Give Me This Mountain | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

As we pondered "the climb" and its importance on yesterday, it dawned on me that we definitely needed to consider "the mountain" as well.  Since our hardships (or situations) represent the climb and not the mountain itself, what then does the mountain represent?  The best way to describe this is it being the picture of man facing his soul.  Life's situations and hardships force us to face how our minds, willpower and emotions respond to our surroundings. 

It's amazing how GOD works!  When it is His will for us to climb, the situation/hardship is merely the vehicle GOD uses to cause us to triumph over something greater.  For example, record numbers of our nation's citizens are facing unemployment.  Typically, one would see the inability to find gainful employment as their mountain.  However, with the newfound perspective of unemployment being "the climb," the mountain then becomes the development of a greater trust in GOD's ability to provide (Genesis 22:8), a clearer understanding of one's purpose--or reason for being--(Proverbs 19:21), and the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  These greater victories by far surpass simply getting another job.  GOD desires to transform us by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2).  It is through this transformation (or prospering) of the soul that we prosper in material gain as well as in our overall health and well-being, according to 3 John 2.  The climb is necessary to stand upon the mountain peak, which is the prosperity of our souls.

The Climb | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

I would venture to say that, at some point, we all have been guilty of speaking to mountains we were destined to climb.  Yeah, yeah, I know what the Word says about commanding them to be cast into the sea (Mark 11:23).  But here's the knitty gritty on that there: if it be GOD's will for you to climb a mountain, no amount of speaking will remove it from the terrain of your life.

Truth be told, many times we're not even speaking in faith anyway, but rather out of fear: we don't want to climb anything that remotely looks like a mountain.  So this leads me to ask, "Are you afraid of the mountain or the climb?"  I only ask because we mistakenly look at situations, like illness, bankruptcy, and divorce, as mountains.  However, upon closer scrutiny, the situation is not at all the mountain, but merely the climb. Interesting, isn't it?

GOD has equipped us to endure situations (or hardships, as stated in 2 Timothy 2:3) in order to get to the mountain peaks to which we're headed.  When you think about it, we even refer to hardships as valley experiences.  But consider this: in order to get from the "valley low" to the "mountain peak," WE'VE GOT TO CLIMB, right?  Of course!

It's during the climb that we learn obedience, just as our Christ did (Hebrews 5:7-8).  It's while climbing that we experience His strength being made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Therefore, let's be converted (or change our mindset) concerning what we've called mountains beforehand, so that we can embrace the climb as a prime opportunity for GOD to show Himself strong on our behalf as He does a new thing within us.

(Note: I look forward to sharing with you on tomorrow some thoughts concerning the mountain to balance today's discussion of the climb.)

Take Responsibility | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Why is it so easy to lay blame on someone else for OUR problems? Well, when we refuse to acknowledge our roles in creating them, blame tends to be the method of choice to validate our feelings. It actually comes quite easily for us and tends to be the ideal location upon which a foundation of hatred and bitterness can be laid in our hearts.

I'm reminded here of the motion picture "For Colored Girls," produced by Tyler Perry.  In this film, Phyllicia Rashad's character made a profound statement, which--for my film critic friends-- I believe clearly describes the film's premise, as she consoled the character played by Kimberly Elise: "Until you take responsibility, you're just living to die."  A life void of responsibility for one's actions is literally a living suicide. 

When I hear someone rehashing without fail why they are a certain way, or who did what to them when, and how they can't get over how something affected them, it's like seeing the living dead.   Forgive me if this sounds harsh, but it's the truth.  While I understand that many people have experienced situations that were beyond their control, it is not beyond their control to live the balance of their days in bondage to the situation.  With GOD all things are possible to them who believe (Matthew 19:26).  We must take responsibility for our lives even when they've been violated by others because we've still got more living to do.

If your life is a living hell today, then it's up to you to invoke Heaven's influence.  Proverbs 24:12 (NLT) says:

"Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and he sees you. He keeps watch over your soul, and he knows you knew! And he will judge all people according to what they have done."

The defeated lives we live year after year are our fault.  The depression with which we have an ongoing battle is our fault.  The low self-esteem we've harbored for decades is our fault.  We have power over all these things and more, and it's time we heed the warning (or recognize the signs) and take corresponding action.

Ezekiel 33:3-5 (NLT) reads as follows:

"When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he blows the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action--well, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the warning but wouldn't listen, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives."

What's It Worth? | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

I watch very little television, which pretty much explains why I tend to be so behind on what's new or current in pop culture.  However, there's a program on A&E that fascinates me called "Hoarders." (I even have a couple of tweeps--Twitter followers, that is--who banter back and forth with me about the show from time to time.)  The show literally chronicles the deliverance of hoarders and their struggle to let go of seemingly valuable items (or junk) that threaten their ability to securely maintain what's truly valuable.

This morning, the thought came to me of how we tend to hoard all manner of things that, although may appear to be of value to us, are actually quite worthless in comparison to what is ultimately valuable.  I believe this is a tangential meaning of what was said in the Bible about laying up our treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot corrupt them (Matthew 6:19-20).  When we place greater value on the material things we hoard than what's ultimately valuable (i.e. Heaven's mandate), it drastically shifts our perspective to one of protecting at all costs that which is worthless (Luke 12:15-22).  The shift also causes us to ignore how our behavior effects what's truly valuable.  For example, the television program shows people obliviously losing their spouses, families, and homes because of their hoarding; and yet the hoarders are still fighting tooth and nail to hold on to their junk.

Need No More | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

When Adam fell in Eden, it created for mankind a legacy of need.  Prior to Adam's act of rebellion, there was no such thing as "need" because there was no lack in Eden, which represented the environment of GOD's presence.  Now that we're in the Kingdom, the environment/atmosphere of Eden has been restored and we now live in the abundant provision of our King.  This means that the law of abundance has overturned that of lack within our territory.

Having been born after the Spirit of GOD, we are now engrafted into a spiritual lineage that is "anti-need" and "pro-vision."  There is no legacy of need in the Kingdom (or "King's domain"); and since there's no more need, it's imperative that we adopt a mindset of abundant provision.  Our lives should no longer be characterized by concern or worry about anything because we're no longer dwelling in a state of need.  Our King provides for us and He takes excellent care of His people.  Therefore, we must trust our Father to do what He does best.  Let's make 2011 and the years to come free of worry by looking to Jehovah Jireh to manifest Himself in every area of our lives.

For a more detailed blog post on the legacy of need, feel free to click the following link and read a previous post of mine that I believe will bless you tremendously: http://fromtheheartofaworshipper.blogspot.com/2009/07/in-gods-presence-part-nine.html.

And It Was Good | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Something very interesting about human beings is our belief that the end truly justifies the means.  We set goals and envision concepts that we're motivated to bring to fruition.  Our zeal to accomplish what we set out to achieve creates the drive to do WHATEVER IS NECESSARY, even if it's wrong or potentially offensive, to get the desired results.  Because human reasoning places top priority on the end result, we feel justified in doing wrongly in order to bring about good.

During Moses' account of creation in Genesis Chapter 1, therein was a phrase used by GOD throughout the process: "And it was good."  Traditionally, our focus has been on the objects of creation (e.g. light, earth, water) being good.  However, let's consider a broader perspective of what GOD meant by this powerful statement.  But first, here's an excerpt from a previous blog ("The Power of Agreement - Part Two") to give you an idea of what GOD had to work with in Genesis 1:

Now, the earth was without form (translated from the Hebrew word "tohuw" meaning "to lie waste"), and void (translated from the Hebrew word "bohuw" meaning "to be empty").  We see an environment characterized by desolation and emptiness. Nothing is being produced and the very atmosphere is valueless.  I like to view this as the most extreme form of poverty. The earth was so bad off that it's safe to say that no recession or economic downturn in the history of man can begin to compare to the earth's state at this time.  As a matter of fact, this particular environment shows no sign of having the slightest potential to become Eden.

GOD had the worst situation on His hands, yet He was able to create the best situation.  Eden, the most ideal environment, was birthed in the least ideal setting because of GOD's righteousness.  He's simply right!  Our Father specializes in doing the right thing because His power to obtain results is totally predicated upon Him doing so.  So, when He said, "And it was good," He wasn't referring to the results because He knew what the results were going to be before He started.  This simple phrase referenced the process being good.  What GOD said came to pass... THAT'S what was good: His way of doing things.  Because doing the right thing generated the desired results. 

Therefore, friends, let's strive to focus more on the process, not the results.  If GOD said it, He'll perform it.  So don't worry about the results because GOD guarantees them as long as we're faithful to the process of doing things His way.  Ultimately for us, what's good is when we see what we said BECOME.  Let this be our Season of Becoming as we submit ourselves to the process of living righteously unto the GOD who made us righteous and is committed to manifesting the phenomenal in our midst.

Preservation by Silence | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Growing up, I believe I was "disciplined" more times for what I SAID than what I DID.  Mind you, I've never been what you might call a foul-mouthed person; however, I had a way of saying things that was quite effective at generating the "wrong" response.  Thanks to the experience of trial and error paving the way for wisdom, maturity has given me a whole new perspective on the power of silence.  Just because I may have something to say doesn't mean it needs to be said, and just because I can say what's on my mind doesn't necessarily mean I should say it.

Even As Your Soul Prospers | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

I've heard III John 2 for what seems to be countless times, but it was not until recently that I FINALLY made the connection.  Honestly, I believe I was just excitedly stuck on the fact that John shared with his readers that he, as a leader in the LORD's church, desired that those under his authority experience material gain, bodily wellness and revelatory insight into the Kingdom. (That's a lesson in leadership all by itself right there, but that will have to be another post for another time.)  This verse of scripture describes the total package--a portrait of the balanced "life more abundantly" I believe Jesus spoke of during His time on Earth (John 10:10).  However, my greater understanding of 3 John 2 was achieved when I made the following connection: as my soul (the seat of my mind, will and emotions) prospers in the things of the Kingdom, I'm assured of material gain and divine health.  This is the paradigm for experiencing Heaven on Earth.  If your whole concept of Christianity is "living to live again," then I challenge you to expand your concept of salvation beyond "eternal life" to include "life right now."

Focus, Focus, Focus | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

When I read the following Facebook status early this morning, it got me to thinking about what it means to focus:

"There's nothing like the power of focus...It's how achievers get things done."

I posted my initial thoughts as a comment, which read: "Focus is a product of willpower; and if you don't have the heart to do what you gotta do to achieve, you'll never be able to focus long enough to accomplish anything." From there, my mind was racing because the Holy Spirit dropped those words in my spirit, and I then saw just how interconnected this insight was to my own life.

No Joy, No Strength | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Our strength lies in possessing the joy of the LORD, the fullness of which is found in His presence (Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 16:11).  Sadly, many of GOD's people are weak because they look elsewhere for the joy that only GOD can give.  Family and friends, careers and even success can be appreciated for the happiness they bring, but they can in no way substitute for the joy of the LORD.  Just ask people who've attempted suicide; those who, despite their success, feel lonely; or the popular people who always feel drained because they're constantly being taken advantage of.  Simply put: no joy, no strength.

Welcome to Contentmentville | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

One of the more challenging aspects of Kingdom life is the concept of contentment.  Human nature diametrically opposes the mandate to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves.  Somewhere in the gumbo of emotions we're simultaneously processing (e.g. frustration, impatience, dissatisfaction, confusion, helplessness, despair, etc.), contentment just gets overshadowed, much like that quiet middle child who is the least demanding of his siblings for attention.  What's interesting, though, is that GOD never requires of us anything we've not already been given the capability to perform (2 Peter 1:3).  So, no matter how difficult it may seem for us to be content, our manifestation of this behavior (or Kingdom cultural attribute) will always be a matter of our will to exhibit it.

Consistency Is Back-Breaking | The Worshipper's Thought Of The Day

During this past Sunday morning's message, one of the "Ah-Ha" moments I had was when my pastor said, "Consistency is what's going to break the back of the enemy."  That's so true!  Too often we look for deliverance to be instantaneous.  In most cases, however, deliverance is a process.  That's why Bible says that we must WORK OUT our soul's salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).  The soul of man (his mind, will and emotions) requires a disciplined, regimented program of work for the effectual manifestation of deliverance.

Letting Go | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

A dear Facebook friend of mine got me to thinking early this past Saturday morning about the importance of letting go and how that translates into worship.  She expressed that when GOD says to let go, then it's time to let go because He's trying to give you something else.  Additionally, she communicated the need to let go of some past things and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in Christ, not in man.

My comment was as follows: "That's why it's so important that we lift our hands during worship.  Many Christians don't understand its importance or significance.  It's important because raising our hands is an act of surrender to our GOD; and it signifies us letting go of whatever we're holding on to so we can reach for GOD and what He has for us."

When we enter into worship, it's a time dedicated for GOD to recalibrate us.  While going about our days, we encounter so much.  Each day brings its trials, challenges and concerns, but our Father loves us too much for us to be consumed by them.  The act of reverent worship is an exchange of sorts in that our acknowledgment of GOD as our Source requires complete and total surrender.  It's in that act of genuine surrender that we lift our hands in submission to our Father, His will and His way.  We release our hold on whatever we're carrying that's infringing upon our peace of mind, thereby allowing GOD to remove the weight of these cares and concerns from our souls.

It makes no sense to hold on to whatever may be a threat to our peace, especially when Bible admonishes us to cast our cares upon GOD (1 Peter 5:7).  Just bring it to Him and let it go.  I'm convinced that people unable to lift their hands during worship can not do so because they're holding on to something.  The spirit of entitlement's influence has justified them feeling hurt, betrayed, taken advantage of, disappointed, etc.  These feelings are not supposed to be harbored.  Christ came that we might have life and life more abundantly (John 10:10).  It's an insult to our Redeemer for us to deny ourselves the more abundant life He paid for and made available to us.

So, friends, resolve to let go of whatever GOD is urging you to loose your grip on.  He desperately wants to take it away from you, but He won't pry it from your hands.  He'll allow you to suffer the consequences of holding on to it before He'll forcibly remove it from you.  The choice is yours.  It's your blood-bought, GOD-given right to be free and at peace.  Therefore, show GOD how serious you are about your submission to Him by relinquishing control and lifting your hands as proof that you've taken your hands off.  It's then that your hands have been freed to receive what GOD desires to give.

The REAL Charismatic Movement - Part Two

Operating in the charismatic is certainly no cakewalk.  As was noted in the previous installment of this series, the charismatic approach to life is really about having a perpetually positive attitude.  GOD's grace (or "charis" in the Greek) empowers us to exhibit behaviors that are radically different from the status quo.

We've all encountered the people who claim to be filled with the Holy Ghost and go into all kinds of histrionics during worship services, but don't exactly live up to the hype outside of the sanctuary.  It really makes you wonder, doesn't it?  I've said many times that the same Holy Ghost who gives us the utterance to speak in tongues is the same one who keeps us from "cussing" (or, for my educated friends, using expletives).  So then, why do we act all brand new with the Holy Spirit when we're no longer in the presence of the body of believers: He's been sent to teach us (1 Corinthians 2:12)?

Sometimes it's frustrating to hear people talk about RADICAL praise, RADICAL anointing, RADICAL, RADICAL, RADICAL...it's certainly not my intention to offend anyone, but here's the deal: we don't have to do anything RADICAL to standout or be different. How about we just follow GOD's commandments? That's RADICAL enough right there. A married man turns down a proposition to cheat on his wife? RADICAL! Actually putting in an honest day's work for an honest day's pay? RADICAL! Maintaining your composure as someone cuts you off on the highway? REALLY RADICAL! These examples and tons more equate to ways in which the grace of GOD can be manifested to show all men just how radical we are as GOD's people. When others see us actually being Christians instead of just casually identifying ourselves as Christians, that alone will intrigue them to know more about our faith and the Jesus who made it all possible.

I mean, honestly...Would the people we encounter Monday through Saturday REALLY follow us to church on Sunday? Believe it or not, that's the impact of the REAL charismatic movement. It's not shout fests, folk laid out all over the floor and people prophesying (or even "prophelying"). It's about the grace of GOD at work in us, working through us (Philippians 2:13-15). It's that grace that makes us living epistles read of men (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). At some point, the charismatic movement must expand beyond the sanctuary walls. However, the only way for it to expand is by us taking it with us everywhere we go, manifesting the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven throughout the Earth for all men to see.

It's Not Over! | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Our lives are comprised of the favorable as well as the unfavorable. Often times, the unfavorable overshadows the favorable, so much so that we wonder how GOD could possibly get the glory from it all. Well, friends, let's consider Ephesians 1:11:

"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predistinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:"

What must become real to us is that GOD is committed to His purpose for our lives, even when we aren't. GOD brings (or worketh) all things--that means EVERYTHING--together to conform them to His purpose for our lives. Therefore, our mistakes are NOT more powerful than our respective purposes. While this does not permit us to live any kind of way, it does encourage and edify the broken and contrite TO KNOW that IT'S NOT OVER. GOD's purpose for you STILL stands despite your shortcomings. No matter what you've done, no matter how bad off you may be even now...GOD REMAINS COMMITTED to the purpose for which He created you. Now that's good news!

So if you find yourself mourning, confess out loud and on purpose the following based on Isaiah 61:3:

"I receive from You, GOD, beauty for my ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness affecting me; that I might be called by others a tree of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that You, O GOD, might be glorified. HALLELUJAH!!!"

Kingdom Expansion | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Since I spend most of my days at work sitting in front of a computer, I spend much of my time at the office listening to the teaching of GOD's Word as I go about my daily duties. This morning, as I was listening to a message by Dr. Myles Munroe, something he said struck a chord in me: "Kingdoms expand by colonization." Most of us have, at some point in our education, learned about world civilizations (e.g. countries, nations) that sought to expand their global influence by colonizing foreign territories. Part of this colonization process included having a community of citizens from the home country to live in the foreign territory, so they could infiltrate the foreign territory with the culture of the home country.

One could literally write a whole book on this topic, but I just want to quickly leave something with you to consider. As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven who are living in the foreign territory of Earth, we are charged with being the community of people responsible for infiltrating the foreign territory's culture with Heaven's culture. If it appears the Kingdom community's influence within a locality is either not growing or diminishing, it's simply because there's a decrease in the manifestation of the culture of Heaven in that geographic area. We can spout all the religious rhetoric, church phrases and Christian cliches we can recall, but the Kingdom influence only increases in dominance as a community of Kingdom citizens manifest the culture of Heaven through a consistent lifestyle that reflects the will, intent and purposes of our King.

What I love about the holiday season is the period of personal reflection I undergo in preparation for the New Year. It's my prayer that we all would reflect on our our lifestyles this season and evaluate how well we reflect the culture of Heaven, our home country. Do our lifestyles attract unbelievers to become Kingdom citizens and adopt Heaven's culture? Or are we living in such a way that unbelievers experience difficulty in distinguishing a difference between our culture and their own? In order to rule, reign and dominate the Earth and its resources (or as Donald Lawrence put it, "get back to Eden"), we must be determined now more than ever to advance Kingdom colonization through cultural expansion. In other words, both what we say and do MUST be consistent with our identity as Kingdom citizens, thereby exhibiting a lifestyle of holiness.

Dare to Be Different | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

A conversation today reminded me of the importance of being different. My mind went to how GOD wanted to do a new thing with Israel, His chosen people; however, they refused to participate in what GOD desired to do through them. GOD wanted a Kingdom (e.g. a nation of people) that would be ruled by Him alone and reflect His nature, character and culture. Yet the children of Israel wanted to be like the nations around them and have a king chosen from among themselves to rule over them. Surprisingly, even after GOD warned them what would happen as a result of this decision, the people still wanted an Israelite king--they rejected GOD's way to be like the people around them who appeared to be living better.

Things aren't much different today, except our problem is we've learned to articulate catch phrases (like "I want GOD to do a new thing"). You know, those things we say and don't mean because it's just lip service that fits so well into our emotional worship. We cry out for GOD to do something new, but we really don't want to be different from those around us. Question: doesn't "something new" imply something never before done, erego something different? Let's just go ahead and stop wasting our time and GOD's if we're going to seek something new from Him when our hearts really desire to enjoy all the things that those outside of GOD's Kingdom enjoy, too. Brothers and sisters, we can't have our cake and eat it, too. It's either GOD's way or the world's way--no in between, no gray area.

I'm by no means perfect because I'm daily progressing in GOD's way. Each day I strive to be more committed to GOD's way of doing things and being more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Because I truly desire for GOD to do the unseen through me, I'm willing to be different. I'm willing to not blend in with the crowd. After all, what glory does GOD get when His people blend in so well with the world that they become indistinguishable from the world? Dare to be different, friends. Dare to adhere to the laws of GOD's Kingdom. Dare to see GOD move in unprecedented ways through you.

The Need To Edify | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

During this morning's commute to work, my mind pondered the phrase "knowledge puffeth up," which comes from the latter portion of 1 Corinthians 8:1--"Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth."  I guess what triggered this thought was an earlier reminder from a friend of how we can sometimes be rather difficult to deal with when we become knowledgeable. Oddly enough, I remember my mother referring to those kind of people as "know-it-alls" because their awareness of information exuded pride.

We must be careful in both our pursuit and sharing of knowledge that we do not allow ourselves to become inflated by it, thereby creating a false sense of elevation above others. You know, when people sense pride in operation, its stench creates for them a displeasing experience--even in our sharing of the Gospel of the good news of the Kingdom. However, charity edifies. In other words, love builds up and strengthens. Love is so important to our Kingdom lifestyle that it is central to our exercising of the nine spiritual gifts outlined in 1 Corinthians 12.

Therefore, let's not just pursue knowledge, but let us be committed to building up and strengthening others with the knowledge we've gained. It's invaluable for us as Kingdom citizens to possess a wealth of information and be influenced by the spirits of pride and arrogance. Even though the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of GOD unto salvation, our attitudes will cause others--the save and unsaved alike--to despise (or ignore) what we know, no matter how much it will be a blessing to them. I'll always remember something Bishop Fred A. Caldwell, Sr. would say, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." My suggestion: we all should take a long, hard look at ourselves and evaluate our motives. Do we minister (or "meet the need") in order to show others how much we care or to show how much we know?

Results-Oriented Warfare | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Out of no where, my mind fell upon the phrase "every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5) during this morning's worship service. So, I made myself a mental note to take a deeper look at this scripture when I got home, which resulted in me examining the below passage:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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;"
(2 Cor. 10:3-5)

Verse three declares that we don't contend with carnal inclinations. Since it ends with a colon, verses 4-6 that follow provide an explanation of verse 3 that can not be considered apart from that third verse. Therefore, verse five--my initial point of interest--tells me that warring after the flesh will not produce the desirable results outlined therein. We can't expect to tear down reasonings and all barriers that have been lifted up against the act of knowing GOD by contending with the flesh. Furthermore, the carnal approach will not make captive every perception to the submission of Christ.

In other words, as we interact with the unsaved, it's imperative that we war against the spirit of unbelief that's blocking them from the act of knowing GOD, as opposed to their lifestyle choices, addictions, foul speech, etc (which are frequently targeted by Christians). Additionally, as we interact with other members of the Body of Christ, it's a waste of time to war against any behaviors our brothers and sisters may manifest that oppose the laws of the Kingdom. We must wage war against the demonic spirits that are influencing their behavior. And since we're waging war against the unseen (and not the manifested symptoms of the unseen), our warring need not be seen of men either. There's no need to create a spectacle or publicly embarrass anyone: such unseemly behavior only creates visible reasons for others to hesitate in deciding to become reconciled to the Kingdom of GOD. We have been endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit to both remain composed as well as think clearly at all times (Matthew 10:16). Therefore, let us operate in the realm of the spirit, wherein Christ has already obtained victory, that Christ may also cause us to triumph over Satan openly in the physical realm.

Condemnation vs. Guilt | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

This morning, I was thinking about how even though there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, there sure is guilt.  While condemnation is not part of the Kingdom citizenship experience, guilt most certainly exists. It usually manifests when the ways of our old conscience collide with our righteousness in Christ Jesus. Since we've been made righteous by faith (and not of works), we are to live righteously (or in right standing with GOD); but honestly, that doesn't ALWAYS happen. We all fall short of the glory of GOD (e.g. manifesting His character) as well as fail to faithfully abide in our Father's way of doing things (e.g. keeping His commandments). That's where guilt enters in because we could never be able to recognize its presence without the Holy Spirit governing us. As is commonly said, "When you know better, you do better." And as we continue to be transformed by the renewing of our minds via the Word of GOD, our righteous mind (which is the mind of Christ that we have already been given) will become increasingly dominant and reduce our old culture to a merely distant memory. Thanks be unto GOD for the power of guilt as well as the power to change. Walk in victory, my friends! GOD bless!