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The Manifold Wisdom of God

30 Aug

“to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.” Ephesians 3:10-12 (ASV)

When I read this scripture I had a hard time understanding what it was saying.  I felt the key was the Manifold Wisdom, but the true key was the Principalities and Powers.  How many times do we read through something and miss the true point?  We pick up on the flash and leave the foundation.  But God, in His infinite wisdom, can redirect and enlighten us to what He is truly saying.  Please read the reference above again.  Principalities and Powers in HEAVENLY PLACES.

Have you ever thought much about Angels?  We are surrounded by angels constantly.  Angels of light, guiding us toward our call, toward understanding, and away from danger.  Angels of darkness, tempting us toward things we have a weakness for, leading us toward destruction.  Angels, waiting for our prayers to direct them, to release them, to banish them.  Ever present, ever ready.

I didn’t understand the full extent of their power until I grasped this scripture last night.  The Principalities and the Powers in Heavenly Places (Angels of Light) are to be known through the Church (of Jesus Christ) the Manifold (many, multifaceted, multifarious) Wisdom OF GOD.  They hold the unfathomable wisdom of God, given to them to help us walk our path every day.  They were given the wisdom to help us to our Eternal Purpose (salvation unto eternal life) as was purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord (given to us through His crucifixion at Calvary), in whom we have Boldness and Confidence through our Faith in Him.

Immediately I see the Heavenly Host of Angels surrounding the Virgin Mary, her husband Joseph, and the tiny baby in the manger, Jesus Christ our Lord.  The Angels guided Mary and Joseph along their path to Bethlehem (Matt 2:13-15) and to the Inn that had no more rooms.  They guided them to a humble, yet secure location to birth the fragile and innocent babe.  The Angels called to the Shepherds to come and see, and called to the Wise Men months before the birth, and then guided them with a Star as they drew closer (Luke 2:8-20).

Jesus speaks of the Angels that surrounded Him and that could remove Him from the cross and bring destruction to those who chose to do Him harm (Matt 26:53).  Angels that walked with Him every day from the moment He was placed in Mary’s womb (Luke 1:26-38).  Angels that guarded and protected Him in the manger.  Angels that taught Him and guided Him as He grew in wisdom and bantered with the Priests and Pharisees in the temple when He was just a child.  Angels that ministered to Him after his 40 days in the wilderness while tempted by Satan (Matt 4:11).  Angels that walked every step with Him in His earthly Ministry, in His beatings and torture.  Angels that surrounded Him as he hung on the cross, waiting for any word from Him to change the circumstance.  Angels that watched the tomb He was placed in and explained His absence after the stone had been rolled away (John 20:12).

I don’t worship Angels, no one should.  I am thankful that Angels have been in my life helping me to find the way to Jesus, helping me learn the scriptures and to reflect the fruits of the Spirit.  Angels still surround me and my daily life, but my teachings and guidance comes from the Holy Spirit.  I wonder if they rejoiced when I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  I expect they did.  I expect that every time I have a spiritual breakthrough they rejoice again.

I thank God for giving us Angels to watch over and guide us as He draws us closer and closer to Him.  I am thankful that we have the free will to choose which Angels we will follow, and that God gives us the strength to decide His path, even in times of great temptation.  I am thankful that we grow in boldness and confidence in our faith each and every day, through our relationship with God.

Please God, never let me forget that every person I may meet could be an Angel (Heb 13:2), and that my words and actions toward them could be to honor or to dishonor You.  I choose honor.  I choose You.

** A Journey Through Ephesians:  Chapter 3, Part 4

Written by Linda J. Humes

12-18-2015

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The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

29 Aug

riches-gold-coins-chest 

“whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things;”   Ephesians 3:7-9

Riches.  There’s a tricky and intriguing word.  Riches means many different things to different people.  To an orphan in Haiti it could mean a meal on the table 3 times a day. To a tribesman in Africa it could mean a goat, a half-dozen chickens and a small vegetable garden.  To a homeless families on the streets of New York it could mean a place to live with running water, bed, blankets, electricity, food in the refrigerator and clean clothing.  To a businessman in California it could mean a six-figure job, a large house, a new car and money to travel and play.

Most kids dream of growing up and being rich.  I did.  My idea of being rich was that I was going to have 10 cats and a big house and every cat was going to have its own room AND I was going to have a full-sized popcorn wagon in my living room so I could have fresh popcorn any time I wanted.  I had it ALL figured out.

Thankfully, my dream did not come true.  I have 3 cats, none of which I chose to be part of the family, and I make popcorn on the stove in a big skillet; the best popcorn in the world.  It seems like kids dreams of riches hit reality right about 2nd to 3rd grade and our priorities change with circumstances.  That’s because at that age all that they can really grasp is physical realities of riches.  There is so much more.

My definition of rich changed repeatedly over a course of many years, seasoned with life challenges.  I always felt rich when I had my children, a home, the resources to care for them, and a car that always started.  Rich was “I Love You” at bedtime and hand-drawn pictures on the refrigerator.  Rich was being wanted and needed.  Then I met Christ.

How can we express or explain the “Riches of Christ?”  In Ephesians 3:8, KJV says the “Unsearchable Riches.”  The Message calls it the “Inexhaustible Riches and Generosity” of Christ.  NLT says the “Endless Treasures” of Christ.  Something so big, so vast, so “Rich” that it can hardly be explained in words.  It is something tangible, but it is also something that can only be felt and experienced.  It is something so pure, so true, so unexplainable, that we often fail to recognize it as a “Richness.”  “Richness” is a gift given to the believer that has surrendered his life to Christ, it is all of the promises of God (Phil 4:19, Prov 10:22, 2 Cor 9:8).

Ephesians 1:18 (KJV) says “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”  God wants us to understand what the gifts are that He has placed before us.  Every gift is written clearly in the scriptures.  God gave us everything we need to understand and receive these precious gifts.

Isaiah 45:3 says we have hidden “Riches” in the secret places.  These would include peace, rest, grace, mercy, and pardon.  In Luke, God sent the Holy Spirit (to lead and guide us) and a promise of our Daily Bread (food for the soul).  Jesus brought healing (body, soul, spirit) and left the healing gifts to be continued by the Apostles and on to the saints of today.  In 2 Chronicles he brought us wisdom, knowledge and salvation.  God says He will cleanse us whiter than snow (Isaiah 1:18).  We were given the gift of prayer and the answer to those prayer (Hebrews 8:26).  And the most valuable gifts of all, the gifts of Salvation and Eternal Life (John 3:16-17).  We were given these gifts of God (Ecclesiastes 5:19), the Riches of Christ, for the price of faith and belief.  Nothing more.

So, what is my definition of being Rich today, since I have lived a life dedicated to Christ?  I would say being Rich would be having a strong faith, good health, loving children, daily provision, and the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of the scriptures as they apply to my life.  I think being Rich is also being able to share those Riches with other people.

** A Journey Through Ephesians, Chapter 3, Part 3

Written by Linda J. Humes

11-13-2015

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The Promise In Jesus Christ

28 Aug

Mystery

(The Mystery) “which in other generation was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to wit, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,” Ephesians 3:5-6

We all love a good mystery. We are given a certain set of facts and circumstances and we try to figure out why and how something “did” happen, or is “about” to happen.

I was late in dedicating my life to God and the ministry. I always knew about God, I prayed all the time, I talked to Him and He talked to me, but I never made the personal commitment and dedication of my life to study and ministry until I was 38 years old.

Nine months after my commitment, I made the decision to leave my job of 19+ years, work part time, and dedicate my time to Biblical study and Kingdom Ministry. I worked from home and learned to balance my schedule which included my 5-year-old son, work, study, and prayer. Unfortunately, my income barely covered my bills. Trips anywhere were carefully calculated and groceries purchases were tough. God provided for us in very unusual and “mysterious” ways.

One day, my next door neighbor came by with several big boxes of dented cans; no labels. He had heard that we were struggling and wanted to help. He wasn’t sure what was in each can, only that it was food. We gratefully thanked him and started our new adventures of “mystery meals!” My son would choose 2 cans every night and whatever was inside was dinner. We had many good laughs over green beans and peaches, or spinach and pears.

One day a friend brought us several packages of deer meat from his previous year’s hunt as he had just been successful in the current year hunt and needed the freezer space. Mystery dinner with a deer roast!

I remember sitting at the table, finished blessing the food, and took a bite of the roast. It was wonderful. Then the big smile on my face quickly turned to tears as I said, “Lord, forgive me, I’m eating Bambi!” For the first time I heard God laugh. It wasn’t a little snicker or chuckle, it was a full belly laugh. I figured that must have meant that it was okay to eat, we enjoyed that meal for days. A “mystery” with a delightful blessing.

I find it odd that they call the acceptance of all people into God’s family as a Mystery (Col 1:26). God created all men and women. There are examples of non-Jews all through the Bible that found favor with God as they followed His ways and blessed His servants. All people were born from the lineage of Eve (Gen 3:20). All came from the lineage of Noah (Gen 9:1, 18-19). Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the Tribes that became Jerusalem, all started from the same lineage.

The question I struggle with is, how did everyone and everything get separated out to begin with? People made decisions, choices and cultures based upon their physical locations. Circumstances and events separated them, and somehow the nations and “religions” changed with it (Gen 10:5). One bad decision led to another, a door was opened to evil, father-son-mother-daughter at war within the family and with others in their country. Boom, the divisions occurred – Jews and Gentiles. It was never meant to be that way. It was a condition of the heart. It was a condition of the soul. It was the consequence of free will.

In Ephesians, the Apostles are trying to explain how all people, Jew and Gentile, were God’s children and all have the opportunity at eternal life, with their acceptance of Jesus Christ. ALL PEOPLE. No preferences of peoples or tribes. No more divisions. Back to the way God intended it to be from the beginning. Mystery solved.

Thank you for loving us and tucking us back under Your wings when we stray (Ps 91:4). Thank you for the mysteries in life and the abilities You give us to solve them and move past them. Thank you God for believing in me and breaking down the walls men put up, so many years ago, as I was born a Gentile, but grafted back into Your kingdom by grace.

** A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 3, Part 2

Written by Linda J. Humes

11-7-2015

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A DISPENSATION OF GRACE

27 Aug

Grace

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,– if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward; how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;”  Ephesians 3:1-4 (ASV)

To say that I’ve had memory issues over the last 7 months would be an understatement.  The day-to-day activities became day-to-day challenges. Luckily, when I was working, I was so organized in my responsibilities that the deficiency wasn’t as noticeable.  At home, not so much.

Just this last week I was shocked to receive alerts from my bank that I had overdrawn my account, something that has not happened in so many years that I can’t recall the last time it happened.  I have always been very diligent in making sure that I had enough in the account to make it through the month, not with a wide margin, but a safe one.

When I checked with the bank it was clear what I had done . . . . eeerrr, not done.  I had paid 2 medical bills that I forgot to log into my register.  Goodness.  I was so frustrated with myself and my memory issues.  On top of the checks, the bank charged an overdraft fee (adding insult to injury!).  I was beside myself.  I knew that I could not cover these expenses.

I called the bank and explained the problem.  I had sent my son to the bank with what cash I had, it covered the overage, but not the bank fee.  I asked the bank if there was any way to waive the fee since I had a deposit in prior to the overdraft charge going against my account.  They said they would talk it over and call me back.  It was now in the hands of the bank. I said a prayer.

A few hours later I received a call from the bank.  Grace!  They had given me a one-time waiver for the bank fee.  I had received grace at the hands of strangers.  I didn’t deserve it, I made the error, it was completely my fault.

Grace.  If the bank had not honored my request my account would have gathered additional charges every day for another 6 days.  My banking account would have been seriously jeopardized and I likely would not have been able to meet all of my obligations the following month.  Grace.

God’s grace makes this wonderful event pale by example.  God’s grace covers the sins of a murderer, at the moment of repentance, forgiving the horrendous and accepting the person into eternal life.  God’s grace forgives the sins of a nation that has forsaken Him, when only a handful stand in repentance for their land, protecting them against the attacks of the enemy.

God’s grace took ALL people, Jew and Gentile, and made them equal in His eyes, by their acceptance of His Son, Jesus Christ – the great “Mystery.”  Such a simple concept.  Grace.  How can we ever thank Him enough?

** A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 3, Part 1

Written by Linda J. Humes

10-25-2015

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A Habitation of God

26 Aug

Uplifted Hands

“So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22 (ASV)

Have you ever walked into a building or a home and felt complete peace?  It felt like home – warm, open and caring.  The people feel like family you’ve known for your entire life.  You don’t want to leave.  You don’t want to walk back out the door into the confusion and uncertainty of everyday life.  That’s what the “Household of God” feels like.

Have you ever felt like something was missing?  In the happiest of times, in the saddest of times, in the quiet times, in the times of nothingness when you stare blankly into space – something is missing.  Something that you can’t grasp, something just out of your reach of understanding; there is just something missing.

People search for their “inner self” or something to complete them, but they don’t really understand what it is that they are searching for.  They are searching for the period at the end of the sentence.  They are searching for the thing that says “this is home, you belong here.”  They are searching for relationship with God.  Not a church, not a religion, but a relationship that can only be filled by the love of God.

You don’t have to be in a church building to be in the Household of God; you don’t have to be in an organized religion.  The “Household” is the “Temple,” we are the Temple.  The Household of God is within us once we find relationship with our Abba Father.  Scripture says that we are the Temple of God and that the Spirit dwells in us (1 Cor 3:16).  It says that our body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit and that we are from God, we are no longer our own (1 Cor 6:19).  It says that God dwells in us and walks in us, we are His people – the Temple and Household of God (2 Cor 6:16).

We, as believers are lead spiritually (built upon), by the foundation of the apostles and prophets who preached the gospel of Christ, and that Jesus Himself is the Chief Cornerstone; the very piece that holds everything together and in place.  Scripture says that we are fitly framed together, each person having a place, a calling, a position, in the whole Household of God, no one person being greater than another, but all being called to a specific position that supports all of the rest of the body.

We are all fitted together Spiritually into one body (Romans 12:4-8, 1 Cor 12:4-7) and all fitted together physically into one body (1 Cor 12:14-26).  We are all pulled together in a bond of peace and unity to continue to teach the message of Christ (Eph 4:4-7).  We are built together as a strong body, brought together through the relationship we share with God, made a Habitation of God, by the working of the Holy Spirit.

How do you know if the Holy Spirit and the deep relationship rests within you?  You can feel it.    How do you know if your Temple is right?  There will be peace.  There will be a feeling of being home.  You will feel the presence of God, working through the Holy Spirit, letting you know that you are in the Habitation / Household of God.

Surround yourself with people in the same place of peace.  Pray for your own spiritual growth as well as those who are struggling to get into right spiritual relationship with God.  Keep your temple clean so that God will want to remain and help you mature even farther.

“Here am I, Lord Jesus.  Here am I!”

**  A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 2, Part 9

Written by Linda J. Humes

7-26-2015

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By One Spirit

25 Aug

flames of fire from angel

“And (Christ Jesus) came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:17-18

The Bible speaks of many aspects of “spirits” and events related to them. 1 John 4:1-3 tells us to test the “Spirit” to see if the words being spoken to you are of the “Spirit” of God, the “Spirit” of a false prophet or the “Spirit” of the antichrist. Mark 1:23-26 speaks of an unclean “Spirit” (demon) being cast out of a man by Jesus, and “tearing him” as it left. Matt 12:43-44 and Luke 11:24 speak of unclean “Spirits” (demons) being cast out of a person, but if the person does not fill their body, soul, and “Spirit” with the word of God and a clean living, those unclean “Spirits” will return with seven more and take back over the person.

1 Samuel 16:14 speaks of Saul. Saul had turned his back on God and had become very jealous of David (who would be King). Saul tried to destroy David on many occasions, only to fail. This scripture states “But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” I find this passage to be very unsettling. Can a person be anointed by God to rule a land, or pastor a church, or care for a flock, with the “Spirit” of God leading them, and then fall so deep into deception that God removes His anointing and replaces it with an evil “Spirit?” Based upon this scripture the answer would be “yes.” No man, however powerful he may be, is untouchable by the hand of God. One day a King, the next day a mad man, filled with evil “Spirits.”

But, our hope is in the second chapter of Acts, the day of Pentecost. The day when the “Spirit” of God came down on the 12 disciples, praying all together in one accord, since the day of the crucifixion of Jesus. Acts 2:2-4: “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the “Spirit” gave them utterance.” After that day they became a mighty team, sharing the gospel, praying for the sick, and on that very day of Pentecost, by the powerful words working through them, they received the commitment to the Gospel of 3000 people, baptizing them in the Name of Jesus. Glory!

The group broke away into teams and traveled all over the kingdom to preach the gospel and share the ministry of Jesus. In our Ephesian passage, Paul takes us back to the works of Jesus and the gift we all have through Him. His powerful words give us strength to continue forward, knowing that God has our very interest in His hand.

And (Christ Jesus) came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him (Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit (Holy Spirit) unto the Father (God). Ephesians 2:17-18

No matter how far we have strayed away, He will send someone to find us and show us the way back. If we are near to God but hurting, He will send someone with a word of comfort and strength. If we have allowed evil “Spirits” to enter out life, He will send the Holy “Spirit” to cleanse us and provide a new avenue through prayer, directly to the throne room. And through it all, no matter how far we have fallen away, if we pray, believing, the Holy “Spirit” will deliver our prayers directly to the ear of God.

A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 2, Part 8

Written by Linda J. Humes

6-21-2015

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One New Man

24 Aug

cross-as-bridge

“For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in the flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:” Ephesians 2:14-16 (ASV)

I remember, when I was in my mid-twenties, I thought I would never be my own person.  I went from being Bobby’s daughter to being Bob’s wife and I never was recognized as myself, Linda.  I was always somebody else’s something.  It felt quite frustrating.  It wasn’t until many years later that I began being recognized as an independent person with skills and talents that recognized me by my own name.  I was a person, still daughter to one, and wife to another, but identified as all 3 for being who I was.

In the Bible, the Jewish lineage was very important.  From Numbers to the “begats” of Matthew, each person’s lineage was lined out for the importance of coming from a family of wealth or power, or from the lineage of a harlot, or being born to a simple peasant girl.  It wasn’t that there was a specific pattern of where you had to come from to what you were going to become.  It was/is a book of stories of people.  People who made horrible decisions and suffered the consequences.  People who fought through temptations and trials, but had a heart humbled and dedicated to God.  People who were just trying to find their way in life and lived a decided life in faith.  Even we are there, in the parallels, in the passages, in the words of “those who believe” (John 11:25-26).  The Bible is just about people – and God – and choices.

Yet between the Old Testament and the New Testament there was a crevasse.  A deep division between the Jew and the Gentile.  One people chosen by God from birth.  One people, for the most part, set on destroying the Jewish people and all they stood for.  A division which seemed could never be healed or bridged.  Then came the birth of Jesus and a new Covenant.  Then came hope for all who would listen.

With the ministry of Jesus came a new message of love (Matt 6:14), forgiveness (Matt 18:22) and equality (Gal 3:26-29).  Jesus’ life was seen by many as a breaking of the Old Testament laws of God.  His ministry included both Jew and Gentile, both men and women, both rich and poor, both good and bad.  His ministry took the extremes of all walks of life and proved that with trust and love, God could work through any person (Phil 2:13), and any person could turn a life of questionable decisions and behaviors into a life filled with faith and integrity.  His ministry took the crevasse and bridged it with the love only God could birth.  A love so strong that it held the heaviest of burdens and the longest of tribal hate and wars, shaped them into a robe of righteousness (Heb 7:25), and clothed a nation with a heart of unity.

Even in His death, chains of hate, confusion and tradition fell away from those who watched, who beat him, who gambled for his clothing, who laughed at him as they pushed the thorns of the crown deep into his forehead.  They saw, on that day, this was no ordinary man, punished by an angry crowd screaming “Crucify Him” (Matt 27:45-54).  They saw the sky darken and felt the earth tremble.  They heard His voice cry out to His Father “Forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).  This had never happened before.

By His death, Jesus’ words and teachings created a new way.  Jew and Gentile became one nation (Eph 2:11-17).  The Gentile could become a confirmed child of the living God by accepting the Son.  The old laws of sacrifice and traditional gatherings to ask for the forgiveness of their and their family’s sins were taken away (1 John 3:9).  Now it was ALL by faith (Heb 8:6).  The war that raged between these two factions of people had no reason to continue; they had always been equally loved by God, but could now realize that they were equal in the eyes of God.  This was by the birth of the Son of God to a simple peasant girl and His death, 33 years later, at the hands of an angry and deceived crowd.

The veil in the Holy of Holies was rent (Matt 27:51).  The prayers of the people were now to be offered directly to God and His son, who intercedes for us.  The barriers of birth were removed.  The “People” became “One New Man;” One New People.  And, in this country, at least for now, we are free to worship God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Today I have a new name.  I am Linda, child of the living God.  I like that.

**A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 2 – Part 7

Written by Linda J. Humes

5-24-2015

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Now In Christ

23 Aug

Heaven

(11) Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; (12) that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (13) But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ.

The first verse of or our text takes me back to my roots. Not to the day of being reborn, but to the days of my childhood. I was living in a small desert town in southern California; no running water, no indoor plumbing, jack rabbits for dinner, popcorn for breakfast. I was a nobody headed for nowhere . . . But God! God saw this skinny little towheaded kid, with a tender heart, and He made a place for me in His Kingdom.

In the days of the Old Testament, only the Jews were God’s Chosen People. He led them and provided shelter and food for them in the most desperate of times. But with the Birth of Christ and the gospel of promise came the understanding of the Great Mystery (1 Corinthians 2:7). No longer was salvation earned through a birthright (those of circumcision of the hands), it was freely given to all who would believe on Jesus and accept Him as the Son of God, our Savior (1 Corinthians 1:24-25) (circumcision of the heart and spirit).

No longer would salvation and eternal life be given to the mechanics of birth, circumcision and living the religious life passed down from Jewish father to Jewish son. Now there had to be more than the yearly “required” trips, bloody animal sacrifices and the “holy” rituals. Now there had to be spiritual covenants, promises of faith, humility and hope in the gospel, brought to draw an entire world to the saving grace of God. Now those without hope can receive the promise of eternal life and continued relationship with God.

Today we can all be Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Whether born in Israel or in the back alley of a dead end street in the worse part of town; we all have the opportunity to become part of the Body of Christ. We are all born to a mighty and loving God that wishes that all would receive His Word, brought through the life of His Son, Jesus Christ, and freely given to all who would ask. Eternal life in a mansion with streets paved in gold. Everyone. Even that skinny little towheaded kid, raised in poverty, with no hope for tomorrow, one day to become a pastor and bring the love of Christ to a hurting people. Even you!

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Romans 11:29 (KJV)

** A Journey Through Ephesians: Chapter 2 – Part 6:

By Linda J. Humes

2-1-2015

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His Workmanship

21 Aug

fruit of spirit

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ASV)

We are God’s workmanship. Whether we are white, brown, black, yellow or red – we are God’s workmanship. Whether we were born in a perfect body or an imperfect body, with a perfect mind or a mind that few can break through to, we are God’s workmanship. We were created for a purpose and a call within the specific parameters of our birth, we were not born by accident, we were not shaped by a curse, we are all God’s workmanship.

Psalm 139:13-14 states clearly: “For thou didst form my inward parts: Thou didst cover me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks unto thee; For I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.” God knew us before the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:9). He knew the hour we would be born, the challenges we would face and the path that He set before us. He (God) created us in His image, male and female both (Genesis 1:27), no man can take away that image for it is God created (Genesis 9:6). He predestined us to be who we would be, foreordained to a call, conformed to the image of His Son (Acts 1:8). In fact in Romans 8:30 God states: “Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.”

So how can that be?? Can we believe that ALL are created in His image, regardless of physical and mental abilities? Are we to believe that all races and creeds and colors are made in His image? ALL? Romans 8:28 states: “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to His purpose.” In 2 Timothy 1:9 it says that these perfect gifts were given to us “in Christ Jesus before times eternal.”

What is His Image? How can every person, every living human being, be made in His Image? The answers come in the scriptures themselves. The Image of God is not the outward appearance, it is the Spirit, the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). “The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

God formed Jesus and gave Him the looks of an average man for a reason. “For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2). God did not want people to follow Jesus because of his outward appearance, for it is only temporal. God wanted people to feel the depth of Jesus through His Spirit, His Soul. He was of “no reputation” (Philippians 2:5-11). Paul states that we should not look on the “outward appearance” as we can be deceived by charismatic leaders. But we are to look for Christ’s attributes (2 Corinthians 10:7).

To be in God’s Image we must emulate His behaviors and patterns. Jesus stated that we will receive the “Power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,” then we would be able to take the gospel to the world (Acts 1:8). Once we have the “power,” we will be able to do “greater works” than Jesus did when He walked the earth (John 14:12). To get there Jesus shows us that we must learn to pray, pray until you hear from Father God (Romans 15:30; 1 Philippians 1:19; Colossians 1:3; Matthew 6:6; Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 18:1-8). We are to pray in groups for strength in prayers (Deuteronomy 26:7-8; Isaiah 56:7; II Chronicles 7:14), but there are also times that we are to pray in solitude, a simple time of relationship with Father God (Matthew 6:5; Matthew 14:23). The power through prayer is given to those who commit their lives to following Christ and receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, at that point their faith and their understanding begins to grown (Matthew 11:25-26).

To be seen in the Image of God, we must walk in the fruits of His Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25), we must walk in the fruits of His Righteousness (Ephesians 5:9; James 3:18; Philippians 1:11), we must walk in the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13), and in the Fruit of Holiness (Romans 6:22). Then we will honor God with the fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13:15), speaking to Him and listening to Him through the gift of relationship through prayer.

We walk daily in His Image. How clearly He is seen in us depends upon our decision to be more like Him. Jesus was “attractive” not because of His outward appearance, but because of the love, peace, gifts and fruits that shown through Him. The people could look into His eyes and see the Spirit of God. We are made in His image, but we make the decision on how much of God we want to look like. Hallelujah! Will you share “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory” (Colossians 1:27)? Will you humbly and powerfully show that you are made in the Image of God? Will you be an excellent example of the Workmanship of God?

**A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 2, Part 5

Written by Linda J. Humes

12-28-2014

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Saved Through Faith

20 Aug

by grace

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

So many thoughts cross my mind when I read these scriptures.  Things like “there’s no such thing as a free lunch,” or “you never get something for nothing,” and even “you are no more a Christian because you sit in a church, than you are a cow because you stand in a barn.”

Over the years I have seen person after person come into the church and give all they physically have, but never find the true gift, the relationship with God.  I think that we have been “programmed” by the American culture to believe that if we work hard and “give it all we’ve got” we’ll get whatever we want.  Some have succeeded, many have failed.  But that “programming” does not apply to God’s culture and the plan He has set out for us.

The New Testament makes it very clear that no matter what we have done, said or caused, we have hope through Jesus for an eternal life in Heavenly places (Romans 4:7).  Through repentance and the forgiveness of sins, God wipes our slates clean and we become white and pure as snow (Isaiah 1:18).  We can’t work enough hours to receive that gift.  We can’t feed enough hungry people or clean enough church carpets or share the gospel in enough countries to receive that gift.  We can’t spend enough time in prayer or hours in the scriptures, memorizing – memorizing – memorizing, to earn that gift.  It isn’t possible.  The gift is free.  The gift is from God Himself, His “grace” card (1 Corinthians 1:4).  The gift of salvation is simply received through believing faith (Romans 3:22 & 25).  Faith!  No more, no less.

So, in God’s culture, there is a “free lunch,” eating daily of God’s Word (Matthew 4:4) and feeding the spirit that is growing inside.  In God’s culture, there is “something for nothing, there is grace, and through that grace there is faith, and through that faith there is eternal life in Heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).

As far as the last quote, that’s a true comment, but with the love and acceptance and example of the saints, people who come seeking will find the true faith they desire.  Everyone starts coming to church as a non-Christian, but finds their way to the free gift of salvation, pre-paid by the Son.  Once we realize it took the blood of a perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14) to bring us that gift, a life freely given on Calvary (1 Corinthians 2:12), how could we even consider boasting.

We are saved by grace through our faith in Christ.  Simple.  Easy.  Priceless.

* A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 2, Part 4

Written by Linda J. Humes

11-28-2014

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