Let’s get it Righteous! The unconditional LOVE you apply in your daily life will not be fulfilled to its fullest extent if you do not abide in Jesus which is to say; “Be Jesus'' as stated; “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” - Phil. 2:5. Jesus practiced first things first! First, He surrendered to the Father in spirit, mind, and body in obedience and it was only when His crucifixion drew near did He ask not in fear but with Faith as stated; “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” - Lk. 22:42. If it is Your will! Fear questions; but Faith accepts God has it all in control! Jesus expresses assurance that God will deliver. In the Garden of Gethsemane; Jesus prayed intensely so much that as stated; “His sweat was like drops of blood. A condition called Hematohidrosis (blood vessels rupture causing one to sweat blood) as described only by Luke for which most of the world uses this to indicate Jesus’ overwhelming level of distress in preparing for His suffering.
Every thought, feeling, and action in the face of fear has to be under the standard Paul outlined and Jesus demonstrated. As Christians; we are not to lose our cool as it were in the face of adversity. But with purposeful planning; pray for the Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge that only God can give in these dark days of uncertainty, noise, and chaos. So that we are not judged to be unworthy of the Blood of Jesus by not demonstrating and living with the unconditional LOVE God gave so that His Grace, Power, and Blessing can cover us and be available as His Light to guide us through the wilderness and whirlwind the world has engulfed itself into as stated; “because, although they knew God, they did not Glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile (wasteful) in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened; professing to be wise, they became fools; (...) for this reason God gave them up to vile passions; (...) God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing (despite) the Righteous judgment of God, practice such things are deserving of death” - Rm. 1:21-32. Finally; as Paul tells us; "Watch, stand fast in the Faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with LOVE" - 1 Cor. 16:13.
Flush it Out! - The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Spiritual Awakening
We cannot expect God to solve every problem we created ourselves because we did not actively participate in the fields of harvest for physical and Spiritual gains. This is not how God desires and designed His Kingdom to be. For God is under scrutiny just as much as we are. Whenever you proclaim Righteousness; the rule of law and the integrity of your morality; there are those who are just waiting for an opportunity to point their finger at you the moment you relax and become careless with your word and bond. The same goes for God who just like us have to be seen and acknowledged by satan to be clean, pure, and unblemished as stated; “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” - 1 Pet. 5:8. He, satan cannot destroy us but he can bring judgment on us by pointing out to God our unrighteous acts. Now to be clear; one’s Salvation is a free gift, and is not the same as bearing judgment because of sin.
Jesus stated; “for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” - Matt. 26:52. Jesus is not talking about the physical sword for those who believe Christians are not to bear weapons. He is talking about the manner in how you face fear, challenges, and hatred as Paul affirms; “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” - 2 Cor. 10:4. The use of fatal physical weapons are a last resort and if you will; the final back up mainly because our Spiritual abilities are not in Faith as Jesus' stating; “Verily I say unto you; whatsoever you shall bind (restrain, stop, imprison) on Earth shall (will) be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose (release, support, empower) on Earth shall be loosed in Heaven” - Matt. 18:18. This is a prime trait of the Christian to be in and act in unconditional LOVE.
For every spiritual action, there is a physical reaction! In other words; you cannot expect God’s Legions, Blessing, and Favor to manifest for you physically without first addressing the spiritual darkness that opposes these things. No where does the Bible explicitly state that Jesus would solve all your problems! And if your unconditional LOVE for God and man is tainted; don’t be upset or frustrated when there are more tribulations and trials in your life than peace and prosperity (well being). That's why for many of the Body it is a hit and miss when it comes to walking daily in divine health, protection, and provision. For thirty-three plus years, Jesus’ daily life was planned to overcome every attempt to derail Him from His Godly path and purpose. This is the promise of unconditional LOVE to God in obedience.
But to think God endorses violence, destruction, and chaos for the lost sheep is a grave interpretation of the true intent of this parable. Which is about the lost sheep that is blinded by sin and has not heard the Truth of their reality which is Spiritual warfare. And once they have heard the Truth and then deny it then they are no longer the lost sheep. They now must choose either Righteousness or unrighteousness. Those who willingly participate in anything that undermines peace, prosperity, and Salvation are not doing God’s work but satan’s. And are not lost but rebellious to God’s command as stated; “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God; therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God” - Rm. 13:1. Now, to be clear. There are times when purposeful and Righteous fighting is required as when Israel and for that matter, Christians fight with destructive force. This is mainly to protect the innocent and establish the purpose and governance of God from those who forcefully deter His decrees and seek to oppress the Righteous, ignorant, and innocent. Some say; those opposing the establishment are fighting for equality and recognition. Now; don’t get mad and offended! God doesn't fight for equality and recognition by the world’s standards! God chose one set of people to represent Him and He will only accept those who have conformed in obedience to His will through Jesus Christ. And as stated; “Then you will understand Righteousness and justice, equity and every good path” - Prov. 2:9.
Jesus tells us; “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace; (because) in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” - Jn. 16:33. Tribulation is inequality on all platforms whether by color, creed, or finances. God is not interested in the equality of superficial things but in the equity of His images to overcome the world and satan as stated; “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”; and “For God is not unjust to forget your work (to reward you) and labor of LOVE which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” - Gal. 6:7 and Heb. 6:10; respectively. Then by these references; we must accept that God’s authority is for His purpose and that by using the laws of the land we engage for changes that promote and solidifies His purpose for peace, prosperity, and Salvation; not by the world’s standards but by His. Any circumventing of these laws is nothing short of rebellion to God’s work. It is why the divisiveness by satan’s devices only reiterates the need for unconditional LOVE.
You cannot convict those opposite or resistant to your proclamations by force but only by the unconditional LOVE of Righteous purpose. Any other method is anti-God as stated by Jesus; “Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of Angels”? - Matt. 26:53. Jesus could have intimidated His enemies but chose unconditional LOVE in sacrifice and death. We have to hate what is happening around us so much that we are willing to be the sacrifice even unto death. Not by the world’s example but by Jesus’; our Savior, but mainly as our LORD. Some say; Jesus used violence citing the expulsion of the moneychangers and thieves from the synagogue. Then why didn’t He do the same in the market places? Jesus tells us because it was a place of Sanctification. And He was speaking to the church; not the world. We cannot mix the two! We can only use the legal world systems along with our weapons of warfare to intervene for His Righteousness in proactive actions and not react by our carnal senses. God demonstrated this with the death but more so with the resurrection of Jesus so much so as stated; “(God) Having disarmed (evil) principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” = Col. 2:15. He essentially mocked them in laughter in front of every life; both physically and Spiritually. No matter what satan establishes for his will God can and will use it for His purpose of Victory. And only by unconditional LOVE! There is a saying; “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” - E. Burke. The Christian must learn to intervene not by the same debase and destructive methods evil men use but by the rule of law, order, and morality.
Sept. 3, 2020.
Unconditional LOVE.
You have to love God so much that you are willing to hate to have Unconditional LOVE! To have this is opposite to the very nature of being in this world. The world seeks unity, equality, and economic balance at any cost; at any lives. But God hates all things that are in opposition to His will including injustice, hypocrisy, and deceptions. This is reflected as stated; “These six things the LORD hate: yes, seven are an abomination unto Him” - Prob. 6:16. If God hates these acts then we must too for it speaks directly to His first mandate to be fruitful, multiply and take dominion in His name. There are so much hate and divisiveness in the world today many of us regret not practicing this the highest form of obedience to God as stated; “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength” - Lk. 10:27. As a Christian, you must be committed from head to toe; with your body (heart), mind (intentions), and spirit (Righteousness).
Jesus showed the Father’s unconditional LOVE within the three hours despite knowing what He was about to face, feel, and endure and still made several attempts to encourage and warn His Apostles about satan fulfilling walking in the Spirit of Servanthood for the lost, ignorant, and helpless. Jesus spent three times in prayer not only to build His spirit, mind, and body but also to place those who follow Him before the Father’s care, mercy, and compassion fulfilling walking in the Spirit of Supplication (pleading humbly) by Faith. Jesus did not run nor did He debate when they came for Him but continued to do the Father’s will to preach, protect and fulfill prophecy by walking in the Spirit of Sacrifice affirming as stated; “I (God) is the potter, and we are His clay” - Jer. 18:6. For when we walk in unconditional LOVE; we walk by the Spirit of LOVE which as stated; “perfect LOVE casts out fear” - 1 Jn. 4:18.
To have unconditional LOVE is to practice tolerance but not to be submissive and dismissive to the unrighteousness around you whether in your family, church, workplace, or the public. You cannot allow fear to dictate your actions even though you know right from wrong. There is a proper way of challenging the unrighteousness and because there has been little or no effort especially on the part of the church leaders it has brought this type of destructive behaviour literally at the door’s threshold. When there is no fighting for Righteousness don’t be surprised when the enemy deems it right to invade your spaces, ignoring your God-given rights and freedoms. The unconditional LOVE required is Righteous LOVE as laid out by the Father and demonstrated by Jesus and others who rather die than compromise the framework of a law-abiding society.
This evaluation especially by the religious-minded uses this to cite Jesus’ frailty and therefore justify that the Christian can also be timid, fearful, and incapacitated. It is not what is revealed by those who took on the full mind, body, and Spirit of Christ; especially after Pentecost as stated; “Christ in you, the Hope of Glory” - Col. 1:27. To put this in context; Luke, Matthew, and Mark were not present in the Garden of Gethsemane. Hence their accounts are from others. John was there but did not record the event. The other consideration is that this event took place at night under the light of torches where shadows dance on surfaces including Jesus’ face making it difficult to ascertain the color of His sweat. Whether Jesus sweated blood or not often becomes the focus but the narrative more indicates Jesus is in control of the situation.
The Gospels describe Jesus as sorrowful, not anxious as do some authors. Both words are not synonymous. What the True narrative describes is that Jesus is sorrowful even unto death; which can be said; “because of His death”. Not because of fear of His pending death which He knew by Faith; His Father would resurrect Him to complete Salvation’s redemption. Jesus is sorrowful for His apostles because He knows they will scatter in fear so much so He tries to motivate them twice to as stated; “watch, pray and be not tempted. Prior to this event, Jesus is transfigured as stated; “Who appeared in Glory (Moses and Elijah), and spoke of His (Jesus') decease (crucifixion) which He should accomplish at Jerusalem '' - Lk. 9:31. It's like reviewing a covert military operation days before it is to climax. Prior to this; the human body would become focused, tense, and even physically stressed. All symptoms described about Jesus in the Garden.
The Bible (in my opinion) does not do Jesus justice during these three hours of prayer; only highlighting His submission to God’s will. Which to be clear is the point of this narrative. During this critical time, Jesus would not be crying, whining, or disbelieving God. It was not His nature! Jesus always affirmed His Father’s will for Him whenever confronted by the world as the Bible records. So this time would not be different; for He willing took up His Cross, sin, and death knowing as stated; “(you; the temple Jews will); Destroy this temple (Jesus' body), and in three days I will raise it up” - Jn. 2:19. Jesus is referring to His crucifixion by the world with three days in the grave and His resurrection after. In this intense prayer time in the garden for three hours; Jesus would be affirming the words of Faith in uttering's and meditation as stated; “but you (Joshua; the shadow of Jesus) shall meditate therein day and night (the Law), that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous (in good health, peace, and wellbeing)”; - Jos. 1:8. In addition; (I believe) Jesus was praying for His disciples who would run away once He was arrested. Jesus worked at His Faith just as we ought to especially when faced with overwhelming challenges from the darkness. This is the level of attitude, aptitude, and action that is foundational to the unconditional LOVE as outlined with the two greatest commandments affirming as stated; “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, but have not LOVE, I am nothing”; and “Remembering without ceasing your work of Faith, and labor of LOVE, and patience of Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” - 1 Cor. 13:2 and 1 Tess. 1:3; respectively.
Why is it a command? Because God doesn't create anything only to be corrupted, mutated, and destroyed by the unrighteous works of satan; and those who follow willingly and blinded by his vices. If you are not in satan’s camp being proactive for destruction or neutral which is the same thing; then you are on the LORD’s side for His Righteous works of peace, prosperity but especially Salvation before this Age ends. But the religious or timid Christian says; “but we are only mere men''. Yet, God says; “Look to Jesus; the author and finisher of your Faith” - Heb. 12:2; a mere man of God who demonstrated the Glory of God to the world. Recently; on a Christian social media platform; someone posted that those who are fighting for equal rights and wealth are doing God’s work and that Christians are to support it or else they are not Christians. This person referred to; “The Lost Sheep” parable. That the shepherd (Jesus) is willing to leave His flock for the one lost sheep. This is the epitome of unconditional LOVE!