The Virtue of Woman

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Virtuous = khah-yil (a force) strong, valiant, worthy. Quality clear rubies are more rare and more valuable than diamonds though the word translated ruby might refer to a pearl which is a remez to Matthew 13:46.  Oysters are unclean to Jews and the pearl which is in response to an irritation doubly so but Jesus considered God to be a merchant who discovered one pearl of great price and sold all to possess it.  God paid His only begotten Son to seal the price. The church is that pearl of great price and should be filled with virtue.  We are often an irritation to the Jews but of great value to God nonetheless.  A woman of virtue is also of great value to God and a husband who treats her without honor or respect may well find himself ill treated by God in response.

Proverbs 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

A virtuous woman is not wasteful or foolish and demanding. In the words of a silly parable, she is able to make a silk purse of a sow's ear; in other words, a virtuous woman can take things of little value and find great purpose in them. She is faithful and full of zeal toward her husband. A wise man respects his wife; a foolish man treats her badly or without respect and reaps the reward of fools.  A wise man knows she is his muse, his encouragement.  She can inspire him to accomplish great things.

Proverbs 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

A virtuous woman is not fickle, she is steady, trusting in the Lord. Her desire is for the welfare of her husband.  A wise husband acknowledges this and in return complements her hard work and gives her honor.

Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

With wool and flax she could keep her family warm in winter and cool in summer. She keeps her eyes open for opportunities and seizes them when they appear. She is diligent and has a positive outlook.

Proverbs 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

When one is focused upon their responsibilities they recognize even distant opportunities to improve family life. The more distracted you are, the narrower your vision. In our cell phone, computer, internet and television society it is a wonder that we can focus on anything of value at all.  It limits your effectiveness to give undue attention to unnecessary stimulus. Your eye is not single, clear, and focused.  How can you even make time to hear God and give Him His due?  How can you see God’s vision when you can’t even see God for the noise in your life.

Proverbs 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She is the first to awaken and makes sure her household has sufficient food to begin their day energized. She cares for any servants as well as family.  In many ways a woman has more endurance than a man.  His strength is greater but his use of a day’s energy is quicker.  The virtuous woman is like a slow fire that can burn longer and more evenly than his.

Proverbs 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She is thoughtful and considerate. She takes the household excess and uses it for the good of the family and tribe. God multiplies her seed sown and produces an excess for trade.  Her focus on His will for her life lead to Proverbs 3:5-6 choices in family and business. She is motivated and led to greatness due to her singular devotion to this passionate desire to bless God and her family.  God has made her to be a visionary in her own way.

Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

A virtuous woman is not one to take the easy or simple path.  Through weariness or pain she presses on to achieve greatness. She is motivated by faith in God and believes she can do all things 'through' Christ.  We often complain that we are too tired or worn out, emotionally and physically, to continue.  Isaiah 40:28-31 argues,

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:  But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Are we willing?  Will we WAIT upon the Lord?  A virtuous woman will.

Proverbs 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

In her wisdom she knows her worth, not in pride but because of God's grace.  She receives value for value and prepares for God's prosperous seasons and also dark times by storing much oil / spirit.  Even those who appear to lack the necessities are made fat by the grace of God (1 Kings 17:9-22, 2 Kings 4:1-7).  Nights will always come while we live in this fallen world.  God will see the faithful through the night into day.

Proverbs 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She knows how to produce the needs of her family. From start to finish she produces and is useful. Her gift to the family is incalculable.  She is a powerful provider.  God never intended that a family should only have one provider.  This is unscriptural.  Both husband and wife are needed for the financial, spiritual and emotional health of the family.  Her primary burden may be the immediate needs of family members but it leads her to exercise the wisdom God offers to meet those varied and important needs. Titus 2:5 says she is to be a keeper of the home.  In all history there have been many varied opportunities for a woman to produce extra income through wisdom.  I believe this is the first and best choice for a family and one in which she is always there to speak into the lives of the next generation.  Even after the loss of her husband and sons, Naomi was a fount of wisdom and support for her daughters-in-law.  She became nurse and supporter of the family after Ruth and Boaz had a son.  According to the Midrash Boaz died the day after his wedding but left Ruth pregnant.  Boaz was a wealthy prince of the land of Israel and under Ruth's management that wealth increased. 

Their son Obed "serving" produced a son named Jesse "I possess" who produced a son David "beloved" whose throne would last forever and be ruled by another who would never die.  This Living Word (John 1:14) who SERVING all mankind would POSSESS ALL and having been acknowledged by God as HIS BELOVED SON would become the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS.  In the background of these three men were mothers who consistently did what was needed to make sure their sons would fully arise to accomplish God's will for their lives. 

The Midrash reports that Jesse after producing six sons of good character with his wife Nitzevet began to doubt his own purity and value (shoresh).  His grandmother and great grandmother were a Moabitess and Prostitute respectively.  He was a prince in Bethlehem, respected by all, and yet he felt he did not warrant this honor.  He was like those who say an illegitimate child should have no place in any family history except that Jesse began to hate himself.  Jesus made sure that His lineage included prostitutes, the illegitimate and murderers.  God absolutely wanted mankind to know they have no standing with Him by virtue of their own goodness or strength.  Jesus said, "Why do you call me good?  There is no one good but God (Matthew 19:17).  He said this because while He was God He did not come as God but as a suffering servant.

Jesse misunderstood this concept and refused any further contact with his noble and upright wife Nitzevet.  He felt SHE was of too noble a family for such as he and after six sons were born he refused to touch her.  According to the Midrash he married a servant of Nitzevet who loved this virtuous woman and on her wedding night while her new husband was drunk allowed Nitzevet to take her place.  That night produced David.  During the entire period of more than 25 years of David’s early life, Nitzevet's other sons believed she had cheated on their father and that David was illegitimate.  They treated both he and she with contempt and only his mother and the servant who would not speak knew the truth and accepted him.  Psalm 69 tells of this period of his life.  When Samuel came to anoint him as king and had examined 7 brothers he asked Jesse if this was all his sons (1 Samuel 16:11) he said, “There is only the ketan left.”  I use the Hebrew term because it can mean youngest or despised one.  1 Chronicles 2:15 says that David was the seventh son.  That means he was not the youngest out of eight sons.  He was despised.  All he had in the family was his mother’s love.  She carried the burden of that pain alone for almost 30 years before David became king and redeemed her.  Women have the strength to endure the long difficult years.

Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not guilty of greed or filthy lucre. Her hand gives to the poor.  Both hands help the needy.  She is love in action and not mere words.  Faith, which is powered by love, does not function without works (James 2:20, 26).  Giving money is not always the best way to help the poor.  Quite often they are far more in need of training or opportunities than mere money which lasts but a short time.  The virtuous woman displays God’s wisdom in this thing.  She might give a little money but will often provide more useful opportunities.  God rarely allows his children large sums of cash or lottery winnings because it often causes more problems in their faith than it solves; in fact it can damage their faith to see Him as a large vault dispensing money.  God expects us to work by faith with our hands, heads and most especially our redeemed spirits.

Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Due to great faithfulness a virtuous woman grows beyond wool and flax.  Her family prospers and are clothed like royalty.  It becomes apparent to all that this household is blessed by God.  There is an old saying that it takes money to make money.  This is true to a point.  It takes a start to make an end.  If you never begin because you can see no sense in it then you will never arrive at success or ministry.  A virtuous woman begins with the modest basics.  She is diligent with the family and God will bring opportunities past her to be noticed.  Scripture says we grow line upon line, precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:10-12).  In spite of all these opportunities to grow and flourish, God said, “…yet will they not hear.”  We waste far more opportunities that God gives than we seize.  He is more patient than we and often we begin to become angry and frustrated at the apparent lack of opportunities.  God continues in this chapter in Isaiah and says we consider those moments to be temptations and not true opportunities.  This is a slur on God’s character and it causes us to backslide (v13).

Proverbs 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

It is not enough that she produces her own basic materials, she receives great prosperity through her wisdom.  She is clothed as a queen with cloth obtained from afar.  This is the culmination of all her focused godly labors.  The Lord says in Malachi 3:10-12:

“…and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.  And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.”

Yes I know I left off the part about tithes.  It is assumed that if you are a virtuous man or woman you are paying tithes.  My point is that when you continue to press to hear God and obey His leadings, your crops begin to flourish of their own accord; you are protected from plagues and attacks that defeat those around you.  You will be blessed with more than you can really use and it is a small thing to buy better clothing and nicer homes to live in.  Consider that God is not blessing you to build your pride.  He wants to bless you to increase HIS glory and honor.  A modest woman who dresses extremely well and is not arrogant about it may simply be showing her love and adoration for God by doing so.  God arrays the lilies of the field in beauty because He loves beauty.  He does not withhold it from us unless it is a matter of pride in our own hearts. 

Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

The gate of the city is the seat of power.  King David used to sit in the gate.  The virtuous woman is one who best displays his ability as the head of a household.  In 1 Timothy 3:1-6 we read that a bishop is a husband who rules well his own house and is not a novice.  Husbands and wives grow together in marriage.  Today's adversarial or self gratifying marriages are not discussed here.  Abigail was married to Nabal who was a self-satisfied fool.  When he heard how his actions nearly killed him it broke his heart and he actually died (1 Samuel 25).  Not all men with virtuous wives are honored as leaders in the gates, but far fewer men married to foolish women are.  The higher you go in public life the more your family is used as a measure of your worthiness.  A virtuous woman is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Until now she has been working her own property and using the proceeds to ensure the care of her family.  Now she is branching out and producing items for the market.  Her actions are beginning to bring real wealth into the family.  She is a true business woman (Acts 16:14).  A virtuous woman (or man for that matter), is always on the lookout for these moments.  They have long patience for them and a focused laser sharp attentiveness.  I am persuaded that these opportunities are far more frequent than we observe.  My late Apostle, Joseph Sims spent hours in prayer and days in fasting to make sure he would not miss these fleeting moments of God’s extraordinary provision.  These moments take us from being a mere saint of God to being a visionary leader of men or women.  These moments take a woman from raising a few beans to sell for extra household needs to starting a business that may even exceed her husband’s income.  My point here is that this goal can be reached through our Lord’s help without the family suffering for a lack of maternal guidance and nurturing.  As with all things it is a process.  Satan would much rather cause us to miss this pattern and chose one that endangers our future generations of children. 

It may not be a sin to work in a business under someone other than your husband’s leadership, but it is hardly ideal.  I can hear the gnashing of teeth by some women in this.  Please understand that I am not speaking about a family whose husband is not working or a family who does not know or is incapable of tapping into the reservoirs of God.  I am speaking of a family that know their Lord from husband to smallest babe.  This can only work for… ‘they that wait upon the Lord.’

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Her character has become much more than the wife of...  She is clothed in the strength and honor of her accomplishments.  This woman has diversified her businesses until she no longer fears what the future may bring.  Money now comes to her.  She is sought after for advice from other women and is an example to all.  When others ‘lamps’ go out, hers will burn brightly.  A woman like this is quite literally like a “tree planted by the river of life.”  She has roots that run much deeper than mere life experiences.  She can endure because of faith’s deep roots.  Her kindness calms the concerns of those around her.

I read an article today about a powerful woman freed from jail.  She had been arrested for throwing a dangerous tantrum and endangering others in a fight of wills.  The Proverbs 31 woman is not so.  When she speaks it is words of wisdom and understanding.  She has learned that only through kindness and grace will you get the very best of others.  When the law of your tongue is kindness you make even your enemies be gracious.

Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Can you picture the image of the English noble woman who sits in the parlor doing needlepoint and learning to play the piano.  Her servants bring her every delicacy while she remains useless for any real task, in fact, many disdained to learn any form of useful work as being beneath their status as if idleness is honorable. 

This is not the image we have of a virtuous woman.  The concept that a woman of virtue is idle and lays about doing nothing is a farce.  God has always intended that we work with our hands and are productive.  A virtuous woman is a business woman and her corporation is made up of her own household.  Her employees are her own children who learn early that idleness is not acceptable.  How different this is from the wealthy children of many of our current rich.

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

When her husband comes home from his place of business he is pleased to find all things in the household (it cannot be called a mere home) are running smoothly and productively.  Her own children appreciate the sense of direction and purpose she has taught them.  Through her heart, hands and mind run a myriad of ideas and she walks in the respect of those she loves.  A woman’s mind is much more adept at multitasking than a man’s.  We so often forget that God made her this way for a reason and many men ignore this obvious gift as if it is lessened because of her nurturing emotions.  She is able to comfort and encourage all in her household and help them attain the highest and closest walk with God possible.  As much as any man, a virtuous woman is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Proverbs 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

There are those who are quite religious and spiritual.  Many exude the love and grace of God in abundance yet accomplish little.  Some are quite industrious but lack that deep love and grace that comes from a close walk with God.  The truly virtuous woman is one who walks in the love and grace of God while working diligently and productively and multiplying all the gifts given her by God.  She receives inspiration directly from God and acts upon that direction.  Again, it isn’t pride that motivates her, but a sincere desire to accomplish all that God will reveal to her.

Proverbs 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

Some obtain favor due to power or wealth.  Many have great external beauty but none within.  A woman who fears God will be praised because her value does not come through falsehood and lies.  She is genuinely appreciated for her grace, righteousness and the joy of the love of God shining through her. 

Proverbs 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Some husbands consider their wives to be property, little more than farm animals to be fed and cared for due to their labor and sexual value to the farm.  Women are not property.  God has given virtue to women and a husband would be well disposed to respect and allow her this freedom to grow and prosper and should be pleased to see her praised by others.  Scripture says, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a treasure, and obtains favour of the Lord (Proverbs 18:22).”  What do you suppose God will do to the man who fails to respect the great treasure that God has entrusted him with?  I have seen Christian men who have married and abandoned their wives.  I have seen God’s punishment land upon them.  Treat the treasure of God as a treasure and not like chattel.  She will pour her love and faithfulness into your life and make the path you walk that much easier.  A virtuous woman is worth this grace.

Be virtuous beloved.

Bishop J

Be Prepared to Be Obedient

Sometimes it appears to me that God’s people believe He will simply rain pennies or dollars from heaven to meet their needs.  In truth God gives us the gifts and callings to accomplish all His will for our lives and then expects us to use those talents to His glory while He causes all things to work together for our good.  Every day people cry out in pain to God while complaining that He doesn’t miraculously do everything for them.  He has PREPARED a way for you to travel in this great walk we call life.  In Joshua 3:4 God said Israel was to follow the ark of the Lord because they did not know the way to go.  It was new to them.  In like manner we are to follow the Spirit of God and the Word of God because we do not know where we are going.  If we do not seek the Lord and discern His directions then we can become lost and unprofitable.

Psalm 143:8-9 says, “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.  Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.”  All this brings us to John 14:5 where Thomas asks Jesus how we can know the way to serve God.  Jesus answers and says, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by Me.”  This one verse silences every single instance of someone saying, “There are many ways to come to God.” 

Walking with God is not a guess or a blind stab in the dark.  His scripture is clear, concise and very accurate.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”  Scripture is inspired, without error and perfect.  It will never be proved wrong nor will it ever fail to come to pass.  Chapter 4 of this book goes on to say that in the end people will no longer ENDURE sound doctrine; but after their own lusts will heap to themselves teachers who will tickle their itching ears.”  Another way of saying it is, “they will no longer put up with hygienic and clean doctrine but their own forbidden lusts and longings will lead them into error.  They will accumulate teachers who will pleasantly tickle their ears.”  Is that problem familiar to anyone in the world today?  Notice it also says that it is our own longings that get us into trouble.  God has said we must live a certain way.  He says we WILL have feelings and desires that are not in line with His commandments.  Obedience says, “I will do your will Lord, no matter my feelings.” 

If our own longings drive us into sin…are they bad?  Your longings come from your flesh.  They are carnal (sarx and sarkikos) the Bible says (Romans 7:14, 8:7, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4).  Romans says they are enmity with God, hostile toward Him.  Our passion toward our wife or husband is sarkikos but it is lawful because God has made this outlet for our natural urges.  It must however be kept under control.  This is why we are forbidden to take part in illicit, illegal lusts such as non-marital sexual relations or homosexual or bestiality.  All these are forbidden by God in the Law and ratified in the New Testament.  They are not ‘allowed’ simply because we are under grace. 

The end of Romans 5 explains that the law comes to show us our sin and says where sin abounds there is more grace.  Some have chosen to say this means we are free to live these forbidden lifestyles because it causes grace to abound.  This is false because the beginning of Romans 6 makes it clear that while sin causes grace to abound we are not therefore free to sin so we might collect more grace.  He explains in verse 2 that we who are dead to sin cannot live in it any longer.  We are baptized into Christ’s death.  Do you suppose Jesus never felt the desire to embrace a woman and enjoy that particular passion?  He was tempted like every one of us (Hebrews 4:15) and yet without sin.  Because Jesus was not a slave to the nitpicking legalists (Pharisees, scribes, Sadducees, lawyers, etc.) the various sin lobbies would like us to think He is one of them.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

God gave the law to Moses.  There is no doubt that these lifestyles were condemned by the Law and by the Lord.  Bestiality, homosexuality, rape, murder, fornication and many others were all death penalty offences before God.  Did Jesus come to make them lawful?  Is Jesus greater than God?  Scripture says that God never changes (Malachi 3:6).  It is this unchangeableness that sinners desperately need and passionately hate and detest.  It is His unchangeableness that makes His Word perfect.  God never tries to get out of keeping His Word.  He ALWAYS keeps it.  So back to my first question, is Jesus greater than God?

John 1:1, the very first verse of the most spiritually focused of all the gospels says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  We say God is a triune God because there are three attributes of that godhead.  There is the Father (His choice of terms, not ours), the Word (how we come to know Him), and the Spirit (how we come to experience Him).  These three attributes all function perfectly and with total agreement with one another.  We ourselves are triune but we fight against ourselves.  We are spirit, we reason with our mind and live in this body.  If we have asked Christ to enter us and be our Savior then our Spirit is perfect, obeying God.  Our minds can only be renewed by the Word of God, and our flesh…  Our flesh wars against us…every…single…day.

Our spirit says, “You are healed!”  Our flesh says, “I’m sick.”  Our minds either say, “I’m sick,” or it says, “I am healed by the stripes of Jesus!”  It all depends upon whether or not we have had our minds renewed by the Word of God (Ephesians 4).  We live in a constant state of inner turmoil.  Is it any wonder that Paul cried, “O wretched man that I am!!! (Romans 7:24)?

As I said, God is a triune God.  We often mention the trinity of God and too many of us do not understand what that means.  God the Father, God the Word / Son and God the Spirit are ONE.  They agree on all things.  There is no warfare within His members.  If I give you my word that I will come on a specific day and help you it requires that I choose to keep my word, that I have the strength or ability to keep my word and that I actually follow through and keep my word.   If God tells you He will keep His Word He will simply send His Word and His Word will keep itself.  His Word can function independently and yet with total agreement with the Father.  If His Word needs assistance (as happened often when Jesus became flesh), then the Spirit will come to His assistance.  They are yet in agreement.

I’ve said all this to make it clear that Jesus is not separate from the God who gave Moses the Law.  Jesus is the Law wrapped in grace and human flesh.  He came to die as the lamb of God since God said in the Law that only by shedding of blood might someone’s sins be forgiven (Hebrews chapter 9 makes this clear.)  Because He came in grace, many believe this grace is a license to sin and that they will still be forgiven and blessed by God.  This is a twisted lie put forth by Satan.  It is constantly thrown into believing Christian’s faces that Jesus was not bound by religion. 

Since religion is how we have chosen to obey God by specific actions and rules, then Jesus was far less ‘religious’ than the scribes and Pharisees of His day.  Jesus ALWAYS observed the SPIRIT of the law if not the priests interpretation of it.  It’s not that God doesn’t expect us to obey certain rules and do things certain ways, it is that the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees added to the original 613 laws governing Israel, hundreds, perhaps thousands of nitpicking rules which made even making your bed on a Sabbath day a sin. 

Before we look upon them too harshly lets look into our own societies.  We say that murder (killing someone in anger or for gain) is a crime.  God had two categories for unlawfully ending someone’s life, accidental and in anger.  If it was accidental they can run to a refuge city and remain there in safety until the High Priest died.  If in anger it was murder and you died.  We have divided it into accidental (manslaughter), unpremeditated (got mad and killed them) and premeditated (planned and killed them) or a new category “Hate Crimes” killing due to race or some other criteria.  We have decided that the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment for causing someone else’s death and so now murderers have no compunction for killing.  God’s Word was specific about murders.  He understood the psychology of man better than we do.  "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." (Genesis 9:6).  Whenever someone is put to death for murder the understanding is that we have killed someone who destroyed something made in God’s image.

In the world today this makes no sense.  The Jews called Christ a stumbling block.  Blood was forbidden to eat since life was in the blood.  Many pagan religions have the drinking of blood as part of their celebrations.  Jesus was the lamb of God and had to be partaken of for forgiveness.  When Jesus said we must drink His blood and eat His flesh he lost even more converts.  That He was speaking in the Spirit did not matter.  The gentiles called the work of Christ foolishness.  Today these responses to the work of Christ continue.  In the end they commanded the gentiles that they should not partake of blood, of eating things strangled (due to pagan practices) or fornication (which includes all forms of lasciviousness (Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25)).

This is why it says in Hebrews 11:6 that we must believe in God and have faith in Him.  Without faith it is impossible to believe in God.

The freedom we have in Christ is not the freedom to sin; it is the power of God to free us from sin (Romans 1:16, 1 Peter 1:5).  God has empowered us and expects us to follow His commandments according to His word.  When we fail to do so we are in sin.  We MUST study to show ourselves approved by God (2 Timothy 2:15).  We cannot live for God and disregard His scriptures and live any way we might want to (John 14:15).  Your affection for someone does not change or modify God’s Words simply because we have chosen to call that affection love (Proverbs 24:19-22).  Love is selfless.  Love is not defined by your passions.  Love is defined by your obedience to God and your concern for others.  Love suffers a long time while remaining kind (1 Corinthians 13:4).

The non-religious world continues to push at us insisting that we give up our beliefs for the ‘good of the whole.’  They have chosen – against even their own beliefs and opinions – to accept evil and all it good so they do not appear politically incorrect.  We the body of Christ must continue to spread the love and grace of God while standing against perversions and falsehoods.  Christianity is at a turning point here in America.  There is a great falling away as required in scripture (2 Thessalonians 2:3).  Many will chose to join the great ecumenical movement.  Many will chose to abandon their faith.  Many will chose to turn to another religion that they believe is stronger and more likely to protect them. 

In Christ we are sheep for the slaughter (Romans 8:36).  Christ stood in this position first (Acts 8:32) and we are to emulate our savior.  If we panic at the thought of this it is because our lives on earth have become too comfortable for us to faithfully serve God.  He is no longer the most important being in our lives.  The foot race is nearly ended.  The horses are at the gate (Jeremiah 12:5).  Will you be able to keep up?  The Jordan is swelling with Muslims who hate and despise us, with homosexuals who ridicule us for our godly positions and with those who slay and murder falsely in the Name of the Lord. 

This scripture in Jeremiah continues: 

Jeremiah 12:6 For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

Our own brethren in Christ have begun to mock our stand.  They say scripture is allegory and story and not to be lived.  They say it is a fable to be gleaned about the corners but not reaped for its depth and sustenance.  They call themselves Christians and yet they are like Egypt who if a man leans upon it is but a bruised reed, piercing the hand.  There is no strength.

Jeremiah 12:7 I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies. 8 Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it

Finally, these light Christians have forsaken the house of their God.  They give their heritage and eternal souls into the hand of their enemies through their backslidings and declarations of fealty to sinful life.  No longer do they find pleasure in the words of God or the blood of the Lamb.  It is as terrifying to them as a lion in the forest which threatens their peace of natural mind and fills them with fear.  They begin to hate us because of our faith and our refusal to believe a lie.  In their hatred they will join themselves to the sinner and the giver of lies (Job 13:4) and they will seek to destroy us.

Like Cain whose deeds were evil they will seek to slay their former brothers and our blood will stain the ground (1 John 3:12).  It will cry out to God and we will begin to cry, “How long O Lord.  When will you avenge us? (Revelation 6:10)” 

Will you stand beloved?

New Wine / Old Wine

Fasting for Maturity

Luke 5:27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. 28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

No Jew would have witnessed to this man.  He was one of the disreputable ones, a tax collector.  They collected taxes on behalf of the despised Romans.  We can’t know what ran through his mind prior to Christ’s simply worded statement, “Follow me,” but he may have been one of the most ready converts in history.  He was so ready for a life change that he left all his considerable earnings and his job and followed Jesus.  Our first book of the New covenant was written by this very man.

There are many in Christ today that say the leading of the ‘Spirit’ should be severely curtailed so we don’t fly off into a world of faith supported by feelings alone.  That is partially true and partially false.  Our knowledge of scripture should be extensive and the foundation of all we do.  There is nothing more dangerous than a prophet with limited Word knowledge and a fanciful imagination.  Instead of being half of the foundation of God, he or she becomes a joke of cosmic proportions flying off wherever their imagination takes them.  It is only through the Word of God and the foundation of scripture that we can be accurate and dependable prophets.

In this case we will also discover that Jesus completely ignored tradition and cultural opinions and moved directly into what God was about.  People who led the religious life of the Jews had great disdain for anyone who was ‘uneducated’ or ‘working for the enemy.’  This particularly included fishermen, tax collectors and shepherds…all persons Christ either called or had his angels appear to when announcing his coming. 

The religious establishment failed to keep their responsibility of watching for the signs that heralded the Messiah but the poor and uneducated were wildly enthusiastic about His coming.  They not only were quick to accept Him, and but for the one Zealot, Judas, those He called held onto their faith unto death by Rome or the Jews.  The only truly educated one allowed by God was Saul / Paul.  The reason for this was simple.  He may have been attacking the church of Christ but He was sincere in his faith.  When he discovered that Jesus was indeed the Messiah he left all to follow Him.  Three quarters of the New Testament was written by him and so the link to our Old Testament scriptures was preserved.

Luke 5:29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. ³⁰ But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

Notice the scribes and Pharisees didn’t ask why Jesus was with the sinners out of simple curiosity but due to jealousy and irritation.  They murmured against his disciples and Him.  The Jews even murmured against Moses when he led Israel.  At one point they accused him of destroying the men who God Himself had swallowed up in an earthquake for their sins (Numbers 16:41).  God nearly destroyed the nation at that moment.  This time it would cost them a minimum of 2000 years in the penalty box.

The truth is that we draw those in our circle of influence along with us when we come to Christ.  Some may not remain but some will.  God often is able to save many more than just the one soul you witness to.  It also shows Christ’s opinion of business owners who won’t serve those whose lifestyle they don’t agree with.  A well established Christian business can have tremendous effect upon someone who is sitting on the fence about their eternity.  As I have stated in other places, there is a huge difference between being gracious to all men and winning a few and being a partaker or supporter of their lifestyle. 

Life in Christ requires great wisdom.  Traditions that exclude everyone who is not like us make it almost impossible to draw in new souls to the kingdom of God.  There can be a fine line between supporting a sin, such as preparing an advertisement advocating a sinful lifestyle and simply cutting those people off as being beyond the pale.  If God loves them, so must we.  If God is trying to save them, so must we.  Any other course makes us look like judgmental angry barbarians.  We ought to love unconditionally, minister carefully and let our own lives be the epistle that wins souls to God’s kingdom.  We can’t defend God’s Word.  He must. 

We can only share His love.

Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. ³² I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

He was moving to the gentiles.  The entire goal of the church was to reach sinners.  All gentiles were sinners.

Many churches in this country are missing God either by placing homosexuals beyond God’s love which they are not, or by accepting them as if they have every right to be fully represented in the church.  Both attitudes are wrong.  The true sin of Homosexuality is PRIDE and a refusal to put God’s purpose FIRST.  I don’t doubt that they have certain feelings or that those feelings come to many of them early in life.  I do know that those feelings are a sin and to act on them goes against God’s Word.  He will judge them.  We need not support or agree with their sin but we must love them with God’s love.

My flesh can want what it wants all day long but it is up to my spirit and my redeemed and retaught mind to keep it under control.  Paul made it quite clear that we are all drawn to sin of one sort or another (Romans 7:24-25).  Scripture says that a righteous man falls seven times (Proverbs 24:16), but he gets up again.  Is that seven times in a lifetime?  I don’t think so.  It could be seven times in an hour or seven times in a day or seven times in a week.  That it is seven times is a perfect number without end.  Jesus said we should forgive seventy times seven.  Consider this when you judge someone else whose sin just happens to be different from your own. 

Thank God for repentance!

Luke 5:33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? ³⁴ And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bride chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

John was in prison and soon to be beheaded.  His disciples fasted and prayed for his release.  It is unlikely that they knew his time was over and that he had finished the course.  As for the Pharisees, they had several required fasts during the year and many fasted regularly on their own as well (Luke 18:12).  They fasted to serve God and to see Israel shake off the Roman yoke.  

Some were simply fasting for the consolation of Israel to arrive.  They fasted to bring the Holy one.  Luke 2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

I love how it says that Anna came in that very instant to give thanks to God and declare the Messiah.  She was an early precursor of the New Testament scripture which calls us to be instant, in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2-3).  This steadfastness came from her much fasting and prayers.  Her announcement was not going to be well received coming from a woman and bumping against the established way of doing things.

This scripture also raises a curious question regarding married couples.  1 Corinthians 7 says:

4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

There is such a thing as being so spiritually minded that you can cause your mate to stumble if you are not wise.  If you know you are not tempted but that your mate is you must protect your mate by continuing your marital relations.  In Israel newlyweds were given a year long release from military or government service so they might enjoy each other and make sure the marriage bond was strong (Deuteronomy 24:5).  What does this say of us in this country when we send our newlyweds out to war a day after they are married?  How about having women warriors who leave their children behind and go to battle? 

Who amongst them will remain to train up the children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

We are the Bride of Christ.  We fast for the return of our bridegroom.  Women in Israel used to fast for the safe return of their husbands from war.  We fast because we want Go to offer us the same protection and provision that our bridegroom provided.  We know Christ will return but even He knew there was a need for the spiritual equivalent of a palace guard to protect us when out of His presence.  The Holy Spirit fills that role.  In John 16:13 it defines who and what He is.  In this case He is the one who fulfills Christ’s role in our lives and lends us strength and direction.  He does not speak for Himself but for our head, Jesus.

In spite of the marvelous presence of the Holy Spirit we are still to fast from time to time to preserve our vow and consecration to Christ.

Luke 5:36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

Old material has already stabilized.  After a lifetime our older and more mature flesh should have stabilized. Our minds ought to be renewed by the Word of God and no longer raging out against everything.  We should be people full of faith, grace, love and mercy and should typify the fruit of the Spirit in all we do.  A church should never be filled with cranky church mothers and shifty church preachers.  While no person lives without some flaws in their life and conduct, we should at the very least be a model of integrity, propriety and grace.

New material has not stabilized and will continue to change through many cleansings.  If the two are yoked together, sewn together or bound together they will damage one another.  Fasting provides this maturing process an opportunity to proceed more rapidly.  Flesh always tries to pull away, but spirit remains firm.  Well does 1 Timothy 5:22 say, “Lay hands suddenly on no man.”  We should never be quick to ordain or license or promote anyone.  God promotes in His time and we must be well aware of those times. If someone wishes to advance those times then they must advance study, fasting and prayer. 

Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. ³⁸ But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

The old wine is preferred.  If you try to put the new wine in an old, established bottle it might burst from the energy and all the flavor and mellowness of the old wine will be lost.  New wine is placed into a new bottle and it is seasoned inside and out.  As it matures its value is multiplied many times. 

A young man might become a pastor right out of seminary but he is not ready for all that will come at him right away.  If he has been in church his whole life and has prepared himself for that position he may be somewhat ready but the more mature wine will always have better answers, more honest empathy and deeper wisdom.  In the process of living our rough edges are rubbed off and our wineskin is not quite as passionate and driven to foolishness.

Wisdom is better than youth in a leader.  Faith is better than passion.  Knowledge is better than strength.  To obtain these things we need to grow and mature.  Fasting matures the wine AND the skin.  It speeds the process.  The old man and old woman don’t take as many chances with their bodies.  They don’t jump at this and attack that.  They are more circumspect and show more thought.  The young man and young woman are often impatient and ready to race toward the finish line.  It takes a wise pastor to lead these strong stallions and young lions to maturity.  It takes one wiser yet to train them up in the gifts and responsibilities of ministry while they are young enough to learn and feel full of promise.

³⁹ No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

Youth is exciting, passionate and fiery but it is maturity that is truly desired.  Wisdom, knowledge and faith are greatest in the old wine skins.  I’ve never seen a young couple who ran off for a passionate life of sex, drugs and excitement where someone didn’t wake up one day as a more mature adult and ask, “What have I done.”  New wine might make you happy for a season but it lacks flavor, nuance and the taste of a well aged treasure. 

Finally, it is obvious that both are needed.  Truth may be an absolute, but life and maturity are a process.  Youth and age are needed, the one to add a bit of passion and a challenge and the other to provide direction, wisdom and knowledge.  Making great wine is a process as well.

Bishop J

A Thought About Bishops

1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

A bishop is all about the work of the ministry, not the honor of the title.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

A bishop ought to be blameless in life and actions.  A bishop cannot multiply wives but learn to obey the Christian standard of one bride (in Christ) and one husband (a type of Christ).  A bishop is a visionary, vigilant and observant.  He is serious about his responsibilities and walks maturely.  He is willing to disperse his wealth or gifts to others.  A bishop is gracious and caring and loves to give God’s words to others.

3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

A bishop will never be a drunkard or violent or greedy of ill-gotten gain.  He is patient (even in the midst of foolishness and mistakes), not a fighter or covetous of another’s wealth.

4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

A bishop will have serious children who understand how important this work of God is.  They will have been taught and have learned to obey the Word of God.  A bishop will never choose to surrender his faith or beliefs to gain the acceptance of a wayward child. 

6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

It is proper for a bishop to receive the respect of others but of utmost importance to deserve that respect.  He cannot be led apart by popular opinion or rise up and stroke his own ego for the sake of honor and pride.  Pride will cause a bishop to fall as surely as if struck by a great blow.  A bishop ought to be meek.  A prideful bishop is to be feared.

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

A bishop should be honored by truthful sinners and those not part of the church.  His examples and actions should lend great honor to the body of Christ.  A bishop who does not have the honor of those apart from the church because of his failings is snared by Satan.  A bishop who is persuaded against God’s Word is snared as well.

The final point I want to make is this one.  A bishop should be willing to give all to the gospel of Jesus and even to surrender life to protect the rest of the body.  In Islam, we have seen highly educated teachers send suicide bombers out to die for their faith.  With few exceptions those who die are some of the least educated and more easily persuaded.  The Muslim bishops stay at home.

In Christ, our savior gave all for the love of God toward us.  As bishops and leaders, we too are supposed to be ready to surrender all to protect the church.  A minister here brought a message that made me appreciate the power and grace of a true bishop.  He reminded us that during the early church growth, the Roman government would strike down any group that seemed to fight against Rome.  This included the church.  When someone accused the church of crimes against the state, they would arrest all the senior leaders for punishment.  This usually included time in the arena or in prison or just death.  This was a well known tactic.  A man in the office of a bishop knew he might be called to sacrifice his life for the sake of an entire house church at any time. 

They still answered the call.

Do you still want the office of a bishop?

Bloom or Boom

“We’re not in competition with anyone else.  Each of us has our own walk and our own gifts and our own trials.”  Pastor Clyde Campbell

 

Bloom or Boom

Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Greetings beloved.  I know some of you have been wondering when I would get another lesson out.  I heard a message similar to this one at work a couple weeks ago and it made me think.  The quote above comes from Pastor Clyde Campbell of Word Alive church in Chesapeake.  It was a powerful message and I really enjoyed it.  I felt it meshed well with Bloom or Boom so I think this is a good time for this lesson.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.  Scripture says the sound of that Word has gone out to all the earth and it’s message to the ends of the world.  There are people all over this world who have never held a Bible in their hands and have never heard the tenets of the Christian faith.  I had to ask myself and then God how someone who had never heard the Judeo Christian scriptures could have heard the Word of God.  That bothered me because I know the Bible is not in error and His Word is ALWAYS true.  During my studies I came across Psalm 19:1.

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

The planets, stars and celestial bodies declare the glory of God.  Notice that Psalm 19:1-3 says that God’s Word is written and speaks to us from the very heavens above.  Chuck Missler has some terrific scriptures that show how the very stars tell the story of the coming of Christ and His redemption.  It’s funny how smart and educated people can totally ignore the great truths found in the Judeo Christian scriptures and in their blindness miss all the scientific truths found there.  If science were the study of truth the whole world would be Christian.  Science today tries to prove God does not exist and in so doing cause science to travel down many unfulfilling paths.  Even the Bedouin in the desert can look up and see the message of God.

Luke 8

5  A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

In verse 11 above we discover that the seed is the Word of God.  God is perfect. He never makes mistakes or misses the mark.  God is Holy.  He is without sin.  If He has sowed His seed everywhere, even on the wayside, it is because that was His purpose.  Scripture says that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  If that is true then he never intended the fowls of the air to eat the seed.  It ought to have been protected as Abraham protected his sacrifice to God in Genesis 15:9-11.  We in the body of Christ are responsible for the salvation and protection of all mankind (2 Chronicles 7:14), not merely those who know the Lord. Satan is known as the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2).  We are to fight the principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12) so they do not devour this precious seed which has landed upon a lost and dying landscape (Psalm 126:6).

12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.—

These need deep prayer, welcoming encouragement and prayerful protection to become strong.  Their hearts must be protected.  They are unchurched, unapproached, threatened and wounded.  They feel no interest or need to believe and yet His love and desire for them is plainly presented to them.

6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

Then there are those who hear the word with excitement and wonder.  They tell their friends and families about the wonder and joy of Christ and for a short season fall into the orbit of faith and Christian love.  Men and women in this state appear to be vibrant and powerful saints of God but have no real foundation to hold them when times get hard; and times ALWAYS get hard if you are in Christ.

13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder) saints.  They need help building roots.  You must surround them and build a scaffold of love, interesting things to do and excitement of the work of God for them to endure.  You have to dig a space for their roots to grow as they won’t succeed otherwise.  It’s not a short term responsibility.  From this group comes the great falling away.  The more diligent of these souls become pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets and even Apostles.  They pray and build and preach until that one vicious attack of the enemy comes that tears away the great edifice they have built in their zeal.  Without root, without that standard to combat the great flood of the enemy (Isaiah 59:19) they will eventually fall and crumble, their faith shipwreck.

7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

This group is particularly sad.  They love God and grow, often powerfully, but are never able to let go of the desires and wants of the world.  For them fasting is too difficult and prayer too limiting.  Eventually they look at their lives and wonder why the sinners around them seem to have the better life.  They were never able to separate themselves (2 Corinthians 6:17) and begin to drift back to the life they once knew.  Sadly, they are often too old and established in Christ to fully go back.  They become double minded (James 1:8).  Their only hope is to fully renounce the world and its tempting lure.

14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

This kind takes deep deep prayer.  You have to pray for them faster and harder than Satan is working against them.  They are like the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-23.  Jesus said it’s hard but not impossible for a wealthy man to be saved.  The latter part of this verse tells it all.  They bring forth no fruit to perfection.  There is no maturity or power here and certainly no eternal account to follow them into eternity (Matthew 6:19-20). 

8a And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold.

Occasionally there are men and women who respond to God’s call with total submission and surrender.  Their lives are marked by greater and greater accomplishments of faith and dedication and they have no greater joy than to hear, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”  These are they who walk in God’s full anointing and grace.  They are strong and joyful in trials and equally joyful in times of success.  These are they of whom Paul said, “I have learned how to abound and how to be abased (Philippians 4:12).

15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

The perfect saint.  They might have come from those seeds above, carried to that place of safety and preparation by a strong saint or might just have always loved the Lord.  These saints endure hardships with grace and respond to attacks with love.  They are the ones in Matthew 5:48, Romans 12:2, Philippians 3:15, and most importantly…James 1:4 – “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.”

8b And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear!

We are the church, every one of us regardless of the ground upon which we fell.  We are all different in temperament, skill, knowledge and gifts.  Each of us must depend upon the other and should pray for their growth.  Each of us must complement and connect with the other and should strive to be worthy of THEIR trust.

9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Occasionally we pray and experience no direction or leading.  We want to do God’s will but find it difficult to discern just what His will for our life might be. We might try to take what is working for someone else because it is working; but if it’s not what God has for you, your success will be limited with little joy.  You have to find your path.  AND YOU HAVE TO WANT TO FIND IT. 

Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Once you’ve asked God, sought God and pressed God He will begin to reveal your gifts, your calling and your purpose.  He will only BEGIN to reveal them to you.  It might take years to learn your path and purpose.

Nobody just has God’s giftings dumped on them.  As we can see above ALL God’s giftings and skills and talents come with trials, tribulations and tests.  

Many don’t even understand the expectation and don’t recognize the test.  Their cry is, “God isn’t helping me!”  God’s answer is, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.  I will endure this with you.”

Notice that this was so important that God told it to all seven of the Revelation churches.  “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;”  Revelation 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, and 3:22. 

Are you listening?  Can you hear?  Do you receive it?  Will you obtain it? 

The ground the seed you heard fell upon is only a beginning.  It need not be the end.  Only God knows the end from the beginning.  If you strive to succeed and do not faint in your heart, you will say what Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Will I see you there beloved?

Bishop J