Timely Insights into God's Word from Khandielese Reyes

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.   Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.  Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.  Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”  (Phil 3:12-17) 

There are many things  that prevents a “professing Christian” from obtaining “spiritual maturity” and growing in the likeness of Christ, becoming all the Father desires us to be.  Three of the most common in the church today are: slothfulness, walking according to the flesh, and living in the past. 

Scripture tells us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”.   This by no means indicates salvation is earned through “works”, but that the fullness and completion of such is obtained through spiritual development.  One does not receive the gift and upon receipt, are immediately perfected. But, perfection comes through growth.   It’s as if receiving a package layered with much wrapping, and in order to enjoy the contents to it’s full capacity, one must first remove ALL the layering.  You’d never know how much a blessing is in the package unless you open it and examine the contents.  Then and only then can one truly enjoy the benefits.  Thus we must desire spiritual growth that we may truly enjoy the benefits of the Gift from our Lord.  We must desire the meat of His word and not continue to be satisfied with mere milk.  As many, started off with zeal, eagerly desiring to receive the fullness of their salvation and yet somewhere down the line, became slothful and complacent and for some, fallen back to their old ways.  For many, their walk with the Lord has become that of “routine” filled with rituals and habits.  10 minutes for this and 20 minutes for that and if they spend even a few minutes in the “Word”, they are satisfied as if they’ve done their favorable deed for the Lord for the day.  Sadly, there are others who never open the Word of God, thus they have no clue of the Power in the contents of His word for they are love letters filled with instruction, hope, joy, knowledge, wisdom and so much more.  Therefore, when the fiery darts of the enemy lands in their direction, they stumble, they fall, and drop out of the race, forfeiting the ultimate prize.  And then there are some that desire growth, but not the hardship of it for one cannot grow without trials and tribulations.  The process is not an easy one, but yet necessary for if we desire to “glory” with Christ, we must first “suffer” with Him.  Keeping our eyes ALWAYS on what lies ahead we Press Onward until we’ve reached the end of the only road that leads to life.  During this walk of “growth” we’ll encounter some sorrow, there will be stumbling blocks placed in our paths, there will be trials and tribulations to endure, but with each accomplishment comes growth.  And remember that we don’t walk alone, but always have the comfort of the Holy Spirit with us to strengthen, encourage, and lead us out of the wilderness and onto the mountain top.  So be encouraged and desire this growth as it is not in vain.   There IS joy ahead and a PRIZE awaiting at the finish line if we endure to the end.  No one likes a storm but oh how we LOVE the day after when the air is clear and crisp and the skies are blue.  Therefore we endure the storms because of the joy it brings afterwards. Because of the rains, the grass and flowers grow, “Press Onward” through the storm that you to may grow. 

Allow not your growth to be hindered due to a refusal to be led by the Spirit, choosing rather to be led by your flesh for this will stunt the growth process instantaneously.  Therefore, reject those things of the flesh that may keep you from maturing in the spirit.  For you cannot fully be considered “sons of God” if your choice is to be led by your flesh for scripture declares: “For as many as are LED by the SPIRIT of GOD, THEY are the sons of God” (Rom 8:14)  Now that we are “children” of God, let us mature to “sons” of God by putting away the things of the flesh, and following after the things of the Spirit.  For the things of the flesh will draw us away from the Father, while the things of the Spirit will draw us near.  Thus bitterness, strife, division, hatred, envy, arguing, disputing, ALL the evils of the flesh must be put to death for they were crucified with Christ and now you are new creatures IN Him.   So you MUST allow the blessed fruits of the Holy Spirit to reside in you and began working THROUGH  you that: “ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Phil 2:15)  For when we argue and dispute amongst ourselves we in a sense give glory to the enemy, and fulfill his will for it is his strongest desire to keep strive and division active in the church.  That the name of our Lord would be shamed and mocked by those on the outside looking in.  For the example displayed through foolish debates and disputes does not represent He whom we “profess” to love and to follow, but represents the enemy who is against The Lord of Glory!   Give no place to the enemy through the submission of your flesh but rather reject every attempt to follow after it.  For the wages of sin is death, but the Gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Follow after the things of the Spirit, Press Onward in His leading. 

And finally brethren, leave your past BEHIND YOU!  For many continue to cling to the “What-if’s” and the “Whys” of yesterday.  The prize is not behind you, but before you thus keep your focus ahead.  Why waste valuable time dwelling on what could have been, what should have been and the “If only’s” when this precious time could be properly utilized in developing your growth in the Lord.  For it is far better to spend time in intimacy and fellowship with Jesus, for yesterday is gone and you can do nothing to change it.  You only have this moment, today thus spend the time wisely.  Even if someone has wronged you, what good does it do to spend time in anger seeking revenge and retaliation?  It would be better, and spiritually mature to simply accept the wrong, forgive and move on.  For it takes more energy to remain in bitterness than it does to forgive and walk in love.  Let NOTHING hinder you from spiritual growth in the Lord.   “Press Onward”!

I love you all so very much. Have a blessed week in the Lord and remember: Whatever we do, do ALL for the GLORY of GOD, who ALONE is worthy of the GLORY and the PRAISE!

The Lord be with you this day and always!  Shalom Uvracha (Peace and Blessings)…….. 

Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh,
Adonai Elohim Tzeva-ot
Asher Hayah Va-ho-veh VaY’vo

Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come!

May the peace of the Lord be with you today and always……

Khandielese
Daughter & Servant
   of the Lord God