. For we read: “And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. (Mark 3:4-5 KJV). Therefore, because of his love for God his Father and mankind, it was okay for him to get angry at those who were doing wrong. However, we shouldn’t hold a grudge but seek reconciliation after things change or settle down. For God’s word says: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27 KJV) Therefore, let us always make sure our actions are being done in love. For we must walk after the Spirit in everything we think, say, and do. Amen.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11 KJV)

Now we come to the Gifts of the Spirit. For Jesus said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:12-14 ESV) Wow, Jesus said that we would be doing even greater works than what he was doing. We can see happening by Paul the apostle where we read: “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” (Acts 19:11-12 NKJV)

We can see happening with Peter as well: “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” (Acts 5:14-16 KJV) Again, during one of Peter sermons, three thousand souls were saved. “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.’ And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation.’ So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:38-41 ESV) Now, all those gifts displayed above are impressive by the early believers. But where are they today?

“I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn't heal him.” Jesus replied, “You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.” (Matthew 17:16-17 CSB)

So, the question. Why don’t we see more miracles happening in our lives today? For Jesus did say that we will be doing greater works than what he did. Could it be because we who are of this generation have such little faith as Jesus said to his disciples above. I do believe so my fellow Christians. For even today some teachers are preaching lies by saying the gifts of miracles have ceased after the completion of the bible. But this is a flat out lie to cover up our lacking of faith. “And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you’.” (Matthew 17:18-20 ESV) So, there you have it. Jesus himself said it’s because of our lacking in faith that we don’t see many miracles being performed today.

So, I pray that God would help us to have much faith so that we can do the same today. For we need to be a people who are willing to step out in faith as the early church did. However, we must make sure that God gets all the glory and praise in these acts as well. For it is easy for us to get prideful and take the glory upon ourselves.

First, let’s look at some scriptures that speak of our little faith:

•  “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30 ESV)
• “And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:26 ESV)
• “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31 ESV)
• “But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread?” (Matthew 16:8 ESV)
• “He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you”.” (Matthew 17:20 ESV)
• “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 ESV).

Now, let us look at what the scripture says concerning miracles:

• “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:17-18 KJV)
• “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know” (Acts 2:22 KJV)
• “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” (Acts 2:43 KJV)
• “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:29-31 KJV)
• “Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” (Acts 14:3 KJV)
• “Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.” (Acts 15:12 KJV)
• “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” (Romans 15:18-19 KJV)
• “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV)
• “I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” (2 Corinthians 12:11-12 KJV)
• “For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” (Hebrews 2:2-4 ESV)
• “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (James 5:14-18 KJV)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 ESV)

According to that passage above, we Christians should be doing the works that Jesus himself did. That’s because just like Jesus, we are to be filled and led by Holy Spirit. For all the works that Jesus did was through the Spirit of God that dwelt within him. We can see this first happening after he was baptized by John the Baptist where we read: “Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, "you are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased"." (Luke 3:21-22 ESV)

So, what happened after this? “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordon and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil." (Luke 4:1-2 ESV) And let’s take not to what Jesus himself said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Luke 4:18-19 ESV) Therefore, Jesus was our “Forerunner” who set us an example of how we should be living our lives. So, let’s be diligent to always walk after the Holy Spirit and bear much fruit according to God’s word. And again, this can only take place by us walking after the Holy Spirit daily. Therefore, let's take heed to what Jesus said below.

• “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:1-8 ESV)

Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ. We should be bearing “much fruit” as Jesus said. Therefore, let’s always be: “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.” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV)

Below are some scriptures that show Jesus relying on God to do his works:

• “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” (Luke 11:20 KJV)
• “So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” (John 5:19 ESV)
• “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” (John 8:28 KJV)
• “For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life eternal; the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak.” (John 12:49-50 ASV)
• “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” (John 14:10-11 ASV)
• “Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know; him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay: whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.” (Acts 2:22-24 ASV)

So, that all being said, shouldn’t we be practicing and displaying all the gifts of the Spirit? And let us remember that miracles are not just to heal and deliver people from bondage, but also to validate what we are preaching. For in Marks gospel, we read: “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” (Mark 16:20 KJV) So, shouldn’t we be following our Lord our Saviors footsteps as did the early believers? For all these gifts are still available for us today just as they were back then. So, let us pray that God would give us the strength to step out in faith, trusting him to do his mighty works through us. Amen.

God bless you as you seek to do his well. Amen.

(Note: The bible versions used in this article are listed below in more detail to assist you in your study of God’s word. Therefore: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserve
• ASV = New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. 

(Bible passages are shown in italics)

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“There remaineth therefore a sabbath rest for the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest hath himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:9-11 ASV)

When you think of someone that is resting, what example comes to mind? Could it be a person kicking back under a shady tree with a hat pulled over their face? Or even better yet, could it be someone on a vacation getaway relaxing on a white sandy beach on some tropical island? Well, even though these may seem to be good examples, the truth may be just the opposite. You see, being under a shady tree or on a get-away vacation does not promise you relieve from anxieties or feelings of restlessness and fear. Because no matter where you’re at your problems could still follow you there.

So then, true rest is not some outward condition as we read above, but that inward condition which is of the heart. For it can only come from the Holy Spirit dwelling within, given us comfort and hope regardless of our outward condition. Oh, what peace and joy we have in Jesus, for in him we have true rest indeed. So, why not put all your trust in God the Father today? For he truly knows best and will direct all your paths by his Holy Spirit. And let us remember what our Lord and Savior Jesus said: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Below, you will find some scriptures on this topic of peace, hope, and rest:

• I sought Jehovah, and he answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4 ASV)
• Then he said unto them, go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye grieved; for the joy of Jehovah is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)
• Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11)
• Show me thy ways, O Jehovah; Teach me thy paths. Guide me in thy truth, and teach me; For thou art the God of my salvation; For thee do I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5 ASV)
• Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Give thanks unto him, and bless his name. For Jehovah is good; his lovingkindness endureth forever, And his faithfulness unto all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5 ASV)
• Happy is the people that is in such a case; Yea, happy is the people whose God is Jehovah. (Psalm 144:15 ASV)
• Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ASV)
• Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in Jehovah forever; for in Jehovah, even Jehovah, is an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26:3-4 ASV)
• For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)
• Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)
• But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:26-27)
• But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)
• For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
• But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7)
• If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)
• There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (Hebrews 4:9-11)
• In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10)
• These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)

God’s word can truly keep us on the right path. And by keeping our minds stayed on him, we can be victorious in every situation. For in him and him alone is true peace and rest. For Jesus said: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) So then, let us completely rely on him to show us the way. For we must not lean on our own understanding. I say this because it’s so easy to be led astray by worldly deception. Therefore: “Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ASV)

Now, it must be understood that we who are in Christ are a work in progress. So, please do not lose heart if you make a mistake. But instead, repent, get back up and keep persevering by walk after the Holy Spirit. For his word does say: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) However, let’s be diligent not to make that same mistake again. Therefore, let us always keep our mind stayed on the Lord. And the more we do, the deeper we will fall in love for him. And the deeper we fall in love with him, the more we can’t help but keep our mind stayed on him. Amen.

Oh, and for those of you who do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please turn your life over to him today. Confess that you have sinned against God: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:23-25) Yes, God will forgive you of your sins and give you “New Life” through Jesus Christ. And not only that, God will fill you with his Holy Spirit and thus you will be “Born Again.” Amen.

God bless you as you always seek to do his will. Amen. ****

(Note: Text other than the King James Version is abbreviated after each verse. Also, they are listed below in more detail to assist you in your study of God’s word. Therefore: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15)

• ASV = American Standard Version

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