13)
And now come
I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy
fulfilled in themselves.
14)
I have given them thy
word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as
I am not of the world.
15)
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16)
They are not of the world,
even as I am not of the world.
17)
Sanctify them through thy
truth: thy word is truth.
18)
As thou hast sent me into
the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19)
And for their sakes I
sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20)
Neither pray I for these
alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
|
T |
he time in which we live, today, is
truly a time of confusion. Men are confused about many things, particularly the
Word of God. Far too many of those already belonging to the Lord are worried
about being gained control of by something or someone not to the Lord. Anytime
one becomes concerned about some aspect of himself, he can be sure that the
concern was prompted by Satan. The sure sign? ...the
fact that not being “tricked” becomes so important to the individual that he
rejects the truth of the Word of God.
Saints have no business “running
scared.” One benefit of having the Spirit is that He and the human spirit with
which He abides are to agree on spiritual things: provided of course, that it
is the Holy Spirit which is in control. Where the
miracles, salvation and most significantly, holiness of God are wrought, one
need never be reserved. For one thing is certain: if the Word taught or
preached affects no changes, it is not the Lord.
“Apostolic church people” have become a
curious breed. Too many will listen to others (of and not of the fold) about
all sorts of things. One of the favorites seems to be the opinion that
scripture might not have come from God. It can usually be guaranteed that this
statement has come from an unchanged person, and an unchanged person, whether
saved or unsaved, has no power. We, who walk in the truth of God’s Word, have
been changed (transformed). So, why do we listen? Why should we listen to the powerless who, all
too often, live shoddy lives? If those in these circumstances who want to
“straighten us out” have so much knowledge, why doesn’t it help them to live a
life pleasing to God? After all, no matter what the issue, the husbandman is to
the first partaker of the fruit.
Those of us who deal in truth should,
by now, possess in our spirit the fact that God is under no obligation to honor
anything but His Word. So, how has something so important become such a
“backseat” issue? It has become this way by losing its importance to Man. One cannot know the importance of anything unless he
knows that thing. In the same way, knowing something (that
is, having knowledge of it) means that one has to study it. So, man goes
without what he needs from the Word because he doesn’t realize how important it
is to Him.
Once we have studied, internalized and
acted upon God’s Word, we will find that it works in absolutely every
situation. However, manifesting just one of these actions will not do. For us
to know what we have, we must practice all three.
Completing this “work” (for Jesus)
requires the same types of tools as any other project. That is, it does one no
good to have the instructions to finish a project, yet find himself without the
means (e.g. no electrical outlet for power). In the same way, spiritually, many
are operating with instructions (basic knowledge) but no power (no Holy Ghost)!
There are, of course, some who have both instructions and power, but still
cannot complete their project because their power keeps being disconnected.
The truth of the Word of God endues us
with power—but only as we obey it. Power is our reward for obedience. One must
also have some sort of expectation—that is, a goal or purpose in mind.
So, once again, the ball is put back
into our court. As a saint, what do you expect? Do you expect to manifest
power?
If we intend to be blessed, we must
believe the truth of the Word of God. If we intend to go to Heaven, we must be
completely dedicated to God. If we do not make it to Heaven, we will have
fallen far below God’s expectations. He has far better plan for those He
created and loves than to spend an eternity in hell being tortured.
The truth of the Word of God is that
His blessings are not dependent upon our circumstances. If we find ourselves
depending on our human emotions and therefore, find ourselves “down,” it does
not change the Lord’s willingness or ability to help us.
In a world watching us to see if we
really have what it takes to make it, we are going to have to start manifesting
some supernatural power. There are plenty of counterfeits around with plenty of
works, signs and wonders. So, whatever “word” you say you’ve believing, if it
doesn’t work it’s of no use and no good.
Since only God’s Word is truth, only it will be honored and only it will achieve the desired results. We can hope, wish and dream as much as we want; we can follow as many popular ministries as we have time and money. But when one finds that he needs God on his side, only His Word and His truth will do.