Rapture Ready: Follow Christ

Matthew 4:19, “And he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

When Christ said the words follow me, he did not mean, follow me after you’ve done your chores and work for the week or follow me when it is convenient for you to do so.  Christ wanted his disciples to drop everything, deny themselves and follow him.

We have also learned from scriptures that upon meeting with his disciples Christ always said, “…follow me...” Although Christ is not with us in the flesh body he still approaches and meets with us also. When the spirit directs us toward reading our Bible that is Christ approaching us.  When the spirit chastises us for being in error Christ is meeting with us. When we arise early to spend time in His presence Christ is knocking at our door. Therefore, we must be alert everyday so when we hear that knock we can answer.

Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Matthew 16:24-25, “…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

What is meant by denying ourselves? It certainly doesn’t mean starving yourself or neglecting your daily elements of living. Nor does it mean sitting in a corner waiting for Christ to return. When we deny ourselves we continue striving toward the kingdom of the Most High when our flesh would rather do something else. 

It’s fervently staying in prayer though at times our flesh may want to watch television. When a person denies themselves they take no thought to the cares and lusts of this world; for our eyes are focused on the New World to come. In the process we use the talents and gifts that the Most High has given us and the means that he has provided for us in order to spread the gospel of the kingdom.

When we deny ourselves we are humbled in the presence of the Most High God. And to be humble doesn’t mean weak; rather knowing when to make your point heard and when to keep quiet.  Oftentimes, we’ll know someone who has to “tell it like it is”, to the world, this may be a great quality. But in the kingdom and to someone striving toward the kingdom, this displays a lack of the presence of the Most High within.

When we are humbled we leave our door open for those who may be going through adversity, rather than setting the record straight. When we are humbled we have our ears attuned for those who may need to talk, rather than lecture to them beforehand. When we are humbled, we don’t desire to get the last word. We often simply say, “You’re right,” rather to engage.

When we are humbled we understand that each person has their way of viewing this world and we observe rather than trying to make them see things our way. When we are humbled we understand that people make mistakes rather than attempting to display perfection within ourselves. When we are humbled, the Most High gives us the gift of sensing the intentions of others while communicating with them.

When our focus is on Christ, we no longer focus on what someone does, did or did not do. We understand that people have their reasons for their actions rather passive or aggressive. Our focus tends to lead toward the inner-being rather than the outward appearance.

James 4:6, “But he gives more grace. Wherefore he said, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.”

One of my rich relatives recently made a statement about his cousin being a hustler. Stating that was all he was and that was all he would ever be in life. Well, here’s the deal, once you begin on the narrow path of Christ you don’t see your cousin the hustler. For hustling is what he does, it’s not who he is.

On the path of Christ we begin to innerstand life. As the seasons come and go, the greater grows the strain of this world. There are many circumstances, usually centered on unfairness, that get us into unpleasant lifestyles or situations.

It amazes me how a rich person is honored more than the poor and the sinner is respected more than the righteous. When will there be a harvest for the world?

Luke 18:24-25, “…How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

Surely Christ hasn’t stated that no rich person will enter into the kingdom. He said it’s hard for them to enter. For where their riches are there’s the heart also. From what I observe in this earthly kingdom most that are rich are very disconnected with humanity as a whole. Other people’s circumstances and what they go through on a daily basis.

Isaiah 2:11, “The proud looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness (pride) of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.”

Many people are suffering on the streets without food, shelter, and clothing. Men and women, young and old, wondering if yesterday’s meal was their last and what child will not eat today or which one of their children will have to sacrifice their meal. 

I’m a strong believer that every homeless person we encounter is not a homeless person; but rather an angel in disguise. But when you give from the heart your reward in the kingdom grows. Not giving because you assume they may be an angel but because the spirit of compassion has moved you to give.

I’m also a believer in the notion that not everyone who crosses our path is just an encounter but rather an angel in disguise or an angel in the making who is testing our faith.

“Hebrews 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

When we connect with the spirit of a person we no longer view them with blind eyes. We see the areas that need attention, the areas that shine, along with the hidden. This is one of the greatest gifts of the Spirit.

I’m reminded of the story of Christ at Jacob’s well with the Samaritan woman, John 4:15-19, “Christ saith unto her, Go call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.”

Christ had strong discernment in others through the Spirit of Truth and he never judged but rather discerned the truth through the heavenly Father’s Word.  Today, most have changed the word discernment into psychic abilities. Whereas psychic abilities have a familiar spirit and discernment walks with the Spirit of Truth sent by the Most High God.

For those who may fall short in this area, simply ask the Most High to search your heart and to remove the error of pride. It is best to practice humility while there is Light, rather than to wait until the Light is no longer visible.

Once we have accepted the invitation to follow Christ we must be awake and sober at all times. For the adversary that never sleeps is always plotting the next move. We battle spiritual warfare every single day. The adversary knows all too well what our weaknesses and pet peeves are and will use them as tools to make us fall short.

I’m reminded of a conversation I had with my uncle who stated, “If people would allow me to converse on the phone with them for three minutes, five minutes tops, they would hear from me more!”

Our pet peeves and shortcomings attend to magnify when we are about the Most High’s business. My telephone may not ring all morning; however, at 1:00 p.m. when I decide to read the gospel of kingdom, meditate on the kingdom, or write about the kingdom, the phone will ring. Nevertheless, we must innerstand the world that we are living in and be of good cheer while keeping on eyes on the goal at hand.

While we are on this path we may feel a bit distant from some of our friends or family members because our way of life now is not their way of life. There will be times when the jokes simply aren’t funny anymore, the confusion, gossip and strife that goes on between individuals is no longer interesting.

As a follower of Christ we must always be able to hear from the Most High. If there is too much debris and minute things going on in and around us, hearing from our Father will become.

What we aim for now are spiritual and clear thoughts; and a harmonious relationship with people. Those things that we once enjoyed or loved in this earthly kingdom world cannot compare to the gospel of the kingdom. For his kingdom is not of this world; therefore, our love is not for this world, but for our Father’s kingdom.

Matthew 19:29, “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sister, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”

Satan's Kingdom 

The Gospel of Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Luke 6:37, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”

We have been given such an awesome grace from the Most High God; and that is the grace of forgiveness. Every day is a new day with our heavenly Father. Yesterday is in the past, tomorrow is not promised, but today is here and now.

Many times we hang on to past hurt and anger especially when it comes to our loved ones. But oftentimes when we’re angry deep down we are really hurt. And often it’s hard to move on from that place of hurt and anger. But with the Most High by our side we can move on toward that road of forgiveness.

When we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts we can’t expect to take our sins to the Father and expect for Him to forgive us when we have unforgiveness. Unforgiveness can dwell deep within and remain in a person’s heart for years and years. And each time they see that particular person or hear his or her name their body tenses, and their pulse may raise or their expression changes. But what most should realize is unforgiveness doesn’t hurt the other person…it only hurts the unforgiving person.

A lot of times a person will believe they are getting even with a person because they didn’t invite them to their party or family gathering or they may walk out of a room when the other person enters; but it’s them who is displaying a lack of faith and separation from the heavenly Father.

Many of us take our prayers to the Father every morning, throughout the day, and before we go to sleep asking the Most High to forgive us, or grant us our wishes and answer our prayers. But at the same time unforgiveness is in our hearts.

Matthew 6:12, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

About two years my aunt made a statement, “I love Jane Doe, but I will never forgive her.” I truly felt sorry for I knew that her reward suffered. Oh, if she fully understood the latter end. At that very moment I immediately saw how far away from God she had become. For no person can truly love another will out forgiving them. Her love, at that present time, was based on conditions. It wasn’t unconditional love that Christ our Messiah showed. 

Luke 7:44-47, “And he (Christ) turned to the woman, and said unto Simon,

Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.”

Matthew 5:20, “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.

Many times we think about our beliefs and how we feel. The words “I” and “me” can become a regular part of a person’s vocabulary while rarely looking at situations through another person’s point of view. When we honestly love someone we can see life through their eyes. At times we may not like what we see, for many have turned off the path of righteousness, but that doesn’t mean we stop loving and forgiving them. And with the guidance of the heavenly Father we pray that their path will be made straight.

It doesn’t matter how many holiday parties and family gatherings we have per month or per year. It certainly doesn’t matter if some are only inviting those who have not offended them. But food for thought, there’s one gathering we want to strive toward and attend…the greatest feast of all feasts.

Once we truly innerstand the reward that our Father has promised, we strive continuously for that promise. We ask the Father to search our heart for any impurities that we may harbor and any imperfections that may cause us to miss the great reward and marriage supper of the Lamb. 

Revelation 19:9, “…Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

Earth is Satan's Kingdom

Matthew 12:25, 26, “…Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?”

In the above verse the Pharisees believed that Christ was casting out demons through the prince of devils called Beelzebub. Now, the concept of a kingdom divided constitutes so much more than what is on the surface of that verse. There is a deeper level to that scripture and can certainly encompass every area in our life. 

Let me briefly explain. We are led to believe through movies and television shows that a person who practices sorcery can cast out demons and bless homes. We are also led to believe that evil can battle evil and one side of the evil wins and everyone lives happily ever after. But according to the gospel of the kingdom, a kingdom that is divided against itself can’t stand. Therefore, evil cannot cast out evil nor can evil bless another for good.

Luke 6:43, “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”

It is important that we innerstand the path of Christ in order to thoroughly recognize what it means to be in a divided kingdom.

Let me give another example. In James 5:13-15 we read, “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”

Here we see James leaving a message to the twelve tribes of Israel to go to the elders who are following the way of Christ for their healing of any diseases and affliction.

I have heard a few say, “Oh, that person does not have a medical degree.” Once again, that is the way of the world’s thinking. I don’t know about you readers but if a person is following the way of Christ and is under the direction of the Holy Spirit and Christ dwells within them, that’s the person I would like to have praying over my illness. With my faith and their faith—together we can stand.

Matthew 18:19, “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 21:22, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

I understand that this takes a lot of faith for most; for our society quickly runs to the doctors of the world for healing. Now, let me ask this question: if you are walking in the faith of Christ and the doctor you see is not or is against Christ, will there be healing? There may be in a particular area but shortly thereafter, something else will arise. If the enemy’s main objective is to kill, steal and destroy, where does healing fit into this agenda?

With Christ has your healer your disease or affliction is removed and cast into the sea. With the world as your healer your disease or affliction is moved and cast into other areas of your life.

What I have found particularly interesting while on this path is those that practice a lifestyle outside Christianity often seek help and advice from those who are on the same path sharing a very similar belief system. For example, when a Wiccan wants herbal healing they usually go to another Wiccan who is experienced in herbal healing. Native Americans usually seek help from other Native Americans and so on and so forth.

Christ healed many and His apostles healed many and raised people from the dead also. Acts 10:36-37, 40, “Now there was in Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and works of mercy which she did. And it came to past in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.”

As a follower of Christ, miracles such as this should be happening all the time. They did not stop with the Apostles. Not when Christ says we’ll do greater things than he did. If a follower does not believe in the scriptures then what else don’t you believe? You surely cannot pick and choose it’s either all or nothing.

James 1:8, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

When we innerstand the concept of a kingdom divided or nation divided we can begin to see with clear vision. Then know what steps we need to take in order to seek ye first the kingdom.

A kingdom will not stand and maintain as long as there are different beliefs, whether political or religious. A kingdom will not stand with different traditions, cares and lusts. In this earthly kingdom, we all have different beliefs, goals and desires and at one point in time our beliefs, will surely cross paths and he who has the most money wins for he who has the most money is the controller in this earthly kingdom.

But much praise to the Most High whose kingdom is not based on money, degrees, high powered positions, fame, homes, cars and luxury! 

Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

There are so many teachings, churches, temples and synagogues in this world;       subsequently, each claiming to be the “right one”. As a result, so many people are simply confused. We must understand that during the seeking phase one may become troubled at his or her findings and try different methods of worshiping and connecting with the Most High. This is perfectly okay. It allows us to see our errors; correct our errors and help others along this path when needed. Why help others? The answer is simple. Because we have been there and done that and we have a story to tell.

Therefore, never be ashamed or afraid to discuss your journey. This is a part of our spiritual growth and maturity. The Most High knows through all the confusion those who are faithfully seeking will come full circle and be brought into the Light of truthfulness.

I Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” However, now that we have an innerstanding of what the kingdom is and what the kingdom is not, when we follow Christ, which is the Word we can’t go wrong or be confused.

When we go through phases of confusion, the kingdom that dwells within us becomes divided. Luke 18:21, “…the kingdom of God is within you.” When we have different mixtures of teachings and beliefs such as, to rapture or not to rapture, to tithe or not to tithe, to keep the Sabbath or not keep the Sabbath, to maintain the dietary laws or not maintain them and these are just a few out of many questions that people with.

All of these answers and more are found when you seek the kingdom of God which is the Word which proceeded from the mouth of Christ. As long as you are being fed feel good messages, you run the risk of being in error before the Most High. Never stop seeking during this phase rather continue to strive toward the kingdom. Feel good messages are those messages that an individual wants to hear rather than what they need to hear.

Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou has rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”

We do not have to wait to follow Christ until we find that perfect place of worship. We must realize that we do not have to attend the teachings of men in order to follow the path of Christ. Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Christ is among you whether you are reading with your spouse, family, friend, co-worker or stranger. This should be an eye-opener for those of you who have not found a house of prayer to guide you on your path.

Matthew 21:13, “…It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

Imagine this earthly kingdom all on one accord living according to the Word, which is the gospel of the heavenly kingdom. We innerstand that a kingdom divided can’t stand. It may stand for decades even centuries; thus, at some point in time that kingdom will surely fall.

This world is not our kingdom nor was it the kingdom of Christ. We read throughout the gospels of the kingdom, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, how Christ greatly wanted us to separate from man’s traditions. It wasn’t His goal to take us out of this earthly kingdom but for us to overcome the world as He did.

He did not want us to invest our treasures in this kingdom but rather invest them in the heavenly kingdom to come. He knew that it would be a challenge especially has time went on. As each generation passes, the further the next generation is from Christ. Although we remain in the world Christ did not want us to be friends with the world but to overcome this world. For a friend with the world is an enemy to the Most High.

James 4:4, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

What does it mean to overcome the world? Before we even attempt to overcome the world we must first acknowledge what the world has become and the ultimate driving spirit within it.

If we take a moment and look at this earthly kingdom from the Most High’s point of view the phrase God Bless America seems like an insult. The heavenly Father is not going to bless a nation that supports against the laws of nature. The heavenly Father is not going to bless a world that supports abortions. The heavenly Father is not going to bless a country that has enslaved children and those who only want to worship Him according to their way.  

The heavenly Father will not bless a nation that has taken His spirit out of the public school system. He will not bless a nation that has forgotten how to treat their fellow citizens. He will not bless a nation that has forsaken the beauty of marriage. He will not bless a nation that has dismissed the God given laws and replaced them with man’s laws.

There are so many other reasons. If we just take a look and view this earthly kingdom at face value with our eyes and hears open, we can then ask the Most High God, “What will you have me to do in order to be a blessing in someone’s life?”

The Most High doesn’t ask for much. He has given all of us different gifts and talents and those are to be used to help others, not for a profit. Not to be seen, acknowledged or puffed up, but to help and guide others on their path.

There are so many people who love this world and I truly believe that most enjoy this world simply because they can’t imagine the kingdom to come. Those faithful in Christ look forward to the harvest and are often misunderstood by those who place their treasures in this kingdom…but that’s okay.

We can see that there’s a better way for us to live and a better way for us to be. A world filled with comfort, peace and pure love awaits us not on this earth but the kingdom to come.

 

But while we’re in this kingdom we must do what Christ did…overcome the world. We overcome the world by slowly detaching ourselves from the things of this world and from the things that are not Christ-like. When we follow Christ we do just that…follow His Way.

How many of you from the time you wake up in the morning from the time you go to bed watch television? How many of you get excited about the coming new season on your favorite show?  How many of you can’t wait to hear or reveal the latest gossip rather it be via media, in person or telephone?

Many people get so excited about their favorite singer’s new CD coming out. Thus many get excited about a newly elected politician or president and hold parties in their image and likings. Many stand in line for hours waiting on their favorite store to open when there is a sale or grand-opening.

How many of you have gotten excited about Christ? Or excited when a scripture that you read many times finally made sense? How many of you have thrown a party or gathering when someone got baptized or lead another to Christ? The angels are rejoicing in heaven, but why aren’t most of us rejoicing here when we call ourselves Christians? 

I often get excited after reading a scripture for the hundredth time and one day it clicked! And can be backed up with other scriptures and the Bible begins to come together like a novel. Those are exciting days! Often when those days come there are only one or two people to share the excitement with that can give positive feedback and more revelations.

Sadly to say, if I obtained employment working with the President of the United States there would be a party thrown in my honor. If I suddenly become employed with the biggest television network a dinner would be thrown in my honor. If I overcome one of the seven deadly sins…silence fills the room. If I resist temptation in any area…a change of subject is at hand.

The Way of Christ can be a lonely road as was mentioned to me before taking this path. Subsequently, we are never a lone. For the Holy Spirit fills our heart. The kingdom of Christ dwells within. The angels are surrounding and ministering to us while the Most High God is pleased with our efforts. Gosh, if that doesn’t excite a person, I honestly don’t know what does.

This earthly kingdom is going to pass away one day. All the homes and luxury cars that you see, the beautiful buildings and architecture will all pass away one day. The closet filled with clothes and shoes will all pass away one day. The china the porcelain, the crystals will all be gone.

There will only be one kingdom when Christ returns and that kingdom will be His kingdom. Let’s get excited about that kingdom—if you want to be a part of that kingdom.

Life is so short. In the blink of an eye we might be gone. At that hour what will you say? Gosh, I wish I had worked more hours; or I wish I had bought that home in Hawaii. I wish I had played the stock market one last time. Sadly, there are some who may think these thoughts. Subsequently, there are those who would pray, hope and wish that they will be found worthy for acceptance into the Most High’s kingdom. Escorted by the angels to the right rather than escorted by those angels to the left.

Death and the kingdom is not a topic that most think about on a regular basis. Some day we will be present at the great white throne of judgment as a good and faithful servant or as an enemy of the Most High.

Once you find the straight and narrow path that leads to the Most High, that my friend is the path you boldly stand on. Not the path of the wicked or lovers of themselves. Not a path built on traditions of man. Not the path of false teachers, pastors and prophets. Not the path of strange doctrines and feel good messages; but the path toward eternal life obtained through the Word.

You must always remember that Christ is not a religion but a lighted path to the Most High God. Christ was the Word in the flesh. Christ is the gospel of the kingdom which is everlasting. 

Revelation 22:14, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

What a beautiful verse as the saints go marching in! There are a lot of people on this path, who are really, really yearning for the return of Christ; yearning for that utopia that will never occur in this earthly kingdom. With each passing generation, for those who have eyes to see, this earthly kingdom gets further and further away from the path of Christ and more and more into the traditions of man.

However, with the knowledge and vision that we hold we still must occupy and use the talents that our Father has awarded us with until this earthly kingdom becomes the kingdom of Christ. For we do not know the day or hour when that marvelous day will come upon all the earth; however, we do know that we must be prepared and ready when Christ appears.

Revelation 21:7-8, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.