“¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

¹⁹ For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Romans 7:18-19

As we know, Satan can override the will of an unbeliever.  Before our Salvation, Satan was our lord…no matter our “good works”.  Sad but indeed true.

Here is a nugget for all of us born again Believers this morning; satan can also override the will of the Believer and force us to do something we don’t want to do if our faith is improperly placed.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Amen and amen to that, right?  HOWEVER, when our faith is placed in any other method for victory over sin, we are hindering the Holy Spirit from doing what He is commissioned to do, namely free us from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).  We give the Holy Spirit latitude to isolate our sin nature when our faith is in Jesus Christ, Who He is and what HE did on Calvary’s Cross to break the power of sin in the Believer’s life.  Our fasting, Bible reading and even prayer, when done to gain victory over sin, become religious works.  EVERY Believer should be praying, reading their Bible and fasting as the Lord leads but they were not given to the Body of Christ to gain victory over sin.  Jesus Christ was given to whosoever will believe to give the Believer dominion over our sin nature.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under Grace.” Romans 6:14

Until we each have our “O wretched man” moment of Romans 7:24 and finally accept that we cannot resist the devil unless we are submitted to God (James 4:7); until we DENY ourselves…our self efforts, self will and self reliance and understand that satan can indeed override our will power when our faith is placed in “our part” to overcome sin, we, as born again Believers, are stuck in and living the Romans 7:18-19 experience.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2

Faith…faith in Jesus Christ and HIS redeeming work that broke the power of sin in every Believer’s life, gives the Holy Spirit latitude to free us from the law of sin and death.  Greater IS He that is in us, than he that is in the world but we must give Him, the Holy Spirit, latitude to wrought in us HIS perfect work through our faith…not our doing.

“⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

⁹ Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

¹⁰ But the God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.

¹¹ To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:8-11.

Be determined to know nothing else among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  Be sober. Be vigilant. Greater is He that is in you.

-Donna Clark Warren

“If My People, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Humility, a prayer of repentance and turning from our wicked ways is God’s prescribed order for healing our land.  Hear me friends, this prescribed order is not given to the world as a means to heal their land….this is given to the Church, to God’s People.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the House of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17

When we, God’s People, began allowing other methods, seeker sensitive agendas, to infiltrate the pulpit and morph the Gospel of Jesus Christ into another gospel through wisdom of words, our ways became wicked in the Eyes of God.  Methods of man presented with 12 steps, 40 days or 7 sacraments are given to overcome the world.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:5

The various methods of man to overcome the world are not of God.  He who “believes” overcomes the world…not he who “does”.  The modern church promotes doing because it appeals to our flesh.

Until we, God’s People, start believing His Word; until we start believing the record that God has given His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, Who came to die on Calvary’s Cross to pay the penalty of sin for the sinner (John 3:16) and break the power of sin for the Saint (Romans 6:14) and is now sitting at the Right Hand of the Throne of God searching to and fro to prove Himself strong in the behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him (2 Chronicles 16:9), we are declaring Him a liar.  God forbid no. God cannot lie, yet because of our unbelief in Him we declare Him a liar.

“¹⁰ He that believes on the Son of God has the witness in himself: he that believes not God has made him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of His Son.

¹¹ And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:10-11

Our land needs healing.  We must humble ourselves, seek the Face of God and repent from our wicked ways.  Jesus stands at the door knocking.  Will the Church turn back to Jesus and His atoning work to overcome the world and believe?  Will we allow the Lord to prove Himself strong in behalf of us whose heart is perfect toward Him?  Judgment begins with us, His House…His People.

-Donna Clark Warren

 “⁴ You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

⁵ They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them.

⁶ We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of Truth, and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:4-6

Deception is satan’s greatest weapon. Try the spirits whether they are of God.  If they belittle the redeeming work of Jesus Christ to break the power of sin in the Believer’s life and resort to self reliance and self efforts to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil; they are of the world and fostered by the father of all lies.

“Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.” John 16:13

The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, will guide God’s Children into ALL Truth, not some Truth. The Holy Spirit will not speak of Himself but claim the work of Jesus Christ.  He will show us the New Covenant, those “things to come”, and bear witness with our spirit that we are a Child of God (Romans 8:16).

Jesus Christ in the flesh IS the New Covenant.  The Lord’s shed Blood IS the Sacrifice that removes the penalty of sin (death) in the sinner’s life and breaks the power of sin in the Saint’s life.  The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is proof that every sin was paid in full and the power of every sin broken for whosoever will believe.  Jesus made a show of every demon in hell openly.  The same demons that attempt to seduce and deceive God’s Children today are the same ones our Lord made a show of openly, triumphing over them.  Knowing this, know Who Jesus is and what He did on Calvary’s Cross there is no doubt to our Lord’s Resurrection.

Doctrines of demons given by the spirits of error are rampant.  Their bulls eye is the Believer’s faith…faith in Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.  The Holy Spirit is not commissioned to guide us into all Truth when our faith is in methods of man from the vanities of their own mind.  He, the Spirit of Truth, works only in the parameters of the finished work of Jesus Christ.  This is the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2).  Believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God.  Be determined to know nothing else among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).

-Donna Clark Warren

“¹³ For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

¹⁴ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

¹⁵ Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

There is no light other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Who He is and what He did on Calvary’s Cross to pay the penalty of sin for the sinner and break the power of sin for the Believer (Romans 6:14).  Any other “light” (full moons, blood moons, eclipse, harbingers, shemitahs and the list goes on and on) is in fact darkness.

This Light that we have been given, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will set the captives free.  It will heal the sick and mend the broken hearted for whosoever will believe upon the redeeming work of Jesus Christ.  40 days of purpose is not light. There is no “secret power” of speaking God’s Word.  If we speak God’s Word to manipulate our will and not God’s Will, we are doing nothing more than using God’s Word to cast spells.  The word of faith doctrine is full of witchcraft…and it’s not limited to only the pentecostal world either.

“Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name? and in Your Name have cast out devils? and in Your Name done many wonderful works?” Matthew 7:22

Doing many wonderful works in Jesus’ name is not the criteria for entering in to the Kingdom of Heaven.  Prophesying in Jesus’ name is not the criteria. Just because these false apostles and deceitful workers are ministering in the Name of Jesus, recognize WHAT they are ministering.  Is it another Jesus?  Another gospel?

“For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him.” 2 Corinthians 11:4

Methods of man and humanistic psychology appeal to the flesh and are often mistaken as “light”.  They are not light; they are darkness.  These “angels of light” are ministering darkness to the Body of Christ and many are following.  They are being swept to and fro by every wind of doctrine.  The weight of the darkness is bearing down on their faith.  Their yoke is heavy.  Sin has dominion over them. They celebrate recovery on Tuesday and stumble on Wednesday.  This is NOT victory over the world, the flesh and the devil.  This is NOT life and life more abundantly.  Lying to ourselves about our condition is not deliverance from our condition.

“The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Friends, there is a joy unspeakable and full of joy for those who love the Lord. Many love the Lord but are bound by darkness. Their faith is in various methods and man made doctrines to overthrow the sin that so easily besets them and they remain bound by the law of sin and death.

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

If our faith is not in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ as the source and the means by which we receive anything and everything from God, the Holy Spirit is not commissioned to isolate our sin nature and free us from the law of sin and death.  Due to Adam’s original fall, we are all born with a sin nature which rules and reigns in our heart until the Holy Spirit dethrones the reigning monarch and takes up residence.  Our sin nature is isolated by the power of the Holy Spirit and we have dominion over sin (Romans 6:14).  Again, the Holy Spirit is only commissioned to do this when our faith is placed in Jesus Christ and HIS redeeming work…this IS the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus that makes us free from the law of sin and death.

Our fight is the fight of faith…faith in Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  The “angels of light”, the false apostles and deceitful workers, are ministering darkness to the Body of Christ.  Many of God’s Children are bound by the powers of darkness because their faith has been redirected to methods of man.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the House of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17

-Donna Clark Warren

“⁷ But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

⁸ Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

⁹ But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.

¹⁰ But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.

¹¹ For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God.

¹² Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:7-12

The wisdom of God cannot be found nor understood through human intelligence. There are many intellectual philosophers who know the Word of God but their humanistic reasoning of the things of God are worthless.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His Commandments: His praise endures for ever.” Psalms 111:10

Doing God’s Commandments, keeping the Lord’s Statutes and following His Ways do not result in “good understanding”.  However, “good understanding” results in the keeping of His Commandments.  A good understanding of the Word of God is revealed by His Spirit and it begins with the fear of the Lord.

The entirety of the Word of God, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, points to Jesus Christ and His redeeming work on Calvary’s Cross.  When we depart from or ignore God’s Word and turn to diluted, thought for thought, philosophical translations and vain methods of man to overcome sin (and make no mistake, sin is man’s problem), we lose our fear of the Lord.  We build an idol, another god that is acceptable to our moral code of conduct.

God’s Word is revealed to God’s Children by the Holy Spirit.  When our faith is stayed on the finished work Jesus Christ, who broke the power of sin in the Believer’s life, the Holy Spirit is able to do that which He is commissioned to do…free us from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2), bring us into all Truths (John 16:13) and reveal God’s Word to His Children that we might know the things that are freely given to us by Jesus through His redeeming work on the Cross.  

“And unto man He (God) said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Job 28:28

A good understanding results in the keeping of God’s commandments and departing from evil and it is not found in human reasoning, psychology or philosophies.  A good understanding begins with the fear of the Lord.

“But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

-Donna Clark Warren

“³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

⁴ There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling;

⁵ One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:3-6

Unity of the Spirit is not compromise of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Unity is not agreeing to disagree because denominational lines will not allow agreement.

“Suppose you that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:” Luke 12:51

If it is the Truth of the Word that is causing division, discern the effect.  We must recognize the effect the Word of God has on our heart, not our emotions or our good intentions but our heart.  If our heart is hardened,  recognize this and decide in whom we will follow – philosophies of man or the Truth according to the Word of God.

Satan has access to our emotions and he will use this access to seduce us into compromising what the Lord has given us in Spirit and in Truth.  Little by little we keep looking back to Egypt to help us overthrow the world, the flesh and the devil.  These worldly ways are familiar but now they have a twist of Scripture to gain our acceptance…but they are still of the world and not of faith.

“But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him.“John 4:23

Vain philosophies declared from the pulpit to unite those who should be divided goes against Scripture.  Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is destroyed when faith in things other than the finished work of Jesus Christ is declared.  40 days of purpose destroys the peace.  Philosophies of man to overcome the sin that so easily besets us destroys the peace.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ lays waste these vain philosophies to overcome sin yet they are forever rewrapped and presented as the Gospel of Jesus seeking to unite Believers.

“⁸ But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

⁹ As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed.

¹⁰ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:8-10

Friends, if it is another gospel – in particularly, the gospel of  “political correctness” in order not to offend…we simply cannot unite in the bond of peace. That is a house built on sinking sand. The Truth of the Word of God offends the sinners AND the Saints.  Recognize the offense and consider the condition of your heart.  Christianity is a choice.

“¹⁴ Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in Truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve you the Lord.

¹⁵ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  Joshua 24:14-15

Prayerfully consider.

-Donna Clark Warren

“¹⁷ You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

¹⁸ But grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18

If we are not growing in Grace, growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, Who He is and what He has done on Calvary’s Cross to break the power of sin in the Believer’s life, we are falling from Grace…we are apostatizing.  Christ has become of no effect on us when we place methods of man to overcome sin above that which Jesus has done on Calvary’s Cross to afford us the victory over the world, the flesh and the devil.

“⁴ Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from Grace.

⁵ For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

⁶ For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.

⁷ You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the Truth?

⁸ This persuasion comes not of Him that calls you.

⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”  Galatians 5:4-9

Growing in Grace does not involve 40 days of purpose, sanctimonious ceremonies, denominational traditions or humanistic psychology to achieve your best life now.  Growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, growing in Grace, involves the stedfast faith that our Lord, Jesus Christ, has given us the victory…no matter the present circumstances.  During times of trouble, the circumstances do not suddenly become our god…God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is our God through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross.  That reality does not change, even when our circumstances change UNLESS we fall from Grace and turn to law.

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the Living God.” Hebrews 3:12

Hear me friends, do not partake in the lies of the devil.  An evil heart of unbelief is the believing the lies of the devil and not believing the promises of God.

“⁸ But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:8-9

It is not up to us to know the time nor the reason…it is up to us, God’s Children, to occupy until He comes.  A human promise may be weakened over time but God’s promise is Everlasting.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  He is not slack concerning His promise.

-Donna Clark Warren

“²¹ Not every one that says unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the Will of My Father which is in Heaven.

²² Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name? and in Your Name have cast out devils? and in Your Name done many wonderful works?

²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, you that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

Prophesying in the name of Jesus, casting out devils in the name of Jesus and doing many wonderful works in the name of Jesus are NOT the criteria for entering in to the Kingdom of Heaven.

“¹⁴ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

¹⁵ Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 1 Corinthians 11:14-15.

Workers of iniquity, those who have exalted self efforts, self will and any other method from the vanities of man’s mind to overcome the sin that so easily besets us other than Jesus Christ and His redeeming work on Calvary’s Cross are workers of iniquity.

The only way to God is through the Blood of Jesus Christ (John 14:6).  The only way to Christ is through the Cross.  Believing Who Jesus is (the Son of God, God manifest in the flesh) and what He did on Calvary’s Cross to pay the penalty of sin for whosoever will believe, leaves no room to doubt the Resurrection of our Lord.  He is Risen, He is Alive and He is sitting at the Right Hand of God searching to and fro to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him.

“And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”  Luke 9:23

The only way to the Cross of Christ is to deny ourselves…our self efforts, self will, our “many wonderful works” and take up our cross daily and follow Jesus.  Taking up our cross is not “bearing our burdens”.  The Cross of Christ is the means by which we receive every blessing from God.  Jesus Christ is the Source of those blessings and His Cross the means.  Again, we deny our self efforts, take up every blessing Christ afforded us on Calvary’s Cross and FOLLOW Him.

Workers of iniquity exhort our self efforts and focus on our problem.  They prophesy in the name of Jesus, cast out devils in the name of Jesus and do many wonderful works in the name of Jesus…yet they are workers of iniquity.  They make the Cross of Christ of no effect with their wisdom of words.

“¹⁷ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

¹⁸ For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-18

The preaching of the Cross of Christ is the power of God unto us which are saved but it is foolishness to workers of iniquity.  Prayerfully discern.

-Donna Clark Warren

“¹⁹ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

²⁰ And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

²¹ And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

²² And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

²³ And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeing Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

²⁴ And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

²⁵ But Abraham said, Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented.

²⁶ And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

²⁷ Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house:

²⁸ For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

²⁹ Abraham said unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

³⁰ And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

³¹ And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:19-31

The rich man was probably quite proud to have given the beggar, Lazarus, his crumbs. Before Jesus came to die on Calvary’s Cross to take away sin from whosoever accepts Him as their Lord and Savior, the Old Testament Saints believed the revelation given to Abraham regarding their coming Redeemer (Romans 4:16).  The Resurrection of Jesus is proof that every sin, not most sin but EVERY sin was atoned for on Calvary’s Cross.

“⁷ But unto every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the Gift of Christ.

⁸ Wherefore He said, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

⁹ (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

¹⁰ He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.)”  Ephesians 4:7-10

Jesus led captivity captive when He descended to the lower parts of the earth and redeemed the Old Testament Saints…including Lazarus.  Satan held the Old Testament Saints captive but they were comforted and separated from the torment of those who died not believing God would send their Redeemer.

The rich man’s riches didn’t lead him to the Lord and neither did the beggar’s poverty keep him from the Lord.  The rich man, knowing that he was eternally and consciously entombed in hell begged Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers to testify of this place called hell; to testify of his torments.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

¹⁷ For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

¹⁸ He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  John 3:16-18

Jesus is not one of many options to avoid condemnation.  He is the ONLY Way, the ONLY Truth and the ONLY Life.  No one comes to God except through Him (John 14:6).  This Truth does not change because one does not believe.  The Truth remains the same.  We are born condemned because of Adam’s fall.  God sent His only begotten Son not to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.

The lost are not lost because they reject Jesus; they reject Jesus because they are lost…they are condemned, consciously and eternally entombed in the torments of hell. We, as Believers, have a responsibility to tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.  Not every Believer is called to be a Minister of the Gospel but every Believer is given the Great Commission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the world.

I have lost loved ones that may not listen to me but may listen to you.  If they ever crossed your path, would you tell them the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Would you witness to them of the goodness of God?  They are lost and condemned.  They need to know Jesus.

There are millions upon millions who have loved ones praying for their Salvation. Perhaps God wants to use you to lead them to the Lord.  Prayerfully consider.  The rich man waited too late.  His prayer to Abraham to send someone to testify to his brothers availed as much as other’s fruitless prayers to Saints, absolutely nothing.  Go, tell them…tell them of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

-Donna Clark Warren

“And the Lord said unto Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and eschews (hates) evil?” Job 1:8

For the Child of God who is walking in the Will of God, every trial and tribulation is authored by divine wisdom and finished with love.  As our flesh is mortified daily through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we are alive unto God.  Precept upon precept, line upon line we become perfectly knit with the Spirit of the Living God, not sinlessly perfect but perfectly knit together with His Spirit, as we continuously look unto Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we are established, strengthened and settled in Whom we have believed.

“But the God of all grace, Who has called us unto His Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:10-11

Satan’s attempt to lead God’s Children away from God’s Will may include “good” works.  The work itself may or may not be sinful.  The devil will use truth to elevate his lie, but his sole purpose is to lead the Child of God away from faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross to another method for victory over the world, the flesh and the devil.  More specifically, satan will direct the Believer’s faith to their self efforts for dominion over sin.  These “efforts” may not be sinful in and of themselves but they were not given to overcome sin.  If such was the case, the Cross of Christ was in vain.  God forbid No! There is but one answer to sin and that is Jesus Christ, Who He is and what He did on Calvary’s Cross for whosoever will believe.

The Lord will never tempt His Children.  God will use satan and his minions as instruments in His Divine Wisdom to author and finish our faith.  The eyes of the Lord search to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him (2 Chronicles 16:9).

“⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty Hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:

⁷ Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

⁹ Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:6-9

Have you ever considered your spiritual testimony? Sometimes God will allow satan to touch our body, our family and/or our finances.  What did we do?  Did we deny our circumstances?  Maybe we rebuked our circumstances.

If God has allowed the trial, it is indeed authored with the Lord’s Divine wisdom and finished with His love.  Until our work on this side of Glory is complete, the Lord will always deliver those who seek Him. Our job is to humble ourselves under the Mighty Hand of God, that He may exalt us in due time.  We cast all our cares upon Him because He cares.  We FIGHT the good fight of faith…faith in Jesus Christ and His redeeming work on Calvary’s Cross.

Job fell down upon the ground and worshipped the Lord.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

² To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

³ To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3

No matter the circumstances, put on your garment of praise.  To God be glory and dominion forever. Amen.

-Donna Clark Warren