Give Thanks

We Need Not Work

If we have worked so hard in the past to gain victory, the enemy would now have us doing nothing at all.  The life of faith is a life of activity, although there is an immense difference in work that is an expression of our faith and work that is trying to produce faith.  The life of Christ within us is always active.  “My father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” (John 5:17)  As we allow this life to flow, we will be very active.  Those who live in passivity, never allowing the life of Christ to be expressed through them, are simply not abiding.

…for the abiding Christian…there will be extended periods in which no activity is overtly seen, but in the deepest parts of his being he is being strengthened for the day when life within is made apparent in fruit for those around him.  Let me remind you, too, that God does not intend to resolve every manifestation of the flesh through a quick answer…we will allow the Lord as much time as He sees fit to make us mighty oaks.  However, the passive believer who never shows manifestations of life is not abiding, no matter how spiritual he may sound.  True faith cannot help but produce work; it is inevitable and cannot be blocked, for faith is from God and possesses His power.

Just as a tree, by the power of its life, can break in two a mighty boulder beside which it is planted, so faith is the power within you which will overcome all obstacles.  It is not from you but from Him.  Therefore, if you possess faith, it will be manifested.  We will not allow the enemy to stifle our faith through the deception of inactivity.

One of the worst thoughts I have ever heard expressed is that “those who teach ‘abiding’ are teaching passivity.”  I am not sure whether that comes from one who is misguided about what abiding is, or whether it comes from one who is mad at God about something…perhaps both.  Since abiding in Christ is being so connected to Him that His life can, and will, flow through me…it is inevitable that “my life” will be an active life, but it is not me, but Him.

I summarize the most outstanding points for me as such:

·         The life of faith is a life of activity.

·         The life of Christ within us is always active.

·         As we allow this life to flow, we will be very active.

·         True faith cannot help but produce work.

·         Faith is from God and possesses His power.

·         Faith is the power within you which will overcome all obstacles.

·         It is not from you but from Him.

·         If you possess faith, it will be manifested.

Faith

  "Faith is an organ of the Spirit allowing us to receive whatever God is doing.  Faith is a wonderful thing, something that every believer possesses.  It takes the pressure off us to perform and initiate His works, and places emphasis on God, the Creator of the actions."

Watchman

Public Opinion

It is Jesus

Vengeance

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written,“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” --Romans 12:19

Vengeance is an interesting thing in that it promises satisfaction, and yet it brings emptiness and a depletion of spirit that punishes. No vengeful people have a lift in their spirit, a twinkle in their eye, or a bounce in their walk. No! Time and experience have rendered their verdict: Walking in the flesh does not work, nor is it an option, because to participate will increase misery; quite simply, man is not suited for it. Why do we have thoughts of vengeance? Why do we want to get even? What satisfaction could come from seeing the downfall of another? 

Vengeance seems to offer us the morbid satisfaction of relieving our anger, revealing our superiority, punishing those who have wronged us, making others share in the misery they have caused, returning pain to those who offend, and making life unbearable for those we hate.In short, vengeance makes others pay. However, vengeance is a liar with empty promises! It is a leech that sucks out all we are in Christ insofar as compassion, love, and forgiveness are concerned. Vengeance depletes, starves, and in the end poisons us. The world created and held together in Christ does not support the success of vengeance. Our souls and spirits rebel and are repulsed at its slightest introduction. To walk in vengeance is to walk in self-punishment.We are not suited for it! Vengeance is not the way to life.