The Glory of the LORD

2Ch 5:11 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course:

2Ch 5:12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)
2Ch 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
2Ch 5:14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

The Ark was in place in the temple. All gathered to praise the LORD in one accord. Voices and instruments together making joyful praise unto the LORD. Oh if God's people would stop fighting over differences and come together in truth to praise God, then we will see the glory of the LORD in our presence.

Ezekiels vision

Eze 10:4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.
Eze 10:5 And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.

Because of their heartfelt praise in unity, the presence of the LORD filled the house with a cloud. The priest could not stand to minister because of the glorious presence of the LORD. Flesh must bow to the presence of the LORD.

Isa 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Isa 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Isa 45:24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
Isa 45:25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

Psa 114:7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

Many fall at the touch of man, some have the power of God, some do not.

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

We want the real thing, the awesome presence of God in our assemblies. This will happen by walking in the spirit of truth in unity and in total praise. This means we sing holy songs that honor and glorify the LORD. Worship flows from the heart and invites the presence of the LORD.

Sabbath Day Legalism

Joh 5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

Joh 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
Joh 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Joh 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

Sabbath day legalism will seek to kill Jesus and the Spirit manifested through him.

What is the spirit of the law?

Do we kill those who have God's spirit being led by the LORD above? They accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath and some may accuse other believers who keep a Sunday Sabbath.

The Gentile believer has grace to choose a day for the Sabbath, keeping the spirit of the day.

2Co 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
2Co 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Gal 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
Gal 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Gal 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

The Sabbath is a shadow of Christ Jesus our rest. If we keep the Saturday Sabbath, that is well if by faith. If we keep a Sunday Sabbath that is allowed, especially for the Gentile believers if by faith. We are not to judge a believer over what day he keeps a Sabbath. Everyday is a Sabbath day in Christ, just as all holy days of the old covenant were Sabbath days. We are the holy temples of God, if the spirit dwells in us. Be careful not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit in a believer by legalism.

Many have turned away from attending a church altogether. This is dangerous because there are all sorts of strange doctrines around us. Keep a day with other believers to worship, to dwell deeply with the Lord and to rest in him. Do not continuously seek your own pleasure or work, making your own religious experience.

Isa 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Isa 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath.

Mat 12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
Mat 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Mat 12:8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Why did the early church meet on Sunday?

First let me say that the synagogues met on the Saturday Sabbath. When Paul traveled he would go to the Jews synagogue first to preach. Resurrection was on Sunday and this was to be the collection day fir the offerings.

1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
1Co 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

In Troas Paul had communion on Sunday sabbath.

Act 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

In summery, we need to attend a good church and not point fingers at other churches. If the spirit of the Lord dwells in you by faith in Jesus Christ, then you are free to choose which day you honor the Sabbath. Keep a day of rest and devotion to the LORD God.

We are called to love our Lord God and one another.

Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

There is no love until God shows his love to you through Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath. Love God and one another and go to church on a day that is of faith to you. For that matter you may meet together everyday as did the church in Jerusalem.

Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Glory and Honor

1Ch 16:26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
1Ch 16:27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
1Ch 16:28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
1Ch 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Acknowledge the LORD in truth.

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Deu 13:4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

Worship and praise him as HE IS

Jer 13:16 Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.

Give to him praise for His glory, honor, gladness, and strength.

Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Thank you LORD for your judgments and mercy thank you for Jesus to take away our sins, thank you for your love that surrounds us and your comforter who abides with us; your truth and your guidance. Thank you for faith to see you, to glory in you, and to believe in you. Thank you that we overcome this world through you and that we will abide with you forever because we trust in Jesus our savior.

Correction Needed

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Pro 15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

Jer 5:3 O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Jas 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

We all need correction, for we are not yet as Jesus. Our goal should be to conform to his image. The Bible is a glass mirror, it shows us how we look inwardly in comparison to the will of God. If we look at our self in the word of God are are not doing what we should be doing? We must correct ourselves to line up with the word of God.

I have a photo printer that is hooked up to my computer. When I see the image looking perfect, the printer does not print it as a saw it. So I make a correction of the image in the computer, usually adding 20% yellow to get the image as I saw it originally. We correct our self to conform to the image of Jesus.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We must take out wrong thinking and wrong habits of behavior and walk in the freedom that Jesus has called us to walk in.

Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Isa 58:5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?
Isa 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Isa 58:7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Isa 58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
Isa 58:10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:
Isa 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Isa 58:12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
Isa 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Isa 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

We must correct ourselves to take our place in building up others in the faith of Jesus Christ.

Consider Your Ways

Hag 1:5 Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.
Hag 1:6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
Hag 1:7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

This scripture really describes our time here in America. We have had much abundance and most have wasted their resources on things; pockets with holes in them, never enough, never satisfied. It is a spiritual problem. We are trying to be fulfilled by the flesh things and have neglected our spiritual house.

Hag 1:8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.
Hag 1:9 Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.
Hag 1:10 Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.
Hag 1:11 And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.

The LORD brings a drought to the land to get our attention. Has the LORD been trying to wake up our nation? He has blown on it from the sea and on land with hurricanes and tornados. We are experiencing a drought like what we had in the mid west during the great depression of the 1930's; hard economic times then and now. The governor of Texas held a public prayer gathering, praying to end this drought. The liberal news media mocked him. Where is the end of the drought they say? The LORD is saying " where is your repentance"? Keep praying it is all the hand of God. Israel had a temple, but now we in Christ Jesus are the temples of God. Pay more attention to your spiritual temple. Trust the LORD, read his word, meditate on it , humble yourselves and pray. We may be all that is preventing the LORD from destroying this land as he did Sodom and Gomorrah. They were destroyed because of fleshly perversions and wickedness.

1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1Pe 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Nathanael

Joh 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
Joh 1:46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
Joh 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Joh 1:48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
Joh 1:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
Joh 1:50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
Joh 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Philip brings Nathanael to Jesus, but Jesus had already seen Nathanael under the fig tree, under a symbol of that nation Israel. Jesus knew this son of Jacob before he was brought to him. God chooses first and when we share Jesus with others, those who God has chosen will come to him. Nathanael was not thinking much of anyone coming from Nazareth, this was a stumbling block to some of the Jews who knew the Messiah was to come from Bethlehem. Jesus indeed was born in Bethlehem and when he saw Nathanael he said somehing truly unusual. Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! He had no guile, craft, deceit, like so many of the deceitful leaders of Israel who tried to destroy him because of envy. He came to him having received the invite from Philip "Come and see."

Jesus said that we must come into the kingdom as children; they trust and are accepting.

Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Nathanael was quick to believe on Jesus with little proof.

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

We come to Jesus by faith and our faith grows as we learn more and more.

Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

You will see these things because you are to be redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, you will see me in my glory when I return to set up my kingdom. Angels will ascend and descend upon the Son of God who is the Lord of Hosts.

What of so many who come to Jesus with guile in their hearts? We see them when we witness on the Internet. They come in with trick questions. Some appear to be polite, but they want to destroy your ministry. Some are bitter and destitute of hope at the bottom of life. Share God's word and give them the good news. Be consistent, unmovable and perhaps the LORD will do something in their hard hearts. A mocker may by your life style, see something in you that they want. They will see Jesus in you, who is their salvation.

Php 1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you and be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;

Php 1:28 and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God; (ASV)

The Living Word

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Joh 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

In the beginning was the Word, capitalized referring to a name of a person. GOD IS, He is a person. The Word was with God. The person, the personality of the Word was with God. Before I go any further it is understood that the LORD God is one LORD.

Deu 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

LORD: Yehovah

God is Spirit, Jesus explained this.

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

One God who Is spirit, made known to us in three forms of the one God. God the Father, God the Son (the Word) and God the Holy Spirit. The LORD God has chosen to reveal himself in this way for our redemption. We were all lost because of sin and the sin nature.

The Word was in the beginning with God. God has no beginning so what is the beginning? I see it as the beginning of all things created, because all things were made by the Word and without Him was not anything made.

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Heb 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Heb 1:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
Heb 1:11 They shall perish; but thou remainest;...

The Word has no known beginning.

Jesus is our great high priest after Melchisedec, who had no known beginning or end.

Heb 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
Heb 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Heb 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

The man Jesus was born of Mary, but his spirit is the Word eternal.

Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

In him was life and this life was the light of men. Light makes things seen, and by seeing we are able to walk clearly and make clear decisions. Jesus is spiritual light and truth and he is the way to God and everlasting life.

Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Jesus is the Living Word.

1Jn 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
1Jn 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
1Jn 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus is a life giving spirit.

1Co 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1Co 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
1Co 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Joh 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
Joh 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself

Paul's Heavenly Vision

2 Cor 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Paul was reluctant to bring glory to himself, Now he speaks of something the Corinthians would be interested in; visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 Cor 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

Paul speaks of a man, many think it was Paul, about 14 years ago. Perhaps when he was stoned unto death in Lystra. (Acts 14:19) In the body or out, he does not know, but apparently his soul and spirit were taken to the third heaven. The people of Paul's day believed in three heavens. First, the clouds and sky, second, the stars and planets, the third was the dwelling place of God. This man had a vision of heaven.

2 Cor 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
2 Cor 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Paradise here is the dwelling place of God and Jesus, where the souls of the departed saints dwell with the Lord. Note that he was not given permission to describe what he heard. There are words in heaven waiting, glorious words of the Living word. Until we arrive with them we are to hold on to the word that is revealed to us, it is enough to bring us to paradise. Jesus is the way, through faith in him we will live forever.

1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

I am wondering if John was chosen to speak of the things he saw in Revelation, instead of Paul. Paul saw great things, but was not allowed to speak. His ministry was to the Gentiles. Later John would have a vision, the book of Revelation. He was allowed to speak. Everything in it's time and LORD help us fulfill the calling that you have for us. It is the fruitful servant who always desires to do more and the LORD will add to his ministry, as in the parable of the talents.

Mat 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
Mat 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Mat 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Mat 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

We must also be sensitive to not intrude on another man's work unless in partnership with him.

Rom 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation.

An evangelist should have a follow up team of pastors and teachers. A newborn in the faith needs to grow. One message may bring him to the Lord, but to continue he must grow in the word of God; he needs a good foundation.

Paul continues the account of the visit to the third heaven.

2 Cor 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

Paul will glory in the one who has heard from God. Do you glory in a man who says he has heard from God, yet follows another way? No, that is dangerous. Once again remember Jesus' words and glorify in him;

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

2 Cor 12:6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

Many reading these words have had visions and experiences that only could come from God. Many have kept silent, as the world does not wish to hear of the things of God. Visions and unusual miracles continue unto our day. We do not glory in them, they give glory to God and are only received by others of faith. Remember the words of our Lord;

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Visions continue, many are only for the one receiving them. We do not limit God by trying to explain these things in the natural. They are of the spirit.

1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Isa 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Psa 30:10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
Psa 30:11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
Psa 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

The Gift of Helps

1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Let us look at the gift of helps. Helps, the Greek word: antilēmpsis, to aid, to help.

1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: ...

I believe that all Christians can help others through service. We are commanded to be servants of God by serving one another.

Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
Mat 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Just what is this gift of helps? A wife should be a help meet.

A help meet is to complement the husband, serving him in any way that she can. The husband is to be the head of the wife, so the wife should not compete with him. In a spiritual sense the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, our help meet, the Greek word paraklētos: means called to ones side, called to one's aid.

Our Pastor often shares this verse written by Solomon:

Ecc 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;...

He is a minister, a servant of others, helping wherever there is a need to be met. A helper often is not noticed, but in the morning the coffee is made. In the church things are kept in order, the bathrooms are clean, there is a glass of water for the Preacher.

Mar 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Too often I hear someone complain about some lack in the church. A helper will take care of the need without complaining. They are a great blessing, not looking for praise or rewards, but serving as unto the Lord. A helper loves to help others. You will not hear them say, "oh that's not my calling" when asked to do something. A helper may teach a children's Sunday School class, drive a bus, or play an instrument in worship. They will wash dishes, serve tables, and be ready to help in any way they can.

The Deacons were helpers, serving tables.

Act 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Act 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Act 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Do not overlook the gift of helps, for we will be judged by our service to others. We are to be rewarded for our service.

Bethlehem

Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

This is a prophecy of the birth place of the Messiah, born in Bethlehem, a small city called "house of bread". Out of you shall be the ruler of Israel.

Jesus is the bread of life

Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Joh 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Bethlehem was the burial place of Rachel, Jacob's wife.

Gen 35:19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Herod hearing from the wise men that a king was born to the Jews, ordered the killing of the male sons in Bethlehem who were two years old and younger.

Mat 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
Mat 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Mat 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

The wise men returned another way

Mat 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Mat 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
Mat 2:17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
Mat 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Joseph had heard from an angel in a dream to take Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt.

Mat 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Mat 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

They returned to live in Nazareth. Can anyone not see that the Bible is true? Only those who are proud and think they are wise, miss God and his truth.

He is the bread of life. He is my salvation and my Lord; " whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. " Jesus said that he was the I AM, the name for God.

John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
John 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

May God reveal Jesus, His Son to you. The human Baby born in Bethlehem, was the Spirit Son of God who would give his life for our sins. He is the Bread of Life and the great I AM, he gave his life for our sins and is raised to everlasting life.

There are lying spirits in high places who are opposing truth. Jesus is the truth of God and his Holy Spirit is in the land, the Spirit of Truth. By our prayers may the Spirit do the work of convicting people of their sins and bringing them to Jesus for forgiveness, truth and everlasting life.