We Are Called to Prefer One Another

We Are Called to Prefer One Another

               Hello and Welcome to My Little House of Prayer. I hope that you all had a wonderful Memorial Day as we remembered all those who gave their lives so that we could experience the freedoms we have today. At least, as long as our government will allow us to have them. I am so very glad that you have come to join me again today as we continue to discuss 1 Corinthians 13. I hope that you are enjoying it as much as I am. Once again, let’s read this chapter again. 

               1 Corinthians 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

                   I find it very interesting that this week’s discussion is on being selfless. It is Memorial Day today. This is the day to honor and remember those who gave up their lives for the freedoms we have today. The word “memorial” means to preserve the memory of the dead; remembrance; a monument. All throughout the bible, men of God erected a monument where their lives were changed. The hill of Calvary is a monument erected by the LORD. The condition of the world changed that day. How selfless was that? That the Father gave up His one and only Son for the salvation of all who would be willing to truly accept his gift of salvation. The Son selflessly gave up His life so that all could be saved and experience the true freedom that is only found in God. 

               The reason I said all of this is because we are discussing verse 5, Love seeketh not her own. With the speed that life is running these days, it is very hard to place a value on what’s most important. Everyone and everything is vying for our attention. To get our focus off of what is important. Satan and his cohorts are constantly trying to cause us to willingly give up those freedoms that we have been so graciously given. But, this is why the Lord wants and desires our focus to be completely on Him. So that we can rightfully decide what is most important to Him, and where to spend our energy. Remember, even our energy is not ours, but His and His alone. Our time is not our own, but His. He created it. The LORD has no beginning or end. Why? How? Because, before us and after us, there is no time. Love created time and seasons. They were created that we might see and give the glory due His wonderful name. Jesus helps us to put our focus in proper perspective in Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. When we do what Isaiah said in Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee., we can walk in perfect unison with the LORD and what He is doing in the world around us. Thus, we will stay at peace. His peace.

                  If we control our thought life, we have control over everything else in our lives. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;. We have the authority and power of the Lord to control our thought life and in turn, our environment and what happens in it. 

                We have to decide whether the thoughts are of the LORD or not. I find when I walk with the Lord my time is well spent. The things that He values as important are accomplished with time for those things that we thought were so important. Conveniently, I am under attack. This is so very important to God that you get this that the enemy is trying to make me sleepy and dizzy. Trying to stop my focus on Him, so that I do not get His message out to you. This is one way to know if it's of God. The enemy does not want us to do anything for God in His name that would extend His insurmountable love towards others. He does not want us to pray. He especially does not want us to read the LORD’s bible. We have to resist the devil and he will flee from you according to James 4:7.

                    So, when we allow ourselves to focus on the LORD, pray, and read our bible, we will receive instructions from the LORD how to be His ambassadors to others. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

                   You see, we are to be His living epistles to others. We are to prefer one another over ourselves. Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; In other words, we are to serve one another. Jesus came to be an example to us of how to display the Father’s love to others. We are to be constantly on the lookout for how we can serve one another. To be able to put others' needs in front of our own. To show the love of Christ. Every time someone needed a miracle from the LORD, the disciples and people around Him would have so many excuses of why the need was not more important than what He was originally going to do. I believe that this is true today as it was in Jesus’ day then. 

                  Finally, Jesus bluntly said in Matthew 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. So, if Jesus came to serve. Not be served and that being our example to follow, we should follow after the example. Frankly, we are commanded to do so. You know, we always look for the best seat in the house. But, Jesus said that the best seat was the very last seat in Luke 14:7-11   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.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;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.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.11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

                 The Lord promises to reward our actions. His promises are true and faithful. He changes not. Especially if they glorify Him. But we have to know how how to have access to those promises. 1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us to   6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. You know even the disciples were arguing about who would be first in the kingdom. Jesus rebuked them and told them how not to be concerned with a position. But to delight that they were called and appointed. Which in turn, decided what and how they were used greatly by our Father God. Jesus shared this key with the disciples in Luke 10:1-20   10 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

                He also helped them to see what was important this way in Matthew 19:30-20:16. That we can do nothing in and of ourselves. But, only in His authority in the name above every name, Jesus Christ of Nazareth or Lord, Savior, and king.  30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first20 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

                Notice in verse 16 it says that few choose. Everything we are. Everything we do. Everything we have is in Christ. But we have to choose. We have to choose whether or not we want to walk with Him or not. We have to choose Him over everything else. Then, we can look at one another through His eyes and see people as He sees them. Then, we can all function in the Body of Christ as we are called.

                        Acts 2:44-45   44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. Wouldn’t this be awesome? There is coming a day when we will have to choose whether we are in the Body of Christ or not. It is coming soon. So, remember that today is the appointed day to answer the call of the Lord. To become saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit.

                    As Christians, we are called to the great commission in Mark 16:15-16   15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Did you see that? He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. But, he that doesn’t believe shall be damned. I believe that this statement holds each and every one of us accountable. We are called to share the gospel. We have to share the gospel. It is very self-seeking of us to not boldly and loudly share the Truth we know. Jesus Christ of Nazareth our Savior and Lord. We have to be different in this world. We have to walk in love towards one another. Even those who are unloveable. Those who are bitter and angry. Remember, hurting people will hurt people. We have to rely on Christ to bring love, light, and life to a person's world.

             If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Let me introduce you to Him. It is really simple. First you must acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a savior according to the mirror of the law of the Lord. Ask Him for His forgiveness for all of your sins and call them out to Him. Thank Him for His forgiveness. Then, forgive those who have sinned or transgressed against you. Then, repent. Repent means to change your mind concerning sinful habits. Change your choice making decisions. Let Him influence your choice making decisions as you get in His Holy Word. Ask Him to be Lord over your life. I want to pray this prayer with you. But, this is just an outline. The real work begins after I pray with you because it is a very personal walk with the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

                    Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

                               If you have made the decision to give your life to Jesus, let me be one of the first to welcome you to the body of Christ. All of heaven is greatly rejoicing over your decision today. Please let me know of your decision today. I want to pray for you. If this message has brought up any questions or spoke to you in some way, or if you have any prayer requests; please let me know by commenting below, private messaging me, or you can email me at my1littleafmp@aol.com. I would greatly love to hear from you. Remember I love you with the Love of the Lord but Jesus will always love you more.

 (close in prayer)

Modesty is True Beauty

                                 Modesty is True Beauty

                Hello and welcome to My Little House of Prayer. I am your host Dayla Smith. I am so very glad that you could join me today. Let’s open in prayer. Since this is a continuation of our study on 1 Corinthians 13, let’s go ahead and refresh our memory by reading it  again.Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

            We are looking at verse 5, love does not behave itself unseemly. So, let’s look at the Webster Dictionary and the Strong’s concordance for definitions. In the Webster Dictionary unseemly means: improper, indecent, inappropriate,indecorous, unbecoming, uncomely, unfit, unmeet, or unsuitable. And, in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance the word unseemly means: to be unbecoming, shapeless, unbecoming, or to   hold.

                  In this day and time, when our culture places no value on modesty, as children of God we are called to live chastely. There are so many ways we can live out a modest lifestyle. But it all begins in our thought life. There  is modesty in speech. There is modesty in dress. There is even modesty in our behavior. I know this is a very touchy subject. Who wants to be told how to speak, talk, and/or behave? I know I don’t. Also, we have to remember that there is a time and place under heaven for everything. 

                   Have you taken a hard look at society’s way of dressing, talking, and behaving? It’s incredible how far backwards we have gone in the name of not offending others. And to think, we all had a part to play in it. What? How? We refuse to make our verses heard. In the beginning stages of when America was formed, our government was of the people, by the people, and for the people. Young men and old died for this right. Instead, it is easier for us to just allow the government to decide our fate. Thus, we have slowly allowed the state of our government to change the status from of the people, for the people, by the people to a government entity by itself. 

                  So, let’s look at our speech life. Listen to your words. I’ve been listening to mine lately. It’s horrendous. Not just the obscene words we use, but even the curses we speak over ourselves and others. Not intentionally, but as a habit. In the book of Titus 2:1-7 it says,  2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

              Lately, I have learned that if I keep my thought life on the Lord, I am more able to recognize the darts of the enemy. Thus avoid allowing them to take root in my thought life, and in turn, avoid letting them escape from my lips. Proverbs 18:21   21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Do we want the fruits of death to take hold of our lives? I don’t. 

            Jesus tried to explain this in Matthew 15:1-11   15 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

              So it is what we allow to enter our thought life that becomes a thought, then it takes root, then we speak it out, and then we act on that thought. I mean look at Esau and Jacob. The fight actually began in the womb. Genesis 25:24-26. The word is continually performed from there to Genesis 36. Romans 9:11-13   11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. And in Malachi 1:2-5   2 I have loved you, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the Lord: yet I loved Jacob,3 And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.4 Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the Lord of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever.5 And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The Lord will be magnified from the border of Israel.

James 1:14-15   14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

              Did you see just how temptation was at work even in the womb? The fight to be first. And yet, even as Abraham and Isaac crossed their arms, I believe the Father had predestined this while they weren’t even conceived yet. I know it seems like I am catching rabbits, but I really am not. The battlefield is for our minds. If we can control our thought life, there is no room for temptation to even present itself in order to take root. That is why Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:1-7   10 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.  

                   You see, whether we like it or not, we are in a constant battle. Just because we are Christians, does not mean we will be immune from spiritual warfare. This I find to be the biggest lie Satan and his cohorts try to use in order to cause Christians to fall asleep on our jobs. We must have a pure thought life. Our focus needs to be completely sold out to Yaweh. Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. You see, it is a fight to the death for our minds. Why? Because Satan and his cohorts want to lift their name higher than Hashem. So, how do we fight and gain control of our thought life? The Word of God. All throughout the bible, the Lord not only talks about this kind of warfare, but how to fight as in Isaiah 26:3. So, here is the scripture that I've been clinging to ever since I realized that the enemy was trying to hijack my thought life. Philippians 4:8-9   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.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.

               You see, this is a promise. But, with all of the Lord’s promises, there comes with it a condition to obtain and keep the promise. You see, the battle is not with the Lord, but with Satan and his cohorts. The blood of Jesus is strong enough to fight for us. But, we have to be in agreement with God for the promises to have any effect on our lives. We have to obey. Obey what? The laws of God. The first commandment is this. The Lord is God. The LORD is one. Love the Lord thy God with all of your strength, soul, and mind. When we do this on a daily basis, we allow ourselves to come in contact with the Agape love of God. Then, we can treat others with the same kindness, grace, and mercy we have received.

                        King David prayed this way. Psalm 51:10-19   10 Create in me a clean heart(mind), O God; and renew a right spirit within me.11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.  This sounds a lot like Philippians 4:8-9.

                 So, if the battle is our thought life, the question now is how do we see ourselves? The enemy and the world have placed many labels on society. How society behaves. I can testify of how the Lord delivered me from the many labels that were placed on me. Especially the pain in the memory associated with it. These are what is called emotionally charged memories. Do you have emotionally charged memories? Memories that can be so painful that they reach down to the core of your heart. There is great news. Jesus is already ready to set you free, heal and restore you. 

                 To begin with you have to look at yourself in the spiritual mirror. The laws of God. Remember, if we have broken one, we have broken them all. As we begin to see ourselves in the light of the Torah truth in the laws of God, we realize the awesome love, grace, and mercy of the LORD. They know no bounds. Then we are to denounce our agreement with the lies of the enemy and the world, as we repent of our acceptance of those lies. We decide what we agree with or not. We decide what thoughts can hold our attention or not. Whose report will we believe? 

               Remember hurting people hurt people. Because of the curse on this world as we know it, everyone has been in contact with emotionally charged memories. It has been a long road, But the Lord has done awesome things in my life as he has delivered me and keeps on healing each and every one. So, according to the words of Jesus Christ, freely we have received, freely give. I hope this helps. 

                So, if we gain control of our thought life, we then can control our actions. This is easier said than doing. I can testify of this personally. You see, I believe the Lord knew just how great the battle for our minds would be, therefore, he talked about it from Genesis to Revelation. 

                Look at the command in Matthew 15:1-11   15 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

                        If we control our thought life and keep our focus on Christ Jesus, we will be able to live a life holy and consecrated to Him. In the Webster Dictionary, the word chaste means: pure, abstaining from unlawful sexual intercourse; virgin; modest; restrained, or unadorned. In  the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance the word chaste means: properly clean, innocent, modest, perfect, or pure, sacred, physically pure, morally blameless, ceremonially consecrated, holy, most holy, or saint.

                      We are to have chaste thoughts. In turn, we are called to have chaste speech. Then, we are called to have a chaste attitude concerning how we dress and behave. This world leaves nothing to the imagination. But I ask you, where is the fun in that? It leaves no room for the unexpected or spontaneity. My husband and I lived a life of unexpected spontaneity. We never had a boring life together. Someone very close to me had a dress code that was nothing to be desired. One day I overheard a conversation between that person and my husband. “Why can’t you dress like Dayla? She is modest in her wardrobe and behavior. I find that to be way more beautiful.” What a compliment, huh? 

                 This is the next and final step of how to rid yourself of the emotionally charged memories.  Philippians 2:12-13   12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  It is a continual work in us. Fear in Hebrew here means a fear of breaking the one you love dearly’s heart. Isn’t this a powerful thought? Then, we can keep our focus on Him and not just give Him lip service.

                     Matthew 15:1-11   15 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

                 Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Let me introduce you to Him. This is the first step to freedom. It is really simple. First you must acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a savior according to the mirror of the law of the Lord. Ask Him for His forgiveness for all of your sins and call them out to Him. Thank Him for His forgiveness. Then, forgive those who have sinned or transgressed against you. Then, repent. Repent means to change your mind concerning sinful habits. Change your choice making decisions. Let Him influence your choice making decisions as you get in His Holy Word. Ask Him to be Lord over your life. I want to pray this prayer with you. But, this is just an outline. The real work begins after I pray with you because it is a very personal walk with the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

                    Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

                               If you have made the decision to give your life to Jesus, let me be one of the first to welcome you to the body of Christ. All of heaven is greatly rejoicing over your decision today. Please let me know of your decision today. I want to pray for you. If this message has brought up any questions or spoke to you in some way, or if you have any prayer requests; please let me know by commenting below, private messaging me, or you can email me at my1littleafmp@aol.com. I would greatly love to hear from you. Remember I love you with the Love of the Lord but Jesus will always love you more.

(close in prayer)

Attention Precious Friends

Attention Precious Friends

There has been a slight interruption and a change. 

The interruption is that I won’t be able to put the blog up until next wednesday. 

The change is due to my health. I will be posting in the blog once every two weeks instead of every week due to changes in my health. 

I am so sorry for the inconvenience. Praying you have a blessed week in the  Lord Jesus Christ.

You Are Offensive to me - Who Do I Think I Am

                      You Are Offensive to Me - Who Do I Think I Am

                   Hello and welcome to My Little House of Prayer. I am your host, Dayla Smith. I am so very glad that you could join me in our discussion of the subject of offense. Let's open in prayer. I want and need prayer. After all this is about how to live a prayerful life. The Lord is good to me. But even in His goodness, there are tests. And in these tests is when we need each other. I am not about money. I am about the Lord’s business. So, do not take what I am going to ask you for is money. Why should I ask you, when we can agree and go to the one who owns the cattle on a thousand hills and never forsook His people, or made them beg for bread. But, here is my need. I need prayer. So, there you have it. Pray for me. Also, what do you need from the Lord that I can agree in prayer with you for? Now let’s open in prayer. 

                  Let’s reread 1 Corinthians 13 Remember, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. This is one of many ways that David hid the Word of God in his mind that he would not sin against the Lord.  So, without further adieu, let’s begin. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

       We are looking at the end of verse 4, where it describes love as not being proud.Charity(love), vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, I first titled this message “I Am All That and a Bag of Chips'”. But, this Tuesday morning, the Lord told me to change the title to “Who do I Think I Am”. We are now living in a society that is puffed up and proud. We all like to look good in front of people. This is alright if we are giving the glory to the Father. But, when we look good in front of people at the expense of someone else, this is a horrible sin. One that not only degrades you and the other person, but opens the door for destruction of our walk with the Lord. The worst of this sin is that we can cause that person to stumble in their walk with the Lord. Maybe even cause them to walk away from the Lord.

               Before we begin, I want to look at the Webster’s Dictionary and the Strong’s Exhaustive concordance for the meaning of pride. In the Webster’s Dictionary, pride means: feeling of self-worth or esteem; conceit; a sense of one’s own importance; a feeling of elation due to success; the cause of splendor; to be proud of; to take credit for; or a herd of lions.

                    In the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance it means: (The word Vaunteth): to boast, to pierce through; adverb or preposition form: across, farther, other side, or over. (The word puffed): the primary sense of blowing, to inflate,make proud,growth by expansion or germination, natural production (lineal descent),kind, mankind, nature, or natural. And last but not least, the word pride. Arrogancy, excellency, excellent, majesty, pomp, swelling, arrogance, haughtiness, or highness.

                     Looking at all of these definitions, I want to say this. Lucifer was a created being made by the Lord. He was absolutely something to behold. He was there before creation began. He got to see it all happening. Isaiah 14:12-24   12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities.22 For I will rise up against them, saith the Lord of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the Lord.23 I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the Lord of hosts.24 The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:

                    The Lord not only describes His creation, but He also tells him his future. Hallelujah! Come on! You can shout with me! Hallelujah! Satan only has some of the truth. He does not have all of it. I see it like this. He was in class, but because he was busy writing love notes to leviathan, he only got the homework lesson. And in so doing, pride entered his heart. Because of his own deception, he became the great deceiver. He knows just how to twist the truth in hopes of destroying the Lord’s wonderful creation. So in our everyday lives, there is the choice to have righteous choices or unrighteous choices. It is left up to us. The Lord hopes we will make righteous choices. Look what it says in Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

                       We all have pride in our hearts (minds). But, are we glorifying our heavenly Father, or are we out for our own ambitions. Is our ego so low that we have to put people down in order to feel good about ourselves? This world is filled with a lie that feeds into our lives no esteem what-so-ever. The more the enemy can beat us down, the more he hides the Lord’s message to be overcomer’s in him. We have a choice to receive his lie or to receive what the Lord says about us. 

                   Deuteronomy 28:13 And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: This is one of many scriptures that talks about each and every one of us. How do we glorify our Father in heaven? By acting out these scriptures towards one another. In other words, do you want to have esteem concerning who you are? Build someone else up using His word. Like I’ve said before, each one of us may be the only bible someone will ever read. Righteous pride is remembering we are nothing, can do nothing, or have nothing apart from Him. Then, we give Him all the glory for it. He makes us who we are. He expects us to serve one another with that same grace.

                            You see, false pride tells us that we are all that and a bag of chips. But according to Isaiah 64:6, it says that even on our best days, we have no righteousness in us. We have to rely on the Lord God Almighty. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

                 So, Isaiah says that even when we think we have it going on, that we are still yucky. Our righteousness depends solely upon the sacrifice of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Some of you are thinking, “But that is the old testament. We are in a different covenant.” Jesus gave the same laws in simplified terms. Matthew 5:17-20   17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 22:37-40   37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.38 This is the first and great commandment.39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Romans 3:19-23   19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

                 So, Jesus didn’t just give us the same laws of the LORD, but he was our example of how to walk in it. Do you see now that we are to still live our lives according to the laws of God? The difference is that we are under grace. Ephesians 2:8-9   8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. We should live our lives according to the laws of God, but there is redemption of our mistakes. Forgiveness for repentance. Does this make sense to you? 

                   What does this have to do with pride? Everything. Pride is an awful door into our hearts (minds). You see, according to James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Did you see that? If we break one we break all of them. Remember I have been saying that just because we received the Lord’s gift of salvation does not make us any less a sinner in need of a Savior than the lost person. The only difference between us and the lost soul is that we have the wonderful gift of His grace as our testimony. Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 

                  It is through the testimony that the Lord gives us that we can have righteous pride. Where we boast of Him and not of ourselves. Where our testimonies bring all the glory and honor that is due to His Name. Ephesians 2:8-9   8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. The apostle Paul was always bragging on the Lord of all the many trials and testings the Lord had brought Him through. We are all going through many trials and testings that the Lord is graciously bringing our spoiled selves through. “How can you call us spoiled?” Even I am spoiled. He does dote over us. But, our unrighteous pride can get in our way, and in so doing, cause us to forget to seek His face and not His hand. 

                    King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 1:2-11   2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

                  And Jesus gave a shortened version in Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

              If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Let me introduce you to Him. It is really simple. First you must acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a savior according to the mirror of the law of the Lord. Ask Him for His forgiveness for all of your sins and call them out to Him. Thank Him for His forgiveness. Then, forgive those who have sinned or transgressed against you. Then, repent. Repent means to change your mind concerning sinful habits. Change your choice making decisions. Let Him influence your choice making decisions as you get in His Holy Word. Ask Him to be Lord over your life. I want to pray this prayer with you. But, this is just an outline. The real work begins after I pray with you because it is a very personal walk with the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

                    Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

                               If you have made the decision to give your life to Jesus, let me be one of the first to welcome you to the body of Christ. All of heaven is greatly rejoicing over your decision today. Please let me know of your decision today. I want to pray for you. If this message has brought up any questions or spoke to you in some way, or if you have any prayer requests; please let me know by commenting below, private messaging me, or you can email me at my1littleafmp@aol.com. I would greatly love to hear from you. Remember I love you with the Love of the Lord but Jesus will always love you more.

(close in prayer)

You Are Offensive to Me - Your Pasture looks Greener Than Mine

        You Are Offensive to Me - Your Pasture looks Greener Than Mine Hello and welcome to My Little House of Prayer. I am so very glad that you could join me today. I am so very sorry that I have not exactly been on time like I like to. I take the ministry the Lord has given me very seriously. I need your prayer. But, I have learned that even in this experience, the Lord is going to use it for His glory. I can’t wait to be able to share this testimony with you. Today’s message is a continuation of learning what it means to love. But, let’s open in prayer. I hope that you are ready to go on a word study with me. This is going to be great! Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. We are still looking at verse 4 where it says, charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, . When I think of envy in scripture, I end up going to this scripture. James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. I believe when we envy one another, it opens the door of being easily offended with one another. Then, we become and behave angrily towards one another. Then, as we entertain envy and anger, every other evil door is opened. Do you see how we open the door of offense and it ends with stealing our joy and testimony. Then, it kills our joy and testimony, our relationships with others, as well as, our relationship with the Lord. Then, it destroys our eternal destination. To be able to spend an eternity with Lord our God. Let’s look at James 1:13-16 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Now, let’s look at the definition of envy in not only the Webster’s Dictionary, but also; the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. All throughout this bible study today, I will be referring to these two books. In the Webster Dictionary Envy means: resentment or discontent at another’s achievements, possessions, etc; an object of envy. And, in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, the word envieth in the Greek means: to have warmth of feeling for or against; affect, covet earnestly, have desire, move with envy, be jealous over, be zealous, zealously affect. You see, understanding is half of our battle. The warfare is for our minds. This is another teaching I will get into later. I will say this, our thoughts should be totally on desiring the very presence of God. If our focus is on Him and His Word, Torah truths, He can totally direct our lives. If our minds are always on Him who created each and every one of us, He is more than faithful to lead and guide us. From what the definitions are in the dictionary and the Greek interpretation, it not only describes what envy is, but, in the definition; is a foretelling of one’s future if we indulge in the entertaining of the thoughts and intentions of this temptation. What?! We are tempted?! Yes. We are. But, not of God. The Lord allows the enemy to tempt us. Why? Because, we are constantly having to choose whether we will walk the crucified way. Whether we will choose the Lord of our fleshly desires; no matter how righteously good it looks. Remember, Satan and his cohorts come to us as angels of light. They know exactly how to imitate the lord and the things of the Lord. We have to have the Holy Spirit in order to properly discern the Lord’s truths. I can’t express the desperate need for the baptism of the Holy Spirit; especially in these last days. With everything going on in our world today, we need his person in our lives. He is the witness to the truth according to Romans 8:16-25 and in John 5:31-6:13. He is the comforter and teacher according to John 14:23-31. He is our leader and guide into all truth according to John 16: 13-15. He is our exhorter in our most Holy Faith according to Jude 20-25. So, you see, we have no reason to have to walk a defeated life when we have all that we need for the mountain tops and darkest valleys in our Christian walk. I am so blessed to have this truth. The Holy Spirit was given to each and every one of us. We choose whether or not we will ask for Him and all that He has for us to be completely involved with our daily lives. I want to stop right now and pray with you for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. First, if you have not made the Lord Savior and redeemer of your life, I need you to know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Let me introduce you to Him. It is really simple. First you must acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a savior according to the mirror of the law of the Lord. Ask Him for His forgiveness for all of your sins and call them out to Him. Thank Him for His forgiveness. Then, forgive those who have sinned or transgressed against you. Then, repent. Repent means to change your mind concerning sinful habits. Change your choice making decisions. Let Him influence your choice making decisions as you get in His Holy Word. Ask Him to be Lord over your life. I want to pray this prayer with you. But, this is just an outline. The real work begins after I pray with you because it is a very personal walk with the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Now, the gift of salvation is a free gift of God that you have just accepted. You have accepted and opened His gift. Now, He wants you to have another gift. This gift is a piece of Himself. It is highly precious to Him, but so are you. Just like we are all given a seed form of faith, He gives us His seed form of His Holy Spirit. It is up to us to accept and open this gift. Just like we are to grow our seed of faith, we are to grow in our most Holy Faith. How do we begin to do this correctly? We accept the baptism of His Holy Spirit. We need Him to direct us.To inspire us to a Holy lifestyle. To help us to grow up in the fullness of Christ, which is in our most Holy faith. So, without further adieu, if you so desire, please allow me to share with you someone I have yet to introduce you to. Lord Jesus, thank you so much for offering this wonderful gift to me. First, of salvation. Now, the precious Holy Spirit. I Accept your gift of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I praise your Holy Name and want to know you more. The Holy Spirit promises to help me know you more. Thank you Lord. In Jesus name amen. Now, begin to praise and thank Him for it. Open your mouth by faith. Let the words roll out. You will feel a bubble in your stomach. Don’t be afraid. That is the rivers of water that Jesus talks about. Let it come out. You may just have one syllable to start. That’s o.k. As you pray that one syllable, He will cause that language to grow. Just remember to praise and thank the Lord for it. For those who don’t speak in tongues right away, quit focusing on the gift. Focus on the giver of the gift. When you do that long enough, you will begin to speak in tongues. Also, stay alert to His conviction of sin. Just because we have accepted His salvation, does not mean that we are no longer sinners. That is a lie of the enemy. We will be a sinner in desperate need of a Savior until He calls us Home. How else will we be able to sing the song angels do not know? The song of what? The song of the redeemed. I like to think of this as putting your faith into action. That He is forever faithful to hear your prayer of repentance, Forgive you of your sin, and lead and guide you in your choices. Remember He loves you and wants you to make heaven your home more than you do. He loves you and so do I. So, envy is wanting what someone else has to the point you will do anything to get it. The spirit of envy brings us thoughts that bring us to the choice of resentment or discontent at another’s achievements, possessions. If we entertain these thoughts of envy, we then become discontent and react to those we are envious towards with anger and hostility. We open the door to the workings of the enemy. Instead of being a child of God, we can choose to be a child of darkness. The choice is always left up to us. Just as the choice was left up to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Paul says in Philippians 4:10-13 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Did you see that? Paul learned that whatever situation and/or circumstance he was in to remain content. This coming from a man who had been “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.” Word for word, 2nd Corinthians 11:24-31. I don’t know about you, but 50 stripes the first time would be enough to make me take a pause at the idea of proudly opening my mouth, much less this Christian walk. I hope and pray that I will be able to withstand what is going to come to pass in this world. But, like Paul says, “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.” Yep, I totally agree. It is only through the Lord that I live, move, breathe, and have my being. Now back to the subject at hand, the greatest example of envy I could think of goes like this. “Man. I wish I had so and so’s anointing. They can hear the voice of God and tell me everything I know about myself. They can preach and heal people instantly. He/she walks by and people will fall out.” Then, as we think of how much we want to be like that person, we try to do everything in our power to be that person. First I want to point out the fact that we have an innate ability to want to worship created beings. We are called to worship the Lord God Almighty and only Him. Not one another. Second, all we get to see is the glitz and glamor of someone’s life. We don’t get to see the price they paid to have that anointing. Third, we don’t get to see them on a regular enough time to be able to tell if they are living a dedicated life to the Lord Jesus Christ, or some other demonic being. So, when we look at it through this light, we realize that everything that glitters is not gold. The grass is not greener on the other side, and we are not all that and a bag of chips. But, we are created in the image and likeness of the Lord. And, when He looks at us, to Him we are all that and a bag of chips. But, the reason the grass is greener is because it is filled with sewage. Do we really want someone else’s sewage? I don’t. I got enough with my own sewage. Sewage represents a place of dead things. Our sins are dead things. And if God is the author of life, why would we want to fellowship with darkness. According to scripture, light represents the presence of God. Darkness speaks of the absence of color or light. The absence of God. So, why do we want to fellowship with darkness, if we are children of the light? We are created beings that were created out of love. Love of our parents and love of our God. He created us with a destiny for greatness. If we are busy not walking in His love and envying other people, we will not make it to our destiny. How do we walk opposite of envying other people? By walking like our heavenly Father would. God is love. He showed us how to walk in love towards one another. So, we could encourage them in their walk in order that they reach their destiny. When we help others reach their destiny, we will reach ours. You know, you reap what you sow. So, let’s walk in the Father’s love towards one another. Let’s not envy one another and in so doing open other doors of sin in our lives. Thank you for joining me today at My Little House of Prayer. Remember, I love you with the love of the Lord. But, Jesus Christ of Nazareth will always love you more.