YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH
GETTING TO “KNOW” Y O U, Part 4
WRITTEN BY GAYLE L. WALLACE
*
“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).
*
Fourth and final, MIRROR VIEW of who I was happened at the SIFTING of my SOUL, which meant surrendering to the TESTS God has allowed to afflict and correct me. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).
I needed to learn that EVERYTHING “new” about me was God’s GIFT. “…He is “SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “…God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins…” (Romans 3:21-26 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV).
When people are broken, dysfunctional, invalidated, have low esteem, etc., they feel unworthy, unacceptable, and incompetent, on the inside, most of the time. God comes along and gives them multiple gifts. “…BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH BLESSED us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV). “… [Your heavenly Father] ... will supply all your [need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).
“…Now GOD GIVES [his people] many kinds of special abilities (and gifts) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
“…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the GIFT of God; NOT OF WORKS, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “...Jesus Christ...God’s free GIFT [that]...leads to our being made right with God ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT).
IN ADDITION, “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “... his GIFT of forgiveness..” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).
“…You will receive the GIFT of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).
“…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).
“… People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are GIFTS from God…” (Ecclesiastes 3:13 NLT).
“…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man (woman) hath his (her) proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV).
“…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). SO “…What do you have (what blessings do you have) that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).
“…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…. if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new....” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Christ (God’s gift and riches) liveth in [God’s people]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 & Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am (I have what I have)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT[S]…” (2 Corinthians 9:16 KJV).
God’s helps his children USE their GIFTS and RICHES properly, which means his teaches them to USE them for HIS GLORY. “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God...” (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV). “...God is ...a very present help in trouble...” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “…He helps [his children]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps [each of his children]…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT “…[God is]…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). ). “…[god, the holy spirit]...you are my helper…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).
God’s children are disciplined children, who learn to internalize his righteous and holy ways, especially when he ALLOWS them to go through various TESTS of afflictions and difficulties. “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).
Through this PROCESS of TESTS God teaches his children a set of values, through his HOLY Word, that will GOVERN their thinking, emotions, and conduct while upon earth.“….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “…that [his children]... might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).
Let take a LOOK at Peter, for example. Andrew, his brother, introduced him to Jesus. Jesus CHOSE Peter to be one of his disciples and changed his name to Cephas. Peter’s new name was Aramaic and meant “rock” or “a stone.” "…You did not choose me but I chose you…” (John 15:16 ASV). “...One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone...” (John 1:40-42 KJV).
Peter BOLDLY recognized the HOLINESS of Jesus and OPENLY admitted he was a sinful man. “...When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw that (Jesus’ miracle), he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!...” (Luke 5:6-9 KJV).
Peter was one of the disciples who LEFT EVERYTHING to FOLLOW Jesus. It was Peter who said: “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). “...And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they (including Simon Peter) forsook all, and followed him... “ (Luke 5:1-7; 10-11 KJV).
“...Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).
“...For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).
Peter was a studious and attentive disciple to Jesus’ teaching. He watched him, challenged him, observed him, communed with him, had courageous faith in him, and boldly questioned him. “...Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable...” (Matthew 15:15 KJV). “...Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?...” (Matthew 18:21 KJV). “...Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?...” (Matthew 19:21 KJV). “...And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away...” (Mark 11:21 KJV). “...And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?...” (Luke 8:45 KJV). “...Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?...” (Luke 12:41 KJV). “...Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life...” (John 6:68 KJV). “...Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head...” (John 13:6-9 KJV).
Peter wanted to follow Jesus EVERYWHERE he went and he DID, except to the CROSS. “...Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards...” (John 13:36 KJV).
Peter was the one who called Jesus, the CHRIST and the SON of the LIVING GOD! Peter, personally, RECEIVED this revelation from God, the Holy Spirit. “...And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven...” (Matthew 16:16-17 KJV).
Peter witnessed Jesus’ miracles.“…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH, and dwelt among us...” (JOHN 1:14). “…Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were EYEWITNESSES and servants of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 NLT). “….Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were EYEWITNESSES, and ministers of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 KJV). “…For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were EYEWITNESSES of his majesty….” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT). “… we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“...As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment...” (Mark 5:32-42 KJV).
“...And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's (or PETER’S), and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon [PETER], Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon [PETER].. answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink... “ (Luke 5:1-7 KJV).
Peter not only WITNESSED Jesus’ miracles, he personally EXPERIENCED his MIRACLES. “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).
Peter witnessed and experienced, first hand, God, the Holy Spirit’s, power as a PROVIDER and a DELIVERER, “...[At Jesus’ Word]...they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, ....And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink... “ (Luke 5:1-7 KJV).
“...Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel (this could be a Christian Warrior) and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).
“…I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…the Father (the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works) …” (John 14:10 KJV).
“… at God’s [miracle-performingWORD) … what we now SEE (everything witnessed and experienced) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (it came from the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God (the miracle-performing POWER of God)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
“... When this had dawned on him ... [Peter realized] ... “he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things…” (Acts 12:7 NIV & Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).
“...the chains fell off Peter’s wrists...They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has ... rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).
However, Peter was a bit ARROGANT and BOASTFUL about his dedication and devotion to Jesus. “...Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended...” (Matthew 26:33 KJV). “...Peter broke in, “Even if everyone else falls to pieces on account of you, I won’t...” (Matthew 26:33 MSG). “...But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away...” (Matthew 26:33 NASB).
“…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought …”(Romans 12:3 NIV). “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall…” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV).“...A man's pride (arrogance, boastings) shall bring him(her) low…” (Proverbs 29:23 KJV). “...For if a man(woman) think himself(herself) to be something, when he(she) is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Galatians 6:3 KJV). “...those who walk in pride he is able to humble...” (Daniel 4 NIV). “….[It is] from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts … wickedness, deceit, … pride, [arrogance, boastings, etc.,]... and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN; they are what defile you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT). “.. For everything in the world ....the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever...” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).
“...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). Peter SAID, God looks at the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “… out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts…these … come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked:…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).
“...Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away...” (Matthew 26:33 NASB). “...Jesus had said [to PETER[, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” ....” (Matthew 26:69-75 KJV). “...Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly....” (Matthew 26:69-75 KJV).
Peter was frequently with the SAVIOR while he was upon earth, which empowered him to be bold about Jesus, God’s LIVING, powerful Word. Peter BOLDLY walked on water. “...Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus...” (Matthew 14:28-29 NASB).
Peter BOLDLY rebuked Jesus about saying he would die upon the cross. “...Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”...” (Matthew 16:22 NASB).
It was Peter who BOLDLY cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. “...Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus...” (John 18:10 NASB).
It was Peter who BOLDLY proclaimed he’d NEVER forsake Jesus.“...But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away...” (Matthew 26:33 NASB). “...Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!”....” (Matthew 26:69-75 KJV).
Peter was fearless, outspoken, hot-headed, and BOLD as a disciple, but “often” WRONG. Jesus corrected him in each of the above scenarios. “...Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus...” (Matthew 14:28-29 NASB). “...But seeing the wind, he (PETER) became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!...” (Matthew 14:30 NASB).
“...Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”...” (Matthew 16:22 NASB). “...But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s....” (Matthew 16:23 NASB).
. “...Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus...” (John 18:10 NASB). “...So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?...” (John 18:11 NASB).
“...Jesus had said [to PETER], “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” ....” (Matthew 26:69-75 KJV). “...But he denied it ... And again he denied it with an oath ....Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said...” (Matthew 26:69-75 KJV).
A MIRROR VIEW of who you are happens during the SIFTING of your SOUL. When Peter was TESTED, he choose to DENY Jesus instead of surrendering to the challenges he faced and God has allowed to correct him. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).
IF YOU ARE GOING THROUGH AFFLICTIONS AND DIFFICULTIES, DURING THIS PANDEMIC, CIVIL UNREST, ELECTION, JOB LESS, ETC., GOD ALLOWED IT FOR A REASON. WHO WILL YOU BE DURING THE SIFTING OF YOUR SOUL?
No comments:
Post a Comment