Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life .... No man taketh it from me, but
​I lay it down of myself — Joh_10:17-18

History Has Come Full Circle
It is strange how often in the course of history the wheel has "come full circle." The impossibilities of yesterday have proved the commonplaces of today. Our Christian faith has always had its elements which powerfully commended it to men, and always there have been aspects of it which were obstacles to its acceptance; but the singular fact which steadily emerges from a growing knowledge of its story is how often the glory of the past becomes the difficulty of the present. One sees that in regard to miracles. Once they were confirmations of the faith. For multitudes the Gospel was authenticated by the signs and wonders of the Lord. And now for multitudes these very miracles are obstacles and stumbling blocks, only making it harder to believe. Today it is the divinity of Christ which so many find it difficult to credit; in the early days of Christianity there was far more difficulty over His humanity. Today we have to battle with agnosticism, which is the denial of all certain knowledge; but in the early Church the conflict was with gnosticism, which, of course, is agnosticism's opposite.

The Change in Attitude Towards Christ's Death and Resurrection
Something of the same kind is seen in regard to our Lord's death and resurrection. Nobody today questions that He died, but many question if He rose again. That He incurred the bitter enmity of men by the fearless proclamation of His message, that the passions He inevitably roused finally brought Him to His death—all this seems so natural to us that no one has any trouble with the cross now, viewed, I mean, just as a fact of history. The problem for us is not that Christ should die; the problem is that He should rise again, with the very body which the nails had pierced and which had known the thrusting of the sword. Multitudes of earnest souls have difficulty in crediting that. This is seen in the various attempts of modernism to explain away His resurrection. No one tries to explain away His death now. It is universally accepted that He died. Nobody finds it a thing almost incredible that at last He was hung upon a tree. The thing almost incredible to many is that on the third day He rose again, in all the power of an endless life.

The Mystery of Mysteries for the Early Disciples
And yet, if I do not greatly err, the opposite was true in the first days. For those who stood nearest to the Lord the staggering difficulty was His death. They had seen Him in conflict with all the powers of darkness, and from every conflict He had emerged victorious. He had challenged evil in all its ugly forms, and as a Conqueror driven it from the field. He had marched on in triumph, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and every foe of full abundant life had been forced to acknowledge His supremacy. Blindness had vanished at His word. Leprosy had departed at His touch. Fevers had fled away, and the withered arm had become strong again. Even death itself, that universal conqueror, had been forced to render up its prisoners at the kingly command of the Lord Jesus. All this they had seen with their own eyes. It was the constant experience of comradeship. They had walked with One who had matched Himself with death and compelled death to acknowledge he was beaten. And to them the thing incredible was this, that He, who had triumphed all along the line, should Himself become a prisoner of the tyrant. For us the resurrection is the staggering thing: the death but the inevitable end. For those who had corn-partied with Jesus it was the other way about. That He should die, that death should conquer Him, that over Him the grave should be victorious, was to them the mystery of mysteries.
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Almost certainly some such thought as this moves through the disciples' aversion from the cross. It underlies their incredulous astonishment when our Lord began to speak about the end. That they heard with horror of a death of shame is in consonance with human nature. Mingling with that horror was the agony of losing their Beloved. But perhaps we shall never fully understand their wild and incredulous astonishment till we recall the personality of Jesus. Men find it difficult to associate death with powerful and arresting personalities. From Nero to Lord Kitchener we trace the conviction that the dead are living. And for men who had companied with Jesus and seen the energies of His victorious life, it must have been extraordinarily hard to picture Him under the power of the grave. That He who was the life should be overcome by the opposite of life, that He who was continually giving life should be powerless to retain His own, this was what perplexed those earliest followers mingling with their love and sorrow, whenever Jesus turned their thoughts to Calvary. It was easy to think of Him as living; it was impossible to think of Him as dead. How could death, whom He had faced and beaten, overthrow that radiant personality? And now the wheel has "come full circle," and it is not the fact of His death that staggers anybody; it is the assertion that He rose again.

Christ's Death Was a Glorious Act of Service
And it was then, brooding in the darkness, that the word of Jesus came back to them with power. They recalled how He had told them once, "I lay it down of myself." That death, which was so hard to understand, was not the ghastly token of defeat. It did not mean that He who had raised Lazarus had Himself been beaten by the enemy. It meant that He had given Himself, in the wise and holy purposes of love, into the clutching fingers of the tyrant. His death was not a dark necessity. It was a glorious and crowning act of service. The very love that had conquered death for Lazarus submitted to it for the sake of sinners. So did the death of Jesus for these sorrowing men cease to be an inexplicable problem and become the center of their hope and joy.

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in
​your heart to the Lord;    Eph. 5:16-19

In these verses Paul gives some words of wisdom, and exhortation. He knows the battles they will face, and the words he uses are full of practical, and powerful advice. His purpose, because the days are evil; The present times are dangerous, they are full of trouble and temptations, and only the watchful and diligent have any reason to expect that they will keep their garments unspotted.

The times we are living in are exponentially evil. There are many allurements and temptations that would lead us away from productive, Spirit led and proper use of time, and that would draw us into sin.
There are many who would tempt you to go to places of sinful indulgence and revelry where their time is wasted, and worse than wasted. 

Look around, really look at what your seeing. How many are spending their time on things that mean nothing, and the time spent on these things-often lead to mischief, and evil deeds that came from an idle mind, and who's enjoyment is many times at the expense of someone else's misery.

Watch them, and what they spend their energies on, you'll find them engaged in various worthless endeavors, such as:
(1) In the allurements to pleasure and amusement in every place, and especially in cities;
(2) Consuming the precious hours of probation to no valuable purpose; Idle gatherings that gender trouble, and debauchery of drink and excess;
(3) In the temptations of ambition, most of the time spent for which is wholly thrown away, for few gain the prize, and when gained, it is all a bauble, not worth the effort;
(4) In dissipation - for who can estimate the amount of valuable time that is worse than thrown away in the places of revelry and game playing. In some places it's difficult to get people to look up, their heads and eyes are looking down at their phones-sometimes as their walking. I've thought at times-"You need to look up, before you walk into the door."
(5) In wild and visionary plans - temptations, loud boastings, bragging, talebearing, these must have other's around them, of like spirit-these attract each other, and feed on each other's vices. The evil involved in this becomes evident with the cursing, swearing, and debauchery that's going on among them. I've seen this in years I worked at holiday and special event parties-I learned to try to just stay out of it, and either take the day off, or go home early.
(6) Indulgence - in dressing, and eating, and gossip. 
(7) When they awake from their drink/drugs-bleary eyed, head in a fog-aching from a hangover-they begin again, in a cycle of worthless activity.

For the Christian, Paul gives important practical instruction, to help us shield ourselves from the influences of those who waste their time on useless endeavors; and how to feed our spirits and strengthen our inner man to stand against the temptations that will come to us from those of the world.
John Wesley gives added help in his commentary:

"With all possible care redeeming the time - Saving all you can for the best purposes; buying every possible moment out of the hands of sin and Satan; out of the hands of sloth, ease, pleasure, worldly business; the more diligently, because the present are evil days, days of the grossest ignorance, immorality, and profaneness."

The years I worked taking care of seniors, I saw the difference between those who had lived lives of wisdom and purpose; redeeming the time in their lives, and those who had spent most of their time wasting it on worthless things. I could see the difference between them, in how they lived, the peace in their lives, or the lack of it.  those who had practiced wisdom had a sense of stability and purpose about them. When death came for them, their faith was evident, peace was there and the presence of the Lord, when they were taken home.

Those who had wasted their lives, and squandered their time, had various forms of depressions, aimlessness, and anxieties. I saw many like this die a miserable death, with fear, and a sense of hopelessness. Yes, they were hopeless, and still dead in their sins, and facing hell, but would not turn to the Lord, would not repent of their sins, and died as they had lived.
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In these evil days, it's vital to spend time in prayer, keeping our minds and hands busy doing things that will keep us active, and using the time God gives us on things that matter. And, keep our minds on things that lift our spirits, and turn our hearts to the Lord. Good music, listen to a good bible teacher or  minister in a video, study scripture-and cross reference as you go. I can get lost in time, studying a specific topic-and before I know it, the afternoon is late. But, the time was spent enriching my spirit, opening my mind to more of God, and His ways, and applying it to my life. This is purpose-that will go into eternity with me.
The devotion below, speaks further on this important topic, to aide the Christian in the evil days we are living in today.

As we journey this pilgrim land-Paul exhorts us to redeem the time. As we trod the path before us, we are to purchase; to buy up”; and then to redeem, to set free - as from service or bondage. We are to rescue or recover our time from waste; to improve it for great and important purposes.

In doing so, we are following in Jesus' footsteps-working as he worked, gaining ground with every step he took, while he was here on earth, that culminated with his going to the cross, for you and I-to rescue us. When he hung on that cross, he became a curse for us, and bought us back with his own blood. The cross was not a defeat-the victory is the empty tomb. He is risen.

Gal 3:13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 

He has given us the pattern to follow.
Lorna Couillard

When Moses found himself alone with God he made two outstanding requests:
(1) For God’s presence. “If thou dost not go with me, I cannot go; angels are not enough. They are fair, and sweet, and strong, but I want thee. Wilt thou leave me-a lonely man-to thread these desert wastes with this people? Thou hast put the burden on me, and thou canst not leave me to carry it alone!” It is good when a man gets to close grips with God, and it was to him according to his faith. See Exo_33:14.
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(2) For a vision of God’s glory. Again the answer came as he asked-“I will put thee in a cleft of the rock.” The sides of the mountains are rent and scarred; but who can tell the anguish of Him who was “marred” for us? Yet, in the cleft wound of His side there is room for us to hide. “Rock of Ages, cleft for me!” On Calvary, a niche was hollowed out in which a world of sinners may find shelter. F.B. Meyer

​Exo 33:13  Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. 
Exo 33:14  And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. 
Exo 33:15  And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. 
Exo 33:16  For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. 
Exo 33:17  And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. 
Exo 33:18  And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 
Exo 33:19  And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. 
Exo 33:20  And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. 
Exo 33:21  And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 
Exo 33:22  And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: 

​"The Lord our God hath shewed us his glory." — Deu_5:24

​God's great design in all his works is the manifestation of his own glory. Any aim less than this were unworthy of himself. But how shall the glory of God be manifested to such fallen creatures as we are? Man's eye is not single, he has ever a side glance towards his own honour, has too high an estimate of his own powers, and so is not qualified to behold the glory of the Lord. It is clear, then, that self must stand out of the way, that there may be room for God to be exalted; and this is the reason why he bringeth his people ofttimes into straits and difficulties, that, being made conscious of their own folly and weakness, they may be fitted to behold the majesty of God when he comes forth to work their deliverance. He whose life is one even and smooth path, will see but little of the glory of the Lord, for he has few occasions of self-emptying, and hence, but little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God. They who navigate little streams and shallow creeks, know but little of the God of tempests; but they who "do business in great waters," these see his "wonders in the deep." Among the huge Atlantic-waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach, we learn the power of Jehovah, because we feel the littleness of man. Thank God, then, if you have been led by a rough road: it is this which has given you your experience of God's greatness and lovingkindness. Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained by no other means: your trials have been the cleft of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as he did his servant Moses, that you might behold his glory as it passed by. Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance which continued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight of affliction, you have been capacitated for the outshinings of his glory in his wonderful dealings with you.  C.H. Spurgeon 

​This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him
​to life everlasting. 1Ti 1:15-16

In these verses Paul describes what Jesus came into the world to do, and who he was before Christ redeemed him. He had a keen ability to give a clear picture-with few words.

Paul gave no excuses, blamed no one for his blindness, his wretched conduct as Saul of Tarsus, in his ignorance, unbelief, and persecuting rage; of being a blasphemer, and a relentless persecutor of Christ's people, of his injurious insolent, and overbearing pride. He describes himself as the chief of sinners. 

It is only when we truly see God and His gaze on us pierces our souls, that we know ourselves, and see who we really are, and repent in dust and ashes. When someone really gets saved, everyone will know it, there will be a marked change, a turn-around in their life. The man or woman who truly repents, and walks with God, may make mistakes, and fail at times, but like Jacob-will repent, get back up and keep walking with God. This will not guarantee you a life of happiness, many friends, pleasure and ease. This will be brought out below.

Paul made an honest, clear picture of himself-so when even the most vile, hopeless abandoned sinner read and considered his case-they would take heart, that there was room for them at the foot of the Cross. He is an example of mercy, a specimen of what Christ can do, even for the worst of sinners. If Jesus Christ, with whom there can be no respect of persons, saved Saul of Tarsus, no sinner need despair.
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If there was hope and salvation for Paul, there is hope for you and I.
Lorna Couillard
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Note: There's been some who have said to me "You are arrogant". I've been cursed, mocked, and insulted many times over the years. I'd ask-How do you like to be treated?
I'm a quiet, "mind my own business" kind of person, and blunt in my way of speaking-somewhat like Paul (I don't claim to be in his rank or category), and have had experiences in my life that have molded me into what I am now (robbed 3 times). In this world you learn to become strong, and able to take the blows of life-or let the world destroy you. My armor, is always on. But, I choose the verses above, to  describe who I am. I have no reputation to try to uphold, no character to polish-I am a redeemed sinner, who has been called by God to do some things-that I will admit-I have no strength or ability to do in my flesh-it is God in me, that moves me in this work. I've made mistakes, failed at times, but gotten back up, and keep going. It is the Spirit of God, that moves me in what I am doing, in spite of my flaws. The blog below gives a description of who I was before Jesus redeemed me, and saved me, and what Christ has done in me, for His glory.
https://www.twosparrowsministry.org/home/used-goods

Update -7/16/22
It doesn't take long after I post new material, to see and hear reactions; some good, some bad.
Whatever people's opinions, I leave it in God's hands. To the enemies- I don't care what you may think of me. The only persons opinion that matters to me, is the Lord Jesus Christ. 
The false accusations, the condemnations, the rumors/gossip, slander gets taken to the throne of God. I talk to Him about it, and leave it there. If anyone is really interested in me as a person, or cares to know the truth about the stories told of me-I'll tell you the truth. If your not interested, that's fine. I can live my life in peace, either way.​

During Paul's service and missionary journey's, he encountered many dangerous, treacherous problems, many times he spoke of his persecutions, the tortures he endured, and the false brethren and enemies he suffered from. But along the way he came to the place where he was unmovable in his faith, and his walk with God.

The Four Marks of the Immovable Man
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus,
to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Act 20:22-24

Here, in his own words, is the secret of Paul’s prevailing perseverance. As we look over his confession, four distinguishing characteristics stand out — charting for each one of us today the pathway through our own difficult challenges.

By following Paul’s example, we also can become men and women who are immovable from our sure foundations, and unstoppable in our eternal quest.

Paul’s example shows us four marks of the Immovable Man…
#1 – He had conviction of Spirit — “I go bound in the spirit,” he said. The word means to be irrevocably resolved in commitment to the present course of action. There is a finality to the conviction Paul possessed, like a man “bound in chains” from which there is no escape offered…nor desired. Any appeal made to Paul by his friends, urging him to take it easy, fell powerless to the ground. Something far more powerful held him firm to his course of action.
#2 – He had courage of Heart – “not knowing what will happen to me there, except that bonds and afflictions await me.” It takes a man or woman of immeasurable courage to walk headlong into open hostility. Those who seek a life of ease will never reach the heights of glory gained by those who press upward against great oppositions.
#3 – He had composure of Mind — “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself.” Here we see the true magnificence of a selfless man. Paul was not looking for a chance to advance his career, bulk up his portfolio, sweep the competition, nor leave his mark in the Vaulted Halls of Man’s Celebrated Giants. Something higher and far more noble had captured his imagination. He had set his thoughts upon heaven, and the honor of the name of Jesus. And, though dismissed by the world as a fool with a misspent life, he is now cheered in the realms of glory as the Great Apostle of Grace.
#4 – He has constancy of Purpose — “that I may finish my race with joy.” And what a race he ran! Through valleys and over hills; in the thick of the woods, and out in the open meadows; upon rocky terrain, and across the hot desert sands — he ran with faith, and finished with perseverance. Such is the internal power of a prevailing purpose in life. I once read that a man can stand almost anything except a succession of ordinary days.

My friend, in what ways can you benefit by Paul’s example as you face your own challenges in today’s world? How might his words find a place in your life, and embolden you to rise in a new resolve of faithfulness — even if its against all odds? Rylisms

Comment: Reading this down through the ages of time, I will put my lot in with Paul, and go wherever Christ leads me-and burn the bridges behind me.
Lorna

Php 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 
Php 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 
Php 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 
Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 
Php 4:8  Finally, brethren,
whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
​if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 
Php 4:9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. ​

​The Pilgrims Song
"My rest is in heaven; my rest is not here;
Then why should I murmur when trials are near?
Be hushed, my dark spirit, the worst that can come,
But shortens thy journey and hastens thee home.
It is not for me to be seeking my bliss,
And building my hopes in a region like this:
I look for a city which hands have not piled,
I pant for a country by sin undefiled.
Afflictions may damp me, they cannot destroy;
One glimpse of Thy love turns them all into joy.
And the bitterest of tears, if Thou smile but on them
like dew in the sunshine, grow diamond and gem.
Let doubt then, and danger, my progress oppose;
They only make heaven more sweet at the close.
Come joy, or come sorrow, whate’er may befall,
An hour with my God will make up for it all.
A scrip on my back, and a staff in my hand,
I march on in haste through an enemy’s land.
The road maybe rough, but it cannot be long;
I'll smooth it with hope, and I'll cheer it with song.”
Author Unknown

​The devil has a collection of well-used tools in his toolbox. He knows what works to accomplish his goals to bring every kind of wickedness into action. The verses below describe them:

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
a. Bitter envy and self-seeking: These are the opposite of the meekness of wisdom mentioned in Jas_3:13.
b. Do not boast and lie against the truth: Anyone who shows bitter envy and self-seeking should not deceive anyone - especially themselves - about how “wise” they are. They show a wisdom that is earthly, sensual, and demonic. Their “wisdom” is more characteristic of the world, the flesh, and the devil than of God.
c. The fruit of this “wisdom” is plain: confusion and every evil thing. The wisdom of the world, the flesh, and the devil may be able to accomplish things, but always with the ultimate fruit of confusion and every evil thing.

Where envy and strife is brewing, there is disturbances, uneasiness, disquiet, slander, gossip and contention. It can continue to escalate into intimidation, and harassment. 

Mobs form from these fires being stoked, such as Moses (Exo 17:4,Num 11:11) , and David (1Sa 30:6) had to contend with at various times. It was envy and strife that drove Saul to madness chasing David for years, trying to kill him. Rebellion is an underlying factor in this taking place, along with boasting, and lying. Those who keep these contentions going-will keep the strife and stories going in a town/village, and won't stop. They will do this without the person they are attacking being present-the agenda isn't to resolve a problem, but to keep it going, and making sure only their side of it is told to the mob.
When troublemakers are gathered together, and outnumber the one being attacked-there's no end of tactics that will be used to get their own way.

Jealousy and envy are many times intertwined-and the bible tells us it is more dangerous than anything else.

Pro 27:4  Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

The definition of envy is: a feeling of unhappiness over another's good fortune together with a desire to have the same good fortune: He was filled with envy on seeing her success. 2 : a person or a thing that is envied. envy. verb. envied; envying.
What are the characteristics of envy?
Signs of Envy

• You aren't happy for others when they achieve success.
• Another person's success makes you feel unhappy.
• You feel the need to diminish someone else's success.
• You judge others negatively.
• You're happy when others face setbacks.

Jealousy means-a feeling of unhappiness caused by wanting what someone else has, or has accomplished. Jealousy is also exhibited by anger, resentment, comparing people against each other, competitive in all aspects of a relationship, control. Being overly suspicious, false accusations that paint the person in a bad light to other's-for their own benefit. Probing into other's private life-without their consent, or knowledge-stalking.

The reason this sin is so evil-is it is linked to the tenth commandment-Thou shalt not covet:
Exo 20:17  Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. 

This sums up mans turmoil of spirit-we are not secretly to desire what is someone else's, and wish they were in our possession; since it discovers uneasiness and dissatisfaction with our own lot and portion, and is coveting another man's property, or achievements. When covetousness consumes a person-it can cause obsessions to develop to the point of consistently slandering the one who is envied-destroying them in society, and murdering them with the tongue. This is one of the devils most well used tools.

Definition of strife:
1a : bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension political strife. b : an act of contention : fight, struggle. 2 : exertion or contention for superiority. 3 archaic : earnest endeavor.
What is an example of a strife?
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Strife is defined as the act of conflict or something that is difficult to do. An example of strife is the bad relationship between a brother and sister. The act of striving or vying with another; contention or competition.

This wisdom is not real, but false, which gives rise to envy and strife is not from heaven. It is earthly, of the passions of the flesh, of the devil, not of God. Where these exist in the heart every evil work will follow.

The main goal of someone consumed with strife-is to take away your peace, any way they can do it.

Who is a wise man? Discreet and well informed? It must be shown in conversation, that is, in life, both words and deeds, meekness of wisdom. True wisdom will not speak boastfully. If there is bitterness in the heart, let there be no boasting of your goodness. That would be to lie against the truth.
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What is the answer to this? Galations ch. 5 gives the direction we need to go, to overcome and avoid the devils attacks.

​Gal 5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 
Gal 5:17  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 
Gal 5:18  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 
Gal 5:19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 
Gal 5:20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 
Gal 5:21  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 
Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 
Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 
Gal 5:24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 
Gal 5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 
Gal 5:26  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 

​(Jas_3:17-18) The character of heavenly wisdom.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
a. But the wisdom that is from above: God’s wisdom also has fruit. James here is defining exactly what he meant by the meekness of wisdom in Jas_3:13.
b. First pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy: The character of this wisdom is wonderful. It is full of love and a giving heart, consistent with the holiness of God.
c. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace: This fruit is like a seed that will bear fruit as it is sown by those who make peace. David Guzik comm.

​Luk 14:7  And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, 
Luk 14:8  When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; 
Luk 14:9  And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. 
Luk 14:10  But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 
Luk 14:11  For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
See also- Luk_1:51, Luk_18:14; 1Sa_15:17; Job_22:29, Job_40:10-12; Psa_18:27, Psa_138:6; Pro_15:33, Pro_18:12, Pro_29:23; Isa_2:11, Isa_2:17, Isa_57:15; Mat_23:12; Jas_4:6; 1Pe_5:5

Pro 15:33  The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. 
Shalom

​Rom 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 
(Read Romans 7:7-25)

In the previous devotion, obedience and heeding Jesus' words to keep his commandments were explored. Now we will swing the pendulum to the other side of this paradox-the war between the flesh and the spirit. Paul talked about this life long struggle, and described the battle waged within himself, and that we all share with him.
​
In the verses in Romans ch. 7:7-25, Paul details the conflict within us, after our salvation. 
​
Verse 18 sums us our dilemma-In my body, our flesh-there dwells no good thing.

When we were unsaved, we had no understanding or consciousness of this conflict; we were part of the world, and enjoyed the pleasures of sin. But, when salvation opens the eyes of the newly repentant believer-the Holy Spirit begins the work of revealing ourselves to us, as we really are. We are shown by the light of the law shown on us in God's word, our inability to keep it, our powerlessness to do right-even though now, after salvation, the desire is there to obey God.

An excerpt from Biblical Illustrator helps make this clearer)

"No man this side of heaven is out of the reach of sin and out of the danger of temptation. Opportunity acting upon sinful inclination may lead the best of men to fall into sin.

Then we have an evil world. This world which is ever about us, in our families, relationships, business; the world with all its show and pride, tempting some with its pleasures, baiting the hook for others with its riches, how tempting a world it is—when the Christian would do good it is present with him.

And when the believer would do good, the evil spirit is present with him. Satan with his emissaries is trying to hinder, harass, and destroy.

Conclusion:
1. Does not this teach us that we have constantly to watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation? If you have not looked upon your Christian life as a conflict, you have not taken a right view of it.
2. And then, is there not in all this an encouragement to go continually to Him in whom we have righteousness and strength? “If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father,” etc. (Canon Stowell.)"

​If ye love me, keep my commandments. Joh 14:15  

This short verse sums up a great deal, and could take volumes to break down. But in this devotion, I'm going to only focus on the importance of this verse, in regards to the intercessor. It is the most vital, and distinct statement from Jesus that reveals how we can know, and check ourselves-in the realm of obtaining answers to prayer.

Jesus told the disciples, and us-if you love me, keep my commandments. A direct, clear statement which doesn't leave any confusion. But, it cuts to the heart, where every individual will stand, in regards to receiving answers to the petitions they present to the Throne. The longer an intercessor serves God in this realm, the more he/she will come to understand how important this short statement is-and how precise is it's ability to reveal to us-where we really stand under the all-knowing gaze of God the Father, and Christ our Redeemer.

The measure of our love, and obedience gauges how much of the power of the Holy Spirit we will be able to receive, and have access to, in our walk with the Lord. The amount of persecutions, or hardships won't help us discern our place in God-the disciples many tortures, abuses, and persecutions, and their deaths tell us this. What shows us quicker than anything else whether we are abiding in Christ or not; is whether we are getting our prayers answered, or not.

When disobedience sets down roots in us-it closes the door to heaven, and our prayers are as brass-hitting the ceiling, and dropping to the ground. No amount of faith is going to do any good. David found this out, when he sinned with Bathsheba. It took Nathan confronting him, to bring him to repentance before David was restored. Gods ways have not changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

This doesn't mean always getting a "yes" for an answer either. If the answer comes as a "no", "not now", or "not as your asking"-we have no need to be dismayed. God uses untold numbers of ways to guide us, steer us away from dangers, or move us in a direction He wishes us to go. But, the aspect of our free will is also something the Lord is always dealing with. Our relationship with Him has so many levels, and there are so many outside forces, from unbelieving people, the demonic realm, and our own flesh, that makes walking in obedience to God like going through a landmine-and God takes all of this into consideration. In heaven, we will be shown much that we haven't discerned or understood here. 

But, through the trials, the warfare, the battles we wage, if we are walking and abiding in Christ, we will have a solid peace. The Holy Spirit will guide, and give answers to our inquiries. 

When praying for nations, communities, leaders-specific information will be revealed to us, as God wills it to be so. This is not to be broadcast to the world, unless the Lord specifically says so. Many intercessors and prophetic leaders today talk far too much, and do a lot of damage in the cause of Christ. A true intercessor, or one being used in the prophetic will only reveal 5-10% of what God shows, and says to them in a lifetime-and only after a lot of prayer first. And, when they do, they'll be as sure as anyone can be, that they've heard from God-and be willing to take the consequences of a wicked world, and die for it, if necessary. I'd ask some today who are very loose and easy with their prophecies-are you willing to die for what your saying? 

When we walk in righteousness-this does not mean we will never make a mistake, and never sin. But, we don't live in a pattern of sin. When we do sin, we repent immediately, and ask for the Holy Spirits help, to cleanse our hearts, and for the blood of Christ to cover us. When the Lord sees a heart that seeks Him out of sincere love, he treasures that individual, and I can say from experience-he watches over you, with jealous love.

In closing-when reading and cross referencing this short verse-the intercessor will come away with a good understanding of how vital Jesus' words are.

If your prayers aren't being answered-if the door of heaven is shut, this is the place to start. By spending quality time searching your heart and soul before the Lord-with this verse in focus.
Lorna Couillard

THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH
Some added wisdom from F.B. Meyer

There is no adequate translation for the word Paraclete. It may be rendered “interpreter,” “comforter,” “advocate,” but no one word suffices. The Greek means “one whom you call to your side in the battle or law-court.” His advent depends upon the praying Christ (I will pray the Father), and upon the praying Church (ye shall ask). The Holy Spirit must be a person, or He could not be compared as “another” to Christ. It is characteristic of this dispensation that He shall be in us, and His indwelling brings with it that of the Father and the Son.
​
“We will… make our abode.” That word abode is the same Greek word as is rendered mansions in the former part of this chapter. God prepares a mansion for those who believe in Christ, and asks in return that we shall prepare our hearts as guest chambers for Him to dwell in. As He enters the loving, cleansed, and believing heart, we hear Him say: “This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it,” Psa_132:14. And what a word is that, my Father will love him. That He should love the world is wonderful, but that He should love us would be incredible, were He not infinite, and did He not see us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

​If the Dead Could Speak
by John Jansen
​
If all the dead could speak
Just what do you suppose
Would usher from their lips
As shivers touch your toes

Would they speak words of peace
Would comfort be proclaimed
Would hearts be set at ease
Would fear of death be tamed

Or is it possible
Our ears would hear the sound
Of things we've heard before
Of old truths still profound

Perhaps the recent dead
Would tell us the account
Of two men rich and poor
Whose lives had both run out

The poor man reaped rewards
Of comfort, rest and peace
The rich man suffered sore
But could not find release

In suffering he begged
To send a warning of
The torment of this place
To everyone he loved

The answer echoed back
They will not heed the dead
If they won't heed God's Word
Believing what it said

Though we don't hear a voice
The dead still speak aloud
They ask "Are you prepared,
To meet your Maker now?"

They warn us while alive
Our options total two
Repentance through God's Son
Or pay all that you're due

In Jesus we find life
With the eternal blessed
Without Him pain and loss
Without Him second death

​Luk 16:19  There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 
Luk 16:20  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 
Luk 16:21  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 
Luk 16:22  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 
Luk 16:23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 
Luk 16:24  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 
Luk 16:25  But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 
Luk 16:26  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 
Luk 16:27  Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 
Luk 16:28  For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 
Luk 16:29  Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 
Luk 16:30  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 
Luk 16:31  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

​Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught .... And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their
​net brake — Luk_5:4-6

Christ Singles Out an Individual's Disappointment

It was not easy for Jesus Christ to be alone, men were so eager and so curious about Him. Not only did they crowd round Him in the villages, where at any moment there might be a work of healing, but they also watched Him as He stole away into retirement, among the hills, or by the seashore. Our lesson opens, then, with Jesus at the seaside, and there, as in Capernaum, there is a great crowd round Him, eager to listen to the Word of God. Then Jesus steps into one of the fishing boats and preaches there—note the many and strange pulpits in which Christ preached. And when the sermon was over, and Jesus was doubtless weary—what did He do? Did He ask for a drink of water? He immediately turned to Peter, in whose boat He was, and said to him, "Launch out into the deep." He had seen the disappointed look in Peter's face. He had detected that the night's fishing was a failure. All the excitement of the thronging crowd, and all the effort of telling them God's news, had not made Him careless of one man's disappointment. So may we learn to trust Christ's individual care, though we be only atoms in a countless multitude. Then follows the miracle, and the call to discipleship, and so this brief but exquisite lesson closes.

It Was in Deep Waters that the Draught Was Got
Now, note that it was in deep waters that the draught was got. The first word of Jesus was, "Launch out into the deep." if the nets were to be filled with fish that morning, the first requirement was to leave the shallows. Now, every miracle is but an acted parable; there are meanings in it that all life may interpret, and to us today, no less than to Simon Peter, Jesus is saying, "Launch out into the deep." We must come right out for God if we are ever to enjoy Him. We must unfasten the cable that binds us to the shore. It is when we launch out into the deeps of trust, that we find how mysteriously the nets are filling. For the harvest of life's sea is joy and peace, and growing insight, and increasing love, and these are beyond the reach of every fisherman, save of him who dares to launch into the deep. Then, too, as experience increases, we learn the meaning of the expression "deep waters." We learn that sorrow and care, and suffering and loss are the deep waters of the human heart. And when we find what a harvest these may bring, and how men may be blessed and purified and made unworldly by them, we understand the need of the deep waters, if the nets are ever to be filled.

God's Gifts May Cause Some Disorder at the First
Note again that God's gifts may cause some disorder at the first. When Peter at Christ's command let down the net, it enclosed a great multitude of fishes. We may be sure that the net was a good one if it was Peter's making, yet for all its goodness it began to break. Now nets are very precious to a fisherman; the loss of them is sometimes irreparable. So in a moment we see Peter and Andrew beckoning to their neighbor's boat, and like the man of Macedonia, crying, "Come over and help us." They came at once, and both of the boats were filled, and filled so full that they began to sink. And the point I wish you to note is that the first results of the kindness of the Savior were—breaking nets and sinking ships! You see, then, that when Jesus enters a life as He entered Andrew's and Simon's boat that morning, it is always possible that at the first there may be some distress and confusion and disorder. We find abundant records of it in the early Church, and every minister has seen it in his converts. Let no one be distressed, then, if when Christ steps on board it is not all joy and singing from the start. All that will come, in the good time of God, for the promise is there shall be no more sea. Meantime, just because Christ is good, and charges the empty night into such morning fulness, the nets (that are so precious to us) may seem on the point of breaking, and the waves come lapping to the gunwale of the ship.
​
The Nearness of Jesus Shows Us Our Unworthiness
Once more, it is the nearness of Jesus that shows us our unworthiness. One day, when Jesus was across the lake in Gadar, the Gadarenes came to Him with a strange petition: they came and begged Him to depart out of their coasts. Jesus had cured the Gadarene demoniac; He had interfered with the local trade of swine keeping; and so incensed were the people at this interference, and so dead were they to the glory of their Visitor, that they begged Him to depart, and He departed. How different is the cry of Peter here, "Depart from me, O Lord, for I am a sinful man." It was not because he was dead in trespasses and sins, it was because he was wakened to his own unworthiness, that Peter was overpowered by the Lord's presence. And so, while Jesus departed from the Gadarenes, the next word that He spoke to Peter was "Fear not" (Luk_5:10). Sometimes, when we gather a bunch of flowers, they seem to us very sweet and beautiful; and so they may be, for they are God's creatures, and He has made everything beautiful in its time. But if we take a pure white rose and set it in the midst of them, it is strange how garish and coarse some of the others appear. They are God's creatures, but they seem less worthy now, in the near presence of that pure and perfect whiteness. Just so when Jesus Christ is far away, we may be very well contented with ourselves. But when He enters our boat, and shows us His love and power, like Peter we too would say—"I am a sinful man."

They Followed Christ When Things Were Brightest with Them
Then, lastly, these men followed Christ when things were brightest with them. They had never had such a fishing in their lives. It was not in the weary morning after a useless night that they forsook all and followed Jesus. It was when they were the envy of the neighborhood for the huge haul of fishes they had got. Will the children act as Simon and Andrew acted? Will they follow Jesus when life is at its brightest? It is better to come late than not at all. It is better to come in old age than to die Christless. But it is best to come when all the nets are full, when life is golden, and the heart is young; best, and not only best, but surest, for "they that seek Me early, shall find Me."